Tag: levittown pa

5 Reasons to Install a Tankless Water Heater in Pennsylvania

Jul 12, 2019

5 Reasons to Install a Tankless Water Heater in Pennsylvania

  • Water Heaters
tankless water heater in Pennsylvania by McHale's

Are you considering replacing your water heater with a newer model? In addition to gas and electric water heaters, our company also offers tankless water heaters. As the name implies, these water heaters don’t use the tanks you normally see with water heaters. There are a wide variety of reasons to switch to a tankless water heater in Pennsylvania.

Here are five reasons to consider switching to a tankless water heater in Pennsylvania:

 

Save money and the environment

Tankless gas water heaters let you save on energy bills while also saving the environment. The average tankless water heater has an 80% efficiency rate and an 82% recovery rate. In addition, they also only provide hot water when needed. This means you’ll spend less money on energy bills, while also reducing your carbon footprint.

 

Cleaner water

You may not get to see it very often, but the inside of a water tank can look pretty nasty. As water sits inside the tank, the water stagnates somewhat and leaves behind hard water stains on the inside of the tank. Tankless water heaters boil and heat the water as it passes through the pipes, preventing it from sitting and becoming stale.

 

Longer lasting with fewer breakdowns

Tankless water heaters are much easier to maintain than their tank-based counterparts. On average, a water heater with a tank can last about six to twelve years. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters can go beyond twenty years This long life also takes into consideration that tankless water heaters require less maintenance over its lifespan, meaning less costly breakdowns, saving you even more money!

 

Save space

Since they don’t have to worry about having a big clunky tank, tankless gas water heaters take up about a third of the space of a regular tank-based water heater. In addition, they’re designed with modern technology that makes smaller and lighter than other water tanks, with some models weighing in at five pounds. They can even be mounted to walls so you can save even more space. This will free up precious storage in your basement or utility closet.

 

No more waiting for hot water

Without the hassle of storage, there are no problems with water storage for your family. With traditional tank-style water heaters, you have to “prep” the water by waiting for the entire tank to heat up. This results in wasted water while you let the cold water run. You could avoid this with a re-circulating pump, but then you’re wasting electricity and energy. Your average tankless heater can comfortably provide a full-sized home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, without any of the wait time.

 

What makes McHale’s a great source for water heaters and water heater installation?

For almost 70 years, McHale’s has been providing professional home service to homeowners around Levittown, PA. Our state-of-the-art showroom lets you see how your water heater will look under various lighting conditions. When you’ve made your selection, we’ll assign a certified installation crew to help install your new water heater. They’ll do their best to make the installation easy on you, including hauling away any debris they make. If you’re curious about water heaters, call McHale’s today!

By McHales

6 Signs It’s Time for an AC Replacement in Bucks County

Jun 28, 2019

6 Signs It’s Time for an AC Replacement in Bucks County

  • Air Conditioning

We talked before about how important it is to tune-up your AC every once in a while. However, sometimes some maintenance won’t be enough to get it through the summer. Nothing lasts forever, and losing your air conditioning can be a major loss, especially during the summer. If it is still working fine, maybe you’re just being cautious and planning ahead. Whatever the case, Jones Services can tell you the signs that you’ll need an AC replacement in Bucks County.

Here are 6 signs you should get an AC replacement in Bucks County:

 

The AC reached retirement age.

How long have you owned your current AC? According to the National Association of Home Builders, well-maintained AC units can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. If your AC has reached this point and isn’t working like it used to, it might be time to retire it. It may seem like a major cost, but don’t worry! You can use this opportunity to purchase a modern unit that’s more energy efficient.

 

The AC has a refrigerant leak.

A refrigerant leak is a serious problem with your AC. The leaking coolant can pose a health risk to your family and the water leakage can damage your home. It’s possible to fix serious leaks by getting a new coil, but it might be a sign you should get a new AC.

 

A repair would cost too much.

Sometimes replacement parts and repairs for your AC don’t justify their high costs. It gets more unappealing when you’re talking about a unit with an expired warranty. If this is the case, you should pick up a new unit and get a new warranty.

 

Your AC is making strange noises.

Is your AC operating louder than it normally does? AC units are supposed to run quietly, so any grinding, banging, or rattling noises are a major concern. These noises can represent something like a slipped belt or broken motor bearings. If these issues aren’t fixed quickly, you’ll have a costly repair or replacement on your hands.

 

The AC air isn’t cold.

If you turn on the AC and cool air doesn’t come out within a few minutes, there’s a problem. A wide variety of issues can cause this problem, like low Freon levels or a broken compressor. Whatever the case may be, it’s an obvious sign that your AC has an issue.

 

Your AC needs frequent repairs.

You may want to keep an AC operational for a good while through repeated repairs. However, doing this may eventually lead you to spend more than you would from getting a replacement. This is more likely if your warranty has expired and isn’t helping with repair costs.

 

Why should I have McHale’s install my next AC?

With almost 70 years of experience helping homeowners, McHale’s is one of the area’s home service long-runners. When you call us to examine your unit, we’ll give you everything you need to know about costs, benefits, and installation needs. To this day, we still practice our founder’s policy of “measure twice, order once.” If you’re in need of an AC replacement in Bucks County, just call McHale’s to sort everything out!

By McHales

5 Advantages of a Mini-Split System in Bucks County

Jun 14, 2019

5 Advantages of a Mini-Split System in Bucks County

  • Air Conditioning
  • Electrical

A mini-split (or ductless) air conditioner is one that’s made up of multiple indoor units connected by conduits to an outdoor unit. As the name suggests, these don’t require ductwork, pre-existing or otherwise, to run. This can make them very useful for certain homeowners. Maybe you’re looking for an easy way to cool your home without installing ductwork? Read on to learn about how a mini-split system in Bucks County might be right for you.

Here are 5 advantages of switching to a mini-split system in Bucks County:

 

Small and easy to install

One of the more obvious advantages of a mini-split system is that it takes up less space than other systems. They don’t require ductwork, which can be nice in older buildings, and only require some small pipes and a three-inch hole in a wall to install. They’re so easy to install and non-invasive, installation could take a single day depending on the number of units installed.

 

Versatility

Each outdoor unit can have up to four indoor units which can have individual temperature goals. This lets you have different zones to more thoroughly control your home’s temperature.

 

Energy efficient

Because they don’t make use of ducts, mini-split systems are more energy efficient. Ductwork losses in central forced air systems account for more than 30% of space conditioning’s energy usage. They can lose even more if the ducts are somewhere unconditioned, like an attic. You’ll save money overall by improving your home’s temperature efficiency.

 

Quieter

Ductwork can cause a variety of noises from debris or leaks, like whistling and banging. With a mini-split system, a professional will remove the ducts or seal the air registers. This’ll make your temperature systems much quieter. In addition, the indoor units are quieter than other units due to their lower fan speeds.

 

Increased air quality

With traditional temperature systems, the ducts have to get cleaning on a regular basis. Failure to do so can result in a buildup of dust, allergens, and other nasty stuff. Even if you give them a complete cleaning, you can still leave some stuff behind. With a multi-split system, you won’t have to worry about what’s in your ducts and your home’s air will be fresher as a result.

 

Why choose McHale’s for my home service needs?

McHale’s is a company with nearly 70 years of history helping homeowners around Bucks County. Our family-owned and client-focused company offers free consultations and a state of the art showroom that lets you see our products in a variety of different lighting styles. In addition, our staff includes award-winning Certified Kitchen Designers by The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) & The National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI.) If you need prompt home service, don’t bail, call McHale’s! 

By McHales

Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?

May 31, 2019

Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?

  • Plumbing
  • Sump Pump
sump pump maintenance by McHale's in Pennsylvania

With spring here, you’ll want to make sure your home will be ready to take on the April showers. If you own a sump pump, that’s a great start. However, you’ll want to ensure it’s in working order, as the majority of basement flooding is caused by faulty sump pumps. The first thing you want to do is make sure the gutters and leader drain are clean. However, there are other issues that you can avoid through proper sump pump maintenance in Levittown.

 

Here are five other issues to watch out for involving sump pump maintenance in Levittown:

 

Blocked sump pump switch

Never sweep any basement floor dirt or debris into the sump pit switch, and make sure nothing is blocking the sump pump switch from floating freely. Failure to keep the switch clean can prevent the sump pump from working properly

 

Tripped circuit breaker

Sump pumps can use a lot of electricity, so you should give the sump pump its own dedicated circuit. If there are any other electronics on the same circuit, it might be too much for it and the sump pump’s activation may trip the circuit.

 

Mechanical failure

There are plenty of issues that might cause your sump pump to fail including an undersized discharge pipe and a missing check valve. Whatever the cause, you should contact a professional to help you fix the problem.

 

Clogged strainer

Sump pumps have a strainer at the bottom that the water flows through. If debris is clogging it, water won’t be able to flow through it properly and flooding could occur. Check the drainer every once in a while and clear out any blockages that may be forming.

 

Frozen discharge pipe

If the discharge pipe is frozen or otherwise blocked, water won’t be able to drain out of it. This will cause water to back up and the sump pump will run constantly but ineffectively.

 

If properly maintained, a sump pump can last around 10 years. If you’re not sure of your sump pump’s age, consider buying a replacement and keep a backup on hand in case it fails. Another way to protect your basement from flooding is to buy a two-pump system. It’ll assure there’s a spare pump in case one fails and has an alarm to alert homeowners in case of a failure.

 

What makes McHale’s a high-quality home service company?

For over 60 years, McHale’s has been providing professional home service to homeowners around Levittown, PA. Our time helping people has taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. Anyone can sell you materials, but it takes a true professional to provide a tearless remodeling product. When you have us help you, you can be sure that you’ll get that tearless remodeling product you’re looking for. Make the right choice today and call McHale’s for any of your home service needs!

By McHales

5 Signs You Need Drain Opening in Bucks County

May 17, 2019

5 Signs You Need Drain Opening in Bucks County

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing

Like any area of your home, drains can fall into disrepair and need some attention. Whether its loose hairs, food debris, or dried cleaning products, it’s likely that you’ll have to deal with drains clogging. You may try store-bought drain cleaners as a way to clear your drains before calling a plumber. However, these chemical cleaners are a bandaid that never truly fixes the root of the problem. Luckily, you can call McHale’s to help alleviate your drain clogs, perform a professional drain opening in Bucks County, and take advantage of our $88 drain opening special. But how do you know when the problem has gone beyond a slightly sluggish drain and into a need for a plumber’s help?

Here are five signs that you need a professional drain opening in Bucks County:

Slow draining.

When it comes to clogged drains, one of the easiest signs to notice is slower drainage. Is your sink or bathtub draining slower than it normally does, if at all? Is your washing machine or dishwasher still have a lot of water in it after a cycle? As well as being an inconvenience, this is a sign of a blockage somewhere in your pipes. A professional drain cleaning will release the clogs in your drains and allow water to easily flow through your pipes.

Backed up drains.

When drains need cleaning, sometimes water that should have been drained will come back up. You might have gurgling toilets or standing water in your sink. If water is going back up the drain, it’s a sign that it should be cleaned.

Sewage smells.

One of the more unpleasant and noticeable signs of a clogged drain is the smell of sewage. When drains are clogged, anything that goes down into the drain will build up and rot in the lines. This can become even more noticeable and disgusting if you live in a warmer area. If you smell sewage in your home, it’s a good idea to act quickly.

Fruit and drain flies.

When waste and other sewage starts building up in your drain, it’ll start to attract flies. Fruit flies like the smell and can be a health risk when they get into your kitchen and food. Meanwhile, the aptly named drain fly (also known as sewer or filter fly) likes to breed in septic tanks, sewers, and clogged drains. If you start noticing lots of flies, you’ll definitely want to start cleaning your drain.

Strange noises.

If your drains are clogged, they may start making some odd noises. When drains get clogged, the water may be forced to go through small spaces or change course. This can result in strange gurgling or bubbling noises.

Why is McHale’s my best choice for my plumbing problems?

Instead of relying on harmful drain cleaning products that don’t solve the problem, call McHale’s to clean your drains. Our plumbers are fully certified and have years of experience. We have the technology and experience to handle it all, and we come to your house fully stocked. Call for a drain opening now, and you can get your drains clean for only $88! If your drains are slow, producing bad odors, or making odd noises it’s best not wait. Call McHale’s today to get your plumbing back in tip-top shape!

By McHales

Professional Well Pump Maintenance in Pennsylvania

Apr 26, 2019

Professional Well Pump Maintenance in Pennsylvania

  • Plumbing

Many people across America use private groundwater wells to get their water. These wells tap into aquifers underground to provide cheap water. However, EPA regulations that protect public water don’t apply to private well water. Because of this, well owners have to be vigilant about ensuring their water is safe. Unfortunately, there’s a major catch. It’s highly unsafe for well owners to try and service their own wells. Attempting to do so can cause water contamination, losing things in the well, or even electrocution. If your well pump isn’t working, it’s best to call the professionals at McHale’ to do the work for you. When you choose us to get well pump maintenance in Pennsylvania, we follow three steps:

 

Visual Inspection

 

The first step involves us closely examining the equipment and giving it preventative maintenance to make sure everything is in order. This kind of inspection should be done annually to catch any problems before they cause serious issues.

 

Flow Test

 

After that, we perform a flow test. This test shows the output of the well pump, letting us see if it’s running correctly. It the test results fall out of the normal range, then we’ll have to take a closer look at your systems. The problem could be with your deep well pump, the pressure tank, or the control system. We’ll also check out your pump’s electrical systems, motor performance, and pressure levels.

 

Water Test

 

Finally, the well’s water gets tested for contaminants. Some of the things we’re looking for include coliform bacteria and nitrates. We also do tests to look for iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides, and anything that could cause problems with the plumbing or water’s appearance. We may suggest additional testing depending on what we find.

After all of this, we’ll deliver you a detailed report on what we found. This report contains our expert explanations, results, and recommendations on further activity.

 

Why is McHale’s one of the best in well pump maintenance in Pennsylvania?

 

McHale’s has spent the last 60 years helping Pennsylvania homeowners with their homes and wells. Our award-winning team of professionals is highly trained and capable of any sort of assistance you might need. When we perform any sort of work, we’ll provide you an estimated start and completion date. In addition, we’ll perform our work without leaving your home looking like a construction site. If you’re looking for professionals who know their wells, call McHale’s.

By McHales

6 Benefits of Getting an AC Tune-Up in Bucks County

Apr 12, 2019

6 Benefits of Getting an AC Tune-Up in Bucks County

  • Air Conditioning

As winter turns to spring and spring turns to summer, Bucks County homeowners will be swapping out their heaters for air conditioning. Are you sure yours is ready to tackle the summer heat? The people at McHales know that it’s a good idea to give your AC a tune-up before the warm weather moves in. So, we are are currently offering an $88 special on cooling system inspections. Remember, maintenance prevents future breakdowns! Here are six reasons to get yourself an AC tune-up in Bucks County.

Benefits of an Early AC Tune-Up in Bucks County

  1. Lower electricity bills. Summers are hot- there’s no way around it. It’s likely that you’ll want to be running your AC most days, but that can create a steep increase in electrical bills. A system with clogged filters and failing parts will need to work harder to do the same work. By tuning up your AC now, you’re increasing its efficiency and lowering your utility bills.
  2. More comfort. What would you call an AC that can’t keep you cool? A bad one. Summers can be tough even for modern systems. If you want to keep your home at a constant cool, you’ll want our professionals at McHale’s to make sure your AC is running at top performance.
  3. Fewer breakdowns. If you use your AC system this summer, are you certain that it won’t fail to start up? Do you know for sure that it’ll run smoothly all season? If you’re not sure, give us a call! Our tune-ups come with a complete inspection that can identify problems before they cause a breakdown.
  4. Cheaper repair bills. In the event that your AC winds up needing repairs, they’ll likely be cheaper if you’ve gotten maintenance beforehand. The reason for that is because our maintenance addresses the more costly problems (like air flow issues and broken parts) during our inspections.
  5. Extended AC lifespan. If you want your AC system to stay operational for a long time, you’ll want to give it regular maintenance. By routinely checking on your AC and preventing breakdowns, we can help extend your AC’s lifespan by years. Without regular maintenance, the average AC only lasts a few years.
  6. Better air quality. During the months where you never use your AC, various bits of dust and grime build up in it. When you turn it on, all that nasty junk is going to go into the air, which can hurt your air quality and aggravate those summer allergies. When you call McHale’s to give your AC a tune-up, we’ll clean it out, ensuring that your home’s air stays fresh.

Why is McHale’s the one to do your AC tune-up in Bucks County?

McHale’s has been helping people around the Bucks County area with their homes for more than 60 years. Our family-run business has provided our customers with prompt, dependable service at an affordable cost. Our highly-skilled craftsmen can get the job done while providing the sort of customer service that’ll leave you more than satisfied. If you call us for an AC tune-up now, you can take advantage of our $88 Cooling System Special!

By McHales

Electrical Maintenance During Winter Weather in Bucks County-$88 Electrical System Check!

Feb 15, 2019

Electrical Maintenance During Winter Weather in Bucks County-$88 Electrical System Check!

  • Electrical
Snow is in the forecast this weekend! It looks like winter isn’t over just yet. Maintaining your home can be tough no matter what time of the year, but the winter season adds a few extra problems such as the risk of ice dams, freezing plumbing, or busted furnaces. Your home depends on electricity to function, which is why maintaining your home’s electrical system should be a top priority.
 
 

How to Winterize Your Home’s Electrical System

Ultimately the best thing you can do during a snowstorm is to stay inside and prepare your home for any potential storms and power outages. To stay safe and comfortable this winter season, here are five ways to maintain your home and its electrical system.
 

Invest in a standby generator.

One of the best ways to prepare your home and maintain your home’s electrical system is to have a backup source of power generation. Installing a standby generator not only ensures you’ll have power during a power outage but that your entire house is insulated and running during the worst of any snowstorm. A standby generator is hooked directly into your home’s electrical system, automatically generating power within seconds of a power outage, and protecting your home’s electronics from any harmful power surges. While a snowstorm might not cause a power outage, it’s better to be prepared than be trapped inside a house without power.
 

Maintain your major appliances.

Your home’s electrical system is complicated, and properly maintaining it can be even more complicated. Taking care of your home’s major appliances, however, can prevent certain electrical problems such as overloading the electrical panel or starting an electrical fire. Routinely inspecting and maintaining appliances such as your furnace, water heater, and refrigerator, can all count toward preparing your home’s electrical system for the worst.
 

Insulate your home.

Your furnace and water heater work hard enough to properly heat your home. If your home is lacking enough insulation, it means your furnace and water heater are running longer than necessary to generate heat in your home. Replacing old or damaged insulation, adding new insulation, and sealing any potential air leaks not only helps keep your home warm and cozy, but it also puts less strain on your home’s electrical system.
 

Rewire your home if necessary. 

Ensuring your home’s electrical system is ready for a snowstorm means thoroughly inspecting your home’s wiring. A fully winterized home with energy efficient appliances won’t make much of a difference if the wiring is old and outdated. If your home’s wiring is reaching the end of its lifespan, it’s important to rewire it as soon as possible. Look for the warning signs. Check for frayed or damaged wires, hot to the touch or burnt outlets, a constantly tripping circuit breaker, dimming or flickering lights, or popping, crackling, or buzzing noises.
 

Update your electrical panel if necessary.

The problem may not be with your home’s wiring, but its electrical panel. Your electrical panel is designed to cut off power whenever there is an overload which can result in an electrical fire. An outdated electrical panel is not only a safety hazard, but outdated, and unable to handle your home’s current electrical load. If your circuit breaker trips often, you experience frequent power surges, or you hear buzzing coming from the electrical panel, it may be time for a replacement.
 

If You Need Electrical Maintenance or Repair in Bucks County, Call McHale’s

Our technicians are ready to help you solve any emergency repair your home faces! When you’re having electrical problems, every minute counts. This is especially important during winter weather, so give us a call as soon as you suspect there may be a problem! Some signs of an electrical emergency are:
 
  1. Burning Smells
  2. Power Outages
  3. Arcing Wires
  4. Carbon Monoxide Detection
  5. And much more during a snow storm!

 

Your safety and comfort are our main concern. We offer an $88 Electrical System Check to help prepare you for weather extremes, as well as year-round electrical use!
 
Call today to schedule your $88 Electrical System Check from McHale’s!
By McHales

Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance

Jan 31, 2019

Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance

  • Furnaces

We all go for yearly check-ups with our general physician. This is where our doctor sees how we feel, checks for any health problems, and runs tests to ensure our bodies are functioning properly. Well, your furnace needs the same treatment each year from a professional heating technician. Scheduling annual furnace maintenance is the chance to catch any issues with your heating system and ensure its at peak performance for the Buck’s County winter. When you schedule a furnace maintenance appointment with McHales, you can rest assured knowing our technicians are looking out for your family’s safety and comfort this year. Don’t let a furnace issue catch you out in the cold! Furnace maintenance ensures you’ll have a toasty furnace all season long. 

 

Six benefits of furnace maintenance include:

 

1. Improved efficiency.

An efficient furnace saves you money on your heating bills, and the main culprit in furnace’s running inefficiently is the air filter. After a year of hard work, your filter is full of dust and in need of replacement. A clogged filter puts stress on your furnace causing it to pass air inefficiently or be unable to pass air at all. This disruption in air flow makes your furnace work harder, which costs you money. When you change the filter regularly, it will decrease your bills and give you peace of mind that clean air is being sent into your home.

2. Know you’ll have a warm home this winter.

When you call McHales to come and inspect your furnace, you can rest easy knowing our home will be heated for the rest of the year. All of our technicians are fully licensed and keep up to date with training. If they see any cracks, failing parts, or soot build-up, they will address these issues with you. After a maintenance appointment with one of our technicians, your furnace will be in the best possible shape to run all year.

3. Keep your furnace in warranty.

Some furnaces will only stay under their warranty if you provide annual maintenance. Read the warranty agreement for your furnace closely and see if the company only covers repairs with annual maintenance. You do not want to be stuck paying for a repair that could have been covered.

4. Prolong the life of your system.

When your furnace is running with clogged filters and failing parts, it is not going to work as long. Old belts and corroded heating elements can turn into the type of damage that is past the point of repair. This can leave you to book a full furnace replacement in the middle of winter. By scheduling annual maintenance you are giving your furnace the best chance to have a long lifespan.

5. Catch breakdowns before they happen. 

It’s easy to think having a newer furnace means you can skip a maintenance check. Even if you have a new heating system, getting annual furnace maintenance should be on your list. The way to keep all furnaces running, and avoid calling for emergency repairs, is catching problems before they develop into major issues. We can spot early failure of parts and detect leaks or cracks before they turn into irreparable damage.

6. Decrease health risks for your family.

Furnaces can have potential health risks for your family if left unchecked. Cracks or leaks can release carbon monoxide into the air which is an odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous. Air filters that are not clean can expose you to contaminants that wouldn’t pass through a clean filter. By scheduling maintenance with McHales, you will feel comforted knowing you’ve taken care of your family and their health.

 

Why Choose McHales Inc.?

We have been trusted for over 60 years to protect the heating comfort of families in Bucks County and surrounding areas. Our technicians are licensed to handle any heating issues you may have. If your furnace is worth saving, we will do everything to get it into the best working order. We never recommend a service without fully examining the issue.  

 

With a maintenance appointment from McHales, you can trust that our technicians inspect every part of your furnace looking for these potential issues. We provide timely, professional service and will ensure your furnace is ready to tackle this Bucks County winter. Don’t wait to schedule, call us today at (215) 493-3399!

Take advantage of our $88 Heating Systems Check! 

 

By McHales

Four Ways to Prevent Frozen Piping During the Holiday Season

Dec 27, 2018

Four Ways to Prevent Frozen Piping During the Holiday Season

  • Plumbing

Frozen Pipes in Bucks County, PA

Frozen piping. Two words that have the power to keep homeowners up at night. Why? Because one single occurrence of frozen pipes has the potential to do a lot of damage to your home — and your wallet. If you think you have frozen pipes in Bucks County, call the experts at McHale’s today! 

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes in Bucks County

 When you think of frozen pipes, the first thing you might think of is the inconvenience of not having any water. And it’s true: Until the water in the pipes has thawed again, you won’t be able to get water from your faucets, your toilets won’t flush and you won’t be able to run your washing machine or dishwasher.

However, frozen pipes are much more than inconvenient. They can damage your home. The reason for this is that when the water in the pipes freezes, it expands because ice has a greater volume than water. This expansion can cause the pipes to crack and burst. And when the water thaws out again, those cracks become leaks.

Sometimes they are located in areas that you can see; more often, they’re behind walls, under floors or in the slab, which means you won’t initially see them. Of course, once water starts seeping through the ceiling, you’ll know you have a leak, but by that time, the water damage can be extensive. In the worst case scenario, it can lead to mold growth — and that can affect the structure of your home, not to mention your family’s health.

Four Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

 Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways you can prevent the pipes in your home from freezing, even during the coldest time of year. Keep the following tips in mind:

  1. Always maintain an indoor temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the air around the pipes is warm enough to prevent the water inside them from freezing. Bear in mind that you need to maintain this minimum temperature even at night, as well as when you’re away during the day or on vacation.
  2. Keep the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open. Piping typically runs along the bottom of walls. If you keep the doors of your bottom kitchen and bathroom cabinets open, warm air keeps circulating closer to the pipes in the walls, as well as to the plumbing that’s exposed.
  3. Keep a faucet open. Running water doesn’t freeze. By keeping just one faucet open, water will keep moving through the pipes, which will prevent them from freezing. You don’t have to keep the faucet open all the way; a steady drip is all it takes to prevent frozen pipes in Bucks County. 
  4. Insulate the pipes, as well as your attic, basement, and all crawlspaces. You can purchase insulation sleeves to quickly and easily insulate the pipes, which keeps the water a few degrees warmer. In addition, insulating the attic, basement and any crawlspaces where pipes might be exposed can help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Frozen pipes can destroy your home and your budget. So, keep these tips in mind, and you won’t have to worry about frozen pipes during the holiday season!

If Your Pipes Do Freeze…Call McHale’s for Emergency Service 

Our experienced team of plumbers are industry leaders in skill, attitude, and workmanship. We will treat your home with the utmost respect and complete the project with speed and precision. In the event that your pipes do freeze and burst, McHale’s has you covered. We offer the following emergency plumbing services to not only get you through the holiday season but keep your plumbing working year round: 

  • Emergency plumbing service.
  • Emergency leak repair.
  • Emergency drain cleaning/repair.
  • Emergency water heater repair/replacement.
  • Emergency pipe repair/replacement.

Don’t wait for a plumbing issue to escalate. Call McHale’s today for emergency service! 

By McHales