Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Finding water where it does not belong in your home is a serious cause for concern. Not only are you worried about where the leak is coming from (and how much it will cost to fix it) but you are also concerned about the damage it can cause to your home. When it is your air conditioning leaking water inside, you would like to act fast to stop water damage also as to prevent expensive repair bills.

Here are some of the things that you need to consider why your AC Unit might be leaking:

A filthy air cleaner – If your air-con air cleaner becomes clogged or may be partially blocked by dust and other particles, it can cause the unit’s evaporator coils to be frozen and causes extra water to overflow instead of getting drained.
Faulty condensate pan – Your air conditioning unit will leak if the pan that is designed to carry water breaks down. Thanks to age or corrosion. It is important to repair or replace pan if this is the cause of the leak. Call a professional plumber like the plumber in Darien, CT to have it checked and fixed.
Blocked drain pipe – Normal air conditioning function involves water funneling through a series of drainpipes before disappearing down the drain. If any of those drainpipes are blocked with corroded materials, dust, or leaves, it could cause water leakage.
Faulty installation – If your air conditioning is fresh and is experiencing a leaking problem, the likelihood is that it’s improperly sized for your home or was installed incorrectly.
Cool outdoor temperatures – If you are trying to chill your home when the surface temperature is below 60 degrees, the coils may freeze up and cause water leakage.
Low refrigerant level – When the refrigerant level for your AC is just too low, it causes the unit to lose pressure. This can cause freezing coils, which can overflow the drain pan when it melts.

If you notice this problem in your AC unit, you must take action immediately and call for help. I will highly recommend you to call for a professional plumber that will check your system thoroughly and will ensure you to fix your problem as fast as they can.

Do not opt for a DIY if you are not knowledgeable enough to prevent further damage and a more costly repair.

Rain Shower Head and Regular Shower Head: Pros and Cons

With so many types of showerheads, it can be hard to choose. Though there are different designs to choose from, you need to check which one should be in your bathroom.

In this post, I am going to share the qualities of rain shower head and regular shower head. Included in this post are their pros and cons as well. So, check this out before deciding what to buy.

The Rain Shower Head Type of Shower

The rain shower head has spray nozzles all over the area, making the flow of water balance in the entire area. It also has good water pressure as the water drops in your head and body.

The head is adjustable at any height, so do not worry whatever height you have. You can even adjust the head in an angular position without affecting the water flow. The consistency of the water flow remains the same.

The rain shower head is available in square and rectangular shapes. The size is bigger than those regular showerheads, an average of 8 to 10 inches. Since it is big, you can have full-body coverage when it comes to washing.

Rain Shower Head Pros:

achieve full body shower coverage
steady water flow
classy design
stylish display
adjustable water pressure setting (low to medium)

Rain Shower Head Cons:

requires longer washing time since the pressure is low
expensive type of showerhead

If you are planning to buy this type of showerhead, ask a plumber to install this type of plumbing fixture. The plumber in Denver, CO states the importance of proper installation for a fixture to function efficiently.

The Regular Shower Head Type of Shower

The regular shower head provides a solid water pressure. The full pressure will hit the body making you shower faster. The flow of water from this type of shower head is fast. So, there is no need to spend more time in the shower to wash off the soap and shampoo. This type of shower head is not as big as the rain shower head, about 5 inches or smaller. The size is very friendly especially if your bathroom has limited space.

Regular Shower Head Pros:

quick shower time
effective in removing soap and shampoo
the water pressure is full forced
eliminates dirt due to the pressure
very much cheaper than rain shower head
available in any hardware

Regular Shower Head Cons:

not as relaxing as the rain shower head
hard to breath when showering

Signs That you Have A Water Leaker Inside A Wall

A water leak inside a wall has been a central problem that every homeowner is so worried about. There are many potential causes of water damage in your home. Some sources of water damage, like floods, burst pipes, and sewage backups, are obvious and homeowners notice them directly. However, there are some sources of water damage that are far more difficult to detect like water leaks behind walls. Homeowners typically don’t notice hidden leaks until they already caused a substantial amount of damage

Paint or Wallpaper Peeling

Too much moisture behind the walls can eventually cause paint and wallpaper to start out peeling or bubbling. This normally happens when the sheetrock behind the wall has absorbed too much water. Check for separation within the wallpaper along the seams or flaking paint to assist locate a hidden water leak.

These signs are applicable to pipe leaks behind the wall. However, if you have other leaking pipes like the sewer pipe, it is best to call a plumber right away. It is best to understand where your drains go and how your wastewater is being processed. To understand what happens to your wastewater, you may check out the wastewater treatment plant construction Baton Rouge LA which I find to be very helpful when it comes to plumbing and wastewater treatment.

Mold on Walls and Baseboards

Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. If mold appears on your walls, ceilings, or baseboards, especially in an area that is not near any plumbing fixtures, it is very likely that there is a source of moisture behind the walls.

Visible Stains

Water from a leak within the walls will get absorbed within the drywall and sheetrock which can cause a clear stain. If the stains on your wall continue to get bigger, this is usually a good indication that there is a hidden plumbing leak.

Warping Walls

When the sheetrock behind a wall absorbs an excessive amount of water, it’ll bend and curve which causes the wall to warp. Excessive warping can lead to structural damage which is very expensive to repair. If there’s warping on your walls, this is often a transparent indication of a water leak.

Musty Odors

Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor. If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall, there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it.

When to Call for Sump Pump Service?

Have you heard about a sump pump? Not everyone has sump pumps, especially in other countries. In Canada, sump pumps are installed as part of the plumbing system. It is located in the basement or in the lowest part of the structure. It helps to prevent flooding and keep the structure dry. More commonly, sump pits are built to house the sump pumps. The sump pump removes water accumulated from flooding through the water-collecting sump basin.

Sump pumps play an important role. However, they are not built to work forever. The lifespan of a sump pump is around 10 years. If your sump pump was installed a decade ago and is acting up lately, you need to replace it with a new one.

Test your sump pump if it functions properly. In your sump pump, trace the two electrical cords to test. If you can hear a humming sound upon turning the pump on, then your sump pump is probably working. If you are not sure of the type of noise you heard, it is better to call an expert. A plumber in Pelham ON offers a great sump pump service and will advise you whether a repair is enough or if a replacement is necessary.

If your pump is not working at all, call for sump pump repair. If you are not sure if it is working or not, look for the following signs:

Your Pump is Overwhelmed with Water Frequently – If the water in your sump pump do not drain or if it drains but very slow, there must be something wrong with your sump pump. This is the time to call for a sump pump repair.

Your Sump Pump Loses Power More Often – A sump pump should work when plugged. If it has been losing power frequently, it must be checked and repaired by a plumber.

Your Circuit Breakers Frequently Tripped – If your circuit breakers tripped, there must be overloading happening. It trips to avoid overheating especially when the circuit is too high. You should have a plumber check your appliances and your sump pump. They will give you advice on what should be done, and if you need to call for an electrician.

Your Discharge Line Has Frozen or Clogged

If your sump pump’s discharge line has frozen or clogged, call a sump pump repair service right away to prevent flooding and to make it function efficiently.

A smart and cost-effective way to minimize your risk of experiencing sump pump problems at the worst possible time is with proactive sump pump maintenance.

Why Prefer Sewer Camera Inspection over the Traditional Way?

In the old days when households experience troubles in their sewer lines, they would call for a professional plumber and get the problem fixed with the traditional way of sewer inspection.

As the name suggests, this method of inspecting your sewer lines requires digging, thus destroying your lawn or garden and ruining your home’s landscape. Back then when new techniques and methods were still not introduced, many homeowners must endure the expensive way of inspecting their sewer lines and suffer from the inevitable results of the constant digging and reconstructing.

The Introduction of Sewer Camera Inspection

The discovery of sewer camera inspection led to many people’s delight. Not only because this method is less expensive than the traditional way, but it also preserves the quality of your home and other system involved simply because it does not require massive digging and other several approach that affects your lawn and surroundings.

Regarded as one of the most innovative strategies in plumbing used today, sewer camera inspection allows a plumber in Hoover, AL to insert a small camera through your sewer pipes. With this method, plumbers can easily see the problems in your sewer lines. Using a camera inspection allows the plumber to locate and pinpoint the exact location of the damage and check the whole condition of your pipes (if clogs or leaks are possibly present).

How Beneficial is Sewer Camera Inspection?

Now that we are aware of what sewer camera inspection is, let us discuss how this innovative method makes things accessible and a lot easier.

Benefit #1: Accuracy in Plumbing Diagnosis

Sewer camera inspection offers a more accurate diagnosis of possible sewer line issues. As it offers a 360-degree angle to your pipes, you can clearly pinpoint the exact location of problem and make an unprecedented decision on what type of solution would suit best to the current problem.

Benefit #2: Quick and Effective Solutions

With sewer camera inspection, you get a fast and cost-effective plumbing solution to your sewer line problems. Unlike the traditional way of sewer inspection where there is a need for constant digging for a comprehensive inspection, using a camera is allows your plumber to have a better assessment and provide the exact solution needed without consuming much time.

Benefit #3: Prevents Other Plumbing Problem Occurrences

Future plumbing catastrophes may be avoided, and it is all thanks to sewer camera inspection. Some plumbing issues inside your pipes and sewer lines that does not show visible signs at first may be left untreated causing more havoc in the future. But with sewer camera inspection, you can have a full view of what problems are possibly inside your pipes or sewer lines that can be treated earlier.

Benefit #4: Locating Lost Items

Items that went down your drains are difficult to locate especially if there is now way to pinpoint their exact location. But with sewer camera inspection, finding your lost items like jewelry has never been easy.
It might sound petty and plain but, hey who said that your precious items don’t matter, right?

There are so much reasons why lots of people are becoming fonder of this new and innovative way of dealing with sewer line problems. Who else does not, right? Not only this method provides us with a much accessible way to find the exact location of the problem, but it also gives us the upper hand in dealing with unwanted sewer problems. There is no need to wonder why sewer camera inspection is the newest favorite of plumbers and homeowners.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Conventional Water Heater

Conventional water is consists of a tank that heats the stored water. There are different types of water heaters. There are water heaters that work on gas and there are some that work on electricity, depending on the type and your preferred source of energy.

Though water heaters’ life span is long, the time to replace your water heater will eventually come. You can replace your conventional water heater with the same type, or you can replace it with a tankless one. In this post, I am going to share with you the signs that you need a new water heater.

Discolored Water from the Water Heater

You run on your hot water to have a bath, but the water looks muddy. The discoloration of the water can be caused by the corrosion inside the tank or the pipes. When the anode rod inside the water heater gets extensive corrosion, it will damage the tank. If this happens, the water heater will have to be replaced.

To make sure whether your water heater needs just a repair or replacement, call for a check-up from an expert plumber like the plumber in Gastonia, NC. I have tried their service and it is proven efficient and long-lasting.

Unusual Smell of Hot Water

Our nose always does its job to smell things. So, while you are using the hot water you can smell if there is something wrong. If it smells like a rotten egg, you need to have your water heater cleaned. If not fixed immediately, the problem will grow big and you might need to replace your water tank entirely.

Metallic Taste of Hot Water

Water has no taste at all, at least for drinking water. When you take a bath, you can’t take away the fact that you can taste the water even without drinking it. It can either flow down and your tongue will get to taste a small amount of water. If your hot water tastes like metallic, then there is something wrong with your water. Depending on the severity of the corrosion, your plumber might advise you to replace the tank.

Water Heater Age

How many years have you been using your conventional water heater? Water heaters do not exceed 15 years of usage. The average lifespan of a water heater is from 8 years to 12 years. If your water heater reaches 10 years, you should thank it. The age of the water heater is a big factor why you should replace it.

4 Signs You Need to Replace Your AC Unit

AC units are repaired whenever there are problems with the parts and functions. It is true that almost all AC problems can be repaired and you do not need to buy a new one. So, when should you buy a new AC unit and replace your old one?

Below are signs that you should stop getting your AC repaired and go straight to buying a new one:

Lifespan Is Up

Everything has a lifespan. There is no such this as no expiration, plastics, metals, etc. As for AC, when the lifespan is up that is a clear sign that you should replace it with a new one. Air conditioners can live up to 10 years. Well, that is a decade of service and the longest life span it should have. So, celebrate for its ten long year service and buy a new one.

Thermostat Not Working

The thermostat is the one that commands your AC on how cool it should be depending on the settings. It also takes the measurement to see if the AC is doing the job it supposed to do. If you experience that your AC won’t turn on, there must be something wrong with the thermostats. If your AC turns on but suddenly shuts down, it can also be an issue with the thermostat. The thermostat might be broken or it might not be gauged accurately. The HVAC technicians will help you with that problem. A technician like the AC Repair Davie, FL service provider conducts a thorough check up on AC units and provides quick and efficient solutions. They will also advise you if you need to purchase a new one and replace your old unit.

Frequent AC Problems

It is obvious that if you need frequent repairs in your AC unit, a replacement is needed. Stop asking for repairs that may end up costing you more than buying a new one. If you buy a new one, you will be saving more than asking for too many repairs.

Loud Noise from the Unit

If you hear a scraping or a grinding sound inside your AC unit, there might be a problem with the belt. The belt could slip out of place and ruin other parts inside. This calls for costly repair and immediate attention. If the parts are very much costly, it is better to buy a new one right away.

Even though you have learned the 4 signs that will signal you to buy a new AC unit, it is always best to have it checked by a technician before deciding.

What is Smoke Testing and How it is Done?

Have you heard about smoke testing? You might have heard about this service offered for vehicles, especially when there is an emission test. However, do you know that this is also performed in plumbing? Your plumbing system needs a smoke test too. However, it is not like the vehicle smoke testing you imagined.

Smoke testing in plumbing uses smoke that is colored and harmless to detect leaks. It is a leak detection method and is part of inspection services. Why do some people prefer to smoke testing when there is a camera-inspection? Not all leaks can be detected by cameras and other testing tools. There are very small leaks that are hard to see. Smoke testing is a special method to check for small leaks, which other leak detecting tools cannot see.

So, if you want to check your plumbing system for any leaks, even the small ones, you should opt for smoke testing. Remember, big things come from small beginnings. If your leak is small today, it can grow big for the next days or weeks. And we all know that burst pipes are mainly caused by undetected and unattended leaks.

Not all plumbers offer smoke testing services. You should choose a professional plumber like the plumber in Miami-Dade County, FL because they offer different types of plumbing services.

The Process of Smoke Testing for Your Plumbing System

Step 1. Before performing the smoke test, a camera inspection is conducted first. This is to ensure that there are no complex problems within your pipelines.

Step 2. On open manholes, large downdraft fans are placed. It is placed on either end of the sewer lines with the suspected leak. The other lines are blocked to help in finding where the location of the leak is.

Step 3. The smoke, guaranteed harmless, is then generated. This is done by either pouring a liquid smoke or by using a smoke bomb.

Step 4. The fans will blow the smoke towards the lines.

Step 5. The plumber will observe the lines. They can detect the location of the leak because the plumes of the smoke will escape from it. This will show a clear view of the exact leak location, which makes repairing a lot easier.

Step 6. The plumber will put on a marker on the location of the leak.

Step 7. Once the markers are done, it is time for the plumber to repair the pipes with problems.

Plumbing: The Underlying Causes of Leaks

You might have known the common causes of pipe leaks. It could be high water pressure, tree root invasion, corrosion, damaged pipe joints, etc. Whatever the cause might be, it is important to address the issue and repair the pipes as soon as possible to avoid bigger damage.

Below are some of the underlying causes of pipe leaks that are not mentioned above.

Broken Seals

Installation of new appliances that requires a connection to the plumbing line has a rubber sealant called a seal. Plumbing is not all pipes, it also has connections. The seal is used to keep the line watertight and avoid leaks. Over time, the seals can degrade from its original quality. It can even break too. A broken seal is something to check because it can cause leaks.

A sign to look at when you have broken seal is the formation of puddles near your appliances. If this happens, call a plumber to fix or replace the seal.

Clogged Lines

With all those waters and residue flowing down the drain, it is common to experience clogs. You may have thought that a clogged drain is not a serious matter, but if left untreated it could result in overflowing or worst burst pipes. Clogs can cause a build-up in the pressure since the water cannot flow smoothly. It can cause damage to structures as well. If there are household chemicals mixed as a residue into the clog, the damage will be faster leading to leaks.

To prevent bigger damages to your pipes, ask for a maintenance check-up on your pipes from a licensed plumber that offers pipe repair services like the pipe repair Miami, FL service provider.

By monitoring what you put down your drain and installing preventative measures like hair traps, you can prevent clogs. Keep your drains clean by minding what you put in it. Also, make sure that your HVAC and gutters are free of any debris that might cause clog as well.

Fixture Cracks

Not all leaks are from the pipes. There are also leaks that come from the fixtures installed. Sometimes, your plumbing fixtures can develop cracks due to impact when using or holding like faucets. It can also develop cracks as it ages. Your cupboard may also leak due to the force that it received for years. If you notice any leak below your sink or in your faucet, have a plumber check it to make sure it is not the pipe that causes the leak.

How to Fix Water Pooling Around the Toilet Base?

Do you have water pooling around your toilet base? You might be thinking of ways to fix it and decided to search around. Congratulations! You have come up in the right article that will show you a step by step guide in fixing water pooling around the toilet base.

Oftentimes, this problem is caused by a leaking wax ring seal. To test if this is really the case, make use of some food coloring. Put some in your toilet and flush it. If you notice that the water pooling around the toilet is colored just like the coloring you added, then the problem is in the wax ring.

To fix this problem, you need to replace the wax ring. Toilet wax rings are one-size-fits-all so there is no need to measure the size. Replacing the wax ring is a simple process. However, you need to lift the entire toilet. If you are not sure what to do and you are not confident that this is the case for your toilet, better call a professional plumber. Many professional plumbers offer toilet repair services like the plumber in Glendale, AZ. They will be happy to be of service and are equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to fix any plumbing problems.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix water pooling on your toilet base if the wax ring is the cause.

Step 1. This is what I say to every plumbing repairs, the first thing to do is turn off the water supply.

Step 2. Drain your toilet tank and bowl by flushing. It is inevitable that there can be residual water that will remain even after flushing. If you have a wet-type vacuum, you can vacuum the remaining water. If you don’t have the tool, then just use a cup to bail the water out.

Step 3. The third step is to disconnect the water supply valve from the tank. You can do this by twisting the nut loose using your hand or with a crescent wrench.

Step 4. Pry off the plastic caps covering the bolts using a flathead screwdriver.

Step 5. With a crescent wrench, remove the nuts that you can see from the bolts to disconnect the toilet from the floor.

Step 6. With the help of someone, if you can’t do this on your own, lift the toilet, tank, and base upward. Make sure you place cardboard wherein you lift your toilet upward to avoid damaging your floor.

Step 7. Scrape off the remaining old wax in the flange using a putty knife. It usually comes off in chunks. Remember to remove all of it and do not leave anything behind.

Step 8. Place a new wax ring on the flange. Make sure it is not dent. Press it in place using your fingers.

Step 9. Reset your toilet and replace the nuts and bolts. Tighten it using the crescent wrench.

Step 10. Put back the plastic cups to cover the nuts and bolts.

Step 11. Put back or re-attach the water supply to the base of the tank.

Now, you can turn back on your water supply and test if your toilet is no longer leaking.