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When thinking of ways to make home improvements, you probably don’t first think about “plumbing upgrades.” We admit that it doesn’t sound terrifically exciting. But your plumbing is an essential part of your daily life, and upgrading older parts of it with fresh installations can make a huge difference. It can be a difference in convenience, or water savings, or problem prevention. Sometimes it can be all of these.

Below is a list of some upgrades to think about making this summer for your plumbing. We’re the Glendale, AZ, plumbers who can simplify the process for you and provide the installations and replacements that will have you set with great plumbing.

Replace the Garbage Disposal

How old is your kitchen’s garbage disposal? We’ll wager the answer is “as old as the kitchen.” Most homes still have the same disposal they started with. If that disposal is more than 10 to 15 years old, it’s about time to have another one put in. A disposal does an immense amount of work each year, and the mechanical parts will have worn down after more than a decade to the point that the unit won’t work well anymore—which eventually means clogging and an abrupt breakdown. Putting in a new unit will make your kitchen hum along much better.

Install an Automatic Shut-Off Valve

If your home doesn’t have an automatic shut-off valve for emergencies, we strongly recommend having our plumbers install one. This is an important protection against flooding damage: the valve shuts off the flow of water in case flooding starts. This is helpful in almost any situation, but it is most valuable for times when you are away from home, such as on vacation. This emergency shut-off valve will give you peace of mind and help stop major, expensive water damage.

Install a Sump Pump

This is another protection from flooding we recommend. A sump pump automatically removes excess water and moisture from the lowest part of your house, such as the crawl space.

Install a Water Softener

Hard water is a major problem throughout the Valley, and it may be affecting your home without you realizing it. The way to find out if you have hard water or other water quality problems is through water testing, a service we offer. If we discover you have hard water, we can counteract it by installing a water softener. This is a natural method to remove the hard minerals from your water to protect your plumbing, water heater, laundry, and appliances from the ravages of hard water.

Repipe Part (or All) of Your Home

Repiping is a major upgrade for a home—taking out older pipe materials such as galvanized steel and polybutylene plastic and putting in copper, PEX, and CPVC piping in its place. Depending on the age of your house, you may need sections repiped or may need the whole house repiped. This is a big job, but it prevents major water waste, corroded piping, and massive water damage.

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale, AZ, and the surrounding areas. Speak to one of our plumbers today to see how we can help.

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

Your local plumbing team should set you up for long-term success with your plumbing system. After all, you rely on your pipes and plumbing fixtures to function like clockwork, protecting your property and the people you care about. The top plumbing service company in Pittsburgh, PA, can also fix your sump pump and make sure this part of your plumbing system is working properly. Here’s everything you need to know about your sump pump, including signs that you need a new battery.

What Is a Sump Pump?

Starting with the basics can give you a better idea of what your sump pump does and why it’s so important. This pump is usually located in the lowest level of your home or business, and it removes excess water from the plumbing system. Sump pumps keep water levels under control and prevent flooding.

How Can You Tell if Your Sump Pump Works?

While it’s never a bad idea to bring in trusted experts for affordable plumbing service, it’s pretty easy to tell if your sump pump is working. You can test the pump by filling the basin with water and seeing if the pump turns on and starts working. If you have power to the outlet and the pump isn’t draining the water, then you know it’s time for a replacement. Noticeable leaking from the discharge pipe or pumps that don’t shut off quickly may require repair or replacement.

Why Is a Backup Battery a Good Idea?

Those who specialize in plumbing installation services often recommend a backup battery for sump pumps. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and making sure you have a plan to fall back on in case of a power outage or flood just makes sense. Even if you invested in the best plumbing installation services, your sump pump could still be at risk of malfunctioning or running out of power in the event of a catastrophe. If your sump pump does fail for any reason, you will have a better chance of protecting your home from water damage if there’s a backup battery for your system.

How Do You Test a New Battery?

Plumbing professionals recommend testing batteries. Just checking the water levels twice a year and remembering to test your sump pump system every once in a while can make for a simple and straightforward experience. Normal standby batteries have a life span of five years, so just make sure you keep them charged and prioritize plumbing maintenance as best you can. If you have a serious storm, flood, or appliance malfunction that causes your sump pump to work overtime, you definitely want to check on the condition of the batteries.

How Long Will a Sump Pump Last?

The more maintenance you put into your sump pump, the longer it may last. If you make sure to check on this system and keep a backup battery just in case, you may be able to go nearly a decade without replacing your sump pump. Keep in mind that repairs or replacements may be necessary if you notice excessive vibrating, weird noises, or motor failure. When in doubt, a professional plumber can let you know if your sump pump and its batteries require any attention.

If you need help with your sump pump or the rest of your plumbing system, call the top plumbing installation contractor in Pittsburgh, PA, Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.

The post Does Your Sump Pump Need a New Battery? appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Before you start to pour that bacon grease down the kitchen sink – STOP! Though it seems super convenient to just pour the oily substance down the sink drain, you’ll have committed a major plumbing sin. 

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There are a lot of harmful particles in our air, from germs to mold spores, that can inhibit our day to day life. Not only that, but those same organisms can produce powerful odors that can be nearly impossible to get rid of with standard cleaning equipment. Our noses might get used to the scents in our houses, but it doesn’t mean those nasty particles aren’t still there.

Air purification is a practice that’s been happening for thousands of years, from using specific medicinal candles to the utilization of salt lamps, but even with those small changes, it’s just not enough. That’s where we come in!

We provide sensible installation services for air purifiers in Clifton, NJ. By using advanced technology that only certified contractors have access to, we can destroy those harmful particles in your air and improve the smell of your home. Let’s talk about some of the benefits that come from a system like this.

How Does Air Purification Work?

Well, in our neck of the woods, there are two specific types of air purifiers that we use. These are electronic air purifiers and UV light purifiers. Each one of these systems uses its own process to effectively eliminate harmful particles and improve the smell of your home. Here’s how they work:

• Electronic air purifier. These systems are complicated but stay with us. They ionize individual particles in the air by charging them with electrons. This ionization process can help the system identify and locate other particles in the air and draw them in to be removed. Since these particles are charged, they can be collected on a plate that has the opposite charge, enabling your system to act like a “catcher” for everything in your air that you don’t want.
• UV air purifier. These systems function quite differently, but their effect is similar. This type of machine uses ultraviolet light, or a germicidal light, that destroys the DNA of microorganisms, from mold spores to bacteria. By placing them in your home’s ductwork, they can be kept far away from you so that the light only affects the particles you’re hoping to remove. It’s that easy!

What Are the Benefits?

Well, for starters, you’re going to be dealing with fewer germs in your air. That means you can say goodbye to the reoccurring coughs, colds, and other symptoms that would normally appear because of your stuffy air. By removing harmful particles in the air, you’re effectively destroying germs before they can get to you.

Also, these germs (and especially mold spores) often carry powerful odors with them. Our noses are sensitive, which means it can be very easy to pick up on fowl scents that are brought from mold and bacteria. Luckily, these systems remove the odors in the air as well as the particles themselves, leaving your air smelling cleaner and fresher than it did before! Honestly, with the amount of money homeowners spend on candles and technology to improve the scent of their homes, investing in an air purifier sounds like a no brainer!

Call the pros at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. if you’re interested in an air purifier!

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

If you see this, you may have clogged drain vents.

Summer is finally here, and we know you’re just as excited as we are. Summers in Orlando are somewhat of a quintessential season. What screams summer more than surf, sand, and sunshine? If you’re ready to enjoy the next few months, make sure you’re laying the groundwork to have the comfortable summer that you’re hoping for.

If you’re looking for great plumbing in Orlando, FL, make sure that you schedule an appointment with us for the work that you need. We’re going to make sure that you have a blissful summer free of any plumbing problems.

How to Have a Great Summer

There’s really nothing worse than having a plumbing problem during the summer. A plumbing problem is pretty terrible no matter what time of the year it falls under, but the heat of the summer can make any related stenches that much worse. Make sure that you schedule an appointment with us sooner than later if you notice the following:

Flooding

When you live in a subtropical climate like ours here in Florida, summer rain happens pretty often. This means that your home is at risk of flooding during a time like this. Make sure that you equip your home in all the appropriate ways and contact us at the first sign of a problem if you think you’re experiencing something dire like a slab leak.

Slow Moving Drains

Have you noticed that your drains a moving a little slower than normal? We find that homeowners don’t always think of this as a serious issue, but it’s something you should always pay attention to. If you notice that your drains aren’t draining as quickly as they normally do, it’s more than likely that you have a clog on the horizon. Come to us when you need great work.

Washing Machine Breakdown

The last thing that you want to do is go out to your washer, throw in a load, pop in some detergent, and then notice that your washing machine isn’t working. You don’t want to be out and about lugging your laundry back and forth at a time like this. If you need a great washing machine service, make sure that you schedule an appointment with our professionals.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

Have you noticed that your garbage disposal isn’t… well… disposing? Maybe it’s leaving behind trace remnants of food particles or clogging. You shouldn’t deal with this even if it seems like a small-scale problem. Call us and have our professionals knock it out in a flash.

Sprinkler Problems

You don’t want your grass to die just because it’s summer, right? Having sprinkler troubles isn’t a problem you should deal with just because you’re out, about, and paying more attention to your landscaping during a time like this. If you’ve got a sprinkler head problem, swap it out, but if you’ve got a water pressure problem, make sure you come to us.

Plumbing problems are unique in each home. That’s why we work hard to understand your personal needs before we perform any type of work. Make sure you come to us for any plumbing problem that you have this summer.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our team members.

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

After a hurricane hits our area, homeowners must go through an extensive checklist to clean up any property damage and take preventive measures to guarantee no major repairs down the road. Cleaning out drains needs to be part of your post-hurricane assessments. If the drains are blocked, then major flooding can occur when another storm strikes again.

Post-Hurricane Cleanup

Before inspecting the storm drains on your property, ensure the area is safe and secured. There should be no evidence of trees or large branches in danger of falling or downed wires. As long as the area is safe, use a flashlight to take a close look at the drains and see if you notice any obvious debris potentially clogging the drain.

Put on a pair of work gloves and remove most items by hand. This can include stones, branches, leaves, and trash. For large accumulations, use a pitchfork or rake to collect the debris. Do not dispose of the leaves and other materials in the street once removed from storm drain. Bag the leaves and place them in your trash collection pile for pickup.

For yard drains, you should also remove any objects blocking the opening. If the drain cover has been damaged during the hurricane, replace or repair the grate. Use your garden hose to run flowing water through the drain to remove any other debris not visible and check for blockages. At the drain cleanout point, you should see the water exiting the pipes.

Warnings

For storm drains, do not stick your hands through the grates due to injury risk. Also, do not attempt to remove the grate on your own. Never pour any chemicals into drains as a way to remove the debris.

Hydro jets and drain snakes are two tools that can be used to remove stubborn clogs in draining systems. However, due to the challenges of operating the machinery, you may want to call experienced plumbers to handle the job.

If you need assistance, contact the professionals at A to Z Statewide Plumbing. We can be reached at 1-800-930-1123 or online via website at http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com/drain-system-cleanout/.

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

If you’ve ever had an air conditioning service in Pittsburgh, PA, your technician might have suggested you purchase an AC maintenance contract. Often, people turn down AC contracts because they think they’re an upsell or a waste of money. In actuality, a maintenance contract saves homeowners money because the services provided as part of the contract extend the life expectancy of your AC system. 

Other benefits of an air conditioning maintenance contract include: 

• Lower operating costs due to adjusting and cleaning important parts of the system that affect efficiency
• Fewer air conditioning repair services because problems are spotted early on and fixed quickly
• Cleaner air with fewer allergens and other pollutants settling in your home and causing respiratory issues

While all these benefits are attractive, a maintenance contract is only as good as the benefits it offers. In the following sections, you’ll learn more about what a maintenance contract should offer and how to make sure you enter into an agreement that’s beneficial to you for many years. 

Company Information

Have you ever entered into a contract with a company for a lifetime guarantee or service only to discover the company goes out of business, and you’re left with a broken promise? Fortunately, this doesn’t have to happen to you. 

When entering into a maintenance contract with a local AC company in Pittsburgh, make sure they have a long-standing reputation in the community. Does the contract have specific language that details what happens if the company goes out of business or mergers with another company? Read the fine print so that you know your rights.

Contract Specifics

You also want to learn the specific benefits your service contract offers. Things to look for include the number of inspections allowed each year, what each inspection includes, and the cost of the contract renewal. If the contract doesn’t include specific details, it’s too general. Ask for more details so that you know exactly what you’re paying for. 

Contract Perks

One reason AC maintenance contracts make so much sense from a financial standpoint is that they offer additional perks. These benefits include things such as preferred pricing, no trip charges, priority service, and discounts on labor, parts, and service work. A perk like priority service is especially beneficial if you should have problems and need AC repair between visits and need a technician during a busy time like a heatwave. AC maintenance contract holders get priority scheduling. 

Refunds

This is important information to know if you plan to sell your home in the next couple of years. If you purchase a multi-year service contract, will you be able to get your money back for unused service calls? Or, does the company let you transfer the contract to your new home? Make sure you understand these fine details because they add value to the contract. 

Customization

Most AC contracts offer the same general services. However, if you have a specialty system with unusual equipment setup, you might need specialized maintenance services. In a case like this, customization is important to ensure you get what you need from the maintenance contract. 

The best way to save on AC service in Pittsburgh, PA, is to take care of your system. To learn more about AC maintenance contracts and other HVAC services, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today at 412-273-1000.

The post Everything You Need to Know About AC Maintenance Contracts appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have left no industry untouched. Even businesses considered “essential” have been forced to adjust to new requirements and precautions to keep both employees and customers safe. Plumbing is one such industry that has had to evolve as a result of COVID-19.

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The importance of personal hygiene has come into the forefront with the COVID-19 pandemic. The constantly-repeated mantra, “wash your hands,” emphasizes this simple act as essential to stopping the spread of the virus. But without plumbing in good working order, washing your hands – as well as performing other vital hygienic practices – is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. Now more than ever, people are thinking about the many ways in which modern plumbing promotes good health, both on the personal level and for society in general.  

How modern plumbing helps prevent the spread of disease

The rampage of infectious diseases during the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to innovations in the design and technology of bathrooms in American homes. Writing for CityLab, journalist Elizabeth Yuko notes, “The modern bathroom developed alongside outbreaks of tuberculosis, cholera and influenza; its standard fixtures, wallcoverings, floorings, and finishes were implemented, in part, to promote health and hygiene in the home at a time of widespread public health concerns.”

As a result, the wood paneling and furniture-like plumbing fixtures common in Victorian-era bathrooms were replaced with easy-to-clean tile and linoleum flooring, and porcelain fixtures. But even before materials that lent themselves to being effectively sanitized were used, municipal plumbing systems themselves made possible the sanitary living and work environments we take for granted (until something goes wrong, that is). We depend on fresh water entering and waste water draining or flushing out with no effort on our part other than turning a tap or pushing down a lever.

However, many municipalities throughout the world do not have well-engineered plumbing systems. The SARS outbreak of 2003 spread through Amory Gardens – a large apartment complex in Hong Kong – because of poor plumbing. According to reports, high concentrations of viral aerosols in building plumbing were drawn into apartment bathrooms through floor drains. The initial exposures occurred in these bathrooms. More than 300 residents were infected; 42 died.

Plumbing is also suspected to have played a role in the initial spread of COVID-19. Plumbing industry veteran Charles Lee Clifton provides his insights in Building Safety Journal. Referring to Wuhan, China – recognized as the source of the outbreak – Clifton writes, “Although investigations are still ongoing, according to news reports there are indications that the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus may have spread through a defective plumbing system.

“It is unlikely that the COVID-19 coronavirus would spread in a high-rise building in the United States especially with a modern plumbing code being used, such as the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The intent of the IPC is to establish minimum standards to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of plumbing equipment and systems. That’s why it is also important to maintain our buildings with well-trained craftsmen and certified inspectors.”

While many now question the safety of certain resources and foods, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reassures the public that drinking water supplies in the United States are safe from COVID-19, and people can use and drink tap water as usual. You can also safely use tap water to wash your hands, which is one of the best methods to keep the virus at bay.

Saving money while sheltering in place

Stay-at-home orders have been lifted, and businesses are starting to reopen. For those still at home, our California colleagues at Mike Diamond offer the following advice for keeping your water bill low. After all, the more you and other members of your household are home, the more water you use.

Turn off the water while washing your hands – Following the CDC’s advice by washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds is a good thing. To avoid higher water bills, turn the faucet off while washing. You should only run the water twice while washing your hands: once when you first lather up, and again when you rinse. Only run the water for as long as both of those actions take – which should be only two seconds.

Mike Diamond’s article on the topic breaks it down as follows:

“Let’s say you wash your hands an average of 8 times per day. If you leave your water running for the additional, unnecessary 18 seconds every time you wash, then you’re wasting 144 seconds, or 2 minutes and 22 seconds, worth of water. An average bathroom sink faucet uses 1-3 gallons of water per minute while running. Therefore, by leaving your water running while you wash your hands, you’re wasting 2 to 6 gallons of water per day.”

Get leaks repaired – Issues that go unnoticed while you’re at work all day may be more obvious now – like that dripping faucet in the guest bathroom. Like leaving the water run while you’re washing your hands, steady leaks drive up the water bill. Depending on the leak’s location, it can eventually damage drywall and flooring, and create conditions for mold growth.

Plumbers need to stay safe

Just like everyone else, we professional plumbers are taking all necessary precautions on a daily basis to stay healthy. By doing so, we not only keep ourselves and our families safe, we’re also protecting our clients and community. We follow CDC guidelines and practice enhanced safety measures during service calls to our residential and commercial clients.

Just as Central Floridians have trusted our Adams and Son Plumbing family for full-service plumbing since 1958, you can trust us to keep the health and well-being of your family first and foremost. A state-certified plumbing contractor, we have over three generations of master plumbing experience. Contact us for dependable top-quality repair, installation and emergency services.

The post The Importance of Plumbing During a Pandemic appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Your air conditioner is an integral part of your home. In spring and summer, it’s vital for keeping you and your family comfortable. However, your air conditioner is a complex system and does require maintenance, upkeep, and repair. Most air conditioners are traditional split systems. This means you have an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit includes the condenser, condenser fan, and compressor. Your indoor unit houses the blower and evaporator coils. Technicians who handle air conditioning in Pittsburgh, PA, have to be concerned with both. Unfortunately, air conditioners don’t always operate as intended. If a problem occurs, leaking and water damage are possible.

Condensate Array

As your air conditioner pulls in air and dehumidifies, the resulting moisture has to go somewhere. The condensate array ensures that the moisture gets transmitted to your sewer line. Your condensate array is comprised of two components. These are the condensate tray (or pan) and the condensate drain line. The condensate tray is located underneath the evaporator coils. This is where it’s used to catch any dripping water falling from the evaporator coils. The tray features a slanted bottom, which allows the water to flow more easily into the drain line. Your condensate drain line connects to your outflow plumbing pipe. This is how the water is discharged. It flows to your sewer.

Shift

The tray isn’t always stable. Over time, it can shift. If it does shift, there are two ways it could easily cause leakage. Depending on how it shifts, the water may not all land within the tray. This allows water to build up without being directed into the drain line and flowing out properly. Otherwise, shifting could mean that the tray disconnects from your drain line entirely. In this instance, none of the water is flowing through the drain line. If this happens, water will build up even faster.

Corrosion

Over the years, your condensate tray can develop corrosion. This typically results in holes or cracks developing. These holes or cracks allow water to escape out of the tray and build up in your attic or wherever your indoor AC unit is located. Over time the corrosion will likely get worse, and the problem could become more severe.

Clog

Your condensate line isn’t immune to becoming clogged. Dirt, debris, and other contaminants tend to accumulate. Mold could also develop inside the line. If your drain line becomes clogged, water will back up and spill out. The tray can only hold so much, so the excess water will inevitably escape.

Quick Response

A leak may seem like a minor issue at first. However, if it isn’t dealt with quickly, water damage can occur. This could damage the area around your air conditioner, and it can become severe if left untreated. With a quick response, it should be easy enough for a technician to assess the issue and correct the problem.

It’s important to remember that any difficulties you’re having with your air conditioner could get worse if not addressed. Your air conditioner is composed of sensitive machinery that’s susceptible to corrosion, clogs, and malfunctioning components. While minor issues might be handled swiftly and with minimal difficulty, ignoring any problems may allow your air conditioner to become even more damaged.

Your air conditioner repair in Pittsburgh, PA, should always be handled by an experienced technician. Contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 412-273-1000 if you require assistance or have any questions concerning your air conditioner.

The post How Damaged Condensate Array Can Cause Your AC to Leak appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.