Plumbing Archives - Page 4 of 11 - KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

Prevent Common Causes of Bursting Pipes

Posted on May 1, 2023 | by KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

Preventing bursting pipes is extremely important because it can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Bursting pipes can lead to flooding, extensive water damage, and the need for costly repairs. They can also create safety hazards such as electrical shocks or the potential for mold growth.

In addition, burst pipes may interrupt water service, affecting access to running water for drinking, cleaning, and other everyday activities. Therefore, preventative measures like regular maintenance and inspections of plumbing systems are essential to avoid these potentially catastrophic events.

The Costly Consequences of Water Damage

If a pipe bursts, it can cause severe flooding, which can lead to:

Structural damage to walls and ceilings
Mold growth
Damage to furniture and other items
Rotting wood supports and flooring
Electrical problems due to water exposure

These issues may have long-term impacts on the health of those living in or working in the building. In addition to these physical damages caused by water intrusion, property owners are often responsible for paying expensive repair bills that add up quickly if not addressed immediately.

Common Causes of Bursting Pipes

A variety of factors can cause bursting pipes. Common causes include:

Freezing temperatures
Corrosion and rust buildup
Tree roots grow into the pipes
High water pressure

In addition, older homes may have outdated plumbing systems that are more prone to bursting or leaking over time.

Preventative Measures for Freezing Temperatures

Freezing temperatures are a very rare occurrence in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. However, there have been freezing temperatures a few times in the past. So, preparing for freezing weather can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

When temperatures drop and water freezes, it expands and places tremendous pressure on pipes and joints, leading to cracks or bursts. To prevent freezing, homeowners should insulate exposed pipes and keep their thermostats above 55 degrees Fahrenheit during cold months.

Keeping cabinet doors open in areas with plumbing systems can also help provide some warmth and reduce the chances of frozen pipes. Should your pipes ever freeze, in extreme cases a professional plumber should be called to apply heat and thaw frozen pipes before they burst.

Tackling Corrosion and Rust Buildup

To help reduce this issue, homeowners should have their water tested for PH levels and other contaminants. If the water is acidic, an appropriate filter system should be installed to neutralize the PH levels before they reach the pipes. In addition, regular inspections of plumbing systems can help identify any areas where corrosion or rust has already begun to form so that it can be addressed before it leads to serious pipe damage.

Controlling Water Pressure

Excessively high pressure can cause pipes and joints to become overstressed, causing cracking or bursting. To address this issue, ensure your home has a water pressure regulator designed to keep water pressure at safe levels.

In addition, homeowners should check the pressure setting on the pressure regulator to ensure it is not turned up too high. If it is, they should turn it down or call their plumber for assistance. Inspecting the plumbing system for any signs of excessive pressure wear and tear is also beneficial so that repairs can be made as soon as possible if needed.

Addressing Tree Root Invasion

Prevent bursting pipes

Tree roots can also cause serious damage to plumbing systems. Tree roots can grow through the tiniest of openings where pipes connect if they are not properly sealed. If a tree root invades a pipe, it may grow large enough to block the water flow and lead to bursting pipes.

To prevent this, homeowners should avoid planting trees near their home’s plumbing system or install special PVC piping with metal grates designed to keep out invading tree roots. Additionally, routine plumbing system inspections can help identify areas where tree roots have already infiltrated so they can be removed before further damage is done.

What Should I Do if I Have a Burst Pipe?

If your home or business has a burst pipe, it is important to take immediate action. Turn off the main water supply valve and immediately call KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning.

Our plumbers will assess the situation, inspect the home for water damage, and make the necessary repairs. We can also help prevent the common causes of burst pipes with our maintenance services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Why Should I Filter My Own Water?

Posted on April 8, 2023 | by KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

Clean water is essential for health and well-being. It enables us to stay hydrated, ensuring our bodies remain healthy and functioning properly. Clean water also helps:

Protect us from illnesses and diseases caused by bacteria or parasites found in contaminated water sources.
Provides a safe source of drinking water.
Improves overall hygiene practices.
Provides an easier means of cleaning hands and surfaces.

To ensure you have safe drinking water, you should filter your own water.

Why Tap Water Might Not Be as Safe as People Think

Tap water may contain contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals that can leach into the water supply from old pipes or industrial waste sites. Next, tap water may become contaminated with bacteria due to inadequate cleaning processes or exposure to raw sewage. Finally, there is also a risk of chemical contamination from pesticides and fertilizers used in agricultural areas where runoff can enter into rivers that are drinking water sources.

The Need for Water Filtration

Some of the common contamination found in tap water can include:

Lead
Arsenic
Mercury
Heavy Metals
Bacteria
Coli
Giardia
Pesticides
Fertilizers
Chemicals

Consuming contaminated water can be very dangerous and lead to various health issues. For example, ingesting bacteria such as E. coli or giardia can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Heavy metals such as lead or arsenic may also have serious health effects if consumed in large quantities over time, including anemia, kidney damage, neurological problems, reproductive issues, and cancer. Finally, exposure to pesticides and fertilizers may also pose risks to human health due to the potential for long-term organ damage with repeated exposure.

Benefits of Water Filtration in Removing Contaminants

Water filtration removes contaminants from tap water by trapping particles in a filter, such as activated carbon filters, or using reverse osmosis to remove dissolved solids and chemicals. The benefits of this include improved taste and smell of the water, as well as reduced health risks.

Types of Water Filters

There are a variety of different types of water filters available on the market. These include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, ultraviolet light systems, and sediment filters. Each type of filter offers its own benefits, depending on the contaminants that must be removed from the water supply.

How Each Type of Filter Works

Activated carbon filters trap particles such as bacteria and chemicals on a porous surface. Reverse osmosis systems use pressure to force water through a filter, which will remove dissolved solids and contaminants from the water supply. Ultraviolet light systems use UV radiation to kill bacteria in the water, while sediment filters simply strain out physical particles such as silt or sand.

Pros and Cons of Each Type of Filter

Activated carbon filters are generally inexpensive and effective at reducing levels of bacteria and chemicals in the water supply, but they can clog quickly.
Reverse osmosis systems are more expensive but highly efficient at removing dissolved solids, such as heavy metals or salts, from the water supply.
Ultraviolet light systems are very effective against bacteria but cannot filter out physical particles or chemical contaminants.
Sediment filters are relatively inexpensive and effective for removing physical particles from the water supply but do not remove bacterial or chemical contamination.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Filter

When choosing a water filter, it is important to consider the type of contaminants present in the water supply, as well as the size and capacity of the filter. Additionally, budget should be considered when deciding which filter type will most suit your needs.

Ensure Clean Drinking Water for Your Home

Investing in a water filter is essential to ensure that your family is drinking clean and safe water. At KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we offer a wide range of water filtration systems and services to meet all your needs. From installation and maintenance to repair work, you can rely on us for all your plumbing requirements. Contact us today at 760-327-8718 to learn more about our services, including our 247 Club.

How to Find the Right Plumbing Company

Posted on December 23, 2021 | by KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

3 Ways to Research Plumbing Professionals

When plumbing problems strike, it is often difficult to know who to turn to. While there may be plenty of plumbing companies in the area to choose from, how does a person know which one is the most reliable? Thanks to the beauty of technology, there are many ways to determine which company may be the one to call for a specific need.

Internet search engines are great for finding answers to phrases like “plumber near me” and “plumbing company in Palm Springs, CA“. Still, a prospective customer may need to look a little deeper for information on the quality of service.

Checking the Feedback: Reviews

One of the fastest ways to get information on a company’s quality of work is to look at reviews from previous customers. Google, Facebook, and other social media platforms tend to have a great deal of information like this. While negative experiences exist everywhere and no company is likely to have 100% positive reviews, a company should have a high rate of 4 and 5-star reviews.

Below are categories and keywords to look for when reading reviews:

Customer Service: Attentive, friendly, polite, positive
Timing: On-time, prompt, fast service
Ethics: Honest, fair, upfront
Pricing: Reasonable, fair, inexpensive
Quality of Work: Clean, done right, good work, well-trained

Look for Insurance and Licensing

Beyond what people say online and recommendations from friends, there are more objective things to research. Making sure that the company is insured and licensed is very important. Insurance for the company and for worker’s compensation in case of accidents is not only a plus but often required by states for licensing and certification. This adds an extra layer of protection for both customers and the company.

Licensing in any field usually requires testing and a certain amount of experience. This is certainly true in the world of plumbing. To reach that level, a fully licensed plumber will have met quality testing and experience requirements. It is good for a customer to verify that their plumbing service company is fully licensed and insured.

Do They Have Maintenance Plans?

Maintenance plans or membership plans are another part of a plumbing company that one should explore. Many businesses offer this plan that keeps a professional plumber on retainer for maintenance checks and certain repair services. There are many benefits to enrolling in a maintenance membership plan.

Money-saving: A maintenance plan can save money because it covers the cost of certain maintenance and services, no matter how often they are needed.
Fewer Plumbing Problems: Having regular maintenance keeps a home’s plumbing in good working condition, there is less chance of issues coming up.
Peace of Mind: This is the most important aspect of membership. A homeowner can rest assured in the knowledge that they are protected from plumbing disasters.

About KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

With 24-hour emergency service and highly-trained technicians, KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has got its customers covered. Satisfaction is guaranteed, and financing is available. Call KC’s today for plumbing service in the Palm Springs, CA area.

3 Common HVAC Problems that Lead To Cold Houses

Posted on November 11, 2021 | by KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

Three Common HVAC Problems That Can Lead to Heating Failures

The fall season is in full swing, and that means cooler temperatures are becoming the norm. As such, many homeowners and their families are starting to use their heating systems more and more every day. One of the worst scenarios that some homeowners can probably relate to is when they turn on their heaters and realize that there is a system failure. Nobody wants to freeze, especially when this issue is preventable!

At this point, some homeowners may be asking themselves: how exactly can I prevent this from happening? To answer this question, one must understand the most common HVAC problems that occur so that one can avoid them. Continue reading for all of this information and more!

Improper Unit Sizing

First and foremost, improper unit sizing contributes significantly to heating malfunctions. This, of course, is something that often occurs right at the beginning when homeowners hire professionals for heater installation or furnace installation. If the unit is sized incorrectly, then this can lead to a barrage of issues.

The biggest issue of all is that functionally, the heater will not effectively deliver heat through the home. If it is too large, then it may lead to overheating of the home. If it is too small, then it may lead to insufficient heating of the home. The gist is that improper heater sizing leads to large temperature fluctuations, which are less than ideal for homeowners. Professionals from a heater service can help with recommendations when it comes to unit sizing.

Thermostat Issues

Issues with the thermostat can also lead to significant heating failures. Several different thermostat issues can arise, some of which include:

Dirt and debris buildups – this can prevent the thermostat from accurately reading the temperature of the room, which can lead to improper heating of the home
Faulty display – this will prevent homeowners from being able to adjust the settings, particularly if it is a touchscreen
Inability to reach the desired temperature – there may be an issue with the temperature reading (e.g., excess sunlight exposure can lead to a false reading)
Old age – this can generally lead to wear and tear-related issues that can diminish its functionality
Recalibration required – the internal sensors may need to be reset since miscalibration can lead to improper commands being sent to the heating system

If any of these issues occur, homeowners should call for professional thermostat services to get the problems figured out. Professionals can also help with thermostat installation if necessary.

Debris Buildups

Lastly, debris buildups in or around the HVAC system can also lead to heating issues. In the fall especially, leaf deposits and other debris can clog the HVAC unit. Some of these debris buildups can occur naturally over time. Regardless, the point is that this debris can lead to inefficiencies or full-blown damage to the HVAC system.

This would require homeowners to pursue heater repair or furnace repair. It may even harm indoor air quality, depending on the extent of the issue, which would require central heating services. The best way for homeowners to avoid this altogether is to invest in regular HVAC maintenance checkups.

KC’s 23 and ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 and ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning of Palm Springs, CA has provided the highest quality solutions and customer care for over 38 years. Their team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals provides top-notch solutions, 24/7 emergency service, flexible financing options, and extended warranties on repairs and replacements. Call them for thermostat help today!

Your Guide to Fixing Low Water Pressure

Posted on August 18, 2021 | by KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

Nothing is as frustrating as low water pressure when you need to take a quick shower before heading off to work.

Low water pressure problems manifest themselves in different ways. Quite frankly, they’re all frustrating. Examples include:

Faucets taking a long time to fill a bathtub
A weak spray from your showerhead
Your dishwasher or washing machine taking much longer to run a cycle

So, what do you do when you experience these or other symptoms of low water pressure?

Determine the Cause of Your Low Pressure

Close up water pressure gauge To fix low water problems, you must first determine the cause of your low water pressure.

First, check if the water pressure issues are confined to only one fixture or whether they affect all your plumbing. If only one fixture is affected, it could be a blocked faucet or the pipes serving it.

If the water pressure issues affect the entire system, then you can use the following checklist to determine the cause of your problems:

Inspect Your Valves

Three valves could potentially affect your water pressure. You must give these a good inspection to determine if your low water pressure issues stem from them.

Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)

This is a valve that regulates the pressure in your pipes, keeping it at safe levels. It comes set from the factory at 50psi, but you can adjust the pressure up or down by turning the screw on top.

Water Meter Valve

Technically, this valve belongs to the water company and shouldn’t be meddled with, but, if you notice your low water problems after a plumbing repair, it could be that someone forgot to turn this valve on or turned it on partially.

Main House Shutoff Valve

This is another valve, usually located close to where the main supply line connects to your building’s plumbing. Like the water meter valve, it can sometimes be left partially open, leading to low water pressure.

These valves can also get damaged or worn out, so check for any damage or leaks around them.

Check for Leaks

Another way to determine the cause of your low water pressure is to check for leaks. A leaking toilet or pipe can have a big impact on your water pressure. You can also check your main service line for leaks. No matter how small the leak is, get it checked and rectified as soon as possible.

Evaluate Your Water Heater

If your low water pressure issues only affect your hot water, then it could be that your water heater could be the problem.

Make sure the shutoff valve is fully open.
Check for leaks in the tank.
Flush your water heater tank as sediment build-up can cause blockages.

Check Your Pipes

Another common cause for low water pressure is corrosion in galvanized pipes. Because the corrosion is gradual, the water pressure drop is also gradual, making it hard to notice until it becomes unbearable.

How to Fix Low Water Pressure

Now that you know what could be causing your low water pressure woes, let’s get them sorted.

Repipe

If your pipes are galvanized, you’ll need to have them redone. Make sure to replace your old pipes with PEX, CPVC, or copper pipes.

Flush Your Water Heater

Regularly flush your water heater to reduce the build-up of sediments. Not only can they block the tank, but, if they make it out, they could block your pipes or faucets.

Install a Pressure Booster

If all else fails and you’re still experiencing low water pressure, you may want to install a pressure booster. As the name says, this is a device designed to help increase your building’s water pressure.

Consult with Professionals

To ensure you effectively sort out your plumbing problems, you must enlist the help of professionals. At KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing, we provide professional and affordable plumbing services. Not only do we provide 24/7 services, but we also don’t charge extra for overtime or after-hours service calls fees. So, anytime of day or night, give us a call at 760-327-8718.