Plumbing in any house or building is very important. Everyone knows it. But few of us take care to maintain the plumbing well. We call the plumber only when a plumbing problem arises. Oftentimes; this results in both extensive and expensive repairs. Here’s more on why you need to perform routine plumbing checks.

Plumbing checks – what does it entail?

You should keep tabs on your house’s plumbing for sure. But you should also hire a plumber for annual or bi-annual checks.

Search online for good plumbers. Use keywords with your location such as ‘Plumber in Upland’. Check their websites for their services and client testimonials. Choose a reliable service provider.

DIY checks –

  Notice if the water in the sink, bathtub, and the shower are beginning to drain slowly than usual. It could indicate a clog in the drains. You can take some DIY measures such as pouring down hot water every once in a while to clear the debris from the drains. You can also be mindful about what you are putting down the drain.

  Dampness in the walls can indicate leaking pipes. So, call a plumber immediately in case you notice damp walls in any part of the house. The same applies to leaky faucets.

  Check the toilet for clogs or any broken component in the flush. Get the problems rectified before the toilet completely jams or the flush stops working.

  During winter months, keep a tab on pipes for leaks due to freezing water inside them. If you notice even a slight leak, call the plumber promptly. Drain the hose and keep it inside for the winter.

  Keep checking appliances for any damage or inefficient performance. The water heater takes in a lot of damage due to harsh weather conditions. Sediments can also deposit inside it. These things can impede its function or even damage the appliance. If you notice problems with the water heater, washing machine, garbage disposal, or the dishwasher; don’t wait for those to become bigger. Call a plumber without delay for an inspection. Timely checks can provide the most efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Checks by a Professional –

  A professional inspection will include a thorough check of each and every plumbing component such as faucets, toilets, drains, and appliances. Many plumbers also include an inspection of the sewer lines in their maintenance plans. They will check the main water supply line and shut-off valves too.

  Keeping the drains clean can prevent major problems at a later date. Annual cleanup of all the drains in the house can increase the lifespan the plumbing. It will also prevent the risk of major clogs especially during holidays or your busy working hours. The plumber can also check the sump pump for efficiency. If the sump pump fails, it can flood your yard and the house. You will risk extensive damage to the house. Replacing the sump pump is also very costly. So, it is best to call a plumber to have a look at it annually or at least every few years.

  The sewer line inspection can include a thorough checkup using cameras that can look deep inside the pipes. The plumber can remove tree roots blocking the sewers including other debris.

  The plumber will look for leaks, clogs, and corrosion in the plumbing throughout the house. Rusting pipes can be a health hazard. If needed; the plumber will recommend replacing the components. If repairs will do the work then that is what your plumber will suggest as the correction plan.

  Maintenance services can also prepare your house’s plumbing for the changing weathers. For instance, your plumber can insulate the pipes and the water heater to keep them safe from harsh winters. Water freezing inside the pipes is a major problem during the colder months. The pipes can burst. So, preparing them to prevent such catastrophe is important. In the spring, the plumber can remove insulations from the pipes, clean the gutters, and prepare the plumbing for hotter months.

Plumbing maintenance plans will help you reduce the risk of expensive repairs at a later date. You can opt for economical maintenance packages from a reliable plumber.

The clothes dryer is one of the most-used appliances in a home. Most people use them every day and don’t think twice about upkeep, like dryer duct cleaning, unless they break. Keeping them running well with annual maintenance keeps dryers running efficiently, drastically reducing the possibility of a house fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, approximately 13,800 house fires every year are caused by home clothes dryers. Of these, approximately 25% are caused by an accumulation of dryer lint catching on fire. Following a maintenance schedule that includes annual dryer duct cleaning can help to ensure that household dryers do not become fire hazards.

Here are the top six questions that are most frequently asked about dryer maintenance and dryer duct cleaning:

1) How often should dryer ducts be cleaned and inspected?

Dryer duct cleaning and inspection should be done at least annually. Dryer lint within the ducting can collect over time, reduce the efficiency of the dryer, and even become a fire hazard. Dryer lint is extremely flammable, and the heat of the appliance itself can spark a housefire within the ducting.

When dryer lint builds up in the ducting or the ducting itself is damaged, the hot air does not circulate efficiently though the clothes. If clothes are taking longer than normal to dry, then a dryer duct cleaning and inspection should be scheduled. A clean and repaired dryer duct should restore the dryer back to peak efficiency.

2) What causes dryer fires?

House fires caused by dryers are generally caused when lint builds up within the dryer and catches fire. Most people assume that, if they clean out the lint trap regularly, their dryer is safe from a lint fire. In fact, lint can build up within the dryer itself, as well as in the ducts. Professional dryer duct cleaning makes sure that all of the lint buildup within a dryer is removed.

3) Can dryer ducts be cleaned by the homeowner?

Dryer duct cleaning and inspection should be conducted by trained professionals. They have the tools to clean the ducts thoroughly and are able to quickly remove all lint and debris from the ducting. Trained dryer duct cleaning services can also spot and repair any other issues with the ducting.

Homeowners should clean the lint trap of their dryer each time they use the appliance, though. This is a simple process that involves pulling out the trap, removing the excess lint build up, and replacing the trap before starting the next load of laundry. This important step goes a long way towards keeping a clothes dryer working well, in addition to regular dryer duct cleaning.

4) Are there clues that dryer duct cleaning should be scheduled?

Loads of laundry that take longer than usual to dry could be a clue that a dryer duct cleaning should be scheduled. Excessive lint and debris in the ducts can slow down the drying process. Sometimes, users do not notice the time on their dryers, but they should notice an increase in their energy bills. A higher-than-usual energy bill is a good reason to check on the efficiency of a dryer.

5) What kind of professional dryer duct cleaning is best?

Look for a dryer duct cleaning service that has a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician on staff. They should also follow the National Air Duct Cleaners Association’s Dryer Exhaust Duct Performance Standard to test the performance of the dryer exhaust duct system to make sure that everything is working well. Professional companies should be able to clean dryer ducting easily and efficiently.

A good dryer duct cleaning service should also inspect all of the dryer ducting and be able to repair any issues they find.

6) Who needs a dryer duct cleaning service?

Any type of clothes dryer should be scheduled annually with a dryer duct cleaning service. Home dryers, laundromats, hotels, apartment laundry rooms, and hospitals all require routine maintenance and inspection.
Dryer duct cleaning and inspection reduces the chances of a dryer fire and allows your dryer to work more efficiently. To stay even safer, dryers should not be left running while the household is sleeping or not at home. Install a smoke detector in the laundry area for maximum protection.

You need a professional and experienced roofing service to maintain or fix your roof, and it can be expensive. And that is why it is essential to find the right company for the project. You don’t want to have to spend a lot of money on your roof and then discover that the company has bungled the job, and you must pay even more for the repair work.

So, here some necessary things that you must keep in mind when hiring a company for residential roofing Albuquerque:

1. Research the company

You can find residential roofing companies or commercial roofers Denver online or get recommendations from family and friends. However, before hiring a residential roofing company, be sure to visit their website to find out about their experience and skills. Along with getting their physical address and phone and email contact information, you want to find out how many years they have been in the roofing business and if they have worked on installing and maintaining many different types of residential roofs.

It will also help to check the company’s credentials on the Better Business Bureau and to read online customer reviews from their previous clients. Additionally, you can ask the company to provide you with references that you can verify and check out some of the roofing jobs they have done. Inquire about their tax identification number and if they have the proper insurance for their workers.

2. Find out about the company staff

It is necessary to find out how many people work in the company and which of the staff will be working on your roof. Ideally, the company should have enough skilled and well-trained personnel to complete your roofing project in the shortest amount of time possible. They should also be easy to contact and willing to answer and resolve all your roofing related issues.

They should also provide you with a written proposal that details all the work they will do from start to finish, including the roofing materials they will use, the safety procedures they will follow for the installation, and the clean-up they will do.

3. Check the company’s roofing license

Most US states require roofing contractors to have a valid and up-to-date license. Having a proper one indicates that the company you hire for residential roofing in Albuquerque has the requisite knowledge to take on roofing projects. They will also be more likely to provide you with reliable customer service. If you are installing a specific type of roofing, you also need to find out if the roofing company has installation training and approval certification from the material manufacturer.

4. Compare the company’s pricing rates with other roofing companies

Before hiring a company for any roofing project, you need to ask about their pricing rate for the work upfront. It will be a good idea to compare this rate to others in the market for the same type of work. That will give you an idea about the current prices and if they are charging you a reasonable rate. Don’t rush to hire a company that is offering the lowest rate. While the price is a major concern, you need to weigh it along with other considerations such as experience, quality of craftsmanship, warranty provision, and reliable customer service.

5. Inquire if the company can provide a project warranty

It is a good sign if the company you hire to undertake residential roofing in Albuquerque is willing to offer a warranty on the project. The warranty will be for a specific duration. During this period, they will do free repairs if any issues should spring up with your roof. That way, you can be assured of getting decent service as well as of the company assuming responsibility for the quality of its work. Of course, after the warranty period ends, you will have to pay them for any further repairs or roofing work.

You must take your time and make a well-informed decision regarding hiring a company for residential roofing in Albuquerque. Given how expensive roof installation and maintenance can be, you need to make sure that the work you get done is of high quality and is guaranteed to last for a long time.

Even a minor plumbing problem can be a nuisance and requires urgent attention. So, it can be really useful for homeowners to have some knowledge to tackle minor plumbing issues. You don’t even need to do a perfect job. But even a little bit of work will be useful until the plumber can arrive at your house.

Here are five plumbing tips every homeowner should know.

1. Shut down the main water valve before attempting any plumbing repairs

Most plumbing jobs require that you shut off the water supply before attempting the repairs. As a homeowner, you should definitely know where the main water valve is located. You can inquire about this from a professional plumber you have called to the house when you moved in the space. You can also check the home inspection report to find it. It will be located either outside, safely tucked inside a covered box, or in the basement. But its location can be anywhere else too such as under the sink or by the water heater.

You should also know how to turn it off and on as needed. Use the valve to shut off the water’s main supply. Simply turn it in a clockwise direction. You may need to use a meter key if the valve is outside.

For fixing single taps or toilets, you may not need to switch off the entire water supply. In that case, you can simply switch off the valve located below the problematic fixture. Knowing how to do it will come in handy when you have a leaky faucet or clogged drain. It is not easy to fix a leaky faucet. So you can stop water wastage by shutting off the valve until the plumber arrives.

2. Use the plunger to unclog drains

Try to drain the water from the clogged sink or toilet (water level may go down on its own eventually). Then press the plunger on the drain and ensure that it has locked in well by creating the vacuum. Then try to plunge the tool up and down several times. It should work within minutes. If not then you will need to call the plumber.

You can use simple online searches to find good local plumbers. Ensure that you use location in the keywords such as home plumbing Villa Park and plumber in Irvine or something similar.

Ensure that the size of the plunger as appropriate for the drain. It should fit on top of it snugly.

3. Unclog drains using hot water or chemicals

Clogged drains are a bane for homeowners. It is also a very common problem. You can use several DIY ways to unclog a drain. The plunger might not always work if the blockage is rather stubborn.

If not then pour hot water down the drain. If it doesn’t resolve the problem then pour the hot water along with some baking soda. You can also add vinegar for good measure. If this too doesn’t solve the problem then use drain-cleaning chemicals. If nothing else works, it is time to call the plumber.

Do not, however, use chemicals or vinegar excessively. Doing so can damage the pipes.

4. Refrain from flushing down just about anything down the toilet

By way of simple measures, you can ensure that the toilet is never clogged in the first place. The simple rule is that other than toilet paper, nothing else should be flushed down it. So, ensure that no sanitary napkins, tissues, and diapers find their way into your toilet.

5. Take care of the garbage disposal

Throwing anything in the garbage disposal without any regard can clog the sink pipes. So, it is important to know what you can put down the garbage disposal and what you mustn’t in any case.

So refrain from dumping eggshells, coffee grounds, grease, cooked pasta, potatoes and rice, rough bones, vegetables like artichokes, lettuce, and asparagus, and other large food debris into the garbage disposal.

Ensure that cutlery like spoons and forks don’t disappear down the sink. Tissues, cigarette butts, and sponges must also not enter the garbage disposal.

What’s the point in hiring a dryer duct cleaning service? Would it be fine to just let it go? Many people don’t realize the risks of improper dryer duct maintenance, and these can have severe consequences. Dryer duct cleaning helps prevent costly issues, such as fires, broken equipment, inefficient machine cycles, and more. Let’s dive into some of the things that make dryer duct cleaning so critical for homeowners.

Risk of Dryer Damage

If you don’t practice regular dryer duct cleaning, you’re putting a lot of pressure on your equipment. If your dryer duct gets dirty or clogged, all that heat accumulation from the electricity used to power it can end up frying the machine’s circuits. Dryer duct cleaning is a service designed to make sure your equipment is maintained properly so that you don’t end up paying for needless repairs or replacements. If you want to avoid damages to your dryer, it’s crucial to get the ducts cleaned at least once a year.

Fire Hazard

Dryer duct cleaning is also vital in preventing fires. Dryers are a leading appliance in starting house fires because so many people neglect to invest in the necessary dryer duct cleaning services. This puts not only your home, but also your family and yourself, at serious risk of harm. The accumulation of lint and dust, combined with the overheating of the machine, makes it super easy for fires to start, and proper dryer duct cleaning is the only way to prevent tragedies from occurring in your home. Cleaning your dryer duct is the necessary and responsible choice that you have to make for the protection of your house and family.

Less Efficient Cycles

If you don’t have regular dryer duct cleaning, issues like vent clogging will make your dryer work a lot less efficiently. This can mean your clothes don’t get dried all the way in one cycle, forcing you to go through multiple cycles just to dry your clothes completely. This is both a waste of your time and money. You need a dryer that works well enough to do the job the first time, and which doesn’t put your clothing at risk of developing mold if they end up damp. Dryer duct cleaning is the best way to ensure that your dryer is operating at peak condition.

Higher Electric Costs

If your dryer is overheating and not working as effectively, your electric bill is going to go through the roof. All of that extra heat and energy is costing you a lot of money when you don’t invest in dryer duct cleaning services often enough. Dryer duct cleaning will ensure that your machine is working as it should, and that will be great news for your bank account.

Environmental Concerns

Just as the extra energy wasted from unclean dryer ducts hurts your bank account, it also hurts the environment. Saving electricity is crucial to doing our part to help the environment and combat climate change, which means keeping the machines we use as efficient as possible, and running them less often. Not to mention that, if your machine breaks down often, or causes fires, that also has an immensely negative impact on the environment.  If you care about the environment, you’ll understand that it’s our duty to conserve as much energy as possible, and that starts with proper dryer duct cleaning.

Dryer Lifespan

All of these strains mean that you won’t have your dryer for nearly as long as you should. By hiring dryer duct cleaning services regularly, you can keep your dryer working smoothly, and it will last way longer than a dryer you don’t maintain properly. Whether the circuits get fried or the excessive cycles kill your dryer, those problems can almost always be avoided with annual or semiannual dryer duct cleaning. Your dryer can last you years, as long as you show it some love.

Overall, dryer duct cleaning is absolutely essential to mitigating risk and keeping your dryer working properly. Dryer duct cleaning prevents dryer damage, fire hazards, wasted time and money, and it conserves electricity for the environment and ensures you can get more years out of your dryer. If you have a dryer, you need a dryer duct cleaning service.