Category: Uncategorized

Sauna Heater Installation in Newtown, PA

Dec 01, 2023

Sauna Heater Installation in Newtown, PA

  • Electrical
  • Uncategorized
Sauna heater installation in Newtown, PA with McHales.

When it comes to creating a relaxing oasis in your home, few things compare to the luxury of a sauna. Recently, a homeowner contacted us about getting a sauna heater installation in Newtown, PA. The customer wanted not only one new sauna heater but two! While the prospect of enjoying a soothing sauna session is undoubtedly appealing, the importance of proper sauna heater installation, including electrical installation, cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of this particular job in Newtown, PA, and shed light on the crucial aspects of sauna heater installation. The McHales team is made up of talented and experienced technicians, whatever task you throw our way, we’ve got you covered! To explore more of our comprehensive services, check out our website! 

Addressing Requests and Concerns

Our customer, a homeowner in Newtown, PA, was excited about their new sauna project and wanted us to ensure that the electrical panels in their home could handle the load of two sauna heaters. This is a vital consideration, as inadequate electrical capacity can lead to overheating, circuit overloads, and even electrical fires. To address this concern, we needed to conduct size and load calculations for each electrical panel to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the sauna heaters.

Conditions of the Newtown Home

The homeowner’s residence, built in 1985 and renovated in 1999, presented specific challenges. The electrical panel was relatively old, with a lifespan of 10-20 years. Aging electrical panels can pose risks, including faulty connections and diminished capacity. In this case, it was essential to assess the condition of the electrical panel to determine if any upgrades or replacements were necessary to accommodate the new sauna heaters.

Sauna Heater Installation in Newtown, PA.

Sauna Heater Installation

Our team tackled the sauna heater installation project with meticulous care. We installed two sauna heaters, utilizing two existing 8-2 wires to ensure proper power supply. Additionally, we relocated circuits and incorporated four double 50-amp breakers in the electrical panel to safely distribute power to the sauna heaters. We also installed a sauna control board above the drop ceiling to facilitate easy operation. Importantly, all electrical connections and operations were thoroughly verified to ensure safety and functionality.

To enhance safety in the sauna environment, we installed weather-resistant switches, outlets, and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) devices. These components are essential for sauna installations as they protect against electrical hazards and ensure the longevity of your sauna equipment, especially in the humid and high-temperature conditions typically found in saunas.

The Importance of Electrical Panel Assessment

One of the key takeaways from this job in Newtown, PA, is the importance of checking the capacity of your electrical panel before adding new devices like sauna heaters. Overloading an electrical panel can lead to power outages, damaged appliances, and even safety hazards. Always consult with a qualified electrician to assess your panel’s capacity and make necessary upgrades to accommodate new electrical loads.

Sauna Heater Installation in Newtown, PA

Sauna heater installation, particularly the electrical aspect, demands careful planning and execution. In our Newtown, PA project, we ensured the safe and efficient operation of two sauna heaters while prioritizing safety and functionality. Remember, when embarking on a sauna installation project, it’s essential to use all-weather-resistant electrical equipment, consult with professionals, and assess your electrical panel’s capacity to enjoy the full benefits of your sauna while ensuring safety and peace of mind. For more information about a sauna heater installation in Newtown, PA, contact us today at McHales for expert service!

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By Brenna Thirkell

Toilet Flange Replacement in Bensalem, PA

Nov 07, 2023

Toilet Flange Replacement in Bensalem, PA

  • Plumbing
  • Uncategorized
Toilet flange replacement in Bensalem, PA with McHales.

Bensalem, PA, is known for its serene suburban landscapes, but even in the calmest of neighborhoods, plumbing issues can arise unexpectedly. One day, a homeowner in Bensalem found themselves facing a toilet problem that required a toilet replacement. Luckily McHales is well versed in all emergency plumbing services. Upon arriving at the job site, the McHales team swiftly recognized the unexpected complexity of the situation. The customer’s request for a toilet replacement turned out to be a need for a complete toilet flange replacement. A secure and leak-free connection is ensured by the critical component, the toilet flange, which connects the toilet to the sewer line. This project was going to be a lot more invasive than our technicians originally thought. 

Comprehensive Plumbing Solutions

The job details were meticulous and thorough. McHales’ initial step involved removing the old toilet and replacing it with a new Gerber Avalanche round-front comfort height toilet. They also replaced the old water valve below the toilet and conducted a thorough system test, offering a one-year warranty.

However, as they began the work, it became apparent that the existing toilet flange was broken, requiring immediate attention. A change order became necessary, requiring McHales to jackhammer a 2’x2′ concrete section, excavate 10-12 inches to remove the old cast flange, and install a new 4-inch Schedule 40 PVC, connecting it to the existing cast iron pipe using a Fernco coupling. A new PVC flange was also installed, flush with the floor. Once the new pipe was in place, the hole was backfilled, and the floor was cemented back to rough grade level, ensuring a seamless finish.

Addressing the Original Problem

The replacement Gerber Avalanche Elite toilet, with its 1.28 gallons per flush efficiency and white color, offered both functionality and aesthetics. The installation included essential components such as a wax ring, chrome supply riser, and caulk. This comprehensive job resolved the immediate issue and guaranteed the long-term reliability of the toilet and sewer connection.

Toilet Flange Replacement in Bensalem, PA

In Bensalem, PA, McHales demonstrated their commitment to quality plumbing solutions as a simple toilet replacement evolved into a complete toilet flange replacement. The meticulous workmanship, attention to detail, and dedication to customer satisfaction make McHales the go-to choice for homeowners in need of plumbing services in the area. If you’re in need of toilet replacement or toilet flange replacement in Bensalem, PA, contact us today! 

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By Brenna Thirkell

McHales Cares To Renovate Middletown Athletic Association Baseball Field House

Mar 02, 2023

McHales Cares To Renovate Middletown Athletic Association Baseball Field House

  • Uncategorized
Middletown Athletic Association Baseball Field house being renovated by McHales and McHales Cares

As part of McHales’ McHales Cares initiative, McHales Cares will renovate the MiddleTown Athletic Association (MAA) baseball field house. This effort will be in place of the monthly $1,000 donation McHales Cares makes to a local organization, voted on by local community members. This initiative will replace the donations for the months of March and April.

About the Middletown Athletic Association (MAA)

The Middletown Athletic Association (MAA) is a non-profit organization located in Levittown, Pennsylvania, that has been making a positive impact on the local community for over 60 years. Founded in 1958, the MAA has been providing recreational sports programs for children and adults in the Middletown Township area.

The MAA offers a wide range of sports programs including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, and cheerleading. The organization provides a safe and structured environment for children to learn new skills, build self-confidence, and make new friends. For adults, the MAA offers softball and basketball leagues, providing a fun and competitive outlet for community members.

How the Middletown Athletic Association impacts our Levittown community

One of the MAA’s most significant impacts on the community has been its commitment to inclusivity. The organization welcomes children of all abilities and offers adaptive programs for children with disabilities. This has been a source of joy for many families who may have struggled to find inclusive recreational opportunities for their children.

Additionally, the MAA is entirely volunteer-run and relies heavily on community involvement to keep its programs running. This has created a sense of community pride and engagement, with families, businesses, and individuals all coming together to support the organization.

The MAA has been an integral part of the Middletown Township community, providing opportunities for physical activity, personal growth, and community involvement. Its impact has been felt by generations of families, and its continued success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its volunteers.

McHales & McHales Cares Will Renovate the MAA Field House

In March and April, McHales and McHales Cares will renovate the Middletown Athletic Association (MAA) baseball field house. The renovation will include installing a new roof, replacing the siding, painting the interior and exterior, and installing new lights. This project will not only enhance the appearance of the fields but also provide safer and more enjoyable conditions for the children and adults who utilize the facilities.

We hope the impact of this renovation will be felt by the entire community. Our goal is for the renovated fields to provide a sense of pride for the community, reinforcing the idea that recreational opportunities are essential for the longevity of our vibrant community.

Moreover, this renovation aims to further involve the local community and support the MAA. McHales and McHales Cares are proud to support the organization and look forward to creating long-term community partnerships. This renovation project will not only improve the physical infrastructure of the MAA but aims to strengthen the bonds between community members and local businesses, ultimately creating a more resilient and connected community.

By McHales

7 Electrical Emergencies You Need to Know

Oct 21, 2022

7 Electrical Emergencies You Need to Know

  • Uncategorized

For some, an electrical emergency is a power outage that prevents the use of electronic devices for an extended period of time. For others, an electrical emergency is an outlet that emits a burning odor or wires that produce smoke. Regardless of what you classify as an electrical emergency, you should know exactly what to look for in order to identify serious electrical threats as well as those that are minor in nature. These emergencies have the potential to damage your home and your valuables.  An electrical emergency can even threaten your well-being as well as the safety of your loved ones.

The Dangers of Electrical Emergencies

A surprising number of people do not know what an electrical emergency really is. As a result, these individuals are incapable of properly pinpointing the telltale signs of such emergencies. This lack of knowledge jeopardizes human lives, the well-being of pets, the condition of property and so much more. As an example, an individual who is unaware of the threat posed by antiquated home wiring or another electrical flaw is at a higher risk for personal injury. His lack of awareness could lead to fire, the inhalation of smoke or an electrical shock. Fire and smoke also have the potential to ruin an individual’s prized possessions, including his living space.

In the worst case scenario, ignorance of electrical emergencies can result in death. Though most electrical emergencies do not end in the death of the homeowner or apartment tenant, financial losses stemming from such emergencies are more common than most assume. It isn’t just the damage caused to one’s possessions that inflicts financial harm. Repairs to the home and appliances are also quite costly. Physical injury caused by an electrical emergency often requires expensive medical treatment that has the potential to bankrupt the victim.

The Many Benefits of Understanding What Constitutes an Electrical Emergency

If you have an idea as to what sort of conditions and happenings represent an electrical emergency, you will drastically reduce the odds of injury and property damage. Those who can identify electrical emergencies will spend significantly less on home repairs and the replacement of valuables damaged or ruined by smoke, fire or other threats. Timing is of the essence. If you spot any questionable circumstances relating to electricity, appliances or other devices in your home, do not hesitate to reach out to an electrician for professional assistance.

Electrical Emergencies Everyone Should be Aware Of: Burning Odors

If you notice a burning odor coming from your home’s cords, walls, appliances or other devices that use electricity, don’t shrug it off! Though some brand new appliances emit odd odors after initially being powered up, this odor should not last. Any strange smell stemming from an outlet should be tended to right away. Unplug all devices connected to the outlet. Make everyone in the home aware of the problematic outlet. Refrain from using the outlet until a savvy electrician has inspected it. If you notice a burning odor from your breaker panel or fuse box, reach out to an electrician right away for professional assistance. When in doubt, err on the safe side so you don’t put your home, your loved ones and your valuables in harm’s way.

A hot Service Panel

Service panels should never reach the point where they are warm to the touch. There are extremely strong currents moving through your home’s wires. If your home has an antiquated wiring system or one with tangles, the currents pulsing through them are likely quite robust. If you notice changes to your electric panel like browning, warmth, frayed wiring or dim/flickering lights, there is an issue that requires the attention of an experienced electrician.

Arcing Wires

If wires are live and arcing, they have the potential to create life-threatening fires that consume everything you’ve worked so hard to obtain. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution issues and lighting equipment fallibilities are responsible for more than 20,000 home structure fires and hundreds of civilian deaths each year. Arcing wires often induce sparks and melting that lead to such a fire. Do not underestimate the devastating potential of this seemingly minor issue.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent and invisible killer. If your home’s appliances aren’t properly installed or malfunction in some manner, they can leak carbon monoxide and put your life in danger. Physical signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include blurred vision, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, nausea and general weakness. Make sure that a carbon monoxide detector is installed in each of your home’s hallways, especially those by bedrooms. Check and replace these detectors’ batteries as appropriate.

Wiring or Devices Emitting Smoke

Any sign of smoke in your home should be cause for concern. If smoke is generated by wiring or devices, stop what you are doing, take stock of the problem and obtain assistance from a knowledgeable electrician. The presence of such smoke is a warning sign that your home’s conditions are ripe for an electrical fire. This is not the type of problem the average layman can solve on his own. Contact a trusted electrician to diagnose the issue and perform the appropriate repair or replacement.

Unexplained Power Outages

Mysterious power outages are a clue that there is something wrong with your home’s electrical system. If your home’s wiring is decades old, it might be time for a replacement. Perhaps you are overburdening the system with energy-eating appliances and other devices. Do not assume that your neighbors are also experiencing similar power outages. Ask around to find out if others in your neighborhood endure similar problems. If their power remains on when yours goes out, it is time to seek assistance from a trustworthy electrician. 

Call McHales today for electrical service in Bucks County!

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outlet replacement rumson

By McHales

What Your AC Tune-up Should Include

May 15, 2020

What Your AC Tune-up Should Include

  • Uncategorized

$88 Cooling Check From McHales

Just like the other equipment in your home, your AC needs routine maintenance. No matter what sort of air conditioning system that you have in place, it needs a professional tune-up. If it goes without, your AC becomes more susceptible to damage and unexpected breakdowns. An expert tune-up helps to prevent this from happening.

 

A professional will be able to examine your equipment and assess its condition and identify any areas of concern. Your cooling system should be inspected at least twice a year, especially before the warm weather sets in. During your professional AC tune-up, here’s what you can expect:

 

The Basics

 

During any average tune-up, your AC contractor should always do the following:

  • A comprehensive examination of both indoor and outdoor components to check for any damages or faults.
  • A Full calibration of your systems thermostat for accuracy.
  • Check of the coolant level
  • Lubrication of all moving parts
  • A full system calibration
  • Inspection of ductwork for leaks or build up
  • Inspection and tightening of electrical components
  • Blower motor and blower belt check
  • System performance evaluation

 

This is a basic tune-up checklist that any HVAC professional may offer. While these checkpoints are indeed important, they leave certain areas out that are equally as important. When you choose McHales as your AC contractor, we won’t leave any area untouched. With any tune-up done by us, you have access to our full checklist. Our comprehensive inspection guarantees that your AC will keep you and your loved ones cool all summer long.

 

Comprehensive Checklist

Here at McHales we have a comprehensive checklist that we follow with every AC tune-up. With this guide, we thoroughly inspect every nook and cranny of your cooling system. We know how important a properly functioning AC is in your home, and we want to make sure that you and your family are comfortable and safe long after we leave. Each of the steps on our checklist allow us to do just that.

 

Why Choose McHales?

 

After we complete any job, your safety and comfort is our main concern. We guarantee quality work and customer satisfaction. We will never push you to make a purchase you don’t need, and we will never have any hidden charges. Experience the McHales difference!

By McHales

Six Tips for Getting Your Plumbing Ready for Spring

Mar 18, 2020

Six Tips for Getting Your Plumbing Ready for Spring

  • Plumbing
  • Uncategorized

Spring has sprung and it’s time for some much-needed plumbing maintenance. All the accumulated ice and snow not only wears down your home but potentially buries damages that won’t see the light of day until its above freezing. Your plumbing is no exception, and with the incoming showers, it’s best to be prepared. Nobody wants to trade off frozen plumbing for leaky, busted pipes, and a flooded basement. Luckily, with the right maintenance, you don’t have to.

How You Can Keep Your Home Dry This Spring

Whether you experienced any trouble during the winter season or not, spring can be just as damaging and unpredictable. Water from melted snow can leak into cracks and crevices, resulting in costly water damage. Appliances like your sump pump and water heater may have overworked themselves to keep your home warm and dry. Worst of all is your plumbing, which has just survived the threat of freezing and bursting. The good news is that you can prevent a plumbing catastrophe no matter what time of year, here’s how.

  • Check for leaks. Leaks can happen anywhere, which is why it’s important to thoroughly inspect your pipes and water fixtures. Look around your home. Make sure there is no water dripping out or around the connections, especially when a fixture is not in use. You can often find exposed pipes underneath cabinets or in your basement. Some leaks may be hard to find, but you can usually spot the warning signs. If you find a leaky fixture or pipe, water pooling in places they shouldn’t be, or constantly hear running water, you should contact a plumber immediately.
  • Inspect your sump pump. Your sump pump may have overworked itself this winter to keep your basement flood free, which means it could be due for some maintenance. Make sure to fill the basin to the top with water, your sump pump should start immediately. If it doesn’t, then something is in need of repair. If you remove the basin, there’s a grate at the bottom that needs cleaning. It may also be worthwhile to have a plumber inspect your sump pump, as well as other water appliances.
  • Clean your drains. Clogs are a nuisance for you and your plumbing, and they can happen anytime. It’s always a good idea to consistently clean your drains, as it can not only prevent clogs but bigger plumbing problems. Avoid chemical drain cleaners when cleaning the drains, as the chemicals used can eat away at your pipes and destroy expensive coatings on your sinks and counters. Hot water, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels are all safe alternatives.
  • Don’t forget your water heater. Besides the sump pump, spring is a good season to tune up your water heater. It’s recommended that you service your water heater every six months to ensure it functions properly. A water heater in need of maintenance, or worse, a damaged water heater, is at risk of bursting and flooding your basement. Make sure to flush the tank of any sediment deposits and debris that could have built up inside. An inspection can also help detect any potential problems before they get serious.
  • Look for any damages. The winter season can be a lot on your home, which is why it’s a good idea to inspect for damages as soon as possible. The extreme cold, ice, and snow could have damaged your home’s exterior and plumbing. Check for any cracks, leaks, or broken connections which could have been caused by a frozen pipe. The longer a broken pipe is left untreated, the worse your plumbing can get, call a plumber right away if your plumbing is damaged.
  • Inspect your basement plumbing. Not all of your plumbing is hidden inside the walls. While you’re busy inspecting your appliances and water fixtures, it’s important not to forget the basement plumbing, as well as what’s underneath your house. Check any exposed pipes for potential damages. If you notice wet spots, pools of water, or smell mold, you most likely have a leak that needs urgent repair.

Prepare for Spring Showers

Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing catastrophe, but they can happen. That’s why proper plumbing maintenance is important, especially as you’re going from one wet season to another. The spring season can be just as tough on your plumbing without the right preparation, so it’s important to prepare before it arrives. Keep your home dry and plumbing happy by scheduling an inspection with a plumber today.

By McHales

Helpful Home Owner Tips From McHales!

Jul 20, 2018

Helpful Home Owner Tips From McHales!

  • Uncategorized

While Shark Week may be scary, a clogged drain can be scarier. The thought of those hazardous chemicals going down your drain probably cues the Jaws theme song to start playing in your head. McHales is here with a fintastic DIY to help clear your drain in no time with using ingredients already found in your household!

 

Ingredients Needed:

 

Salt

Baking Soda

White Vinegar

Boiling Water

 

Unclog That Drain!

 

Step 1: Remove The Drain Cap

Step 2: Combine Baking Soda and Salt in a Bowl (equal parts of both ingredient)

Step 3: Pour The Salt & Baking Soda Mixture Down The Drain

Step 4: Follow The Mixture By Pouring Warm Vinegar Down The Drain-Allow To Sit For A Few Minutes

Step 5: Pour Boiling Water Down The Drain Till It Clears

Step 6: Return The Drain Cap To Its Place And Your Drain Should Be All Clear!

 

**It might be useful to keep the dry ingredients in an airtight container like a mason jar ready to use whenever you have another clog!**

 

If you’re more a visual learner, check out this handy 30-second tutorial we found!

By McHales

Ways That a Heat Pump Can Benefit You

Jul 15, 2018

Ways That a Heat Pump Can Benefit You

  • Heating
  • Uncategorized
heat pump repair and replacement

Are you looking for a way to cut costs with heating and cooling in your home? If so, you may want to check out the benefits of having a heat pump. Here’s how a heat pump can benefit you all year long:

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Electricity! Essentially, heat pumps can push heat from a cool space to a warmer place. This way, they are able to make cool spaces cooler, and warm spaces even warmer. Moving heat instead of generating it can provide the same heating and cooling at a fraction of the cost.

Immediate Benefits of a Heat Pump Installation

Soon after having a heat pump installed in your home, you will start to notice the following benefits:

  • Low Running Costs: Heat pumps are cheaper to run in comparison to those who run on combustion. This will save you money on your utility bills!
  • Low Maintenance: Heat pumps require far less maintenance in comparison to combustion heating systems. Approximately once a year certain details of the system have to be checked, which could easily be accomplished by yourself. If you are a bit hesitant, consider hiring a professional to check on the system.
  • Safety: Heat pumps are far less likely to cause problems than other heating systems, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe.
  • Reduced Carbon Emissions: Heat pump systems reduce your carbon emissions and it has an efficient conversion rate of energy to heat. For example, water source heat pumps reach reasonably high efficiencies. They heavily rely on electricity to operate, implying that they will never be entirely carbon neutral. However, since heat pumps are electric, they represent a perfect fit for solar applications. Coupled together with solar panels, heat pumps could lead to zero net energy.
  • Cooling: During warmer months of the years, heat pumps are able to reverse the flow process. Because of this, the heat pump can serve a similar function to an air conditioner. Air to air heat pumps can conveniently be switched to cooling mode during the summers.
  • Durability: The lifespan of heat pumps is relatively long in comparison to other systems. In most cases, the average lifespan of a heat pump is somewhere around 14-15 years.

How McHale’s Can Help 

Heat pumps are one of the most cost-effective ways to heat and cool your Newtown and Bucks County home. Like other systems working in your home, your heat pump will need routine maintenance to make sure that things are working properly. When that time comes, we’ve got you covered! 

If you are in need of heat pump services, call McHale’s today! 

 

By McHales

Test Post

Jun 21, 2018

Test Post

  • Uncategorized

Test

By McHales

Why You Need Sump Pump Maintenance

May 15, 2018

Why You Need Sump Pump Maintenance

  • Sump Pump
  • Uncategorized
Sump pump set up in a basement

When it comes to preventing flooding in your home, it doesn’t get much safer than having a sump pump. Typically, these water removal devices are located in the basement or other below-ground levels in a home or business because they are the most susceptible to flooding. They collect water in a sump basin, and push it safely away so water can’t pool in the lower parts of a structure. 

After your sump pump is installed, it’s important that they receive some professional TLC every once in a while. During winter and spring when rainfall is more likely, they work overtime to prevent flooding. Water damage is not only expensive to repair, it can be a potential health risk for you and your loved ones. Knowing that your sump pump is in top shape will give you peace of mind as a homeowner. Here are ways that you can help to maintain the one working in your home. 

How Much Do You Know About Your Sump Pump?

It’s important for you to know a little about the sump pump working to keep your home flood free. The two most common types are submersible and pedestal pumps. A submersible pump is located in a sump well and is capable of working under water. It has a float that signals to the pump that water needs to be pushed away from the home. Pedestal pumps have floats too, but they are situated above the well.

Though specifics may vary between models, they are all designed to do the same thing. Perhaps the most important part of a sump pump is the battery backup. Sump pumps work using electricity. In order to be sure that they will continue to work in the event of an outage, a battery backup is necessary. 

Maintenance is Key 

Thankfully, flooding doesn’t happen every day. Because they aren’t needed on a daily basis, it’s possible that they end up lying dormant for a while. Regardless, you want to be sure that they’re ready to work when you need them. Here are a few things that you to check up on your sump pump from time to time: 

  • Make sure it’s plugged in and that the cord isn’t damaged or frayed 
  • Check the discharge pipe and ventilation for build up 
  • Remove any debris you come across
  • Test your pump by adding water to the basin 
  • Make sure the battery backup is working

These are a few things that you can do on your own, but it’s important to know when you should call a professional. 

When to Call McHale’s

If your sump pump isn’t in working condition, you more than likely won’t know until you have a serious problem. In this light, getting your system evaluated as soon as possible is critical. Look for  these common sump pump problems:

  • Clogging in the pipes
  • Motor failure
  • Inadequate power for your home’s needs

McHale’s is here to help if your sump pump is experiencing problems. Only through routine maintenance can you be granted the peace of mind in knowing that your basement is protected by a functioning sump pump, so call in the experts today.

By McHales