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If you have a basement or your home is located in an area that may be prone to flooding, you may have considered installing a sump pump in your home’s lowest point. A sump pump is simply a passive device that remains unused until the space in which it is located begins to flood. A sump pump is usually placed in a purpose-built pit, or sump, in the lowest spot in the home. The concept behind the device is that when water floods the pit and triggers a float or pressure sensor, the pump is activated. The sump pump draws the water out of the space and pumps it away where it can do no harm to the structure. Sump pumps and the accompanying plumbing installation in Pittsburgh, PA, may represent a significant cost for homeowners, but it can save a great deal of money when flooding occurs by preventing substantial structural damage.

While it’s clear that a sump pump can help homeowners by pumping floodwater out of the home, there are some other secondary benefits that a sump pump can provide. For example, the presence of a sump pump can alert you to an undetected plumbing leak, which will allow you to call a 24-hour emergency plumbing service for a timely repair. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of installing a sump pump in your home.

Protects Your Property from Damage

When a flooding event occurs, the presence of water in the home can result in significant and expensive damage to your residence. After only a short period of exposure to water, building materials can be impacted in a way that can immediately undermine your home’s structural integrity. Wood that is consistently damp can begin to rot and lose its load-bearing capability. It can also warp and pull apart at joints and junctions and undermine your home’s foundation. Even more durable materials such as concrete and brick can be negatively affected by constant contact with moisture. The sump pump can help keep everything dry and structurally sound.

Reduces Mold Growth

Mold can flourish anywhere that it encounters the right conditions for growth, namely damp organic surfaces and darkness. In other words, the basement or crawlspace of your home is the perfect place for mold to thrive if there is no mechanism for controlling the moisture in the space. Mold can be an irritant to many people with sensitivities to it, but some species of mold can be dangerous for everyone. Fortunately, a sump pump can help you keep mold growth in check in basements and crawlspaces by removing any water that enters the space. Water is pumped out and away so that it won’t encourage the growth of mold in your living spaces or the areas beneath them.

Saves Money on Repairs

Even one flooding event can create a significant expense for the homeowner in terms of remediation costs. Water damage can be pervasive after a flooding episode, as structural elements such as wood and concrete can be impacted. Therefore, to preserve the integrity of the structure, substantial repairs must be made after a flooding event to remove the damaged material and replace it. Of course, both the material and labor for flood restoration can be expensive, even when the home is insured. You can save yourself that expense and hassle by installing a sump pump that will prevent floods from causing considerable damage to your home.

Increases Property Value

Because of the inherent benefits of sump pump installation, there is an immediate bump in property value if your home has a sump pump in place. Even if the home isn’t found in a flood-prone area, prospective buyers may consider the presence of a sump pump as a considerable benefit that can make your property more valuable.

With the help of affordable plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA, you too can enjoy the many advantages of installing a sump pump in your home. To learn more about the benefits of installing a sump pump at your residence, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000. 

The post Why You Need a Sump Pump for Your Home appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

So, springtime has come and almost gone, but while we’ve got a few weeks left of beautiful mild temperatures, we’d ask you to seriously consider signing up for AC maintenance. It’s one of the most beneficial and proactive services we offer, and it’s really something that homeowners don’t take advantage of enough. AC maintenance is absolutely vital for the longevity and perseverance of your system into old age—and if you care at all about the condition your system is in, you’d schedule it for this spring.

Trust us, AC maintenance in Clifton, NJ is going to be the least of your worries when temperatures become unbearable in the summer and your system will be on the verge of breaking down due to neglect. These are problems that are avoidable, which is why maintenance exists in the first place!

The Benefits of AC Maintenance

Before we sell you on the fact that AC maintenance is preferable in the spring, it’s important that we tell you about what AC maintenance actually does, and why it’s so beneficial. A routine maintenance appointment involves a seasoned professional coming to your home to provide minor repairs and adjustments, lubricating ball bearings, and making a full diagnostic check-up on the system to tell you the exact condition it’s in. This is helpful for many reasons.

• Extend the lifespan. Maintenance appointments extend the lifespan of the system, allowing it to work well into its second decade of service. We’re not just talking about a long-lasting AC here, but a long-lasting AC that can still effectively cool your home at a low cost.
• Lower energy bills. An aging or problematic air conditioner has one huge red flag that’s easy to notice. When it starts to develop problems or lacks maintenance, your energy bills can skyrocket due to inefficiencies developing in the system. Only a professional has the tools and expertise to fine-tune your system into being an efficient machine.
• Fewer repairs. While a repair every now and again is to be expected, an air conditioner that’s constantly needing attention from an HVAC technician is not a very good one. Each maintenance appointment that’s scheduled is a moment for a technician to provide minor repairs and adjustments, allowing the small repairs to never turn major as much as they can help it!
• Peace of mind. Now that summer is quickly approaching, you’d hate to be surprised by a sudden system breakdown, right? With a maintenance visit, your trusted technician can tell you exactly what’s wrong with your system, or if they think it will be fine throughout the next season. You can take their word for it and feel better knowing you’re in good hands.

Don’t deal with a system that’s constantly giving you problems. There’s already too much to worry about these days! Take your air conditioner off of the worry-list by signing up for professional routine maintenance today! With our expertise and equipment, we can give you a thorough reading as to how well your system is holding up and the condition it might be in when summer hits.

Call the team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for comprehensive AC maintenance!

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

When you think about all the things that could possibly go wrong with your plumbing system, hard water is not likely something comes to mind. Why? Well for one, things like burst pipes, clogged toilets, and leaky faucets often take precedent. And secondly, many of us are just accustomed to having hard water in our homes.

Hard water is something to take seriously — if it’s left untreated, it has the potential to wreak havoc on your plumbing system! So below, we have explained some things we think you should know about hard water, that way you can decide if you want to do something about it. All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more, and of course, remember to call our team when you need a plumber in Orlando.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is basically just water with high concentrations of magnesium and calcium particles. Though these minerals are not harmful to you, they can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, as mineral deposits will start to accumulate on the walls of your pipes. This kind of build-up is often referred to as limescale, which you are likely familiar with.

The Impact of Limescale

There are plenty of reasons to worry about limescale: unsightly drains and faucets, not-so-shiny dishes, and most importantly, damage to your plumbing system. The more limescale builds up inside your pipes, the more it restricts the flow of water through them. This reduces the water pressure in your system and makes it much more difficult for the system to operate effectively. And if the issue isn’t caught right away, the minerals will eventually harden, making it nearly impossible to remove. When this happens, it is quite likely that you’ll end up having to replace some, if not a majority, of the pipes in your home.

What Can Be Done About It?

The best way to address hard water in your home is to have a water treatment system installed, specifically a water softener. A water softener is a kind of water treatment system designed to treat hard water. There are a number of different kinds of water softeners, but they all operate by neutralizing the magnesium and calcium particles in some way.

There are a number of ways to tell if you need a water softener in your home:

• Limescale on faucets and drains
• Watermarks on dishes
• Dry skin
• Faded clothes
• Clogged showerheads

If you’re sick and tired of dealing with hard water in your home, be sure to hire a professional plumber. Only a professional plumber has tools, training, and experience to match you with the water softener that best meets your unique needs and install it accordingly. Yes, there are going to be plenty of amateurs willing to perform these services for a fairly cheap price, but remember, sometimes an attempt to save money could end up costing you much more in the long run. Trust us, when it comes to your comfort, you don’t want to take any risks!

To learn more about our water treatment system services, contact the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today.

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

Summer in Florida means time spent outside enjoying the hot weather, along with the almost daily summer storms. As a homeowner, you need to take a few precautions to ensure your home is properly maintained and ready to handle the summer weather and activities. With a little bit of attention before summer comes in full, you can be confident that your home is going to serve you well all summer long.

Florida Home Maintenance Summer Checklist

How can you prepare your Florida home for summer? Here’s a checklist of maintenance tasks to tackle:

1. Prepare and inspect your deck – Look for weather damage, water damage, rotting boards or signs of termites.
2. Schedule an AC maintenance check – Have a pro ensure it’s ready for the challenges of summer.
3. Change your AC air filters – Make your air conditioner more efficient and your home’s air cleaner with new air filters.
4. Test the smoke alarms – Replace batteries as needed.
5. Clean the Garage – Take advantage of the warmer weather and spend some time cleaning out the garage.
6. Check and clean the dryer vent – Make sure it’s not clogged, which is a fire hazard.
7. Test your sump pump – For Florida homes with basements, a sump pump is critical to preventing flooding during summer storms. Make sure it’s working properly, and clean it to remove soil buildup from the well at the start of summer.

Preparing Your Home for Summer? Don’t Forget to Clean the Storm Drains

Summer storms are a way of life in Florida, and they can dump a lot of water in very little time. A properly functioning storm drain is essential to channel that water safely away from your business and/or parking lot. Unfortunately, storm drain catch basins can get plugged up with leaves, soil and other debris, preventing them from properly draining water away from your business and into a safe place. Storm drain cleaning requires a qualified sewer and drainage professional who utilizes dedicated equipment to deliver high water pressure into the storm drain to blast away the blockage, while using commercial vacuum technology to ensure proper function.

A to Z Statewide Plumbing offers a full list of storm drain services, including professional storm drain cleaning.

As you’re preparing your home for Florida’s summer, give A to Z Statewide Plumbing a call at 954-981-2133 to discuss your storm drain needs.

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Aaron Atkins

Delivering exceptional customer service is first and foremost, but, when he is not focused on supplying your home or business with the highest level of customer support, Aaron prefers to lace up the running shoes and pound pavement for hours on end. Originally hailing from the snowbelt of Pennsylvania, Aaron currently resides in sunny South Florida with his wife and three children.

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

Modern tankless water heaters can bring tremendous convenience and energy efficiency to homeowners. As a result, tankless water heaters are rapidly becoming a popular option for many who want to avoid the time tested traditional of running out of hot water at the wrong moment. A tankless water heater, as the name would suggest, is an appliance that can instantaneously heat water on demand without the traditional tank used to store the heated water. Because the water is heated as it passes through the appliance, there is no need for tank storage. Most companies offering bathroom or kitchen plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA, can advise you on the installation of a tankless hot water heater at your home. There are many benefits that come with the installation of a tankless water heater, as the appliance provides precisely heated, instantly available water with little wasted energy.

Before you contact one of the plumbing services in your area to install a tankless water heater, it’s a good idea to consider what size water heater you’ll need to meet your demand for hot water. There are many factors that can influence the size of the water heater you’ll need, so you should educate yourself before you decide on which device is best for you. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right sized tankless water heater for your residence.

Size of Your Home

While it may not be intuitive to consider the size of the house when selecting the proper size of the water heater, the number of rooms with hot water in your home is certainly something to ponder. For example, if you only have a kitchen and single bathroom that need access to hot water, you won’t need a large water heater to meet the potential demand. However, if your home is expansive and features multiple bathrooms in addition to a kitchen, you may need a larger unit to supply the needed volume of water if all fixtures are being used at the same time.

Size of Your Household

While the square footage and number of bathrooms can be a deciding factor when selecting a tankless water heater, so, too, is the size of your household. In other words, you should consider how many people live in your home and use hot water at any given time. If you live alone, you may not need a large water heater even if you have two bathrooms and a kitchen in your home. However, if you have a large family that could potentially need hot water concurrently, you should opt for a larger water heater to make sure that the demand is met if all the fixtures are in use at the same time.

Desired Flow Rate

In the context of residential plumbing, the flow rate describes the speed at which water moves through your system. That rate will vary depending on the number of fixtures that are open at any one time. For example, if one person is taking a shower, the flow rate to that single fixture may be higher than if two people are taking showers from two heads at the same time. That can impact your choice when selecting a tankless water heater because your heater should have a flow rate that can accommodate the number of fixtures that are being used in the house. If the flow rate of one shower head is 1.8 gallons per minute, then the flow rate of the water heater would need to be 1.8 gallons per minute. However, if you have two other shower heads with the same flow rate, the needed water heater flow rate would be 5.4 gallons per minute to accommodate all three shower heads running at once.

With the help of a plumbing installation contractor in Pittsburgh, PA, homeowners can avail themselves of the many benefits offered by tankless water heaters. To learn more about the factors you should consider when selecting the right size tankless water heater for your home, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000.

The post How to Determine the Right Tankless Water Heater Size appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

The stay at home orders and closure of non-essential businesses have upended the lives of millions of Americans. Virtual classes and Zoom meetings have become the new normal for students and employees alike. More than 30 states have imposed restrictions on what businesses are deemed “essential” enough to stay open and what services must be closed. But what if you have a plumbing emergency while in quarantine? Is plumbing considered an essential service? 

Read More

The tankless water heater has been around for more than a century. But not until the last few decades did the technology reach a point where installing one in a house made for a viable alternative to the standard storage-tank water heater. Because many people still know little about tankless water heaters, a number of myths and misconceptions about them have popped up.

We offer tankless water heater installation in Surprise, AZ and the surrounding areas, and we don’t want potential customers to miss out on the tankless benefits because of these misunderstandings, or for them to assume a tankless water heater can do something it can’t. Below we’ve provided the truth about a few of these misconceptions.

“Tankless water heaters deliver instantly hot water to taps”

This confuses two separate types of hot water systems. People who want to have “instant hot” water from their taps should look into a hot water recirculation system, which keeps a supply of hot water moving through the hot water lines at all times. A tankless water heater still has a delay before the water from the tap become hot because the unit heats up the water supply as required.

“Tankless water heaters can’t handle most homes’ needs”

The basic idea of a water heater with no storage capacity makes it seem as if it couldn’t hope to meet demand in a house. But a tankless water heater can heat up enough hot water when called on to meet the requirements of most homes—provided professionals match a unit with proper flow rate and temperature differential to the house. Too much demand from multiple taps can overwhelm a tankless system, but for the majority of homes, a tankless system should have no trouble providing sufficient hot water.

“Tankless water heaters cost too much to be worth it”

Yes, tankless water heaters cost more than the average storage tank water heater. However, the investment pays off over the years thanks to the high energy efficiency of tankless systems. Because tankless water heaters don’t suffer from standby energy loss (as they have no tank of stored water to lose energy), they consume less energy to run. Not only that, but tankless systems have longer lifespans and require fewer repairs. You can expect to have your initial investment paid back many times.

“Tankless water heaters only work with natural gas”

Most tankless water heaters use natural gas to run. The majority of homes use natural gas for heating because of its power, efficiency, and cost. However, tankless water heaters come in different models as well, such as electric and propane options. But for electric homes, we often recommend customers look into a heat pump water heater as an alternative to either tank or tankless systems.

“Any tank water heater can be swapped out for a tankless water heater”

In many cases, a tankless water heater installation requires some change to the gas lines and the venting. Installation isn’t as simple as tearing out one unit and putting in another. This is one of the many reasons to only work with professionals when you want to make the change to tankless.

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Call us for information about our water heater services.

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

Visible toilet leaks are easy to notice, and most can be repaired with items purchased at the local hardware store. One of the most common places for a toilet to develop leaks is around the base. First, tighten the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor to see if this stops the leak. If the water continues to pool around the base after tightening the bolts, it means the wax seal between the bottom of the toilet and the floor needs replacing. Unbolt and remove the toilet from the floor to replace the wax seal. Because this can be a difficult job, some people prefer to call a plumber to handle wax seal replacement.

Another cause for a leaky toilet may be due to a worn-out fill valve, the plastic column inside the tank that’s connected to the float. Or, the leak could be blamed on a faulty flapper, the plug that falls against the drain hole inside the tank, at the bottom. These parts come in a package at the hardware store. Replacing the faulty parts should remedy toilet leaks occurring inside the tank.

If you prefer that a professional handle your leaky toilet, Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers a wide range of solutions to keep your toilet and other plumbing essentials running smoothly and efficiently. Whether you need toilet leak repairs, or you want to replace your old toilet with a more efficient model, we can help. Our team of experienced professionals offers quality work at affordable prices, plus we’re available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. That’s how we’ve become a trusted source of plumbing repairs for both homeowners and commercial customers across the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County area. Call today to schedule your repair.

The post Guide to Handling a Leaking Toilet appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

We’ve all been there, right? Stepping into a shower, expecting a full-on waterfall but only getting a drizzle. It’s not fun! See, low water pressure is a common issue faced by homeowners all over the place, but fortunately, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before!

There are a number of issues that might lead to low water pressure, and below, we have listed some of them for you. All you need to do is keep reading to find out more, and of course, remember to call us when you need plumbing services in Orlando, FL.

What’s the Cause of Low Pressure?

Like we mentioned above, there are a number of reasons why you might be experiencing low water pressure:

Municipal Troubles

The first possibility to consider is that the low water pressure hasn’t anything to do with your home’s plumbing but is coming from the municipal water system. Check with your neighbors to see if they are encountering the same problem. If they are, the water pressure should be restored soon. If it’s not, contact the municipal company to see when the problem will be fixed.

Pressure Regulator Failure

To maintain constant water pressure in a home’s plumbing so it doesn’t spike too high and cause damage, a pressure regulator is attached to the plumbing system. (Not all homes have this.) If the regulator fails, it can cause a rise in pressure—but it can also cause the pressure to drop. A plumber will have to replace the regulator if this is the case.

A Partially Closed Water Meter Valve

There are two valves controlling water flow into your house. The water meter valve is the one you probably deal with the least: it’s located on the street side of the water meter and is part of the municipal system. If you are having water pressure problems, this valve may have partially closed. Open it up to see if this improves water pressure.

An Automatic Shut-Off Valve Malfunction

We recommend automatic shut-off valves for homes to prevent flooding in case of massive leaks. The shut-off valve is electronically controlled, and like any mechanical device, it can malfunction, leading to a partial shut-off of the water flow into the house. Call for plumbers to check on the possibility of a problem with the automatic shut-off valve.

Aging Plumbing

This is the most serious problem, but it’s one that often occurs in older homes. Pipes that are more than 50 years old are often constructed of galvanized steel or even cast iron—and at this point, they are probably filled with corrosion, limescale, and are decaying. The water line may be leaking. If the water pressure issue is something you’ve noticed building up gradually, then these out-of-date pipes are almost certainly the reason for it. We strongly advise arranging for whole-house repiping to upgrade your plumbing system with modern materials like copper and CPVC.

Schedule your plumbing services with the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today! Quality, Performance, and Value Are Our Commitment to You!

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

Mold is a problem that can not only be expensive to fix, but a detriment to your health and your comfort. If you’re starting to smell the advancement of mold within your home, or you’re starting to feel sicker and cough more, there could be a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Mold is not something to be trifled with, and it can easily lead to declining health and the rotting of your home’s interior structure.

With this blog post, we’re hopefully going to raise some awareness about the problem of mold and how mold can form within your home at various different typical locations. Luckily with skilled plumbing in Verona, NJ available, you can avoid many of these problems by contacting a professional plumber and having them address your leaks and standing water issues quickly.

Remember, with mold—your biggest enemies are moisture and time!

Typical Locations for Mold to Grow

In order to really know if you’re suffering from a mold problem, it’s important to pay attention to the plumbing of your home. Dark and damp areas are perfect places for mold to grow, and unfortunately, that’s usually the exact type of place where your plumbing functions. So, it’s time to take a look at those leaks or clogged drains you’ve been dealing with, so you can get a better idea if you’ve been harboring mold.

• Standing water. This is one of the worst places that homeowners constantly have to deal with mold. If you’ve got a standing shower or a flat sink in any room of your home, it can fall victim to mold since water can get stuck “standing” there for a long period of time. The longer and more unused the sink or shower is, the more likely it will grow mold. It’s important to have a plumber address this specific area and see if there are workarounds or fixes that can be made to mitigate mold growth.
• Clogged drains. Drains that clog might seem obnoxious at first, but they can be much worse than that. Sinks that are especially susceptible to clogs with food waste can be terrible breeding grounds for mold. Having a drain clog removed can be more than just a case of making your life easier, it can also benefit your health by removing the source of mold growth.
• Basement. Basements are dark and sometimes damp, while also being the location of a lot of our plumbing pipes. The worse condition your basement is in, the more easily it is for mold to grow in it. By working with an experienced professional, we can locate problematic areas of your basement where mold is growing and make sure it’s removed.
• Pipe Leaks. The most important piece of this puzzle is making sure your home’s water stays where it belongs—inside your pipes. If water escapes from a pipe or water heater, from a leak or other issue, it could begin breeding mold in hard to reach locations, including under your floorboards or in your walls! Make sure your plumbing is in good condition with a visit from a professional plumber.

Don’t let your home become the victim of a mold infestation, call a professional today.

The team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. is ready to help you remove mold and fix your plumbing system today. Call us!

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