Frequently Asked Questions

Give your plumber a call right away. When water heaters leak, it’s a sign that the bottom of the tank has rusted and the system needs to be replaced.

As the hard water moves through the water softener, it passes through resin that is charged with sodium ions. These sodium ions attract hard water ions.

When the water reaches the bottom of the tank, it’s softened and ready for use.

A study by the University of Wisconsin showed that discharge from water softeners had no adverse effects and did not interfere with soil percolation.

The study indicated that the presence of calcium and magnesium balances the effect of sodium.

Hard water results from high mineral content from compounds like magnesium and calcium.

They aren’t hazardous to your health, but softening your water has many benefits, including cleaner dishes, clothes, hair, and more.

You’ll also use about half the amount of soap in dishwashers, washing machines, and while bathing and cleaning. You will notice that your fabrics are softer and last longer.

Iron in the water oxidizes when exposed to air. This causes rust-colored stains on showers, sinks, bathtubs, faucets, and clothing.

You should have a sump pump if part of your home’s structure is below ground level, such as a basement, cellar, or crawl space.

If water enters your home due to rain, flooding, or a faulty sprinkler, it naturally flows to the structure’s lowest point. A sump pump is situated so that the water flows into its tank, where it remains until it’s automatically pumped away from your home’s foundation.

Most sump pumps hold between 15 and 25 gallons of water and are available in pedestal and submersible models. A pedestal sump pump is easier to service, while submersible sump pumps are less noticeable.

Inspect the plumbing pipes periodically to look for rust or lime deposits, which can indicate the beginning of a leak.

When you notice a small problem, call a trusted plumber to inspect your system and repair any leaks.

You don’t want to wait, as leaks can quickly become a bigger problem, causing damage to your walls, flooring, furniture, and other belongings.

A variety of factors can cause faucets to drip, such as high water pressure, hard water, or sediment and debris buildup.

Faucets have internal parts that may need to be repaired or replaced.

You can help prevent problems by gently turning faucets, installing a filter or water softener, and keeping your water pressure at 80 psi or below.

First, you need to determine the cause.

Low water pressure can be caused by shut-off valves being partially closed or malfunctioning, a crimped water line, deposits in older plumbing pipes, and clogged faucets.

Other causes include a problem with the water lines, bad well pumps, or an undetected leak.

An experienced plumber can locate the source of the problem and explain your repair options.

Always run cold water when grinding food to help move the food waste into the drain lines.

Generally, most biodegradable food waste can be put in a garbage disposal.

Don’t use them for corn husks, clam or oyster shells, food with high fiber content, or non-food objects made of metal, glass, or plastic.

Odors can be caused by food or grease in the disposal. You can use ice cubes, lemon peels, or orange peels in the disposal.

Run the disposal for 20 seconds and then flush it with water for another 45 seconds to eliminate bad odors.

When there are cracks in the tank or bowl, seals have deteriorated, or the old fixture was not installed correctly, it may not function as it should.

Newer toilets conform to standards for water usage by using no more than 1.6 gallons to flush, so you can save money on your water bills and conserve water.

Begin by turning off the main water supply to your sprinkler system.

Drain the system using an air compressor and evacuate the water. Using the right amount of pressure is important, as too much can damage the system, and too little won’t evacuate all the water.

You want to get the water out to prevent freezing in the winter. With the right equipment, you can winterize your sprinklers yourself.

Kitchen and bathroom drains may become clogged when people aren’t careful about what goes down them. Food particles, grease, and other items get stuck in kitchen plumbing.

In the bathroom, hair, residue from soaps and shampoos, and small objects put into the drains by children often cause clogs.

Slow drains have partial clogs that eventually allow sink, bathtub, or shower water to drain away. When a drain is completely clogged, water sits in the or overflows from these fixtures.

Slow and clogged drains can each be a sign of bigger problems, including a broken sewage pump, root infiltration, or a broken sewer pipe.

If you’ve tried DIY remedies, but the problem persists, it’s time to call a qualified plumber with the proper tools and methods to better diagnose the cause, including video camera inspections.

There are some steps you can take to unclog a drain. For instance, if you’re dealing with a minor sink or toilet clog, you can probably quickly clear it with a plunger.

Mixing baking soda and vinegar is another DIY remedy that can help clear away mild clogs.

Sometimes a drain snake or auger is needed for more stubborn clogs, but homeowners must exercise caution when using these tools, as they can damage your drain pipes if used incorrectly.

Professional plumbers agree that chemical drain cleaners shouldn’t be used to clear clogs, as they can damage your pipes. If you cannot remove a clog after a few attempts, it’s best to turn the job over to a licensed plumber to ensure proper drain clearing.

Trenchless technology allows your plumber to replace your existing sewer line without digging trenches around the pipes.

Trenchless sewer line replacement is typically faster, less invasive, and less costly than traditional sewer line replacement because there’s less property damage to clean up.

Due to the complicated nature of the components of HVAC systems, a certified technician should handle all heating and air conditioning repairs. There are a few basic things that you can try before calling for service.

• Check for a flipped circuit breaker.
• Check the filters to be sure they are clean.
• Check the thermostat batteries.
• Be sure the thermostat is set to heat or cool with the fan on auto.
• Make sure the supply and return vents aren’t covered.

This depends on how much the system operates, the climate, and how often the system is running.

Check your filters each month and change them when needed. You can hold the used filter up to the light and compare it to the new one. When you hold up your old filter but can’t see the light filtering through, it should be replaced.

They should always be changed at the beginning of the heating or cooling season and then as needed.

Proper filtration prevents dirt and dust from building up in your system. A high-efficiency filter removes more dust and particles from the air. This offers benefits for performance, efficiency, and indoor air quality.

A well-maintained air conditioner and heating system reduces energy consumption, reduces repair costs, prevents unexpected equipment breakdown, and may extend the system’s life.

Failing to maintain your equipment will result in a decline in performance and may shorten the life span of your equipment.

• Consider replacing old, inefficient equipment with newer high-efficiency air conditioners, heat pumps, mini-splits, and/or furnaces.
• Schedule annual HVAC maintenance.
• Add insulation.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Make sure furniture, window treatments, or other objects do not block vents.
• Install ceiling fans to maintain a comfortable temperature and increase energy efficiency throughout the year.

It may be time for heating and air conditioning replacement if your system is old, frequently in need of repair, has poor energy efficiency, or your home is not as comfortable as you would like.

Newer systems have far greater comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency.

Your HVAC technician can provide a heating and cooling calculation for your home.

This includes calculating the size of the equipment and factoring in any comfort issues that need to be corrected, such as uneven temperatures in different areas of the home.

Considerations include budget parameters, system efficiency, and any monthly savings offered by improvements in energy efficiency.

When the indoor and outdoor components of an air conditioner or heat pump are correctly matched, the system will provide optimal performance, maintain proper cycle times and humidity levels, and keep all areas of your home comfortable.

In addition, a matched system offers better energy efficiency. When a high-efficiency system is properly matched to your home based on a load calculation, you will enjoy the right level of warmth and cooling and keep utility costs under control.

Generally, the coil should be replaced when it is causing problems, or you are replacing your heat pump or air conditioner.

The efficiency rating of a heat pump or air conditioner is based on a matched system, so changing only the outdoor portion would reduce the efficiency and cost savings.

An air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump needs to be correctly sized to the home. If the system is too large for the home, you will likely have a problem with short-cycling. This results in higher levels of humidity and decreased energy efficiency.

Short-cycling means the unit starts and stops more often, which increases energy consumption and wears down equipment faster, so your system may not last as long.

You need to routinely clean, inspect, and repair your system to maximize the life span of the equipment.

When a qualified technician provides routine maintenance, most HVAC systems should last between 10 and 15 years.

Humidity levels can be reduced with a variable-speed furnace or air handler.

Variable speed furnaces and air handlers run longer, at lower speeds, and remove more moisture from the air, as it is constantly circulating.

In colder months, the humidity level can be increased by installing a humidifier. When the system has a variable speed motor, the fans move the air constantly to keep the humidity level comfortable.

High-efficiency air cleaning systems can remove up to 99% of pollen, spores, viruses, and other particles in the air.

These systems reduce the amount of dust, dirt, odors, smoke, and other contaminants, leaving your air cleaner and reducing allergy symptoms.

If you have a problem with dry indoor air, you can install a whole-house humidifier to the air cleaner to improve the humidity levels and reduce dry, itchy skin, static electricity, and prevent damage to wood floors and furnishings.