What Makes My Air Conditioner Water Leaking?

Causes air conditioner water to leak and what can be done about it. A leaking air conditioner is a very unsettling issue to handle. Looking at your air conditioner water leaking on the floor is such a messy sight. It adds to the discomfort given by the hot summer weather! Why is your air conditioner water leaking and what can be done about it?

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Water Leaking

Common causes of air conditioner water leakTo handle the issue of air conditioner water leaking, you have to be aware of the following causes.
Deteriorating Pipes
How old is your AC? Old deteriorating pipes may cause the AC water to leak. One possibility is that the pipes are not actually leaking and instead, condensation is forming on the pipes because the insulating cover has deteriorated. Purchasing a new cover would solve this problem. If the water is still dripping despite replacing the pipe cover, it’s possible that the leak isn’t condensation but an underlying problem with the pipe itself. In this case, it would be best if you contact a professional plumber to inspect and fix the problem.
Unwashed or Greasy Air Filters
The AC’s airflow can be blocked if the air filters are dirty. It hampers the air to get into the evaporator coil until it becomes cold and freezes. Eventually, the frozen water would melt excessively causing it to leak indoors. It’s better to replace the air filter if it’s filthy!
Clogged Drainage
Always remember that water will always find its way to get out. Dirt and dust collected on the drainage can block the water. To avoid this problem, make it a habit to regularly check the AC drainage for any clogs that block the water flow. If the issue keeps on persisting after cleaning the drainage, then it’s time to seek help from a professional.
Leaky Refrigerant
The refrigerant is one important component of an AC that converts warm air into cool air. If there is a gurgling or hissing sound coming from the indoor unit, and when the AC is not blowing cool air as it should be, these can be signs that you have a leaky refrigerant. A refrigerant leak is not only harmful to your health but also to the environment. It’s best to contact a professional to deal with this issue.
Incorrect AC Installation
Water from your AC may leak if the unit is installed unevenly. AC water may flow indoors causing unpleasant puddles. If your AC is unevenly installed, contact a professional plumber to place your AC correctly.

Leone Plumbing Air Conditioner Water Leaking Repair ServiceDo You Need Help Fixing Your AC Water Leaking?

If you need a hand to fix your AC water leaking, contact us and our team of professionals is here to help! We are Rochester New York’s best plumbers. We commit to providing quality service for all your plumbing needs.    
Read More

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.
Read More

Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement Made Easy

water heater thermocouple replacement service by leone plumbing Your water heater is one of your house appliances that serve a lot of benefits for your home. It gives hot water needed for your hot drinks, showers, baths, laundry, and dishes. Every part of it is important especially the water heater thermocouple. But what if it suddenly dysfunctions and needs replacement? Can you replace it by yourself? If you can’t, let us tell you how. Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement by Leone Plumbing

What does a water heater thermocouple do?

Before you perform water heater thermocouple replacement, you need to know what a water heater thermocouple does. It is one of the important parts of your water heater. This part transforms heat from a flame into a minimal electric current. It works like a switch to regulate gas flow from the gas supply valve.

The 5 Easy Steps For Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement

Now that you know what a water heater thermocouple does, it’s time to get your hands working. Here are the easy steps for water heater thermocouple replacement.

1. Turn off your gas supply.

For your safety, make sure that the gas control valve is turned off before you start.

2. Remove the burner access covers.

Normally, the burner just slides out since it sits loosely. You first need to detach the nuts that are holding the thermocouple and the two tubes to the valve.

3. Detach the thermocouple.

The thermocouple is typically snapped into place to the pilot gas supply with one or more clips. The end of it is inserted within the pilot assembly which you can pull out easily. Be reminded of how the old thermocouple is placed (take pictures) since this is important for step number 4.
Note: Make sure that you got the correct part for your water heater thermocouple replacement. Bring along with you the detached thermocouple when you buy one at a hardware store.

4. Install the new thermocouple.

You need to make sure that you install the thermocouple the same way as how the old one was placed. To test, turn on the control valve. Your water heater should be back working.

5. Turn the gas back on.

Please follow the water heater lighting instructions once the gas is turned on. Watch out for gas leaks! You can check by putting soapy water into joints. If you see bubbles while the main burner is firing, it means gas is leaking.

Do you still need help?

If you encounter something odd on your water heater such as gas leaks, we are here to help. Reach out to us anytime!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | Photo Credit: Edited in Canva, Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels
Read More

Radiant Heat Driveway: The Advantages and Drawbacks

Radiant Heat Driveway Install By Leone Plumbing   Are you shoveling snow at least 10 times (or more) every week during winter? Getting rid of snow and ice on your driveway can be a major back sore! With a radiant heat driveway system, you can put aside your shovels during the winter season. If you prioritize safety, installing a heated driveway helps to minimize the safety hazards of slippery pavements. It can also prevent accidents for your loved ones and visitors. If you are considering installing a heated driveway system, we present to you the pros and cons to help you decide. Radiant Heat Driveway Installation By Leone Plumbing

The Advantages of a Radiant Heat Driveway System

Now, we will take a look at the advantages or the pros of having a radiant heat driveway system.
Minimal Maintenance Service
A radiant heat driveway system can operate for many years upon installation. Barring unforeseen issues, there is nothing more you need to do. Just ensure that the heating components are large and spaced evenly, and sharp stones were not present when the driveway was drenched.
Shovel-Free Winter
Say goodbye to back pain and give yourself a break during winter. Getting rid of snow shoveling lessens accidents such as slip-and-fall. You can also avoid frostbites and hypothermia from shoveling outdoors for a long time. The risk of unintentionally chipping your pavement with shovels can be prevented.
Avoid The Hazards Of Deicing
Rock salts or other deicers have damaging effects on your pavement and close-by plants. It is better to minimize or stop its usage. Aside from that, you can eliminate the risk of contact or accidental ingestion of deicers to your kids and pets.

Drawbacks of a Radiant Heat Driveway System

From discussing the pros, let us talk about the drawbacks or cons of a heated driveway.
Costly Installation
Installing a heated driveway can be expensive. In order to incorporate a sub-pavement heating system, a new driveway has to be set in place. A new driveway plus the heating system itself may cost thousands of dollars.
The Expense Of Repair
If properly placed, the heated driveway system doesn’t require maintenance. But if they do, the entire driveway needs to be dismantled for repair. It is also expensive to fix electrical wires and PVC tubes if punctured. This is why it’s important to choose the right and experienced heated driveway system installers.
Operating Cost
The total expense to operate a heated driveway may depend on the size of the heated area. The bigger the area it covers, the higher the operational cost. Temperature is also a contributing factor including how frequently snow/ice accumulates.

Make Your Driveway Winter Ready

Installing a heated driveway is worth the investment. It will not only keep your driveway snow-free, but it also protects your family and friends from accidents. It is best to install a heated driveway system before winter begins. Contact us today to find out more!                                                                                                                                                                              

| Photo Credits: (Man Shoveling) Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash(Driveway) Photo by Eric Mclean on Pexels

Read More

Rinnai Tankless Water Heater: The Pros and Cons

Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Installation by Leone Plumbing

Rinnai tankless water heater installed by Leone Plumbing and Heating.

Tankless water heaters are growing popular with homeowners. Many homes are enjoying the advantage of going tankless. With the growing demand for tankless water heaters, we are picky in choosing the right unit for our installation service. One of the products that we highly recommend is the Rinnai tankless water heater.

Why Choose Rinnai Tankless Water Heater?

In your everyday domestic activities, there will be many instances in which you need hot water to get something done. You may need hot water every time you wash clothes, shower, bathing, doing dishes, and many others. Hot water can be highly on-demand in your home,  and you need a heavy-duty water heater. Rinnai tankless water heater has all the elements that a heavy-duty unit must have – available hot water on demand, durable, and energy-efficient.

The Pros and Cons of  Rinnai Tankless Water Heater

While we highly recommend Rinnai tankless water heater, there is no perfect product. Though we receive generally good points from this product, there are pros and cons too.

Pros:

Energy Saving
Rinnai tankless water heater only operates during the time you need it. That means less energy consumption. The traditional water heater, however, heats the water to a certain degree and stores the water in there (whether you need it or not). It will consume more energy to maintain the temperature throughout the day – which will translate to high energy bills. With a tankless water heater, you will save up to 50% of energy consumption.
Hot Water On Demand
It will take you several minutes to get hot water from a regular tank heater. But with a Rinnai tankless unit, hot water is available in seconds. The perk of having a tankless system is it provides a constant flow of hot water for as long as your household needs it.
Space-Saving
A tankless water heater is ideal for a home that wants enough space for other things. Rinnai tankless units don’t have large holding tanks so they can fit in any small spaces.
It Can Last Longer
Compared to a regular tank heater that can last for 10 years, Rinnai tankless units have a longer lifespan of about 20 years! That is how durable it is.

Cons:

Higher Purchase Cost
Rinnai tankless water heaters are costly to purchase and install compared to conventional heaters. Though the upfront cost is larger, it will save you money on energy bills throughout the year.
Large Units For Big Families
A small unit may not be able to keep up the demand of a household all at once. If you have a big family which uses the unit at the same time, you will need a large Rinnai tankless unit which costs more.

Go Tankless!

It is a wise investment to have a Rinnai tankless unit at home. If you want to go tankless or get your current unit serviced, we are always available for you! Talk to us today to find out more.  
Read More

HVAC System

HVAC Service by Leone Plumbing and Heating

HVAC Service by Leone Plumbing and Heating

  You might have encountered the term HVAC many times and it may sound familiar to you. Most likely, the only thing that you know about the HVAC system is it provides cooling and heating on a home or building. What if there is more to it than that? In this article, take a moment to learn more about your HVAC system other than the cooling and heating it provides.

HVAC System: What is it and what does it stand for?

Basically, HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, air condition.” HVAC is a generic term that refers to the technology used for moving air between the outside and inside your residence or place of work. The HVAC system keeps the summer-time cool and fresh and your winter-time warm. Aside from the comfort, it brings during summer and winter, the system is also responsible for filtering the air and minimize indoor humidity.

How does an HVAC System Work?

The HVAC system has four main elements that work together.

  1. The Furnace. It is a heating unit used to heat an entire building. Furnaces primarily run on oil or natural gas, and even electricity. It heats the air to the right temperature through a heat exchanger. This unit is usually installed indoor.
  2. The Thermostat. It is a device that controls the indoor temperature. This device also automatically adjusts your heating or cooling system to maintain the desired level. The thermostat is considered the “brain” of the HVAC system.
  3. Airconditioning (AC) Unit. The unit has a refrigerant that cools the air and it is powered by electricity. The AC unit has a mechanism to send out hot air that comes through it, while cool air is blown in. It is installed usually outside of the premises.
  4. Ductwork. This is a conduit or passages used in the HVAC system to deliver hot and cool air in a home or building. It also delivers ventilation air as part of the air supply. It ensures acceptable indoor air quality and thermal comfort at the same time. You can find it behind walls or above the ceiling.

HVAC Basics

The HVAC system is more than just heating and cooling your home or workplace. It delivers comfort for everyone by improving indoor air quality. The system uses mechanical ventilation to move air in and out. The work begins in the air handling unit once the air is brought in. The air then goes through the filters removing dust, dirt, and other particles. After this process, the air is either sent to be heated or cooled with excess humidity removed. Once the air achieves a comfortable temperature, it is directed clean and fresh into your home or workplace.

HVAC Service and Maintenance

Give your HVAC system the regular maintenance it deserves. Preventive care will extend the life of your HVAC unit and reduce expensive untimely repairs. Please feel free to contact us anytime for your urgent HVAC concerns.         | Photo Credits: Pixabay, Canva, Leone Photo Gallery
Read More