There is no way to guarantee that you won’t ever experience a plumbing issue with your home in Hatfield, PA, but we do have a few tips to offer that can help reduce the incidence of plumbing repair in your home. However, if you are in need of plumbing repair, make sure you call experts you can count on, like the ones at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Here are some of the ways you can reduce the amount of plumbing repairs in your home:
Carney All Seasons Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category
Ways to Avoid Plumbing Repair Issues
Monday, June 15th, 2015Stinky Puddles in the Yard? It May Be Time for Sewer Line Replacement
Monday, May 11th, 2015Your home’s plumbing system is pretty large and pretty complicated, but there are two main lines that make the whole system work: the main water line, which brings in the potable water, and the sewer (or septic) line that removes all the waste water. When there’s an issue with either of these lines, your plumbing system will develop problems. However, it can be challenging to know when something has gone wrong with either of these lines because they are buried under your yard. So if you have a sewer line problem, how are you going to know about it? Here are some tips from our Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling experts.
Signs Your Water Line Needs Replacement
Friday, March 6th, 2015All of the plumbing in your home is important to every day function, but there are two major plumbing lines that especially need to be fully functional at all times: your septic or sewer line and your main water line. Without a properly-working main water line, your home won’t get the clean, fresh water it needs, and without a functional septic or sewer line, your home’s wastewater will not be removed properly or safely. Today we’re going to talk about signs that can indicate your main water line in Jamison needs replacement and why it’s important to always hire trained professionals, like the ones at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling, to perform all work on your main water line.
Signs of Water Line Problems
Here are some of the more common signs that your main water line needs replacing:
Soggy Spots in the Yard
The water line coming into your home is buried in the ground, so if a leak or leaks have developed, the water will seep into the dirt and head toward the surface. The seeping will eventually create soggy areas and/or puddles around your yard.
Low Water Pressure
When problems develop with your main water line, the pressure inside the line can decrease significantly, which will present itself in your home as low water pressure. Typically all the faucets will display low water pressure when there’s a problem with the main water line, so if you are experiencing this, it’s time to call for an expert.
Discolored Water
Corrosion is one of the causes for a failing water line. If this is the case with yours, you may see a discoloration of your water due rust getting into the water flow. The discoloration would appear from all faucets and would be a part of both your hot and cold water.
Call for a Trained Expert
Water main replacement is a large job that requires adherence to local and state codes; additionally, it takes training and expertise to properly replace a water main line. These are the reasons why it’s so important to call for an expert should you need to replace your water line.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling experts have been providing comprehensive plumbing services since 1976, so if you suspect something is wrong with your water line, call us today!
When Is It Time to Schedule Drain Cleaning?
Friday, February 27th, 2015Nope, these aren’t the sounds of a tasty treat, they are the sounds a slow drain makes as it struggles to move your waste water from the drain to your outlet pipe. Many of us wait for these sounds to disappear, but unfortunately, they are usually the harbinger of an imminent clog. So what can you do? You can try some home remedies for the problem that may work if the build-up isn’t too bad: using the combination of white vinegar and baking soda in the drain, plunging or boiling water. But if none of these options work, it may be time to schedule drain cleaning in Montgomery City, PA.
Reasons to Schedule Drain Cleaning
Along with the above-listed sounds and slow drainage, there are some other signs that can indicate it’s time to call an expert to clean your drains:
- Multiple clogs/slow draining on the same plumbing line – if you are experiencing multiple clogs, or multiple drains that all have slow drainage, it is likely there is a clog deep in the main pipe that all these drains are connected to. Reaching deep problems in your plumbing can be challenging and should always be left to an expert.
- The same clog keeps happening – do you have one drain that won’t stop developing a clog, even after you’ve unclogged it several times? This is usually indicative of a clogging issue that hasn’t been completely resolved, but can be solved when you hire a trained expert.
- It’s time for annual plumbing maintenance – drain cleaning is a part of plumbing maintenance, so if you haven’t scheduled your plumbing system for maintenance in the last 12 months, call and schedule a drain cleaning appointment.
Can’t I Clean My Drains Myself?
We hear this question a lot, and the answer is: unless you have the training and expertise to use drain cleaning equipment, no, you shouldn’t clean your own drains. Likewise, using over-the-counter drain cleaners is not considered drain cleaning. For the best results and healthy, undamaged drains, call your plumbing professional for all drain cleaning work.
The plumbing experts at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling have been helping customers in the Montgomery City, PA area with their plumbing needs since 1976, so if you need drain cleaning or any other plumbing services, call us today!
What Is a Sump Pump?
Thursday, February 5th, 2015In your home, you may have never experienced a single problem with flooding before. But when a sudden flood does catch you off-guard, you may wish you had taken preventive action sooner. A flood can force you to spend thousands of dollars on repairs, mold remediation, seeking alternative shelter, and replacing lost items. But installing a sump pump keeps you from worrying about the unexpected costs of a flood, whether you’re no stranger to flooding or you’re just trying to protect yourself from future trouble.
For sump pumps or any other installations for your plumbing in Oreland, call on the professionals at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling.
Two types of sump pumps
A sump pump is a component that is typically installed in a basement or the lowest point in your home. These are recommended for homes in areas with low water tables, but they’re useful additions to nearly any home. If your basement begins to fill up with water, your sump pump should turn on and begin draining this water to the outdoors. And flooding may occur due to a storm or even if a neighbor’s pipe were to burst.
There are basically three major parts to a sump pump. There’s the pump that uses an impeller to pull in water. There’s the drainage system that allows it to drain to the outside. And then there’s the “sump” portion, the pit in which the pump is set. Sump pump installation should always involve a professional plumber to properly install the system, size it for your home, and to choose from the two types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal.
The difference between the two is in how the pump is set up. A submersible unit is set into the pump in a waterproof encasing. A pedestal pump perches above the sump instead. Your technician will select the sump pump based on the size and shape of the sump, but there are a couple of other considerations that may come into play as well. For example, while a submersible pump is usually safer for children and pets, a pedestal pump won’t need as many repairs.
Calling the experts at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling is a great way to ensure your new sump pump works properly, especially when you include sump pump maintenance as part of yearly maintenance for your plumbing in Oreland. Contact our team today!
How Long Will My Home’s Water Line Last?
Thursday, January 8th, 2015Having an older home or fixer-upper can be a very rewarding experience, but there is always a concern about the water lines coming into the home. Water lines are quite study, but they do age, and if you have a property that has been around since 1950 or before, you could be looking at a water line that needs replacing. Following are some average lifespans from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the different types of metals used for main water lines:
- Brass – 40-70 years
- Copper – 50 years
- Galvanized steel – 20-50 years
- Cast iron – 70-100 years
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – indefinite
- Lead – 100 years
So how do you know if your water pipe has blown? Here are some common signs:
- Yard puddling – water main lines run under the ground and directly into your home; if a leak has developed in the area of your yard, the ground surrounding the leak will become saturated and the water will rise to the surface, creating very soggy areas or puddles.
- Very high water bill – if you notice a sudden, big increase in your home’s water bill and haven’t increased your water usage, you may have a water main leak.
- Significant decrease in water pressure – have you noticed that all the faucets and showerheads seem to have a lot less pressure when the water comes out? A significant drop in pressure means a leak has developed somewhere, and if the water pressure loss is across the board, then it’s likely to be a problem with the main water line to your home.
- Water discoloration – are you noticing that your water has become brown, or that dirt is in it? This can indicate that soil is getting into your water from a break somewhere in the water line.
- Water around foundation of your home (slab) – if your home sits on a slab, and your main water line is embedded in the concrete of the slab, a leak can still develop. Because the pipe is encased, the leaking water may escape to the outside of the foundation, where it will puddle.
If you have concerns that the main water line to your home may be aging, or you think you may have a leak, call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today.
How Does a Submersible Well Pump Compare to Other Options?
Monday, November 17th, 2014Many homeowners get their water from their municipality, as water flows from a water main and into the supply lines that lead to the home. But according to the EPA, about 15% of people in the United States rely on private water wells instead. A lot of these homeowners are proud of their wells, as they don’t have to pay for an extra utility and they can control the water quality, never worrying about any chemicals added to the water without the homeowner’s consent.
When you choose a new pump for your water well, you generally have two major options, a submersible pump or a jet pump. Let’s take a look at why about 60% of homeowners rely on a submersible pump to deliver water to the home and provide adequate water pressure.
Submersible and Jet Pumps: How They Work
The majority of well users in the United States have a submersible pump. With this type of unit, the pump and the motor are installed several feet below the well to ensure water is always available. The motor operates a set of impellers, which push water out of the well and into the pipes. A jet pump, however, is not submerged in the well, though the equipment is located nearby, usually in a basement. These instead use pressure to create a vacuum that brings well water to the surface.
Advantages to Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are the most common types used for residential wells today, likely because they offer a key advantage. Submersible pumps tend to need fewer repairs because there is a low risk of pump cavitation, which occurs when sudden pressure changes (caused by the jet pump which pulls water in instead of pushing it to the surface) create a void in the pipes. Submersible pumps are also popular because they use less electricity than jet pumps.
The type of pump installed for your well will depend on your climate, elevation, and the size of your well, so it may be the case that a jet pump is actually better for your home.
Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to learn more about how professionals install both jet pumps and submersible well pumps in Warrington.
Ways to Tell You Need Water Line Replacement
Wednesday, August 20th, 2014Perhaps the most important part of your home’s plumbing is the water line. Your plumbing system is all about moving water from one place to another, but without the water line from the municipal supply you wouldn’t have any water in your plumbing at all.
Water lines are durable and should last for many decades. But sometimes they can wear down, corrode (especially for pipes made from older galvanized steel instead of copper), suffer damage, or have tree roots infiltrate and block them. Repairs can sometimes restore the water line, but there are situations when you should have the line replaced in whole or part.
Below are some of the signs to look for that it’s time to consider water line replacement in Lansdale, PA.
Call the dependable staff at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling when you need the work done; we can take care of it fast, and we’ll provide a free estimate for the replacement.
Signs you may need water line replacement
- Drop in water pressure: If the water pressure coming from all taps and fixtures shows a decline that you cannot explain, it may be due to a water line that is blocked or leaking. Make sure that it is not a municipal problem (see if a neighbor is encountering similar difficulties) and then call for plumbers to investigate.
- Discolored water: When a water line starts to corrode, it will change the color of the water from the taps to a rusty-brown, similar to what you might see when turning on a tap after a few weeks. This could also come from a municipal supply issue, but have a professional plumber look into it to see if the water line is at fault.
- Water coming up through the yard or sidewalk: Should a section of the water line break, a large amount of water will start to rise to the surface. This will result in damp areas and pools on your yard that don’t come from rain or sprinklers. Sometimes the water will start rising up through the sidewalk. Don’t hesitate when you see this evidence for a severely damaged water line: call for plumbing help immediately.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers same-day service for your plumbing needs. When you require water line replacement in Lansdale, PA, make us your first call. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded, and we perform line replacement in accordance with the PA-adopted International Residential Code.
3 Types of Well Pumps to Consider
Monday, August 4th, 2014Not every home can have access to a municipal water system, and these residences will need to access water wells for their plumbing. If your home uses a well for fresh water, one of the essential components of your plumbing is the well pump, an electromechanical appliance to move the water out from the well and into your home. Well pumps need maintenance and occasional repairs like any other hardworking device, and if you need to have a replacement well pump, schedule the work as soon as possible so you don’t get trapped one day with no water in your home at all!
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling provides Doylestown, PA with well pump services, including installation and repairs.
If you need a new well pump, whether as a replacement or for a new home, call our specialists at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling right away and schedule an appointment.
Here are the 3 different types of well pumps to consider:
1. Submersible pumps
As the name implies, these pumps sit down within the well itself. A submersible well pump resembles a long metal cylinder. It draws water from the well through the bottom of the unit using a motor and up through a flow sleeve. The water goes through a grill into a discharge pipe, which pushes the water straight up and out of the pump to a pit-less adaptor, a connector that redirects the water to the horizontal water line that then enters your home. Submersible pumps work best for wells that are several hundred feet, and they can often work for more than 25 years without requiring repairs.
2. Jet pumps (single drop)
Unlike submersible pumps, jet pumps are housed above the well and out of the water, sometimes within your home or in a well house, which makes them easier to service than submersible pumps. Jet pumps use an impeller motor to create suction through a pipe that extends down into the well, and the water passes through a narrow opening, or jet. The constriction of the jet increases the speed of the water and sucks even more water from the well. The “single drop” jet pump, which contains the impeller and jet assembly above ground, is effective for shallow wells (down to 25 feet) since the water does not have a long distance to travel to reach the storage tank.
3. Jet pumps (double drop)
Jet pumps can also work for deeper wells, but the set-up is different. In a “double drop” jet pump, the jet assembly is located down within the well, while the impeller motor is still located above. With the jet down in the well, the pump can draw additional water to assist with the overcoming the distance.
What is the right type of pump for your home’s well? It depends on the depth and location of the well, and how efficiently each type of pump will work. Contact professionals, like those at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling, to help you pick and install the right well pump in Doylestown, PA for your home’s steady fresh water supply.
What Does the Thermocouple Do on My Water Heater?
Monday, July 14th, 2014Without a water heater in your home, the miracle of indoor plumbing (“the best thing since indoor plumbing” is still one of the measuring sticks of progress) will not mean much. You need hot water for many daily activities, so a working water heater is essential.
But you also need a safe working water heater, and that’s where the thermocouple comes in. If you, like many homeowners, use a gas-powered water heater, the thermocouple helps prevent the heater from turning into a danger. But sometimes the thermocouple itself may need repairs and replacement, and for that you’ll need professionals in water heater repair in Doylestown, PA, like those at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling. We offer same day service, satisfaction guaranteed, so make us your first call for restoring your malfunctioning water heater.
The job of the thermocouple
The thermocouple is a simple safety component made from two strips of different types of metal, joined at one end. The thermocouple is attached near the pilot light along the burner assembly, with the two ends of the metal placed in the flame of the pilot light, and the other end attached to a shut-off valve for the natural gas line that feeds gas to the burner. Should the pilot light fail, the thermocouple will automatically close off the gas line and prevent the combustion chamber from flooding with unburned gas, creating a major hazard of explosion from even the smallest spark.
The way a thermocouple does this task is through a principle known as the “Seebeck Effect.” The Seebeck Effect describes how two different types of metal in proximity to each other will create an electric current when exposed to heat. The higher the heat, the stronger the current. This makes a thermocouple a crude temperature sensor. As long as electric current runs through the thermocouple because of the heat of the pilot light, the current keeps the valve open. If the pilot fails, so does the current, and the valve automatically closes.
Not all water heaters use a thermocouple. Some of the more recent models use a mercury sensor to shut off the gas valve. An electric water heaters don’t use gas at all, and therefore doesn’t need any kind of emergency gas shut off.
Thermocouples can fail and require replacement. To make sure that your water heater remains safe all year long, have a yearly maintenance visit from a professional to detect any troubles such as failing thermocouples.
The experts at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help you with maintenance and any water heater repair in Doylestown, PA that you need. Call us today.