Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Category: Plumbing

Toilet Flushes

Have you ever been home alone and relaxing when your toilet suddenly flushes for no reason? That isn’t normal. The good news is that the odds of it being a water-wasting poltergeist are low. The bad news is that this is a likely indicator of a leak in your toilet.

Fortunately, we can help you solve this issue. We offer plumbing repair in Fort Collins, CO. This article will help you determine what might be the cause of phantom flushing and how to get it fixed.

Why Does My Toilet Flush on Its Own?

The most common culprit of a flushing toilet is a leak in some part of the system. Essentially, the water drains from the back of the toilet and causes the trigger for the toilet to fill back up. Lose enough water, and it will automatically flush.

The Flapper Needs to Be Replaced

The leak is likely happening in the flapper. These wear out over time or develop a layer of algae that prevents the flapper from sealing tightly. Flappers should be replaced after a couple of years or as they corrode. How often your toilet flushes on its own will tell you the severity of the leak.

There’s a Leak in the Bowl

Another part of the bowl that can cause a leak is the nuts and bolts that connect your toilet. These also corrode over time and can cause water to leak out the back of the bowl, onto the floor, and maybe into the walls. If you notice water residue or build-up around your toilet, turn your water off immediately and call a plumber.

A Leak in the Drain Line

A potentially more serious problem is a leak in the drain line. These may be a bit harder to identify. But, if you notice water around your toilet and some moisture along the drain line, you want to turn off the water supply to the toilet and call a professional.

What to Do

As previously stated, begin by turning off the water and draining the water that’s in the back of the bowl. If you have it handy, check the manufacturer’s instructions to get the proper parts and troubleshoot any issues. If you do not have an instruction manual, then your best bet is to simply start out by coming to a professional plumber.

If you are not able to locate where the leak is happening, then it’s best to give a professional on our team a call. Ignoring a leak or letting it go for too long can cause serious problems. For example, if your toilet is on the second floor, a leak can run into the first floor’s ceiling and cause damage to the walls and flooring.

When in doubt, call our team to get your toilet leak figured out. We know exactly how to figure out what is going wrong and resolve the issue.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment. We’re big enough to serve, but small enough to care.

Twitter

bathroom plumbing

Your bathroom is one of the most vital spaces in your home but it is also where most plumbing issues usually arise. Although it’s common to have plumbing problems in your kitchen, what probably comes to mind when you hear the word “plumbing” is your bathroom.

Once you encounter a bathroom plumbing issue, it’s important to address it promptly and professionally before it graduates into a bigger and more costly repair. In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 top tips to help keep your bathroom plumbing in good shape. Let’s get started!

Remember These Bathroom Plumbing Tips

Here are the top things to keep in mind if you want to improve the quality and longevity of your bathroom plumbing in Windsor, CO:

1. Use drain covers to reduce clogging

Drain covers can go a long way in keeping your bathroom plumbing in good condition. They trap elements such as hair strands, debris, chips of soap, etc., that can easily clog your drain pipes.

Drain covers save you a majority of the trouble of dealing with clogged bathroom drains.

2. Keep trash out of the toilet

Another tip to help you get the best out of your bathroom plumbing is keeping trash out of the toilet. It may appear like a no-brainer that trash is meant for the trash can, but some people often find themselves throwing hygiene waste, such as cotton swabs, makeup pads, etc., in the bathroom drain, which ends up blocking the pipes. Outside of toilet paper, there is little else that should ever get flushed down your toilet.

3. Never use a chemical drain cleaner to address clogs

Anytime we encounter a clogged drain, a quick-fix solution that comes to mind is using a chemical drain cleaner. Although this may be a quick and cheap DIY solution, it may end up causing more harm than good.

Most chemical drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that may erode the drain pipes and will leave behind a majority of the clog, allowing another problem to form rather quickly. A better way to address clogged drains is to work with a professional from a plumbing company to remove or scour away the clog.

4. Upgrade to low-flow appliances to save water

Another best practice regarding bathroom plumbing is upgrading to low-flow appliances. Low-flow plumbing fixtures can help save on water waste, reducing your water bills while still making things more eco-friendly and sustainable in your bathroom.

5. Always go to a pro for professional drain cleaning, leak repair, and more

Although it can be tempting to handle your bathroom plumbing needs as simple DIY projects, it’s advisable to always go for professional services. Hiring the services of professionals has various benefits, such as:

  • The plumbers have years of experience in the field and know the most appropriate way to address each issue.
  • They have the right tools and supplies to ensure efficient plumbing.
  • They are familiar with the plumbing and building codes in your state.
  • They offer expert advice and guidance when needed
  • Professional plumbers help save time and money in the long run.

Maintaining your bathroom plumbing can be overwhelming, but you can get through with the right practices and our expert services.

If you need professional assistance to fix your bathroom plumbing issues, contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

A simple plumbing mishap can turn disastrous under just the wrong circumstances. It can be difficult to know when it’s a problem we can Get Emergency Plumbing Servicestake care ourselves, and when it’s time to call a professional in. Some plumbing issues don’t seem like a big deal until they develop into one, and it’s too late to avoid a costly fix. However, there are telltale signs in the home to be on the look out for in order to avoid a potential plumbing nightmare. It’s smart to be prepared, and know when to contact an emergency plumber in Fort Collins, CO!

  • Burst Pipes

If a pipe in your home has burst, turn off the main water supply before anything else. You need emergency plumbing services right away! During the winter, there is a bigger risk of pipes freezing and bursting. A burst pipe can release gallons of water in a short amount of time, risking flooding.

  • Clogged Drains

In severe cases, a clogged drain can be an emergency issue. Unclogging a drain yourself can leave the job incomplete and lead to future backups. The best method is to take preventative measures against clogs, like installing extra drain hair catchers. However, if you’re dealing with a doozy of one, it might be best to call a professional in.

  • Sewage Backup

Standing water and sewage backing up from the drains and in other parts of the home is a serious issue and needs to be addressed right away. Any direct contact with sewage is a cause for concern and can lead to serious illness. If you notice your drains backing up, especially coming out of unused pipes, call an emergency plumbing service ASAP.

  • Water Leaks

Some leaks are more serious than others; for example, water leaking from the ceiling can lead to the area sagging and potentially leading to a collapse. Standing water is also a cause of mildew and mold, which can develop into even further issues. For more serious water leaks, or those that can develop into one, it’s best to call an emergency plumber to fix it.

  • Water Heater Failure

Vital year-round, losing access to hot running water can be a big problem. While it may only seem like an emergency during the winter months, it will always impact normal household functions like cooking and cleaning. A water heater not working can be a sign of a larger issue, even a gas leak, so it’s best to get it looked at right away.

  • Overflowing Toilet

If you’ve tried the plunger and your toilet is still overflowing, you’ll need to switch the water off, which can leave your entire household dry. You’ll have to call emergency plumbing services, as losing access to running water is always a serious issue.

For most plumbing emergencies, waiting is simply not an option. The sooner a problem is identified and dealt with, the less damage it can cause (and it can cost!).

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re “big enough to service, small enough to care.”

Twitter

bathroom plumbing

We make it an effort to speak and get to know our customers. When we do this, we like to take inventory of any recurring questions we hear. Some of the most common questions revolve around the plumbing system and around bathroom plumbing in particular. Because your plumbing system is so out of sight and out of mind, you might find yourself wondering what’s going on in there without ever getting concrete answers. We want you to know that our professionals are knowledgeable and we’re always available to demystify your plumbing system.

Today, we want to take a deep dive into your bathroom plumbing in Windsor, CO. There are some simple tips you can try out that can make things much easier when it comes to your operation and efficiency.

Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when it comes to your bathroom plumbing.

Keep Your Toilet Strictly Business

It’s important to keep your toilet strictly business. Make sure that the only things going down there are human waste and toilet paper. No trash and no other substances. Please note that we didn’t include wet wipes on our “safe to flush” list. While these wipes are marketed as flushable, your pipes will have a different story to tell. The material creates the perfect storm for a clog. Don’t fall victim to this mistake! Make sure that you’re guarding your toilet against harm.

Make Sure Your Faucets Are Tight

It’s a great idea to tighten up your faucets. If you notice dripping happening throughout the day and night, it’s a good measure to pull out a wrench and tighten it up. A minor drip or leak is still a loss of efficiency. If this issue persists even with your intervention, then it’s time to contact a professional.

Always Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

You never want to choose a chemical drain cleaner to fix a problem. Chemical drain cleaners are bad because they’re full of such harsh chemicals. While it might relieve a clog temporarily, you might notice that the clog comes back or you have new issues with your pipes. This is because the chemicals are so harsh and they can start to corrode your pipes and cause further issues. Professional work is always best.

Note A Clog Right Away

Have you noticed your sink draining slowly? Maybe you’re standing in still water in your shower after you turn your system on for a little while? This is when you should alert a professional. It’s time to make sure that this problem doesn’t develop into a clog. Slow-moving drains are an issue and they’re something that you should address with a professional as soon as you notice the signs.

Protect Your Drains

Make sure that you’re protecting your drains against harm. The simplest way to do this is by getting a drain protector for your shower or sink. Protecting your drains is worthwhile because it will keep hair, soap scum, and other debris away from your home’s drains. This is the best way to avoid clogs and other issues.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment with our professionals. 

Twitter

drain cleaning

One of the most important things to keep in mind when considering HVAC is timing. It’s important to have your air conditioner tuned up in spring, your heater tuned up in fall, and your drain cleaning tuned up on a regular basis. This is why we’re here to talk about drain cleaning in Fort Collins, CO today.

Drain cleaning is something that can be a little tricky. If you’re looking for it to be done the right way, then we suggest our professionals. We strive to make it easy because we’re experienced. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that’s backed by over 85 years of industry experience. Now, let’s figure out if it’s time to clean your drains.

Clean Your Drains If…

It’s time to clean your home’s drain if you’re experiencing any of the following:

High Water Bills

Have you noticed a spike in your water bills that you just can’t explain? If so, then it’s time to get a plumbing professional out by your side. High water bills are a sign that you’re dealing with significant inefficiency somewhere within your plumbing system. This is never something that we want you to deal with long term. It could be due to a small leak or corroded pipe. We’ll figure it out and get you the right assistance.

Bad Scents

When you think of your sewer system or drains, you probably don’t think of this system smelling like roses. While it’s not necessarily going to smell pleasant, it shouldn’t reek or make your home smell awful. If it does, it’s time to schedule an appointment for a drain cleaning.

Mold

Mold is always bad news. If you notice that you have moldy drains, then it’s likely that you have a clog building up in the same area. This is when we suggest professional drain cleaning. Mold is harmful to your personal health. It’s best to address a problem like this as soon as possible.

Standing Water

Have you noticed that there’s standing water in your sink or tub? This is a nightmare scenario for most homeowners. You never want to walk to a fixture in your home and see a pool of stagnant, dirty water sitting beneath it.

Clogs

Are you having trouble with back to back clogs in your home? This isn’t something that you should deal with. Clogging is something that’s going to happen in every home, but repeated clogging within a small frame of time is terrible news. This isn’t the time to turn to chemical drain cleaning solutions. It’s the time to invest in professional care.

Gurgling Sounds

When you pour something down the drain, is the process accompanied by gurgling sounds? Maybe you even notice it causing a backup in other parts of the house. For example, you could have a double sink and one side could drain slowly and cause the other side to gurgle. Any odd occurrences like this are a sign that your pipes need some hands on care. We’re the team that can provide it for you.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your drain cleaning this spring.

Twitter

Plumbing Problem

Your plumbing system is important and it’s a major player in your home’s comfort. You call on your plumbing system when you wash your hands, put a load of clothes in the washing machine, and take a shower. These just aren’t services that you can overlook. This is why it’s so important to know the difference between a regular plumbing call and a plumbing emergency. Knowing the difference between the two will help you address issues promptly.

We’re experts in everything emergency plumbing in Windsor, CO. As professionals, we think it’s part of our job to pass along accurate and helpful information to consumers. This is why we’re prepared to give you a crash course in everything you need to know today.

This Is a Plumbing Emergency

This is what is considered a plumbing emergency in your home.

You’ve Got a Sewer Backup

This is a clear sign of an emergency plumbing issue. Typically this is a problem that you’re going to smell before you see or hear. No matter how you’re alerted to it, a sewer line issue is a problem that you should address as soon as possible. We’re not just saying this because of the stench that it creates. It’s also because of the potential health hazards that it can cause. Sewer problems impede your ability to run your home’s water.

There’s Any Risk of Flooding

The biggest sign of a plumbing emergency is any type of scenario where you think there’s any chance of flooding. Although it’s a little frustrating, there are many circumstances where there might be a risk of flooding due to your home’s plumbing system. This includes things like pipe bursts, the sewer backups we mentioned above, shut-off valve issues, and more. If you feel like there’s a risk of water damage, the best thing to do is get in touch with one of our team members ASAP.

You’ve Burst a Pipe

Pipe bursts aren’t all that common in our area of Colorado, but they do happen from time to time. If one of your pipes gets cold enough to burst, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Burst pipes are an issue you should contact a professional for as soon as possible. This is because it’s one of those plumbing emergencies that typically develop quickly.

You Don’t Have Any Running Water

If you notice that you’re without running water at any time, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with a professional. You need running water in your home. Going without it for an extended period affects your cooking, cleaning, and bathing which is what bumps it up from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown emergency.

Plumbing Problems That Aren’t Emergencies

Here are the plumbing problems that you don’t have to consider emergencies.

  • A plumbing maintenance need
  • Installation of an appliance or faucet
  • Minor repair work
  • inspections

We’re here no matter what you need.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re “Big enough to serve, but small enough to care.”

Twitter

Garbage Disposal Loveland CO

When it comes to your plumbing, you know that your kitchen is one of the most important places for plumbing services. As they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also a place that houses one of your most important plumbing pieces—your garbage disposal unit. If you’re trying to take care of your garbage disposal in Loveland, CO, then you need to start with the dos and don’ts of this system.

When we come out to a home to work on a garbage disposal, we quickly realize that the main issues come from a lack of knowledge. This is why we want to give you an informative crash course in everything garbage disposal today. Here are a few things you should know.

The Dos

Here are a few things that you should do for your home’s garbage disposal.

Trust Professionals

If you ever need service, make sure that you rely on a team of professionals. We’re the only ones who have the expertise necessary to work on your system.

Keep Your System Clean

A clean system is a system that has a better shot of performing at its best. Make sure you’re washing out your sink after doing the dishes and keeping things pristine.

Use It!

There are many things that should never make your way down your garbage disposal, but we don’t want to get you to a point where you’re afraid to use your system. Use your garbage disposal, just make sure you’re using it responsibly.

The Don’ts

The don’ts are going to exist mostly around your home’s garbage disposal care. There are a few things you should never let make their way down your kitchen sink. Here are some:

F.O.G.

F.O.G. (fat, oil, and grease) are the villains in the garbage disposal world. These substances might not seem like they should be such a big deal to the average person, but they’re such a problem because they create a sludge that’s easy for other substances to get trapped in. Once this is stuck in your drain, it’s going to become an issue for everything else going down your system.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds pose the same issue as F.O.G. If you’re pouring coffee grounds down your drain, you’re likely causing yourself unnecessary issues at home. Make sure your coffee grounds make their way into your trash rather than down your sink to save yourself a headache.

Bones

Once you’re done enjoying a meal, make sure that the bones leftover find their way into your trashcan. We know that certain waste like this doesn’t always make a home smell great, but it’s easier to empty your trash more often than to repair your garbage disposal.

Fibrous Vegetables

Celery, onion skin, and any other fibrous vegetables are going to be an issue for your garbage disposal. Make sure this doesn’t pose a threat to your home.

Too Much at Once

Don’t get ahead of yourself! If you’re putting too much down your drain at once, it can cause trouble with your home’s garbage disposal system. Take things slowly to give your garbage disposal the time and space it needs to work.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today. We’re “big enough to service, small enough to care.”

Twitter

Toilet Repair Loveland CO

Are you wondering if there’s trouble with your toilet that you need to deal with? We understand that there are many things that can go wrong with your toilet system, but it’s not always easy to identify what’s going wrong or where it has gone wrong. This is why we’re here to point out any problems that should become a real cause for concern.

If something is so off base that you need toilet repair in Loveland, CO, then it’s important to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Toilet problems are so bad because they’re unhygienic and often inefficient. You’re going to put your home health at risk and spend more money doing so. We never want this to be the case in your home. Instead, we’d like to help you fix your space and improve your plumbing. 

Problems That You Should Act to Fix

Here are a few problems that you should call a professional plumber for this season.

Your Toilet Refuses to Flush

Are you noticing that your toilet just won’t flush? If the handle isn’t the problem and you’ve already established this, then it means that you need to get in touch with a team of professionals. Calling one of our professionals is the first step you need to take to solve one of these issues. We’re the ones who can make sure that every part of your system is in line and ready to perform for you.

Phantom Flushes

A huge problem that might occur with your toilet is those annoying phantom flushes. If you hear water flowing into your toilet bowl even when your system hasn’t been flushed recently, then you’re definitely dealing with phantom flushes. This is a major sign that your system is not flushing properly. This might be a sign that you have some type of trouble with your flapper or a flapper seat. The only way to make sure that this is the problem and it has a clear solution, then you need to get in touch with a team of professionals. Only a professional can help you fix the problem you’re facing definitely.

Leaks

One of the worst things that can happen to your home’s toilet is a leak. Your toilet has quite a few seals and each one has the potential to spring a leak somewhere. We want to help you make sure each one of these spaces is tightened and ready to perform. You should only rely on a professional for this work.

Overflowing Water

If you have overflowing water coming from your toilet, then you’ve definitely noticed the issue. Your toilet is filling and won’t stop. This is a sign that there’s a clear clog somewhere in your home. It doesn’t matter what the cause is, you’re going to need this to stop as soon as possible. If you can’t solve the clog on your own, then our professionals will help you get to the bottom of what’s going on.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment. We’re big enough to serve, but small enough to care.

Twitter

Drain Cleaning Loveland CO

Your home’s plumbing is one of the most important functional aspects of your home. There’s little way around this reality. No one understands the importance of plumbing better than our team members. We make sure that each one of our technicians is educated enough to help you with everything you need.

If you’re looking for someone to handle your kitchen plumbing, gas piping, or even drain cleaning in Loveland, CO, then you can count on the professionals here. We’re going to give you a crash course in everything we do today. If you’d like more detail or like to talk about these services concerning your home specifically, then we’re available to help you. 

What We Do

We pride ourselves on the range of our plumbing services. Here are a few things that we do.

Plumbing Repair

Sometimes things are going to go awry with your plumbing system. It’s bound to happen. Your plumbing system is vast, you rely on it daily, and it’s typically in your home for a considerable amount of time. If you notice that you’re springing leaks or running into other plumbing issues, then we suggest that you start here.

Bathroom Plumbing

Your bathroom might not be the most glamorous part of your home, but it is a vital area. This is why you should have impeccable plumbing here. We’re here to assist with everything you need including cosmetic upgrades, clog removals, or other services.

Kitchen Plumbing

Your kitchen plumbing is going to need care as well. We’re here to provide plumbing for everything in this space.

Gas Piping

Gas piping is something that you always want to leave to a professional. We can handle it for you. We know how to safely install pipes for you.

New Construction Plumbing

We know that the brand-new installation of a plumbing system might feel a little intimidating. We can make sure that your new construction plumbing is as accessible as possible for you.

Repiping

It’s important for you to repipe your entire home when it’s necessary. We can help you determine when this is and help you transition from your current piping system to a brand new one.

Sump Pumps

A sump pump is the best thing you can have in your home to protect it. Having a sump pump in your home is a preventative measure. If you don’t have a good one backed by quality service, then you’re not really protecting your home. We want to help get you the right work. Get in contact with us for what you need.

Drain Cleaning

Have you ever noticed that your drains start to move slowly over time? Maybe you’re also battling issues with unpleasant scents and other drain-related issues. If these are issues that you’re facing, then we want to help you bypass them. Drain cleaning is the best way to do this. Make sure that you get a qualified plumber on your team to perform the work.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning is the company you can trust for your home’s plumbing services. We’re big enough to serve but small enough to care.

Twitter

Kitchen Plumbing

The two heavy hitters when it comes to your homes plumbing are bathroom plumbing and kitchen plumbing. Today, we’re going to focus on the heart of the home—your kitchen!

Your kitchen plumbing is important for the health and functionality of your home. You shouldn’t discount the importance of something like this. If you need a good plumber in Loveland, CO, then we’re here to help you with what you need. We’ve got a few tips for your kitchen plumbing today, but we always have quality service for you as well.

A Few Things You Can Do

Here are a few things you can do to help your home’s kitchen plumbing:

1.      Avoid FOG at All Costs

“FOG” stands for fat, oil, and grease. FOG is something that you never want to go down the drain. This is because FOG might slip down your drain as a liquid, but with a little time, FOG will settle and become sludge.

This sludge is a problem. It becomes a breeding ground for further clogs. Make sure that you take a moment to put these substances in the trash can rather than down the drain. Your garbage disposal can’t handle these types of substances. Sparing your drain of these substances will save you time and money.

2.      Know What Can Go

FOG isn’t the only thing you should avoid when it comes to your kitchen sink. You should invest in a drain strainer for your kitchen sink. Seeds, pits, and pithy food products can all be a problem for your drain. Knowing what to avoid will save you from a plumbing problem in the future.

3.      Don’t Go For Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are the worst when it comes to your home’s drain cleaning services. Chemical drain cleaners might get rid of the problem right away, but it’s going to cause more damage with time.

Chemical drain cleaners are effective… a little too effective. It’s because the drain cleaner is so caustic that it can eat through a clog and then start corroding your drain itself. We know that a chemical drain cleaner might seem like a fast and cheap way out, but it’s actually going to cause you more problems with time.

4.      Invest in Maintenance

It’s worthwhile to invest in maintenance every single year. Maintenance helps you avoid repair problems and breakdowns. It also makes your plumbing efficiency all that it can be. Our team members can take care of you. Contact us to learn more today.

5.      Spring for Upgrades

If you get the base work of your kitchen plumbing down, you should consider springing for upgrades. Spring is the season for everything new. Consider pulling the trigger on purchasing those new faucets or investing in that farmhouse sink that you’ve always wanted.

We can help you find the right appliances and fixtures from great brands. We’ve got the expertise you need to find things that match your home’s needs.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your kitchen plumbing services. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Search

Archive

Archive

Categories

Categories

Tags