Answers to YOUR plumbing questions.
Questions and answers reflect local plumbing consumers concerns. Q & A will be updated periodically as we address new topics and local issues. We are based in Somers, NY and typically service Westchester and Putnam Counties.
Q. Is a snake the best way to clean out a drain?
A. No! It can cause damage to weak pipes.
Q. Are chemicals good for cleaning out drains?
A. Their not good for drains or people.
Q. How soon can you use the sink/tub after chemical cleaning?
A. Depends on product. But, rinse carefully.
Q. Why does water pressure go up and down.
A. You may have up to a 20lb difference in pressure.
Q. What's that stuff floating in my water?
A. Could be anything. Needs to be filtered. Get a Free water test.
Q. What is a Reverse Osmosis Unit
Water filtration system that removes contaminants?
A. Better than bottled water.
Q. What is a bib?
A. Valve for water.
Generally located outside for garden hoses.
Q. Indoor, outdoor, What's the difference?
A. Outdoor bibs are available as "freeze proof".
Q. Do you really have to service a hose bib?
A. No service is required unless it leaks.
Q. The banging on the pipes are loud. Is that bad?
A. Yes, it can weaken joints and supports.
Q. Can break and cause flood.
When pipes bang, will they break?
It is possible to develop leaks?
A. System might need water hammer devices like an Air Chamber.
These are your questions.
Contact us if you have any more questions.
Heating Question and Answers
Gas fired Boiler or Furnace Questions
Everyone has got an opinion on weather gas is better than oil. And you always hear the gas company promoting (even offering great deals on conversions) propane and natural gas. We know that electric is clean but very, very expensive as the primary source of heat. So we're not talking electric. So let me tell you about gas.
Yes! Gas is clean
Gas burns very efficiently and cleanly. The efficient is rated at up to 98%. Ventilation of fumes are more efficient than oil systems. Even the parts for repairs are getting less expensive. Gas heaters can be a boiler or furnace.
Yes! Gas is safe
Gas is safe. Naturally if it is installed correctly it's safe. But here is something to reflect on.
TWO TYPES OF GAS Natural and Propane
Natural Gas is preferred only because it's atomic weight is lighter than air. Soo...if there is a leak the gas will dissipate in the air and rise. And if it does accumulate it would be in the attic, which is normally ventilated..
However, being that propane gas is heaver than air, and if a leak occurred (inside or out), the vapors would seek the lowest spot, which is your basement. The accumulation of the gases can be ignited by electrical switches in the basement. So this in not such a good scenario for the home owner.
The control on the gas and gas line installations are strictly regulated and enforced and adhered to for obvious safety concerns. Because of this control, there are no more gas explosions than there are oil explosions.
The Cost: With any commodity, the price fluctuates. So to compare operation costs would be difficult. But here are some advantages with gas.
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It is cleaner than oil (for our environment too)
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Fuel cost similar to oil
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Replacement part cost less than oil (typically)
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Less yearly maintenance & upkeep
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House requires less maintenance oil leaves sooty residue inside house on walls)
Here is a question we received from a customer we would like to pass on to you.
If you have questions, e-mail us and ask questions
Question:
I have a Heil high-efficiency gas furnace. A few months ago, the inducer motor came on, but no hot air began to blow. I called the repairman, who told me that I had a clogged pilot orifice, and that this was an unusual problem. Now I am concerned about two things:
1. What caused the problem in the first place?
2. Is this likely to happen again? I was home the last time this happened, so I caught the problem immediately. What if I'm not home and the inducer motor keeps running? Will it overheat? Is this dangerous?
Susan
Answer:
The motor will not over heat. you don't need to worry about that. The other question, yes it is likely to happen again, but not until the the furnace sits for the whole summer again. Because the furnace is not used over the summer months you get a little condensation in it and this can cause the very thin orifice to clog up.
This is not unusual at all, and is nothing to worry about. If the repair person cleaned it out good enough, you will not have anymore problems with it for the rest of this heating season.
Please Post Your Question Here Questions@bleakleyplumbing.com
Your Question and it's Answer will be posted sometime soon.
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