Try These 5 Tips for Winter Water Heater Maintenance

As the colder weather arrives in the Wayne area, it’s time to think about those fall home maintenance tasks to get your house ready for the winter. Don’t forget about your water heater on your to-do list.

Getting it winter ready will help keep your energy costs in check and ensure it keeps on providing hot water throughout the winter.

1. Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

If the temperature or pressure builds up too much inside your tank, it can cause leaks, shorten the life of your heater and even result in an explosion. The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is designed to automatically open and release excess pressure.

To check it, shut off the water and power supply and place a bucket under the drainpipe connected to the valve. Lift the tab attached to the valve and allow some water to escape, then, close it again. If little or no water comes out when the valve is open, or if water continues to run after it has been closed, you may need to replace the valve.

2. Inspect the Anode Rod

A magnesium or aluminum rod inside your tank helps to protect it against rust by attracting the corrosive elements in water so that it rusts before the tanks does. To check the rod, with the power and water supply off, unscrew the rod’s hex head located on the top of the tank with a 1 1⁄16-inch socket. Pull the rod out of the tank. If it’s down to ½” in diameter or less, replace it with a new one which can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Wrap the thread with Teflon tape and screw the new rod in place securely.

3. Flush the Tank

Sediment and sand can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, making it more difficult for the system to heat the water and shortening the life of your water heater.

You can flush the tank by attaching a hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank. Place the other end of the hose in a floor drain or somewhere outside. With the water supply turned off and the power shut off or the thermostat set to pilot for gas models, open the drain valve.

Once the tank is empty, briefly turn the water supply back on to stir up the sediment at the bottom and allow it to drain. Repeat the process until the water runs clear.

4. Insulate the Tank

One of the best ways to reduce your water heating energy costs is to add some insulation to the tank and pipes to prevent heat loss. You can find foil insulating blankets at most home improvements stores.

Cut it to fit around the pipes, valves and thermostat on your heater. Wrap the blanket around the walls of the tank, sealing it using foil tape. The top of gas water heaters should not be covered, but electric models can be capped with an oversized round piece of blanket taped down to the sides of the tank.

5. Adjust the Thermostat

To prevent scalding, we suggest setting the thermostat to 120°F. You can conserve even more energy by maintaining a lower setting. You can save as much as 5% on your energy costs for every 10 degrees difference on your thermostat.

Now, your water heater is all set to take on the colder days of winter in Wayne, NJ. If you don’t feel comfortable taking on the tasks, your friendly experts at PhD Mechanical, Inc. are just a phone call away, (973) 492-5931.

Important Aspects of Drain Cleaning to Remember This Fall

Have you made up your home maintenance to-do list this autumn before the snow begins to fall? One item you should be sure to include is drain cleaning.

It only makes sense; over time, debris (like hair, food and other residue) will fall into your pipes. It binds to the sides of the pipes, eventually creating a blockage that can wreak havoc on the plumbing in your house.

Also, with your exterior piping, tree roots can grow through your pipes. It’s also common for sand and silt to get into your exterior pipes. Like the debris inside your home, these factors outside your home can cause disruption to your plumbing appliances and fixtures.

The answer to this potential problem is to stop problems before they have a chance to develop with a solid drain cleaning every fall.

How else can I keep my pipes clear?

As a rule of thumb, don’t put anything that doesn’t break down easily into a pipe. That’s pretty much everything other than toilet paper.

Put diapers, wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss and cotton swabs in the garbage instead. In the kitchen, try your best not to allow particles or grease down the pipes. It can create some nasty clogs.

High-Pressure Job

When you get your drains cleaned, we start by inspecting them with a video camera drain tool, which helps identify clogs and potential problems. We don’t use harsh or abrasive chemicals. Instead, we rely on the force of high-pressure jets of water to break up clogs and dirt, and to flush them out completely.

Maybe It’s Time to Call the Plumber

You may already have a blocked drain. Some telltale signs include a gurgling sound after you flush the toilet. It’s also common to hear gurgling from other spots, like toilets, tubs or sinks after you flush the toilet due to blockage.

This happens because when there is a blockage, the water can’t get through obviously, but the air bubbles will try to escape through the closest vent available, which is what produces the gurgling sound. Also, you might witness water levels changing rapidly in the toilet.

Another sign you should watch out for is a foul odor coming from the drain. This can be from food or other residue being trapped. It can also be from water being trapped due to a blockage.

Your best bet against plumbing problems is to commit to specific maintenance tasks every season, and fall in Wayne, NJ is drain cleaning season. Call PhD Mechanical, Inc. today for your appointment at (973)-492-5931.

 

There are plenty of tools that you should have at home, and when it comes to your plumbing system, there are at least three that you should absolutely have. If you're looking to upgrade, wanting to buy your first tools, or just aren't sure where to start, here's a short list of the plumbing tools you should have at home.

Three Reasons to Have a Pipe Wrench

The most versatile type of pipe wrench to have is a medium-sized straight pipe wrench. It'll be ideal for most basic jobs around the house.

1. You'll never say goodbye to something you drop down the drain again.

Things lost down the drains in your kitchen or bathroom aren't really lost, and you can actually retrieve them with the help of the right tool. That tool is the pipe wrench, which you can use to loosen off the pipe fittings around the P-trap, find your lost item, and fit the trap back on so it can continue catching runaway personal items.

2. You can get rid of stubborn clogs.

Plungers are great (more on that later), but sometimes a clog is so big that not even suction can remove it. In that case, the pipe wrench comes in handy because you can take off the clogged pipe and physically remove the blockage.

3. You can do minor plumbing work on your own.

If you’ve ever had a fitting come loose or had a pipe burst or break, you know how much of a headache water leaks can be. With the pipe wrench, you can easily remove the problem pipe and replace it, or tighten up loose fittings to stop the leaks.

One Good Reason to Have a Plunger

You should actually have two plungers: a flange plunger for the toilet and a cup plunger for everything else.

          Clogs!

There's no good reason to continue buying chemical drain cleaners when you have a couple of good plungers around the house. With the right plunger, you can remove almost any clog from the lines in your toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers. That includes getting out waste, hair, food, and anything else that might be blocking your drains.

Two Times a Caulker Can Help You

You can't actually apply caulk without a caulking gun because the caulk is designed to come out of the tube under pressure. For the most convenience, look for a caulk gun that has a clipper on the handle to cut the tip, and a prod on the side to pierce the seal.

1. Sealing windows and doors

Cracks around windows and doors are huge energy drains, because they let hot air in and cold air out in the summer, and vice versa in winter. Seal these leaks with caulk and you'll save money, save energy, and have better control over the temperature in your home.

2. Keeping bathrooms sealed tight

In the bathroom, caulk prevents water from getting in between tiles and into grout, and this will help prevent mold and mildew from taking root and protect your grout and tiles from water damage.

If you need help with any of these tools or steps or need assistance with a bigger problem, call the experts at PhD Mechanical, Inc, in Wayne, NJ. at 973-492-5931. We’re available 24/7 to help with all your plumbing needs, including regular maintenance, repairs, and plumbing emergencies.

 

What Parts Do I Need to Replace For My Toilet To Stop Running?

Homeowners commonly face toilet problems like clogs and leaks. Another of the most common problems is a running toilet. If this sounds like you, don’t despair. A toilet is a simple mechanism which means that a quick and easy DIY solution is entirely possible. You need to start with the parts and figure out what is broken.

If your toilet is running, then you can usually narrow it down to one of these parts.

Broken Fill Tube

The fill tube in your toilet tank functions to keep the tank from overflowing (i.e. into your toilet bowl, which can contribute to your running toilet problems).

When you flush your toilet, water fills your toilet tank from the water supply valve. As it fills, a floater gauges when it’s reached the appropriate level and switches off the fill. If it fills beyond the desired level, the fill tube will siphon off extra water, with the assistance of the overflow tube.

The first step is to determine if the tube is submerged. If it is, you’ve got to make sure that the end is exposed so that it will drain correctly. Secondly, check to see if the tube itself is broken or damaged.

Damaged Flapper

The rubber stopper in your toilet tank lifts up and down to control water flow in your toilet after you flush. It lifts up to let water through and then settles back in place once the bowl is full, sealing against more water flow.

However, if your flapper is cracked or broken, or if the seal around the flapper is otherwise compromised, that’s your problem right there. It’s pretty easy to tell as well. You simply place pressure on the flapper. If the water stops flowing, you’ve answered your question.

Take the flapper out and bring it with you to the hardware store. Bring it home and change it out according to the instructions on the package.

Fill Valve and Float

Some other potential problems could be the fill valve or float. The float is a ball or a cup that regulates how high the water goes in your tank. If this is malfunctioning, the toilet never stops draining.

These are easy fixes. For a ball float, just bend the arm back in place. For a cup float, adjust the pinching mechanism that attaches it to the system.

If none of these seem to be the problem, it might be the fill valve. The fill valve is what lets you adjust the fill height in your tank. Drain your tank and remove the valve. Take it to the store with you to make sure that you get the right replacement part.

If your plumbing problems are moving beyond your DIY skills, we’d be more than happy to step in and help! We’ve got the expertise, training, and tools to get your job done quickly and efficiently. Call PhD Mechanical, Inc. in Wayne, NJ today at 973-492-5931.

 

We take vacations to de-stress, to escape our daily routine and to experience something new and exciting.

All of the planning and relaxation comes to a screeching halt when we get home and experience an unpleasant surprise in the form of problems or damage to our home or property.

What if we told you that with some simple home maintenance planning and an eye for detail, you could avoid any unpleasant home maintenance issues when you get back from vacation?

By implementing some of these ideas, you can relax completely, knowing that your home is covered and protected.

How to Prevent Flooding, Water Damage or Burst Pipes

One of the most serious issues that can occur when you’re on vacation is a pipe bursting in your home. In these types of emergencies, quick action is required to reduce the damage. But if you aren’t home, there is no one there to call for a repair, and you will experience flooding and extensive water damage that will be expensive to fix.

The best way to prevent these types of issues is by completing shutting off the water in your home. Turning off the valve takes moments to do and will greatly reduce the damage if you end up with a leak or burst pipe.  

What is that smell in the kitchen?

Most of us will remember to empty the garbage before leaving on vacation, but did you know that leftover food in your garbage disposal rots and creates a pungent smell that permeates your kitchen and home?

When you use your garbage disposal on a daily basis, you are continuously cleaning and removing food from the blades. If the disposal is left unused for a few weeks, that food has the chance to decompose and create a nasty mess when you get home. Quickly clean the disposal before going away by turning it on and running a mixture of hot water and white vinegar through it. This will clean the blades and remove anything that may be lodged in the unit.

How can I avoid electrical mishaps?

For true peace of mind when you are away, unplug your electrical and gas powered appliances. This eliminates any chance of experiencing electrical failure or fire. It will also protect your appliances in case of a power outage when you are away.

Unplugging your gas-powered appliances such as your stove or oven will also reduce the chance of experiencing a dangerous gas leak.

What to do With the Water Heater

One of the final appliances that require attention before you go on vacation is the water heater. Most modern units have a “vacation setting” or “VAC” setting that allows you to program the days you will be gone. During this time, the water heater will conserve energy and remain on stand-by until the day before you programmed your return.

At this time, the water heater will turn back on to full power to ensure that you have hot water when you get home. For older units that do not have this feature, we recommend turning the thermostat to the lowest setting or turning the water heater completely off to prevent accidents or damage.

By asking yourself some simple questions and taking the time to prepare your home, you can enjoy your vacation and come home to a clean and undamaged home. For help with your home maintenance vacation planning in Wayne, NJ, call 973-492-5931 and speak to the experts at PhD Mechanical, Inc.

 

Why You Should Get a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home

Plumbing systems are a significant component of the house. Those who intend to purchase homes should carry out a plumbing inspection during the window shopping process when looking for a new home.

The inspections ensure that vital installations such as drainage, water and gas supply systems are in good working order. The proper functioning of these systems goes a long way in saving costs once the home has been bought. When carrying out inspections, the following procedures should be incorporated.

1) Check the Water Heater

Water heaters are an integral part of any house. Before paying for a home, you need to check the capacity of the water heater, its energy efficiency, and its heat trap and heat recovery. Similarly, ensure that the relief valve and line, and the control valve are all in good condition.

In this regard, it is advisable that you ascertain that all the hose bibs have drain off breakers and that the water meter is properly set up.

All these components go a long way in guaranteeing top-notch performance by the water heaters. In as much as the elements might seem trivial, they should not be ignored at all costs. They can end up costing you more once you purchase the house.

2) Make Sure the Toilet Works

Ensuring that the toilet is functional is essential. When carrying out a toilet inspection, you should first take a look at the bowls and tanks found in all of the bathrooms. If there are cracks or any other flaws, notify the seller immediately so that they can these problems can be repaired before you pay for the house.

During this process, you are also advised to flush the toilet to see whether the water runs incessantly. This can significantly increase your water bill once you start living in the house.

When inspecting the toilets, you also need to make sure that the connecting pipes between the bowls and tanks do not leak. The most commonly found indication that a toilet is malfunctioning is moisture on the floor, which frequently results from an unnoticed leak.

3) Inspect the Water Supply System

Most homes have copper, lead, galvanized steel or CPVC water lines. Before buying a home you should inspect water supply lines to ensure that they are in good shape. These lines run throughout the house and tend to accumulate rust with continued use. This often creates water flow problems.

You can detect blockages by running more than two taps simultaneously to check whether the water pressure is equal. Irregular flow of water could mean that there is a defect. In cases where two different metal pipes have been used, check whether a dialectic union has been installed. This minimizes the chances of corrosion, more so if the metals used are copper and galvanized steel.

4) Inspect Plumbing Waste Lines

These systems are often installed in bathrooms and kitchens to transport waste into the sewage system of the house. The waste lines are normally inspected by checking for any leaks under toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. When carrying out this inspection, take a close look at the lines to ensure that there is no severe rusting. You should flush the toilets and run water through the sink to check for leaks.

When buying a multi-storied house, check out the ceilings below the toilets and bathrooms. The presence of water stains and plaster repair could mean that there might have been leakages in the past, which might reoccur.

A number of modern homes have sewage injector pumps whose purpose is basically to pump out water from the plumbing waste system into the sewage system. Normally, these pumps have two pipes. The first pipe is for eliminating waste while the second one is for venting.

Typically, the latter runs to the exterior of the house. Sewage injector pumps can be inspected by running water in the bathtub or flushing the toilet for a few minutes. While doing this, you should listen carefully to note whether the pump is engaging. If it is, it means that it is operational. If the pump does not engage, it is most likely defective.

 

5) Check for Discolored Water

More often that not, discolored water suggests that components of the plumbing systems are rusty. This is quite hazardous not only to users but also to the entire building itself. Sometimes, it is quite difficult to notice whether the water is discolored or not. Many prospective homeowners, however, tend to ignore the discoloration.

Most have the notion that this is a minor defect, which will go away with time. Going ahead with purchasing houses whose water is discolored can turn out to be expensive due to treatment costs that often come up later. Discolored water can also lower the resale value of the house because it can cause the discoloration of bathtubs, sinks and other fixtures of the house.

6) Inspect Gas Piping

This system is one of the most significant components of the house, which must not be overlooked during the inspection process. Any undetected defects can turn out to be catastrophic, which explains why you should exercise carefulness when inspecting gas pipes. The first step that you should take is checking all the gas pipes to ensure that they comply with the approved plans.

Also, pipes installed under slabs should be properly sealed to prevent gas leaks. The depth of coverage should also be adequate. Similarly, you need to make sure that all the outlets are properly capped and that the valves, which shut off gas supply are easily accessible. There should also be an anti-corrosive protection layer, which fortifies the pipes and prevents leaks. Besides this, ensure that the materials used in this system are approved.

Plumbing inspections should not be overlooked by those who intend to buy a new house. This process has long-term implications and could determine the resale value of the house. You need to pay attention to minor details, which when ignored, can cause unnecessary expenses in the future.

The entire inspection process is worthwhile despite the fact that it is hectic and time-consuming. Come up with a checklist to avoid overlooking some vital steps.

Are you a prospective homeowner in Wayne, NJ who is dreading the plumping inspection process? You can stop worrying because PhD Mechanical, Inc. is here to offer you help. Call us at (973) 492-5931 for immediate assistance.

 

It happens in every kitchen, sooner or later – one morning you walk in for a much-needed cup of coffee and instead encounter a disgusting mystery odor coming from your garbage disposal.

It’s understandable, considering all of the food waste we throw down there on a daily basis, but fear not – deodorizing a disposal is simple! Here are five easy ways to get rid of the funk.

1) The Simplest Solution

The first thing to try is a simple hot water flush. Plug up the disposal with a rubber stopper, then fill the sink with hot water and a couple of drops of dish detergent.

Then, use rubber gloves or kitchen tongs to pull up the rubber stopper carefully (don’t burn yourself!).

The rush of hot water will hopefully remove any bits of smelly food stuck to the sides of the disposal. For better results, you can repeat this method a few times in a row, as well as daily to keep the stinky smells at bay.

2) Use Natural Remedies

Many things around your home can be cleaned with simple baking soda and vinegar, and the garbage disposal is no exception! Simply pour a cup of vinegar down a running disposal with cool water, or sprinkle in half a cup of baking soda. Either one will work well on by itself, but for the toughest jobs, you can combine them for extra cleaning power.

Take one cup of vinegar, and half a cup of baking soda, as before, but don’t mix them yet! Sprinkle in the baking soda first, then pour the vinegar on top. They will react to form a natural foaming cleanser and deodorizer. Leave it to set for about five minutes, then finish with a hot water run of the disposal.

3) The Ice Method

Toss some ice cubes down the disposal – anywhere from a handful to a whole tray will work – and pour in a little of your favorite cleaning solution. Turn on the cold water faucet, and run the disposal. As the ice gets crushed up, it will scrape away all of the old food particles, giving the disposal a good deep cleaning.

This can be done once a week for ongoing maintenance, more than that will eventually dull the blades. You can also substitute kosher salt for the cleaning solution if you prefer a more natural method, as the salt will provide abrasive scrubbing as well as kill any smell-causing bacteria.

4) The Power of Citrus

There’s a reason many cleaners are fragranced with citrus oil – it smells fresh and clean! An easy way to deodorize your garbage disposal is to peel any citrus fruit – lemons, limes, oranges, even grapefruits – and throw the peels into the disposal (eating the fruit is optional). Remember to only add the peels, being especially careful to remove any pits, seeds or cores as they will harm the disposal.

Run cold water as you turn on the disposal, and in just a few seconds a lovely citrus scent will replace the bad odor. You can do this anytime you think about it to keep the disposal smelling fresh and clean.

5) Prevention is the Cure

Ideally, it would be best to avoid a smelly garbage disposal altogether. Fortunately, there are some simple things that can be done in just a few minutes every day to prevent bad odors, such as:

• Always use cold water when running the garbage disposal. Though hot water is great when trying to clean it, cold water will help prevent buildup from melted grease and oils.
• If you are cooking with eggs or citrus, save the eggshells and fruit peels to run down last. The eggshells will act as an abrasive, scrubbing the grime off the sides of the disposal, while the peels will deodorize and freshen.
• Always run the disposal an additional 20-30 seconds after you hear that all of the food particles have been pulverized. This allows sufficient water to run through the disposal, effectively rinsing it clean for less chance of lingering odor.
• Remember to occasionally clean under the rubber seal of the garbage disposal, as gunk will build up there as well. Any easy way is to put a few drops of dish soap or cleaning solution on a handled scrub brush and maneuver it under and through the flaps. In some of the newer disposal models, this is removable, making it even easier to clean once or twice a week.

Additionally, there are certain things that you should avoid putting down the garbage disposal, such as:

• Grease/Oils: while most liquids will go down the drain just fine, avoid pouring any cooking oils or grease down, as they can solidify inside the disposal and create clogs.
• Coffee grounds: you would think coffee grounds might be a perfect candidate to run through the disposal, but they can get caught in the drain trap and eventually cause problems.
• Rice and Pasta: these items have the ability to expand in water, thus potentially causing a messy blockage.
• Bones, seeds, fruit cores, and pits: for the most part, these are too hard for your garbage disposal to handle and may break the blades.
• Vegetables with fibers, such as celery and artichokes: the fibers in these types of foods can wrap around the edges and damage the garbage disposal.
• Non-foods items: this might be obvious, but often a bottle cap or straw or even a piece of silverware can slip down the disposal drain accidentally. Before turning the unit on, always check to make sure nothing is down there that shouldn’t be!

If you follow these tips, your garbage disposal should last you many years smelling fresh and clean. However, if you do have a problem with your garbage disposal, do not hesitate to call in a professional.

We here at PHD Mechanical Inc are a reputable repair service in Wayne, NJ with 26 years of experience. Contact us for a consultation today at (973) 492-5931. We would be happy to help!