Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Lansdale’

Signs of a Sewer Line Break

Monday, March 3rd, 2014

The wastewater in your home moves through various pipes to a central sewer line, which runs underneath your home and out to the center of the street to connect to the municipal sewer system. And for the most part, that’s all you really need to know about your sewer line—until a break occurs in it and threatens your home with sewer odors, numerous drain clogs, basement flooding, and foundation damage.

Sewer line breaks can occur because of corrosion (a problem for older homes with galvanized steel plumbing), shifting of the ground due to construction or natural disasters, and the pressure from growing tree roots. Whatever the cause, sewer line breaks require professionals to excavate the sewer trenches and replace the damages lines as soon as possible. Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling can deliver fast and dependable sewer repair in Lansdale, PA when you have problems with a broken sewer line.

Here are warning signs of sewer line break:

  • Sewage odors from drains: One of the earliest signs you’ll encounter if the sewer line breaks are foul smells coming from your drains. If the smells are accompanied by gurgling in your drains, it means that sewage gases are being forced up through the water plugs in the p-trap (the curved pipe below a sink) of your drainpipes.
  • Persistent clogs: Along with the sewer odor, you will start finding clogs in drains around the house, none of which react to a plunger or other kinds of clog removal.
  • Foul-smelling lawn: When the sewer line breaks, the sewage will seep into the ground and rise up into your lawn. If you lawn has a similar sewage smell to the drains, it almost definitely points toward a damaged sewer line.
  • Water stains in the basement: If you have a basement, water damage from sewage backflow will start to appear here first. If you notice water stains around drains in the basement, call for professional plumbers.
  • Rats and other pests: The sewer odors will begin to attract pests such as rats. If you begin to notice vermin in your basement or in your yard, look for other signs that you may have a broken sewer line.

You’ll need the best professional help you can find

Sewer line replacement requires extensive digging; it is something you should never delegate to amateurs. The potential for even greater damage to the sewer line is high unless you have professionals handle the task.

Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has years of experience with sewer repair in Lansdale, PA. Our plumbers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you with sewer line emergencies.

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Plumber Tip: Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

Friday, October 18th, 2013

You know the scenario: you’re sitting peacefully in a room of your house, reading a book, watching television, or sorting laundry… and then you realize the sound of the toilet running has been going on for a while. Much longer than it should considering when it was last used. That can’t be right. But what’s causing it? And is it an emergency?

Fortunately, a toilet that keeps running isn’t normally a sign to panic. Often, it’s a small glitch that’s easy to take care of. And if it’s something you can’t fix on your own, it’s usually an issue that a professional plumber can repair fast and without much difficulty. But you should get a run-on-toilet taken care of as soon as you can, because even if the malfunction isn’t threatening your plumbing or on the verge of causing flooding, it is wasting water—using up to 2 gallons a minute! If you’re looking for a Lansdale, PA plumber to handle a problem like this, contact Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling right away—and get the proper repair done right away!

When you notice the problem start, remove the lid of the toilet tank and watch the internal mechanisms at work when you pull the handle. (Please, please be careful with the lid—replacements can be expensive, far more than any of the interior components.) This should help you identify where the problem lies. The flush valve might be sticky. Perhaps the tankball is damaged and incorrectly gauging the level of the water. The ballcock might not be closing properly. The chain to the flapper could be too tight. If you’re familiar with the basic operations inside a toilet tank, you should be able to see if anything is working incorrectly.

Sometimes you can do a quick adjustment by hand (don’t worry, the water in the tank is clean) to fix a misplaced chain. However, if you’re not sure what to do, don’t fiddle around in there too much and risk causing a problem that might lead to overflow. A professional plumber can diagnose the trouble in only moments and will know what parts will need replacement or repair.

Because a running toilet can rapidly cause your water bills to mount—imagine wasting a 120 gallons in just an hour!—getting a plumber to analyze and fix the trouble with a few replacement parts is a worthwhile investment. Don’t just let the toilet continue to run and think it’s no big deal. Get a Lansdale, PA plumber on the job. Contact us at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling: same day service, satisfaction guaranteed!

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Air Conditioning Guide: Signs of an Overloaded Compressor

Monday, September 9th, 2013

You may have heard mention of the “compressor” in your air conditioning, but what does it actually do? In simple terms, the compressor is the “engine” of your AC. It compresses the refrigerant that comes from the indoor evaporator coils before it travels to the condenser coils, making the refrigerant both hot and highly pressurized. This is an essential part of the cooling cycle.

If your compressor overloads, it can cause serious trouble for your system. In this post, we’ll run through a few of the signs that your compressor is working too hard and possibly heading for a burn out. For Lansdale, PA air conditioning service, trust Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling for expert knowledge:

  • Noisy operation: You turn on your AC, and instead of the whir of soothing white noise you expect, you hear a strange buzzing or clanking sound. Although a number of components in your unit can cause unusual sounds if they aren’t working properly, these specific sounds often point to the compressor.
  • Increased electrical bills: You probably know what to expect on your energy bills during a season—so if you notice an unexplained uptick in what you’re paying for electricity during the month, it may mean that the compressor is draining too much power to do its job. The compressor requires the most energy of any part in your AC to run. Getting the compressor repaired can not only prevent failure, but also save you money.
  • Circuit breaks and blown fuses: A compressor that is working too hard can cause a power surge that may trip a circuit breaker. This will happen soon after the compressor starts operating, so if you experience trouble with circuit breaker or blown fuses not long after you switch on your AC, the compressor is the likely culprit.

It is a smart idea to call in an HVAC technician to deal with an overworked compressor. Trying do-it-yourself tactics can not only damage your AC, but pose the danger of electrical shock. A professional can safely perform the diagnosis and help determine if your compressor needs repairs or replacement. When you need this work done, call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling’s Lansdale air conditioning experts—we’ll give you the service satisfaction you need to keep you cool.

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Does Air Conditioning Reduce Indoor Air Quality?

Monday, August 12th, 2013

The hot, muggy summers in Lansdale, PA make air conditioners an absolute necessity. What better way to avoid climbing temperatures than with a cool comfortable living space to come home to at the end of each day? Some homeowners may have concerns about their indoor air quality as well, and wonder if an air conditioning system will reduce the quality of their indoor air. The answer depends on how regularly the air conditioning unit is maintained.

Dust and dirt particles are a fact of life, and may build up in your air conditioning system over time.  The amount will increase if you have pets that carry dander, if your indoor carpeting goes a while between cleanings, and if you track in a lot of dust and dirt from the outside. To counteract this, air conditioning units come equipped with air filters which catch dust and other particles, preventing them from building up in the system itself.

Here’s where proper maintenance enters into the equation. If you change your air filters regularly, they won’t become clogged with particles, and the quality of your indoor air should remain high. In addition, a higher quality filter tends to do the job better than a cheap or flimsy filter. Similarly, regularly scheduled maintenance from a trained professional can keep your AC unit clean and free of dust. You can augment that with routine ductwork cleaning to keep debris from building up in your ducts. In both cases, an expert can also spot potential problems, such as cracks of fissures that may allow particles to enter the system, before they become overwhelming.

If, on the other hand, your air conditioning system doesn’t receive any significant upkeep, then the amount of dust in the system will probably lower your indoor air quality.  If you’re concerned about the quality of your air – especially if you have allergies or similar issues – the give Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling a call. We can set up a regular maintenance schedule, and handle air conditioning issues in Lansdale, PA and throughout the surrounding communities. With regular service, we can help ensure that your indoor air quality stays where it should be.

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How to Plan for Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Scheduling a bathroom remodel is a great way to bring new life into your home. Too often, though, homeowners know that they want a new bathroom but have not taken the time to really think about what they want to change. When you discuss your options with a Lansdale, PA bathroom remodeling professional at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, you will get the information and advice you need to ensure that your new bathroom will suit your style preferences and personal needs perfectly. Contact us today to learn more!

The most important thing to remember prior to your bathroom remodeling project is that you must have a strong idea of what your bathroom needs to satisfy your expectations. There are a lot of factors to consider, including any new tiling, shower and tub enclosures, toilet and sink fixtures, whirlpool and spa installations and even heated towel racks. The first step in any bathroom remodeling project is to think about what you want to achieve with the project. Once you have this general idea, though, you really need to discuss your options more specifically with a qualified professional to ensure the most comprehensive service possible.

Are their older or disabled residents living in your home? You may want to consider the installation of grab bars and seats in your shower or tub area. Are environmental concerns at the top of your priority list? Discuss low-flow toilet options to help cut down on the amount of water you consume. You’ve probably given a lot of thought to the style of shower you’d like, but what about the shower head, knobs and other accents? Your bathroom should not emphasize function alone. Feel at home in your bathroom by giving every facet of your remodel the attention and professional consideration necessary.

Contact Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to learn more about how you can make your Lansdale, PA bathroom remodeling project a complete success. We can help you make all the right decisions about how best to improve your bathroom. Call now to get started.

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Dirty Air Filters and Air Conditioning Repairs

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

Your air conditioning system has an air filter that is there to protect the moving parts on the inside from dirt, dust and other debris. If you don’t change that air filter on a regular basis it can cause problems with your AC. If your air conditioning system is having any issues, call the friendly experts at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling. We have many years of experience working with all different kinds of air conditioning systems. We wanted to put together some of the common issues that can be caused by allowing your air filter to get clogged.

  • Not enough cooling – If your air conditioning system isn’t producing enough cooling a very common cause of that could be a clogged air filter. If your air filter is full of dust it will restrict the flow of air into your home and cause you to be uncomfortable.
  • Increased repair – If you have a clogged air filter it will cause your air conditioning system to have to work harder to pull air through the system. This will put more strain on your equipment and could cause other AC problems to develop.
  • Increased energy usage – If your air conditioning system has to work harder to pull air into the system then it will need to use a lot more energy.
  • Reduced lifespan – When your air conditioning system has constantly run to cool your home because of a dirty filter, there will be more wear and tear on the system. This could cause parts of the equipment to prematurely wear out, and it could even cause the entire system to break down permanently.

Call the Lansdale, PA air conditioning repair specialists at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today if you have any questions! 

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Using Your Air Conditioning System Efficiently

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

One of the most frequently asked questions we get during the hot summer months concerns how to use your air conditioning in Lansdale, PA more efficiently. While we cannot control the seemingly ever-rising costs of energy, we can control how we use that energy to keep our homes cool, crisp, and refreshing. And that’s what today’s post will be about. There is a great variety of ways you can use your AC efficiently, and we’ll only be able to touch on the topic only briefly today. If you’re in need of professional air conditioning services in Lansdale, PA, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the friendly technicians at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.

  • Clean and replace your air filter on a regular basis: We can’t emphasize this simple task enough. Too many perfectly good ACs are ruined every year because of homeowner neglect. While you rely on the professional skills of your technician for the majority of maintenance duties, cleaning and replacing your air filter is one of the few things you can do, and it’s critical to the longevity of your AC as well as to the energy efficiency with which it operates. A dirty or clogged air filter can neither prevent the accumulation of dust and debris on sensitive mechanical components nor allow cool air to pass uninhibited.
  • Enroll in a preventive maintenance program: Prevention is incredibly important as a way to stave off unnecessary repairs and premature replacement. Routine professional maintenance includes comprehensive inspection to recognize problems before they start, cleaning to ensure that your system operates well, and adjustments to ensure that it’s operating efficiently and safely.
  • Install a programmable thermostat: If you have a manual thermostat, you’re missing out on the benefits of a digital programmable model. It allows you to boost energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort when you create a schedule of cooling that works around your lifestyle. Automatic, gradual cooling also cuts down on drastic manual changes that can cause wasteful energy consumption.

If you’re looking for more ways to make your air conditioning in Lansdale, PA more energy efficient, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.

 

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Drain Cleaning Tools of the Trade

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

When you think of drain cleaning, you may have an image of pouring harsh chemicals down your shower drain to clear hair and soap. While you’ve got the “clearing” aspect right, professional drain cleaning avoids the use of harsh chemicals that can damage your plumbing. Instead, we use a variety of tools and equipment to make sure that your drainpipes and sewer line operate well. In this post, we’d like to review our tools of the trade so that you know exactly what goes on during the process. For more information about our Lansdale, PA drain cleaning services, call the experts at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!

  • Drain rooter: A drain rooter is a kind of motorized snake with a rotating head. It moves within your drainpipes to remove tough and resilient accumulations of organic debris, including roots that have penetrated your sewer line. When a simple manual augur won’t do the trick, a rooter can handle even difficult blockages with ease.
  • Hydro-jetting: Hydro-jet drain cleaning is a very effective way to clean your drains thoroughly and without risk of damage. A hose with a special nozzle contains highly pressurized water that moves through your piping. The nozzle can move 360° so that it covers the entire interior in a single pass. The pressure of the hose is about 3000 psi, but may be as high as 4000 psi in certain applications. This easily breaks up sludge and grime, emulsifies grease, and even disintegrates mineral deposits.
  • Video camera inspection: While not technically a part of drain cleaning, we include it here nonetheless, because video camera inspection is the best way to diagnose problematic sections of your sewerage system. 

Professional drain cleaning is a great way to make sure that your home plumbing continues to operate effectively. To schedule a Lansdale, PA drain cleaning service, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today! 

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Common Reasons to Call a Plumber

Monday, April 15th, 2013

While most homeowners can appreciate the value of a good plumber, it is not always obvious to our clients when they should call us. Is the job too small for a pro? Am I just being finicky with this leak? These are common concerns, and while we appreciate the sentiment, even seemingly minor plumbing problems can often develop into major problems. Leaks, clogs, and other issues do not simply go away—they tend only to worsen with time, as they damage the surrounding materials and surfaces. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of common reasons to call a plumber. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. For more information, or to schedule a plumber in Lansdale, PA, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!

  • Clog: Because of the relatively small diameter of plumbing pipes, it does not often take much to cause a clog. It’s imperative to ensure that you monitor what goes down your drainpipe. No grease, fats, oils, hair, non-organic waste, and no toys. While a plunger may assist the intrepid DIY homeowner, serious clogs require the skills and expertise of a pro.
  • Leak: Your plumbing is an engineered set of piping, joints, connections, valves, and appliances that distribute and remove water from your home. Keeping in mind all the various twists, turns, and directions that your plumbing undergoes, it’s no wonder that it will develop leaks at some point during its life. For the most part, leaks are simply part of general wear and tear, and can be professionally repaired in a straightforward manner. But when they’re left to linger, or when they occur frequently, they can indicate serious problems.
  • Poor water quality: If you’re concerned about the quality of your home water supply, whether it comes from a well or a municipal source, you should have your water tested by a professional plumber. A system analysis and consultation can help you figure out what water treatment option is best for you so that you can enjoy fresh, great-tasting water in your home.

These are just a few reasons to call a plumber in Lansdale, PA. When you need excellent service, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling! 

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Hiring Guide When Looking for a Plumber

Monday, March 25th, 2013

While it may not be difficult to find a plumber in Lansdale, PA, finding a good one can be challenging. After all, your particular home needs are different from the next homeowner, and you want someone who’s fair, reliable, and does exceptional work. You shouldn’t have to settle for anything less. In this post, we’d like to draw on our experience as a team of comprehensive plumbing specialists to give you some tips on choosing a local plumber. When you need a plumber in Lansdale, PA, call Carney Plumbing Heating Cooling today! 

Here are some things to consider when hiring a plumber:

  • Reputation. In this trade, plumbers and homeowners alike rely on reputation. For plumbers, a good reputation is a seal of public approval for plumbing excellence. For homeowners, a plumber’s good reputation is a barometer of quality and trustworthiness. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if your plumber is in good standing.
  • Reliability. No matter what size your job is—to fix a leak under the kitchen sink or a comprehensive repiping—you need to be able to depend on your plumber to show up at the right time and to perform the work efficiently.
  • Quality. Quality is a difficult thing to measure, but you’ll know it when you see it. Most homeowners are adept at detecting when a tradesman has cut a few corners. Find a plumber whose reputation precedes him, so that when you hire him, you know you’ll receive exceptional work.
  • Courtesy. When you invite a plumber into your home, you need him to be courteous and professional. But you also want him to think of your home as an important place, whose cleanliness you take seriously. Find a plumber who is going to keep your home clean while he works, whether by wearing clean booties, or by using a drop cloth.
  • Value. A good plumber will give you exceptional quality at great value. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why the work was performed.

We hope this brief hiring guide helps you find the right plumber for your needs. If you’re looking for a plumber in Lansdale, PA, look no further than Carney Plumbing Heating Cooling for exceptional service at great value. Call us today! 

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