We don't often think about electrical glitches around the home, but these little electrical issues can be a real hazard, causing house fires and electrical shock.
Here are some of the most common electrical warning signs that could signal a more serious problem with your home's electrical system.
1. Circuit Breakers That Repeatedly Trip
A tripped circuit is a sign that the breaker is working correctly to prevent an overload. However, if a breaker is repeatedly tripping, it could be a sign that there is too large an electrical load on the circuit. In most cases resetting the breaker restores power, but in some cases the breaker cannot be reset, and it keeps tripping. Never attempt to press a breaker if it won't reset, you're likely to start an electrical fire. If a breaker refuses to reset on the first try, leave it off and call an electrician.
2. Lights That Flicker Or Turn Off Unexpectedly
In some cases this is just a loose light bulb. However, it could also be a sign of a loose wiring connection or a light fixture that has worn out and is in need of replacement. Turn off the power to the fixture and investigate the supply wiring and the fixture itself. A qualified electrician should inspect the wiring and test the circuit breaker to ensure it's operating safely.
3. Outlet Face plates That Are Warm To The Touch
Heat is a symptom of resistance caused by excessive electrical load operating on an outlet, improperly sized wiring or a loose electrical connection. Note that It's common for dimmer switches to be warm. Unless the face plate itself is actually too hot to touch, a warm dimmer switch or dial is not a sign of a problem in most cases.
4. Loose Switches and Outlets
Loose switches or outlet that are not properly mounted to the electrical box could cause overheating and a short circuit. Shut off power to the switch or outlet, remove the faceplate and ensure that it is securely attached to the stud.
5. GFCI Outlets That Trip Repeatedly
If an appliance or tool repeatedly trips a GFCI, try plugging it into another GFCI outlet. If it keeps tripping the circuit, the appliance or tool may be the problem. If it works, the ground fault or GFCI outlet receptacle is likely defective and should be replaced.
Published in
Electrical Tips & Advice
Wednesday, 23 June 2021 18:42
Improve the Air Quality In Your Home With Ventilation Fans
Written by MR Plumbing
Do you find that you're opening windows in a bathroom that gets too hot and steamy? Does your kitchen get so smokey it sets off your smoke alarms? Does your living room have high ceilings that make it too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. The solution to all these problems is improved ventilation.
Fans play an important role in maintaining a comfortable, healthy indoor environment. They remove odors and excess humidity, help your central heating and cooling system work more efficiently and provide evaporative cooling.
Whole-House Fans
Whole house fans are designed to circulate air throughout a home's ductwork. It is sometimes confused with an attic ventilator fan (see below), which exhausts hot air from the attic to the outside through an opening in the roof. In some cases, a whole house fan can take the place of a home's air conditioning system by circulating air during times of the year when it's not too hot, particularly when combined with ceiling fans.Bathroom Exhaust Fans
A bathroom exhaust fan is designed to remove stale, humid air from bathrooms, laundry rooms and other enclosed spaces with high humidity. They improve air quality and reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew growth. Bathroom fans are also helpful in laundry rooms, where clothes washers and driers can generate a lot of heat and humidity in enclosed spaces.When installing any kind of exhaust fan it's important to ensure that the fan is ducted to the exterior of the house and not into the attic.
Attic Fans
Most attics are not connected to a home's ventilation system for heating and cooling. An attic fan, also called an attic ventilator, regulates the heat level of a home's attic by exhausting hot air, which in turn helps your home's heating and cooling system work more efficiently. They are usually controlled by a thermostat that automatically turns the fan off and on, or less frequently they are controlled by a manual switch. An attic fan can be gable mounted or roof mounted.Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a popular choice for improving airflow in rooms, as well as serving as lighting fixtures and enhancing room decor. While a ceiling fan doesn't actually lower the temperature, it circulates the conditioned air where it's needed most and provides evaporative cooling.Have fan questions? Give MR Plumbing a call. We install all types of ventilation fans.
Published in
Electrical Tips & Advice
Thursday, 10 June 2021 20:40
Prevent Plumbing Failures From Damaging Your Home
Written by MR PlumbingTake These Steps to Prevent Expensive Water Damage
When plumbing systems fail in the home it can be more than inconvenience, it can lead to significant damage. Here are a few of the most common points of failure and what you can do to head off disaster.
Frozen Pipes
Pipes are most likely to freeze when they are located near an exterior wall or in an unheated crawlspace. It's important to seal holes and cracks in the foundation to prevent cold air from entering during cold weather. When very cold weather is in the forecast it can help to open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer interior air to circulate. If the temperature gets extremely cold it can also help to allow a slow trickle of water to flow from faucets. The circulates the water, reducing the chance of freezing and pressure building up inside the pipe.Washing Machine Hoses
One of the most common causes of catastrophic water leaks are burst washing machine hoses. If the washer is on an upper level of the home it can lead to a major flood and expensive damage – one that may not be covered by homeowner's insurance. Inspect the hoses regularly for signs of wear and replace them if they show signs of deterioration. We recommend installing braided stainless hoses for added strength.Water Heaters
Water heaters are another common source of water leak damage in the home. Leaks can be the result of corrosion in the tank, or relief valves and other components failing. Inspect the tank at least every 6 months for signs of leaks and have problems repaired promptly. It's also important to maintain your water heater by flushing the tank regularly to remove sediment from the tank that can lead to corrosion over time.Sump Pumps
A sump pump is an important plumbing appliance that is designed to remove water from a basement or crawlspace in the event of flooding. The sump pump sits inside a pit that is designed to capture the water. When the pit fills up a float switch on the sump pump turns on the pump, which removes the water and drains it outside the home. Test the sump pump regularly by slowly filling the sump pump pit with water. The pump should turn on, remove the water, then shut off. If it doesn't start up, or fails to shut off, contact MR Plumbing to inspect the sump pump.Hidden Water Leaks
While significant water leaks rarly go unnoticed for long, hidden water leaks inside the home can cause damage inside walls and to the home's foundation. Water leaks can also lead to unhealthy mold and mildew growth. Signs of hidden water leaks can include a sudden increase in your water bill, a pump sound that occurs more frequently, water stains or mildew on ceilings or walls.Water Alarms & Automatic Shut-off Valves
There's a simple device that can provide some peace of mind from plumbing failures: a water alarm/automatic shut-off valve. A water alarm can detect even the smallest water leak by sensing a loss of water pressure. When a potential leak is detected the water alarm sends a signal to shut off the water supply valves. Another place where water alarms can prevent a disaster is with water heaters. When the bottom of the tank leaks, the amount of water released can quickly flood a basement. A water alarm sets off an alarm that alerts you of the problem so you can take action to stop the leak.Have plumbing questions? Call MR Plumbing, we're here to help.
Published in
Plumbing Tips & Advice
More...
Reducing water usage around the home not only helps to conserve and protect our critical water supply, it also saves energy, reducing your utility bill. Conserving water saves energy by reducing the cost of water treatment, heating water and running appliances that use water. In fact, according to the EPA, if every U.S. home had efficient plumbing fixtures the U.S. would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water, and an estimated $18 billion dollars per year!
Water Conserving Toilets
Toilets typically are responsible for most water wasted in the average home, consuming as much as 30 percent of an average home’s (indoor) water. If your toilets were installed prior to 1994, there is a good chance it uses more than 1.6 gallons of water when flushed.Consider replacing older toilets with a current EPA standard 1.28 gallon model. As an alternative for older larger tank toilets, you can conserve water by placing a small water filled bottle into the toilet tank to reduce the displacement.Low-Flow Shower Heads
Showering accounts for around 20 percent of an average homes indoor water consumption. Today's low flow shower heads can reduce water consumption by as much as 70% will still providing a strong spray of water.Efficient Faucets
If your home has older, inefficient faucets that use more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), consider replacing them with high-efficiency faucets that have a flow rate of less than 1.5 gpm. Alternatively, you can add an aerator or flow restrictor to the faucet to easily reduce its water flow.Tankless Water Heaters
Storing and heating a large volume of water in a tank takes a lot of energy. Heating the water only when it's needed greatly reduces the energy needed to heat water in the home. Tankless water heaters will cost more to install than a conventional tank-style water heater, but you'll save money over the long run in lower energy costs, and a longer lifespan of water heater. You'll also enjoy a virtually endless supply of hot water.For all your energy efficient plumbing needs, call MR Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric. We're here to help.
Published in
Plumbing Tips & Advice
Reducing Humidity In the Home
Your central air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool during the hot and humid summer days. However, much of the heat and humidity could actually be coming from inside your home. Here are the main heat sources in the home that can make your AC work harder.
1. Lighting - If you're using incandescent light bulbs as much as 90% of the energy sent to the bulb is converted to heat. Consider upgrading to more energy efficient CFL or LED, which run much cooler while using far less electricity.
2. Cooking - Kitchens are a major source of heat and humidity inside the home. When the weather is hot, cook outside on a grill or use a microwave instead of an oven or range.
3. Laundry - Clothes dryers generate a lot of heat and humidity. Consider hanging clothes outside on a laundry line. Or, have an exhaust fan installed in the laundry room to vent the hot air outside.
4. Dishwashers - During hot weather washing dishes in the sink will reduce heat and humidity. If you run the dishwasher turn off the heat dry and let the dishes air dry instead.
5. Ventilation - Bathrooms and kitchens create a significant amount of humidity in the home. If existing ventilation fans are not effective at removing the humid, stale air, consider installing new ventilation to circulate the air.
Published in
Air Conditioning Tips & Advice
Many homeowners only think about their sewer line when there's a major problem. When problems occur, there are many questions to consider. Here are some of the most common questions we receive from homeowners about their sewer lines.
1. How long will my sewer line last?
How long a sewer will last depends on a number of factors including the pipe material, proximity to trees, etc. If your sewer line is more than 40 years old, it may need replacing. Even if the home is newer, the plumbing may be connected to an older sewer pipe.2. If the sewer line is damaged, who is responsible for repairing it?
In most municipalities, homeowners are responsible for maintaining the sewer line from the home to the sewer main.3. Does homeowner's insurance cover sewer line damage and repair?
Most insurance policies do not cover repairs to sewer lines caused by gradual wear and tear. Before problems occur, check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if it covers sewer pipe repair or replacement.Some insurance companies will add a sewer and drain endorsement to your policy to cover losses related to a sewer line backup, to cover damage to your home.
4. What causes sewer line damage?
The most common problem with older homes built prior to 1980 is damage from tree roots that have invaded the joints of the pipes. Other causes include acts of nature, accidental damage from digging to close to the pipe, and inevitable deterioration to the pipes over time.5. How can I prevent damage to my sewer line?
Even if your home is newer, regular video sewer line inspections are good insuarance. By inspecting the pipes for bulges, joint failures, cracks and tree root intrusion, you can prevent a costly sewer line backup and extensive repairs.6. My sewer line is damaged, what are my options?
In the past, your only option was to dig a trench in your yard to gain access to the damaged section of the pipe. With newer trenchless sewer line repair technology, we can often repair a damaged sewer line from inside the line itself by cleared and the damage section and relining the damage section of the pipe.
Published in
Plumbing Tips & Advice
Wednesday, 14 April 2021 16:43
Electrical Warning Signs - When to Call an Electrician
Written by MR PlumbingElectrical Warning Signs - When to Call an Electrician
Electrical problems often go unnoticed until there is a significant problem, such as a short circuit, a tripped breaker, or in the worst case, an electrical fire. By paying attention to the warning signs of an outdated or malfunctioning electrical system, and calling an electrician before major problems occur, you can ensure your home will be safe from electrical hazards such as fires and accidental electrocution.
1. Electrical Service Panel
A common problem with older homes is an undersized service panel. The electrical needs of a 1950s household were quite different from today's households. An undersize service panel will not only limit a home's functionality, it can cause safety problems. At minimum, the panel should be rated for 200-amps.
2. Worn Out Wiring
Fiberglass-insulated wiring is commonly found in older homes and can fray over time, exposing the wire and increasing the odds of a malfunciton. Check where the wires pass through the walls and ceiling joists, these are the most common problem areas.
3. Ungrounded Circuits
Even if electrical receptacles have a ground prong a plug-in voltage tester should be used to make sure they are in fact grounded. The plug-in tester will also alert you if the polarity is wrong or if the circuit has other wiring problems like a lost neutral or a lost feed. All two-prong circuits should be upgraded to three-prong grounded outlets.
4. Dimming of Flickering Lights
Check for lights that are dim or blinking. Dimming bulbs are often a sign that there are voltage changes occurring in the circuit. A licensed electrician should inspect the circuit for loose wiring or other issues.
5. Loose Wire Connections
Inspect junction boxes to ensure the wiring is well connected. Don't touch the wiring, just inspect it. If you find potential problems, turn off the breaker and call an electrician.
6. Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are required on every floor of the house. If the detectors are not working, install new 9-volt batteries and re-test them to ensure they are functioning.
7. GFCI Receptacles
GFCI receptacles should be installed in areas where electrical appliances are more likely to come in contact with water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outside of the home.
8. Burn Marks
Look for signs of burning or scorching around receptacles, light switches and light fixtures. If scorch marks are visible, the circuit experienced a short at some time. Ensure that the circuit was properly repaired or the broken receptacle or switch was professionally repaired.
9. Inadequate Electrical Circuits
If you're replying on extension cords to plug in appliances, or are frequently resetting tripped breakers, it's a sign that your electrical system is not adequate for your electrical needs. Have your electrician install additional outlets and upgrade you electrical panel to match your needs.
Need a professional electrical inspection? Call MR Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric. We're here to help.
Published in
Electrical Tips & Advice
When areas of your home are too hot or too cold, regardless of how you set the thermostat temperature, it would seem to make sense to open or close air registers to control the temperature in each room. Or, you may decide that unoccupied rooms should have air registers closed and doors closed to save on heating and cooling costs.
Here's why this is not a good idea to manage the climate in your home by selectively opening and closing air vents. When a central heating, cooling and ventilation system (HVAC) is installed in a home the amount of air volume carefully calculated to match the size of the furnace and air conditioner. By sectioning off areas of your home you will not make the the system work less, it will simply send the same amount of conditioned air to the remaining air ducts and vents throughout your home. Add to this the fact that a typical home's duct work loses 20-30% of conditioned air though leaks, and even more energy is being wasted.
Closing air vents and doors also increases the air pressure inside your home's air ducts. This in turn causes the blower fan work harder to force the air through the system. This will increase the risk of the AC evaporator coil freezing or the furnace heat exchanger overheating.
The important point to remember is that your home's heating and cooling is designed to work as a system, using the air volume inside your entire home. Closing one or two air registers is not going to cause significant issues, but for each vent that is closed remember that the overall performance of your central heating and cooling system is being compromised.
If you have uneven temperatures in your home, have the system inspected by a qualified HVAC technician. They will check the size of your heating and cooling system, the duct work and other components to find solutions for rooms that are either to hot or too cold.
Have questions about your home's heating and cooling system? Give MR Plumbing, Heating, Air, Electrical a call, we're here to answer all your heating and cooling questions.
Published in
Air Conditioning Tips & Advice
What Our Fans Are Saying About Mr. Plumbing!
-
"M & R were very professional. The bathroom came out great - looks like a bathroom in a brand new house. All work was done on time and the workmen were extreme professional throughout the entire project We would highly recommend M & R Plumbing."– Diane C.
Guild Quality Review
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4