For many homeowners who don’t want the added cost and cooling power needed to control the temperatures in their entire square footage, a ductless AC system can be a wise investment. In fact, that’s not the only scenario in which a ductless system, also known as a mini-split AC, can make sense. For small outbuildings that don’t have existing ductwork, you can still maintain cool interior temperatures with the help of an efficient, minimally invasive ductless system. Even in larger homes, there are situations in which whole-house air-conditioning in Pittsburgh, PA, is wasteful, making a mini-split the wise choice for cooling select, often used living spaces.

Despite the usefulness of ductless AC systems, many homeowners aren’t aware of how they work or the various benefits they offer. For example, how is a ductless system different from a standard central HVAC system, other than the obvious lack of ducts? Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about ductless air-conditioning systems.

What Is a Ductless AC?

Obviously, the key point of differentiation between standard central AC and a ductless system is the lack of ducts. Ducts are the insulated airways—often concealed in the attic or below the floors—that transport the conditioned air from the central air handling unit to every room in the house. A ductless system instead features small air handling units in each room that requires conditioned air. Each of those inside air handling units is connected to an outside unit.

How Does Ductless AC Work?

Ducts are critical to a central AC system, so how can a ductless system accomplish its cooling goals without ducts? A standard central AC system is also considered a split system; it features an outdoor unit containing a compressor and condenser combined with an indoor air-handling unit that distributes air throughout the house through the ducts. A mini-split system also has a central outside unit. However, instead of a single air handler inside being connected to the rooms by a system of ducts, a ductless system features a separate small air handler in each room in the house that’s connected to the outdoor unit by refrigerant lines and plumbing. Air in each room is taken in through the small air handlers and transported to the outside condenser where it can be cooled. It is sent back to the air handler in the rooms and ejected into the interior air to lower the ambient temperature.

What Are the Benefits of Ductless ACs?

Ductless ACs offer homeowners and business owners many obvious advantages that make them an attractive choice in many situations. First off, installing a mini-split system doesn’t require existing ductwork so that it can be installed more flexibly and in almost any room in the home. Also, the installation of ductless systems is minimally invasive since it only involves cutting small holes in walls for the air handler units. Because of the less extensive labor required to install ductless systems, the price for installation is subsequently lower. Ductless AC systems can offer maximum efficiency, especially in smaller homes. That’s because instead of having one central thermostat that controls the temperature for the entire home, each air handler has its own thermostat. Therefore, you don’t have to waste energy cooling rooms that you’re not using, and you can fine-tune temperatures in the rooms you’re using. Ductless systems result in better indoor air quality too. Ducts are a tremendous source of indoor air pollution, and eliminating them from the equation makes keeping your air clean and healthy much easier. Finally, the cost of a ductless system and installation is significantly lower than the cost to install a central heating and air system, making it a cost-effective choice.

If you want an efficient, affordable, and flexible AC system that doesn’t require ducts, speak with Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, an air-conditioning service in Pittsburgh, PA, about the pros and cons of ductless AC systems. To learn more, call (412) 273-1000.

The post What to Expect with a Ductless Air Conditioner appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

When municipal decision-makers budget for the year, it can be stressful assessing unforeseen plumbing problems. When problems do happen, municipalities have to act quickly to make sure that businesses and homes in their area are well protected against plumbing issues.  

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Sometimes it seems like you can’t really define what a plumbing emergency is. Really, everything that’s going on with your plumbing system can feel like an emergency because there’s always water damage lurking as a consequence. Other times, you might think that something you’re experiencing is pretty slight, but a plumbing professional informs you that it’s classified as an emergency. How can you tell the difference? Well, you can start by getting informed.

We’re going to start with the basics today in this blog. If you need any extra help, just make sure that you come to us for your emergency plumbing in Orlando, FL. We’re always going to make sure to have your back. We’re the best people to have in your corner when you want amazing work.

This is a Plumbing Emergency

So let’s get to the details here. Here are a few things that are considered a plumbing emergency. Make sure you contact us if this is going on in your home.

1.      You Don’t Have Water

Has your home just dried up out of nowhere? This is a problem. You really can’t operate in your home without a working plumbing system. If this is something that you’re dealing with, just make sure that you come to us with the work you need.

2.      You Have a Burst Pipe

Pipe bursts aren’t always so common here in Orlando because we don’t live in the type of cold weather climate that often causes these problems. Just because they aren’t all that common doesn’t mean that they don’t happen though. If you find this happening in your home, don’t scramble, and try to fix it on your own, just call up one of our plumbers for emergency work.

3.      There’s a Significant Risk of Water Damage

Do you have a problem like a back-up or an issue with your water valve? This is something that’s going to put your home at risk of flooding in the worst-case scenario but will create a risk water damage at the very least. You need to get in contact with a professional ASAP to alleviate a problem like this.

4.      Your Sewer System is All Messed Up

Having a backed-up sewer system is unpleasant because of the stench, but also because it’s a problem that can get out of hand fast. If you notice that something is wrong because you’ve got a soggy backyard or a lingering stench about your home, make sure that you call our professionals.

5.      You’ve Got a Clog

Is there a clog going on in your bathtub, sink, or any other part of your home? This is something that you’re going to want to take care of urgently. Sometimes, we understand that homeowners brush off these clogs if it’s in a low priority area. Don’t fall into this trap. One clog can affect the rest of your plumbing system. We’re here to fix the issues fast.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today for the work that you need. We’ve got your back with whatever plumbing emergency you’re having.

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

Air conditioners function by cooling your air, not the objects in your home. This means you can’t expect peak efficiency and effectiveness from an air conditioner that’s trying to cool air rife with dust. Dust can be a huge detriment to the cooling process, and even though your air conditioner is set up in a way to deal with some of it, you’re going to have to help it.

Today, we’re going to talk about what dust can do to mess up the cooling process in your home. We’ll go into detail about what tools your system has to protect it from dust, and what you can do to help fight against contaminants in your air that are damaging your system. If you start to encounter problems from dust and debris in the air, make sure you call our team for AC repair in Cedar Grove, NJ.

What’s the Problem?

Dust is a natural part of our indoor air, but it can become problematic for air conditioners. The evaporator and condenser coils of our AC systems need constant direct contact with the air that they cool, and when dust floods into the system from your home, the particles stick to the coil and end up damaging it. This damage is irreversible and is supposed to be mitigated throughout the lifespan of your system, so it’s a good idea to play the prevention game rather than the repair game.

Thankfully, our air conditioners are set up with a defense mechanism that usually goes unnoticed. In the return air vent, there’s an air filter that is supposed to be replaced every 1-3 months while using the system. This air filter can be a huge help when trying to mitigate dust and debris from harming the coils of your air conditioning system!

What Can You Do?

There are three main things a homeowner can do to mitigate the problems caused by dust and make your air conditioner happier for it. Take a look below and remember to call us when you’ve got an idea of what you want.

• Replace the air filter. The air filter in your air conditioner is the first line of defense against dust. By replacing it regularly and treating it the way it should be treated, you can avoid a ton of problems in the future.
• Purchase an air filtration system. Some homes are just exceptionally dustier than others, and that’s okay! If you need a little bit more help, you can always have an air filtration system installed to filter out even more dust and debris to keep your HVAC system healthy.
• Schedule maintenance. By scheduling maintenance, you can get a trained professional to take a thorough look at the coils of your air conditioner. If they’ve been damaged by dust, a pro can tell you what steps to take and how bad the damage is. Not to mention there are many other benefits to maintenance, from minor repairs and adjustments, to warnings about imminent repairs.

If you’re tired of dealing with dust, call the team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

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

Many plumbing problems will reveal themselves gradually, providing homeowners with an opportunity to have them repaired without the help of an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, PA. However, others can rise suddenly, creating stunning, inconvenient emergencies that require immediate attention. Those plumbing emergencies are most pressing because they can cause significant damage to other portions of your house in addition to creating breaks in service and potential messes.

Fortunately, when you experience these urgent plumbing problems, you can call on emergency plumbers to provide you with rapid response, timely repairs, and quality customer service. Many plumbers offer 24/7 service that can help bring your plumbing nightmares to a quick, minimally disruptive end. Read on to learn about six of the top plumber emergencies that every homeowner may encounter at some point.

Toilet Overflows

Your toilet is a simple bathroom fixture, but it’s critical to your health and sanitation in the home. However, as simple as it is, it can evolve into a nightmare when there’s a blockage in the drain that causes the toilet to overflow. The initial cause of an overflow is a clogged drain, but it’s the water that continues to flow into the bowl that can lead to the overflow. Cut off the water supply to the toilet during an overflow and immediately call a plumber.

No Hot Water

The water heater is a tremendous convenience, and showers would be miserable without it. That’s why it’s so discouraging when you turn the hot water spigot and only get cold water from the faucet. You may have personally experienced this plumbing emergency, and it quickly highlights just how dependent we are on our household hot water. We use it to wash clothes and dishes, and it’s important for personal hygiene. The causes of this plumbing emergency can be varied and can include a water heater malfunction, leaky hot water line, or disruption of the heater’s fuel source.

Sewer Blockages

The sewer line is what connects the drain system in your home to the larger sanitary sewer system beneath the street. When it backs up due to root growth or inappropriate items placed in the drain, nothing will leave from any drain in the home. That makes it a true plumbing emergency, and as such, it deserves an emergency response.

Clogged Drains

Even when you’re militant about monitoring what goes down your drain, clogs can occur. Oil and grease will build up over time as it congeals in the cooler temperatures present in the piping. Then there’s food debris, hair, and toilet tissue that are routinely put in the drain during regular use. Those items can eventually cause clogs in the traps beneath your sink and tub drains, and if they’re found beyond the trap, you may need an emergency plumber to get things flowing again.

Supply Line Leak

When the plumbing that brings water into your home breaks down, a leak can occur. If that leak is above the floor, you will more than likely see the signs, which could include hissing or dripping sounds and wet spots in walls and flooring. A slab leak may be undetectable without an inspection, only manifesting on your water bill through a major increase in usage. Some minor leaks can be repaired by a handy homeowner, but the fastest way to get a remedy is with the help of an emergency plumber.

Frozen Pipes

When the temperatures outside plummet, your water supply lines may be exposed to freezing temperatures. That means that the water inside the pipes will freeze and expand, and that can cut off your water supply in the short term and create major leakages after thawing. If it’s freezing outside and you suddenly can’t coax water from the tap, you should contact an emergency plumber to get things flowing once again.

If you’ve experienced any of these emergencies at your home, the best course of action is to contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, an emergency plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA, immediately to get a quick resolution. Call (412) 273-1000 today.

The post 6 Plumbing Emergencies That Every Homeowner Must Know appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Do you know that a gurgling drain is not a normal occurrence? It’s true—optimally functioning plumbing systems should not gurgle. If you hear gurgling noises, it means that there is something wrong within the plumbing; and if gurgling is happening frequently, then you should start investigating before you have to deal with more extensive plumbing problems.

Do not ignore those gurgling drains any longer. Here is everything you need to know about noisy drains, including how to diagnose the issue and troubleshooting tips:

 

Why Do Drains Gurgle?

There are multiple causes behind gurgling drains, depending on the location and what is happening when hear the gurgling. Taking note of these instances will help you diagnose the problem, though. To begin, gurgling is is the result of something that prevents air or water from flowing through the drains. As water begins to travel along the pipe, air bubbles form, and that is the result of the gurgling or blub blub or any other sound.

 

So, in short, gurgling is caused by a partial blockage within a pipe.

 

Relevant: How To Build A Drainage Catch Basin

Diagnosing Gurgling and Other Noises Coming From Drains

Anything connected to your plumbing system could gurgle, be it the bathroom or kitchen sink, the toilet, the shower, or even appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher.

 

Blocked Drains

There are two kinds of blockages—partial and complete—but only one will actually cause a gurgle in your drains.

 

Partial Blockage

A partial blockage means your drains are halfway or almost completely blocked, allowing only a small amount of air and water to trickle past. Depending on the location of the partial blockage, the steps you take to resolve the situation differ. However, you can begin the process by using an environmentally safe drain cleaner that doesn’t use harsh chemicals or something like vinegar and baking soda to break down the blockage.

 

Complete Blockage

If you fail to fix a partial blockage, your drain will eventually be completely blocked. This can cause water to backflow into your sink or toilet or shower/tub instead of draining out.

 

Here are some causes of a complete blockage:

 

• Dirt
• Dead skin
• Soap, shampoo and conditioner residue
• Oils, grease, and other debris from cooking
• Toilet paper
• Hair
• Small objects or toys that are accidentally sucked down the drain

 

If multiple drains are gurgling all at once, it typically means that the sewer line is blocked. In that case, you may need a professional plumber to inspect the pipes.

 

Blocked Vent System

If you hear the kitchen sink gurgling as the washing machine runs, it could be a sign that there is a block plumbing vent. These vents help air pass from the drains and reduce the risk of disrupted water flow. Drain and sewer vents are connected to every fixture in your home. Unfortunately, if the vent pipe is clogged, the plumbing system cannot operate.

 

Here are some ways to figure out if the vent system is blocked:

 

• Smelling foul odors coming from the drain
• Noting the slow speed of draining water
• Gurgling drains
• Checking the roof—where plumbing vents are located—for any damage or debris near the vent. Sometimes, birds could build a nest in the vent, so you may have to clear it out.

 

If you smell anything noxious, call a plumber immediately. The situation can become hazardous to you and your family. Most often, vent pipes are cleaned with a drain auger.

 

Blocked Sewer Line

As mentioned earlier, sometimes it is not the drain line itself but the sewer line that is congested that causes multiple drains to make noise. The gurgling will usually happen when a large amount of water is leaving the household and traveling down the sewer line or into the septic tank. Since this is the main outlet, the air that travels back through the system could affect every drain close to the sewer line.

 

Causes of blocked sewer lines include:

 

• Broken pipes
• Tree and plant roots
• Clogs caused by certain items, such as tissues, paper towels, floss, Q-tips, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, and so on

 

Tree roots are bound to invade sewer lines, especially those that have been underground for some time. The roots search for moisture and will work into the nooks and crannies of older sewer lines to reach the water. When this happens, extensive repairs and replacements may be necessary.

 

Next, bathroom products. Many clogged sewer lines are caused by products not meant to be flushed. Ever. These items do not disintegrate in water or can even transform into sticky goop or expand and harden.

 

Blocked or Damaged P-Trap

A P-Trap is a specially designed piece of pipe that protects your house from the fumes that rise from the ewer system. Since these fumes can be hazardous to your health, you want to avoid them. Unfortunately, if there are blockages in the P-Trap, this means they will not function properly.

 

Sniff out the potentially blocked or damaged P-Trap. Flush a toilet or run some water to see if you smell anything. Since P-Traps can be under the sink or in a bathtub or work for the whole house, you should call a plumber to do the job.

 

Stop That Gurgling Drain Today

A gurgling drain is not something to be ignored. It is a sign that points to a potentially extensive and expensive repair, especially if one day that gurgling suddenly stops and is replaced with a flood. Now that you know the signs and causes of gurgling drains, start looking for the cause or call a professional plumber to help. Sometimes, the issue can be resolved swiftly, while other times might need a more experienced hand.

The post Why Are My Drains Gurgling? appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

Are you struggling with settled water in your hard? Is your foundation at risk of water damage or cracking? Is there too much runoff from the road? One method for tackling any of these issues with standing water or flooding on your property is to build a drainage catch basin. The sole purpose of a catch basin is to collect this water or snow melt or runoff and send it somewhere else.

 

If you want to collect standing water, then you need a drainage catch basin. Here is everything you need to know, including how to build a drainage catch basin in your yard.

 

What Is a Drainage Catch Basin?

A drainage catch basin is basically a storm drain for your backyard (or anywhere it is needed). Catch basins are made to redirect water away from another place in an attempt to stop flooding before it starts. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or snow, has runoff from streets, or simply experience a lot of sitting water, a catch basin could help.

 

Residential drainage catch basins are usually installed at the lowest point of your property where water gathers. Properties that have uneven terrain may require two or more catch basins.

 

In short, the benefits of having a catch basin are:

 

• Prevents flooding around your property
• Protects your lawn and landscaping from water damage
• Helps route water away from your home’s foundation and driveway
• Stops unpleasant odors from stagnant water and mosquito infestation

 

How Do Catch Basins Work?

A catch basin works on the simple premise of collecting water in an underground basin or tank. Some people might choose to use a trench filled with gravel that allows water to absorb slowly throughout their yard while others may choose a bucket or container that is connected to a reservoir or sump or a municipal water treatment center.

 

Concrete drainage catch basins have inlet and outlet pipes, metal grates, and a tank of some kind. As water rushes in through the grate, it fills the basin. Once the water reaches a certain height, it travels down the outlet pope into another location. The metal grate is meant to keep out debris—leaves, sticks, and garbage—that could clog up the inlet and outlet pipes.

 

How to Build a Drainage Catch Basin

Now it is time to outline some quick and easy-to-follow steps that help you build your own catch basin. Remember, this is a general set of steps. Depending on your yard’s layout, low points, and even the quality of the soil, these instructions may need to be modified.

 

You can buy all the materials needed for a catch basin from a drainage or plumbing contractor or from a local home improvement store.

 

Here is how to build a catch basin:

 

• Seek out the place in your yard where water is accumulating. Stake this location. From there, chart out the course of the outlet pipe. Make sure the course is straight, direct, and goes away from your house.
• At the staked location, dig a hole that is as wide as the top of the metal grate and as deep as you think is necessary. Usually, the basin is around 15-30 cm deeper than the size of the basin; it can be made larger to suit your needs.
• Along the course you have plotted for the outlet, dig a descending trench that is around 20 cm wide and 46 cm deep.
• Prior to installing the basin and the pipes, make sure that all connections between the basin and the outlet pipe is watertight. You do not want water to leak out. To ensure the connection is secure, use a waterproof silicone on the outside of the basin where it connects to the outlet pipe. Then insert the pipe into the hole, twisting to lock it in place. Some catch basins already have a watertight gasket included.
• Now that the outlet is sealed, flip the basin over and drill a few holes into the bottom. This will prevent water from standing at the bottom of the container.
• Fill about 15-30 cm of the hole you dug for the basin with gravel. Insert the basin on top of the gravel layer. The height of the basin should be level with the ground around it. If necessary, add some more gravel.
• With the basin in place, attach the drainage pipe to the inlet. Again, the connection between the two needs to be watertight. Add silicone.
• Lastly, glue every section of the drainpipe together until reaching the point from which the water will drain.

 

Tips For Maintaining Your Catch Basin

Now that you have installed a drainage catch basin in your yard, it is time to consider how to maintain it. Catch basins, just like other methods for protecting your home, need to be maintained in order to work properly. After storms, it is best to check the metal grate for any debris. Clean away any objects that could block the drain.

 

In the event your catch basin gets clogged or sediment has gotten too high, you can call a professional who has a vacuum truck or vacuum extractor to come. While you could clean the basin yourself, a professional ensures it gets done right the first time.

 

Occasionally, drainage catch basins will leak or crack. Pipes that have cracked will need to be extracted and repaired or replaced by a plumbing specialist. Fortunately, most repairs do not require the specialist to dredge up your entire yard.

 

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to know about catch basins and how to install one in your yard. Installing a drainage catch basin is an easy process. All you need to do is locate the lowest point in your property and follow the steps listed. But you need to keep in mind that maintenance is key to keeping it functioning! If you need assistance with maintenance or with repairs, don’t hesitate to call a drainage or plumbing professional.

 

 

 

The post How To Build A Drainage Catch Basin appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

Does your home get its water from a well system? If you answered yes, then chances are you also have low water pressure. Rather than living with low water pressure (which can be miserable for many), there are methods you can utilize to improve the water pressure. You can start by…

Servicing Your Pressure Tank

A home’s average water pressure should lie between 40 and 60 psi. For those who need to increase this number:

1. Turn off the circuit dedicated to the well pump
2. Test the air fill valve with an air pressure gauge and see where your pressure lies
3. If the water pressure is floating around 40 psi or below, increase it by adjusting the pressure switch (this is located on the pipe connecting the well and pressure tank)
4. Turn on the circuit and test out the water by opening a faucet
5. Readjust if necessary by repeating these steps

Having Your Pipes Checked

A common reason for low water pressure is because of plumbing pipes that are clogged with tons of sediment and minerals. This buildup will occur in homes that have hard water, which will damage plumbing and prevent a smooth flow of water. Combat this by having your pipes inspected, cleaned, and having a water softener installed (or having your current one serviced).

Installing a New Constant Pressure System

To assist your pressure tank in providing your home with an increased amount of water pressure, consider installing a constant pressure system. This piece is installed on the water line that enters your home and will prevent water pressure from dropping when multiple fixtures are being used. Contact your local plumber to install new parts and pieces, and to inspect and service your plumbing.

Unsure if a constant pressure system is right for you? The experts at Len The Plumber also offers water pressure booster pumps, and can help determine the best solution for your well water system!

Permanently Improve Your Water Pressure

Having low water pressure can be caused by many different reasons, but there are just as many ways to improve it. When you need a plumber to service your well system and address low water pressure, contact Len The Plumber.

If you’re looking for a reliable plumber, check to see if you live in one of our many service areas!

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

Most people consider the dishwasher such an essential appliance that the absence of one in the kitchen has been known to be a deal breaker in selling a house. But like every appliance, it sometimes has issues. While our master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing typically don’t recommend taking the DIY route, troubleshooting problems with a dishwasher is relatively easy, and can save you money if you’re able to do so.

Knowing the basics of how a dishwasher operates is helpful. The dishwasher is connected to a drain hose that runs water into the pipes under or into your sink. Eventually, the plumbing connections in your sink begin to deteriorate and need to be replaced – or excess debris may be clogging the bottom of your unit. The issue you notice can provide an important clue about what’s wrong.

Try running the garbage disposal

If you find the bottom of the unit filled with dingy water, you may assume the cycle didn’t complete, and run it again. As Bob Villa observes, “If a dishwasher gets inadvertently shut off during a cycle, there’ll be standing water in the bottom when you open it.” If running the dishwasher again doesn’t resolve the issue, an interrupted cycle wasn’t the cause.

Should this be the case, Villa advises running the garbage disposal. Why?  Because the drain hose from your dishwasher empties into the garbage disposal drain. If the disposal unit contains unground food – or if food sludge settles in the drainpipe below the disposal – it can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly.

“Sometimes, just running the disposal is all it takes to get the dishwasher draining again,” Villa writes. “In fact, get in the habit of leaving the water on and letting your garbage disposal run an additional 15 seconds after the food is gone. This clears all remaining food that might otherwise remain in the P-trap drain beneath the disposal.”

Read our blog post – “Garbage Disposal Jammed? What You Need to Know” – to address and prevent problems with this kitchen convenience.

Don’t throw in the towel, dry with it

If running the garbage disposal doesn’t get your dishwasher draining again, you’ll have to remove the standing water before attempting further troubleshooting. Of course, if you don’t have a garbage disposal, go directly to this step.

Back to Villa, who recommends placing absorbent towels around the base of the dishwasher, then removing the bottom dish tray. Use a plastic cup to scoop the dirty water into a bucket. When the water level is too low to scoop, use towels to sop up the last bit in the bottom of the dishwasher.

Could your drain hose be blocked?

If the problem isn’t with the garbage disposal, the dishwasher’s drain hose could be blocked. Family Handyman provides a helpful step-by-step guide – with video – to troubleshooting three of the most common causes. We’re providing a brief overview. Refer to the guide itself for complete instructions.

First, check the drain-hose connection, drain-hose clamp, solenoid and power supply. If these are tight and functioning, look at the following.

1.Check the filter in the dishwasher’s tub. This is located either in the bottom of the tub – surrounding the base of the lower spray arm – or at the back. Although most newer-model dishwashers have small built-in grinders, pieces of food (like popcorn) and paper (such as labels washed off jars) can cause clogging. Clear the debris. Even if it isn’t the source of your current issue, you will have prevented a future problem.

2. Check the drain hose. Disconnect the power by either unplugging the dishwasher or turning off its circuit breaker. Remove the toe-kick, which is held in place by two or four small screws. Loosen the dishwasher drain hose clamp and disconnect the drain hose (which usually has ridges) from the pump.

Try to blow through the dishwasher drain hose to see if it’s clear. If it’s blocked, look for kinks in the hose and straighten them. Also check the disposer inlet or pipe where the dishwasher drain hose connects under the sink. If the inlet has a buildup of corrosion, clear it with a small screwdriver.

3. Check for a valve bracket. If your dishwasher has a valve bracket, it has a drain valve. To test the valve, push on the valve bracket to see if it moves freely. If the valve is frozen, the electrical solenoid that controls it is burned out and needs to be replaced.

Try baking soda and vinegar

If the problem persists, you can try another DIY technique. The Home Depot’s website provides an informative video involving a mix of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour the mixture in the basket at the bottom of the dishwasher and let sit for 15 minutes. Pour hot water down the basket, and run the rinse cycle. By the way, The Home Depot video also includes instructions for the previously described troubleshooting techniques.

Ready to call a pro? We’re here for you!

Should none of these DIY remedies solve your problem – or you just don’t feel comfortable about attempting anything more complex than running the garbage disposal – give us a call! Adams and Son Plumbing has proudly served Central Florida homes and businesses with the highest level of full-service quality and experience for over 60 years. We are family-owned and operated, and all of our plumbers are state-certified master plumbers. Contact us to get – and keep – your home’s plumbing in top repair.

 

The post What to Do if Your Dishwasher Isn’t Draining appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected industries of all kinds, forcing some businesses to close while changing how others conduct business and serve their clientele. Here’s how the pandemic has affected the plumbing industry in particular.

• The Plumber’s Uniform: Extra protection is necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plumbers now work with shoe covers, gloves, respiratory masks, and contact-reducing guidelines to protect them from catching or spreading the virus.
• Availability: Businesses across the country have remained closed to slow the spread of the pandemic. However, many people are unaware that plumbing services are still essential and, therefore, available. Your local plumber is still a phone call away.
• Supplies: Many manufacturers have slowed or delayed production, which may interrupt access to certain appliances and plumbing-related products. But plumbers are doing their best to keep up with their customers’ needs.
• Demand: The demand for plumbing services has actually increased compared to this time last year. Customers are requesting to have bidets and touch-free appliances installed. They’re also contending with extra clogs due to reliance on supposedly flushable wet wipes.

Whatever your plumbing needs may be, call Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We are working hard during this difficult time to ensure your home or business has access to safe and reliable plumbing. We perform maintenance, repairs, installation, and more. You can even rely on us for HVAC services in commercial and residential properties. Do you have an emergency? We proudly offer 24/7 services for all of your urgent needs, too. Call us today and find out why Pittsburgh, PA, and Allegheny County residents come to Stahl Plumbing first for all their plumbing and HVAC needs.

The post Ways COVID-19 Has Impacted the Plumbing Industry appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.