Wednesday 25 May 2016

6 Types of Additional Services That a Full Service Plumber Provides

BLOGmayplumbingWhen you have a clog in your piping system or need a new toilet fixture installed the obvious move is to call your trusty local plumber. It’s hard to imagine this type of work keeping a mulit-employee plumbing company busy throughout the year though isn’t it? This is because fixing drains and toilets are only a portion of a plumber’s job. Here are some jobs that full-service plumbing companies offer for you to take advantage of in the future.

Sewer / Water Line Replacement

It’s easy to think that when water goes down your drain it’s out of your life forever. While that is partially true, that water also has to go somewhere. If you have issues with your sewer or water line, you’ll find that the ‘somewhere’ is usually back into your house or bubbling out of your ground. Sewer and water line repairs and replacement are needed when pipes going from your house to the main line break from old age or because of a  conspicuously placed tree root.

Tests to Detect Odors

Funky odors in your house can be a nuisance, but they can also pose a safety risk as well. We can pinpoint the source of the odors either via electronic means or with the use of a smoke test. In a smoke test we inject smoke into your plumbing system to find the exact location where water and gases exit your pipes or where unwanted rainwater enters. These tests can increase your utility efficiency in addition to providing a sound peace of mind.

Dishwasher, Washer & Dryer Installations

Sure plumbers specialize in toilet, bathtub/shower, and sink fixture installations. We’re also the ones to call for other appliance installations in your home including the dishwasher and washing machine / dryer combos. These units require a safe connection to your home’s water line which only a plumber can provide.

Backflow Preventers Repairs and Installations

Most people don’t think about backflow preventers until it’s too late – which in this case means you’re drinking and bathing in contaminated water. Backflow preventer testing isn’t just recommended, in most jurisdiction it’s demanded by local and state authorities. Backflow systems are important so that waste water doesn’t siphon back into your ‘good water’ supply.

Installation of Flood Protection Systems

Another consideration that usually isn’t taken until after the fact is flood protection systems. These types of implementations go beyond sump pumps however. Systems that offer an intricate use of sensors and switches utilize shut off valves in areas such as sinks, refrigerators, water heaters, washing machines, and toilets to detect an unusual amount of water and to trigger steps to prevent a large amount of damage from that water.

System Inspections

What we really want to reiterate is that you don’t need to call us only on an emergency basis. Annual system inspections for example can help avoid those 24/7 calls where water is curdling out of your walls and you’ve got weird gases emanating from your back yard.



from
http://elitecomforthomeandcommercial.com/6-types-of-additional-services-that-a-full-service-plumber-provides/

Wednesday 18 May 2016

A Homeowner’s (Very) Basic Guide To Handling Electrical Emergencies

For the most part the rules of the electrical system in your home are very simple to follow. Don’t stick a fork in power outlets, don’t play with a plugged-in toaster in the bathtub, and don’t jiggle frayed wires to try and regain a connection. BLOGmayelectricalSometimes it’s not about what not to do with your electrical system however, it’s what to do – especially in the event of an emergency. If you understand these basics, you can help avoid risk and serious damage until the electrician can get on site to do a repair.

Be Comfortable With Your Breaker

Many times your home’s breaker will flip in a fluke. You might be running a space heater and the microwave while also doing some vacuuming or the current may just have an unusual boost, tripping the circuit. You should be comfortable flipping every breaker in your circuit box including the main power. You should also listen to your circuit board however. If a breaker continues to flip it’s a sign of a problem that should be professionally inspected.

Know How to Use Your Fire Extinguisher

We’ve seen wall fire extinguishers used as a Winter jacket hanger and others buried under tools in a tote box on a back porch. Let alone knowing how to use the thing, many homeowners would have a hard enough time trying to find the extinguisher in case of an emergency. Your fire extinguisher should be within easy access and you should understand the PASS method of operation:

  • P- Pull the pin
  • A- Aim at the base of the fire
  • S – Squeeze the handle
  • S – Sweep side to side until the flames have extinguished

Know that Water is Dangerous to an Electrical Fire

The reason you need to know how to use your fire extinguisher is because it is your only hope (save for a fire retardant blanket) of corralling the flames in time. Water is a conductor (the reason you have GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens) so throwing it on an electrical fire will likely cause the flames to spread.

Flickering Lights are Not Normal

We’ve all seen them in horror movies – lights that flicker identifying the presence of evil spirits. The truth is, instead of the Ghostbusters, the first call the teenagers should have made was to an electrician. Flickering lights can be caused by loose wires, worn-out fixtures, or a faulty switch in addition to the undead. The flickering is your warning sign that some major fire risks are prevalent in hidden areas (ceilings, behind walls).

Use Common Sense

Sure electrical issues can arise out of the blue, but a lot of times they have been failing for some time. Light plates that are hot, electrical cords that are held together by tape, wobbly ceiling fans, and appliances that consistently buzz you are all signs of issues (and ones that usually don’t fix themselves).

We’re glad to offer 24/7 electrical service, but we’re even happier to see you avoid emergency issues altogether.



from
http://elitecomforthomeandcommercial.com/handling-electrical-emergencies/