ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric Blog

3 Ways to Make Your Water Heater Last Longer and Work More Efficiently

Regular maintenance of a conventional tank water heater can significantly extend its lifespan and improve efficiency. Annual flushing of the tank removes sediment, enhancing burner efficiency. Checking and, if necessary, replacing the anode rod prevents internal rusting, prolonging the heater's life. Additionally, insulating the tank with a blanket of insulation boosts efficiency by up to 40%. These simple steps can help homeowners avoid premature water heater failure and reduce energy costs.

Preventing Frozen Pipes In Your Home This Winter

When pipes freeze and burst, they can cause significant damage to a home. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls are particularly vulnerable, especially if exposed to cold air. Insulating pipes and sealing gaps can help prevent freezing while leaving cabinet doors open during cold spells allows warm air to circulate. During extreme cold, letting faucets run slowly can reduce pressure on pipes. If leaving home during winter, consider draining water from pipes and avoiding setting the thermostat too low. If a pipe freezes, call a professional plumber and turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. Never attempt to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame, as it can damage the pipe and pose a fire hazard.

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair vs Traditional Sewer Line Repair

Trenchless sewer line repair has gained popularity over the past two decades due to its cost-effectiveness, minimal disruption, and prevention of future problems. Unlike traditional methods, trenchless repair doesn't require extensive excavation, leading to significant cost savings and preserving landscaping and paved surfaces. Additionally, it minimizes downtime, ensuring homeowners aren't inconvenienced for long periods. Moreover, trenchless repair replaces old lines with durable epoxy resin pipes, resistant to rust and root intrusion, ensuring long-term functionality and flow efficiency.

Home Electrical System Warning Signs

It's important to be vigilant about electrical glitches at home, as they can pose serious hazards such as fires and shocks. Common warning signs include circuit breakers repeatedly tripping, lights flickering unexpectedly, warm outlet face plates, loose switches or outlets, and GFCI outlets repeatedly tripping. These issues may indicate excessive electrical load, loose wiring connections, or faulty fixtures. If encountered, it's crucial to address them promptly and, if needed, seek assistance from a qualified electrician to ensure safety.

Electrical Tips : Holiday Lighting Safety

During the holiday season, it's essential to practice safety when using electrical lights and decorations to prevent shock and fires. Avoid connecting too many lights together, inspect accessories for damage before installation, and turn off decorations when leaving home or going to bed. Use appropriate wattage bulbs and avoid overloading extension cords, never running them through water. Replace damaged parts promptly to reduce fire hazards and ensure safety.

Avoid Sewer and Drain Problems With These Simple Maintenance Tips

To maintain your home's drains and sewer line, follow these tips: Avoid pouring cooking fats and grease down the drain; dispose of them in the trash once solidified. Don't flush non-biodegradable items like wet towels, wipes, or hygiene products. Refrain from planting trees near the sewer line to prevent root intrusion. Schedule periodic inspections with ABC to detect and address minor issues before they escalate, using video inspections to identify problems like cracks or tree root intrusion.

4 Reasons for Uneven Temperature in your Home

Temperature variations within a home are common, especially in areas like attics, basements, and additions. When dealing with discomfort in specific rooms, factors such as inadequate insulation, air leaks, and air duct issues need consideration. Proper insulation with recommended R-values for attics and walls is crucial, while sealing windows and doors prevents energy loss from drafts. HVAC systems may suffer from poorly sized air ducts, hindering efficient air delivery throughout the home. ABC offers solutions like air delivery analysis and air duct sealing to address these issues, promoting better heating and cooling efficiency and ensuring consistent comfort throughout the house.

The Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaning Products

Household drain cleaners pose significant risks to both health and plumbing systems, containing hazardous chemicals like sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid. While they may clear some clogs near the drain opening, they're ineffective against tougher clogs deeper in pipes and can cause burns, blindness, and respiratory inflammation upon contact. Moreover, they corrode pipes and damage other materials in kitchens or bathrooms. Professional plumbers offer a safer and more effective alternative, using mechanical methods to remove stubborn clogs without the need for harmful chemicals. ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling, and Electric provides prompt and reliable drain cleaning services, ensuring both safety and efficiency for homeowners.

Quick Tips For Homeowners - Air Conditioners

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Consumer Warning: Faulty Circuit Breakers Can Cause Fires

Understanding the function and potential risks of your home's circuit breaker is crucial for safety. Older homes, particularly those built before 1990, may have faulty circuit breakers, notably those manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric and Sylvania/Zinsco. These defective breakers are prone to not tripping, leading to dangerous overloads and overheating of wiring, which can result in fires. Federal Pacific Electric breakers are known to fail to trip, while Sylvania/Zinsco breakers suffer from manufacturing defects causing arcing and overheating. To mitigate risks, homeowners in Chicago and surrounding areas should contact ABC for inspection by licensed electricians trained to identify and address faulty breakers, ensuring the safety of electrical panels.