Check Your AC First Before Contacting An HVAC Repair Service

Leone Plumbing HVAC Repair ServiceHaving a malfunctioning AC can be stressful and can turn into a major headache! But that’s not the case all the time. A simple DIY solution can save you time and money. Before contacting an HVAC repair service, there are things that you need to look at on your air conditioner.

Simple Steps To Take Before Calling For An HVAC Repair Service

In some cases, the issue on your AC is just a simple fix that you can do without the help of a professional HVAC repair service. Here are the simple DIY steps before scheduling a repair service with an HVAC professional.
Look At The AC’s Power Supply
Check your circuit breakers to see if the circuit where your AC is on may have been accidentally flipped. If it is, switch the breaker on so that your AC unit has power again. If your circuit breaker regularly trips off, you need to call for a professional HVAC repair service. It is a safety problem that needs to be dealt with by an expert.
Check The Condenser Unit
For an outdoor AC unit, the condenser is concealed with vents that protect its sensitive coils. Over time, these vents can get blocked with dust or dirt and may trigger your AC to shut down due to limited airflow. Before picking up the phone to call for a professional, check your AC’s condenser and clear it off from debris. Your AC may work fine again after clearing the debris blocking the vents.
Check The AC’s Thermostat
You need to look at the thermostat’s settings and check that it’s not set to “heat,” “vent,” or even “off.” The thermostat should be in the “cool” setting. If you see that the screen is faint or does not come on, the batteries may need to be replaced. A new battery may make your AC work properly again.
Clean The Air Filters
Your AC can have difficulty flowing cool air if the air filters are dirty. There are types of ACs that turn off if there is limited airflow. Some may keep on running but with very little cool air circulating the room. If your AC filter is dirty, you need to clean it up or change it. Putting in a fresh filter may improve your AC’s cooling effect.
Check The Vents
If you have a running AC but your room is not cooling down, it can be that something is blocking the vents. You need to look around to see that there are no obstacles such as boxes, plants, furniture, or appliances that are preventing the air to flow adequately. HVAC Repair Service by Leone Plumbing and Heating

What Should I Do If My AC Is Still Not Working?

If your AC is still not working after doing these DIY steps, this is a perfect time to call for a reliable HVAC repair service. Do not let yourself be stressed! Contact us and our HVAC professional is here to fix your AC issues.
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Plumbing Repairs That Should Not Be Done DIY

Professional plumbing repairs solution by Leone PlumbingWater damage caused by a failing plumbing system is probably the worst scenario your house may encounter. It’s destructive, time-consuming, and disrupts your household activities. But thanks to social media and the internet! An average person can now do plumbing repairs with step-by-step procedures provided online. However, we can’t avoid repairs that are beyond our basic knowledge and experience. There are complex plumbing works that have to be dealt with by a professional plumber.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs That Shouldn’t Be DIY

Burst Pipes

Broken pipes usually happen during the winter. Extreme cold weather can make the pipes brittle and then burst when water pressure comes in, leaving your home flooded. A burst pipe is a complex repair issue that should be fixed quickly. This has to be dealt with by a professional plumber. A professional makes sure that the pipes are fixed and prevent future leaks and pipe rupture.

Water Heater Malfunction

A water heater can be a dangerous house appliance when it fails. You should NOT resort to DIY solutions as it requires a professional hand to fix the water heater parts. If your water heater makes an unusual sound, leaks, and smells (leaking gas), these are the signs that it’s failing and you need to seek help from a professional plumber.

Clogged Sewer Line

Clog issues caused by tree root invasion or other obstructions are a mess when done DIY. Issues with clogging pipes require professional attention and expertise. A professional has the necessary tools and equipment to get rid of roots invading your lines and also those hard obstructions such as rags, small toys, hairs, and accumulated oils.

Sump Pump Failure

This is another plumbing appliance that is often overlooked until a failure happens. A sump pump failure may happen during heavy rain or snow which causes basement flooding. There are many factors why a sump pump may fail. The most common issues are clogs and other obstructions in the sump pit, leaking pipes, and even the loss of a power source. A professional plumber knows what is best in dealing with these kinds of plumbing issues in the sump pump.

DIY Repair or Call a Professional Plumber?

Plumbing repairs are made easy nowadays and anyone can be an “expert” in their own right. Thanks to the DIY solutions available online everyone can search on the internet! DIY solutions are helpful especially during emergency repair situations. Though DIY plumbing can be adequate, there are still repairs that need to be done by a professional. If you feel you lack the experience and knowledge in handling plumbing repairs by yourself, it is the best solution to contact a professional. You can always contact us and our team of professionals can help you with your emergency plumbing repairs.
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Choosing The Right Water Piping Materials For Your Home

Leone Plumbing Water Piping SolutionWater piping connections are the most vulnerable part of the plumbing system. That is why you must pick the right piping materials for your home. There are many options to choose from and choosing the right pipe can be confusing. Today, let us look at the different types of pipes to find out what is best for your home plumbing system.

Different Types of Pipes For Your Residential Plumbing System

PVC Pipes
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are mostly used for sinks, toilet drains, or waste lines. This type of water piping material is lightweight and more convenient to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe. However, using PVC pipes is not permitted everywhere. It is better to review your local regulations before installing PVCs.
PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are best used for water supply lines. This plastic piping material is known to withstand the high pressures of your water supply. Professional plumbers are drawn in using PEX pipes since they are flexible to weave through walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. Like PVC pipes though, they are not permitted everywhere and you have to check your local regulations before installing PEX pipes.
ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipes should not be confused with PVC pipes. They are much alike except that the ABS pipe is black and much softer. It is mostly used for drain and vent lines. This pipe is easy to install, durable, and cost-effective. The only downside is it can easily warp when exposed to direct sunlight.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are best used for residential water supply lines. This water piping material is durable and safer to use than other pipe materials like plastics that leach chemicals. Though it’s costly, it is fairly durable for your residential plumbing.
Galvanized Steel Pipes and Cast Iron
Cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe are mostly found in older homes. These types of water piping materials are best used for water supply lines, drains, and vent lines. They are known to be very durable and can last for a long time until such time it rusts. These pipes are heavyweight and are difficult to cut through. To this day, they are mostly used in commercial buildings. Water Piping Materials By Leone Plumbing

How Do I Know If I Pick the Right Pipe?

Deciding on the right pipe for your residential plumbing has many factors to consider. First, you need to know the function that the pipe has to perform and also the area where it will be installed. You also have to look at your budget. The cost of the material may affect your decision. In addition, you have to check your local building codes to ensure that the type of pipe you choose is permitted. If you come to a point where you don’t know which options to choose, you can speak to a professional plumber or contractor. Contact us right now and our team of experts can help you decide!  
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All You Need To Know About Replacing Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene Pipes Replacement Services By Leone PlumbingWhen it comes to house renovation, one important aspect that a homeowner has to look into is the plumbing system. In the process of renovation, you may uncover plumbing issues that have to be dealt with such as obsolete pipes. Homes that are built before 1995 may have used polybutylene pipes that are outdated and have to be replaced.

Why Does It Matter To Replace Polybutylene Pipes?

If your home is built back in the mid-70s to mid-90s, you may have polybutylene piping underground. It really matters to replace polybutylene pipes due to the high risk of bursts or leaking with this type of piping. There is even a history of lawsuits filed to stop the usage of polybutylene piping due to the damages it caused. It could be a long-term problem if this type of pipe isn’t replaced. Leaking old pipes allows water to pool up inside ceilings and walls which can be a breeding ground for molds. Aside from the health hazard due to molds, leaking pipes can also increase your water bill!

How Can You Tell If Your Home Has Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene pipes are known for their blue color trademark. However, they are also available in colors black and gray. But the surest identifier of polybutylene piping is a stamp that says “PB2110”. Another way that you can find polybutylene pipes is in places where they are commonly located. They are installed as water supply lines only and you can’t find them as vent pipes or drain. These are the places in your home where you can find them. Leone Plumbing Polybutylene Pipes Replacement Services
  • At your main shutoff valve
  • Connected to your water heater
  • Attached to sinks and toilets
  • At the ceiling of your basement where pipes are exposed
 

Why Do You Need To Replace Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene (Poly B) piping is known as a cheap and easy solution. However, it was later found out that polybutylene piping could not withstand harsh disinfectants in the public water supply such as chlorine. Over time, polybutylene pipes may corrode and crack which will cause leaks. Leaks caused by leaking Poly B pipes are difficult to detect immediately (since it’s underneath) until you experience the damages it brings. Since Poly B pipes have a high risk to burst or leak, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends that homes with Poly B piping get their plumbing system replaced.

Replacements for Poly B Pipes

The suitable replacements for Poly B pipes are copper pipe, PEX tubing, and PVC pipe. There are factors and considerations as well as which ones to pick. It would be best if you speak with an expert to help you assess your old pipes and what would be your best option. Contact us today so our experts can help you! We have options to offer that are easy on your budget and we even have financing options available for you.    
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Proper Maintenance Of Public Toilets

Proper Public Toilet Maintenance Tips by Leone PlumbingIn businesses such as restaurants, malls, and airports, the number of people visiting public toilets is increasing daily. Therefore, it is critical that the public toilets are properly maintained for employees and customers. In a time when we are greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, public toilet maintenance should be a priority to keep your employees and customers safe and healthy.

Why Is It Important To Maintain And Keep Public Toilets Clean?

Clients and visitors can be easily disgusted if the restroom is not properly maintained. A study conducted by GP PRO says that unclean public toilets can turn away customers which leaves a negative image for the business. That means your public restroom plays a great role in a customer’s first impression of your business. A well-maintained bathroom can create a professional image, while a filthy bathroom can bring the opposite. Also with the onslaught of COVID-19, it is important to implement a high level of toilet maintenance. The spread of viruses and bacteria that causes illnesses can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance of public restrooms.

How To Maintain A Public Restroom?

Your business should practice proper maintenance of public restrooms. Here are some of the steps on how to keep your public toilets clean and well-maintained regularly.
1. Monitor Your Toilets And Urinals Every Day
You need to check every day to see if the toilets and urinals are clean and sanitized. Make sure that they are clog-free, properly working, and with adequate water supply. If you identified any plumbing concerns, contact a professional plumber immediately to take action!
2. Replenish Restroom Supplies
Make sure that your public toilet has enough supply all throughout the day. A lack of tissue, paper towels, and soap in a restroom can easily upset customers and employees. You need to replenish toilet supplies when needed.
3. Empty Trash Bins
A well-maintained public restroom should have enough trash bins and should be emptied regularly before it gets full.
4. Mop The Floor Frequently
A dirty floor can be a habitat for germs that can cause diseases. It is one of the restroom surfaces that you should keep clean and sanitized. To avoid safety hazards, consider mopping the floors after business hours. Leone Plumbing Public Toilet Maintenance

Make Public Toilet Maintenance A Priority For Your Business

Proper maintenance of public toilets is one of the keys to a successful business. A clean and well-maintained restroom can leave a positive impression on your customers and employees. But a dirty restroom with a dripping faucet, broken toilet handle, or leaking toilets can be a nightmare not only for your customers but also for your business! If you encounter any of these plumbing issues, contact us anytime! Let us help you achieve your toilet maintenance goals.
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Water Heater Maintenance: How Is Descaling Done Professionally?

Leone Plumbing & Heating Water Heater Maintenance ServiceWater heater maintenance should be done regularly to prolong the life of your water heater. One way that you can maintain your water heater is through descaling. Descaling is a must and should be done at least every 2 years. This is an essential water heater maintenance solution that should not be missed! But how would you do it? Would you do it yourself (DIY) or by a professional?

Why Is It Better To Let A Professional Perform Descaling?

Nowadays, you can easily access information online that can provide you with steps on how to descale your water heater. While DIY descaling can be a thrilling and fun experience, it can further escalate the problem and can create much damage if you mess up. If you fail due to a lack of professional experience, it will not only cause you stress but would also cost you a lot of money. You will then realize that it is more cost-effective for a professional to perform descaling rather than doing it yourself with uncertainty. Water heater maintenance can be easy (which you can resort to DIY solutions) and can also be complicated. In the case of descaling, it can be complicated if you’re not familiar with the parts of your water heater. That is why you should let a professional plumber handle the descaling.

How Does A Professional Plumber Do The Descaling?

Professional Plumbers are certified and well trained to handle the descaling of your water heater. They have hands-on experience in how to locate the pipes and open up the wall if needed. Descaling can be a complicated water heater maintenance solution. It involves detaching and reconnecting the water heater and a professional is good with these tasks. To descale the water heater, a professional plumber performs the following steps.
  • Disconnect (turn off) the heater from its power source.
  • Valves are closed to stop the cold water to fill the heater.
  • The valves that connect the water heater to the home are also closed.
  • To relieve the pressure, purge valves are opened to keep the rubber washers.
  • Hosing lines are attached depending on the model of the water heater.
  • Re-open the purge valves.
  • Run a descaling solution down the water heater to remove the scales.
  • Flush and drain for at least 45 minutes following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Before disconnecting the hose, purge valves are closed.
  • The water heater is then reconnected to the home’s water system.
  • Switch on the water heater to restart.

Let A Professional Do The Descaling For You

For complicated water heater maintenance jobs such as descaling, it is always the right choice to trust a Professional Plumber to do the job. They are more experienced, equipped, trained, and have the know-how in dealing with water heater descaling. Contact us if you seek professional help. Schedule an appointment with us today!Water Heater Maintenance Service By Leone  
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