Category: Plumbing

Get that New Boiler, Furnace, or Heat Pump Installed for the New Year

The new year has just begun, and the heater may not be working as well as it once was. Over time, heaters lose efficiency and can raise energy bills due to age or a problem in the system. Homeowners would do well to be aware of common signs that the heater is faltering. This article will share some of those signs and the options available for heater replacement. 

Indicators of a Failing Heater

A heating system is often overlooked among household appliances as it is hidden and does most of its work quietly, creating a comfortable space for inhabitants and guests. Once a heater becomes a squeaky wheel, however, it will likely need attention quickly or will simply stop working altogether. Common signs a heater is coming to the end of its lifespan include:

• It is more than ten years old.
• It has bad smells, such as burning or musty odors.
• Temperature fluctuations happen in the home.
• It is not blowing hot air.
• The rooms are too hot.
• The rooms are too cold.
• It is constantly cycling on and off (short cycling).
• It makes strange sounds, such as banging and whistling.

Choosing the Correct Type of Heater Replacement

Several different types of heating systems can be installed in a home, ranging from the older but reliable technology of boilers to the newer innovations of the heat pump. These options include:

• Boiler: The technology behind the boiler heating system has been around for a long time. It was used as a central heating system for large homes and buildings even before the advent of electric lights. As the name suggests, boilers use a heat source to boil water sent through tubing or pipes to radiators located throughout the home. Nowadays, tubes can even be installed in trim boards and underneath flooring to create radiant heat without the need for radiator units. This system is highly efficient and tends not to dry out the air like the more popular heating systems with blowers. Unfortunately, it can be costly to install and repair, and maintenance, while usually easy on the unit itself, may prove more difficult if a leak occurs within the walls or floor of the home.
• Furnace: This is another technology that got its start centuries ago. It starts with a heat source, usually a natural gas-fueled flame, that warms up air that is then blown into and distributed through ducts. This technology is generally easy to maintain and install. However, gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks resulting from furnace malfunction can be quite dangerous.
• Heat Pump:  This bit of modern technology is becoming increasingly popular due to its high efficiency. This particular heater does not have a heat source. Instead, it pulls heat from the outside and transfers it inside or can be reversed to remove heat from the house during the warmer months. This heat transfer from one place to another is where the heat pump gets its name. 

Heating Maintenance

Even if a homeowner’s heater is running perfectly, they should still know that routine professional maintenance can help any type of heating system work at its most efficient. This efficiency leads to saving on utility bills and will help the system last longer since it won’t need to work as hard for the same results. 

Maintaining a heating system can save money and hassle in the long run. Regular maintenance will ensure that a heater continues to operate effectively and efficiently while helping to reduce costly repairs or unexpected breakdowns.

About KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has been named Best of Home Advisor for eight years running while serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate menu pricing, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for boiler, furnace, heat pump, or heating services in Palm Springs, CA.

A Leaky Faucet Kills the Romance

February is the month for all things love and romance. Whether before or after Valentine’s Day, love is in the air. It’s time to take a night off for that special date night with a loved one. However, date night isn’t as romantic when the home has a leaky faucet somewhere. There is nothing like a constant drip from a faucet to ruin the mood of a romantic dinner or movie. Homeowners should have their sink repair done before their big date night this month to ensure the romance continues to flow! 

Below is all the information homeowners need to understand the dangers of a dripping faucet and how to fix it. Continue reading to learn more about the plumbing system. 

Dripping Faucets Lead To Dangerous Outcomes

It is never good to have water leaking into the home, even if it is leaking from the faucet. For starters, it inevitably leads to tons of wasted water. This is bad for the environment, but it’s bad for the homeowner’s wallet because all of the leaking water will lead to higher water bills. 

These things are bad, but the real danger lies within what happens if the problem isn’t fixed soon enough. Leaking faucets can lead to mold growth in and around the faucet and potentially underneath the sink. Mold growth is incredibly dangerous in the home, especially if it ends up in the drinking water. Don’t let a molding faucet ruin those date night plans! 

Why Does It Happen?

There are several different reasons why a faucet can start leaking. For one, the faucet could just be old and need to be replaced. Sometimes, it is better to replace a faucet early if it starts leaking rather than replacing any parts. 

That said, a few other causes of a leaky faucet are: 

• Corrosion 
• Damaged or broken O-ring
• Defective gasket 
• Defective washers
• Broken or damaged cartridge 
• Water pressure problems 

These causes are fairly easy to fix if homeowners hire a professional. The plumber will be able to tell them if it’s worth it to fix or if they should simply replace the faucet entirely. 

Different Ways To Fix It

Here are the basic steps to replace a cartridge: 

• First, turn off the water
• Take off the handle covers
• Remove the handles
• Take off any nuts
• Now, one can remove the cartridge
• Remove and replace the O-ring
• Replace the cartridge
• Replace the handles and handle covers
• Turn the water back on

KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning Care About Homeowners

KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning has 40 years of excellent service in the Coachella Valley area. They are about their community and offer 24/7 emergency services for those in need. Homeowners can trust they’re getting impeccable plumbing service in Palm Springs, CA when they call this company. Call today!

What is a Water Hammer?

Understanding what a water hammer is will be the first step in solving the problem of banging pipes. The simple explanation of this phenomenon is the backpressure of water caused by a sudden stop, or change of direction, of the movement of the fluid. These shockwaves are characterized by a loud banging or knocking from the pipes.

Dangers of Water Hammers

If the noisy water pipes are not enough to drive a person crazy, the damage a water hammer can cause will. The best option when this issue arises is to immediately call a professional plumber who has dealt with the problem before. The damage caused by water hammers can be extensive, and the longer it’s ignored, the more damage they will do, and the repair bills will be substantially more. Dangers of water hammers include:

• Damage to water pumps – The shockwaves caused by the sudden stop or change of water flow can cause serious damage to the inner workings of the pump. If the pump is damaged and stops working, no water will be pumped into the water lines when needed. The damage means no water in the building until the pump is replaced.

• Water leaks – The joints and fittings within the plumbing system will start to spring leaks from the excessive amounts of pressure caused by water hammering issues. Water leaks in the piping can cause lowered amounts of water pressure, water damage, and excessive water usage and require damaged joints and fittings to be replaced. 

• Broken or Burst Pipes – When the water hammers are repetitive and intense, ruptured pipes can occur. This can cause significant damage, especially if it’s not noticed right away. The break in the plumbing system will cause a complete drop in water pressure, cause severe water damage, and waste water and money. 

Solutions For Water Hammer Problems

The sooner a plumber is called for water hammers, the better. The first thing that a professional will do is locate and diagnose the cause of the banging pipes. Plumbers will be able to diagnose the problem with a few simple tests. Depending on the issue that causes the water hammer, solutions can include: 

• Replace Valve – To fix water hammers, plumbers may need to replace valves used during the plumbing system’s original installation. The common style installed will depend on gravity to open and close. The best solution will be to have a spring-driven check valve installed, which creates a smooth, soft closing of the valve.

• System Flush – If lucky, the only problem may be that the system has some dirt or debris inside pipes or possibly some air bubbles caused by the sudden back-shift of water flow. A qualified professional can completely flush the system, basically resetting the flow to the original amounts that the system was designed for.

• Installing Pressure Regulators – The plumbing professional may decide that the problem lies in the main water lines coming into the building. Installing a pressure regulator in that line will control the flow of water coming in, which will prevent water hammering by reducing the amount and pressure of water.

• Air Chambers – Plumbing vents are commonly installed on a plumbing system to help prevent water hammer problems. If the system in the building is old and does not have an air chamber installed, it would be a good time to do so. If one is present, the professional will check to ensure it is working properly and repair it if not.

About KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has over four decades of experience serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, financing, and a membership plan with many perks. Call them today for plumbing services in Palm Springs, CA. 

Pipes Can Haunt the Night!

Fall is fast approaching, and this means that the spooky Halloween season is just around the corner! Many homeowners and their families are gearing up for the season. Halloween decorations are going up, pumpkins are being carved, costume ideas are brewing, and more. Soon mischief will be on the rise, and the ghosts and goblins will be out to play!

One of the spookiest occurrences of all that homeowners may have to deal with is noisy pipes. These can come about for any number of reasons. Some pipe sounds may be concerning, while others may just occur and not be problematic. Homeowners should know which types of pipe sounds to watch out for so that they can learn when to seek help. Continue reading for all of this information!

Persistent Humming

Humming sounds can occur in the pipes and be quite persistent if there is a constant issue. This often happens if the water pressure is abnormally high. High water pressure (above ~60 psi) can cause vibrations throughout the pipes as the water flows through. The speed of the water moving through becomes abnormally high due to the excessive pressure.

While high water pressure is the typical explanation for humming, there can be a number of other reasons as well. General wear and tear can be to blame for humming, as can damage to the gate vales. These valves are responsible for managing the flow of water into and out of the pipes, so if these become damaged, humming can result as the water flows through.

Curious Whistling

Whistling noises can also occur, which is one of the plumbing sounds that homeowners should especially listen for. Whistling or squealing can indicate several different issues. Sometimes hard water can be the cause, as mineral buildups may impede the proper flow of water as it moves through the pipes. As with humming, general wear and tear may be to blame.

However, one of the most common explanations for whistling is that there can be a misalignment between the size of the pipe opening and the volume of water moving through. This excessive strain on the pipes can result in whistling. If homeowners notice whistling or squealing, they will likely need to pursue water line services.

Frightful Water Hammering

In addition to humming and whistling, a water hammer is a key sound that homeowners should beware of. The sound is just about as scary as the name – water hammering, as the name implies, is a hammer-like sound that comes from the pipes as a result of a sudden change in the direction of the flow of water.

The change of direction can occur for many different reasons, but ultimately, a high-pressure shockwave can cause this sound that may be alarming to homeowners. It can be dangerous, especially if it occurs frequently since it can lead to pipe bursts. If this happens, homeowners will need to invest in repiping services. The best way to avoid this is to seek immediate professional services as soon as they experience a water hammer.

About KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning of Palm Springs, CA, is a locally owned and operated company that has been providing top-notch plumbing and water purification services since 1978. Their team of highly skilled experts is committed to excellence and aims to provide accurate solutions tailor-made to fit the unique needs of each of their clients. Call them for help today!

3 Tips to Help Homeowners Lower the Electric Bill This Holiday Season

When the holidays roll around, everyone starts figuring out different ways to save money so they can buy the things they want for their loved ones. The holidays are always seen as a time of year to spend money, so many people don’t realize that they could save a ton of money every year on their energy bill. Homeowners could use all of this saved money toward buying presents for their loved ones!  

Continue reading to learn three energy and money-saving tips every homeowner should know. 

Switch to a Programmable Thermostat

There are new thermostats on the market that are revolutionizing the modern home and the HVAC industry. Whether it’s called a smart thermostat, wifi thermostat, or programmable thermostat, they are all essentially the same thing. However, there are different price point options, so smart thermostats are more readily accessible for all income levels. 

Here are a few features they can offer: 

• Whether it is done via an app on a smartphone or the thermostat, homeowners can set up the thermostat settings to happen on a timer. 
• Have motion sensor options to recognize when people are in the home or not and accommodate the temperature in the house, depending on who is there or not. 
• Smart thermostats can also tell homeowners when it’s time for maintenance or repairs.
• They can also notify homeowners when it’s time to change the air filter 
• They are convenient, easy to use, and save the homeowner time, stress, and money! 

Air Filter Replacement

The air filter is an essential part of the HVAC system. It doesn’t require much attention from the homeowner other than remembering to replace it on time. 

If homeowners remember to change air filters on time, they will notice several benefits, including: 

• Better indoor air quality
• Fewer illnesses and health issues
• Fewer HVAC breakdowns
• Fewer HVAC repairs
• A longer-lasting system
• A lower energy bill each month

Homeowners who live alone with no pets can typically replace their air filters once every three months. If there are multiple people/pets in the home, the air filter should be replaced more often. If homeowners are concerned about frequent air filter changes and what it does to the environment, they can look into reusable air filters! 

Professional Maintenance 

There are many benefits of regular AC and heater maintenance by a professional that many homeowners miss out on by neglecting maintenance. The truth of the matter is that routine professional maintenance ends up saving homeowners money in the long run, and here’s why: 

• It leads to a more efficient system all year round
• It leads to lower energy bills because the system isn’t overworked
• It leads to fewer breakdowns and surprises
• Fewer breakdowns mean less money spent on repairs and damages
• It leads to a longer system lifespan, saving money on an early replacement

It’s time to schedule that fall maintenance check if homeowners haven’t already! 

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning Saves Families Money

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has over 40 years of experience serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and a membership plan that includes maintenance and many benefits. Call them today for AC and heating services in Palm Springs, CA.