Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Archive for March, 2014

Effects of Sea Air and Water on Plumbing

Friday, March 28th, 2014

When it comes to getting plumbing installed in your home, the residents of San Juan Capistrano and other coastal towns face a unique series of challenges. The proximity of the pacific means that salt water becomes more of an issue than it might further inland, and while our civic filtration systems do a good job, it remains a concern. Salty air, too can create problems with your plumbing, since it has a higher salt content than air in inland communities. Plumbing service experts in the area need to be aware of the effects of sea air and water on plumbing in order to help correct the issue. Here’s a brief primer on the specifics involved.

Metal of all sorts is vulnerable to corrosion, which is facilitated when water and air interact together on the metal. A chemical reaction oxidizes the metal and creates rust, which breaks it down and ultimately requires its replacement. The salt in sea air and water speeds up this process, making it more difficult to keep the system maintained and resulting in a constant battle against the elements. These conditions tend to affect stainless steel, iron and brass more than other forms of metal.

The good news is that plumbing pipes tend to be made of rust-resistant material as a matter of course, and while that can’t stop the increased rate of corrosion, it can at least slow the process down. Copper has been used in ship design for centuries because it resists the process of corrosion, and PVC and other forms of plastics also make a strong bulwark against the forces of nature.

The bad news is that corrosion still happens, even with plumbing systems formed from materials. Starting with the initial plumbing installation in San Juan Capistrano, residents should keep an eye out for signs of corrosion and other effects of sea air and water on plumbing. When you spot them, call on the experts at Saddleback Plumbing for help. We can replace corroded parts quickly and professionally, as well as providing advice on how to keep your plumbing safe from the effects of sea air. Give us a call today to set up an appointment, and let us show you what we can do!

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3 Reasons to Install a Water Treatment System

Friday, March 21st, 2014

Here in Irvine, water treatment systems are a natural fit for homeowners interested in quality water. The system filters out minerals and impurities for your whole house, providing cleaner clearer water for all manner of activities. Irvine’s civic water treatment system does a reasonably good job, but considering our proximity to the ocean and the high mineral content of our semi-desert soil, a water treatment system makes a lot of sense. And that’s far from the only benefit. Here are 3 reasons to install a water treatment system in your home, demonstrating the advantages that such a system provides.

  • Healthier drinking water
    By filtering out impurities, a water treatment system provides tastier and healthier water not only for drinking, but for cooking as well. You can see objective evidence of this by performing a little experiment. Fill an ice cube tray with tap water, then a second tray with bottled water (ie., filtered water) from the store. When the ice freezes, you’ll be able to see the difference in clarity and crispness, a fact that will translate in terms of taste.
  • Softer clothes
    Hard water can be tough on clothes, even when you run your laundry on the gentle cycle. Filtered water helps them feel softer and more comfortable to wear, as well as keeping the colors brighter and ensuring that the clothes last longer.
  • Better showers and baths
    Chances are, you can find hard water build-up on your shower or faucet head: a crusty white deposit that can clog the shower if you let it persist. Imagine that same build-up pounding on your skin as you bathe. It’s not dangerous, but it can leave your skin feeling raw and irritated, as well as a little filmy when you’re done. Filtered water is much gentler on your skin, and helps disperse soap scum as well to eliminate that film you may feel at the end.

For more reasons to install a water treatment system, or to discuss other plumbing services in Irvine offered by a qualified professional, give Saddleback Plumbing a call. We’ve had many years of experience serving the people of Irvine, water treatment systems are standard for us, and we’re ready to give you the best possible treatment in all a stages of the operation. We’re eager to show you what we can do, so pick up the phone and contact us today!

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Why Schedule Heating Repair Services Now

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

We’re coming to the end of another winter, and while no one cries too hard for us here in sunny So Cal, we’ve still had our share of cold nights. Area furnaces and heaters have seen regular use, and with the weather growing warm again, that use is dropping as we focus on our air conditioners instead. Ironically, that makes the best possible time to plan for heating repair service from a trained professional. Here in Laguna Hills, CA, heating systems can be repaired by the same companies, but why should you schedule heating repair services now? In short, because there is no better time.

Not every problem with your heater announces itself with a full-bore breakdown. In many cases,  the problem simply leaches energy from your system. It still runs, but it costs you more in monthly costs than it should and increases wear and tear on the system overall. Not only are you paying more every month than you need to, but the chances of a more serious repair issue increase every  day the initial problem goes unsolved. You might not be able to fix it during the winter, when the eater may see use every day, but with temperatures rising, your unit can afford to be out of action for a day or so in order to handle it.

In addition, that reduced need gives you the flexibility to schedule repairs at your leisure instead of scrambling to react to an immediate problem. We all lead busy lives and increased flexibility can be a boon when juggling your schedule. The spring is the best time to make these plans, before the needs of your air conditioner take center stage.

If you know why you should schedule heating repair services now, the next step is to call the experts at Saddleback Plumbing to help. We professionally handle heating system repairs in Laguna Hills with the same high levels of quality that you’ve come to expect. Give us a call today to set up an appointment and let us show you what we can do!

 

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Plan for a New Heating Installation before the Fall

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Heating season is winding down and our heaters are slowly being turned off in favor of our air conditioners. AC issues tend to take a front-row seat here in sunny Southern California, but we still need our heaters during the winter months. If you have an older heater and are thinking about replacing it, you may want to plan for a new heating installation before the fall. When it comes to heating installation, Ladera Ranch CA has the resources to help you out, and you can get it done well before the next chilly day arrives.

As heaters age, they become less efficient, which can result in higher energy bills each month and an increased need for repairs to boot. In many cases, these kinds of issues aren’t enough to cause your heater to stop: it just costs you more to operate it, a sort of “installation tax” you have to pay until the unit gets replaced. Good maintenance can keep those issues at bay, but the longer your heater goes on, the more likely it is that you’ll need to have it replaced.

And when you do, it’s far easier to do it before the fall than in the middle of heating season. An old heater with a lot of problems is just asking or a breakdown. If you wait, you run the risk of a serious heating repair or replacement issue in the middle of heating season when you need it to function the most. That means a lot of scrambling, emergency service calls and general discomfort as you scramble to get the new unit online as quickly as possible. Contrast that with a spring or summer installation, which you don’t need your heater and have the luxury or planning it during a time when your schedule is free.

If you want to plan for a new heating installation before the fall, then the experts at Saddleback Plumbing are here to help. We can set up your heating in Ladera Ranch, CA, which is part of our service area, and we’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Give us a call today to set up an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!

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Plumbing Repair Problems Caused by Earthquakes

Friday, March 7th, 2014

Here in Irvine, plumbing repair services must handle all manner of emergencies, from leaky pipes to ruptured water heaters. Repairing your home plumbing caused by earthquakes, however, are often the most extensive and require the most work. Earthquakes can shift the ground, which can wreak have on water mains and sewer lines as well as the plumbing within your house. Luckily, we haven’t had a major earthquake in a while, but the longer we go, the better the chance that the next one will be huge. Proper preparation and an understanding of what earthquakes can do to your plumbing will serve you well when the next temblor hits.

The concern usually isn’t with the earthquake itself. The concern is what happens with the damaged components, which can cut off service to your house, wrench off their fittings and even cause leaks or flooding crawlspaces and other hard-to-reach places in your home. This is more than a nuisance; in an emergency, it can actually be a source of danger. This comes on top of ancillary plumbing concerns such as the release of unlit gas when your water heater is damaged.

A plumber can usually correct the problem, depending upon the extent of the damage and the wherewithal to make repairs. In some cases, it will involve wholesale replacement of all or part of your plumbing system. In others, only minor repairs may be needed. But whatever the issue, it’s important that you contain the damage first before calling in a repair service. Shut off all water to your home with the main valve, and turn off the gas as well. Then call in a service technician to inspect the property and determine the extent of the damage.

Plumbing services in Irvine can be handled by Saddleback Plumbing. We can handle all manner of plumbing repair problems caused by earthquakes and can even help you with preventative measures such as emergency earthquake shut-off valves for your gas lines. You never know when the next quake will hit, but you can ensure that the right people are on the ground to help you afterwards. Our trained experts are standing by, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Thursday, March 6th, 2014

Sump pumps tend to be more of a staple on the East Coast, where heavy rains and flooding are more of a problem here in Southern California. Nevertheless, our recent rainstorm has demonstrated that we’re not immune to such concerns and here in Rancho Santa Margarita, sump pump technology can be a lifesaver. So how does a sump pump work? And more importantly, why should you consider one for my home?

The sump pump is typically placed at the lowest point in the home: a basement or similar location. A hole is dug and the sump pump is placed inside of it. When the rains arrive and flooding begins, the water naturally moves into the sump pit first. A float activator or a pressure sensor in the pump detects the presence of the water and activates the pump. The motor turns on and activates the impeller, which is like a fan. The impeller pushes the water to the sides of the pipe, which creates a vacuum at the center of the pipe. The vacuum pulls he water up and out of the house through a venting pipe.

You can choose between several different types of pumps, most of which run on electricity. (They usually run on a standard plug, so you don’t need any additional equipment to power them.) The cheapest models are pedestal sump pumps, which sit on a pole above the pit and use a pipe to pull the water in. They’re less expensive than other sorts of pumps, but they’re noisier and more obtrusive. Submersible pumps sit inside the water, which serves as a natural muffler. They use waterproof casing to keep their components dry and tend to operate more efficiently.

If you know how a sump pump works, then the next step is to contact an expert to discuss which model might be best for you. At Saddleback Plumbing, sump pump technology and other plumbing services in Rancho Santa Margarita are just some of our many specialties. We can discuss the specifics with you before installing the right model for your home. Give us a call to set up an appointment today. You’ll be glad you did!

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