Plumbing and Heating FAQs
What can I do about a sewer line blockage? Is the blockage backing up into your home? If so, every time someone uses water it could flood that area. It may be best to just to turn the water off at your home until the problem is solved. Clearing a main sewer line is beyond the capabilities of most homeowners. If you suspect that is the problem, it’s a good idea to call a plumber. Once the blockage is cleared, we recommend that you have the sewer line camera inspected. Mainlines clog for a reason. Knowing the cause can save you money and fewer problems in the long run.
Why doesn’t my old water heater work as well as it used to? Typically water heaters are out of site and out of mind, and regular maintenance that could indicate a problem gets overlooked. Over time, sediment build up can reduce heat transfer and affect the longevity of the tank. There are other factors on a gas or propane water heater that affect performance. Most involve special tools to check, including gas pressure, all the safeties, air intake, and combustion.
What should I do if there is a major leak in my home? Be prepared! Know how to shut the water and gas off to your home in an emergency. If you’re not sure how or where to shut off these valves call us. Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating offers a free service called “ID For Free” to homeowners. One of our techs will come out at no charge to tag emergency shut off valves and show you how to turn them off in an emergency.
How can I reduce my water usage? Unrepaired drips and leaks are big water wasters. If your meter is moving when no water is running, you have a leak. Check toilets and dripping faucets. If leaks aren’t obvious you may need to call a professional. Two water saving options are Low Flush Toilets, and Recirculation Systems that reduce the water wasted while your shower is heating up.
What do I need to know about Tankless Water Heaters? Tankless Water Heaters work great if you take the following steps: 1) Have the unit professionally installed 2) Choose a top of the line, reputable brand 3) Plan ahead. The last thing you want is to make a decision because you feel trapped. Tankless water heaters can be a great investment and can produce a new level of comfort and peace of mind when it comes to using hot water. Plan ahead of your emergency so your decision isn’t made in haste. For more about Tankless Water Heaters, read our Plumber Talk blog.
HVAC FAQ’s
Does my furnace have a pilot light? If so, what do I do when it goes out? Most of today’s furnaces have an ignition system to light the pilot, and many don’t even use a pilot. It is a safety hazard to attempt to light a furnace manually. If you think your furnace has a standing pilot, consult the manual for specific instructions to relight the pilot. If you cannot find the manual, or your furnace doesn’t have a standing pilot, or you just aren’t sure, don’t put your safety at risk! Schedule an appointment with our HVAC Technicians to diagnose the problem.
I’ve always used an electric furnace. Why should I switch to gas? You may not want to switch to gas. Though gas tends to have less energy cost to heat your home, a heat pump is even more efficient and can be added to an existing electric furnace or electric service without converting to gas or getting the gas company to set a meter in your home.
My furnace isn’t heating as well as it used to. What can I do? The first thing to do is check the filters. If they are clean, call a service technician. The problem might be some simple adjustments that a typical annual furnace maintenance would normally take care of. To optimize the efficiency of your HVAC equipment and maintain operation, and safety an annual maintenance is highly recommended.
Will a programmable thermostat help me even if I have an old furnace? Yes! Some furnaces have multiple stages and/or modulate various settings based on what a thermostat tells it to do. This can help optimize how your furnace works when pairing a furnace to the proper thermostat. Just upgrading to a basic programmable thermostat can result in energy savings. The trick is to use the programming functions.
What regular maintenance do heating and air conditioning systems need? For safety’s sake, longevity of equipment, fewer breakdowns, and better fuel/energy savings maintenance should be done annually. It’s recommended by every manufacturer, the EPA, and the Fire Department. Regular filter replacement (typically every 3-months) is a critical aspect of proper maintenance. If you have a fuel burning furnace you should check the expiration date, and test your carbon monoxide alarms before every heating season.