Tag: plumbing repair

Water Heater Troubleshooting in Willow Grove, PA

Nov 03, 2023

Water Heater Troubleshooting in Willow Grove, PA

  • Plumbing
  • Water Heaters
Water Heater Troubleshooting in Willow Grove, PA with McHales.

Description of the Problem

In the tranquil neighborhood of Willow Grove, PA, a homeowner grappled with plumbing issues that demanded immediate attention. The primary concern revolved around the water heater, which exhibited clear signs of wear and tear. The homeowner, while unsure of the water heater’s age and brand, suspected it to be around 25 years old. In addition to the water heater woes, they also noticed elevated water pressure and a noticeable drop in performance from various fixtures. To learn more about water heater troubleshooting in Willow Grove, PA, or related plumbing issues, contact us today at McHales!

Job Site Conditions

Upon inspection, it was revealed that the water heater’s actual date of manufacture was in 2007. Despite this, our experts recommended its replacement due to both its age and the corroded connections on the cold water side leading into the tank. Typically, the life expectancy of water heaters falls within the range of 8-12 years. The conditions observed raised concerns about the water heater’s efficiency and safety.

Furthermore, our team noted that the incoming water pressure was high, warranting a closer look. While normal water pressure typically falls within 50-65 psi, the elevated pressure could lead to various plumbing issues if left unaddressed.

Job Details

To address the plumbing challenges effectively, McHales embarked on a comprehensive approach that encompassed several key tasks:

  1. House Main Shut-Off Valve Replacement: The project commenced with the replacement of the house’s main shut-off valve. This upgrade ensured better control over the water supply to the entire home.
  2. Pressure Testing: Recognizing the potential issues associated with high water pressure, our team planned to retest the incoming water pressure after we replaced the main shut-off valve. This testing would be conducted either when the old water heater could be isolated or during its replacement when a thermal expansion tank was to be installed.
  3. Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Installation: After pressure testing the incoming water, the water pressure was still high. To help minimize pressure we installed a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) on the main water line above the new ball valve. This measure aimed to temper the water pressure down to a safer range, ensuring the plumbing system’s longevity.
  4. Water Heater Replacement: Given the age and condition of the existing water heater, we proposed the installation of a 40-gallon gas Rheem Classic Professional Series tank. This comprehensive package also included the addition of new ball valves, as well as a thermal expansion tank located on the cold water side to meet both code and manufacturer specifications.
  5. Toilet Replacement: After finding various plumbing issues within the home, our team took a peak at the other plumbing fixtures. We found that one of the toilets was also suffering from wear and tear and high water pressure. We replaced this toilet with a Kohler Highline toilet. This upgrade included the installation of the toilet, a wax ring, a chrome supply riser, and caulk, ensuring the toilet’s optimal performance.

Sewer Lateral Inspection

The decision to perform a sewer lateral inspection was driven by our commitment to delivering thorough plumbing solutions. To address plumbing issues, we inspected the entire system with a sewer camera to ensure optimal functionality. Addressing blockages in sewer lines maintained plumbing efficiency and prevented future issues.

Water Heater Troubleshooting in Willow Grove, PA

This plumbing troubleshooting and upgrade project in Willow Grove, PA, showcases McHales’ dedication to resolving plumbing challenges comprehensively. Whether you’re facing water heater issues, high water pressure, or any other plumbing concerns, McHales is your trusted partner in ensuring a reliable and efficient plumbing system in your home. To learn more about water heater troubleshooting in Willow Grove, PA, or related services, contact us today!

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By Brenna Thirkell

Split System Air Conditioners: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

May 15, 2022

Split System Air Conditioners: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

  • Air Conditioning

Keeping up with home maintenance, especially during the winter season can be overwhelming, but the holidays are the perfect time of year to take stock of your appliances. Your HVAC system works especially hard when the snow falls, and it may be time for a replacement. The average lifespan of an air conditioner is 15-20 years, and the older your HVAC unit gets, the less effective it is. Outdated air conditioners are more than just a nuisance; they can cause a variety of safety hazards such as mold, gas leaks, and electrical fires. If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, you might want to consider a split system air conditioner.

When it’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Eventually, it will get to the point that your air conditioner just can’t function as well as it used to. An air conditioner on its last leg not only affects your comfort, but your wallet, and the older it gets, the harder it works. Replacing your air conditioner can be expensive, but a damaged air conditioner can wind up costing you more in repairs and damages, damages which can be dangerous for your home and your health. Luckily there are plenty of warning signs when your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life. Here’s what to watch for.

  • An air conditioner that’s over 10 years old. Most air conditioners have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. If your AC unit is in the double digits, it might be time for a replacement.
  • Your home feels warm and stuffy. It might sound obvious, but if you start noticing that your home feels uncomfortable, the problem might have something to do with your air conditioner. Feel around your AC unit, if you feel little to no cool air, it might be time for a replacement.
  • Your home is dusty. An air conditioner on its deathbed will have a hard time filtering the air in your home, which can result in excessive dust everywhere. If your home seems dustier than usual, it might have something to do with your AC unit.

Why a Split System Air Conditioner Should Be Your Next Air Conditioner

The difference between centralized air conditioning and a split system air conditioner comes down to ventilation. A split system air conditioner doesn’t use air ducts to heat or cool your home which can be ideal for small homes or homeowners planning on adding to their home. As the name implies, a split system air conditioner has two units, one indoors and one outdoors, and are built to efficiently cool your home. Don’t wait if your air conditioner needs a replacement, here is how a split system air conditioner can benefit you

  • It’s easy to install. One great perk for a split system air conditioner is the lack of an air duct system. Packaged or centralized air conditioners are limited by the air ducts in your home, which means you have to install around your air duct system. Instead of connecting the unit to the air ducts, a split system air conditioner only needs two holes drilled in the wall for the copper tubes and wiring. As long as both units are within 100 feet of each other, you can install a split system air conditioner just about anywhere.
  • They’re energy efficient. One of the best perks of a split system air conditioner is its energy efficiency. Since there are no air ducts, there is no energy wasted, because the chilled air or heat is delivered directly into each room. A split system air conditioner gives you more control over which rooms you want to be cooled or heated, meaning you don’t have to run units in rooms that are unused.  
  • It’s quiet. If you want some peace and quiet, rest assured you can with a split system air conditioner. The noisiest parts of an air conditioner, such as the fan and the condenser, are located in the outdoor unit, meaning there is minimal noise when your split system air conditioner is in use.
  • It’s easy maintenance. There’s enough inside your home that requires routine maintenance, and luckily your split system air conditioner is easy to maintain. There’s less to maintain because there are no ducts, and split system air conditioners have washable air filters, and easily accessible outdoor units.
  • You save money on your utility bills. Since a split system air conditioner is built to be energy efficient, it means you can save money on your utility bills. Unlike a centralized air conditioner, a split system air conditioner is built to speed up or slow down the compressor instead of shutting it down entirely, which can save up to 30% on your utility bills. Some split system air conditioners may also qualify for a tax rebate.

Don’t Wait Until the Air Conditioner Busts

Investing in an energy efficient appliance may be a lot cheaper than the upkeep of an older air conditioner. If it’s time to replace your AC unit, a split system air conditioner is the right alternative, as it’s easy to install, cheaper in cost, and easy to maintain. No homeowner wants to deal with a busted air conditioner. Call an HVAC technician today to get started.

Call McHale’s for drain and sewer repair today!

Schedule a consultation with a call to McHale’s today!

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By McHales

10 Warning Signs You Need Drain and Sewer Repair

May 12, 2022

10 Warning Signs You Need Drain and Sewer Repair

  • Plumbing

Although maintaining a fully-functioning drain system is a vital element to the upkeep of any home, this luxury is often taken for granted. Indeed, the literal lifeblood of any home, although most people discount the vitality of maintaining a functioning drain system, its importance becomes evident just moments after it begins to malfunction. Rather than waiting until you are forced to endure mishaps such as leaking, frequent clogging, and more, the following is an overview of 10 warning signs that you need drain and sewer repair. 

1. Water Flooding in the Basement

One of the top tell-tale signs of a drainage problem is spotting standing water in your basement. Given that this is the lowest point of your home, it should come to no surprise that waters from things such as overflowing gutters or a fluctuating water table would convene here. 

2. Strange Gurgling Noises Coming from Drain

Your drain/sewer system should be virtually noise-free. Although there are certainly some exceptions, for the most part, you should not be able to hear what’s going on in your drainage system. If you hear strange gurgling noises coming from your system, this is a sign of some sort of blockage that should be addressed immediately.

3. Foul Odor Coming from Fixture Drains

In addition to that, if you smell any unexplained, unpleasant odors coming from your drain system, this is also a sign of an issue. You should never be able to smell things such as raw sewage assuming your day-to-day activities. If you notice a foul smell that can be likened to that of raw sewage, you may want to contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible. 

4. Home Came with Older Drainage System

Moreover, as with all elements of the home, your drainage system is subject to regular wear and tear. Perhaps, more so than most other elements of your home, your drainage system is one of the most often used parts of your home. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that having a home with an older drainage system would be subject to occasional to frequent malfunctions. 

5. Unexplained Spike in Water Costs 

In addition to that, if you have noticed an unexplained increase in your water bill, this may also be an indication of a drain issue. This is largely due to the fact that sewage system issues are related to things such as leaks and frequent clogs, each of which tends to waste an excess of water which causes an increase in your monthly fees.

6. Poor Water Quality

Moreover, if you have noticed a deterioration in terms of your quality of water, this is a serious sign that you should have your drain system checked immediately. Having drain problems can wreak havoc on your entire water supply by introducing an array of toxic materials and other potentially harmful contaminants. If you notice your water supply appears to be cloudy in nature, that it has a foul odor or anything else you feel is a cause for concern, contact a plumbing professional and have your drain system checked immediately. 

7. Low Water Pressure

In addition to that, if you have noticed that the pressure coming from your sink, bath, or toilet, you should definitely have your system checked. Many systems succumb to things such as tree roots or even feminine hygiene products, among other things. Once your system is sufficiently clogged, you will need a professional to remove the obstruction and get your system back in working order. 

8. Multiple Clogged Fixtures 

Although every drain system is subject to an occasional clog, if you have multiple fixtures in your home all clogged at the same time this is a cause for concern. Given that sewage systems tend to get clogged in the most unreachable places, if your drains seem to be moving more slowly than usual, you may have a massive clog in an unseen area of your home.

9. Slow Drainage

Furthermore, even if your system isn’t actually clogged and is just moving more slowly than usual, this is also a warning sign. In addition to potentially being clogged, your system may just begin to become more sluggish as things cease to work as sufficiently as they once did. 

10. Frequent Overflowing of Toilet

Lastly, if your toilet overflows frequently, this can be a massive sign that you need to have your drain system replaced. Indeed, while a well-functioning drainage system does not typically have such issues, a drainage system has sporadic issues in regards to the random rising and falling of toilet water levels and more. 

Overall, if you do not pay close attention to the early warning signs of your drain system you may end up paying dearly in the end. Not only will you be forced to endure hours, days, or even weeks without a properly functioning drainage system, but you will also put your home at risk for water damage, spikes in service fees and much more. If you can relate to any of the above warning signs, contact a professional plumber today for drain and sewer repair!

Call McHale’s for drain and sewer repair today!

Schedule a consultation with a call to McHale’s today!

Read Reviews From Our Happy Customers!

drain and sewer repair 

By McHales