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Invest in a New Sump Pump This Holiday Season

Give the Gift of a Sump Pump This Holiday Season

Rainwater ground runoff and flooding can cause homes to flood with water. A sump pump is a device designed to collect and remove water that has been collected into a sump pit. Having standing water in a home can cause mold, bugs, and damage. A new sump pump is a perfect gift for homeowners this holiday season because it helps them prevent flooding and the water damage that comes with it.

Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a piece of home hardware that uses a pump to remove unwanted water from the basement or other lowest parts of a home and prevent flooding. Sump pump basins are cut into the ground and collect the water. When water levels start rising in the basin, the pump removes the water from the pit through a drain outdoors.

The benefits of installing a sump pump include preventing flooding, property damage, personal injury, mold, and mildew growth, and keeping the basement clean. Flooding can cost homeowners an arm and a leg if the water damages essential home hardware. Homeowners may also want to add a dehumidifier to further prevent the growth of mold from excessive moisture. It can also be disastrous if the water reaches electrical wiring so installing a sump pump keeps homeowners safe and the basement sanitary.

Submersible vs. Pedestal Sump Pumps

The big difference between the two main types of sump pumps is that the motor of a submersible sump pump is submerged inside the sump pit, and the motor of a pedestal sump pump is not. Submersible sump pumps are also more powerful and can handle more flooding. Because the pump’s engine is submerged in the water from the basin, they are quieter but don’t last as long. Homes with heavy flooding will most likely need a submersible sump pump.

A pedestal pump is not as powerful as a submersible pump, but it does have some benefits. Pedestal pumps are less expensive and easier to install and maintain. They also typically last longer than submersible pumps because they experience less wear and tear since their motor does not go into the pit with water.

Get a Sump Pump Backup

It’s a good idea to have a battery backup sump pump in case the power goes out due to storms or another weather event. Most sump pumps require electricity to run. In the case of a power outage, the sump pump may not be able to prevent the home from flooding without a power backup. A battery-powered backup or combination sump pump will help homeowners protect their homes and property during power outages.

Some areas may experience such bad flooding that more than one sump pump is needed to keep the floor clear of water, making a backup sump pump even more important. Combination sump pumps have a battery-powered backup pump that is installed at the same time as the primary sump pump, so in the event of a power outage, the battery-powered one will take over. Starting the new year with a new sump pump can give homeowners peace of mind that they will be protected from flooding, water damage, mold, and mildew growth.

About KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has over 40 years of experience serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide 24/7 emergency service, upfront prices, and financing. Call them today for sump pump services in Palm Springs, CA.

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Learn About Water Heaters This Back To School Season

What Are Hot Water Heaters?

A water heater is a piece of plumbing hardware that provides the home with hot water on demand for important tasks like washing hands, cleaning, and bathing. The water heater is one of the most expensive and essential pieces of plumbing equipment found in modern homes. Homeowners can protect their investment in their water heater by educating themselves on the basics of water heater systems.

What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters?

The main types of water heaters are gas, electric, and tankless water heaters, and there are pros and cons to each. Gas water heaters are the most common type in modern homes, but electric water heaters are also popular. Tankless water heaters are a modern solution to provide hot water with minimal waste of energy by only heating the exact amount of water needed for each task.

Gas water heaters are slightly more expensive to install than electric water heaters but have much lower operating costs. A gas water heater uses a gas burner to heat the water. This means that the water heater needs to be connected to natural gas. Electric water heaters are a more versatile option because almost every home has electricity hooked up, while not every house has a gas connection.

While electric water heaters are easier to install, they have higher operating costs than gas water heaters. Tankless water heaters have the cheapest operating costs because they do not waste energy in the heating process. Installing a tankless water heater is more expensive than the traditional options, but homeowners can expect to get 20+ years of performance compared to gas water heaters 10-15 year lifespan.

How To Do Water Heater Maintenance?

Plumbers recommend that homeowners drain water heaters annually or twice a year to flush the tank of sediment. Sediments result from natural minerals in the water separating into solids during the heating process. Over time, sediment buildup can corrode the water heater tank and cause valves to age prematurely.

During maintenance appointments, the water heater technician will flush water heater tanks and inspect the system for signs of damage. Most water heaters use a system of valves to control the flow of water. Valves are notorious for wearing out over time, and replacing them can help to promote efficient and long-lasting water heater performance. The anode rod must also be checked and replaced if it is over three to five years old. Anode rods attract corrosive materials in the water to prevent tank corrosion.

Leaving water heater maintenance to a qualified professional is best because working on water heater tanks is extremely dangerous. Up to a hundred gallons of hot water contained within a water heater tank could pose a serious threat to property and people if it bursts. It is a good idea to have a trusted plumber just a phone call away in case of a water heater emergency.

Water Heater Repair or Water Heater Replacement?

Homeowners should look out for signs that their water heater is failing. A broken water heater is not just an inconvenience because of a lack of hot water. If it’s malfunctioning, it could pose a safety hazard to the home. Water heaters contain high temperatures and a large amount of water, which could be dangerous if it bursts.

Signs that a homeowner needs to call a plumber for water heater repair include discolored water, foul-smelling water, or a noisy water heater. Other obvious signs of an old or broken water heater include inconsistent temperatures, waiting a long time for water to heat up, or not enough hot water to complete tasks. Water heaters typically only last between 10-15 years, and as water heater repairs become more frequent, homeowners should consider their options for water heater replacement.

About KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has over 40 years of experience serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and financing. Call them today for water heater services in Palm Springs, CA.

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Finding the Right Plumbing Company Despite the Busyness of the Season

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.