signs Archives - City Plumbing

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

How To Tell When a Drain Needs Cleaning

Homeowners should be vigilant and proactive in addressing any unusual behaviors in their plumbing. Effective routine drain cleaning maintenance can help prevent clogs, but even with this, issues can still appear.

The signs below help indicate serious issues that should be addressed soon. Homeowners in the Philadelphia area are advised to consult with local plumbing experts who can provide tailored solutions to keep their plumbing in optimal condition.

While the most common indicators of a blocked sewer line are abnormal gurgling sounds from drains and slow draining or backed-up drains, homeowners should look for a few less common indicators. These include:

Constantly clogged toilets
Foul smells coming from plumbing fixtures
Flooded Yard
Dark water coming up the toilet or bathtub
Leaking plumbing fixtures

While some of these issues alone might not indicate a clogged sewer line, it's important to take them seriously and consult a professional about how to treat them.

Abnormal Gurgling Noises

Abnormal gurgling noises from plumbing fixtures often indicate trapped air within the drain systems. This air is not only noisy but disrupts the natural flow of water.

These sounds are accompanied by other symptoms like slow drainage or a strong sewer smell perspiring in the air. Noises occur for various reasons, but a blockage in the drainage piper is the most common issue.

Leaks are another issue that causes gurgling noises. Although gurgling sounds from pipes may seem random, any occurrence typically indicates an unresolved pipe issue.

Multiple Drain Backups

When a homeowner encounters multiple backed-up drains in the home, it clearly indicates a block in the main sewer line rather than an isolated drain issue. This can be extremely inconvenient and potentially hazardous for the home's occupants.

Drain backups can bring in unpleasant-smelling water and even sewage overflow, posing health risks. A plumbing issue this severe cannot be solved by a simple drain snake or drain cleaning chemicals.

When faced with multiple drain backups, homeowners should consult professionals to diagnose and address the root problem properly. Timely action can reduce the chance of a problem worsening, like even more damaged sewer pipes.

Constant Slow Draining

Slow draining in sinks and bathrooms is a common issue that often indicates buildup within the plumbing system. Homeowners should be aware of any changes to their sinks or tub draining patterns, as early detection can lead to easier and less costly solutions.

If left unchecked, slow-draining water can lead to backed-up drains and clogged sewer lines. Slow draining or standing water can be caused by a variety of things, including:

Soap Scum
Grease
Hair
Foreign Objects
Heavy Rain
Mineral Buildup
Food Waste
Baby Wipes Flushed

Regular maintenance and occasional professional cleaning can keep drain lines clear and functioning smoothly. When faced with clogged or slow-draining pipes, plumbers use techniques like hydro jetting, which should only be done by skilled professionals.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has established a strong reputation in the Philidelphia region for its reliable plumbing service. With a team of skilled professionals, they specialize in diagnosing and resolving a wide range of plumbing issues. Call City Plumbing today for professional sewer and drain cleaning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

Distribution Links +

Three Signs of a Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant Leaks: What To Know

Air conditioning is essential for a comfortable home. However, like any other machine, issues can arise, making an AC unit less effective. One such problem is a refrigerant leak. This makes the air conditioner work harder and use more energy, and if left alone for too long, it can lead to permanent damage.

Here are some of the most common signs that an AC system may leak refrigerant so that it’s clear when it’s time to get it fixed.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

One of the most obvious ways to tell if an AC system has a refrigerant leak is by checking for frozen evaporator coils. These play an important role in absorbing heat from the air inside the home, and they need AC refrigerant to do their job.

When there isn’t enough refrigerant in the air conditioner due to a leak, the coil won’t be able to pull as much heat out of the air as it should. This leads to condensation on the coil freezing, which will be seen as ice on the unit.

The AC Isn’t Cooling Properly

Another way to tell if an AC unit leaks refrigerant is by how well it cools the home. When less refrigerant moves through the system because it’s all leaked out, things won’t cool as fast or as well as they should. This could appear in two different ways:

The air coming from vents isn’t cold at all
The vented air is cooler than actual room temperature but not enough for comfort

The longer cooling cycles are likely to lead to higher utility bills, as the motor will now have to run for longer periods just to get some cool air into the house.

Besides longer cooling cycles, refrigerant leaks can also lead to increased wear and tear on the components. The result is a shorter lifespan of the AC unit and more potential costs in repairs or replacement.

Hearing Strange Sounds

Lastly, if the AC unit makes any strange sounds, there could be a refrigerant leak. These sounds could be hissing, gurgling, or bubbling, and they come from the pressurized refrigerant escaping through cracks and holes in the system. Hissing is especially bad because it usually means that gas refrigerant is leaking out somewhere.

If any of these noises come from an AC unit, it’s best to check everything immediately. If there is an air conditioning refrigerant leak, acting immediately can save money in the long run by preventing further damage. Having things go smoothly at home is always a plus, but sometimes, things just don’t work. If any of these three signs are present in an AC unit, know it’s time to seek professional help before anything worsens.

About City Plumbing

For plumbing, HVAC, or refrigerant leak detector services in Philadelphia or South Jersey, City Plumbing is the number one choice. Their experience and expertise in the field is unmatched. They always deliver top quality, which means the home’s systems will work at their best. Their team is licensed and committed to excellence, ensuring they’re up for any challenge. They also keep safety measures and compliance at the forefront of their operations. Contact them today to schedule AC repair.

Distribution Links +

Heater Acting Up? Here Are the Warning Signs of a Faulty Heater

Identifying the Hazards of a Malfunctioning Heater

With the seasons decidedly turning towards the lowest temperatures of the year, it has never been more important to have a fully functioning, well-oiled heating machine. For the next few months, the furnace is every homeowner’s best friend unless that furnace stops working as it should and starts showing warning signs of a defect or a malfunction. If this is the suspicion, read on to see what hazards can arise from a problematic heater and what one can do to mitigate the problem.

Presence of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas for several reasons. Inhaling can cause a host of health issues that range from headaches and fatigue to nausea, palpitations, and hallucinations. Without immediate medical attention, people who breathe in enough CO can suffer from brain and heart damage, short-term memory loss, blindness, and, at its most severe, can lead to death.

Unfortunately, carbon monoxide is unavoidable at home since it is a byproduct of burning fuels. The simple act of firing up the stove to prepare a meal or turning on the heater during the cold winter months produces enough carbon monoxide to present a danger to a home’s occupants. Fortunately, venting and exhaust systems are in place to make using the stove or heater a safe domestic activity. The problem arises not in engaging in these carbon monoxide-producing activities but in the defects and malfunctions in these systems.

Therefore, homeowners must have a carbon monoxide mitigation system in place. This can be done in a two-fold approach: first, by installing carbon monoxide detectors that can identify the presence of the gas when human senses fail to catch it, and second, by scheduling regular heating maintenance to allow professionals to check for problems that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Unchecked Mold Growth

Mold growth is the natural course of things left to their own devices in warm and damp environments. This fungal growth may seem harmless and even organic, but if left unchecked inside the home, the spores that mold releases into the air in a bid for reproduction can cause respiratory distress. Homeowners with mold problems may experience allergic reactions such as coughing, sneezing, or a sore throat.

Because mold thrives in moisture and humidity, the HVAC system is one of the places where it is likely to flourish, so homeowners who experience the symptoms above or notice either a musty odor in the house or visible signs of mold should contact their trusted HVAC technician. A professional can help inspect the home’s HVAC system and determine where mold is present so that the conditions in which the mold thrives can be resolved to prevent mold growth from recurring.

Too Much Heat In Furnaces and Heaters

While plenty of heat is encouraged during the cold stretch of winter, there is still such a thing as too much heat - enough to cause heaters to malfunction due to furnace overheating. A furnace or heater that exceeds its expected heat production can present many dangers, including carbon monoxide poisoning, heater damage, and even the possibility of a furnace fire.

Homeowners who notice a burning smell or strange noises when the heating comes on should pay attention since these are likely signs of a furnace overheating. When this occurs, it is recommended to check the HVAC air filter and see if it is dirty and clogged with dust and other particulate matter. If the furnace filter is dirty or hasn’t been changed in months, it is likely causing the heater to overwork and overheat.

Another way to deal with an overheating furnace is to call for heater repair. A local HVAC technician should be able to conduct heating repair on a home’s HVAC system and, in doing so, identify and resolve the overheating problem and avert a possible catastrophe.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing is a reliable plumbing services provider in Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods. Their flat-rate pricing, 24/7 service availability, and true satisfaction guarantee all speak to their dedication to providing the best service to the people in their community. They have a team of trusted technicians equipped with fully stocked trucks and use the latest technology to ensure that they provide the right solutions on the first try. Call them today for HVAC service in Philadelphia, PA.

Distribution Links +

3 Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Repair

How To Tell When the Garbage Disposal Is Busted

A garbage disposal can add a whole new level of convenience to a kitchen by allowing homeowners to easily get rid of food scraps from dirty dishes and trimmings from fruits & veggies. Many homeowners even find it inconceivable to go back to an ordinary sink after using a garbage disposal for a while – after all, who wants to fish bits of food waste out of the drain every night?

So if the garbage disposal decides to quit, it can throw a major wrench in the food prep and cleanup routine. Not only that but if relatively minor issues go unnoticed or unresolved long enough, they can cause further damage to the disposal, which may mean having to shell out for a garbage disposal replacement years ahead of schedule. So to ensure homeowners catch problems as early as possible, this article will lay out three common signs that a garbage disposal needs repairs!

Unusual Noises

The first thing to watch (or listen) for is if the garbage disposal makes strange sounds when turned on. A scraping, rattling, or grinding noise may be a piece of silverware or another hard object falling into the grinding chamber. Homeowners can look inside the chamber with a flashlight and carefully remove the object if they see one. If nothing seems to have fallen in, the sound may be due to a loose or damaged component, such as an impeller.

If the garbage disposal is humming or buzzing when turned on but doesn't seem to run, the impeller is likely jammed. Again, this could be caused by a rigid object that's fallen in or a broken component. Homeowners shouldn't run the disposal in this case, as doing so can burn out the motor or break internal components very quickly.

Poor Performance

Another sure sign of trouble is if the garbage disposal is slow to break down foods or doesn't seem to be working as well as it used to. This could be caused by various factors, including a worn impeller or shredding wheel, a failing motor, or simply old age (most garbage disposals don't last more than 10 years).

If homeowners frequently have to press the garbage disposal reset button, an internal issue will likely require professional repair. The reset button is essentially an internal circuit breaker that may trip if the disposal is overheating, the motor is in danger of burning out, or a loose electrical connection is causing a short circuit. Depending on the root cause and the age of the unit, garbage disposal repair may not be possible or economical, and a replacement may be the better option.

Foul Odors

If a bad smell comes from the garbage disposal or the kitchen sink drain, it usually indicates a clog or a buildup of nasty food waste and grime inside the grinding chamber. The latter can often be resolved by putting equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain and letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it. Homeowners can also grind up some ice cubes and citrus peel in the disposal to help remove buildup and eliminate bad garbage disposal smells.

But in the case of clogged garbage disposal, homeowners are usually better off calling a professional to fix the problem. Clearing these clogs often involves turning off the power to the disposal, dismantling the P-trap, and sometimes even removing the disposal. Fortunately, as unpleasant as they can be, these issues can usually be resolved without replacing the garbage disposal!

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has been one of Philadelphia's most trusted and top-rated plumbers for over 20 years. Known for their outstanding customer service, fast turnarounds, and honest pricing, they are the proud recipients of numerous awards, including the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and the title of "Best Plumber in Philadelphia" from Expertise.com. Their licensed, drug-tested, and background-checked technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don't hesitate to call City Plumbing for plumbing repair in Philadelphia, PA!

Distribution Links +

Three Signs That Air Conditioner Replacement Is Imminent

When to Replace the AC

Installing an air conditioner is an expensive and involved process. Luckily, most homeowners will only have to do it once or twice since most air conditioners last two to three decades. When doing the job, the most important question is timing. Replacing an air conditioner too early is a waste of money since it could’ve lasted a few more years. Replacing the unit too late will likely waste money on excess repairs and high bills.

How can a homeowner know when to replace the AC? Luckily, air conditioners give signs that they are nearing the end of their service. This guide is intended to help homeowners maximize their investments by allowing them to get the most out of their current equipment without wasting money on repairs when they should have just replaced the unit.

New Noises and Stubborn Odors

An aging air conditioner that needs replacement can assault multiple senses. The first sign that AC replacement is needed is noise. During normal operation, an air conditioner shouldn’t generate much noise. Apart from the gentle rush of air as the blower circulates or a faint hiss of refrigerant pumping through the coil, an air conditioner should be silent. As an air conditioner ages, it will start making new noises indicating something is wrong. If an air conditioner has started making screeches or thumping noises, then air conditioning replacement may be in the near future.

Another sense that indicates the air conditioner may need to be replaced is smell. Older air conditioners have a harder time removing humidity from the air. This causes mold growth in the coils and ductwork that can manifest as stubborn musty odors. If odors are present in a home and can’t be covered up, AC replacement may be the only way to help.

Uncontrollable Energy Bills

As an air conditioner ages, it will have a harder time keeping up with the demand that the home places on it. This will cause the AC to run for longer cycles because it is slowly losing efficiency. The difference is often noticeable; however, since the process happens slowly, it may only be evident on energy bills that climb year after year.

To restore lost cooling power and get a handle on energy bills, AC replacement can help. With the upfront investment of a new, energy-efficient air conditioner, homeowners can enjoy lower bills to the point that the new unit will pay for itself in savings.

Poor Airflow and Circulation

Along with a loss of efficiency, an air conditioner’s blower will lose effectiveness over time. This becomes obvious when the home is subject to uneven heating and cooling. In extreme cases, mold can start to grow in rooms that aren’t getting enough conditioned air, and odors will result.

Ensure that the home is always getting cool, dry air by replacing the air conditioner. A new air conditioner can restore lost performance and provide healthy air without wasting money on repairs and high bills.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing handles plumbing, heating, and cooling issues in-house with their own technicians. Their attention to detail keeps their residential and commercial customers returning year after year. Call today for quality AC service in Philadelphia, PA.