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Can You Run a New Gas Line Yourself?

June 20, 2023

If you’re adding a new gas-burning appliance to your home, such as a water heater, stove or fireplace, it will usually be necessary to run a new gas line to the unit. In this case, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to run the gas line yourself to save a bit of money. The answer to this is a resounding no, as running a gas line on your own is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Permits and Inspections A permit is required whenever a new gas line is installed, and this type of permit

Which Leak Detection Method Is Best?

May 15, 2023

Slow and hidden leaks can gradually undermine the value and integrity of your Hauppauge, NY home. Over time, they can even affect its habitability. Unfortunately, leaks can fester unnoticed at the backs of appliances, in crawlspaces, and behind drywall for months on end. To make sure that these problems aren’t overlooked, it’s important to find and leverage the best leak detection method. Whole-House Plumbing Inspections In general, the best way to detect slow and hidden leaks is by regularly scheduling whole-house plumbing inspections. These visits give plumbers the chance to identify both existing leaks and functional

Is a Sump Pump Needed in Every Basement?

April 24, 2023

Sump pumps are those devices that automatically remove water from an area, such as a basement. They are common in Suffolk County homes. But do all basements require a sump pump? When You Do and Don’t Need a Sump Pump? No, not all basements need a sump pump. It depends on the basement’s condition and its potential for water infiltration. If your basement has been properly waterproofed and is not in a flood zone, you may not need a sump pump. However, if your basement has poor drainage or is in a flood

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler

March 9, 2023

If you have a 30-year-old boiler in your home, you may be wondering if it’s time to replace it. After all, boilers don’t last forever, and technology has come a long way in the last 30 years. Here’s how to know if it’s time for a replacement. When to Replace a Boiler First, look at the age of the boiler. As boilers age, they become less efficient and more expensive to maintain. If your boiler is over 20 years old, it’s probably time to start considering a new unit. Another thing to consider

How Often Should You Service Your Gas Boiler?

February 20, 2023

Like all major systems in a home, your gas boiler needs regular servicing to remain in good shape and operate optimally. Read on to learn more about how often you should schedule a service for your gas boiler and other related things. Service Your Boiler At Least Once a Year Your gas boiler should be serviced at least once a year. Failure to service your unit regularly can harm its integrity. That said, the best time to schedule a service for your unit is in the spring or early summer, just after the heating

What Happens to the Water With a Slab Leak?

January 16, 2023

If you own a home with a slab foundation, slab leaks can pose significant problems to its structural integrity. Discover where the water goes when you have a slab leak and signs that this may be a problem you’re facing. Eroding the Ground Around Your Foundation Slap leaks occur when the pipes that run under your slab foundation start leaking. There are only two places water has to go, into the ground or into the slab. Water always follows the path of least resistance, so it’s most likely to flow into the ground, softening it and

How to Prevent Limescale in Your Home

December 20, 2022

Limescale is a serious issue that affects many homes. If left unchecked, limescale can build inside your pipes and eventually begin to clog them and reduce water flow and pressure. Limescale also collects inside plumbing fixtures and appliances and can easily cause them to break down and need repairs. With these issues in mind, here is a quick overview of what causes limescale and how you can prevent it. What Causes Limescale? Limescale results from hard water, which means that the water has a higher concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. Whenever you

3 Ways to Prepare Your Sump Pump for Winter

November 18, 2022

As the weather gets colder and we start to prepare our homes for winter, it’s important to remember our sump pumps! Sump pumps play a crucial role in keeping our homes dry by pumping water out of the basement or crawl space and away from the foundation. But if they’re not properly cared for, they can become frozen and break down when we need them most. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your sump pump for winter. 1. Remove the Sump Pump Hose This is an important step, as leaving the hose attached

3 Common Reasons Why Your Copper Pipes Are Turning Green

October 20, 2022

Updated August 2023 Many people often forget about their plumbing systems until they have a problem. One common issue that affects the systems is copper pipes turning green. The greenish color is often referred to as a patina. Read on to learn why your pipes are turning green and ways to get around the issue. 1. Oxidation The most frequent reason why copper pipes turn green is oxidation. Oxidation takes place when copper pipes are exposed to moisture and air for a continuous period. The color is formed by the creation of

6 Steps for Winterizing Your Home’s Plumbing

September 13, 2022

During winter, temperature drops can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Winterizing prepares household plumbing for these freezing temperatures. As water freezes, it expands and becomes ice. This produces pressure within the pipes that could cause damage. 1. Shut off the Main Water Valve Shutoff valves are located near the main water meter in a home. Shutting off the main water valve is typically done if you are temporarily vacating the home and relocating to a warmer climate for the winter. 2. Drain Your Pipes If you are leaving your home

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