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Don’t Let The Cold Weather Cause A Plumbing Disaster

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This week has brought our first taste of that cold, winter weather and it looks as if the cold temperatures are here to stay for a little while. Add in a small layer of snow on the ground and it will make the air even colder letting those temps to continue to dip below freezing- now that’s cold!

Last year we saw an abundance of frozen pipes, and while we’re here to fix any plumbing issue we wanted to provide you with some tips for our first major cold front.

  1. Make sure you insulate your pipes located in areas such as your garage, crawl space, attic, and any other areas that aren’t heated.
  2. Seal up any air leaks that are near outdoor pipes. If these air leaks aren’t sealed correctly, the cold air could get inside and freeze your pipes.
  3. Put your garden hose(s) away and shut off your outdoor water supply. Follow these instructions to properly do this.
  4. If you’re planning to head out of town, do not set your thermostat below 55 degrees.
  5. Lastly and most importantly, make sure you and everybody in your home knows where the main shutoff valve is. If a pipe does burst, your first to-do should be to shut off the water to your house to prevent further damage!

We know accidents can happen, so if you end up having a frozen pipe follow some of these simple tips.

The snow and cold weather doesn’t stop our technicians from servicing our customers in need, so give us a call today or schedule your service online if you need us. We’re here for you 7 Days a Week and remember… there’s never an extra charge for weekend, evening, or holiday service!

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

What Are Those Odd Smells From the Heating System?

What Are Those Odd Smells From the Heating System?

One of the key ways you can identify when your heating system is starting to malfunction is when it begins to make strange sounds: banging, clattering, hissing, clicking, etc.

What about your other senses, though? When you start to notice unusual odors coming from the vents in your house when the heater is running, you may need to call our team for heating repair in Glendale, AZ.

We’ll go over a list of some of the strange odors you may detect and what they could me.

 

Dusty burning smell

If you have a gas furnace, you’ll probably notice this odor when you first turn on the heating system for the season. There’s likely nothing wrong with the furnace: what you’re smelling is the dust that has accumulated over the heat exchanger during the summer and fall burning off. The odor should go away in under an hour. If it doesn’t, you may wish to call on professionals to see what’s wrong.

Acrid burning smell

This is a more alarming odor than the dusty one, and it can point toward several serious problems. It can indicate a motor is burning out (you may hear a grinding noise along with it). It also can mean melting wires in the control board or the other electronic components of the heating system. (Yes, gas furnaces use many electric components.) No matter the cause, it’s not something you want to continue, so first shut down the heating system entirely at its breaker and then call for professional repairs.

Musty or moldy smell

Here’s an unpleasant odor that you don’t want drifting around your house. This problem is often called “dirty sock syndrome,” and it’s well named. The source of the odor is bacteria and/or mold inside the HVAC system. This can occur because of mold growing inside an air filter that hasn’t been changed in too long. If you have a heat pump to warm your house, the odor is possibly coming from mold growing along the indoor evaporator coil. You’ll need to call experts to clean out the HVAC system.

Rotten egg smell

Natural gas doesn’t have any odor on its own, but gas manufacturers place a chemical called mercaptan into it so that it exudes a sulfurous smell like rotten eggs. This makes it easier for people to detect when there is a natural gas leak. If this odor starts coming out of the vents in your house, you need to shut off the furnace immediately at the furnace switch (its dedicated circuit breaker) and call our technicians. A gas leak in a furnace can be a serious hazard, and you don’t want to turn the system back on until we’ve given it a thorough check and made any necessary repairs.

You can depend on us any time of day or night to help with your heating system—we have 24/7 emergency service.

Rely on Cool Touch Air Conditioning and Heating for your comfort needs around the year. Kick back and relax—we’ll keep you cool.

The post What Are Those Odd Smells From the Heating System? appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Do You Have a Plumbing Leak?

blue-question-markOne of the most frustrating problems that you can run into concerning your plumbing system is a hidden plumbing leak. We meet many homeowners when they know something is going on with their plumbing system and they think it’s a plumbing leak, but they just can’t be sure. We understand how frustrating this can be and we want to help you with the process.

We understand what you need when it comes to your plumbing in Paradise Valley, AZ. It’s why we have a full team of professionals who are ready to work with you. We know how to make things easy for you. We also have what it takes to inform you throughout the entire process. 

Key Signs That You Have a Plumbing Leak

These are a few signs that you have a significant leak going on with your home’s plumbing system. 

Damage on Walls or Ceilings

Are you noticing weird spots on your walls or ceilings? You might even notice these spots on your floors depending on how the pipes run through your home. Damage here can indicate a water leak that’s still currently leaking. Our professionals can pinpoint where this leak is coming from and then fix it for you. 

Mold or Mildew

Have you noticed that there’s visible mold or mildew in your home? This is bad anywhere you see it in your house, but it’s especially bad in places that aren’t even that moist normally. Mold or mildew show up most commonly in the bathroom so anywhere outside of this should be a major red flag. Mold or mildew is something that you should contact a professional about as soon as possible. Both of these things can be bad for your health. 

An Increase in Your Water Bills

If you’ve noticed that your water bill costs more this month and you really haven’t done anything different in your home, then a sneaky leak might be the culprit. High water bills are your plumbing system’s way of crying out for help. Make sure that you heed this warning by contacting a professional.

Foul Odors

There’s a weird smell in your home and you can’t pinpoint where it’s coming from. If you’re smelling something funky, it might be the scent of mold or mildew. You might even smell the scent of stale, stagnant water standing somewhere where you can’t see it due to a plumbing leak. All of these scents are cause for concern. If you have our professionals on the job, we guarantee that we can sniff out the problem in no time. 

Low Water Pressure

Has the water pressure in your home decreased? Low water pressure is a problem even if it drops off just a slight amount. Your water pressure should be consistent and have a steady stream. If you’re struggling to get your water pressure to the way it needs to be, then we recommend you get in touch for plumbing repair. A plumbing leak might be the thing that’s decreasing the quality of your home. 

Contact The Trusted Plumber for your plumbing repair in Paradise Valley. 

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

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Sean Kavanaugh

Life has taken given me quite a few curve balls but one thing is constant. Plumbing! I started my career in 1993 with T.H. Litvin one of the premier high-rise contractors in the Chicagoland area. From there I moved to Abbott Industries where I had the pleasure of working for the Abbott family as a purchasing agent and project manager. In 1997 my father and I founded Kavanaugh Plumbing Co. We specialized in commercial and industrial plumbing as well as plumbing service. After closing in 2012 I decided to spread my wings and dive into content marketing. in 2019 that ended abruptly and I am now the vice president of Houseal Plumbing a medium sized commercial, industrial and service plumbing company.

This post first appeared on http://www.theplumbinginfo.com

Why Won’t My Toilet Flush?

A toilet that won’t flush is frustrating, but here’s the good news: It’s probably an easy fix.

Our team of experts at Len The Plumber has put together the following guide to the most common reasons a toilet won’t flush. Depending on the issue with your toilet, you may be able to solve the problem yourself without needing to call a plumber.

The Lift Chain Has Too Much Slack

If you push down the handle and feel no resistance, the lift chain inside the tank, which connects to the flapper and releases water, has probably shifted, resulting in too much slack on the chain.

Solution: Remove the tank lid and shorten the length of the lift chain until there’s no longer slack between the flapper and the handle.

The Toilet Is Clogged

If someone in your family used too much toilet paper, dropped an item like a toy into the bowl, or flushed a sanitary product, a clogged toilet is almost inevitable.

Solution: You might be able to fish out items like toys on the surface. However, for absorbent materials, such as sanitary products or diapers, try to plunge out the clog or use a toilet brush to clear it.

The Water Level Is Low

When there isn’t enough water in the bowl, your toilet can’t flush. The float ball in your tank might have been misadjusted — signaling to your toilet that there is not enough water to flush properly.

Solution: Lift open the tank lid. The float ball should be floating 1 to 2 inches below the overflow tube and fill valve. There might also be a line etched into the porcelain indicating what level the float ball should stay at. Adjust the float ball to remain at that level.

The Flapper Is Warped

If you notice your toilet is running often, the flapper might be warped. The flapper is connected to the lift chain and opens when you press the toilet handle. Over time, a rubber flapper can bend or warp, making it unable to seal the flush tube hole and release water to flush the toilet.

Solution: Purchase a new flapper at a hardware or home improvement store. They are inexpensive and easy to find. Turn off your water main, drain the toilet tank, and replace the warped flapper with the new flapper. Turn your water back on and try flushing the toilet again.

There’s a Drain Line or Sewer Problem

If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and your toilet still won’t flush, it’s probably time to call a professional to check your plumbing and sewer system for major backups. The biggest sign that you have a drain line or sewer system issue is when there are clogged drains throughout your home, not just in your toilet.

Solution: Call a licensed plumber who has the tools and expertise to find clogs without needing to remove pipes. When there’s a drain line or plumbing issue, the problem is no longer something that a DIY solution can fix. Your plumbing professional will probably use video pipe inspection as well as long-reaching augers to make the necessary repairs.

Call Len The Plumber for Plumbing Repairs in the Mid-Atlantic Region

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic region and would rather a professional take a look at your toilet, contact Len The Plumber. Our expert, licensed plumbers have the experience and expertise to provide same day service, seven days a week.

Call Len The Plumber today at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 or contact us online, and we’ll send a certified plumber to fix your toilet as soon as possible.  

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

Ready to Repipe?

dripping-faucetThe problem with plumbing is that you might not realize when you need certain services. We understand that repiping is one of those jobs that you want to be absolutely certain about before you engage in it. It’s one of those services that has the reputation of being extensive, expensive, and stressful.

We understand that this is the reputation, but it doesn’t always have to be the outcome. We can help you find an Altamonte Springs plumber that is ready to provide you with quality care. If you’re unsure where whether it’s really time to repipe, you’ve found the right blog post. We’ve listed some of the common indicators that it’s time to give your home’s plumbing system a fresh start below. 

A Few Signs That You Should Repipe Your Home

Here are a few signs that your home is ready to be repiped. 

Chronic Low Water Pressure

Have you noticed that there is now low water pressure in your home even though there hasn’t been before? If your water pressure has reduced to a trickle, then it’s definitely time to consider repiping services. 

Visible Corrosion

Your plumbing system is one of those systems in your home that’s largely out of sight and out of mind. This is why we suggest that you peek in your plumbing system and figure out what’s going on from time to time. Have you noticed that your home’s plumbing looks bad? If it has visibly corroded and this is coupled with other signs of plumbing problems, then you should definitely consider new pipes. 

Water Discoloration

Is your home’s water discolored? Your water should always be clear and completely transparent. If you notice that your water is murky, dingy, or any type of color, then we suggest repiping sooner than later. This is typically one of the earlier signs that you’re having a plumbing issue. Don’t let this problem become an ongoing issue. We’ll help you with this. 

Frequent Clogging

Clogs are actually a normal occurrence. We all make mistakes every now and then regarding what can go down a sink or a toilet. Things escalate into a real issue when you start to notice frequent clogging. Frequent clogging is a sign that your pipes have a real issue somewhere. Older pipes made with outdated materials are more likely to run into clogs. If your home is 50 years or older and the pipes have never been replaced, then you should definitely pick up the phone and discuss repiping with one of our pros. 

Leaks

Have you noticed that you’re running into multiple leaks in your home? This isn’t something that you should ever have to worry about. This is especially true if you’re running into leaks often. Leaks are an urgent plumbing issue because they can quickly lead to water damage throughout your home. Although a leak can occur every once in a while, frequent leaks in a home are an indication that your pipes have seen better days. 

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment for repiping services. 

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

How to Run Your Heating System Efficiently

Heating systems are so vital, especially during the cold season. At such times, every house needs some degree of heating. Here, the HVAC systems come in handy. It is paramount for you to run your heating system efficiently. You will avoid the system breaking down or consuming too much energy at your cost. Below are tips on how to run your heating in Livingston, NJ.

Changing Air Filters

The system’s air filters keep it free from clogging. They capture the dirt as the air cycles in, along with all the dust. As they gather debris and dirt the air filters are prone to blockage.

Changing the air cleaners will help prevent the system from jamming and slowing down. Additionally, mobbed air vents will force the system to work harder and use more energy. A straining system accelerates the process of wear and tear. Furthermore, such a system consumes more energy. Besides costing you more, you will compromise the quality of incoming air.

Turning on Ceiling Fans

Run your ceiling fans to improve the quality of circulating air. The fans rush up the movement of air around your house. The speedy movement will, in turn, allow you to run your AC cost-effectively and save energy.

Note that heating in Livingston, NJ, will be low-level when the weather is moderate. The humidity will, in turn, be low too.

Adjusting the Thermostat

The heat in your home is dependent on the efficiency of the thermostat. Turn the thermostat back by a few degrees when you do not need more heat. You can save up to 10% on your utility bill.  

Be careful if your thermostat is manual. Remember to adjust the device as you leave. Nevertheless, one of the best ways to improve heating at home is to replace your manual device with an automatic programmable thermostat.

The device will allow you to select and set a heating schedule, save energy automatically, and not worry about forgetting to adjust. These smart thermostats will allow you to change your settings and get updates.

Cover Your Windows

Windows with drapes or covers will help heat your room ahead of the thermostat kicking in at night. These drapes will improve the efficiency of your energy.

Also, think about pulling aside your drapes during the day. Remember that a vast majority of the sunlight falling on double pane widows enters the house to become heat, giving your thermostat a head-start in heating.

Schedule for Maintenance

You will need to keep your heating system effective by maintaining regular check-ups. The maintenance will replace the air filters and ensure that all the air vents are open to your heating system’s efficiency.

Finally, schedule preventive maintenance for your heating system and leave this maintenance to professionals. They will check the calibrating system tasks, check the fluid levels, and clean the interior units.  

Are you trying to fix issues with your heating system so that it runs efficiently? If so, please Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for professional heating services you can count on! We have been in the business for many years and have the experience, techniques, and technologies to repair the heating system.

The post How to Run Your Heating System Efficiently first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

5 Critical Ways To Prepare Your House plumbing For Heavy snow

Introduction:

How to prepare your plumbing for heavy snow?

With the winter season, there’s a good chance that heavy snowfall will be a common occurrence. This means that it is important to prepare your house for this type of weather, and you’ll want to know how to prepare your plumbing for heavy snow. To do so, one would want to disconnect the hose from the spigot at night or when it’s not being used. You should also make sure that all of your pipes are insulated. If any water lines have frozen over, try thawing them out by running warm water on them or using a hairdryer on low heat before turning back on the household water supply again! Lastly, NEVER turn on the household water supply without first checking for leaks!

Heavy snowfall is expected this winter and it’s important to prepare your home or business’s plumbing for the conditions. If your house is prone to leaks, you may want to make some more permanent improvements before winter hits and definitely find and fix any existing problems as soon as possible. Here are 5 critical ways to prepare your house plumbing for an Ottawa winter:

 

Relevant: Plumbing Maintenance Checklist For Fall and Winter

1) Turn off the Hose Connection at Night

In severe cold weather, homeowners have been known to leave their garden hoses attached from the spigot to outside faucets that aren’t being used. This allows a constant supply of water into those lines that could freeze if allowed to sit with no power running through them during the night. Always disconnect these hoses from the exterior faucet at night or when they’re not being used.

2) Keep the Pipes Warm

In cold weather, you should always keep your heating system contained in a sunny area and avoid letting walls and exterior insulation block the winter sun from entering all windows. In addition to turning on your heater if it’s cool inside, be sure to cover exposed pipes with insulating foam pipe sleeve covers that have been approved for use with natural gas or propane. You can also try using an indoor-safe heat lamp near where the pipes are located to help warm them up before winter sets in.

3) Check Insulation Levels for Your Outdoor Faucets & Hose Connection

Make sure that your outdoor faucets as well as any hose connection points are covered with ready-to-use outdoor faucet insulation kits. This includes looking for cracks in the connection where water can leak out if it freezes.

4) Thaw Frozen Water Lines

If any of your exterior water lines are frozen or burst, make sure you do not turn on your household water supply again without first checking to see if there’s a leak inside the home. If you suspect that a pipe has burst, shut off the main shutoff valve into your house and then open one cold water tap at a time until you find which one is dripping. Repair this damaged section of pipe before turning your main valve back on. You should also look for wet spots around all joints in exposed pipes to ensure they haven’t become damaged. If any damage is found, shut off your water supply and contact a plumber to service the line.

5) Never Turn On Your Household Water Supply Again Without Checking for Leaks

If you are concerned about preventing pipe damage when turning on your household water supply after winter, it’s best to call in professional plumbing service for an inspection before doing so. A plumber can check all of the valves, inspect lines near all exterior faucets, hose connections, and outdoor spigots to make sure none have been damaged by leaking or freezing throughout the winter weather. They can also help you revise your home’s plumbing system if necessary including adding insulation or installing shutoff valves outside in case pipes freeze again next year. If you have any questions about how to properly winterize your home’s plumbing, please contact a licensed plumber in your area.

 

Conclusion:

This winter is expected to have heavy snowfall. As a homeowner, you’ll want to be prepared for the 5 critical ways your house needs to prepare for this snowy weather event. Hope you enjoyed this resource!

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