Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Plumbing

Don’t Ignore Any Signs of Plumbing Leaks!

June 8, 2020

Out of sight, out of mind. If you want to minimize as much stress as possible from your life as a homeowner, then there is one thing that you should put out of your mind—and that is that very phrase! Just because something is out of sight does not mean that you can afford to put it out of mind—and we mean the word “afford” quite literally. Many plumbing leaks, for instance, develop in areas that you cannot actually see with the naked eye.

However, that does not mean that you should just ignore them. Nor should you ignore any plumbing problems because they seem, in your opinion, too “minor” to really worry about. Trust us, we’ve had plenty of plumbing repair calls that were the result of ignoring “minor” problems. When it comes to your plumbing in Loveland, CO, you can’t always anticipate problems. But when you know some warning signs to look for, you can at least act fast!

How’s Your Water Pressure Doing?

Nothing gets the day started like a nice, invigorating shower, right? Well, it can really put a damper on your day if you start it off by being annoyed due to low water pressure. Don’t just write this off as an annoying situation, though. Think of this as a potential sign of a plumbing leak!

Now, if you’ve always struggled with water pressure in your home, there may be a more comprehensive problem to address. If it’s a new occurrence, though, then a leak is the prime suspect. Is the pressure low in just one fixture? Then you may have a supply line leak. Throughout the whole house? That could indicate a main water line leak—nothing to take lightly!

Noticing Strange Staining?

When you live in a house, you’re going to wind up with stains. Stains on the carpet, stains on the couch, stains on the—ceiling? Walls? What? Don’t downplay what such stains are telling you. Water staining is one of the most common and obvious signs of plumbing leaks.

Even if you have stains on the floor, walls, or ceiling where you’re certain no plumbing pipes run through, that doesn’t mean that a plumbing leak is not the cause of the problem. Water follows gravity, and can travel along construction materials. The symptom may appear quite far from the actual leak itself. We’ll find it for you, and fix it right.

Hear Running Water?

If you’re out camping or relaxing by a brook on a hot day, then the sound of running water can be quite soothing and relaxing. If you’re just sitting in your house, not using any water, and you hear water running, though, it’s not nearly as relaxing. And it shouldn’t be! It should send you to your phone, our number in hand.

If you can’t locate the source of the running water sound, try shutting off the main water valve in your home. If you still hear running water, or you see the water meter ticking upward, then you have a leak that needs to be pinpointed and addressed.

Schedule your plumbing services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Can a Tankless Water Heater Save Me Money?

May 11, 2020

The answer to the question posed in the title of this blog is, yes, a tankless water heater can save you money. However, there is a lot to consider when deciding if a tankless water heater in Fort Collins, CO, is actually the right system for your needs and personal user preference. Plus, there is your budget to consider. Because a tankless water heater can certainly save you money, you have to look at it as a long term investment.

A lot of homeowners thinking about using a tankless water heater stop thinking about it when they see the price tag on these systems. It is true that they cost more than traditional tank water heaters do. That initial investment should not necessarily deter you, though, because the improved efficiency with which these systems operate can offset that initial investment and save you money provided that you give it the time to do so. Call our plumbers today if you’re thinking about going tankless.

If There’s No Tank, Where’s the Water?

For many homeowners, the mention of a water heater conjures up the classic image of a big, cylindrical tank in the basement. This was the standard for so long that it can be difficult to imagine providing hot water throughout a house without a tank of hot water waiting at the ready. That is exactly what is accomplished in using a tankless, or “on-demand,” water heater, though.

Rather than store hot water in a tank, a tankless water heater simply heats the water that you need, when you need it. Cold water circulates through the system when you open a tap or run an appliance using water in the house. If it’s hot water that you’re looking for, the system heats that water as it passes through. When you shut off the hot water, the system stops heating it. It’s just that simple. But why pay more for a water heater, just to ditch the tank?

No More Standby Energy Loss

Modern hot water tanks are very well-made and are very well-insulated. The fact remains that no water heater tank is immune to the effects of standby energy loss, though. Keep in mind a basic principle of heat—it moves from warmer areas to cooler ones. And the air surrounding your water heater is definitely way cooler than the hot water stored inside the tank, right?

That means that some energy is going to transfer through the tank and into the cooler air surrounding it. It may not be much heat, but over the years that is going to really add up. This is why so many homeowners are starting to turn to tankless systems, despite them being more expensive.

Long Term Energy Savings—and We Mean Long Term!

An added benefit to the tankless water heater is the fact that it has such a long lifespan. If you plan to be in your home for many years to come, don’t be turned off by investing in this relatively expensive technology. Where a tank water heater has lower efficiency and lasts around 12 years or so, a more efficient tankless water heater can last in excess of 20 years! That means a lot of years of improved efficiency and energy savings!

Schedule your water heater services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Low Water Pressure Comes with a High Cost!

April 13, 2020

Picture this. You’re running late for the workday. Got out of bed a bit later than you’d intended. That’s okay, it happens to everyone. You throw on the coffee pot, jump in the shower—and make do with the weak stream, little more than a sputter, spewing forth from the showerhead. Now an inconvenient morning has become just that much more frustrating. Do not forget about this issue as you rush to go about the rest of your day.

Low water pressure is not just an inconvenience. It may indicate a very serious issue with your plumbing system at large. If you find yourself facing down an issue with low water pressure, it is definitely in your best interest to schedule service with a professional plumber in Severance, CO, immediately. The longer that you wait to do so, the greater the risk to your plumbing system. This is not a time when rolling the dice is going to pay off in any way.

Is This a Localized Problem?

When we say localized, we don’t mean local to your neighborhood. We mean local to a specific area in your home. If you have a single fixture that is suffering from low water pressure, then you almost certainly have a leak in the supply line running to that fixture. Now, this is more serious than you may realize.

Sure, only one fixture is compromised, but that does not mean that you don’t have a major problem on your hands. That pipe could be leaking somewhere behind your walls or beneath the floor, so you don’t really recognize the extent of the issue. Or you don’t at first. Before long, you could be dealing with major water damage, wood rot, and even the proliferation of biological pollutants like mold.

Is It an Issue Throughout the House?

If you notice that you have low water pressure throughout your entire home, then chances are that you don’t have a leak in every individual pipe serving every individual fixture. It’s much more likely that you have a main water line leak. There is a pretty simple way to test this. Shut off all of the water in the house, check the meter, then recheck it an hour or so later. If that meter is going up, it means that water is still coming in, even if you’re not using it.

Of course, there may be even more obvious signs. Like a new, growing pond in the yard, or a very unfortunate swimming pool filling up where your basement used to be! If you notice any such issues, you really need to call us right away. You’re at risk of serious water damage, potentially even to the foundation of your home.

What About the Neighbors?

This is something too many homeowners forget about. Unless you’re using a private well, you’re getting the water in your home from the same main water line as your neighbors. If you notice a sudden drop in pressure, get in touch with them. If they notice the same thing, then you’re probably looking at an issue that the municipality needs to resolve. Give them a call, and they may be able to give you a timeline.

Schedule your plumbing services with the company you can trust: Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Be Mindful of What You Flush!

March 30, 2020

One issue that few of us saw coming as the world deals with a viral outbreak is a lack of toilet paper. Lo and behold, though, toilet paper has become something of a commodity in certain areas. We hope that you’ve got everything that you and your family need stocked up and at your disposal. If, however, you do find yourself running out of toilet paper, think twice before you try and flush an alternative down your toilet!

Our plumbers are very skilled at removing clogs and getting toilets flushing again, and we will certainly be there for you should you need us. Right now, we understand that a plumbing problem is probably not something you really want to be thinking about, though. Prevention is key if you want to avoid plumbing issues, so we’ve got a few tips to help you keep your bathroom plumbing in Loveland, CO, as reliable as possible.

Hey, Paper Is Paper, Right?

Are paper towels and toilet paper very similar in terms of what they’re composed of? Sure. Does that mean that you can flush paper towels down the toilet the same way that you flush toilet paper? Absolutely not!

Remember, just because something can be flushed down the toilet does not mean that it is going to make it all the way through your drain and sewer system. Paper towels may be paper, but they are not designed to break down easily the way that toilet paper is.

Facial tissue might be a little better, and you may be able to get by with it if you’re flushing very small amounts very frequently. Really, though, your best bet is to throw this stuff in the trash can when you’re done with it if you have no other choice but to use it in the bathroom. Is that as convenient as flushing it? No. Is taking the trash out very frequently more convenient than dealing with serious clogs? Absolutely.

Don’t Be Fooled by “Flushable” Claims

Again, there is a difference between “flushable” and something that is actually going to get through your system with no issues. Perfect example? Flushable wipes. If you have wipes in your home and you don’t have toilet paper, then you’re not too bad off. However, again, those wipes should be going in the trash, not down the toilet.

Baby wipes are a great option for hygiene, but they just don’t break down the way that paper products do. That goes for pretty much anything claiming to be “flushable” that is not toilet paper. Trust us, we get called out to plenty of service calls where pipes are clogged due to flushing “flushable” products. Better to play it safe than sorry here.

Schedule Your Plumbing Services with Our Team

This is a trying time. It is a confusing time. You don’t need any other stress on your plate right now. When you choose to work with our plumbers, you won’t be adding any.

Contact the company you can trust today: Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning!

Use Gas Piping Safely On Your Property

March 16, 2020

If you use natural gas in your home, you don’t need us telling you how great a resource it is. It is piped directly into your home, eliminating the need for fuel deliveries or for storing fuel. It is a largely domestic product, so you don’t have to worry about volatile markets and the pricing spikes that come with them quite as much. Plus, it is just so versatile! Homeowners use natural gas for everything from heating their homes to fueling their water heaters, ovens and ranges, and even their clothes dryers.

Like most any other fuel source, however, natural gas can be dangerous if not used and/or delivered throughout your home properly. That is where the necessity for professional gas piping services comes into play. You can’t do better than working with our plumbers in Loveland, CO. We aim for your 100% satisfaction with every job that we do, and your safety is even more important! Let us help you use gas safely.

Natural Gas Is Combustible, and Leaks Are a Serious Problem

Obviously, natural gas is a combustible fuel, and fires or explosions are possible when this gas is ignited. That’s a good thing in a controlled environment, of course. It’s how a gas furnace is able to generate heat and how your oven is able to cook that nutritious dinner for your family. When natural gas leaks develop, though, things get very dangerous very quickly. That is why it is so important that your natural gas appliances and piping are installed and serviced by trained professionals.

When you hire us to install your gas piping, everything is done with the utmost care and local codes are satisfied. Again, your safety is among our most serious priorities. By no means should you avoid natural gas because it’s dangerous. Pretty much any fuel is dangerous is if you’re not able to use it properly in your home.

Natural Gas Leaks: How to Spot Them

If you’ve ever smelled natural gas, then you know that its odor is actually pretty hard to ignore. Simply put—it stinks! What you may not realize is that this sulfuric stench is actually very deliberate. Natural gas, in fact, is odorless in its most natural state.

That smelly, rotten egg odor is the result of an additive put into the gas. And why would something so gross smelling be added to natural gas? To keep you safe! Again, you’d have trouble ignoring this odor if you smelled it in your home, and that is the entire point. If you smell this eggy odor in your house, exit the premises and contact the appropriate utility/service immediately.

You should also take note of this odor outside your home. Natural gas is piped in from a main gas line, and you may develop a leak in your main delivery line. You may notice that vegetation is dying off in the proximity of your gas line, too. That’s a strong indicator that you may have a gas leak on your hands.

Schedule your gas line services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Are Plumbing Problems Plaguing Your Bathroom?

January 20, 2020

Your bathroom is the apex of the plumbing system in your home. Yes, you have a water heater tucked away somewhere in your house. And sure, you have plumbing fixtures in your kitchen. But when you hear the word “plumbing,” we’re willing to bet that it’s the bathroom that springs to mind. And that makes sense. It’s where most of your direct interaction with your plumbing system takes place. Unfortunately, due to this concentration, it’s also where many plumbing problems will surface.

When you encounter bathroom plumbing issues, and encounter them you will, you’ll need to get in touch with a professional plumber in Windsor, CO, immediately. The longer that you wait to do so, the worse off your plumbing system is going to be. Trust us, we’ve dealt with many extensive, complex, and costly bathroom plumbing repairs that could have been a lot more minor had the homeowner acted faster.

Clogged Drains and Toilets

If there is one plumbing problem that we can all but guarantee that every homeowner will run into eventually, it’s the dreaded clog. Clogs aren’t always that serious, but failure to take clogs seriously can definitely lead to much more serious problems than you may realize. Let’s put it this way—if you can effectively clear a clog with a few pumps of the plunger, great. Problem solved. If you can’t resolve the clog that simply, do not turn to online tips or tutorials for what to try next. You need the help of a professional.

Remember, there is a world of difference between removing enough of a clog to allow water to pass through, and effectively clearing that clog to resolve the current and also to help prevent the problem from developing again before long. When it comes to lasting results, professional drain cleaning is the way to go.

Leaks of All Kinds

That dripping faucet may just seem like a bit of an annoyance, but consider this—you are paying for every drop of water that comes out of that faucet and goes down that drain, regardless of whether or not you are actually using that water. This can be a major waste of water and your hard-earned money over time, not to mention the environmental impact of consistent water waste.

Then there are those leaks that seem a lot more pressing because they are either disrupting your life or putting the condition of your home at risk. We’re talking a leaking toilet tank that renders your toilet inoperable, leaks that are occurring behind walls or beneath floors, etc. Remember, by the time you actually notice a leak, there is a good chance that this leak has been in action for a while already. That means that some damage may have already occurred, and is only going to get worse. This is not a time to delay in scheduling professional plumbing services. We’ll find the source of the leak accurately, and we’ll resolve it completely.

Schedule your plumbing services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Why Isn’t My Hot Water Hot Enough?

January 6, 2020

Certain parts of your plumbing system see direct interaction every day. Your toilet, your shower, the kitchen sink, etc. The real backbone components of your plumbing system are mostly out of sight, but that doesn’t mean that they should ever be out of mind. Here we’re talking about your water supply pipes, drains, and, yes, your water heater. Just because homeowners don’t regularly interact directly with their water heaters in Loveland, CO, doesn’t mean they should take them for granted.

Too often homeowners do just keep their water heaters out of mind, at least until something really goes wrong with the appliance. Don’t wait for your water heater to break down or spring a leak before giving it some needed TLC! Remember, this water heater is working for you each and every day—those hot showers depend on it, even if you’re not really thinking about it every time you use hot water.

Has the Problem Been Consistent?

Most people can put up with something like cool showers for a while. Some may stubbornly hold out longer than others. However, everyone has their breaking point. So, let’s ask this—are you reading this post because your current water heater has always failed to deliver water that is heated to your liking?

If so, the unfortunate truth is that your water heater may just be undersized for the task at hand. If you’re running the dishwasher while showering, or you’re last in line for the shower when everyone is getting ready in the morning, then the water heater may simply not be replenishing the supply quickly enough. An appropriately-sized water heater, or more strategic use/timing, is the only fix here.

Has Your Water Heater Been Maintained?

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard this cliched advice at some point. And you know what?

It’s terrible.

Your water heater is working hard every day, and that means it is incurring a lot of wear and tear. The degradation in operational quality may be gradual, but it is happening. Routine maintenance will help us to keep your system free of sediment, ensure that gas delivery is safe and proper, that your heating elements are functioning correctly, and more. That means better performance with greater peace of mind.

It May Be Time for a Change

Like any other system or appliance in your home, your water heater may simply be ready for retirement. We understand that you want to wring every last drop out of the systems that you pay for, but keep this in mind. The fact that your water heater can be repaired does not mean that your water heater is worth repairing.

We have great plumbers on our staff. They can do great things, and they excel at water heater repairs. If your system is old and unable to keep up with the performance that you need due to overall degradation over the years, a full replacement is really the way to go.

Schedule your water heater services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Yes, Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance Too

November 25, 2019

Tank water heaters are probably what you’re most familiar with when we mention these systems. They’re large, noticeable, and oftentimes can be a bit noisy. This is the traditional water heater model found in most homes, so many people realize that they need maintenance from time to time.

Scaling is something that occurs in these systems and allows for a mineral buildup that clangs around noisily. This can actually hurt the system—casing problems with pressure, temperature, and potentially even corrosion. Tank water heaters need flushing on occasion to offset all this.

With this knowledge, you may be tempted to switch to a tankless model, and this is certainly worth your consideration. Tankless water heaters are highly efficient, work “on-demand” rather than storing hot water and risking standby energy loss, plus they save space! But, guess what? They need maintenance too.

Scaling Impacts Tankless Water Heaters

Scaling affects tankless water heaters too, not just tank systems. In fact, scaling can lead to a premature breakdown of this system if you don’t schedule regular maintenance so it can get checked out by a pro. Scaling happens when there’s hard water consistently going through your water heater.

Hard water is water that has a high level of minerals in it—namely calcium, magnesium, and sometimes even iron. These mineral deposits are absolutely harmless to ingest. However, if they’re left behind in appliances or pipes, we typically call that “scaling.”

Scaling impacts the heat exchanger of your tankless water heater. As you might realize, the heat exchanger is what heats up the water in the first place. You need it to be clean, so that the water can effectively and efficiently be heated. Scaling can make your burners work harder, or can overwork a tankless water heater to the point that it breaks down.

How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance?

For some tankless water heaters, annual maintenance is essential to keeping the system running smoothly throughout its lifespan. For others, maintenance can afford to wait a year or two longer. This timeframe depends on how hard the water is in your area, and if you’re currently doing anything to treat it.

The installation of a whole-house water softener, for instance, may be the answer to your hard water troubles. Your tankless water heater should still be checked regularly by a pro, but you may not need to worry about scaling so much if you have a whole-house water softener in place.

“When Does a Tankless Water Heater Need Replacing?”

Remember, even if you have your tankless system maintained on a regular basis, the system won’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll need to replace your system with a new one. The good news is, most tankless water heater systems last 20 years or more!

If your tankless water heater starts failing before this point, it could be from lack of professional water heater maintenance. Keeping up with this service is the only way to ensure your system lives out its full term.

Schedule your service for water heaters in Loveland, CO with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Is It Time for a Brand New Water Heater?

November 11, 2019

There was probably a time in your life when you would have balked at the idea of pining for a new water heater and hoping one would be gifted to you during the holiday season. As an adult, however, you probably realize how incredible a gift that would be! Just because no one is planning on giving you a brand new water heater this year doesn’t mean that you can force your water heater through another year of service if it really has nothing left to give, though.

While a water heater replacement may not be the most exciting way in which to spend your money, it is something you’ll have to spend your money on eventually. If you ask us, it makes a lot more sense to schedule your water heater replacement before your system gives out on you entirely. That’s why we’re covering some of the reasons why you might want to consider replacing your water heater in today’s post. If you decide to do so, schedule service with our fine plumbers in Loveland, CO.

Is Your Water Heater Costing too Much to Run?

If your water heater is relatively new but is costing a lot to run, it’s possible that it just has a low efficiency rating. While you may be hesitant to replace a water heater that is technically working just fine due to high operating costs, the fact is that doing so can help you to save money in the long run by cutting down on your energy bills. It’s not an easy decision to make, but if you have the funds for a replacement, it’s probably a good idea.

You may also have a very old water heater that is costing a lot to run, and that is a much easier decision to make. Chances are that your system is running out of time anyway, so why not just pull the plug on it now, and start saving money sooner? If you’re looking to reduce operating costs, it’s tough to beat the savings of a brand new, high-efficiency system.

Are You Scheduling Frequent Repairs?

That’s a pretty sure sign that a replacement is a good option to consider. Just because a water heater can be fixed doesn’t mean it is worth fixing, remember. If your water heater is not very reliable, and you seem to be scheduling more frequent repairs, putting that money toward a replacement probably makes sense.

Not only will you save money on operating costs, but you’ll also be saving money on reduced repair needs. Even “minor” repairs can really add up, so let us know if you’re sick of sinking money into your system.

Do You Want Something Different?

It may sound crazy, but simply wanting a different system is more than enough reason for replacing your water heater. Maybe you want a tankless unit, or even a heat pump water heater. Whatever the case may be, remember that you use this system every day. You should be using the system that you really want, and we’ll help you do so!

Schedule your water heater services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Don’t Let the Holidays Leave Your Drains Clogged!

September 30, 2019

Maybe you truly love hosting friends and family around the holidays, cooking meals for them and maybe even putting them up for a few nights. Maybe you’re only lukewarm on the proceedings, but go with the flow because you’re thankful for the people in your life. Whatever the case, whatever your excitement level surrounding the responsibilities of hosting, one thing is certain—plumbing problems can put a damper on even the cheeriest of celebrations!

Among the most common of all plumbing problems, and definitely a very common issue during the holiday season, is the clogged drain. When you are cooking for and cleaning up after more people than normal, and when you potentially have a lot more strain put on your bathroom plumbing than is normal, you can understand how these problems may develop. Be sure to reach out to a member of our team with any concerns that you may have. You can count on our drain cleaning service in Loveland.

What You Can Do to Prevent Clogged Drains

Quite a lot, actually. Now, much of this is going to fall squarely on your shoulders. However, if you are hosting guests, you have to get over any hesitation that you may have in explaining some ground rules about your plumbing. This is especially true for those visitors that have young children with them. There is nothing wrong with requesting that some care be taken with your plumbing system! Keep the following in mind, and share anything relevant with any guests that you’re hosting.

The Kitchen

Do not pour any FOG down the drain. This means fat, oil, or grease. Roasted a beautiful bird to feed the crew? Pour the FOG from the roasting pan into a can, freeze it, and toss it in the garbage when you’re ready to take it out for the week. You don’t want to pour FOG down your drain, because it’s only a liquid when warm. When it cools in the plumbing system, it can and will congeal, and that can cause major clogs. Also, make sure that you’re not putting fibrous or starchy foods down the garbage disposal. Fibrous foods can jam up the impeller mechanism, while starchy foods can expand in moisture and lead to blockages.

The Bathroom

Nobody wants to talk about the business that individuals take care of in the bathroom. It’s a private affair, we get it. However, you need to make sure that everyone using your plumbing knows how to use it properly. Make sure that there is a trash bin right next to the toilet for any sanitary products that need to be disposed of. Make sure that any parents visiting with their children understand that no baby wipes, even those claiming to be flushable, are, in fact, flushable. Trust us on this one—you don’t want to learn this lesson the hard way.

If your drains are moving slowly, gurgling, or backed up completely, just give a member of our team a call. We’ll make sure that they’re cleaned effectively and thoroughly.

Schedule your drain and sewer services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Plumbing

How’s Your Water Pressure Doing?

Noticing Strange Staining?

Hear Running Water?

If There’s No Tank, Where’s the Water?

No More Standby Energy Loss

Long Term Energy Savings—and We Mean Long Term!

Is This a Localized Problem?

Is It an Issue Throughout the House?

What About the Neighbors?

Hey, Paper Is Paper, Right?

Don’t Be Fooled by “Flushable” Claims

Schedule Your Plumbing Services with Our Team

Natural Gas Is Combustible, and Leaks Are a Serious Problem

Natural Gas Leaks: How to Spot Them

Clogged Drains and Toilets

Leaks of All Kinds

Has the Problem Been Consistent?

Has Your Water Heater Been Maintained?

It May Be Time for a Change

Scaling Impacts Tankless Water Heaters

How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance?

“When Does a Tankless Water Heater Need Replacing?”

Is Your Water Heater Costing too Much to Run?

Are You Scheduling Frequent Repairs?

Do You Want Something Different?

What You Can Do to Prevent Clogged Drains

The Kitchen

The Bathroom

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

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