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Furnace efficiency is a hot topic these days, particularly because homeowners are looking for any and every DIY solution to problems with their heating bills. Well, you might not be able to build a new furnace from scratch but you’ll definitely be able to do a few things that help with the efficiency of your furnace system. That’s where we’re trying to help.

Increasing the efficiency of your furnace can also help you avoid furnace repair in Livingston, NJ because you’ll be making the job easier for it. Furnaces that are running inefficiently often have to consume more fuel and work harder just to provide the same amount of heat that an efficient heater would.

If you’re a DIY kind of person, these few efficiency tips cannot be overlooked in the slightest. These are your simple and effective solutions to improving the heating quality of your home.

Furnace Efficiency Tips

Honestly, we could talk for hours about ways to improve the efficiency of your heater. Since it’s what we’re passionate about, there are a ton of small changes and adjustments that can be made in order to keep your system happy and healthy. However, we’ve got to remember that the average homeowner doesn’t have the tools to make minor adjustments with the precision that a professional does. So, if you’re doing the following things and you’re still not seeing an efficiency improvement, contact our team of professionals today for some experienced handiwork.

• Unblock air vents. This is a fairly easy tip to start off. Venture around your home and try to locate all the air vent openings in your floors, walls, or ceilings. If you’re noticing that a lot of vents are obscured by furniture, artwork, or anything else in your home—you’re just making the job more difficult for your furnace. Clear your vents appropriately and allow fresh, heated air to flow through your home.
• Change your furnace’s filter. This is a given. Every 1-3 months your furnace’s air filter should be changed. The only exception to this rule is if your house has an excessive amount of pet dander and dust, in which it should be changed more frequently. Did you forget to change your filter for the past few months? Well, now is the best time to do it!
• Use sunlight and curtains. This is a tip that often goes overlooked. When it’s cold out and you’re struggling to keep your home warm, you might forget that there’s a heater outside as well. It’s called the sun! Open your curtains on windows that face the sun and you’ll have the added benefit of sunlight to keep your home warm and cozy. When the sun is out, draw your curtains again and let them keep the heat inside as well!
• Schedule furnace maintenance. Remember how we mentioned earlier that not every DIY tip will lead to an efficient furnace? Some furnaces just need professional craftsmanship to really be at peak condition. If you’re noticing that nothing is working, call a professional and schedule heater maintenance today!

For expert maintenance or repairs, give our professional team a call at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

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

Unfortunately, the water that runs through our taps is quite susceptible to contaminants, and although many of these contaminants aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can have quite a big impact on overall taste and quality. Of course, then, it’s no wonder why so many homeowners choose to install water filtration systems.

Installing a water filtration system in Orlando is a great way to eliminate a number of chemicals, particulates, and biological pollutants that can make their way into your plumbing system. Interested? Keep reading to find out more!

A Water Filtration System is a Good Idea!

Installing a home water filtration system is one of the best ways to ensure that your water is clean and safe. There is always a chance that your city’s water treatment plant is unable to remove all of the contaminants from the water supply entering your home. Plus, your individual circumstances and environmental surroundings can all impact the quality of your drinking water. The only way to ensure that you’re drinking clean water is with a water filtration system.

Signs You Could Benefit From a Water Filter

There are a number of signs that suggest your home could benefit from a water filtration system. These signs include:

• Foul taste or odors: If your water begins to taste or smell funny, it could be that there are contaminants in the water supply.
• Discoloration: Your water shouldn’t be anything but clear, so if you notice that your water is discolored, it’s likely time to contact a professional.
• Particulate Matter: Any noticeable sediment or particulates found in the water supply shouldn’t be ignored.

If you notice that your water is not quite as tasty or clear as you’d like it to be, don’t hesitate to inquire about installing a water filtration system in your home!

How to Get One

If you are interested in having a water filtration system installed in your home, do not hesitate to call in a certified professional plumber for help. First and foremost, your plumber will conduct a water test to determine exactly which contaminants are troubling your plumbing system. After the test results come back, your plumber will be able to determine which water treatment system is right for you!

A Job for Professionals Only!

Installing a water treatment system is a big job, so of course, you want to make sure that it is done correctly. The best way to do that is by hiring a professional for your services. Trust us, only a professional has the tools, expertise, and training to safely and correctly install your new water treatment system, the first time around.

There may be plenty of amateurs willing to provide 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. See, when it comes to your comfort and your budget, you don’t want to take any risks!

Schedule your plumbing services with the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Proudly Serving Central Florida Since 1975. 

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

Plumbing repairs are something nobody wants to deal with. And yet, many homeowners are damaging their plumbing on a daily basis, thereby dooming themselves to eventual problems. Of course, most of them don’t realize that what they’re doing is detrimental to their plumbing—and you might be making the exact same mistakes. Keep reading to find out the common mistakes people make that damages their plumbing systems that might require emergency plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA.

Flushing Foreign Objects

Unfortunately, toddlers aren’t the only ones who flush things that they shouldn’t. While most adults aren’t trying to send their G.I. Joes down the toilet, many do overestimate what kinds of things their toilets can handle. Ultimately, if it’s not body waste or toilet paper, it should not be put down the toilet. This means you should not be flushing any of the following:

• Paper towels
• Baby wipes
• Cleaning wipes
• Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products
• Food
• Kitty litter

Odds are that you’ve flushed more than one of these in your lifetime, and if you’re still flushing them, you should stop. While these products may have gone down the drain before, it’s only a matter of time before they block up a pipe and you encounter plumbing issues.

Overusing the Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is another part of home plumbing that many individuals overestimate. While your garbage disposal may seem to magically eat up clogs, that doesn’t make it an infinite disposal site for food waste. In fact, there are certain foods that should never go into your garbage disposal at all, including flour, rice, fruit and vegetable peelings, bones, and potatoes.

These foods easily clog up the blender as well as the drain in your sink. Make sure these foods are tossed in the garbage can. Better yet, toss as much of your food waste in the garbage as possible. Scrape your plate into the trash before putting it in the sink to minimize the odds of a clogged pipe or broken garbage disposal.

Using Drain Cleaner

While the name might make you think drain cleaners are great for your pipes, they’re really not. Most drain cleaners do more harm than good; they can corrode your pipes, which will lead to more severe clogs down the road. The next time you get a clog, try using a drain-cleaning tool or plunger instead, and get rid of that damaging drain cleaner.

The things that you put into your drains can have a major impact on your plumbing’s life span. If you continue to abuse and misuse your plumbing, it will break down eventually, so do yourself a favor and stop making these common mistakes.

If your plumbing is giving your major troubles, you can contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for emergency plumbing repair service in Pittsburgh, PA, any time of the day or night. Call 413-273-1000 for 24/7 emergency service.

The post Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Plumbing System appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Staying warm indoors has been a big concern for centuries. Initially, people used wood-burning appliances like a fireplace or cast iron stove to heat their homes. With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s and early 1800s, things gradually started to change.

While wood-burning appliances were still very popular, the advances in production methods, science, and technology were slowly paving the way for new home heating options. One of the first new options was the radiator.

Radiators circulated heated water through a series of closely wound pipes that released heat into the room. The water was then returned back to the heat source, where the water was reheated and then recirculated back into the system. Typically, in the 1800s, the heat source was wood or coal burned underneath a water tank to heat the water, similar to how tank-type water heaters work today.

Another new option was the Bunsen burner. This burner burned natural gas, propane, or oil. It was able to release heat without the risk of ash or soot. However, the burner did release various gases that were not safe to breathe, so the use of Bunsen burners for heat was rather limited. Yet, it could be safely used to heat the water for radiators.

The Introduction of Coal Furnaces

People also started using coal furnaces to heat their homes. The furnace was vented outside, much like a fireplace, to release soot and ash. The heat was directed into the home from the furnace using ductwork in the floor directly above the furnace.

Yet, forcing the heat through the ductwork was still an issue, as electricity was still not readily available. As such, the use of coal furnaces for heating homes was not that widespread and people continued to rely upon other methods to stay warm.

Enter Electricity

The advances in electricity in the late 1800s started to pave the way for more advancements in heating. In the early 1900s, the first heating elements were invented that converted electricity into heat. These heating elements would become the first electric heaters and, eventually, electric furnaces.

Another advance thanks to electricity was the invention of electric blower motors. The blower motors could be installed onto coal furnaces to force the hot air out of the ductwork and into the rooms of the home. This made it possible to not only heat lower floors but upper floors too.

By the 1940s, homes were purchasing and installing coal wall furnaces and retrofitting their homes with ductwork. The first forced-air coal furnace had been invented some 20 years earlier but had not been perfected until the mid-1920s.

Manually Operated Furnaces

Coal shortages during WWI paved the way for natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces to be invented. These early furnaces were all manually operated. This meant that someone would have to go turn the furnace on, adjust the dampers, and open and close the vents to direct heated air from the furnace into the home.

Once the home was sufficiently heated, someone would have to go turn the furnace off. With coal furnaces, the coal could be left to smolder and then be stoked, with more added to the furnace to get the fire burning again.

Thermostats Are Introduced

Furnace development changed again after the invention of the first electric thermostat in the late 1800s. However, the first thermostat was nothing like today’s thermostats. All it did was ring a bell to let someone know they needed to adjust the damper on the furnace!

Advances in thermostats also started to occur during WWI. With coal shortages, people needed a way to control when the coal burned. The first residential thermostat was a wind-up electric model that lit the coal and allowed it to burn until the clock ran down. Then it would close the damper so the coal would go out.

The first thermostats for oil furnaces helped advance the sales of oil furnaces in the 1920s. Propane and natural gas furnaces also saw advancements, thanks to new thermostats. Yet, major progress was not made until much later, as homes were not piped with natural gas or propane lines just yet.

Rural and Urban Heating Styles

By the 1950s, homes were being heated using coal, oil, propane, or natural gas. Coal, oil, and propane were all popular options in rural areas where homeowners did not have access to natural gas lines through a gas company. In cities, natural gas heating was growing in popularity because it meant homeowners no longer needed to have a storage tank for oil or propane or a storage area in the basement for coal.

Central Heating and Cooling and Higher Efficiencies

Up until the 1970s, furnaces could only heat the home. The use of central heating and cooling systems was not yet popular. Places in the south, including parts of Texas, did not even have furnaces because the weather never got cold enough to justify installing a furnace. Rather, people in warmer climates relied on wood-burning stoves and fireplaces to heat their homes.

Then, in the late 1970s after the oil crisis, the federal government started to demand that furnaces provide higher efficiency ratings as a means to help conserve oil, propane, and natural gas. This led to the invention of multi-speed electric blower motors that did not require the use of a fan belt. The motor was connected directly to the fan.

People were not too happy about the change, at first, because the new furnaces were loud and noisy. Yet, they gradually adjusted to the added noise the newer blower motors made when the furnace ran.

Around the 1970s is also when air conditioning systems started to become more popular and in demand. The increase in demand resulted in the first central heating and cooling systems to be created. These systems shared the same blower motor and ductwork, much like today’s central split systems.

Computer-Based and Digitized Systems and Other New Advances

As computer-based technologies advanced in the 1980s, they were gradually adopted for use in heating and cooling systems. By the 1990s, the first digital thermostats started to appear on the market, which helped improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.

A new type of furnace was also invented that allowed for it to be mounted on an outside wall, using PVC pipes. This new furnace addressed the noise issue homeowners disliked. Other advances in technologies led to even more efficient furnaces and air conditions systems, including:

• Multi-Stage Functioning: Furnaces and AC systems started to offer multiple stages of functioning based on the demand. When a little amount of heat or cool air is needed, the system operates at a lower level and at a higher level when a large amount of heat or cool air is required.
• Variable-Speed Motors: To accompany multi-stage functioning, variable-speed motors were added. The speed of the motors changes based on how the system is operating to help deliver the right mix of heated or cooled air into the home while also helping reduce the appearance of cold and hot spots.
• Delayed Started Blower Motors: These blower motors do not turn on right away when the furnace or AC kicks on. Instead, they wait a short period to allow the heated or cooled air to enter the ductwork. This way, you are not hit with a blast of cold or hot air coming out of the air vents.
• Smart Thermostats: These thermostats are an improvement over the digital ones from the 1990s. They offer complete control of the heating and cooling system using your smartphone or tablet.
• Energy-Efficient Furnaces: Energy efficiency in furnaces has continued to improve and increase since the 1970s when the federal government started to demand better efficiency. A furnace from the later 1970s or early 1980s only has an efficiency of around 60 to 65% compared to 97-98% efficiency in a new furnace today!
• Ductless Heating and Cooling: Homes no longer need ducts to stay warm or cold. Ductless systems provide even greater flexibility in deciding what temperature to keep each room in the home.

As you can see, furnaces have come a long way over the past 200+ years. If you are looking to save money on your heating costs this winter, it may be time for new furnace installation in Houston from MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning.

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it is highly recommended you consider investing in a new energy-efficient model. If it is less than 15 years old, it is still a good idea to schedule heater and furnace repair and maintenance service.

Regular maintenance ensures your furnace is operating optimally and as efficiently as it can. To schedule heating services in Houston and Katy, please feel free to call MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698 today!

Our heating and cooling experts are happy to examine your current system and offer sound advice to help you decide if now is the right time for new furnace installation in Houston.

The post How Have Furnaces Changed Over the Years? appeared first on Met Plumbing.

Do you have to take a few minutes standing in the shower to allow time for the water to heat? You wouldn’t want to imagine the day you’ll wake up and realize it’s no longer working.

Water heaters have a lifespan of 10 – 15 years before they can get replaced. Fortunately, if you’re keen enough, you can tell when it’s about to fail. Discussed are four telltale signs your heater is about to fail;

Rumbling or Popping Sounds

Strange noises as if the sound of popcorn cooking are a good indicator your heater is failing. As the hard water heats, mineral sludge accumulates at the bottom of the water tank insulating the water tank from the burner.

The popping sounds you can hear result when the mineral deposits get incredibly heated and flashes of into steam. In the process of heating the water and the sludge, the heater becomes overworked. Worse still, the slurry may stress the tank to the extent that it cracks and begins to leak. When it gets to that point, you need the services of a professional to replace the water heater.

Water around the Base of the Heater

If you spot water nearby, the leakage might be resulting from two places. First, the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve may be releasing excess steam, which then condenses into water and leaves down the pipe. That’s perfectly normal. If the water is excess, be sure to call a professional plumber.

The second possibility is a water leakage from the tank into the water heater. If the leak is around the base of the heater, that’s an indication the heater is leaking internally. Hairline cracks inside the water heater tank that come from the expansion and contraction of the water tank as it heats and cools could be the culprit.

In such a scenario, you’d need a professional, highly-trained, and licensed plumber to replace the water heater.

Cloudy, Bad Odor or Metallic Tasting Water

If you note any of these indicators, your water heater will be failing soon. They result from the build-up of excessive mineral sludge that comes from hard heating water. Your plumber can install anode rods capable of attracting the corrosive minerals in the water thereby reducing the possibility of eroding the heater lining and experiencing the foul smell.

Professional Plumbing Services for Businesses & Homes in Florida

A to Z Statewide Plumbing is among the leading plumbing companies serving businesses and homes in Florida. We’ve been in business since 1981 and do anything from replacing a faucet to re-piping entire buildings. We have licensed, insured, drug-tested, and passionate technicians who offer nothing short of exemplary plumbing services. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experiencing problems with your water heater or any other issues? Call us 24/7 at 954-981-2133 to book our services.

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

There may come a time when you are faced with a true disaster: You got to go, but there’s no where to do business. This is what’s called a SHTF scenario, where there’s no running water, no electric, and no way to get to a toilet. Though it’s a messy situation to plan for, knowing that you have an emergency toilet option ready to go can give you peace of mind.

 

Here are some emergency toilet for when plumbing fails:

 

Latrines and Catholes

Here are two quick options for relieving yourself in an emergency situation. Of course, there are dozens of reasons why you might be unable to go outside to dig a hole; but if you can and must, a cathole or a latrine trench is good for short-term disasters.

 

Catholes are as the name implies. You simply dig a hole about 12-15 centimeters deep. Squat, do your thing, cover it, and move on. Latrine trenches are just an upgraded version of a cat-hole and are often longer, wider, and can hold more.

 

These options aren’t very sanitary or environmentally-friendly, though. You can’t count on them for too long.

 

Composting Toilets

A self-contained compost toilet is a great option for two reasons. One, it can save you during a crappy situation, and it is also excellent for off-the-grid sanitation. However, these units can be rather expensive to purchase, and while you can build one yourself, even the materials needed for construction are pricey.

 

Compost toilets also need to be placed somewhere with adequate ventilation. So, you wouldn’t be able to put a compost toilet in, let’s say, a bomb shelter or bunker.

 

Camping Toilets

For a short-term catastrophe, like getting snowed in and having burst pipes, you can have a camping toilet or portable commode available. It’s better than having to go outside, and it helps keep your space clean.

 

Of course, the downside to this is that the waste is all going in one place, it is bound to smell, and the reservoir is small, so it will fill rapidly.

 

Relevant: Why Does The Toilet Whistle After Flushing?

Twin Bucket Toilets

Just as the name states, the twin bucket method means taking two compost buckets and separating your waste accordingly. While using a bucket to relieve yourself might take some getting used to, it is the best method for long-term SHTF scenarios and is much cleaner than a camping toilet. Not only are buckets easy to come by, but they hold a lot.

 

Why The Twin Bucket Works Best

Separating urine and feces has some benefits. Urine can be used as a fertilizer, and it is easy to dispose of. All you need are two 5-gallon compost buckets with lids. You should line the buckets with vinyl bags—the thicker, the better. Always line the poo bucket. Feminine hygiene products should also be disposed of in the one designated for feces.

 

No one wants to think about what would happen if toilets suddenly stopped working, but it is best to be prepared than be caught with your pants down. Literally. Now that you know your options for emergency toilets, it’s time to stockpile some vinyl bags and buckets! 

The post Emergency Toilet Options For When Plumbing Fails appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

Most people would love to have a personal plumber or some plumbing skills to tackle whatever pipe-related problems come their way. This year, why not make it a resolution to learn some DIY? Even if you aren’t experienced with handling tools, these plumbing hacks are bound to save you both time and money.

 

Let’s get started. 

 

No Plunger? No Problem!

When the toilet is clogged, most people reach for a nifty tool called the plunger. But what if you’re visiting someone’s house or are at a party? No one wants to deal with that embarrassment.

 

Here’s how you unclog a toilet without a plunger:

 

• Step 1: Stop the flow of water. This means closing the flapper by opening the water tank at the back of the toilet and make sure the plug connected to the chain is in place.
• Step 2: Find something to hold water, like a cup. Fill it with hot water—the hotter, the more effective.
• Step 3: Pour the hot water into the toilet. Heat can help break up whatever is clogging the toilet. Wait a few minutes to see if it works.
• Step 4: If the first round of hot water doesn’t work, add some more. You can also add soap or shampoo and/or baking soda to the mixture to help breakdown the clog.

 

Stop Dripping Faucets

Although dripping faucets often require some work to repair, you can use this temporary solution to quiet the sound. Tie a piece of string around the faucet. It should be long enough to reach the drain. The droplets will soak into the string and run down the length of it, right to the drain, preventing that annoying drip-drip-drip.

 

In the meantime, schedule an appointment with your local plumber to get the leaky faucet fixed.

 

Stopping Flushing Dollars

If you want to save some water, put a 20-ounce plastic bottle in the corner of the toilet’s water tank. This causes displacement in the tank that allows for less water to be used. You want the bottle to sink and stay in place—never let it float freely. Also, make sure the bottle isn’t in the way of any mechanisms. Another option is to switch to an efficiency flapper.

 

Unclogging The Sink

Sometimes, the kitchen sink swallows more than it bargained for, like food scraps, grease, and oils. You can remove the clog by taking ¼ cup of dish detergent, preferably blue Dawn, down the drain. Let the detergent sit for about 20 minutes before washing it down with boiling hot water. The detergent works to emulsify grease, and the boiling water will soften and wash it away.

 

You can also use a mixture of distilled vinegar and baking soda to break up clogs. Use either method over chemicals, since those can corrode your pipes and make matters worse.

 

What’s Lost Is Found

Have a kid that loves flushing toys down the toilet? Or maybe you dropped a precious ring by accident? Don’t use a plunger. Grab a wet/dry vacuum instead. Before switching on the vacuum, remove the filter. Then, place the hose against the drain of the toilet and turn it on. You should be able to hear the object or even feel it get sucked into the vacuum. If the object is tiny, try a crevice attachment, since that will make it easier to pick up smaller things.

 

Plumbing problems don’t always require a plumber, especially when you are dealing with accidents or common issues like a congested toilet. Keep these tips in mind, so the next time you are caught unaware by ominous gurgling or dripping, you’ll be prepared.

The post DIY Plumbing Tricks in 2020 To Save Time & Money appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

When you move into a new home, you may find yourself rapidly accumulating tools for various household projects. Even the least handy homeowners usually have a few screwdrivers or hammers to tend to minor issues. Maintaining your home’s plumbing, however, can be a little more complicated due to the variety of specialized tools required. While you may not plan on replacing your toilet flapper, fixtures, or sink drains, it’s good to have a variety of plumbing tools on hand so you can deal with minor issues that may not be serious enough to require a professional plumber. Read More

Nobody wants to go through the trouble of replacing an old water heater. It’s a big project and costly, so homeowners will often settle for poor performance from an ancient water heater and high heating costs rather than take the step of calling a professional to install a new one.

But if you have an old water heater that can’t guarantee you hot showers and costs far more to run than it once did, it’s much better to say goodbye to it and have a fresh start with a reliable and energy-efficient new system.

The big question is “When is a water heater too old?” Let’s take a closer look at the answers. (Yes, there’s more than one.)

The Age When Failures Start to Set In

The first five years of a water heater’s service life should have zero repair problems, unless the unit has a factory fault, which the warranty will cover. The system must have regular maintenance throughout this period to keep the water heater in the best shape. Not maintaining the water heater will increase the chance of repair, and it will also void the warranty.

After the first five years, the chance of a malfunction starts to climb. At 12 years or more, 75% of water heaters will have needed repairs due to a failure. After 15 years is the point where we recommend you start paying close attention to the water heater’s performance in all aspects: cost to run, water temperature, volume of hot water, and any noises from the tank. After 20 years of service, it’s time for a new water heater—you’ve gotten a great return on the initial investment, and you’re ready to begin reaping the benefits of a new, higher efficiency system.

Finding Your Water Heater’s Age

You may not have installed your current water heater and aren’t sure how old it is. No worries, this isn’t difficult to find out. All water heaters come with a manufacturer’s rating plate on them with their stats. On some of these plates, you find a manufacture date listed. Easy. On other models, the manufacture date will be in the first four digits of the serial number as “month/year.” If you can’t determine the manufacture date from the serial number, you can decode it online. Go to the manufacturer’s website and put in the serial number and you’ll receive the manufacture date.

Warnings Signs Are Warning Signs, Regardless of Age

The age of the water heater is irrelevant if the unit is showing major signs it’s failing. If the water heater is still under warranty, call for repairs for it when you notice these troubles. Otherwise, you probably will need to call our plumbers to have a new one put in.

• A steep rise in the cost to run the water heater that hasn’t gone down from repairs.
• Hot water is unreliable and people are going without hot showers in the morning.
• There is a rusty discoloration in the hot water around the house.
• Corrosion appears along the tank.
• The tank is leaking from cracks.

When it comes to water heaters in Glendale, AZ, we’re the experts you can trust. It’s right in our name!

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale and the surrounding areas. Call us if you have any questions regarding replacing a water heater.

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

At some point, nearly every homeowner will have a plumbing emergency. The good news is that when you’re prepared, the situation doesn’t have to get out of control. Getting professional plumbing repair service fast is always your best defense against water damage and other problems related to bad plumbing. Knowing when to call for 24-hour emergency plumbing in Pittsburgh, PA, and how to handle problems while you wait for help to arrive is crucial.

Whether you have an overflowing toilet, a soggy ceiling, or several inches of water on your floor, you need to know the right steps to take to protect your home. Keep reading to learn how to protect your home during a plumbing emergency.

Don’t Panic

The calmer you are, the better decisions you’ll make. In this post, you’ll learn the steps you need to take to handle all plumbing problems, but these suggestions never take the place of professional expertise. That’s why the #1 way to protect your home during a plumbing emergency is to know who to call. Have a number on hand to an emergency plumbing service near you.

Turn Off the Water

When water is spewing out of pipes or overflowing from sinks or toilets, you need to turn the water off as fast as possible. For sinks and toilets, look for the water shut-off valve near the fixture. Bigger emergencies will require that you shut the water off coming into the house. Do this by turning the main water valve clockwise. The main water valve can be found in the basement or utility room or wherever the main water line enters your home.

Open Faucets and Spigots

After turning the water off to your home, there could be water trapped in faucets and spigots. Plumbing professionals recommend that homeowners open the faucets and spigots to release any water being held in the pipes. Make sure to open outside spigots too.

Stop Small Leaks

While you wait for the plumber to arrive, you can temporary fix small leaks. This can be done using duct tape, plumber’s tape, or plumber’s putty. Most people don’t have plumber’s putty on hand, but it’s a great item to have in your emergency toolbox.

After the water has been turned off, dry the pipe and apply the tape. Don’t turn on the water again until the plumber arrives.

Keep the Area Clear

Some plumbing emergencies flood parts of the home. If you have a situation like this, keep the area clear. Don’t let pets, children, or other family members near the area. The water could be gray or black water and contain hazardous material.

Never hesitate to call for 24-hour emergency plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA. The sooner a plumber arrives, the faster you can get back to your day. For affordable plumbing service when you’re facing an emergency, call Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000.

The post Things That You Should Do in a Plumbing Emergency appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.