Catherine Smith Blog

A clog in your drain may not be an emergency situation, but it does demand attention. If you don’t clean your clogged drain, you could end up with a serious plumbing problem. Before you have a plumbing emergency, learn how drain cleaning services can help you. Find out about the different methods you can use to clear your drains and how a professional can help. DIY Drain Cleaning Methods In an effort to save money, you might want to try cleaning your drains on your own. However, DIY drain cleaning methods aren’t always effective, and some of the techniques do more harm than good. If you’re set on trying to clean your drains without professional help, here are a few methods you can use: Drain Cleaning Solutions Most home improvement stores have an aisle full of drain cleaning solutions. Unfortunately, the majority of those solutions contain harsh chemicals. Those chemicals are effective at removing clogs from your pipes, but their effectiveness comes at a cost. Often, the ...

A damaged sewer line is a severe problem. Unfortunately, too many homeowners don’t realize that they have trouble with their plumbing until it’s too late. Learn everything you need to know about identifying sewer line damage and repairing your plumbing with the best plumbers in Chicago. Signs of a Sewer Leak Although not all sewer damage is apparent, there are some telltale signs of a sewer leak. If you notice any of the following issues, you might need sewer line repair. Strange Sounds Is your plumbing making unusual noises? If you hear running water when your faucets are off, there could be a break in your sewer line. Your walls or ceiling shouldn’t make a trickling sound unless there’s a leak in your pipes.  Wet Floors Wet floors are never a sign of anything good. One of the most obvious signs of a  sewer leak  is spongy or moist floors. Typically, this happens when water leaks at the connections between the main sewer line and your home’s pipes. As t...

Your plumbing system can go awry at any point in time. To prepare yourself for a plumbing problem, you should familiarize yourself with the answers to these common plumbing questions. When all else fails, call an expert for plumbing services in Alexandria, VA. 1. HOW DO I PREVENT WATER DAMAGE? The best way to prevent water damage is to be on the lookout for leaks and to receive regular maintenance of your plumbing system. As soon as you notice an issue, call an experienced plumber. 2. WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT A BURST PIPE? As soon as you notice the burst pipe, shut off the water at the main valve. Turn off electricity to avoid shock and call a  24 hour plumber in Alexandria, VA . There’s no time to waste. 3. WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY TOILET OVERFLOWS? If your toilet starts overflowing, don’t panic. You can prevent the toilet from losing more water by shutting off the valve located behind the toilet. Then, clean up the water and call the plumber. 4. WHAT SHOULD I DO...

If you want your HVAC system to last, you need to care for it properly. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize that their system requires routine maintenance. Find out what maintenance you need to do for your Sterling HVAC system and learn how a technician can help you. What Maintenance Should You Do? There are a few things you can do to keep your HVAC system in working order. For one, you should clean or change out your filter. Over time, your filter accumulates dust, dirt, and allergens. The air must pass through your filter, but too much debris restricts the flow of air. When your filter is dirty, your system works harder than it should. Eventually, you may be in need of HVAC service in Sterling, VA. You can prevent overworking your system by regularly cleaning or changing your filter. First, you need to know what type of filter you have. Some filters can be removed and cleaned, while others are disposable. Every three months, remove your filter and clean it ...

It’s important to know when you need to call an emergency plumbing service and when you should wait to pick up the phone. But many homeowners can’t tell the difference between an emergency plumbing problem and a minor issue. Find out when you really need to call for an immediate repair and don’t waste any time debating the issue the next time you find yourself in the midst of a plumbing disaster. Signs You Need an Emergency Plumbing Service There are a few circumstances that demand the skill of a 24 hour plumbing service . If any of the following happens in your home, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call your favorite plumber: 1. Toilet Overflows An overflowing toilet is a cause for concern. If you can’t stop the water from leaking, you’ll end up with serious water damage in your bathroom. This could lead to mold damage and costly cosmetic repairs. As soon as you notice the problem, you should shut off the water valve. You can find it behind your toilet, and al...

If you need a new furnace or air conditioner, you have a few options. Before choosing your Sterling HVAC system, it’s vital that you know about the differences between leasing and buying a system. Find out which option is better for you and your budget. ALL ABOUT HVAC LEASING When it comes to Sterling heating and air conditioning, some people don’t realize that renting a system is a possibility. Leasing isn’t ideal for everyone, and there are only a handful of people who could benefit from renting. To determine the best choice, you must understand how the leasing differs from owning. Renting an HVAC system is like renting a car. When you lease a unit, you pay a monthly rental fee. Sometimes, those fees include everything from the equipment to repairs. But at other times, it only covers the equipment. Once your rental agreement expires, you’ll need to find a new HVAC system. You can either buy one or renew your contract. WHO SHOULD RENT A STERLING HVAC SYSTEM? If you don’t...

Todays tankless water heating systems offer exceptional convenience. They are able to supply you with nearly a limitless amount of hot water for use in your home. Unlike traditional water heater storage tanks, that only hold 30 to 100 gallons of hot water, the tankless water heaters provide hot water as you demand it. While tankless water heaters experience fewer leaks than traditional water heater tanks, they do develop other problems. These generally will require  tankless water heater repair  services. The following are some of the most common reasons why you might need the service of  Broken Arrow plumbers . No Ignition When a hot water tap is turned on, the water heater’s ignition is supposed to activate the gas burner. If the ignition does not activate, you will not get any hot water. The ignition may not work due to a variety of reasons, including a blown fuse, improper grounding of electrical wires, improper gas pressure, broken gas control valve...