Tag: broken

Get Chills From Scary Movies, Not a Broken Heater

Technician repairing furnace electrical panel with tools, displaying intricate wiring for HVAC by Carmine's Plumbing.

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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Can the Annual Rainy Season Lead to Broken Pipes at Home?

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Preventing Broken Pipes During the Rainy Season

Winter is typically thought of as the hardest season on your plumbing. Indeed, cold temperatures can cause major plumbing problems. However, spring is also hard on your home’s plumbing system. The transition from the cold-to-warm saturated ground causes external forces that can do more plumbing damage than most people expect.

Drains that are cracked by the movement of the subsoil can open up and allow debris in, unfortunately, this can lead to a clog. Plumbing vents can become clogged by wind-blown debris or animal activity, causing sewer gas to enter the home.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage a burst pipe might do. Furthermore, with a little careful planning, you can prepare for any plumbing emergencies you might face.

Heavy Rains Mean Excess Water Pressure

water tipsWater pressure can build up inadvertently in the soil around your home’s foundation and pipes. As the soil saturates with repeated spring rains the soil expands and becomes heavy. The repeated cycles of expansion and contraction put lots of stress on the joints of your plumbing.

Over time, the joints become weakened and can lead to a total burst if the waterline has pressure on it. Furthermore, the heaviness of the mud sitting on top of the underground pipes can stress it to the point of failure.

The expanding soils can also be hard on your home's foundation. As your home settles down into the surrounding subsoil your pipes can become stressed and crack, leading to a slab leak. Slab leaks are particularly disruptive because of the invasiveness of the repair process.

How to Avoid Burst Pipes

avoid bursts

There are a few things homeowners can do to prepare for and prevent pipe bursts. Firstly, verifying pressure in your pipes is the most important thing you can do. Water pressure is regulated to keep it at a safe level.

However, the regulators can fail and allow too much pressure to flow through your pipes. That, coupled with stressed pipes, can lead to a burst.

Having your pipes inspected is another step you can take for preventative maintenance. During an inspection, note the location and material of your pipes. A plumber might even open up a section of your plumbing system to inspect for internal damage to the pipes.

Expert Repairs for Burst Pipes

pro plumbersIf you find that you have had a pipe burst, calling a professional plumber will most likely be necessary. Most plumbing companies have people on call so they can respond to your call immediately. Once onsight, a plumber will locate the leak.

Leaks can be located visually if it occurs above the slab of your home. If the leak is below your slab, plumbers have specialized microphones that can detect the leak through the slab. Plumbers will also work to determine the root cause of the burst.

Modern plumbing materials take into account the fact that expansion and contraction stresses out pipes. If the plumber discovers your pipes are made of older, stressed material, they may recommend repiping a section of your plumbing. This will prevent spring pipe bursts permanently.

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has a team of plumbers serving Danbury, CT. Their services include burst pipe repair, repiping and bathroom remodeling. Team members are available 24 hours a day to quickly respond to your needs.

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