Hydro-Jetting: The Answer to Stubborn Clogs

February 5th, 2018

woman showing plumber what's wrong with her drain pipeWe want to start this off by saying, even if your drain clog isn’t “stubborn,” it’s never a good idea to use store-bought liquid drain cleaners to resolve the issue. Sure, you’ve probably used it in the past and had “success,” but that success may have meant relieving the clog for a few months until it came back again—and you had to buy more drain cleaner!

In fact, some of these store-bought solutions even state in the instructions that you may have to use them again. That’s because they don’t actually remove the clog. They break through it so water flow gets back to an acceptable level for a while. But then the clog builds back up. What’s worse, these solutions contain corrosive chemicals, and persistent use is going to lead to Sterling, VA plumbing problems down the line.

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Can Plumbing Problems Be Prevented?

January 22nd, 2018

Woman calling a plumber service to fix drain pipe blockage.Your Ashburn, VA plumbing system is a complex one, snaking beneath your property and behind your walls, mostly hidden from view and linked together by yards of piping. It’s one of those systems that you rely on the most in your daily life, but also one of those that is easy to take for granted and difficult to keep in good shape if you don’t take the proper steps.

There are a number of things you can do to keep your plumbing system in good condition, and therefore prevent plumbing problems. Take a look at our tips below on how you can do this.

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The Ins and Outs of Water Leak Detection

January 7th, 2018

under sink cabinets open revealing plumbing, with tool box to the sideIf you’ve ever had to deal with a plumbing leak in your home or on your property, then you might already know that they rarely develop in a visible or easily accessible area. Even “minor” leaks can cause serious water damage, and eventually waste a significant amount of water. This makes professional Fairfax, VA plumber leak detection from an experienced plumber a vital service. 

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How Does Your Thermostat Affect Heating Efficiency?

December 25th, 2017

Mid adult hispanic man looks at smart phone for instruction as he learns to use thermostat in his new home. He is touching the digital termostat with his finger. He is standing in front of the stairs leading to the second floor of his home. He is wearing a blue sweater and glasses and has brown hair and a beard.You may be living with a thermostat you inherited when you bought your home. Or maybe you purchased your own thermostat, but it was many years ago. Today’s options have grown, exponentially so, and choosing the right thermostat to pair with your heating and cooling system can help you save money and improve your comfort. If you’re already considering upgrading your thermostat, then contact our team.

We’re Ashburn, VA HVAC service pros, dedicated to helping you achieve optimal comfort within your living space. It’s likely that you don’t even know how much the improper installation of a thermostat can affect your heating system, which is the last thing you want to deal with this winter. This is why we don’t recommend completing the installation yourself. In fact, doing this can invalidate the equipment warranty on the device.

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Signs of a Water Heater in Disrepair

December 11th, 2017

white question mark on blue backgroundAs we creep closer and closer to winter, many homeowners throughout the country are taking steps to prepare their homes. From insulating pipes against colder temperatures to ensuring that your heater is ready for the long winter ahead, you probably feel pretty confident that you are ready.

There is one system, however, that often gets taken for granted and thus forgotten, no matter what time of the year it is. It’s your water heater. Used every day, your water heater is designed to last for many years. However, no system lasts forever, and it’s essential that you be aware of signs that yours might need repairs, or may even be ready for replacement.

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Beware These Ductless System Repair Needs

November 13th, 2017

ductless system air handler mounted high on wallDuctless air conditioning and heating systems are a common recommendation for us to make to homeowners who’ve dealt with either the hassle of a house without ducts, or a ducted system with damage that makes their HVAC system work inefficiently. Ductless systems offer far greater comfort and efficiency than standard window units, and they are less obtrusive. Lastly, they are more reliable and long-lasting. But this doesn’t mean they’re immune to problems!

If you have a ductless system, it’s important to watch out for these problems and call in a pro right away if you do notice them. In order to prevent emergency Ashburn, VA HVAC services, be sure to schedule maintenance for your ductless system twice a year. In the meantime, watch out for the following:

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You Have a Plumbing Emergency, Now What?

October 30th, 2017

old rusty pipe with pinhole leakAre you looking to improve your water pressure? Perhaps you want to upgrade your toilet to a low-flow model, or are wondering what your options are for water treatment systems and how one will benefit your household. These are all matters which allow you to call and make an appointment with a plumber at your leisure.

But what if there’s a sudden emergency with your piping, your drains, or any one of your plumbing fixtures? When you’re watching water rush into or onto your property, it becomes pretty obvious that you have an emergency and need someone at your house, fast. There are also steps you should take on your own to prevent property damage and damage to your plumbing system. Our team provides superior professional plumbing in Sterling, VA, but we’d also like to provide you with some tips on what to do right when an emergency hits.

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What to Do When You Suspect a Water Leak

October 16th, 2017

Closeup of a sink S Trap made of white PVC plastic with a broken connection and water pouring out. Square format over a gray background.Without the right tools, and without the right professionals to use those tools, detecting a problem with your plumbing system can be a bit of a challenge. This is partially because most of your plumbing system is hidden from view, and the issues that normally affect it are subtle to start with.

This is a big part of the reason we suggest scheduling preventive maintenance as part of your Gainesville, VA plumbing services at least once a year. If you do suspect you have a water leak, the first thing you should do is call in a professional. We’ll be able to conduct leak detection services to determine the cause of the leak and to figure out how to best repair it.

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Need Gas Line Services? Call Your Plumber!

October 2nd, 2017

male technician standing with arms crossed and smilingThere are a variety of appliances that require the use of natural gas, many of which are likely installed in your home. Gas is a leading fuel source due to its affordability and convenience over other fuel types, such as electricity or propane. It puts out a high amount of heat relative to the amount consumed, making it a highly efficient fuel source.

But to get your gas appliances to work, you have to have constant access to a stream of natural gas—that is, you need a gas line from the nearest city gas main to your home if you want to be able to use your gas appliances at all. In some older neighborhoods, this is not always available. We’ll be able to advise you whether this is the case or not. And when you are ready for gas line installation or service, fortunately, we have the Sterling, VA plumbers for the job!

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Why You Should Never Ignore Late-Season AC Repair Needs!

September 18th, 2017

group of outside units for central air conditioningIt won’t be long now before we can start enjoying cooler temperatures. We’ll begin to use our air conditioners less and less, and schedule our heating maintenance appointments so we can make sure we’re prepared as possible for when winter comes.

One break you should never give to your air conditioner though, no matter how late in the cooling season it is, is scheduling air conditioning repair in Gainesville, VA. We understand how tempting it can be to ignore signs of an air conditioner that is malfunctioning this time of year. After all, as we alluded to above, you won’t need it much very soon. So is it really worth it to schedule these repairs now?

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