Archive for January, 2012

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San Gabriel Electricians Q/A: Why Is My Heat Pump Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Home owners in San Gabriel should know that circuit breakers are safety devices designed to keep an overload of electricity from occurring to a single device. If a circuit breaker trips, it can be due to a number of things, ranging from a small power surge to a serious electrical problem in the device on that breaker. That’s why, if your circuit breakers starts to trip repeatedly when your heat pump is on, you should act immediately because there might be something wrong with the device.

Troubleshooting the Problem

Keep in mind that your circuit breakers are safety devices. They are there to protect the equipment and your home from shorts. If you continuously ignore the problem, it can eventually become much worse and put you and your family in danger. Too many trips and you could be dealing with melted lines and eventual electrical fires. To help in troubleshooting your breaker tripping issues, here are some common problems homeowners run into:

  • Loose Connections – Because you have electrical lines going outside, they can expand and contract over time as the weather changes and eventually come loose. In this case, they just need to be tightened. Don’t check or attempt to repair this problem without turning off the electricity to those wires, however. It is EXTREMELY dangerous.
  • Electrical Short – A short in the wiring or the equipment will also cause the circuit breaker to trip repeatedly. If your breaker trips immediately whenever you turn on the device, this is probably the culprit. Leave the breaker off and call for service right away.
  • Compressor Problems – If your compressor is aged and starting to work harder than it did before, it might be drawing extra electricity when the heat pump is turned on. If this happens, the circuit breaker will trip occasionally. Sometimes a capacitor needs to be replaced or the compressor serviced.

These are just three common reasons your circuit breaker might trip repeatedly when you turn on your heat pump. Other issues include a bad breaker, locked up motor, under sized wiring or breaker and more. If you cannot find and fix the problem safely, you should call an electrian to take a look and fix it for you. The risk of fire or damage to your heat pump is too great to ignore this kind of problem.

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Via Verde Plumbing Maintenance Tip: Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Sump Pump

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Keeping the sump pump clean in your Via Verde home has many benefits. Not only does a clean sump pump run more efficiently, which lowers your energy bills, but it also helps prevent malfunctions. The sump pump in your home pumps out excess groundwater that could potentially flood your basement and cause major water damage and mold growth.

To prevent flood damage in your home, make sure your sump pump well is free of debris and that the pump it is maintained regularly. Call Ace Pelizon any time if you have questions about how to maintain sump pump or to have it professionally cleaned and inspected. Here are some specific reasons why a clean sump pump is important.

Float Switch Malfunctions

Most submerged sump pump models have a floater or similar device that detects the water level inside the well. Once the water table reaches a certain point, the float switch turns the pump on. If debris or dirt gets trapped underneath the switch, it can get stuck in the “on” position, which causes the motor to run constantly and potentially overheat.

Clogged Filters

Most filters in sump pumps are designed to allow smaller particles through, but larger pieces of debris can clog the system and cause it to shut down. An overheated motor or tripped circuit could result from a clogged filter because the motor has to work harder to pump out the water. If you aren’t sure how to check the filter for debris, call a professional plumber for advice.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Try to keep debris from falling into the well, and clean out any large particles that you can see in the water. Occasionally fill the well all the way with a hose and test the floater switch to make sure it’s working properly. At least once a year, hire a professional plumber to drain your well and clean the inside of the well and the pump. Your plumber will also inspect the pump to make sure it is in good working condition.

You can help maintain the sump pump in your Via Verde home simply by keeping it clean!

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Claremont Plumber’s Guide: How to Replace the Kitchen Sink Spray Nozzle

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Replacing an old or broken spray nozzle in the kitchen sink in your Claremont home is relatively easy and shouldn’t require many tools. Depending on the style of your old nozzle, you may need to replace the hose, but most models are universal and will work with your current hose. If the package tells you that you need to upgrade your hose, try installing the new nozzle before you buy a hose.

Some brands will also include the tools you will need to complete the project. Don’t buy pipe thread if you are not replacing the hose. All you will need is a pair of needle nose pliers and maybe a screwdriver.

1. Remove the Old Nozzle Head

You don’t necessarily have to turn off the water if you are just replacing the nozzle on your sprayer hose, but it would be a good idea to avoid accidentally turning on the faucet, which will cause the water to shoot out of the hose while the nozzle is off. Simply unscrew the old nozzle and look for a small metal clip that holds the rest of the housing in place (your new nozzle should have the same part and where to locate it in the instructions).

You will probably need needle nose pliers to pull this clip off. It looks like a horseshoe and will be located below the washers. Once you remove the clip, you can take off the base of the old nozzle. Look at how it is assembled as you remove it; your new one will have basically the same construction, so seeing how it is attached will help you install the new nozzle.

2. Unscrew the Mounting Nut and Replace Nozzle Base

The mounting nut is the large nut located under the sink just below the nozzle. It keeps the base of the nozzle in place. Hold down the base of the nozzle as you unscrew the mounting nut. This may be tricky depending on the design of your sink. You might want to get someone to hold the base in place so that you have better access to the mounting nut.

Once you unscrew the nut from the base, you can guide the hose through the opening in the sink to take slide off the old nut and replace it with the new mounting nut. Next, put the hose back through the hole and install the new base by screwing it into the new mounting nut.

3. Install New Nozzle

If you unscrew the top part of the nozzle from the bottom where the metal clip is attached (your instructions should label them with letters), you may find the washers inside or packaged separately with the clip. Slide the bottom part of the nozzle onto the hose and install the metal clip on the bottom ridge of the plastic part of the hose with the pliers. Next put the plastic washer around the tube, and then the rubber one. Then, simply screw on the top part of the nozzle and test it for leaks.

Don’t tighten the nozzle too much, because the parts are delicate and could break with too much pressure. If you can’t fit the nozzle on without leaks, you may need a different style hose.

When you are making any home improvements for your Claremont home, feel free to call the experts Ace Pelizon to ask questions and get advice.

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Duarte Pipe Replacement Guide: Warning Signs of Leaking or Broken Pipes

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

The plumbing system in your Duarte home consists of an extensive network of pipes and fixtures that can wear down over time, even if they are well-maintained. Your pipes should be inspected at least once a year, particularly in older homes.

Some broken or leaky pipes can be repaired easily, but you may need to replace your pipes. If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing system, call Ace Pelizon to speak with one of our certified plumbers.

Here are some warning signs of hidden leaks and broken pipes:

Abnormally High Water Bills

Unusual hikes in your water bill could indicate a leak, from broken or corroded pipes.  You should monitor your water bills to help you keep track of abnormal price increases.

Water Pressure

If you notice any sudden drops in water pressure, or if your washing machine or dishwasher takes longer to run through cycles, you could have a large leak in your pipe system. Call a plumber if it continues to be a problem.

Water Discoloration

While it could be sediment or mineral buildup getting through the municipal filtration system, water that contains red flakes or has a bitter taste could potentially indicate corrosion. You should call a professional plumber if this happens. Not only is it a health hazard, but you may need a pipe replacement.

Cast Iron Pipes in Older Homes

If you buy an older home with iron pipes, you should have them inspected by a certified plumber. Home inspectors can give a preliminary inspection, but they are not equipped or trained to provide a comprehensive inspection. Because cast iron pipes are made of rougher material than PVC piping, cast iron pipes tend to get clogged more easily, so you could have a potential disaster on your hands.

A professional plumber can provide a video camera inspection of your pipes to make sure there are no major clogs, root penetration, or corrosion on the inside of the pipe. This is why a professional plumber should handle any of the plumbing repairs in your Duarte home.

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Repairing Common City Of Industry Sump Pump Problems

Friday, January 20th, 2012

The sump pump in your home is an important piece of equipment that pumps out excess groundwater, which prevents flooding hazards in basements and water damage to your City Of Industry home. If the pump stops working or won’t shut off, you can usually solve the issue yourself. During times of heavy rain and potential flooding, it’s best to check your pump on a daily basis to make sure it’s running properly.

You can maintain your pump by having it inspected by a professional plumber, and keeping the pump clean and the well free of debris. Feel free to call Ace Pelizon if you have questions about how to maintain a sump pump, or to make an appointment for an annual inspection and professional cleaning.

Most issues can be repaired easily and without the help of a plumber. Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help you solve minor issues with your pump.

Check for Electrical Problems

Always check to make sure the sump pump is fully plugged in and that there aren’t any fuses that have burned out. If there is standing water in the basement, you should take extra precautions when handling any electrical equipment, even a plug. Call a plumber or electrician for advice if you have any safety concerns.

Check the Float Switch

Just like the float in a toilet tank, the float attached to the side of your sump pump acts as a guide for turning the pump on and off. This is called the float switch, and it usually has a large bulb or other floatation device attached to a metal arm. This float detects the water level inside the well, and it turns the pump on when the water reaches a certain height in the well.

If the pump is plugged in and there are no blown circuits, move the float switch up and down to see if it will turn the pump on. Debris can get trapped underneath the float causing it to stick. If the motor is constantly running, this switch may be stuck in the “on” position if debris is lodged underneath it, or if there’s substantial corrosion.

You can actually move the entire pump around to change the position if there’s no apparent debris causing the issue. Sometimes the pump gets shifted around slightly, and the float switch cannot work properly if the pump isn’t plumb or level. Be careful not to move it too much, since it could damage the drain line attached to the pump motor.

If your motor is constantly running, and none of these steps work, the motor could overheat and stop working. Unplug the pump while you’re investigating the problem, and if none of these steps work, call a professional plumber.

Check for Clogged Filters

In addition to causing issues with the float switch, debris trapped in the screen can also cause the motor to overheat or shut down. If your filter is dirty, try to get out as much of the debris as possible, but if this doesn’t solve the issue, you could have a clogged drain line. In this case, you will need to call a professional plumber to snake out the line.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

You can prevent issues with the sump pump in your City Of Industry home with a few preventative maintenance tasks. Keep debris from falling into the well as much as possible, and clean out any particles that could clog the screen or affect the operation of the float switch. Occasionally inspect the pump and well for any corrosion or other concerns. If you are comfortable with the operation of your pump, drain and clean the entire well and pump at least once a year.

Lastly, call a qualified technician at Ace Pelizon for a yearly sump pump maintenance visit.

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Alhambra Plumbing Repair Guide: Common Sewer and Water Line Problems

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Your sewer and water line are the most important pipes in your Alhambra home. They bring in fresh water to your fixtures and remove waste water from your drains. So, a problem with either of these lines will put a serious kink in your daily routine. That’s why you should keep a close eye out for these potential problems.

Clogging

The most common problem you are likely to see in your pipe lines is clogging. This happens more often in the sewer line and is usually due to things being put down drains that don’t belong there. For example, toilet paper is designed to be flushed because it disintegrates when wet. Paper towels, however, absorb water and take a very long time to disintegrate. The same goes for most napkins and tissues. Use those instead of toilet paper or flush them when cleaning and you create a potential clog.

Only flush items that specifically say “flushable” on the packaging. Anything else should be thrown in the trash.

Root Infiltration

Because your water line and sewer line are located underneath your property, there is always a chance that a nearby tree or shrub’s roots will grow toward it, attempting to absorb water from the line. If this happens, the roots can eventually break through the pipe and create a leak. And if there is already a small leak or crack in the line, roots will rip it open like a tin can.

Mineral Build Up

Water is filled with various minerals that can have a negative impact on your pipes if not properly removed. Hard water in particular can damage pipes and create blockages that will eventually stop water flow completely.

Fortunately, hard water and other mineral problems are easy to solve with modern filtration devices. The key is to recognize that there might be a problem and move to fix it before it gets too bad.

Things to Watch For

If you suspect a problem in your water line or sewer line, watch for spikes in your water meter or a sudden increase in your bill – both sure signs that there is a leak. Additionally, check slow drains to make sure they are localized. If all the drains in your Alhambra home are suddenly slower it may be in the sewer line.

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Happy Martin Luther King Day from Your San Gabriel Valley Plumbers!

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Happy Martin Luther King Day! Take some time today to think about how you, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., can serve your community. There are hundreds of things you can do to make the world a better place, from helping a neighbor to volunteering for your local homeless shelter. Everyone doing a little bit of extra service can make a big difference!

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Plumbing Basics from Monrovia: Learning the Parts of a Toilet

Friday, January 13th, 2012

The majority of Monrovia homeowners are not aware that they can repair most minor toilet problems on their own. Whether it’s overflowing or running more than it should, toilets can be repaired often without calling a plumber; however, it is important to know the basic parts of a toilet before trying to troubleshoot toilet issues.

Here’s a guide to learning the parts of a toilet:

Tank: Pictured above (inspectapedia.com) is the tank on the back of the toilet, which holds the water supply for the bowl and the components that you need to know to fix most problems.

Bowl: Holds wastewater and uses the water from the tank to flush the waste.

Flush Handle:  The flush handle is the part that everyone knows, but it’s important to know what happens when you flush: the flush handle is connected to the trip lever, which lifts the flapper and allows the water for the tank to enter the bowl.

Trip Lever: The trip lever is the part that you need to know for a running toilet. It attaches the flush handle to the flapper, and when you flush the toilet, this lever lifts the flapper (sometimes called a flapper valve) and releases the water from the tank into the bowl to force the wastewater in the bowl down the sewer drain. When a toilet is running, you can simply lift the trip lever to lower the water level in the tank.

Float Ball: The float ball basically measures the water in the tank. After you flush, the ball will fall as the water level lowers, and the ball will rise again as the tank fills from the toilet main water supply. When the tank has enough water, the toilet will stop running.

Overflow Tube: This is the tube that will stop the tank from overflowing if the toilet is running. It leads into the drain and pushes out all the excess water. Sometimes you can remove the rubber water supply tube from the overflow tube to keep a toilet from overflowing if you are not able to shut off the main water valve behind the toilet.

Flapper Valve: This is the part to know whenever you have an overflowing toilet or a backup. The flapper is attached to the flush handle by a chain and the trip lever. Whenever the flapper is pushed down, the water cannot leave the tank, so when you flush, it creates a suction to pressurize the water entering the bowl so that it has enough force to flush the waste. If your toilet is overflowing, push the flapper down with your hand so that it stops the water from entering the bowl. Most people are afraid to put their hands in the tank because they associate the tank water with the water in the bowl. The water in the toilet tank is clean because it comes from the main water supply line, which is attached to the stop valve.

Stop Valve: This is also called the toilet supply valve because it controls the fresh water supply going into the tank. It is usually located behind the toilet near the floor, and turning it off is another way to stop an overflowing toilet because the tank cannot fill once it is turned off.  It is attached to the supply tube, which attaches to the refill tube.

Supply Tube: Although the supply tube and refill tube are connected, they are two different parts. People often use their names interchangeable, but what’s most important to know is that the supply tube supplies the water from the main line and into the refill tube, which refills the bowl.

Refill Tube: When the float ball is down, the refill tube fills the bowl with the water from the supply tube. After a flush, the ball rises, and when it reaches a certain level, the refill tube stops the flow of water into the bowl.

Trap: The trap is a seal that prevents backflow and strong odors from the main sewage line. If you smell sewage in your bathroom, particularly near the toilet, you could have a bad seal or faulty trap. Troubleshooting a trap usually requires a plumber, unless you are familiar with toilet installation.

Wax Ring: Another cause for bad odors is the wax ring, which is a seal between the toilet and the sewage line. A faulty wax ring could also cause leaking at the bottom of the toilet. Call a plumber whenever you aren’t sure about leaking toilets or strong sewer odors; there could be a problem in the main sewer line.

A Monrovia plumber if you have any questions about these components, or if you want to troubleshoot.

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Mount Washington Plumbing Tip: Water Filtration vs. Water Softening

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

If you’ve ever considered installing a water filtration system for your Mount Washington home, you probably ran across water softening and wondered how this is different than normal filtration. The two are similar in that they improve the quality of your water, protecting both you and your home’s plumbing system. However, filtration and softening are two very different things and you may not need both of them.

Water Softening

Water softening is a process designed to minimize the impact of hard water on your home’s plumbing. Hard water occurs when certain minerals like iron and magnesium are present in high levels in your water supply. The problem occurs when those mineral settle on your fixtures and pipes, leaving behind a residue that builds over time and can block the pipes or ruin the fixtures.

Hard water isn’t generally dangerous to your health, but if it is bad enough, it can result in poor tasting water and will cost you money as it does an increasing volume of damage to the system. To fix the problem, you soften the water with a chemical treatment that keeps the minerals from settling on their way through. They simply go straight through the pipes and fixtures and no damage is done.

Water Filtration

Filtration on the other hand is designed to remove key contaminants from your water – things like sediment, bacteria, mold, nitrates, and arsenic – things that can actually cause harm to you and your family if not properly treated.

While water filtration is not the same as water softening, the two often go hand in hand. Not only does water softening have the potential to add unsafe levels of sodium to your water (which then needs to be removed through filtration), but usually when water is hard, there are other contaminants as well that can cause harm if left unchecked.

The only way to be truly sure of which problem you have and which solutions are best is to have a full test of your water supply done. This will help you determine which of the many water cleaning solutions on the market will be best for your Mount Washington home.

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Glendora Drain and Sewer Tip: Advantages of Using Video Pipe Inspection

Monday, January 9th, 2012

If you have any problems with the drains, sewer lines, or plumbing fixtures in your Glendora home, it’s important to locate the source of the problem as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the plumbing system.

Video pipe inspection enables professional plumbers to locate blockages, check for cracks or leaks, and determine the best approach for making any needed repairs as efficiently as possible without damage to your property.

If you have any problems with your plumbing, call one of the qualified plumbers at COMPANY NAME today and set up an appointment.

Here are some reasons plumbers use video pipe inspections and the advantages to this technique.

Less Invasive Investigation of Plumbing Problems

Instead of hours of costly digging to locate and repair pipes, a video pipe inspection makes it possible to insert a small, fiber optic video line into a drain pipe and check for issues without tearing up large chunks of your property.  A video inspection line is fed inside your drains to look for leaks, blockages, or other problems that can only be detected with a camera. Once our qualified plumbers find the cause of the problem, we can use the camera to determine the best repair methods.

Detecting Root Penetration and Overall Plumbing Inspections

Video pipe inspection is typically used to check for small leaks and blockages in residential plumbing systems, but it can be used to look for any roots penetrating the sewer and drainage lines. If you own an older home, video camera inspections are ideal for inspecting the overall integrity of your plumbing system. Additionally, video inspections can locate issues when other techniques, such as water jetting, have not been successful at cleaning debris from a pipe or sewer line.

Leak Detection and Lowering Water Bills

Older pipes, or pipes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions, can have leaks that you could be unaware of. Even a minor leak adds up over time, and detecting and repairing leaks will lower your water bills and overall energy costs. Monitoring the water bills for your home can help with leak detection. If there’s been an unexplained rise in your bills recently, there could be a hidden leak inside your pipe system.

The advances of video inspection technology have made it easier for plumbers to inspect the plumbing system in your Glendora home and determine the best solutions to any issues. Call Ace Pelizon Plumbing if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment with one of our qualified Glendora plumbers.

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