FAQ
If my drain is clogged, should I use a chemical drain cleaner before I call a plumber?
I wouldn’t recommend this for several reasons; most drain chemicals are very toxic in nature, not a good thing to keep around the home if you have children or pets. If they do make it down the drain we are contributing to global pollution. The toxic chemicals can also have a negative effect on your…
Read MoreI think I am spending way too much on heating and cooling my home. How can I find out for sure?
Start with your utility company; they can help a great deal. How do you know how much is “too much”? Comparing previous bills isn’t always a good measure, as the weather is never exactly the same month to month. Instead, if you take your energy bill and divide it by the square footage of livable…
Read MoreWhat causes your air conditioning unit to frost over?
Air conditioners work by moving warm air over the cooling coil (also know as the evaporator coil). This process removes moisture from the air, which accumulates in the collector pan. This process is also key to maintaining a comfortable environment for your home in the summer. If the air moves too slowly over the evaporator…
Read MoreI have very cold and very warm rooms in my home. Is there anything I can do?
Temperature differences of up to three degrees from room to room are not uncommon, but often one or several rooms are uncomfortably warm or cold. This condition could be caused by a number of factors within your home including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct system design, duct leakage, unwanted heating by the sun in…
Read MoreWhy do I have hot water in my toilet?
You may have hot water in your toilet because of a bad flapper in the toilet tank or a bad fill valve. When a toilet has a mixing valve (to prevent condensation), a little hot water is added to bring the temperature up. When this system is not functioning correctly, you can get a bowl…
Read MoreCan I save money by closing off HVAC vents in rooms I don’t use a lot?
The practice of closing off vents in parts of your home that aren’t being used in order to save money dates back to when homes were heated from a central location, like a fireplace. Back then it worked. Today, homes are equipped with central heating and air conditioning systems which are meant to work at…
Read MoreWhy does the water in my toilet tank keep overflowing?
Oh no! Your toilet is overflowing, and you need to stop it as quickly as possible. Here are some potential solutions to your running commode. It’s clogged! The most common reasons for toilets overflowing is the water not being able to move due to blockage. You can generally fix this by using a plunger unless…
Read MoreWhat Causes the White Substance on My Faucet? What Can I Do About It?
Mineral deposits cause this unsightly buildup. To remove them, pour a cup of vinegar into a plastic bag. Place the bag over the showerhead or faucets and hold it in place with a twist tie overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and gently scrub off the deposits with an old toothbrush.
Read MoreShould I be concerned about carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, can pose a serious threat in some instances and is yet another reason to have your furnace and water heater inspected by A.J. Perri. A carbon monoxide detector is a wise investment. A.J. Perri offers a high quality carbon monoxide detector that has a 5-year warranty.
Read MoreMy water bill is unusually high; what should I do?
This is a plumbing question that needs to be addressed quickly. The most likely explanation for a high water bill is a leak somewhere within your home's water system. Look carefully at all faucets for leaks and check toilets to see if they are running even when not in use. Check all appliances for leaks,…
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