Category: Land & Property

Raise Property Values With New Plumbing Installations This Year

Kitchen Faucet

New Year Renovations

Updating old plumbing fixtures can boost the value of any home. In addition to adding luxury, new installations can save money every month. Environmentally friendly toilets and shower heads are just two examples of efficient bathroom installations for the new year. 

Kitchen Upgradeskitchen

Kitchen sink faucets are commonly upgraded for multiple reasons. There are several types of faucets to choose from, and installation can be done in under one day. Since the pandemic, touchless faucets are especially popular for the new year. 

A motion sensor triggers touchless faucets. Much like napkin dispensers in public restrooms, touchless sinks work when a hand is placed directly below the faucet. The temperature of the water can be adjusted for sensitive skin. This is ideal for multi-member households or for those who like to cook. 

Smart kitchen faucets are slightly more advanced than touchless sinks. Instead of manually adjusting temperature, smart faucets can be programmed before use. Many smart faucets are also voice-activated. For homeowners looking to save money, smart sinks can also monitor the amount of water used regularly. 

Gooseneck spouts are also known as pull-down faucets. These are easy to use and designed to clean the basin thoroughly. Because the spout can be aimed in any direction, it is adept at dislodging grime and grease from all sink areas. A gooseneck spout can be used in multiple kinds of sinks but usually works best with deep basins. 

Bathroom Upgrades

bathroomBathroom remodeling can make a huge difference in comfort and space. By redesigning the bathroom faucets and showers, bathrooms can dramatically boost property values. 

Copper bathroom sinks are a popular trend this year. These are typically handcrafted and promote a sense of well-being and calm. Copper is also easy to clean and can stand the test of time. Most trained technicians can directly install these basins.

LED showers are increasingly popular. This involves using a showerhead that is directly installed into the ceiling. Colored lighting is controlled with a remote or a smartphone depending on the brand. In addition to the new light source, LED showers can come with separate water pressure options.

A free-standing bathtub can provide extra depth for household members who prefer baths. Free-standing tubs do not necessarily require extra space. Vertical tubs that focus on depth instead of width can be installed in apartments. Free-standing tubs are usually easier to clean and come in various materials. Less expensive tubs are typically made from acrylic and fiberglass.

Bathrooms with minimal space can benefit from corner tubs. Corner tubs are triangular and tend to be made from durable materials like cast iron. Depending on the brand, many corner tubs feature extra perks such as air jets and whirlpool features. This is ideal for those who primarily use baths to relax. 

Taller toilets are beneficial for older household members with limited mobility. Installing a specialty toilet typically takes the same time as installing a standard fixture. While a standard toilet is usually 15 inches tall, a specialty toilet can be up to four inches higher. 

Hiring a licensed and insured plumber is always recommended when installing plumbing fixtures. Plumbing mistakes are easy to make, and fixtures may malfunction without the proper equipment. 

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning has over 30 years of plumbing and installation experience. Their plumbers are fast, friendly, and always on time, offering upfront pricing before starting any work in the home. To learn more about their financing options and plumbing service in Danbury, CT calls Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning today. 

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This Winter, Find a More Efficient Way to Heat Your Home

A heat pump system

Heat Pumps Make Home Heating Easier

A heat pump is not the same as a furnace. Although furnaces and air conditioners are the most common choices for homeowners to keep their homes comfortable, heat pumps can be less expensive and much more environmentally friendly. As more people become aware of heat pumps, they are converting to them to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Heat pumps are popular systems in areas where the winters are mild. They work similarly to air conditioners by drawing heat from one location and transferring it to another. Heat pumps are also more energy efficient than gas or electric furnaces.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?heat pump

A heat pump is an all-in-one replacement for existing HVAC systems that heats, cools, dehumidifies, and purifies the air.

A heat pump controls the climate by redistributing the heat already in the air. It extracts heat from the outside environment and moves it inside during the winter. During the summer, the process is reversed. What’s the result? The home feels wonderful all year. It’s a simple concept that results in comfortable, energy-efficient climate control. 

Heat pumps may not have received much attention over the years, but that doesn’t mean they are novel. A traditional air conditioner is a heat pump - both systems work by extracting heat energy from the home and transferring it to another location.

The main difference is that the heat pump can also transfer heat into a home, allowing it to replace both heating and cooling systems - and do both jobs much more efficiently than traditional HVAC systems.

The Advantages of Ductless Heating

Ductless heating systems have been around for a long time. They’ve grown in popularity with new home construction and add-on rooms, and more and more homeowners are opting for systems that use forced air but don’t require a network of ventilation ducts. Some benefits of ductless heating include:

  • Heating and cooling: Because ductless systems are a type of heat pump, they have the same major advantage as all heat pumps: the ability to function as both air conditioners and heaters. Going ductless does not affect this.
  • Better air quality: Because of the dust, dirt, and other contaminants that collect inside the ventilation system, forced-air heaters that use ducts cause a reduction in indoor air quality. Ductless systems, on the other hand, are not affected by dirty ductwork. Homeowners will have cleaner air, which is especially beneficial if they have allergy sufferers in their homes.
  • Zone control heating: By using individual blowers throughout a home, homeowners can control the temperature in separate rooms. Instead of heating the entire house every time the heater is turned on, as with a central heating system, a ductless system allows homeowners to choose which rooms to heat.

Energy Savings Equal Money Savings!

saveHeat pumps can save money because they don’t require much energy to run, but how much depends on the type of heating system currently in place.

A heat pump will help save money if the homeowner is switching from an electrical system, such as baseboard heating or space heaters. Heat pumps use significantly less electricity than other heating and cooling systems, making them far more cost-effective and resulting in lower electricity bills.

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has a sense of urgency to quickly and accurately handle plumbing and HVAC repairs and installations. Working with them means that the plumbing or HVAC issue is solved fast and done right. Call Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for HVAC services in Danbury, CT.

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How To Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Pipe insulation tubes

Use These Pro Tips To Make Sure the Home’s Pipes are Ready for Winter!

Autumn is already halfway over, and temperatures drop faster than the changing leaves. Soon, winter will be in full swing, so it’s time for homeowners to protect their plumbing systems against the dangers of freezing temperatures. One of the most common problems caused by cold weather is frozen water pipes - and it can also be among the most destructive. So this article will share the most effective ways homeowners can prevent freezing pipes - and why it’s so important.

The Dangers of Frozen Pipespipes

Frozen pipes are dangerous for several reasons. When the water inside a supply pipe freezes, faucets, and other fixtures will lose water pressure, which is inconvenient. Worse, the ice will also expand inside the pipe, which can damage the pipe or even cause it to burst.

Burst pipes can unleash a torrent of water into the home and cause extensive damage and flooding in a very short period. The consequences of bursting pipes can include water damage, mold growth, foundation problems, compromised structural integrity of the home, and an increased risk of electric shock.

If a burst pipe goes undetected and the home’s main water valve isn’t shut off immediately, the scale of the damage can be devastating. This usually occurs when homeowners are out of town for the holidays. This is why it’s so vital that homeowners take steps to protect their pipes.

insulation

How Pipe Insulation Helps Prevent Freezing

The most powerful tool homeowners can use to prevent freezing pipes is pipe insulation. There are several different types and materials to choose from, ranging in price and effectiveness for specific applications. Polyethylene foam pipe insulation is the most popular due to its low cost and ease of installation. Other materials include rubber, fiberglass, mineral wool, and “foam and foil” pipe covering. These simply wrap around the home’s water supply pipes, forming a barrier against the air around them.

On top of preventing freezing, pipe insulation has various other benefits. It can help keep hot water hotter as it travels through the pipes, which can help homeowners save money on energy by reducing the amount of hot water they need to use and even allowing them to turn down the water heater’s thermostat. Pipe insulation can also prevent condensation on cold water pipes during warmer months, reducing the risk of rust and corrosion.

More Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Installing pipe insulation is the best way homeowners can protect their pipes in the winter, but it’s not the only way to reduce the freezing of pipes. Homeowners can also add insulation to areas where pipes are located, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, to help regulate the temperature around the pipes.

On particularly cold nights, it’s also a good idea to leave faucets on at a slow drip. This will keep water moving (making it less likely to freeze) and help alleviate pressure in the pipes to prevent bursting. It’s also a good idea to keep the home’s heater on so that more radiant heat can reach pipes in the home’s perimeter walls. If homeowners go out of town, it’s best to leave the home’s thermostatatn at 55 degrees or higher to keep the home warm enough to prevent freezing.

Finally, homeowners would do well to have a professional plumber winterize theirhomese. This involves draining and shutting off water to outdoor plumbing that cannot be insulated, such as irrigation systems and hose bibs - which virtually eliminates the risk of frozen pipes in the most vulnerable sections of the home’s plumbing.

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

The friendly experts at Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have served the Danbury community for over 30 years. As a BBB-accredited local business with a reputation for reliability, quality, and outstanding customer service, it’s no surprise that Expertise.com voted them “Best in Danbury” in 2021. They offer financing, up-front pricing, and a rewarding membership program. Carmine’s NATE-certified technicians are also available 24/7 for emergency service, so call them any time for winterization and burst pipe repair in Danbury, CT!

Get Chills From Scary Movies, Not a Broken Heater

Plumber inspecting gas furnace burners

Keep Warm This Halloween Season

One of those home comforts that is frequently taken for granted until it breaks down is heating. Unfortunately, this usually occurs in the dead of winter when there's a backlog of work orders the repairman has to do first. Running a faulty heater until it breaks is not only annoying, but it can also worsen an already expensive problem and may necessitate additional costly repairs. It is substantially more costly to purchase a new heating system than to ensure the current one is maintained and functioning correctly.

Read below for three signs every homeowner needs to look for regarding their heater.

Is the Home Staying Cold?

Homeowners should check other potential causes of their heating problems before focusing on the system itself. The first thing to check is the home's circuit breaker box. Homeowners will find several rows of circuit breakers in the box, with one large breaker towards the top. The top circuit breaker controls power for the entire house. Individual rooms are connected to the circuit breakers below. Most likely, the HVAC system has a dedicated circuit. If the breaker for the HVAC system tripped, it might be in the "off" position. Move the tripped breaker to "off" before flicking it to "on" and restarting the unit.

Homeowners should check their thermostat next if the problem isn't the breaker. It may seem obvious, but homeowners should check their thermostats to ensure the settings are where they should be and no switches have accidentally been moved. If the heating system doesn't turn on after a test run, the problem may be with the thermostat's wiring, or there is a problem with the heating system itself. Either way, a professional should be called in to inspect.

Are there Strange Noises?

soundsIf unusual sounds come from any part of the heating system, it's probably time to call a professional. Some familiar sounds and possible reasons include:

  • Squealing or screeching sounds often indicate a faulty fan belt in the blower
  • A buzzing sound could be a refrigerant leak causing the system to freeze. It could also be a loose part vibrating
  • A clicking sound from the air conditioner is usually caused by the outside compressor or the internal air handler

A professional should be called for each of these sounds, especially if they are recurring. 

Are Utility Costs On the Rise?

saveEvery HVAC system contains several components that can fail over time. Even the most reliable capacitors, compressors, and motors will ultimately fail. They don't always quit working right away. Motors frequently lose efficiency and struggle for weeks or months before failing.

Dying components may impair efficiency, requiring the system to operate longer or use more fuel than usual to heat the home to the right temperature. Routine maintenance extends the life of the heating equipment. A specialist can detect worn parts, carbon monoxide leaks, and rust. This maintenance will keep the home warm and stop the energy bill from increasing.

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

When one needs plumbing, heating or AC service, there's typically little time to waste. With over 30 years of local experience, Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning knows the ins and outs of plumbing and HVAC issues. Call them for HVAC services in Danbury, CT.

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How Can You Prevent Pipe Corrosion?

corroded galvanize steel pipe

Understanding Plumbing Corrosion

Pipe corrosion is the process of material breakdown due to conditions of the environment. Pipes are subject to numerous types of corrosion from different sources, all just as damaging as the next. It's a nightmare for homeowners, and the plumbing experts left to make repairs and replace the pipes. 

When a pipe is corroded, metal sections may appear worn or eaten away. Pipes are exposed to several different types of corrosive materials. When pipes begin to corrode, the areas can give away without notice, leading to leaks, structural damage, and many other health hazards for anyone inside the home.

Can Protective Linings Help?

coatingCoatings and protective linings protect pipes against corrosive environments. A lining is a layer of material covering the inside surface of the pipes to protect them from a corrosive environment.

A coating is a material applied to the outer surface of the pipe to prevent external contaminants from entering inside. Coatings protect the outside surface of the pipe.

Experts recommend applying both coating and linings to pipes at-risk of corrosion. Several industrial coating and lining materials are available, including epoxy, polyurethane, and galvanization.

Leaky pipes can lead to mold and mildew damage, cracks in the foundation, excess utility costs, and other concerns for homeowners. After coating and lining pipes, leaks and worries about them become a thing of the past.

water heater

What Do Water Softeners Do?

Hard water is very unkind to the plumbing system. It may cause many problems, up to and including pipe corrosion, if the pipes are repeatedly exposed.

Hard water indicates the presence of calcium and magnesium from limestone, marble deposits, or chalk in the water supply. Limescale buildup occurs following repeated exposure to hard water, which leads to clogs and decreases water quality.

DIY options protecting against hard water exist, but most offer short-term fixes rather than long-term solutions. Homeowners who opt for DIY fixes often note the problem returns in weeks or months, if not sooner. 

A water softener works to remove calcium and magnesium deposits from the water. A softener helps prevent premature pipe corrosion -and gives water a more appealing look, feel, and taste. Most importantly, clogs, slow drains, and other problems that can severely damage the pipes subside after water softener installation. 

The Perks of Routine Care

A visit from a plumbing professional will help prevent pipe corrosion. During a maintenance visit, the plumbing technician looks for issues like corrosion and rectifies them before the problem worsens. 

Technicians can discuss the different pipe corrosion prevention options and help homeowners choose the best products for their needs. The plumber can then install the chosen corrosion prevention products for immediate benefits.

Plumbing maintenance also provides benefits like:

  • Prevent leaks
  • Improve water quality
  • Prevent clogs
  • Prevent limescale buildup/deposits

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Danbury, CT provides professional service from licensed, insured technicians dedicated to protecting the plumbing system and pipes against corrosion and other types of damage. Same-day service in hours is available. Call them to schedule plumbing service in Danbury, CT.

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