On average, cast iron pipes can last around 80 to 100 years. If you live in a house built in the 1970s or older, your pipes are most likely made of cast iron. While your pipes are hidden underground, taking preventative measures can save you a lot of stress in the future. You don’t want to wait until things blow out to take action because that could be costly. Residential pipe systems are subject to wear and tear. It is normal if your cast iron pipes start to deteriorate after several years of operation. It makes sense to conduct regular inspections on your cast iron pipes to check for any issues that could cause major inconveniences. If an issue is detected during the home inspection, get it repaired right away before it escalates to a costly problem. You may also want to consider relining your cast iron pipes if the issue can’t be fixed. How Do I Tell If My Cast Iron Pipes Are Bad?Several issues can be signs of troubled cast iron pipes. Common signs that indicate your pipes are in bad condition include leaks, water discoloration, and poor water pressure. In some cases, cast iron pipes are used in sewage systems that extend from the house to the main sewer line. You can tell something is wrong if you notice slow drainage, ground sagging, and wastewater pooling. https://youtu.be/i42DgGHnfxUIn addition, if you experience rusty pipes, you should call a plumber to inspect your piping system to determine if it needs to be relined. Rusty pipes can also cause water discoloration due to the blockage or rough surface created by the rust inside the cast iron pipes. The rough surface attracts tiny particles, which causes a build-up. Sewage leaks are also a concern because they can cause bad smells in your house and encourage the growth of molds and mildew, reducing the quality of your home. Moreover, when there is a rupture, wastewater tends to pool, causing small patches in the yard to be wet when other parts are dry. The best way to protect your home from such inconveniences is to hire a qualified plumbing expert to inspect your cast iron pipes with video that can show you the future of your pipes and help to identify problem areas where the cast iron piping can be relined underground. Do We Need to Make a PVC Connection with a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Underground?https://youtu.be/edVjZwfNQyc?t=219Many homeowners are interested in connecting their worn-out cast iron sewer pipes, but don’t really know how and do not know the alternatives that can save you time and headaches. Not every situation are you replacing cast iron under the first floor from the basement level. The old traditional way to replacing your cast iron pipes with new PVC is to dig up the ground, break concrete slabs or pull walls away to cut out and remove the cast iron pipes to be simply replaced with new PVC. The connections of cast iron to PVC can be made, but is it a permanent solution? Will you feel confident that when you put your kitchen together, after it was just remodeled, that the connections between the two materials will not leak - it’s worth noting that you don’t have to take this way to make the repair. The newer way, with a lifetime guarantee, is the pipe lining solution offered by Deluxe can save you headaches and save your property from unnecessary major demolition. This alternative way of repairing broken, cracked or offset cast iron pipe is to run a new pipe inside the existing pipe. This is done with a flexible sock socked with epoxy that can be inserted to the existing pipe. It is important that the pipe is properly prepared and descaled for this process to work. https://youtu.be/7PX7VIBeCjsYou can try and save yourself money by cutting off your cast iron pipe at ground level and create a connection with the specified connector. The rubber-made fins will then thrust the existing pipe to form a firm seal, and the new PVC connects straight to the socket. However, if the pipe is under concrete, soil or another hard surface or behind drywall or brick you would not be trying to perform this cast iron pipe repair on your own – we hope not! While connecting PVC to cast iron sewer pipe sounds like a one-minute job or running a new pipe inside of an existing old broken pipe, it can be difficult for those without prior experience and the right set of equipment. With a plumber, like Deluxe Plumbing & Heating in Bethlehem, PA, you can have peace of mind knowing the job will be lifetime warrantied, executed faster and efficiently and that your home won’t be damaged. WORRY-FREE SOLUTIONS™ Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/knowledge/how-long-does-cast-iron-pipe-last
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Freon is necessary to the safe and efficient functioning of an air conditioner. Here's how often you need to add freon to the unit. Have you asked yourself these questions in the past 18 months: Are you having problems with your home air conditioning system? Is your electric bill sky-high, even though your home is still uncomfortably hot? Is the air coming from the air vents warmer than the setting on the thermostat? If you are experiencing these issues, then it could be that your air conditioning system needs recharging. Recharging an air conditioning system means adding and rebalancing a new refrigerant to it. Refrigerant is necessary to allow the evaporator coil to remove heat from the air. When the system runs low on refrigerant, also known as freon, the fan continues to drive air around your home but the unit cannot effectively cool the air. How Often Do You Need to Add Freon to a Central Air Conditioning Unit?There is no single answer to the question of how often to recharge home AC systems. In theory, recharging should never be necessary. Air conditioning systems are sealed, which means that the amount of freon in the system should remain constant. In practice, leaks can deplete the level of freon, leading to the unit needing to be recharged. Freon is a dangerous chemical that can cause harm to your lungs if you breathe in its vapors. For this reason, you should never try to check the freon level of your air conditioning unit yourself. Instead, call a reputable HVAC company so that a licensed technician can check the freon levels for you. The technician can identify why the freon level is too low and let you know what repair work needs to be done to fix the fault with the unit. Signs You Need to Add Freon to Your Air Conditioning System
Deluxe Plumbing and Heating can check the amount of freon in your air conditioning system, add more if necessary, and resolve any issues that are causing the level to drop. Simply give us a call today! Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/knowledge/how-often-do-you-need-to-add-freon-to-a-central-air-conditioning-unit When carrying out residential electrical work, how many lights can I put on a 15 Amp circuit? Suppose you're carrying out some home renovations or thinking about putting up a light display for the holiday season. In that case, you're probably thinking about how many lights you can safely add to your standard 15 Amp circuit. As electrical systems come with many safety issues, this is a very sensible attitude. However, the answer is unfortunately not straightforward. Every light fitting and bulb has its own power requirement, so you need to consider and work it out accordingly. So, how do you calculate how many lights I can add to a 15 Amp circuit?First, you must consider that you need a safety factor on the circuit. You should not run the circuit at more than 80% of capacity, so this leaves you with 12 Amps. Then you need to calculate how many Amps your light will draw. The formula for this is simple: Amps = Watts/Volts As the standard voltage in the US is 120V, this means for a 60W bulb: Amps = 60/120 Amps = 0.5A If all of your bulbs are 60W, this means that you can have 24 60W bulbs on your lighting circuit. Of course, if your supply is at a different voltage, you should amend this calculation to suit. So you've probably realized that using LED bulbs will therefore give you room for many more lights. For example, if using 10W LED bulbs, you can, in theory, have 150 lights. However, you should be cautious; should you or someone else later change the bulb for an incandescent one, you might then be overloading the circuit. What about the wiring?The gauge of wire you should use in domestic typically varies according to the current rating of the circuit. For example, 20 Amp breakers for outlets will use 12 or 10 gauge wire. Lighting circuits at 15 Amps will need a slightly thinner 14 gauge. Using thinner wire than recommended will cause the wiring to heat up and is a potential fire risk. While the guidelines given above will allow you to select the best number of lights for your circuit, you should always be cautious when carrying out electrical work in the home. Use certified electrical installers like Deluxe Plumbing & Heating for maximum safety in your residential electrical work so that your home remains within code. Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/knowledge/how-many-lights-can-i-put-on-a-15-amp-circuit Choose the Latest Pipe Lining Technology To Fix Your Leaking or Broken Pipes. Ignoring the telltale signs of leaking or broken pipes in and around your home or office can lead to several other problems endangering the concrete slab your house relies on for stability. Say hello to rotted wood, mold, foul odors, and even unwelcome visitors such as rodents and mosquitoes who just love the damp and dark areas in your home. Deluxe Plumbing uses a pipe technology that can renew all your home's pipes, including vertical systems, basement drain pipe, restoring your home's circulatory system back to total health. Here's what it is and how it's done. What Is Pipe Lining Technology?https://youtu.be/7PX7VIBeCjsPipe lining technology is an environmentally-friendly pipe repair technology aimed at opening restricted pipes and renewing the life of your pipes in the most painless and least intrusive way possible. A simple way to think of it is by imagining the pipes in your home as the blood vessels in your body. Both carry fluids where needed, and both remove waste from a system. With age, the cast-iron pipes in and around your home start eroding, resulting in restricted flow. Cracks start developing, which causes blockages. Pipe lining technology can restore the total flow by using a cleaning and lining process for either a section of pipe or the entire pipe. In most cases, no digging is required, which means no restoration is needed. How Is Pipe Lining Technology Used?Pipe lining repair is angioplasty for your home, with the procedure:
Why Hire a Professional Plumbing Contractor?Digging up your yard or pulling down walls can inevitably incur further damage, disruptions, and cost. Very few pipe lining companies in Pennsylvania can do the job; however, make sure you carefully select a professional plumbing contractor that will assess the situation before making any suggestions and who will provide you with a trained, licensed, and insured service you can trust. Installing trenchless pipe liners requires qualified plumbers familiar with the latest technology and have many years of reputable work experience. A lack of knowledge and skills can compromise the integrity and durability of your new pipe lining. Which are the pipe lining companies near me? Deluxe Plumbing and Heating provides a great variety of services and products, including the latest pipe lining technology throughout the Lehigh Valley, PA area. We provide 24/7 support and avoid inconveniencing you by breaking walls, floors, and concrete and digging up your yard. We provide state-of-the-art technology pipe lining solutions to fix pipes inside and outside the house or property as small as 2-inch diameter. One of our certified professional teams will come in and out in a day, taking care of controlling any odors that can negatively impact your home or office. Deluxe Plumbing and Heating provides a lifetime warranty for the home or business owner that requested the work, thereby making sure you have one less thing to worry about. Enjoy the Deluxe Plumbing and Heating experience - less stress, less overall expense, less mess, less time. Get a pipe lining coupon today for tomorrow. Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/knowledge/have-you-heard-about-this-awesome-pipe-lining-technology AC Won't Turn On—Don't Lose Your Cool Find out how to address these commonly experienced air conditioner issues and what to do when the AC won't turn on. Why Won't My Air Conditioning Turn On?Always turn off the power when touching or disassembling any part of a condenser unit—or risk electrocution! Thermostat IssuesTry turning on a thermostat with a blank display. If that doesn't work, check to see if it requires batteries, and change them. A diagnosis by an AC professional is a final option. Tripped Circuit BreakerA tripped circuit breaker is a common cause of powerless AC systems. Restore tripped breakers in the electrical panel to their "ON" position. Breakers that trip repeatedly, pose a danger and require professional service; never force the breaker on as it is doing its job by kicking off. Unplugged Condenser UnitVisually check that power cords to condenser units are plugged in, undamaged, and in working order. Blown FuseFuse boxes are usually located outside, near the condenser unit of central AC systems. After turning off the power, a visual or electrical test, covered with Learning about Electronics, can determine if any fuses have blown—a service routinely performed by AC service professionals. Clogged Air FilterClogged air filters cause evaporator coils to freeze, ice to form, and ACs to stop operating. After turning off the power, changing the filter, and allowing ice to melt, an AC unit should turn on again. If not, a professional tune-up is recommended. Clogged AC Drain LineAC condensation drain lines are cleared and maintained by turning off the power and pouring boiling water down them once each month. AC Motor FailureMotor failure is common with unmaintained AC systems more than five years old. Refrigerant LeakAC units usually stop cooling or make unusual sounds before they stop operating altogether as a result of a refrigerant leak—a dangerous situation, as featured with WebMD, that requires an AC professional be contacted. False Temperature ReadingsThe temperature at the thermostat, as explained with Reviewed, determines when the AC operates. Too hot, near a dryer or in a sunny location, and it causes the AC to operate too often. Too cold, and vice versa. Relocating the thermostat is the simplest—and best—solution. Deluxe Plumbing & Heating provides professional AC maintenance for all makes and models. Call us, we'll determine why your AC won't turn on and get it running properly again. Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/knowledge/common-reasons-air-conditioners-wont-turn-on Like most kids after graduating high school, Larry Shoemaker went to college. However, he came home after about a year, and started working in his father’s plumbing business, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating. “I wanted to be a forest ranger, right?” Shoemaker says laughing. “But I came back and worked here and just kept going — I never went back.” The rest, as they say, is history. After working in the business with just his father and himself, Shoemaker purchased the company in 2003. He spent the first six years working in the field with his wife, Kim Shoemaker. The second-generation family business has built a reputation for being the go-to company for plumbing, heating and electrical service in Lehigh Valley and the surrounding areas. Deluxe Plumbing & Heating is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies through continuing education and training for its employees. The company’s commitment and passion for both training and apprenticeship have nabbed Deluxe Plumbing & Heating accolades as Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2021 Residential Contractor of the Year. Solid foundationsFounded by Shoemaker’s father 1984, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating has a rock-solid foundation in the communities it serves. In 2007, Shoemaker started hiring employees to help grow the business. In 2009, he decided to add an HVAC department, and started attending HVAC classes. Today, the company boasts 37 employees and 19 fleet vehicles offering residential and commercial plumbing service and installation. “I like the people we work with — they’re great,” Shoemaker says. “Fixing problems and seeing something different every day — that’s the best thing. And our customers love us. We do what we say we’re going to do, and we back it up.” Last month, Deluxe moved into a new 12,000-square-foot location after outgrowing its former building. “When we moved into the other place six years ago, it was the perfect size for us,” Shoemaker notes. “We had 14 people then, and actually, the 4,000 square feet was a little big for us. Now, with the number of trucks and employees, we just outgrew it.” Shoemaker is also very active within the industry as a member of PHCC — National Association, PHCC of Pennsylvania, OESP, Success Group International and National Comfort Institute. He also happens to be the current president of his state PHCC chapter. “The contacts and networking are excellent,” Shoemaker says about his association memberships. “Knowing people on local, state and national levels is a great way to do business. And the training is incredible. I’m still going to a lot of classes myself, and I send all of our people through classes.” Home growing employeesWhen Shoemaker starts talking about training, you can see his passion for the industry shine through. Deluxe Plumbing & Heating features a full apprenticeship program, Shoemaker notes. “I’m one of the oldest people in the company, and I’m 47,” he says. “Most of our people are in their 20s or early 30s. We get them from high school, train within and bring them up through both HVAC and plumbing.” Unlike most plumbing and heating contractors around the country, Shoemaker says he is not having any trouble recruiting new employees. “There’s a trick to it,” he notes. “Being part of all those associations helps. I’m on the boards of four different schools, and I go to each one of them and talk. All the students know who we are and what we’re about. We bring in students every year for summer internships, co-ops and job shadows. They go through the process and we find great people.” Shoemaker explains it all starts with high school students doing a job shadow. “For every four to five students we see job shadowing, we bring one on board — it starts as a co-op,” he says. “After the co-op, they do a summer internship. Sometimes, we get them young, coming out of their freshman year and heading into sophomore year. Once they have graduated, we put them through a four-year apprenticeship on the plumbing side, or a three-year apprenticeship on the HVAC side. We do NATE certifications, NCI certifications and utilize ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and PPATEC (a local trade school). Some of the classes are local, but others are not — we fly our people all over the U.S. for those types of trainings. We also send them to manufacturer training sessions, like the three-day Navien class or up to New Hampshire for Laars training. As long as they’re with us long enough and have a good attitude, we put money into them.” All this training is important at the end of the day for one reason: To reduce callbacks and phone calls to Shoemaker himself. “It’s less phone calls for me, and it’s better for the customer,” he says. “The customer gets an overall better experience. We train soft skills a lot with SGI, things like how to talk to customers, how to run a service call and more. The tech training is great for the customer as well. And it’s beneficial for the techs — they’re not calling on the phone when they don’t know something, so they don’t look bad in front of the customer. The job runs smoother, and there are less issues out in the field. You have to put money into your people. It’s well worth it.” Family cultureDeluxe has truly built a family atmosphere and culture within the business. It’s the thing 24-year-old Alejandro (Alex) Fritz appreciates most about working for the company. Fritz was one of those high school students that got his start through a job shadow about eight years ago. Now, he’s a licensed master plumber and new construction crew leader for Deluxe. “I knew when I was in high school that I didn’t want to go to college,” Fritz says. “When I started the technical school program, I originally wanted to go into nursing or physical therapy. The way the program worked is you would spend 15 days in one area to learn about the job, then transfer to another area and so on. When I got to nursing and physical therapy, I knew I didn’t like it at all. Plumbing was one of the areas I liked, which is funny because I don’t even know how it got on my list. I didn’t pick it. When I got to the class, it was really hands-on and the teacher liked me.” While Fritz really enjoyed the class, he notes he probably wouldn’t have stayed in plumbing after graduating if he hadn’t landed at Deluxe. “I had went on a few job shadows at a few other companies, but I didn’t like the people I was working with,” he says. “I really like the culture here at Deluxe — it’s a nice place to work. It’s very family-oriented and everyone is really close. We all get along really well, and there are no issues or drama. I love what I do — it’s fun seeing it from start to finish.” Fritz also has a deep respect for Shoemaker and his leadership. “Larry is a really cool guy — you can call him for anything, it doesn’t have to be work related,” he says. “He helped me get my first car. He took me to the dealership and helped me go over all the numbers. He also helped me — and all the other guys here — get my journeyman license, and then my master plumbing license as well.” Fritz laughs and notes their relationship was a little rough in the beginning because “Larry didn’t work with a lot of kids, and didn’t really know how to get through to us at first. He’s really good at learning on his feet, though. It’s funny because about a month ago, I was asking him how he dealt with us because now I’m in his shoes and training the new guys coming up.” Chad Haberle, Deluxe’s plumbing service manager, has been with the company for the past nine years. He got his start in the industry in his 20s apprenticing with a small plumbing company. “Deluxe Plumbing differs from other companies because of our atmosphere and Larry’s vision and drive to advance all of our employees in their careers,” Haberle says. “We have nearly 40 employees and everyone between departments get along extremely well. I love that we are able to help customers in their time of need by sending professional technicians to provide immediate relief while providing options for permanent solutions to their issues.” Haberle also boasts about the Deluxe’s mentoring, internship and apprenticeship programs. “We combat the labor shortages by utilizing many avenues,” he says. “Several of our current techs have gone through this program and have been with us for many years. They get to learn how we operate, our systems and what is expected of our technicians. Also, word of mouth locally has allowed us to become a place of business that people want to be a part of. Our mentoring doesn’t end when students finish high school. We offer a four-year night school apprenticeship program that allows our technicians to get technical training as well as receiving journeyman and master plumbing licenses.” This is important, Haberle notes, because a majority of plumbing companies usually have only one master plumber on staff. Deluxe Plumbing & Heating currently has six employees with master plumbing licenses, and several others with journeyman licenses. “Larry has a strong belief in advancing our employees in their careers,” he says. “Training is a big focus here at Deluxe. My greatest accomplishment is seeing our younger employees go through the apprenticeship program, setting themselves up for success throughout their lives for themselves and their families.” Haberle adds he hopes to continue to help build Deluxe into the premiere plumbing contractor in Lehigh Valley. “We not only want to become larger, but we want to maintain a level of commitment to our customers that they can trust we are providing the best service and warranties around,” he says. Shoemaker notes that management is fun, and he tries to be open with his employees. “Our people are great — there’s nobody I would want to push out the door,” he says. “Building a culture is all about picking the right people. It took us a long time to get it right. And some of our young people actually pushed some of the older ones out, and it was just because they didn’t have the right mindset. Finding the right mindset is key.” “Our people are great — there’s nobody I would want to push out the door. Building a culture is all about picking the right people. It took us a long time to get it right. And some of our young people actually pushed some of the older ones out, and it was just because they didn’t have the right mindset. Finding the right mindset is key.” – LARRY SHOEMAKER Rolling with the punchesLike every other service contractor, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating had to pivot when COVID-19 hit last year. “My crew did not want to stay home at all,” Shoemaker says. “So they came in. We still had our trainings and in-house stuff. And we did a whole bunch of training over Zoom. In the very beginning, Pennsylvania shut down for about nine weeks, and our construction just halted. The service side slowed down for the first two months, but we were still running about five or six service calls a day. We did our best to keep everyone busy with training and to just keep them all positive. That was the biggest thing.” By mid-June last year, the calls were picking up again. And Deluxe has had a stellar 2021 so far, Shoemaker notes. His team is back to running an average of 30 calls per day. “People are at home using things more,” he says. “When you’re at home all the time, you want to be comfortable. Previously, if something wasn’t working right, let’s say an air conditioner, they wouldn’t mind it for a few hours each night. But when you’re there all the time, it becomes a problem. And everything is getting used more. All the fixtures and toilets are getting used more, so there are more backups and things like that going on.” Looking aheadWhen asked about the future, Shoemaker says he is looking for steady growth for his company that will enable him to bring up more people. “I don’t want to bring in outside people,” he explains. “I want our people to be able to move up into open positions and be able to prosper. I’m so proud of the group we have — they’re great. They’re driven. They do well, and they care about each other and what they do. That’s all I can really ask for.” Author Nicole Krawcke is chief editor of Plumbing & Mechanical. issue October 2021 Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/knowledge/2021-residential-contractor-of-the-year-aware-winner We invite you to our OPEN HOUSE and to celebrate with us! We are a family owned and operated business in Bethlehem, PA. As a thank you for welcoming us into your house for all of your whole home needs, we would like to welcome you into ours on October 30, 2021. Food provide by Poster Details of our Open House EventDirections to Deluxe Plumbing & Heating New LocationVia https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/knowledge/our-new-location Replacing a basement drain pipe can be a costly project. Depending on the circumstances, it can require part of your foundation, walls, and basement floor to be removed, and you’ll be unable to stay in your home while the project takes place. But luckily, full-scale replacement isn’t the only choice when it comes to cast iron drain pipes. Pipe lining repair is usually an option, too. In this blog, we’ll look at the basics of cast iron basement drain pipes, discuss signs that you may need a repair or replacement, and go over your options for repairs, such as trenchless pipe relining. Do I Have A Cast Iron Drain Pipe?If your house was built before the 1970s, you probably have a cast iron drain pipe. Cast iron was widely used for drain pipes and water mains before the 1970s, when plastic materials like PVC became more popular. Cast iron pipes can easily last up to 80 or 100 years, but they do tend to corrode and rust over time, and will eventually wear out and fail. Not sure if your pipe is made of cast iron? It can be hard to tell on your own. We recommend contacting a plumber in Lehigh Valley to check on your pipes and determine the material they’re made of. Signs Your Cast Iron Drain Pipe Needs to Be ReplacedIf you suspect you need to replace your basement drain pipe, there are a few signs you should look out for. ● Nasty smells in your home – Sewer gas or other foul odors can indicate damage in your basement cast iron drain pipe. ● Sluggish drains – If more than one or two of your plumbing appliances is draining slowly, this usually indicates a crack, damage, or other issues with your sewer drain pipe. ● Lush patches of grass – Very lush, green patches of grass over the drain pipe usually indicate that sewage is leaking from your pipe. ● Cracks in walls or foundation – This may indicate prolonged basement drain pipe issues. Over time, leaking sewage and/or water can cause damage to the foundation of your home. Trenchless Pipe Relining Is the Best Way To Replace Your Basement Drain PipeSo, what should you do if you think your cast iron drain pipe needs to be replaced in Lehigh Valley? First, don't think - what's this gonna cost?! Call an expert plumber to come look at your basement slab and pipes. In many cases, there are only a few problematic areas that are damaged and need replacement. If this is the case, trenchless pipe relining is the best option to repair your cast iron drain pipe. In the pipe lining repair method, a plumber uses a flexible camera to identify damage to your pipe. Then, they will use special tools to place a fiberglass felt liner in the damaged area, and inject it with resin. This essentially creates a “pipe-within-a-pipe,” sealing the leak and damage without requiring you to dig up and replace the entire pipe. The only reason we would have to dig would be if the pipe is offset so much so that we can’t level it out before lining. So, if the pipe is completely cracked and one part of the pipe is substantially lower than the other part - In this case we would put a leveling agent in that area to make up for the difference, but that is only able to be done when its minor. Otherwise we would have to dig. Fully Replacing A Basement Cast Iron Drain Pipe Is A Last Resort OptionIn some cases, it may not be possible to reline the cast iron drain pipe. Significant damage may require one or several sections of the pipe to be removed. If this is the case, it’s usually a good idea to completely tear up the pipe and replace it with a modern PVC sewer pipe. This is a long, complex, and difficult process, which often requires the removal of walls, flooring, and even digging up your front yard. Usually, you and your family will need to stay at a hotel or somewhere else since the plumbing will be inoperable throughout the process. Replacing your drain pipe is definitely worth it if there are serious problems with your cast iron drain pipe – but due to the cost and complexity of this process, it’s best to explore other options like trenchless pipe relining first. Got Sewer Drainage Issues? Contact Deluxe Plumbing & Heating Today!At Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in repairing and restoring cast iron pipes that are under concrete basements and foundations. We offer 24/7 service, and are always prepared to help you restore your plumbing in Lehigh Valley. Contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724 to get the service you need right away. Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-do-i-replace-my-cast-iron-drain-pipe-in-my-basement Got no hot water at your house? There are a lot of different reasons your water heater may not be working, and if you have hard water, one of the most common causes is calcium buildup on heating elements. Calcium is found in many municipal water supplies in small amounts. Over time, calcium will collect with other sediments in your water heater. If your water heater is not working or the hot water is strangely colored, this may be the cause of your issue. How to Remove Calcium Buildup from A Water Heater? Here are two common ways to remove calcium buildup from water heaters.
If flushing the heater and using chemical treatments does not work, you may have too much calcium buildup, or the issue may be unrelated to calcium deposits. Contact a plumber to get to the bottom of the problem. Prevention Is Better Than Removal – Keep Your Water Heater in Good Shape Ideally, you should avoid calcium buildup on heating elements completely. If you have hard water that’s high in calcium, you should use a lower temperature for your water heater. Keep it closer to 120 degrees, as higher temperatures tend to leave behind more calcium. An even better option is to invest in a water softener if you have hard water. A water softener will remove calcium and other minerals like magnesium from your water, which will prevent calcium buildup on heating elements. With a water softener, you won’t have to worry about having no hot water due to mineral deposits in your hot water tank! Got Hot Water Heater Issues? Get Help from Deluxe Plumbing & Heating! At Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in plumbing as well as water treatment services, including water softener installation. If you think your hot water heater is having issues due to calcium deposits, contact us online or call us at 610-628-1724 to get the assistance you need. Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-to-remove-calcium-buildup-from-a-water-heater If you have a gas water heater and no hot water, you may be wondering how to light a hot water heater. In some cases, it’s possible that your water heater is in perfectly fine shape, and the pilot light has simply gone out. All-righty, in this blog from Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we’ll discuss a few steps and precautions to take when lighting a gas hot water heater. Let’s get started. 1. Turn Off the Gas and Open the Pilot Light Access Door/Cover First, turn off the gas to your hot water heater for about 5 minutes. Then, check your owner’s manual to find the pilot light access door or cover and open it. This is usually located right below the gas valve. 2. Find the Burner Inside You will want a flashlight or headlamp to identify the pilot light burner. You’ll see two small gas tubes leading to it. 3. Turn the Gas Knob To “Pilot” In some water heaters, this may be done using a separate button, usually colored red, which you’ll need to press and hold as you light the pilot light. 4. Light the Pilot Light Some units may have an igniter button. If this is the case, use it. This will usually create a small electrical short that ignites the pilot light. If your unit does not have this, you can use a long gas grill lighter or a long grill match. Don’t try to use a short cigarette lighter or match, or you’re likely to burn yourself. While holding down the pilot button or keeping the gas knob open, carefully place the flame near the pilot light. Once the pilot light is fully lit, continue to hold the knob or gas valve open for at least a minute. Release it slowly, and make sure the light is still lit. 5. Turn the Gas Back on Completely Turn the gas to your gas hot water heater back on completely, and listen for the “whump” or “whoosh” sound of the main burner igniting. This will be familiar if you’ve ever used a gas-powered grill or fireplace. 6. Replace the Pilot Light Access Door or Cover Close or replace the pilot light access door or cover completely. Your pilot light is fully lit – you’ve just learned how to light a hot water heater! Got Pilot Light Problems? Contact Deluxe Plumbing & Heating A pilot light can be extinguished by natural changes in gas pressure, but if your pilot light keeps going out, this likely means there’s an issue like a bent or dirty thermocouple, a small device that detects flame outages and automatically turns the gas off when the pilot light turns off. If your gas hot water heater is acting up, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating is here to help. We’re fully certified with the cities around the Lehigh Valley to work on gas lines! Contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724 to get the help you need right away. Via https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-to-light-a-hot-water-heater-your-step-by-step-guide |
Deluxe Plumbing and HeatingDeluxe Plumbing & Heating is a reputable and licensed business that has been assisting customers all throughout the Pennsylvania area with all of their heating and plumbing needs. In business since 1984, husband and wife team, Larry and Kimberly Shoemaker are ready with their licensed and trained team of 30 professionals to assist with all of your commercial and residential plumbing needs. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |