HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

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Helpful Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioning and Air Filtration Running Better

Having dogs or cats means that pet hair will be everywhere inside your home. On the couch, carpet, drapes, and everywhere your pet goes, there’s bound to be pet hair.

Even when you consistently vacuum your home, your HVAC system is at risk. All the shed fur and other elements from your pets will make your HVAC system dirty much faster. This may also mean that you need to maintain it more often.

There are many ways to keep your HVAC system in pristine condition when you have pets. Here are some tips you should follow when you both have pets who might shed enough to interfere with your HVAC system.

Groom Your Pets More Often

Grooming pets is a responsibility for many owners. It not only keeps them clean and healthy, but it also keeps your HVAC system clean. Bathing and brushing your pets’ fur will get rid of loose hair, grease, and dirt. These are the main elements that might end up in your HVAC system, causing buildup to form. You’ll need to clean these buildups out of your system often if you don’t groom your pets.

Replace Filters More Often

Pets not only shed hair. They also shed dead skin called dander. These dead skin particles end up in the air. This means that your HVAC system’s filter catches all the dander. The more pets you have, the more dander it catches.

If you don’t change your filters often, the pet hair, dander, and dust buildup will block the HVAC system’s airflow. This will result in a less efficient air conditioner. It will keep running without cooling the air, and it will still be reflected on your utility bill.

Replacing the filters will save you money on your electricity bills. The frequency with which you need to change the filters will depend on how many pets you have. If you have a family member who has allergies, you’ll need to change your filters more often.

You can also use high-grade filters if you don’t have time to change your air filters. They’re more expensive than low-end air filters, but changing cheap air filters more often will also be more expensive than buying a few of the more efficient ones.

Use An Air Purifier

Air purification systems are a great help to your HVAC unit(s). They can remove contaminants in the air, including your pets’ dander and hair. They can also remove molds and dust mites.

Getting an air purifier will prolong the life of your HVAC unit by lessening the contaminants that end up in the air filter. This will also lessen the need for air filter changes.

Create a Barrier for Your HVAC Unit

Your pets may also destroy HVAC systems by urinating on your outdoor unit or chewing on the wires. When your condenser unit gets wet, it can corrode. All of these bad pet habits will increase what you spend on repair fees.

You can prevent these by barricading your HVAC unit. However, be sure not to place your barrier too close to the unit. This might restrict air from flowing through the unit. You should place the barrier at least 3 feet away.

Not using preventive measures can ruin your HVAC system. You may end up spending a lot on repairs or needing to buy a whole new unit when all you needed to do was maintain and protect your HVAC system in the first place.

If some damage has already occurred, you should call an expert to assess the problem. Always choose a reliable and reputable service company to check on your unit, like Spartan Plumbing. Hiring cheap services from unlicensed repairmen can leave you with higher costs in the end.

Pet ownership is a big responsibility. You’re not only responsible for your pets’ well-being, but you must also consider how your pet will affect your house’s condition.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?

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Reasons Why Your AC System Might Not Be Working Right

When summer is at its peak, that’s when you rely on your air conditioner the most. So, it would be a huge disappointment to find your unit blowing warm air instead of providing you much-needed relief from the heat. This problem is common in HVAC systems. In some cases, you might even be able to fix it on your own.

air conditioning

Here are some tips on troubleshooting an air con unit that blows hot air, and how to fix them:

Thermostat

When you notice your AC blowing hot air, the first thing to check should be the thermostat. It might have been set to “heat” by accident, and this is easy to fix. Just switch the thermostat back to “cool”, then check if the unit starts to blow cool air.

You should also check that the batteries are functioning, and the temperature isn’t set too high.

Circuit Breaker

Once you’re done checking the thermostat settings and batteries, make sure that the unit has power. Do this by inspecting the electrical panel. An AC unit needs a significant amount of power to function. When there is excessive power demand, your circuit breaker may automatically shut off as a safety measure.

To fix the problem, find the electrical panel. Look for a blown fuse or tripped breaker. Flip the breaker off completely, then switch it on to power the AC. In case of a blown fuse, replace it. Contact an HVAC pro like Spartan Plumbing if the breaker still trips from time to time for no apparent reason.

Air Filter and Evaporator Coils

While air filters don’t directly affect air temperature, they can lead to evaporator coil problems when dirty. It may get clogged with debris and dust that can hamper proper cooling operation. Your evaporator coils may freeze. You may think that this may mean cooler air, but, in reality, this can cause hot air to flow from the motor.

To prevent the problem, replace your air filters every 30 to 60 days, depending on the filter type, household, and climate. To be sure, inspect your air filters each month. Hold them up to the light. If the light barely passes through, it is time to replace the filters.

If the evaporator coil is frozen, switch the unit off, then change the filter. Don’t turn the unit back on until the unit has thawed. If the coils start to freeze again, switch the AC off right away, then call a technician to properly troubleshoot the problem, which may be a refrigerant leak or a compressor issue.

Outdoor Unit Condenser Coils

Your next step is to check the outdoor unit. The outdoor evaporator coils need to have unimpeded airflow, just like the indoor coils. Thus, you should always maintain at least 2-ft of clearance around your outdoor condenser unit.

If the outdoor unit is blocked, switch the AC off at the source. Remove the bigger items blocking the unit by hand, and rinse the smaller debris with a garden hose.

Before the start of every summer, schedule an AC cleaning and tune-up with a pro. Make sure to include complete outdoor and indoor coil cleaning.

Refrigerant or Coolant

A low refrigerant level can be the main cause of air conditioning malfunction. Over or undercharged refrigerant may be due to a worn out service valve, poor assembly, or loose joints.

Unless you are a certified technician, never attempt to fix refrigerant problems on your own. A regular tune-up scheduled at the start of every cooling season is the best way to prevent refrigerant leaks.

As soon as you notice your unit blowing hot air, freezing on the refrigerant line, or making gurgling/hissing noise, you should call an HVAC specialist right away. 

Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

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Gone are the days when you’d need to feed a large burner with firewood to heat the water in your home. Now, there are tankless water heaters available on the market.

They have many names like instant-on, inline, or flash water heaters. The idea of these devices is to heat water instantly as it goes through the heater rather than having constantly heated water sit in a tank waiting to be used. Inside is a coil that generates heat that increases the temperature of the water.

These high-tech devices are becoming more popular in households and businesses. They have many advantages compared to the old types of heaters. Still, they have some drawbacks that you should consider. Before deciding on getting one for your home, here’s a list of the pros and cons of tankless water heaters.

Pros

Hot Water in an Instant

You can get instantly heated water when you use a tankless water heater. Once you’ve flushed out the remaining cold water from your pipes, you can enjoy hot water immediately. It would only take a few seconds.

Longer-lasting

Standard water heaters can last up to about 10 years. These are high-quality heaters which are quite expensive. Tankless water heaters can last more than that, usually two times as long. This can save you a lot of money because you won’t need to replace it after a decade or less.

Energy-efficient

Unlike standard water heaters, tankless ones can ultimately save you more money. This is because of their energy-efficient technology.

Continuous Hot Water Supply

Water heaters that rely on storage tanks would run out after some time. This will happen a lot faster if many people in the household use hot water. Using tankless water heaters can give you a continuous supply of hot water. You’ll never have to worry about refilling water tank once it runs out.

Space-saving

Smaller homes can now enjoy hot water with tankless water tanks. They’re smaller than conventional water heaters. They’re also usually mounted on walls so it won’t take up any floor space.

No Standby Loss

Conventional water heaters continuously heat your water even when you’re not home. Tankless water heaters only heat water when needed. This results in lower utility costs.

Cons

Inconsistent Heating

Users often complain about the inconsistent temperatures their tankless water heater provides. The problem often stems from the inability to supply heated water to many outlets at the same time.

Expensive Initial Costs

Tankless water tanks are expensive. The cheapest ones you can find will cost about $1,000. More advanced models can cost even more. The installation fee of specialized tankless heaters is also pricy.

Not Advisable for Big Families

If you have a big family, you may need to install more than just one tankless water heater. That’s because it can only heat water a few gallons at a time. This is great for one person who’ll wash the dishes or take a shower.

May Require Some House Renovations

Installing a tankless water heater may require you to hire people to reroute your gas lines or make other changes to your house. This can add more costs and inconvenience to you and your family.

Tankless water heaters have many pros and cons. Getting one for your home is already a big decision to make. But, you should also think about hiring Spartan Plumbing to install the tankless heater.

You should always hire professionals who know what they’re doing, like the experts from Spartan Plumbing. Hiring untrained plumbers can increase your costs. It may also expose your tankless water heater to damage.

Always remember that cheaper, too-good-to-be-true services may end up in disaster. Only trust experts from a reliable company for your tankless water heater needs.

Why You Shouldn’t Try Repairing a Slab Leak on Your Own

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In general, plumbing concerns should be handled by professionals. This is particularly true in case of slab leaks. Thus, if you are not an expert plumber, you should not even attempt to perform a slab leak repair DIY-style.

What Are Slab Leaks?

Water lines in some homes run underneath concrete floors. A slab leak happens when one of these lines starts to leak. Because the problem is underground, this is difficult for an ordinary homeowner to address.

Signs Indicating a Slab Leak

Several indicators point to the possibility of a slab leak. These include the following:

  • Cracks in the walls or flooring
  • No hot water from your taps
  • Audible sounds of running water, although you have turned the water off
  • Low water pressure
  • Mildew
  • Rising water bills
  • Moisture under the carpet

Finding a Slab Leak

Without the benefit of professional help, and proper tools and equipment, you may only aggravate the problem if you try to find and fix the slab leak on your own. Professionals like Spartan Plumbing use electronic amplification equipment and electromagnetic pipeline locators to determine the leak’s exact location.

In the absence of this modern equipment, pinpointing the cause of the leak may result in massive and costly damage. Once the leak is found, the professional will then be able to repair the leak in a quick and easy manner.

Causes of a Slab Leak

In general, a slab leak occurs when there is a reaction between your copper pipes and drinking water. These reactions can be categorized into 4 groups:

  • Electrolysis – This happens when two different types of metals come into contact or when the soil is high in metal content.
  • Vibrations, Contraction, and Expansion from the Water Flow – These activities happen during the flow of water inside the pipes, and can trigger contact with gravel, concrete, and other pipes. The constant movement, over time, may create a leak.
  • High Water Pressure – When there is improper pipe installation under a slab, high water pressure may cause damage to the pipe. One good way to prevent this from happening is by installing a pressure-reducing valve.
  • Construction Issues – Defective workmanship during construction may also result in slab leaks.

How to Fix Slab Leaks

Several options for fixing slab leaks are available for your plumber to choose from, depending on the condition of the leak. These include the following:

  • Re-routing or Re-piping – This fix involves complete replacement of the water line that has leaks or problems. One of the most common solutions, this method is also most effective to use for an older plumbing system that has a history of leaking.
  • Epoxy Pipe Coating – Often used for systems plagued by numerous small leaks, this method calls for the application of in-place pipe coating inside the plumbing.
  • Spot Repair – The spot repair method requires opening the slab right where the leak is and completing the necessary repairs on the leaking pipe. This is often the most cost effective and popular option for new constructions.

How Long It Takes to Perform a Slab Leak Repair

In general, a slab leak repair takes no more than 2 days, but this will depend on the damage and pipe condition. It also includes the time it will take to locate the leak and prepare the site for work. Possible City of Tucson water bill adjustments.

If you notice any signs of a slab leak, you need to call a professional plumber for help right away. Delaying or attempting to do a DIY fix may only worsen the situation. Spartan Plumbing has trained professionals and advanced equipment to handle any case of slab leak, as well as all other types of plumbing problems.

Sewer Line Replacement Costs and Methods

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Sewer lines are a vital system of your business, home, and the community where you live. Thus, any major repair or system replacement will have a big impact on the area. Many factors can affect the cost of replacing a sewer line. These include the materials used, length of required pipe for the job, and the method to be used in replacing the lines.

 

Sewer Line Replacement Methods, Costs, and Pros & Cons

Traditional Sewer Line Replacement Method

The traditional method of replacing a sewer line may be as simple as requiring the use of only a shovel. On the other hand, it can be very complicated, and may require the use of trenchers, backhoes, and other heavy equipment for digging the affected pipes, and then replacing them.

Any method that involves the use of heavy equipment is invasive. It can affect drive and walkways, lawns, fence lines, and landscaping in homes around the area where repair work is being done.

The cost to replace a sewer line using the traditional method is lower compared to the cost involved using the modern trenchless method of replacing a sewer line. But, it is more destructive and more labor-intensive than the modern method.

Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Method

The initial cost to replace a sewer line using the trenchless method may be higher. But, it is minimally invasive, requires less time to complete, and involves the use of quality materials that can last for more than 50 years. It requires only 1 or 2 holes for installation. Thus, if your home is near the area where repair work is ongoing, you don’t have to worry about your landscaping, lawn, walkway, driveway, or any other area in your property being affected.

Materials Used for Trenchless Repairs

Compared to traditional sewer line replacement methods, a trenchless repair may cost more. But, it has more advantages. Also, the cost difference will be minimal if you factor in the cost to replace or repair affected landscaping, lawns, driveways, and walkways.

One material that makes it possible to have trenchless line replacements is the CIPP, or cured-in-place-pipe. It utilizes long cloth socks for lining the damaged sewer line, then infusing it with resin. When the resin sets in place, it hardens, and results in a brand-new pipe.

Applications that use CIPP include lateral lining, lateral reinstatement, and municipal pipe lining. You can push or pull the material into place. The number of access points the plumber or technician should make to change the pipe will depend on the method used.

Another material used for trenchless line repairs is the pipe bursting material. It is often used as a last resort, or when other methods have been used but failed.

Pipe bursting offers the advantage of having your sewer line replaced and of increasing the pipe’s diameter. This results to better volume flow. This is the perfect solution if you have a growing requirement for your property. You get what you need without having to install additional lines.

The sewer line replacement method is possible due to the material’s special splitting head. While being installed, it blasts the existing pipe out of its way. A new pipe attached to the splitting head’s back is then moved into place.

The method involves making two tiny holes in the ground. One is made at the entry point, while the other is made at the pipe’s end. This allows plumbing technicians to replace long pipe sections in a virtually seamless manner without having to tear up big sections of your property.

 

For more information on sewer line replacement methods and costs, or for any other plumbing concerns, Call Spartan Plumbing, Heating & Cooling t (520) 617-1000.

Tips on How to Maintain a Central Heating System

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A central heating system makes the winter bearable. However, many homeowners tend to take it for granted.

When a heater fails, you can hardly wash your hands or handle the water that comes out of your tap. You have to bundle up before you can sleep. The cost of emergency repairs can also stress you out. Sadly, you can’t skimp on such services.

To prevent such hassles, you should get a high-quality and durable heater system. You should also ensure you use and maintain it properly. The following are tips on how to keep your split heating system running efficiently.

1. Check the filters.

These can affect the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. When it’s dirty and clogged with dust and debris, the AC or heater may not warm up your room temperature at all.

The good news is that it’s not all that hard to check and replace your filters. You can find online instructions to do these yourself. Your filters are usually installed at the end of the HVAC vents. When you remove the vent cover, you can already see the state your filter is in.

Replace your filters right away when they’re already dusty and worn out. Don’t go out to your hardware store just yet. It’s not a one-size-fits-all HVAC part. Write down the specifications of your filter. If you want to spend less on filters, look for disposable ones.

Inspect the filters at least once every three or four months. For your heater’s filters, replace them every month during winter. The same goes for your AC’s filters during summer. Find some additional HVAC system maintenance tips here.

2. Treat rusts right away.

Your plumbing and heating system will be more prone to rusting when it’s a few years old. Brownish water coming out of your pipes can be a sign of internal corrosion. You may also spot the problem on the exposed parts of your heater.

You should do a pipe checkup in the early weeks of fall. You won’t be using your heater during those times so it would not be much of a deal if repairs need to be done on it. If you see rust, you may apply anti-corrosive treatment.

In case the rusting is extensive, you should get plumbing experts to solve the problem. This will help you save time and money. If you fix the issue on your own, you may end up creating more damage and spread the rust to other areas.

3. Brush and wipe the exposed parts.

This is the simplest way to keep dust off your filters. Before you start cleaning, make sure the main switch of your heating system is turned off.

As you clean, look for possible signs of pest infestation. Do you hear rushing sounds inside the vents? There could also be wings and droppings. Pests like rats, squirrels and wild birds may leave nasty smell. If you suspect you might have a pest problem, contact a pest solution company.

Be careful when you clean and close up your HVAC system. You do not want to have scratches and dents on your HVAC unit.

4. Flush your heater.

This is one of the last maintenance tasks you should do. Some people would say this process is wasteful and expensive. However, it is necessary to clean the internal parts of your heater that you cannot reach.

It’s important for every homeowner to understand how their heating system works and to be familiar with the parts of their HVAC unit. If your installation team or service company did not properly orient you, you may ask a professional to conduct an inspection and run an assessment for you. Be present when he does this and ask to be oriented about your HVAC system.

Spartan Plumbing Heating & Cooling has professionals who are ready to assist you with your plumbing needs. They can conduct a professional inspection, maintenance, and repairs any day. They also have emergency numbers so you can call anytime you need them.

Is It Time to Replace Your Home’s Plumbing?

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Without a smoothly functioning plumbing system, your home will never be able to provide you comfort. Mostly hidden from view, you probably don’t notice it much unless you encounter leaks or a clogged drain.

Thousands of dollars are spent to install plumbing in a new house, and it costs just as much to repipe an old one. We recommend Perma-Liner for new piping installations in most cases. For some repairs, you will have to shell out a few hundred dollars. But know that there will come a time when you may need to replace your home’s plumbing system.

 

Nothing Lasts Forever

The type of material making up the pipes used in your home’s plumbing will give you an idea when it’s almost time to replace your system. Galvanized steel and brass have life expectancies of 50 years or less, while copper, cast iron and PVC pipes can last much longer.

You may be impressed by those numbers. But, just because they can doesn’t mean they will. A lot of other things can affect the lifespan of pipes such as quality of water, insulation, and use of chemical drain cleaners. Whether the pipes are used for supply or drainage will also influence their life expectancy.

Knowing that the age of your pipes isn’t the only factor to consider whether you should repair or not, how do you decide? Should you replace your home’s plumbing?

It’s Time for a Replacement When…

The water coming out of the faucet is any color but clear. Unless you have a well system, water should be clear. If it shows any tinge of brown and is dirty, it is a sure sign that your pipes are decaying.

Clogged Drain Pipe

In addition to the fact that dirty water isn’t good for you, corroded particles carried by the water could also be deposited within other sections of the pipe. Clogs can develop and soon, you may have to deal with a burst pipe.

A plumber coming into your house becomes too common. Needing a plumber every once in a while for repair is okay. Having your plumbing system inspected by professionals once a year is a good practice. But, if you find yourself regularly calling a plumber for help, it may be best in the long run for you and your pocket to replace your plumbing.

Mold and other signs of water damage appear. Pipe and fixture leaks are unavoidable but as long as they’re detected and fixed promptly, there’s no need for you to worry.

However, most of the pipes are hidden behind walls. If you find any sign of mold growth anywhere near the plumbing, you can be certain the pipes have been leaking for some time. Wet parts of the wall or ceiling and water-stained or warped flooring also indicate that your system needs some pipe replacement.

An unpleasant smell lingers in your bathroom. Sewage smells may be caused by clogged drains or pipes. Rotten smells may be due to build-up of bacteria somewhere in your system. The smell of urine could suggest a leak at the back of your toilet.

Sometimes, you can get rid of these unpleasant smells on your own, but more often than not, they’re associated with more serious problems. Thus, you may have to replace part of your plumbing system.

You are renovating your basement, bathroom, or kitchen. It’s a good idea to replace plumbing when you’re doing some home renovation. You may think it’s an unnecessary expense, but it can actually save you money by doing two things at once.

To keep the cost down, you may opt to replace only the exposed pipes as long as no other sign of leakage is observed.

Give Us a Call

If you live in Tucson and need professionals to assess, repair, or replace your home’s plumbing system, Spartan Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is just a phone call away.

Draining the Water Heater Tank

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Reasons Why You Need to Drain Your Water Tank

A water heater has an average useful life of around 13 years. Through this time, sediments like calcium, calcium carbonate, and magnesium can accumulate at the bottom of the tank.

Flushing or draining may help get rid of sediments and bacteria. It may also help extend your equipment’s lifespan and make it operate in a more efficient manner. This will save you money in the long run. Thus, you should consider performing the task regularly.

Tucson, AZ water-heater-services

Frequency of Tank Draining

According to experts, whether you are using a gas or electric water heater, you should drain your unit at least once each year, especially if you have hard water in your area. However, energy.gov of the US Department of energy suggests that you flush about of quart of water from the tank every quarter as part of your regular maintenance measures, depending on the model and type of your heater.

Following these guidelines, the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors say that you need to drain a few gallons of water twice to four times every year, and more in communities with hard water. Thus, to prolong the life of your water heater and to maintain its efficiency, periodical draining, at least once each year, is a sound practice.

It’s also a good idea to consult your user’s manual and know your manufacturer’s recommendation on how frequently and how much water to drain from your equipment.

Because of the high risk of injury you could sustain from scalding water, it is best that you let licensed professionals like Spartan Plumbing handle the task for you. This is also ideal if you don’t feel comfortable doing the job on your own. After all, your safety, as well as the safety of your family, should be your top priority.

Draining the Proper Way

As mentioned, flushing your water heater tank on a regular basis is among the best ways to prolong your unit’s useful life and maintain its efficient operation.

The simple and straightforward maintenance procedure below will help get rid of any sediment build-up in your tank:

  1. Shut the water supply off – Find the valve for the cold water supply at the top of the heater, then set it to off.
  2. Turn the water heater off – If you’re using an electric heater, switch the power off at the breaker panel; just turn the unit’s thermostat knob to the “pilot” setting if you’re using a gas heater.
  3. Attach a garden hose – Locate the drain valve at the bottom of your tank and attach a garden hose. Put the hose’s other end in a bucket near a floor drain. It might be a good idea to have several buckets on hand.
  4. Turn on a hot water tap – Allow hot water from a tap nearest the heater unit to run. This will help ease the pressure from the system, while also helping you drain tank water.
  5. Open the drain valve – When the tank is completely drained, switch the cold water supply on for a little while to clear the remaining sediments. Do this step repeatedly until the water is clear.

To bring the heater back into operation, do the following steps:

  1. Turn the drain valve off
  2. Detach the hose
  3. Switch the cold water supply on to refill the tank
  4. Once cold water starts to flow from the tap, switch it off
  5. Switch on the gas valve from “pilot” position or turn on electricity back to the water heater tank
  6. Inspect the valve opening to make sure there are no leaks
  7. Additional tips from DIY

Spartan Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can assist you with all your plumbing requirements. Call us if you need help with water heater maintenance, as well as any other plumbing concerns.

Common Plumbing Problems Found by Home Inspectors

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Buying and Selling a Home In Tucson, Potential Plumbing Problems

Before you buy a previously-loved home, it is important that you first have a home inspection done. Otherwise, you may miss something important that could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the future.

Plumbing may not be easily visible. However, it is important to keep it in mind when conducting home inspections. Often, the biggest concerns discovered by home inspectors are drainage issues and moisture that can trigger dry rot, mold, and structural damage. Slow drains, insufficient water pressure, and visible leak stains may all indicate plumbing problems.

Remember, once the sale is done, you will be the one to shoulder all necessary repairs. Getting a professional home inspection before deciding to buy a home will help you avoid unnecessary spending on repairs.

Having said that, here are some of the most common plumbing problems encountered during inspections done by home inspectors:

 

Tucson Plumbing Inspections

Outdated Pipes

PE or polyethylene pipes can be used in homes, but only for turn off valves in water mains as well as in water pressure tanks. They are, however, not to legal code for home use for any other application. Make sure that there are no out of date pipes installed in the home you are planning to buy.

Galvanized Pipes

Before the 1960s, a lot of houses used galvanized pipes. These lead pipes were coated with zinc. The problem is, zinc erodes over time, and there is danger that lead may seep into your home’s water supply. These pipes should be replaced before you move in.

Pipe ObstructionsRepiping

If you are buying an older home, check if there are tree root growths that could possibly affect the pipes. Problematic or outdated systems are also common pipe issues that are detected by inspections.

Polybutylene Pipes

A kind of plastic resin, polybutylene is used in manufacturing water pipes as a cheap copper alternative from 1978 to 1995. Recent findings reveal that oxidants such as chlorine, which is present in public water supplies, can make the material brittle. This will result to micro fractures that can trigger system failure, as well as damage to personal property and the building’s structure. Because of the inherent weaknesses in PB, it is no longer accepted by the building code of both the U.S.

Broken PipesLeak Detection

A lot of things can lead to a broken pipe. For example, you may accidentally crush a drain line while parking your car or you may crack a pipe while completing a DIY project.

Corroded Pipes

Rust build up or corrosion around or inside your pipes can result to blockages or decreased water pressure and flow in the household. Thus, it is important to replace rusty pipes right away.

Read more about the types of pipes plumbers use.

Clogs in the Sewer Line

Gurgling sounds, slow draining problems, and backups are often signs of a sewer line clog. This makes it difficult to get rid of waste from your home. It can also force water to back up, leading to leaks. Tree root growth is one of the most prevalent causes of clogs. The problem will only worsen if you don’t address it right away.

Leaks in the Walls

Leaks running inside your walls are hard to spot. Often, you will only begin to suspect that they are there once you notice your water bill climbing because of the slow leaking, or when you see mildew/mold growth, or damage to your flooring and/or drywall. The best way to identify the problem is through a professional inspection of your interior.

Water Heater Problems

Water heater replacement can be quite costly. You may be experiencing early damage with the presence of the following signs:

Some of these reasons may indicate your new potential home needs a new water heater or at the very least serviced by an experienced licensed plumber.

While these problems may be common and easily detected, it is best that the job be left to the hands of professionals like Spartan Plumbing. We have trained manpower and the necessary equipment for any plumbing job.

Know When Your Garbage Disposal Is in Need of Repairs

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The kitchen in most homes today are filled with modern appliances that make food preparation convenient and clean. A fully functioning garbage disposal system makes sure that you get rid of all remnants of each meal. This way, your kitchen can remain clean all the time. But how can you achieve that if you have a malfunctioning garbage disposal equipment?

Having said that, here are some signs that will help you know that your garbage disposal system is in need of repairs:

Foul Smell Coming from Your Sink

If you notice a bad smell coming from the sink on a consistent basis, it may no longer be due to the dirty dishes – unless of course you allow your used dishes to pile up for a long time. Otherwise, it’s probably due to a garbage disposal problem.

Food waste may be getting trapped in the system’s disposal lines. This is sometimes difficult to address. Although flushing water into the lines may be helpful, it is not a permanent fix. To get rid of the problem once and for all, you’ll have to disassemble the equipment, remove the stuck food particles, and then put the unit back together. For a regular homeowner, this may be a difficult task. Thus, it is best to seek the help of pros like Spartan Plumbing.

Slow Draining Garbage Disposal Unit

If you have given the system enough time to run and get rid of the waste as usual, the drain line may be congested. Experts don’t recommend the use of chemical drain cleaners for your garbage disposal. For one, it will only cause damage to your equipment and you will be left with a sink filled with toxic chemicals. Instead, you can try using the time-tested vinegar and baking soda solution. If that doesn’t work, then you know it’s time to call in the experts for help.

Spartan Plumbing knows exactly how to remove the bolts, disassemble the drain trap, release the drain pipe, spot the clogs and obstructions, and clear the clog using the best and most advanced tools.

Recurrent Garbage Disposal Clogs

Modern garbage disposal systems are intended to work efficiently and smoothly. Thus, a clog can be quite frustrating, and it is a clear sign that your unit needs repairs. The extent of the necessary repairs depends on the frequency and severity of the clogging.

If clogs are only occasional, you may only need to disassemble the unit to remove the food waste. However, if you experience frequent clogging, you may need to replace your garbage disposal with a bigger unit. If your equipment is too small to handle heavy loads, this can put a stress on your unit, resulting in frequent clogs.

Constant Leaks in Your Garbage Disposal

A leak can produce disgusting and dirty puddles that can ruin your kitchen. Thus, you need to address the problem right away. Tightening the connection between your sink and appliance may solve some types of leaks. However, if the leak is serious, it may be costly to repair. Severe leaks may be beyond repair and may even require replacement.

Before buying a new unit, however, consult with Spartan Plumbing first to determine if you really need new equipment. In case you don’t need a replacement yet, they will recommend the proper solution to your problem.

Your garbage disposal system is designed to get rid of all types of messes in your kitchen but a broken garbage disposal will do the opposite. By being aware of the common garbage disposal issues, you will know when you can fix the problem on your own, and when you need to call the experts to do the job for you. Here are some additional tips to keep your disposal running efficiently.