McHales Cares To Renovate Middletown Athletic Association Baseball Field House

McHales Cares To Renovate Middletown Athletic Association Baseball Field House

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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

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!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews!

outlet replacement rumson

By McHales

What Your AC Tune-up Should Include

What Your AC Tune-up Should Include

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$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

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!

Helpful Home Owner Tips From McHales!

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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

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

Test Post

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Test

By McHales

Why You Need Sump Pump Maintenance

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

Tips to Prepare Your Electricity For Spring

Tips to Prepare Your Electricity For Spring

  • Electrical
  • Uncategorized
Green wall with an outlet

Take a moment to think about how often you use electricity in your home. Every time you plug in an appliance, switch on a light or charge your phone. Because you use your electrical appliances so often, you should give it a little attention here and there to make sure everything is working as it should be. Here are a few tips to keep your electricity working properly and efficiently this spring.  

Spring Electrical Checklist

  • Check your outlets and switches. take a look at these from room to room in your home. Do you see any cracks, damages, or burnt spots? If so, they should be replaced. If any of them are noticeably loose, tighten them. Because they are connected to wires in your wall, repairs should be done by a professional. 
  • Check your cords. Are there any exposed cords or wires in your home? Check for any cracks or frays. These signs of wear and tear can cause shocks or electrical fires in your home. If you have extension cords, try to only use them as needed. 
  • Check your smoke and CO2 detectors. These are essential safety features that every home or business needs to have! For business, commercial, and residential properties, it’s a must. Battery operated models are available, but fire professionals recommend that you have hardwired ones installed. This way, when one alarm goes off, the rest will too. 
  • Check your ceiling fans. These electrical features are often overlooked. most people don’t know that there’s a problem until they stop working altogether. You can test their power and clean the blades. 
  • Check your AC. Your air conditioner should be ready to keep you cool all spring and summer long. Before it gets really hot outside, make sure that it’s working properly. If it needs repairs, now is the time to do it! 
  • Schedule your inspection. Last but not least, don’t forget to schedule your electrical inspection! Routine maintenance is key in preventing major issues down the line, as well as preparing your home for spring. 

What If You Need Repairs? 

If one of our McHale’s professional finds a problem with an electrical feature in your home, we’ll be able to fix it! Our licensed electricians will be able to help you from start to finish. Whether it’s a simple fix or an electrical emergency, call McHale’s. We’ve got you covered! 

 

By McHales

Springtime Drain Cleaning Tips

Springtime Drain Cleaning Tips

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing
  • Uncategorized
Drain Cleaning Tips

As we approach springtime and the snow continues to melt, it is important that you focus on drain cleaning. If you want to maintain your home’s health throughout the year, then take advantage of the opportunity of doing some springtime cleaning. Home plumbing is an important aspect that so many people forget to take care, until it’s too late. Drainage backups and leaking faucets are just a couple things no one likes to deal with when it comes to their home. Spring cleaning is for your home is just as important as drain cleaning. Being proactive about your plumbing system and maintaining care for your drains will go a long way in making sure the health of your home is in great care. Your home may have quality materials and built with a quality plumbing system design. So, to keep its quality in check, here are a few drain cleaning tips for the spring season.

Why Go to McHales for Drain Cleaning Tips?

McHales Plumbing takes pride in bringing you great customer service. Spring cleaning for your home is always important, that is why our services offer repairs and installations so that you can stay on top of your plumbing system. It’s never easy to keep track of all your home’s appliances, which is why we are always available to keep you at ease. With our experienced and well-trained technicians and contractors, we are readily available to handle any situation. Prolong the life of your home plumbing system with expert care from McHales and use this tips on drain cleaning so you can enjoy the spring season.

Clear the Drains

The three biggest contributors to a clogged drain are food, hair, and washed-off material. Not only is drain cleaning necessary when you come across this situation, but every drain should be checked often. You want to make sure that water goes down quickly and does not rise back up with extended flow. A simple tool to solve this is to purchase a drain ripper for your drain cleaning needs. This inexpensive tool uses a long plastic strip with a handle that is inserted in the drain and saws up any soft debris similar to hair. The water will flow better and you’ll prevent an eventual plug up.

Buy and Place Strainers

Drainage pipes obviously work best when wasted water goes down it. So, when it comes down to drain cleaning, purchase a strainer for all drains. They are cheap and effective in preventing blockage material from entering the pipe. Strainers are great for sinks that used often, like your kitchen or laundry cleaning sink. These units see most of the material that gets washed down the pipe, so use this drain cleaning tip to prevent further maintenance.

Break Down Minerals

For those of you struggling with hard water, mineral deposits will build up quickly. It will plug up fine mesh faucet heads like your shower head. No one wants to deal with that, so stay proactive and use this drain cleaning tip in which you soak a bag of vinegar and tie it around the faucet or shower head. This is a great and natural way to break down deposits and increase water flow.

Check Your Toilet

When it comes to your toilet, the water in it doesn’t just float around in the bowl, it’s also in the tank above it as well. Toilet ceramic can crack over time and the seals of the pipes can age as well. So, to avoid future damages such as small leaks that could potentially grow over time, pour food dye in the water tank. If the bowl changes color without flushing it or you find dye stains an hour or so later, then you’ll know that there is a leak on one of the seals.

Sump Pump Check

Another drain cleaning tip to practice for those of you with a basement. Test your sump pump regularly with a few buckets of water. The sump pump should immediately respond and pump out of the drainage. If not, then ask a plumber to check the pump. Simple as that.

Don’t Forget Outside

These drain cleaning tips are great for the inside of your home but don’t forget about the appliances outside of your home or in your yard. Look for broken landscape plumbing and drainage from rain spouts or AC plugs. If you find problems with these accessories early on, then the cost for a repair is low.

Stay prepared when springtime rolls around and take care of your drain cleaning – call McHales Plumbing today!

By McHales