Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘New Hope’

How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Benefit My Water?

Friday, March 28th, 2014

If you are looking to improve the quality of the water in your home, you have a number of different options for water filtration, such as water softeners to combat hard water and acid neutralizers to balance pH levels. To increase the quality of your drinking water, you can install filters to remove particles that can enter the municipal water system. However, one of the best ways to have cleaner drinking water in your home is to call in a professional to install a reverse osmosis system. We’ll explain how this works and how it can benefit you.

At Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we take the quality of water in the homes of our customers seriously. That’s why we offer installation of many different types of water treatment systems in New Hope, PA. To find out what water treatment system will work best for you, set up an appointment with us today.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

A reverse osmosis water treatment system is a water purification technology that removes much smaller particles than standard filters. The way it works is to create two areas of water under different pressure, with a semi-permeable membrane between them. The water in the high pressure area is forced through the small pores of the membrane to the low pressure area, and the membrane filters out contaminants.

Reverse osmosis can trap particles that would escape standard filters, resulting in healthier water that also tastes fresh… much fresher than you might get from store-bought bottled water, which is not only expensive but frequently is nothing more than regular municipal water run through a gravel filter.

Reverse osmosis can remove bacteria, pesticides, viruses, sulfates (no more smelly water!), sodium (helpful if you also have a water softener installed), chlorine, calcium, and all the other larger dirt particles that can enter drinking water.

Find the Right Purification System for Your Home

Although reverse osmosis systems are excellent for water filtration, they may not match your home’s specific needs. Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to have water testing done. Our analysis will help us find out what problems need addressing in your water supply, and then we can match you with the ideal water treatment system that will take care of it.

Whether you have hard water or acidic water, Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling will find the water treatment system in New Hope, PA that will give you the freshest water supply possible.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Benefit My Water?

What an Acid Neutralizer Water Treatment System Does

Friday, March 7th, 2014

The water our homes receive from the municipal supply can sometimes bring with it some problems. Although you can combat some of these issues with filters on faucets, the best way to deal with low quality water is to have professionals install a whole-house water treatment system that takes care of all the water that flows into your home.

There is no single type of water treatment system, because there are numerous types of problems that can afflict your water. With the help of professional plumbers who specialize in water treatment, you can find out what needs to address in your water supply. Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling has technicians who can help you determine the water treatment system in New Hope, PA that will give you the purest water possible.

One water treatment system we often install is the acid neutralizer.

The basics of an acid neutralizer water treatment system

High levels of acid entering your plumbing can turn into a serious problem. Although usually not dangerous to drink, high acid content water can cause corrosion in copper plumbing, a metal resistant to normal forms of corrosion, and pinhole leaks. Acidity will also cause ugly green and blue stains to form on your fixtures.

High levels of acid in your water can be detected with a pH test (ask your plumber to do this). A low pH number indicates too much acidity. To counteract this, a whole-house acid neutralizer can be installed. There are a number of different types of neutralizers. The most common is the calcite acid neutralizer tank. A calcite system injects reactive magnesium oxide into the water supply which dissolves into the water and neutralizes the acid. The calcite in the tank must be replaced routinely, although this is a simple task.

Using a calcite acid neutralizer may cause an increase in the hardness of your water (increased levels of calcium and magnesium), and some homeowners will also opt to have a water softener, which raises the sodium level of the water, installed to help balance the water.

Have professional water testing done

If you aren’t sure if you need an acid neutralizer, bring in plumbers with experience with water testing. Using samples of water taken from around the house, these water tests will tell you what sort of water treatment system will help you have the best water, whether it’s a water softener, an acid neutralizer, or some other system like a chemical feed pump.

Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers many different types of water treatment systems for New Hope, PA homes. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on What an Acid Neutralizer Water Treatment System Does

Look for These Warnings You Need Water Heater Repair

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Running hot water isn’t something people are willing to negotiate. Like indoor plumbing and electricity, it’s an essential for daily life, keeping you clean and helping with cooking and washing. If your water heater begins to show signs that it requires professional attention, you need to act on the knowledge fast and call a technician for repairs. We’ll list some of the warnings you may receive that your water heater is failing.

Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling is “The Plumber That Other Plumbers Recommend.” We’ve served Bucks and Montgomery Counties with excellent plumbing services since 1976. Give us a call when you notice any of these signs that indicate it’s time for water heater repair in New Hope, PA.

  • A drop in hot water levels: If you notice that you’re receiving less hot water during the day than you are accustomed to (such as the hot water stopping early during your morning shower), don’t shrug it off as a temporary issue that will fix itself. This is often a sign of a disruption in the power source for the heater, whether electric or gas, and a professional will need to look into the cause and find a way to fix it.
  • A heating bill increase: If your water heater is working ineffectively because of a malfunction, it will draw a larger amount of power to provide you with the same level of hot water. A sudden increase in your power bills that you can’t account for because of a problem with your HVAC system may stem from a broken heater.
  • Rust-colored water from the taps: Rusty water is a common sight if you turn on a faucet after it hasn’t been used for a few weeks. But if you spot this same reddish-brown coloration in your hot water during normal use, then rust has started to infiltrate the hot water tank. This needs to be investigated right away before the corrosion damages the tank enough that it needs replacement.
  • Leaks: If you notice water pools around the water heater’s tank, you definitely have a problem. Any leaking from a water heater is a serious concern that needs attention right away.

You can avoid a “cold water surprise” during a morning shower if you have repairs on your water heater done as soon as possible. With Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we always have actual people answering our phones 24-hours a day to send technicians when you need them. There’s no reason to delay your water heater repair in New Hope, PA!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Look for These Warnings You Need Water Heater Repair

Why Is My Hot Water Discolored?

Monday, December 9th, 2013

Turning on a sink faucet and discovering the water is colored a rusty brown is something you might expect if you have returned from a long vacation and no one has turned on the water in a few weeks. In less than a minute, this discoloration will go away. But what if this happens to your hot water during a regular day? Does it mean that the hot water heater has developed a malfunction and needs repairs or replacement?

A malfunctioning water heater is one possibility. We’ll go over some other reasons, and whether they mean you’ll need repairs for your heater or plumbing. Whatever the cause for the trouble, you can call on Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to fix it. When it comes to water heater repair in New Hope, PA, we are “the plumber that other plumbers recommend.”

Reasons for hot water discoloration

  • Corrosion in galvanized iron plumbing: The problem might indeed be rust, the same as when you turn on faucets after a long absence. If you have older plumbing, this is often the cause. (Plastic and copper tubing do not encounter this issue.) You may consider repiping.
  • Disturbances in the municipal water system: The trouble may come from the city’s water supply and have nothing to do with your home at all. Try running cold water from another tap in the house. If it comes out discolored as well, then it is likely a municipal issue—and you’ll know your water heater is not at fault.
  • Sediment in the water heater: Now we come to issues inside the water heater. Sediment can build up in the heater’s tank (usually because of breaks in the underground pipes) and enter the water, causing discoloration. You will need to have a professional flush the tank to remove the sediment, and you should enroll in regular maintenance to prevent it from re-occurring.
  • An aging water heater: If your heater is approaching the end of its manufacturer’s expected lifespan, discoloration is usually a final sign before it breaks down completely. Corrosion and dirt infiltration are starting to override the water heater. You should have it replaced as soon as possible.

Call in the experts

If you can’t solve the problem with discolored water on your own, look to Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling for quality hot water repair in New Hope, PA. We provide a 2-year labor warranty along with a 6-year tank and part warranty through the manufacturer. Schedule an appointment with us today for an honest assessment of your water heater’s situation and an expert opinion on what you can do. We offer free estimates.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Why Is My Hot Water Discolored?

What to Do if Your Hot Water Heater Runs Cold

Monday, November 11th, 2013

It’s one of the more unpleasant surprises you can encounter in the morning: no hot water from your shower. Of course, losing your hot water any time of the day is a major inconvenience that limits your ability to cook, clean, and do laundry. When your hot water heater malfunctions and leaves you with cold water coming from the faucets, you need to have the problem fixed as soon as possible.

The best option for you when this happens is to call in professional technicians to find out what’s wrong and get the proper repairs done. Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling when you need help with your hot water heater in New Hope, PA. We have the experience and certification that makes us a trustworthy name when it comes to plumbing repairs.

The reason you should get professionals on the job is that you won’t know where to look to find what has caused the problem. A number of different issues can occur with your hot water heater that will cause it to lose its ability to warm up your water, and it requires a skilled technician to diagnose what is actually wrong—and then figure out the best method to repair it.

One of the best ways to deal with a loss of hot water is to find ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Watch for signs that trouble might be brewing in the heater, such as intermittent changes in running water temperature or bizarre noises like rumbling coming from the water tank. If you detect leaks anywhere around the water tank or the pipes coming from it, get on the phone right away to a professional.

But the best way to avoid a cold water surprise one morning is to schedule regular maintenance for your water heater. We recommend an annual maintenance visit to inspect the system and perform any tune-ups necessary to keep to operating smoothly.

To protect your supply of hot water, contact Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling the moment you think you need a repair. We’ll make sure your New Hope, PA home’s hot water heater gets back to giving you the hot water you need.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on What to Do if Your Hot Water Heater Runs Cold

What is an Expansion Valve?

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

When discussing air conditioning systems, you may her the term “expansion valve” used from time to time. It plays a vital role in the process of cooling your air, but you may not be familiar with its particular function. In New Hope, PA, air conditioning systems are a serious concern, since Pennsylvania summers can be hard with all the heat and humidity. The more you understand about components like the expansion valve, the better your grasp on how air conditioning works.

At the heart of your air conditioning system is a closed loop system that circulates refrigerant. The expansion valve plays a key role in this loop. The refrigerant arrives at the value in a highly pressurized liquid state. The valve is connected to the system’s evaporator coils. When the refrigerant enters the coils, it evaporates, absorbing heat out of the nearby air in the process. A blower then pushes the cool air into the ductwork, where it travels throughout your home.

The valve regulates the amount of refrigerant that is let into the evaporator coils. As the liquid moves from a high pressure state to a low pressure state, it evaporates and absorbs the heat from the surrounding air. Only a precise amount of refrigerant will work properly, so the valve’s purpose is extremely important. And naturally, when the valve become clogged or damaged, it can wreak havoc with the AC unit’s ability to cool the air. If refrigerant can’t enter the coils, no cooling will take place. If it enters in the wrong proportions, it will cause problems with the pressure leading to too much or too little cooling, and possibly damage other components as well.

Repairing or replacing an expansion valve is the purveyance of trained professionals. They can ascertain the problem, effect a repair, or replace it with a new valve while ensuring that it fits in with the surrounding components the way it should. Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling can address problems air conditioning units in New Hope, PA and throughout eastern Pennsylvania. Call us today to set up an appointment.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on What is an Expansion Valve?

Why a Professional Plumber Should Clean Your Drains

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

The drains in your home get a ton of use every single day disposing of your home’s waste water. All that use can really take its toll and cause problems to develop with your drains. Getting regular drain cleaning is one of the best ways for you to be able to potentially avoid many kinds of plumbing issues.  When you need a plumber in New Hope, PA, make sure that you call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We offer complete drain cleaning services and we wanted to share a little bit about why you should always have a professional clean your drains.

  • Speed – When you call a professional plumber in New Hope, PA for drain cleaning, they will be able to get in and out of your home as quickly as possible. We have the tools to clear your drains quickly without damaging your pipes. We also have video camera pipe inspection which allows us to identify any issues inside your pipes.
  • Safety – It is usually not advisable for homeowners to put chemical drain cleaners down their drains. This is because your drains can actually experience quite a bit of damage from the chemicals, and using a drain snake incorrectly can also cause problems. When you call a plumber in New Hope, PA to do the job, we can use other techniques such as hydro-jetting, which uses pressurized water to clear the inside of your pipes.
  • Quality – Without the proper training and knowledge, non-professionals run the risk of their drains not getting as clean as possible. This can cause them to just build up with clogs again quickly and require more cleaning. When you call a professional for all your drain cleaning services, they will have the tools and equipment to get the job done as effectively as possible.

If you need a plumber in New Hope, PA, just call the friendly technicians at Carney Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Why a Professional Plumber Should Clean Your Drains

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on How to Plan for Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

What to Keep Out of Your Drains

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Our plumbing systems are often so integrated into our homes as to be unrecognizable. We think of our sink drains and showers in the same way we think of our floors and kitchen cabinets. However, your wastewater disposal system needs to be used carefully. Putting just anything down the drain can lead to untimely blockages and even backflow. At Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we want to help you minimize your repair needs and eliminate unnecessary service calls. That said, we’re available whenever you need us. Give us a call today for excellent New Hope, PA drain cleaning services.

Here are some things you shouldn’t put down your drains:

  • Hair: There’s probably no way to eliminate hair from going down your drains, but you can significantly reduce the presence of hair in your drains by using a hair stopper. These inexpensive devices fit over the shower drain, and they collect hair that would otherwise go down the drain. Hair is one of those organic materials that quickly becomes problematic within the drain.
  • Grease: Grease is another problematic substance that shouldn’t go down your drains. Although liquid when hot, grease turns into a sticky paste when cold, and can prove particularly resilient once it attaches itself to the interior of your drainpipes. Collect your cooking grease, oils, and fats into a container and throw them away.
  • Food scraps: Scraps of food may eventually break down within your drainpipes, but they can also create significant blockages that can hamper the flow of wastewater. This can also result in foul odors.
  • Foreign objects: Nothing but wastewater should go down your drainpipes. Be careful with small objects around your drains, especially jewelry and toys. Not only might it become damaged or lost after falling down the drain, you may end up causing a major clog.

Professional New Hope, PA drain cleaning is the best way to prevent the accumulation of debris in your plumbing system. Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on What to Keep Out of Your Drains

What is Hydro Jetting and How Does it Work?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Keeping your wastewater disposal system working well throughout the year is critical. While we often take our plumbing for granted, it’s actually quite a complicated system that relies on certain hydrodynamic principles so that you can take hot showers, flush the toilet as much as you want, and clean your laundry. We want to emphasize the importance of drain cleaning in this post. For every bit of grease, hair, food scrap, and non-organic matter that made it into your drainpipes, you risk substantial accumulations within the interior of your pipes that can begin to create plumbing problems. Hydro-jetting is an simple solution to such problems. For all of your New Hope, PA drain cleaning needs, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today!

So, what is hydro-jetting? As its name suggests, it uses a pressurized stream of water to clean your drainpipes. The process is relatively straightforward, but the equipment is specially designed for this task. The compressor, hose, and nozzle work cooperatively to produce an effective stream of pressurized water that can quickly break up sludge, grease, and other debris that can cause partial blockages and even total clogs. While equipment varies, the compressor is calibrated to provide up to 4000 psi (pounds per square inch) at a flow rate of up to 18 gpm (gallons per minute). Hydro-jetting is therefore both thorough and incredibly fast, compared to other methods of drain cleaning.

The nozzle at the end of the hose is designed to clean at 360° so that the entire interior surface of the drainpipe is thoroughly cleaned. The hose is typically insert at the “cleanout,” which is an access point designed for professional service needs. The hose works against gravitational pressure so that any dislodged debris can then run down the cleaned section of piping. Hydro-jetting is so powerful, it can often remove mineral deposits, but it does so safely, without the use of chemicals that can damage your plumbing as well as the environment.

For comprehensive New Hope, PA drain cleaning services, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today! 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on What is Hydro Jetting and How Does it Work?