What's the Best New Year's Resolution? Scheduling a Plumbing Maintenance Visit

What Exactly Does Plumbing Maintenance Involve?

As the year draws to a close, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has one thing to share with homeowners: Schedule annual plumbing maintenance visits before 2023 gets underway. An annual plumbing maintenance visit could mean a well-functioning system versus weeks of stress. 

When a plumber inspects the system, they look for any problems that could become a large issue later. They may also recommend replacing certain appliances or upgrading already-existing ones. A maintenance visit may also entail the following: 

Drain Cleaning Is Critical drain

Drain cleaning is more than just cleaning the grime around the drain; it means taking a deeper look and addressing any underlying issues, like obstructions and rusted pipes. As a part of drain cleaning, a plumber may: 

  • Use specialized equipment (like a drain snake with a camera) to look deep into the plumbing system 
  • Patch any leaking pipes
  • Insulate pipes that could potentially freeze 
  • Address any mold or mildew growth 
  • Remove corrosion 
  • Examine any water-based appliances, like water heaters and boilers 

On the surface, a homeowner might think that their plumbing system works fine and doesn’t need a professional’s opinion. That’s where they’re mistaken. Just because water goes down the kitchen sink’s drain doesn’t mean there aren’t any unseen time-sensitive issues. 

It’s also worth mentioning that homeowners should avoid using over-the-counter drain cleaners to break down clogs or maintain their plumbing systems. Despite what these products say on the label, they can break down pipes over time and cause irreparable damage. Homeowners can properly maintain their plumbing systems by being mindful of what goes down and using a mesh drain screen. 

Work with a Professional 

Do-it-yourself fixes are all the rage right now. Countless resources online claim to offer “the easy way out” when it comes to maintaining the home’s plumbing system. This is where many homeowners go wrong. They risk doing more harm than good by attempting their own repairs or maintenance techniques. 

When a homeowner partners with a trained professional, they can benefit from the following: 

  • Saving money on unexpected repairs
  • The peace of mind that comes with a well-functioning plumbing system 
  • Hot and cold water on demand 
  • Improved air quality 

There are countless plumbing services located in Philadelphia, PA. Some are closer than most people think. 

The Importance of Water Heater Maintenance maintenance

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that water heaters can last for about 10 to 15 years before they exhibit serious signs of wear and tear. However, for a water heater to pass the 10-year mark, homeowners should prioritize annual plumbing inspections. When a professional examines a home’s water heater, they will: 

  • Make sure it’s getting adequate power 
  • Patch any leaks 
  • Evaluate the heating element 
  • Replace rusted or corroded components 
  • Advise homeowners on future maintenance measures 

Some problems aren’t fixable. If a plumber notices that a water heater is just barely getting the job done and is already over 10 years old, they may suggest getting a new one. From there, they can recommend models that could meet one’s needs. They can also follow through with installation and other home improvement measures. 

About City Plumbing 

City Plumbing is a full-service plumbing agency based locally in Philly. They don’t subcontract anything; their in-house professionals perform all work. They offer same-day appointments, customer satisfaction, and a whole lot more. One can call today for plumbing service.

This Year's Top High-Tech Holiday Gift!

Give a New Smart Thermostat This Holiday Season

While using a standard thermostat is perfectly OK, smart thermostats are better made and more efficient. With the help of a smart thermostat, a homeowner can precisely program their preferred temperature.

Think about installing a smart thermostat to enhance the HVAC system. Instead of depending on complex programming, most of these high-tech thermostats employ algorithms to "learn" each family's temperature preferences and daily activities and set the temperature for them.

The Right Time to Install a New Thermostat

thermostatOne should always check the thermostat first for issues with the heating or cooling system. The thermostat controls the HVAC system; if it malfunctions, something may be wrong with the heating or cooling system. When there is a problem with the HVAC system, one of the first things to examine is the thermostat because it is simple to access and relatively affordable to replace.

The thermostat should allow homeowners to activate their heating or cooling system or switch between heating and cooling modes. The furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump may not respond when the thermostat is adjusted, which may indicate that the device is malfunctioning.

Long-term temperature control is a popular feature of programmable thermostats. However, if the thermostat frequently loses these settings, it may be time to replace it.

Smart Thermostat Benefitssave

A smart thermostat's ability to automatically establish a heating/cooling plan is one of its most coveted capabilities. This function aids in energy efficiency and cost reduction for homes.

Setting up an automatic cooling/heating plan will lower energy expenditures and be convenient for the homeowner. Consider the scenario where the entire family is away from home. A smart thermostat can automatically increase or decrease the temperature to reduce energy use. The lower the monthly energy costs, the less the heating system has to work.

A simple approach to energy savings is by installing a programmable thermostat. Most thermostats come with comprehensive installation manuals to guide homeowners through the process.

Countless Options!

Smart home thermostats can adjust heating and cooling temperature settings in real-time, allowing homeowners to use energy more efficiently and perhaps cut their home electricity costs. There are several models of smart thermostats for different demands and price ranges. Be sure to choose the best smart thermostat for the family's way of life before purchasing and installing one.

Smart thermostats use a combination of more sophisticated processors, learning algorithms, and even external sensors. When given a command, it does more than just alter the temperature. It detects family habits using sensors and processors, and then it proactively adapts to what the homeowners like based on their previous behavior.

Other characteristics of smart thermostats include:

  • Analytics - Smart thermostats give a better understanding of the system and can spot chances for additional savings by recording relevant information about the family's heating and cooling usage.
  • Multiple Zones - Some smart thermostats can regulate multiple zones with the same functionality as a single-zone device. Many smart thermostats can communicate with numerous outside sensors to be aware of the temperature of certain rooms and the air directly around them.

City Plumbing

Whether to reverse a problem that a previous contractor caused or to prevent future issues, City Plumbing has homeowners covered! Licensed HVAC technicians and master plumbers are on staff to make sure that every job is done safely, properly, and according to code. Call City Plumbing for all plumbing services in Philadelphia, PA.