Marvin V. Kumar

It’s almost summer, and the need to turn your air conditioner on becomes important more than ever. 

But if your AC shows any of the following signs, you may just lose your cool (pun intended!). Take these as your cue to replace your air conditioner, and settle for a new and better unit.

Inconsistent Temperature

If your AC doesn’t cool or heat up as expected, its compressor might be damaged. Or, the unit may have low refrigerant settings. Once you’ve set up your desired temperature, the AC should give off cool air immediately. However, inconsistent temperature may mean that some elements are obstructing air flow.

Reduced Air Flow

Speaking of air flow, your AC shouldn’t be making guttural noises. A well-functioning AC does emit a low humming sound. But, guttural or even sputtering noises are tell-tale signs of trouble. They could mean that a fan isn’t working properly, or the interior mechanisms are clogged. While these could be solved by cleaning and simple troubleshooting, screeching or ticking sounds already means replacement is a must.

Unusual Odor

An AC emitting foul odor is another indication of a retirable unit. Either the ductwork is already moldy, or the insulation is badly damaged. Moldy units can cause respiratory diseases to your family, so you better replace the AC filter if it’s contaminated.

Frequent Repairs

It’s more practical to simply buy a new unit than have your AC repaired every time there’s something wrong with it. At least check its warranty. Ideally, AC units should function properly within a year; repairs should be rare. Once the warranty expires and you notice more problems in your unit, don’t think twice. Buy a new AC unit.

Short Cycle

AC units don’t switch off automatically unless you intend them to (i.e. you tweaked the settings). If your AC switches itself off more frequently than normal, or doesn’t start off instantly, it is possible that the unit has serious problems. Moreover, it may be a sign of short cycling, which when not promptly addressed, can permanently damage the unit.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

It is normal for energy consumption and billing to spike up during summer, when you need to turn the AC almost the entire day. But, in cases when you don’t use your unit that much, yet your bills have increased dramatically, then it’s time you investigate the cause. Your unit may be overworking, or the filters could be clogged.

Moisture Buildup

Moisture leak is a sign that the refrigerant also has a leak. Extra moisture will cause the unit to under perform. It is also a health risk as moisture attracts and becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

The thermostat serves as the command central for your AC unit. It is responsible for dictating how cool the air should be. A unit that doesn’t turn on (despite being switched on already), or working for a short period of time before it automatically shuts off, could mean that its thermostat is malfunctioning.

The moment you see these signs, contact an HVAC technician immediately, call the AC manufacturer for any assistance in the warranty, or drop your appliance center a visit for a new air conditioning unit.

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While it is great if your HVAC system can provide you with trouble-free heating and cooling forever, this may not be possible. Time will come when you will need to upgrade or replace your system.

Reasons for a New HVAC System Upgrade

Following are the top reasons you may need an HVAC system upgrade:

•   Your existing HVAC system is aging – On average, a new HVAC equipment can last anywhere from 15 – 20 years. If you have a system that is at least 10 years old, consider getting a replacement that is more energy-efficient. Units with ENERGY STAR labels can help cut your energy bills by as much as 20%. They are likewise less prone to repairs.

•   Your indoor air quality is poor – You need your HVAC system to cool and heat your home. If it doesn’t give you the warm and cool levels you need, then it isn’t serving its purpose anymore. Consider upgrading to a new system. Especially, if you need a system that offers other features like allergen filters, and air purifying and cleaning features, then get a replacement that comes with these features.

•   Your HVAC system requires frequent repairs – If you buy new parts for your unit often, then it might be better to get a new HVAC system. As your unit ages, it would require frequent repairs. In the long run, you may be spending more on energy bills and repairs compared to buying a replacement.

•   Your electricity bills are increasing – The older your unit, the more power it will need to warm or cool your home. This will result to higher energy bills. As soon as you notice your bills starting to rise, call an HVAC specialist to inspect your equipment. While the problem may be addressed by a simple repair, it may also be time for an upgrade.

•   You don’t feel comfortable in your home – If you can’t maintain a home temperature that is comfortable enough for you, this may be a sign of an HVAC problem. What you have may be of the wrong size. It may have also been improperly installed. An upgrade may be necessary, especially if your system is around 10 years old.

•   The unit makes a lot of noise – Unnecessary noise may be an indication of indoor coil problems. Never attempt to repair or replace parts on your own. Have a professional inspect your system. Experts will know if you need an upgrade.

•   There is no programmable thermostat – With a programmable thermostat, you can pre-set your home temperature based on the time of day. This will help reduce your energy consumption. If your system has provisions for a programmable thermostat, then have 1 installed right away. Otherwise, it may be time to upgrade your entire system.

Final Word

When your current HVAC system has already served its purpose, and is starting to show signs of deterioration, it may be time to upgrade to an entirely new system. This way, there will be less frequent repairs, and you will get everything you expect from a cooling and heating system.

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Bathroom and kitchen drains often get clogged because of frequent use. While we suggest to invoke an expert plumber to help you, there will be instances when the issue is very easy to fix, and you may unclog your drains DIY-style.

Unclogging Bathroom Tub and Sink Drains

The top cause of clogs in the toilet is the accumulation of hair, toothpaste, and soap scum. If you’re experiencing a clogged bathroom tub or sink, here’s the things you can do.

First, fill the basin with hot water. Then, unplug the drain. This will hopefully flush and clean out the drain. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you can try to set aside the clog physically if you, or to make the most out of snake for the job.
If the issue persists, call any local plumber. You could only make the problem worse if you insist on fixing the issue in your own.

Preventing Bathroom Tub and Sink Clogs

To ensure your bathroom drains don’t get clogged, run really hot water after brushing your teeth or taking a shower. The hot water will dissolve the mash-soluble ingredients as a part of your shampoo, soap, or toothpaste.
Should you sport long hair, you can buy a drain saver for your tub. It’ll catch longer hair, allowing you to lift them and throw away. This manner, nice hair won’t go the drain where it could cause clogging. Likewise, refrain from flushing coat down the drain using bathroom sink.

Unclogging Your Toilet

Keep in mind which human waste and toilet paper should happen your toilet drain. The rest could possibly be too huge, and non-biodegradable. They will quite surely fall apart as a part of your pipes. Should you have experienced a bathroom duplicate before, you understand how nasty the experience can be. A fast fix would be to plunge and snake the toilet. If the toilet remains clogged, then you know it is time to consult knowledgeable plumber.

Preventing Toilet Clogs

To stop toilet clogs, follow these simple tips:

• Make sure to flush only the things that are supposed to happen your toilet (human waste and tissue paper)
• Dump your nail clippings, hair, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, and cotton-tipped swabs. Don’t let them happen the toilet, and also sink and tub.

Unclogging Kitchen Drains

To unclog your kitchen drain, use dish detergent and heated water to take meals away and loosen the blockage. You can run very really hot water to melt the clog. Follow it with some grease-dissolving dish washing soap. If you still have a clog, attempt an internal plunger. Then, put dish soap and hot water into the pipes again.

Preventing Kitchen Clogs

Prevent clogging in your kitchen drain by avoiding grease from stepping into the pipes. When hot, grease may flow inside of pipe, however it will definitely grow to be solid when it cools down. This may then cause clogging. Should you need to eliminate grease, place it within the jar that you can throw away.

To forestall clog-causing solid food, you possibly can install a wire mesh filter on the kitchenette drain. This will keep solid food avoid your drains.

Final Word

Follow the information provided on this discuss unclog and prevent clogging in the home. If none among the solves the issue, it’s time to call knowledgeable for help.

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Small, slow leaks aren’t always obvious until extensive damage has been done. This is why it’s so important to regularly check for the subtle signs that you’ve got a leaky pipe.

As water pools in your ceiling, walls or floor, you’ll notice some signs. The quicker you notice them, the less damage you’ll have. Just remember, when you notice any of these signs, contact Buzz Plumbing to fix the leak.

1. Ceiling Stains

As water accumulates and absorbs into your ceiling, you’ll notice small stains. These grow as the water damage worsens. It’s important to pay close attention to the edges where the ceiling and wall meet. Depending on the severity of the leak, the color of the stain could be light or very dark. The darker the stain, the worse the potential damage might be.

2. Floor Problems

While you might not notice stains on your floor, you may notice the flooring feels different. A leaky pipe usually damages walls and ceilings first, so consider it an emergency if you notice the floor feels weak or spongy. If a floorboard or tile feels loose or creaks when it never has before, there could be a problem.

3. Peeling Wallpaper

When water starts to leak into walls, you’ll see your wallpaper peeling in places. The moisture causes the adhesive to weaken. Of course, older wallpaper may peel without any leak pipes. However, it’s a good idea to check behind the wallpaper for any moisture to ensure you don’t have a hidden leak.

4. Musty Smell

It doesn’t take long for water to start to smell. When it’s pooled in walls or in your ceiling, you may notice a musty smell. The stronger the smell, the worse the leak. While it might be temping to just cover the smell with an air freshener, contacting Buzz Plumbing ensures you get the leak fixed so you don’t have a musty smell in the future.

5. Wall Stains Or Damage

Finally, wall stains or buckled paint could indicate a leaky pipe. This is one of those subtle signs that may be difficult to find, especially if the damage appears behind wall hangings or furniture. Try to check at least every few weeks for signs of water damage.

First published here: 5 SUBTLE SIGNS YOU’VE GOT A LEAKY PIPE

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These basic plumbing tips for the beginner plumber make up an informative guide full of easy-to-follow steps. Hiring a professional plumber is usually the safest bet yet some of us might not have the budget to do so. If you’d like to save some money by attempting to solve some simple plumbing problems or maintenance issues yourself, simply follow these tips.

1. PVC and CPVC are two very different types of pipes

They might sound similar, but in fact are really different two types of pipes. And by not knowing which exact type of a pipe you need – you can end up getting a wrong one that will not work for you, they’re really not interchangeable. PVC and CPVC pipes differ in both the way they are measured and by the function they serve, and cannot replace each other:

• CPVC are usually used for hot water lines or for a dishwasher or a washing machine that usually operate on hot water. Unlike CPVC, PVC pipes on the other hand are the ones usually used for cold or regular water lines.
• In PVC pipes, it’s the diameter of the inside of the pipe that is measured, while with CPVC, it’s the outside diameter of the pipe that is measured. One easy trick for not getting a wrong pipe by not measuring it properly, is to bring a piece of the old one you need replaced with you to the store – the people working there will know which one you need.
• They need different products. For example, you need different glues for different kinds of pipe.

1. Before applying glue, you need to apply a primer

When you need to glue a pipe, it’s not only about knowing the type of pipe you’re gluing – you also need to remember that you need to apply a primer. And just like glues, the primer you choose also needs to correlate with the type of pipe you’re gluing.

1. Consider adding a shut-off valve

Even though it might sound like an extra step, you always want to consider adding a shut-off valve regardless of the area of your home you’re working on. This way, next time you’ll need to work in a given area of the house you can simply shut off the water for that area only and not for the entire home.

1. The most common plumbing problem is a leaky faucet

One of the most common plumbing problems is a leaky faucet and this is exactly why you should know that it’s easy to fix. A leaky faucet is usually caused by the wearing of an aerator, but can also mean that you need to replace a washer, rubber seal, or an o-ring, which is really easy to do and every beginner DIY-er can learn how to do it.

1. The problem with a running toilet is usually a flapper that needs to be replaced

It’s something you will definitely face sooner or later – a running toilet. That’s why you might want to know that it’s really easy to fix it. It is quite common for the cause to be a flapper that needs to be replaced. It’s a rubber part placed in the back of the toilet that is super cheap, easy to replace and easy to purchase in most hardware stores.

1. A shower drain must measure exactly 2” in diameter

It also needs to maintain this diameter all the way to the main line in order for it to be in regulatory compliance. When it comes to toilet drains though – they can come in different diameters ranging between 3”-4”. A good tip to keep in mind is that the longer, the better, since longer ones are less likely to have issues with clogs and back-ups.

1. Each toilet must have a vent pipe and a clean out

It’s required that you must have vent pipes along the exterior of the house for all toilets installed. One good rule to follow is that you need one per each toilet, unless some of them are really close to each other, thus able to connect to one vent pipe. Aside from a vent pipe, each toilet (or one for two toilets that are very close to each other) needs to have a clean out – this makes it accessible to plumbers.

1. Most sinks have P traps

A P trap is a removable pipe that is a common source of build-ups and clogs. By learning what a P trap is, you will be able to unclog a drain by simply removing it and cleaning it from dirt that caused the clog.

1. Lower water pressure is often related to one of 3 common reasons

If you’re experiencing a lower water pressure then it’s most probably because of one of these three things: a leaky faucet, clogged aerators or a blockage in pipes. Those are all really basic and easy to solve. You can do them by yourself without any professional help.

Conclusion

Knowing the most basic plumber tips and tricks will save you tons of time, energy, money and nerves. It will also help you stay away from any serious water damage in the house. Plus, it will make you feel good about being able to take care of your house (and pipes). Of course, some jobs will still need to be done by a professional, but there are the most basic little plumbing emergencies that you can face and solve by yourself.

Knowing the most basic plumber tips and tricks will save you tons of time, energy, money and nerves. It will also help you stay away from any serious water damage in the house. Plus, it will make you feel good about being able to take care of your house (and pipes). Of course, some jobs will still need to be done by a professional, but there are the most basic little plumbing emergencies that you can face and solve by yourself.

First published here: 9 Basic Plumber Tips For The Beginner