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

Everyone knows about Pittsburgh’s harsh winters, but now that the hottest part of the year is upon us, you’re probably wondering, “What is the best temperature for an air conditioner in the summer?” This can be tricky, especially since temperatures in the city fluctuate so drastically from season to season and day to day. While Pittsburgh’s heat is not overbearing, it can be uncomfortable, and it’s important to know the best thermostat settings for your home.

What is the best temperature for an air conditioner in the summer?

The best temperature setting over the summer is considered to be 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. This temperature allows you to stay cool in your home, even in the summer, and to avoid a surprisingly high electricity bill on the backend. Those with a ceiling fan can raise the temperature as high as 80 degrees comfortably, though it’s important to remember to turn your fan off when you leave a room. Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees will help keep your family comfortable through the Pittsburgh, PA, summer heat, which is typically an average of 83 degrees in July and 82 degrees in August.

Here are some tips for keeping your home a consistent temperature of 78 degrees:

Combat humidity rather than temperature.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sees its highest amount of rainfall in the month of July. With that summer rainfall comes a higher level of humidity. A humidity level in your home of over 60% can cause a faster rate of mold growth, causing furniture to degrade over time and mildew to build up in your walls. If your humidity is too high in the summer, it can cause not only an uncomfortable sticky environment but health issues for you and your family, such as increased dehydration as well as skin, eye and respiratory issues. In order to avoid this, you should avoid touching your summer AC temperature setting constantly. Your humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%, and by setting your thermostat correctly and abiding by the correct air conditioner settings for summer, you can help to control that high humidity. AC units typically dehumidify as they cool, but if your home is still sticky and humid even at 78 degrees, you may want to get a dehumidifier rather than putting your AC on full blast.

Schedule an inspection to check your AC unit.

If you’re still unsure of how to maintain the recommended AC temp this summer, the best way to stay ahead of the seasonal curve is to schedule annual inspections for your heating and cooling units. An AC inspection can help ward off any problems that may arise later in the year, causing less worry about your system failing you in the hottest months of the summer.

Try a “smart thermostat.”

Most of us have smartphones, smart devices, and even smart cars, but did you know you can now purchase a smart thermostat as well? Smart thermostats sync to your devices and work to keep the temperature in your home ideal in order to keep you cool and save money. Smart thermostats get to know your temperature needs and can adjust themselves to your preferences ahead of time.

Use your ceiling fans.

A good ceiling fan is worth its weight in gold. The more work your fans can do to keep air circulating and cool, the more comfortable you and your family will be. Try installing a few more fans where needed and see if it helps lower your home’s temperature and your electric bill. Also, remember that ceiling fans can change directions; they typically are reversed to keep hot air up in the summer or down in the winter.

Place your thermostat correctly.

According to Consumer Reports, the ideal spot for your thermostat is “on an interior wall in a common space, away from anything that could create temperature extremes, such as direct sunlight, a drafty window or an air vent.” Try to avoid placing it in an isolated, chilly room, or in a room that is much hotter than the rest of the house. This way, you’re getting the best and most accurate read from your thermostat.

Resist constantly changing your AC setting for summer weather.

If you have your AC temperature in summer set too high or too low, your system will have to work overtime to correct the difference and keep you comfortable. Keeping your home at a comfy and consistent 78 degrees avoids energy waste. Knowing what is the best temperature for air conditioner in summer may help you and your family from constantly messing with or arguing about the thermostat.

By following recommended thermostat settings, summer can be a lot less stressful.

If you believe that your thermostat is not operating at full efficiency, or that your home isn’t at its ideal temperature this summer or need an inspection of your AC unit, contact the Pittsburgh plumbers and technicians of Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Regular checkups are the best way to ensure that your AC system is operating at full capacity, and will ensure that your home is cool and comfortable as temperatures rise outside.

The post What are the recommended AC settings for summer in Pittsburgh appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Life is full of responsibilities. One of those is taking care of your home and making sure that everything functions as it should. Because of the complexities of plumbing, many homeowners avoid DIYing out of fear of messing something up. Others make beginner mistakes that worsen the problem instead of fixing it.

 

If you want to save yourself some trouble—and money—then you should pick up a few tricks for plumbing that come straight from the pros. Although you may be reluctant, you will be tackling small problems in no time with these tips:

 

Check the Showerhead

Showerhead dripping? It probably wasn’t tightened enough. You can unscrew the showerhead, apply some thread tape, and then tighten it back up. The head should stop dripping.

 

If the showerhead is blocked up, you can soak it for an hour or so in a bowl of vinegar. Make sure it is warmed. After the hour has passed, grab a brush to loosen the minerals trapped in the head.

 

You Can Remove Clogs Without Chemicals

Most professional plumbers will tell you this right from the start: never use chemicals to remove clogs in the drains. The chemicals do more harm than good. Instead, grab a drain snake to manually unclog the drain. Simply insert the snake then push and pull, in and out.

 

Hopefully, after a few strokes, you will remove the clog. Another option is to bring in a wet/dry shop vac to draw out whatever is blocking the drain.

 

Don’t Worry Over Replacing Faucet and Toilet Parts

Yes, taking apart a sink or toilet can be stressful and messy. That said, with a little organization, you can easily check to see if the flapper in the toilet or the cartridge in the faucet has been damaged and needs replacing. Flappers get worn down over time and can cause leakages between the bowl and water tank. Check them once in a while. Similarly, most faucets can be easily repaired by installing a new cartridge. To do that, you only need to remove a few screws.

 

In other words, repairing a leaky sink or toilet is not as hard as it seems!

 

Use Thread Tape Over Sealing Compounds

There are a couple of ways to seal connection points between pipes, such as pipe dope and thread tape. Pipe dope can smear and drip, making it less effective around the house. You can use threading tape instead. It is a kind of multipurpose tape that is either thinner and white or thick and pink colored (designating water).

 

When you go to wrap the pipe, make sure you are going counterclockwise along the threads. Wrap around three times for better results.

 

Loosen Tight Fittings With Heat

Struggling to get a fitting loose? Sometimes, no matter how hard to turn the pipe wrench, the fittings may have hardened, making it near impossible to twist fittings with strength alone. One of the best ways to loosen the solidified pipe dope is to warm it.

 

If the pipes you are trying to loosen are metal, you can use a small propane torch to heat the pipe. That will soften the pipe dope enough to release the fitting. Obviously, this can only be done with plumbing pipes made of metal. Never try this on plastic pipes or those transporting gas.

 

Set Your Water Heater for More Efficiency

Want to save some money? Check the thermostat on the water heater. You can reduce the temperature to around 46 degrees C (115 degrees F). That will be hot enough for all your needs. Also, consider insulating the hot water tank to help it retain more heat throughout the day. Just don’t cover the thermostat.

 

Next, consider where you live. Some locations have sediment in the water line that will settle. You will need to rid the water heater of the grit once every 3 months or so. To do that, turn off the water heater then open the drain, letting the water pour into a bucket. This removes most of the sediment and will help the water heater run better.

 

Now that you know these beginner tips, put them to use! Simple and effective, with these plumbing hacks, you can tackle common struggles with your household plumbing in no time. But, if you are still having problems, it may be time to call up a professional plumber instead of attempting to DIY.

The post Useful Plumbing Tips for Beginners appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

No one likes a damaged or failed sewer pipe. Not only are they a messy frustration, but traditional repairs can be just as much of an inconvenience. Luckily, traditional methods can be left in the past! With today’s trenchless technologies, you may not need to spend thousands on pipe repairs. 

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There are many things to consider when choosing a new kitchen sink! Size, type, and installation all must be considered when selecting the perfect sink for your kitchen. But, shopping for kitchen sinks shouldn’t be overwhelming! Use these kitchen sink tips when you’re considering buying a new appliance for your Sacramento home!

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Plumbing isn’t easy. If it was, everyone would be able to fix up their entire house without an issue. Unfortunately, there is a lot more to plumbing than meets the eye. Even the simplest of fixes can potentially lead to larger problems, like leaks that go unnoticed for days or months, causing years worth of damages. Instead of learning the hard way, read up on this list of common DIY plumbing mistakes.

 

That way, you can avoid additional mayhem and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

 

1.You Didn’t Slope Your Pipe Correctly

In order for water to drain properly, you need to slope the pipe. Here is a hypothetical scenario: Let’s say you do not slope the pipe and do not install a vent. When you flush the toilet, there will be negative pressure throughout the plumbing system and air will be siphoned from an adjacent P-trap. This will then push sewer fumes up through the pipes and into your home, where such gases can make you ill.

 

You will know the pipe is placed well when it does two things:

 

1. Waste flows without any obstruction or backup in the right direction
2. There is no siphoning through the P-trap

 

In short, look up tutorials on how to slop the piping correctly before doing it yourself.

 

2.You Reused Flexible Hoses

Do you know the weakest link in your home’s plumbing system? That would be the flexible speedways—or hoses—that are made of rubber and encased in a jacket of stainless steel. Flexible hoses last around 5 years and need to be replaced soon after. Otherwise, you could be dealing with leaks and other issues.  Don’t reuse them. Ever.

 

3.You Used a Lead Solder on a Drinking Water System

Before the 19^th century, humankind had yet to recognize that lead was toxic. It was used in all kinds of applications, including soldering copper plumbing pipes together. Although lead is banned these days, you may still find it in homes that were constructed before the 1980s.

 

You can still purchase lead solder. Just don’t use it on the pipes for potable water. Instead, use a 95 percent tin, 5 percent antimony solder.

 

4.You Didn’t Deburr Your Pipes

Burrs, or inward facing ridges, are formed inside the pipe when it’s been cut. Burrs reduce the diameter of the pipe, creating turbulence when water rushes through. While it is not an immediate issue, turbulence may cause damaging leaks.

 

Always deburr cut pipes by smoothing the insides with either a reaming tool or a utility knife. Pipe cutters also have tools for deburring.

 

5.You Didn’t Install Water Hammer Arrestors

First off, what is a water hammer arrestor? It is a fixture that absorbs the shock of water flow that has been suddenly shut off. A “water hammer” is the resulting effect of a fast shutoff valve from a dishwasher or washing machine, where water pulses through the water line.

 

You may already see the problem that comes with not installing them through the description alone. Before water hammer arrestors were invented, there was a common T-shaped pipe that was filled with air to cushion against hammering. However, those T-shaped sections could fill with water and stop functioning properly.

 

If you want to stop water hammering, it’s highly recommended to get some arrestors installed.

 

6.You Didn’t Hang the Pipes Properly

If you do not hang plumbing pipes correctly, it could become a problem over time. This is because water and pressure will mount at the joints, forcing a leak, and that will lead to water damage.

 

To prevent such leaks from happening, it is recommended that you attach hangers every 6 inches or so, so the pipe is properly stabilized and balanced.

 

7.You Didn’t Properly Clean the Copper Pipes and Fittings

Always clean the pipes and fittings before you solder, especially if it’s copper. You may not see it, but store pipes will have oxidized and need to be cleaned before you solder it.

 

To clean the pipe, use an abrasive material to scrub it until it’s shiny.

 

8.You Forgot to Isolate the Exterior Hydrants in Winter

Frozen pipes are ticking bombs waiting to go off. Prep your exterior for winter by isolating the valve from inside the house then draining off any water from the outside. Or, you can install a non-freezing spigot and never need to worry about it.

 

9.You Put on Pipe Dope Before the Teflon Tape

There is a lot of debating surrounding the proper method of Teflon tape and pipe dope and the order in which you apply them. Some people say you should stick on pipe dope first then wrap with Teflon tape while others go the other way.

 

Here’s the issue with doping then taping: If you wind the tape too tightly over the dope, it will get pushed back instead of sticking to the threads, which could cause leaks.

 

That means the proper way is to install the Teflon tape before the dope. Plus, you get a cleaner looking finish!

 

10.You Stripped or Cross-Threaded a Pipe or Fitting

This is a beginner mistake that can be avoided easily. You will know that something is cross-threaded when it feels impossible to tighten. Also, the threads will not align, and so it will look slightly crooked.

 

In order to keep this from happening, always make sure the screws go in without resistance before tightening with a tool. If you have trouble aligning the threads, remember this one little tip: Start counter-clockwise first, because that will get everything in place.

 

There you have it—10 common DIY plumbing mistakes! Now that you know some common issues, you are more prepared to tackle problems as they arise. But if a project becomes too hard to handle, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumbing company.

The post 10 DIY Plumbing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

We hate to break the news to you, but someone has to. Air conditioners don’t last forever. There’s just no caveat to this. Perhaps 50 years in the future there will be air conditioners with technology that can last 50 years, but that technology just isn’t here yet. Instead, we need to work within finite timeframes. Air conditioners have a general lifespan of between 10-15 years. Anything beyond that lifespan is going to seriously wane in both effective cooling power and energy efficiency.

If you need help with your air conditioning in Cedar Grove, NJ then this might be something to consider. An aging, frequently repaired AC system might not be improved with any repairs. In fact, it might be about time to retire it and make a cost-effective decision that saves you money.

Let’s talk about whether or not its the right time to replace your air conditioner.

When to Repair

Repairing an air conditioner is a lot simpler and cheaper than performing a whole-system replacement, so we understand a homeowner’s tendency to always opt for repairs. That being said, it might not be the most cost-effective option out there. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might opt for air conditioner repair services.

• Strange noises. An air conditioner is supposed to operate quietly. A noise could be a signal that there’s something wrong, and these can usually be targeted and repaired.
• A young system. Air conditioners that are less than 10 years old still have a lot of life left in them. There’s no point in opting for a replacement if you can have it repaired and still work like a charm for years to come!
• Steady effectiveness. We’re not in the business of replacing air conditioners that just work. If your system has been working effectively for years with minimal problems, repairs are usually warranted. No use replacing a system that’s been running smoothly so far.

When we make repairs, they’re usually targeted and effective. No matter what work we perform, the air conditioner should keep functioning as it always did.

When to Replace

Replacing an air conditioner is a much different matter than just making repairs. A replacement is usually the remedy for a system with many issues, frequent repair needs, or problems due to age. When it might take 20 hours to repair your beat-up old air conditioner, replacement could actually end up costing you less with considerably better results. Take a look below at some reasons to replace a system.

• Age. If your system is over 15 years old, it doesn’t matter how good it’s been so far, its days are numbered. By opting for a replacement early, you could avoid a system breakdown before it happens.
• Frequent repairs. Air conditioners should only be repaired a few times during their entire life. If you’re calling us every year with a new problem that’s occurred inside your system, then it was probably doomed from the start.
• Ineffectiveness or Inefficiency. Can your AC keep your home cool at an affordable price? If the answer is no, either due to low cooling output or skyrocketing bills, then it needs to be replaced.

Are you unsure as to whether or not your system should be retired? Call us to find out!

MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. has all the resources you’ll need to replace your AC. Call us today!

 

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

If you’re currently having a plumbing problem, there’s a fair chance that you’ve probably hit the Internet looking for answers. If your problem has anything to do with a clog or a backup, we’d bet that you’ve come across the phrase “hydro jetting” in your search… but what is hydro jetting exactly?

We’re sure that you can guess what it is just by the sound of the phrase, but we understand that you don’t want to leave your plumbing system up to guesses. There are certain things that you just need to know. We’re here to tell you everything that you need to know about hydro jetting in Orlando, FL today. Keep reading below…

What is Hydro Jetting?

So let’s talk about what hydro jetting is first.

“Hydro jetting” or “high pressure jetting” is a process used by plumbers to clean your drains. Hydro jetting involves the use of a long, thin, flexible hose. A plumber comes out to your home and snakes this hose down into your drain. Once the hoses is placed exactly where it needs to be and secured there, the nozzle of the hose shoots out water at a 360-degree angle.

The magic comes from the pressure of the water. The water is so highly pressurized that it’s powerful enough to remove all the scum and dirt from the inside of your pipes. Hydro jetting is the best way to help out your home’s plumbing system.

The Benefits of Hydro Jetting

Now let’s get into the dirty details of hydro jetting. How might wonder why it’s so much better than other means? We’re not here to be cagey—we’re going to list them out plainly for you below.

It’s Effective

We touched on this above, but we really want to drive it home here—hydro jetting is effective in a way that few other methods are. Since hydro jetting really gets to the root of the problem without damaging your pipes, you’re going to be able to eliminate the problem without much hassle. This is one of your “have your cake and eat it too” services. It’s the best method possible to get to the bottom of the issues in your home.

It’s Easier On Your Pipes

Be honest with us, we’re friends here after all, have you ever used those over-the-counter drain cleaners to eliminate a plumbing problem? We know options like this are as affordable as they are enticing. We’re not here to judge. We’re just here to help you make better decisions in the future. Chemical drain cleaners are terrible for your plumbing. Hydro jetting is effective and it’s easy on your pipes.

It Saves You Money

If you want to save yourself a little money, then hydro jetting is a great option. Hydro jetting is typically used to solve a plumbing problem, but it’s also preventative. Hydro jetting eliminates the root of the issue with ease.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our team members. Proudly Serving Central Florida Since 1975.

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

The Atlantic 2020 hurricane is expected to last up to November 30th. During this period, you need to ensure that you observe safety by taking care of your plumbing needs. Amid the hurricane, the chances are high that you will need more plumbing services than before. Leaking pipes, issues with your septic tank, or water heater, can be a real threat during a hurricane. To be on the safe side, ensure that our plumbers take care of all your plumbing needs.

The hurricane increases the chances of having leaking pipes that would need a plumber to fix. The good thing is that we care about your safety and provide you with the best possible services. Our company is a 24-hour emergency plumbing service. Therefore, if the hurricane destroys anything that needs our attention, we are only a call away and always ready to offer you safety.

Considering the destructive nature of hurricanes, it is essential to ensure that you have put safety measures into place. Such measures would help reduce the extend at which the hurricane destroys your property. Imagine a situation where your entire water system gets contaminated, and you have no emergency plan. Well, our services are an emergency plan. All that you need to do is give us a call and will offer you the necessary service.

Your safety during the hurricane period is one of our main considerations as we offer you licensed and insured services. We have purchased more supplies to ensure that our team has everything need for plumbing during this period. Therefore, we will offer you emergency services and ensure that it is the best service that you could need during a hurricane. Additionally, we offer straight forward prices, and we will not take advantage of the hurricane to charge you more.

Hurricane safety plays a substantial role in individuals’ lives since it determines the loss of life that could be incurred. Water causes most of the damage during a hurricane, and you need to take time and plan for the hurricane as well as its aftermath. Such planning will require a plumbing company to ensure that your water system and drains are in good condition. As a result, this would reduce the impact of floodwater that might have otherwise caused a lot of damage.

Hurricane safety must be taken seriously. Failure to prepare for a hurricane in time may cause structural damage, and even more severe injury or even death. A to Z Statewide Plumbing has all the plumbing services that you might need in preparation for the hurricane. Our company has a 24 hour emergency response team. All you need to do is give us a call, and we will be ready to help you ensure safety.

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

Summer time is iconic for vacations, beach trips, and hot weather. It’s also a time where you may notice a high water bill. Whether you’re filling a swimming pool, or using your hoses more frequently in your garden due to the heat, there are plenty of reasons why your water bill may spike in the hotter months.

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