From your plumbing specialists at Ace Pelizon, we hope you enjoy your weekend! If you are celebrating Easter, check out these family friendly Easter Egg decorating ideas for a little inspiration. Enjoy!
Happy Easter from Ace Pelizon Plumbing
April 7th, 2012Los Angeles Plumber’s Guide: How to Use a Plumber’s Snake
April 2nd, 2012Your kitchen sink is backed up and you can’t prepare dinner. Or your toilet is plugged and even the plunger isn’t fixing the problem. It may be time to call for the snake – plumber’s snake that is.
For those of you who are intimidated by tools, take note: you have nothing to fear from the snake. It is easy to operate and is an effective alternative to professional Los Angeles plumbing repairs.
Okay, so you’ve decided to use a snake to unclog your pipe. Do you have one? If you rarely use a snake in your home you might want to consider renting one. Most tool rental shops have snakes in varying sizes for rent – from hand-held to electric. But it is a good idea to have one around for emergencies and you can find hand-held snakes for under $10 (often named “augers”).
The first thing you need to do is prep for the job. Make sure you have cleared out an area to work on the plumbing and that you have plenty of rags to mop up any spills or drips. It is a good idea to lay down some newspaper or plastic to keep the floor and cabinets dry, too.
Make sure you have access to the pipe by removing any drain covering. Obviously you will have directly access to the toilet drain. Before operating the snake you should put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from the metal coils of the snake and any debris that might be in the pipe.
Next, slowly feed the snake into the pipe. You may have to turn the snake in a clockwise direction to move it along. Once you have reached the clog – and you can usually tell when the snake stops feeding – it is time to rotate the snake into the clog and loosen it up. The head or tip of snake should be able to grab on the debris so that you can pull it back out and dispose of it. In the process, some of the debris may wash away down the pipe and that’s okay (well, as long as it doesn’t accumulate further down the circuit). You really want to use the snake head to “chew up” the debris for removal, rather than just pushing it further down the pipe.
Once you have removed the debris clogging the pipe, run hot water down the pipes to wash away any remnants. Replace the drain cover if necessary and clean up your mess. Voila!
If you have a stubborn clog in your Los Angeles plumbing that won’t snake out or if you just aren’t comfortable using a tool, call Ace Pelizon Plumbing to save you the effort.
Common Sizes or Types of Bathroom Fixtures for Montebello Homes
March 28th, 2012In Montebello there are many different types of bathroom fixtures for sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. Some range from the basic “construction grade” types, used by builders on a plumbing installation budget, to the more elaborate custom styles which are often preferred because of looks rather than function.
Choosing a “common” size or style mainly depends on a person’s own taste and use patterns. Let’s start with the bathroom plumbing.
There are several types of fixtures but not all will fit the existing bathroom sink configuration. Take a look at the number of holes and their locations along the top rear rim of the bowl. Usually the bowl will come with a standard three-hole configuration for the water stem and hot and cold water faucets. But once in a while an oddball configuration may pop up so be aware that not every fixture will fit every bowl. The basic configurations include:
- Single hole faucets which have one arm controlling hot or cold water and one stem or spout for the water flow.
- Centered faucets where there is on stem centered between the hot and cold faucets, with all components included on one fixture.
- Spread faucets where each component is unattached and designed to fit into one of three holes in the sink.
There may be space restrictions in your home which would limit the size of the faucets, i.e. a medicine cabinet or window sill which may conflict with a tall spout.
Bathtubs and showers can also use a variety of different fixtures and have similar characteristics as sinks. There can be one fixture with one faucet controlling water flow and temperature. That same fixture might also control flow to the tub filler or to the shower head. This is very common and often the easiest to install and maintain. Other tub and shower fixtures include separate hot and cold water faucets and a separate button or lever to change the water flow from the tub filler to the shower head.
There generally would be no space restrictions on the size of tub and shower fixture, since all are designed to fit into a standard envelope.
Toilets are perhaps the most standard of all bathroom fixtures. The only real differences are in toilet bowl size – and that has become standard thanks to the National Energy Policy Act which mandates 1.6 gallon toilets. Older homes built before 1995 may have larger capacity bowls of 3.5 gallons. The “guts” of a toilet (flushing/water control) may vary and its cosmetic look may definitely vary, but in the end its function remains the same.
The only size restriction to consider may be the shape of the bowl and how it would fit along a wall or in a corner. And it might be a minor point but keep this in mind: not all toilet seats come in generic sizes, i.e. round or oblong. A correctly fitted seat is essential – don’t you think? If you have any questions about bathroom fixtures please call Ace Pelizon Plumbing
Adding a Circuit Breaker to a San Gabriel Home: Best Left to the Professionals
March 20th, 2012There are a ton of improvements that an intelligent San Gabriel homeowner can take on themselves. Projects like fixing a running toilet, draining and cleaning the water heater annually and even replacing a bathroom vanity are all projects that can reasonably be done yourself. One set of tasks that might be complicated and potentially dangerous is any type of electrical work. These types of activities are best left to certified electricians because there is a significant amount of training that goes into understanding the safety of electrical work, and the legal intricacies some cities enforce. It should go without saying that the addition of a circuit breaker to a home’s electrical system should be left to a professional.
Not an Easy Job
Leaving aside for a moment the dangers of delving into your home’s wiring, adding a circuit is a difficult job to accomplish. Wiring a circuit is a job that requires some skill and training. There are lots of ways to do it wrong, but only one way to do it right.
There may be other challenges, too. For one, your breaker box may not accept another circuit, which means you would have to upgrade to one with a higher capacity. Right away, this project has gotten way more complicated than you would have liked.
Knowing the Code
Building codes are often complex and difficult to follow, which is why contractors have to spend hours in training learning about changes and modifications to local codes. If you were to inadvertently add a new circuit in a way that violated local codes, you could have a big mess on your hands.
In addition, many local codes prohibit anyone other than a licensed contractor from even performing electrical work– including the homeowner.
Safety First
Lastly, but clearly most importantly, consider the safety issues involved. Electrical wiring can be a serious hazard, and not working with it safely can result in serious injury or even death.
Professional electricians are trained in how to properly and safely do electrical work so that no on gets hurt or worse.
The urge to do electrical repairs yourself can be strong, and in many cases it’s OK to follow that urge, but adding a circuit is not one of those times. It’s not worth it. Call Ace Plumbing.
What Can Cause a Higher Water Bill in Westwood?
March 15th, 2012No one in Westwood wants to pay too much for utilities. You have probably already done a ton of research on how to lower your heating and electric bills.
Now, the problem is that after getting those bills to a manageable level by wearing extra sweaters and installing compact fluorescent bulbs all over the house, your water bill has gotten out of control. What gives? How can a water bill suddenly spike so high?
There are two main causes of a high water bill: a leak or a change in water use.
Leaks
When there is a leak anywhere in your plumbing system, water escapes and more water rushes in to replace it. This means a higher water bill. Some common culprits in these circumstances include:
· Leaky or running toilets
· A leaky faucet, especially one on the outside of the house where it can go undetected
· A broken or cracked pipe within the walls of the house
· A broken, cracked or corroded water main
Some of these bathroom plumbing issues are more obvious than others. If your toilet is leaky or running, you have probably noticed by now and should call a plumber. Do a check on all your faucets, indoors and out, to see if they are dripping. A leaky pipe or water main is also usually accompanied by a drop in water pressure. If your shower head seems weaker than it used to, or your clothes aren’t rinsing clean in the laundry, these can be signs of decreased water pressure brought on by leaky pipes, and would be a good cause for plumbing repairs.
Changes in Use
You may think that you would notice if you all of a sudden started using much more water than usual, but it is not always that obvious. Sometimes we use water in sneaky ways that we don’t even notice, which can build up over time if done habitually. Some of these covert causes of increased water usage include:
· A new shower head with a higher flow rate
· Overwatering the lawn
· Doing laundry more frequently than usual (such as after a child is born, for example) or getting a new washing machine that uses more water
Chances are, your astronomical water bill is caused by one of these two main categories of causes. Look over the list and see if any of them might be contributing to your water bill spike. If you are still stumped, call Ace Pelizon Plumbing .
Easy Drain and Sewer Maintenance for Brentwood Residents
March 7th, 2012When it comes to the plumbing in a Brentwood home, one of the most important things you can do is perform regular drain and sewer maintenance. Those pipes are vital to maintaining a steady flow of waste water out of your home – if something goes wrong, you’ll regret not fixing it earlier. Here are some easy strategies for maintaining your drains and sewer lines:
- Avoid Unflushable Items – Some items are designed to be flushed down the toilet. Everything else is not. If something isn’t specifically designed to go down your toilet, don’t put it down there. This includes paper towels, napkins, any kind of food, floss, or hair, and anything else that should go in a garbage can. Toilets may seemingly whisk everything away in one flush, but a lot of that stuff can get stuck on its trip to the sewer.
- Clear Drains Weekly – You can’t clean your sewer line without professional help, but you can do your best to keep drains clear on their way out. Use boiling hot water and lemon juice or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar once a week to clear out the drains of any excess build up. Also, avoid putting any grease or other gunk down the drain that might stick to food particles and clog the drains.
- Have Slow Drains Inspected – If a drain in your home slows down significantly, have it inspected. It might be a bit of hair stuck in a trap somewhere, or it could be your sewer line starting to clog. It’s better to know now than to wait and fall victim to a much larger problem in weeks or months.
- Use Drain Strainers – Don’t let anything go directly down the drain. Use strainers to block food, hair or other stuff from getting into the sink or bathtub drains. Hair in particular, when mixed with grease or soap can become a glue-like substance in your drains.
Most drain and sewer maintenance is preventative and common sense. Pay attention to the effects your actions have on the water lines leaving your house and you can greatly reduce the risk that something goes wrong in the future. If you have any questions about these tips please call Pelizon Plumbing.
How Can I Prevent Clogged Drains in My Alhambra Home?
February 28th, 2012One of the most frustrating plumbing issues any home owner will encounter is a clogged drain. Not only are clogged drains a nuisance, they are largely avoidable, so it becomes that much more frustrating when it happens since you know that you could have taken preventative measures long before the problem occurred. To help stop your drains from clogging in the future, here are some useful preventative tips:
- Set Cooking Grease Aside – Cooking grease is thick, viscous and clings to the sides of almost all types of pipes. So, instead of pouring it down your sink and hoping it clears out on its own, pour it into a coffee can and set it aside. There are a number of places where you can recycle old grease.
- Flush Garbage Disposals – When you use your garbage disposal, it is imperative that you flush cold water through the system at the same time. Without water to flush the food particles through the pipes, anything ground up in the disposal will become stuck and with the application of grease or other food particles can easily become a thick clog.
- Pour Boiling Hot Water Down the Pipes – At least once a week it is a good idea to pour 2-3 quarts of boiling water down your sinks and bathtub to loosen any pre-clogs that have formed. Things like soap, grease, food, and hair can all be dislodged by an application of hot water on a regular basis.
- Taking Care with Your Toilet – A toilet is not designed to flush anything that will technically fit down the hole. Even for paper products that seem to be flushable, take care in what goes into the toilet bowl. Paper towels, garbage, and wrappers should not be flushed or they are likely to cause bathroom plumbing damage.
- Use Strainers – Install strainers on all of your sinks, including the ones in your bathroom. A simple strainer will catch excess bits of food, hair, and other grime that has a habit of falling down the drain and getting flushed along with the dishwater or during a shower.
With care, your drains will remain clog free and never require the services of a snake or a plumber. If you do get past the point of no return, do not panic just yet – there are a number of steps you can take to remove a small clog without chemicals or professional help. However, if the clog refuses to budge or begins to backup, know when to call Ace Pelizon Plumbing.
What Whittier Residents Need to Know About Point of Use Water Heaters
February 22nd, 2012For years, most people in Whittier have used the same system to heat their water. A single tank that heats and stores water at a set temperature for whenever it is needed. That system, as well as it works, is not very efficient, and with costs for gas and oil rising so much in recent years, many people are looking for alternatives to a standard water heater installation.
That’s where point of use water heating comes in. These tankless water heaters are designed to heat your water when you need it heated instead of filling a tank of 50 or 60 gallons and heating it continuously even when you don’t.
How Point of Use Water Heaters Work
A point of use water heater works by directly heating the water supply to a single fixture. So, you would install a point of use water heater on your kitchen sink and only one water supply pipe would go to that heater. When you turn on the hot water faucet, the point of use heater would turn on (using electricity) and heat your water to 170 degrees F.
These devices only work on a single fixture at a time but they are much less expensive to purchase than a whole house tankless hot water system. Additionally, you can control where hot water is available.
The Advantages of Point of Use Hot Water
A tank hot water system can cost hundreds of dollars of year extra to run, especially if your family doesn’t use much hot water. Imagine what happens if you have four children that go off to college. Your “just big enough” tank suddenly becomes way too big and your bill stays unnecessarily high.
Point of use heaters allow you to decide where hot water is available and have instantly available hot water as you need it. The cost of the units and installation is affordable for most homeowners and you don’t have to commit to a whole house system if you are not ready. Please contact Ace Pelizon Plumbing with any questions.
Happy Valentine’s Day Your Dependable Los Angeles Plumbers
February 14th, 2012Everyone at Ace Pelizon wishes you a very Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope your day is full of love and laughter! Valentine’s Day is a time to really appreciate all of the wonderful people in your life, including your significant other, your family, and your friends. Take a moment today to let each of them know how special they are to you. Even something simple, like a handmade card, can really make someone’s whole day!
While your Plumbing system might not seem like the most romantic place to start your gift giving, a few simple upgrades can make your house more comfortable, which is something your whole family will appreciate! A low flow shower head can keep water bills down, and an improved water heater can make everyone’s showers warmer and more enjoyable. An upgrade to your plumbing system is truly a gift that keeps on giving!
For more information about easy ways to improve your home, give Ace Pelizon a call! And to help make your Valentine’s Day as happy as it can be, here is a recipe for Ghirardelli Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Hearts
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
Cheesecake:
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 4 eggs
- Raspberry puree (recipe below)
- 2 cups Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Raspberry puree:
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- Chocolate Ganache (optional):
- 8 ounces Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Additional Garnishes (optional):
- Fresh raspberries
- 8 ounces white chocolate, melted for drizzling
Directions
- Preheat over to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- CRUST: In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the chocolate graham crackers, ground almonds, and sugar and mix until combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
- PUREE: In a saucepan, combine raspberries and sugar. Bring to boil, and continue boiling 3-5 minutes, or until sauce is thick. Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds and set aside.
- CHEESECAKE: In a small pot over low heat, bring the whipping cream to just boiling. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Set aside for 5 minutes and then stir until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Remove approximately 1 1/2 cup of this batter and place into a smaller bowl and add 1/2 cup raspberry puree. Blend until combined. Add the melted chocolate to the remaining batter and mix until combined. Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter into the pan. Very carefully layer the raspberry cheesecake mixture on top of the chocolate mixture. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool in pan, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold before removing from pan.
For more details, visit allrecipes.com.
How do I Decide What Size Generator to Buy for an Orange County Home?
February 13th, 2012No one likes to be without power in Orange County. A storm or disruption to local electrical repair can have a major impact on people’s lives and well-being. Fortunately, there are safeguards in place to prevent loss of electric power in the event of an emergency. There are no better examples than hospitals that utilize back-up generators to run their electrical systems in the event of a power failure. Electricity is a necessity for these emergency facilities.
Electricity is also a necessity for you in your homes. Many of you can “wait out” a power failure because experience shows that power failures can be as short as a few seconds or minutes. Even ones lasting several hours are tolerable, albeit disruptive and uncomfortable.
If you’d prefer to have back-up power there are some things to consider when shopping around for a gas generator. Many people would like to have this important appliance but simply cannot afford to make the expenditure. The question then is: Can you afford not to have electricity? Will you have to replace a refrigerator or freezer full of food? Are you entertaining guests and can’t reschedule the event? Does someone in your home require electrical medical equipment? If you answer yes to any of these you are an ideal candidate for a gas generator.
But what size and type?
First of all, how much energy does you home consume? Do you run your air conditioner and furnace a lot? Are your refrigerator and/or freezer set on very cold temperatures? Do you run a lot of computers and televisions?
Typically, the right size generator for a 2,000 square foot home is around 7,000 watts. This generator will power up most appliances and cost in the $900-$1,000 range. If you are on a budget and don’t need to constantly run every appliance, you might consider a 1,400 watt gas generator which retails for around $200. Other gas generators with various wattage ratings run the gamut of pricing between these two examples.
When buying a generator, also determine if you want major appliances plugged directly into the generator or to simply run the main power circuit from your home into the generator. If you choose the later, it is advisable to hire a qualified electrician to tie in the generator to your home.
If you really want instant piece of mind and don’t mind paying for the expense, you can buy a generator that activates immediately after a power failure and runs on natural gas. But now we are talking about big dollars.
If you decide to go the gas generator route, keep one more thing in mind. They don’t run forever. Keep an ample supply of gas on hand to feed the generator, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A power supply loss doesn’t mean the end of the world – if you plan ahead. If you need any help planning please contact Ace Pelizon
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