[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fN-tTTeSHdBOAdGAbJKmr5VwX73IUIRbpIDWX1N2xqkY":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Heating","2018-11-09","\u003Cp>Thanksgiving is almost here! It’s about time to start thinking about what you’re going to serve your guests, how many people are coming, and what you’re going to wear. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>It is the most stressful holiday of the year. Between the cooking, the cleaning, and trying to find time to get everything done in your day-to-day life, it can feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day. However, there are some things you can do ahead of time to ensure you have a smooth Thanksgiving—and those things involve your plumbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Your plumbing is an important part of your home and needs a little TLC before Thanksgiving. If you don’t take care of your plumbing, it could cause some serious issues during the holiday season. According to the study, some people are more likely to experience plumbing issues during the holidays than at any other time of year. The same study also found that when people have plumbing issues during the holidays, they’re more likely to be frustrated by them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to prepare your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fplumbing-service-agreements\">plumbing for Thanksgiving\u003C\u002Fa> so that everything goes smoothly this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>How to Prepare Your Plumbing For Thanksgiving?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, but it’s also a time when there’s a lot of cooking going on. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve been planning this Thanksgiving for months—maybe even years!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>And when it comes to planning your Thanksgiving menu, you might think about how many people you’re going to feed or what the weather will be like on November 23rd. But what about your plumbing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>It’s easy to forget about plumbing when you’re busy whipping up delicious dishes and decorating your house for the big day. But don’t forget that your plumbing can make or break your Thanksgiving dinner. Here are some plumbing do’s and don’ts for Thanksgiving from \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fplumbing-service-agreements\">James Plumbing & Heating\u003C\u002Fa> so that you can have a stress-free holiday:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Be mindful of what goes down the garbage disposal.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>You may be tempted to throw everything into the garbage disposal, but it’s not designed for everything. The drain is meant for food waste only, so don’t put anything else down there, like paper or hair. You can also run an ice cube down the drain as a way to clear out any leftover grease or food particles that might be causing a clog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Dispose of cooking grease and oil properly.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re deep-frying your turkey this year, make sure that you dispose of all of those drippings properly. Don’t just toss them onto the ground outside—they could clog up your sewer lines and cause problems later on! Instead, pour them into a container with water and soap and let them sit overnight before disposing of them in your trash can outside (or in an outdoor bin).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Check for leaks.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>As you prepare for the big day, it’s important to make sure that any Thanksgiving plumbing leaks are fixed before you start cooking. A leaking pipe could ruin your meal and give your guests a bad impression of your hospitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Clear drains. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If there is standing water in your sink or bathtub, it can cause waste products to start building up in the pipes and eventually cause a clog—which can ruin your holiday meals as well as your guests’ day. Be sure to check drains regularly and clear out any clogs as soon as they occur!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Test your toilets.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Thanksgiving is a busy time for everyone, but you can’t let your kitchen sink or toilet get clogged because you’re too busy to keep an eye on them. Make sure to test your toilets before you go out for a holiday, and if they need any attention, call a plumber immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Upgrade your garbage disposal.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, now is the perfect time to upgrade it! If you’ve been thinking about getting one but don’t know where to start, we can help! Just give us a call at \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fplumbing-service-agreements\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa>, and we’ll walk you through what kind of disposal best suits your needs and budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Educate guests.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Teach your guests about the importance of keeping cold and hot water closed off during the holiday. This is a great way to keep your plumbing from freezing and bursting and prevent you from paying more for additional water usage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Schedule maintenance.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Schedule a maintenance appointment with a professional plumber to make sure your plumbing is in tip-top condition for the holidays, or sign up for annual plumbing service agreements. A professional can help you identify any potential issues before they become big problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Insulate pipes.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Thanksgiving is the time of year when your pipes may be at their highest risk of freezing and bursting. To minimize the chances of this happening, you can insulate your plumbing pipes by wrapping them in foam or another insulating material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Adjust the water heater temperature.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Adjust your water heater temperature to 120 degrees F or lower to help prevent frozen pipes. It’s best to avoid turning it down below 120 degrees F, as this can increase the risk of bacteria growth in your home’s water pipes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Clear outdoor drains. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Before you even think about hosting your own Thanksgiving dinner, make sure that your outdoor drains are clear. This way, when guests come in and out of your house on their way to the bathroom or kitchen, there won’t be any backups!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Provide trash bins. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Your guests are going to be using a lot of paper plates and plastic utensils while they’re eating at your house this year—make sure they have somewhere to throw them away afterward! You don’t want all that trash piling up in your living room while everyone is watching football together!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Avoid pouring grease down your drains.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Grease is one of the worst things you can put down your drain, and it can cause serious clogs and problems with your pipes. Grease also attracts other residues that clog drains, so be sure to clean out any grease traps in your kitchen before Thanksgiving dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Use strainers. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Strainers are especially important when cooking large amounts of food, like mashed potatoes or stuffing, because they help prevent food particles from blocking drains. If you have an older strainer that doesn’t fit over your sink drain, you can use a few pieces of aluminum foil to create a makeshift strainer—just make sure it’s not too shallow, or the liquid will just pool around the edges!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Emergency plunger.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>The best way to keep your plumbing from being a disaster is to know how to handle it when things go wrong. If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, a plunger is your best friend. Don’t just buy any old plunger—make sure it’s got a good seal and that the rubber is flexible enough to fit your toilet. If you’re unsure if yours will work or not, test it out before going on vacation this holiday season!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Educate about septic systems.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>You might think all toilets are created equal, but they have some pretty big differences! The most important thing to understand is whether your toilet uses a septic system or not—if so, don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or detergent in your toilet tank because they can damage the system over time. Instead, stick with milder cleaners like vinegar (which also works great at removing scum from the inside of your shower!).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Limit disposal use.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Disposals are great for getting rid of food scraps but can also cause clogs if used too much. So if you’re going to be cooking up a storm in the kitchen, think twice before tossing those leftovers down the drain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Prepare an emergency kit. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>You should always have one on hand in case of emergencies, but it’s especially important when your plumbing breaks down at the worst possible time (like during a holiday weekend). Your kit should include bottled water (for drinking), dish soap (to clean up spills), paper towels (to dry up wet spots), disinfectant wipes or spray (to sanitize surfaces), and safety glasses (so you don’t get hurt if you need to turn off a pipe).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Know the shut-off valves. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Many homes have three valves in the basement: one for water supply lines, one for drainpipes, and one for gas lines. These valves may be located underneath sinks, behind toilets, or near the water heater. Make sure you know where these valves are located so you can turn them off quickly if needed. These valves are often labeled with words such as “supply” or “drain.” If you’re not sure which valve is which, ask somebody at your local hardware store for help identifying them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Adjust dishwasher settings.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A Thanksgiving dinner can put a lot of pressure on your dishwasher. If it’s not working at its best, you might find yourself having to hand-wash dishes in the sink when there’s so much else going on! To avoid this problem, check your dishwasher’s settings and make sure they’re set for the amount of food that will be going into it. Then, do a test run with a few dishes before using it for Thanksgiving dinner—you’ll be able to see if anything needs adjusting before everyone shows up!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Monitor water pressure.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Checking the water pressure in your home can help prevent potential damage from burst pipes or flooding. A good rule of thumb is to check it once a month by turning off all faucets and letting the water drain from each fixture in your home. Then turn on one faucet at a time until you’re sure all fixtures are working properly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Inform about low-flow fixtures. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Make sure that guests who use low-flow toilets know how to flush them properly so they don’t clog up! You don’t want someone using these toilets for the first time at your house only to find that they can’t flush them at all! This will not make for a good Thanksgiving experience for anyone involved…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Monitor water pressure.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, don’t forget to check your water pressure ahead of time. Low-pressure issues can cause clogs in your pipes, which is especially problematic if the issue happens during your holiday feast. It’s a good idea to test the pressure in your home before the big day to avoid any unwanted surprises on Turkey Day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Dispose of turkey grease properly. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Turkey fat can clog up your drains quickly and easily, so be sure to dispose of it in a way that won’t cause problems later on. You can pour the grease into an empty coffee can or other container and place it outside with your garbage (but not next to it—turkey fat can attract animals). Or, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of disposing separately, just put the leftover grease down any drain once the turkey is gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Avoid DIY remedies for clogs. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>While some of these tricks may work on minor issues like slow drains or soap scum buildup on shower doors, they’re not going to do much good against serious clogs caused by grease or other materials that need professional attention before they get worse!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Keep the sewer line clear.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>While many people think that Thanksgiving is all about eating turkey, we know other important things are happening under your sink as well! It’s important to keep your sewer line clear of debris and gunk so that everything runs smoothly throughout the holidays—and beyond!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Monitor water usage.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re hosting a large get-together or preparing food for many people, make sure that you monitor your water usage so that it doesn’t exceed what your home’s pipes can handle. You don’t want to be stuck with an overflowing toilet or flooded basement!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Find an emergency plumber before anything goes wrong!\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>We know how chaotic Thanksgiving can be—that’s why we’ve created an online directory where homeowners can find emergency plumbers near them right now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Sign Up for Annual Service Agreements to Keep Your Plumbing Ready for All Seasons!\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Winter is coming, and so does Thanksgiving!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Are you ready to face the harsh weather? How about your pipes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your plumbing until something goes wrong. But if you sign up for an Annual Service Agreement from \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fplumbing-service-agreements\">James Plumbing & Heating\u003C\u002Fa> in Santa Fe, NM, we’ll make sure that your pipes are ready to face anything Mother Nature can throw at them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fplumbing-service-agreements\">annual plumbing service agreements\u003C\u002Fa> include everything from regular checkups and maintenance to emergency repairs and replacement parts if necessary. And best of all? It’s all included in one low fee!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>With our plumbing service agreements, you will get:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– A guaranteed response time within 24 hours\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– A yearly home inspection by a licensed plumber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– A thorough inspection of your pipes to determine if there are any problems that need to be addressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– A written report detailing any issues that need to be addressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– A list of recommended plumbing repairs with prices included.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– Upgraded equipment and parts as needed to ensure your system is always running smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– An invoice for your records.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– Free estimates for any additional work that may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>– Peace of mind knowing that your plumbing is ready for whatever comes it’s way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>So whether you live in Santa Fe or elsewhere in NM, take advantage of our annual service agreements and keep your plumbing running smoothly all year! \u003Cbr>Call our licensed plumbers today at 505-473-7148 to learn more about our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fplumbing-service-agreements\">Plumbing Services in Santa Fe, NM\u003C\u002Fa>!\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhy-thanksgiving-is-not-good-for-your-plumbing.webp",11,"why-thanksgiving-is-not-good-for-your-plumbing","","Thanksgiving is almost here! It’s about time to start thinking about what you’re going to serve your guests, how many people are coming, and what you’re going to wear.","Why Thanksgiving Is Not Good For Your Plumbing",[15,23,30],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":20,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":21,"title":22},"2023-03-03","\u003Cp>You may not think the ice and snow outside impacts your HVAC system inside. The truth is ice is problematic for the HVAC components outside of your home. This isn’t even a winter-specific issue. There are times when the buildup of ice caused by an overworking AC unit can block the exhaust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we’re well-versed in HVAC ice buildup and how to deal with it. As a leading HVAC service provider in the Santa Fe area, we’ve just about seen it all. Here, we’ll talk a bit more about how ice and snow affect your HVAC system and what you can do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>There’s more than one problem stemming from a frozen exterior \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC unit\u003C\u002Fa>. When snow and ice block the exhaust, it could:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Shut the HVAC system down: Working hard despite the buildup, your HVAC system may overheat and shut itself down. The system will need to be cleared and restarted to begin running efficiently again.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Damage your home’s ductwork and pipes: No HVAC means no proper heating or cooling in your home. This leaves your pipes especially vulnerable to the elements. When pipes freeze, there’s always a chance they could crack. This leads to leaks and additional repair costs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Release carbon monoxide or other gases into your ductwork: Everything’s connected from your furnace and AC to every room within your HVAC system. If the external HVAC component backs up and dangerous gases are filtered into your home, the ductwork will carry the gas to every room in your home.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Render your outdoor unit inoperable: There comes a point where some HVAC units just give out. Working hard to fight the blockages caused by ice and snow caused the unit to overheat and break.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Increases power bills: When ice forms on your HVAC unit, it needs to work harder to distribute heat or cold air into your home. You may notice a spike in energy bills because of these spikes in power levels.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Along with the exhaust blocking, there’s a chance that the water in ice and snow will leak inside your system. If this happens, there’s a chance of electrical damage and, eventually, corrosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>By proactively managing and maintaining ice and snow blockages around your HVAC system, you can avoid a costly HVAC replacement or repair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Keeping HVAC Units Clear\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>There are a few ways to manage your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC system\u003C\u002Fa> in the winter or overworked summer months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Regular maintenance: Your HVAC systems should be inspected by a professional once every year. Twice if you feel concerned about the unit at all.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Clear the outdoor unit: If it snows, head outside and clear the unit as soon as you can do so safely. Like clearing your walkway before it freezes over, this will prevent ice buildup and eventual melting of ice into the unit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Clean coils: The evaporator and condenser coils are important aspects of your HVAC unit. If they’re caked in debris and dust, airflow is scarce. Wipe them down every three months. More in the winter if they get coated in snow.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Change filters: Many components of the HVAC system have filters. This is to keep dirt and debris out of your air system and ductwork. Cleaning or changing filters in your furnace and AC ensures these machines run smoothly for longer.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Avoid clutter: Clutter near the air intake register is a no-no. Whether it’s garden tools, outdoor lawn furniture, or a pile of kids’ toys. Clear the objects near the return air intake.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>Air conditioners are very telling when there’s a problem. If you notice ice on the HVAC, it could be either an airflow problem or a refrigerant problem. The airflow problem can be rectified by the above steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>When refrigerant gets too low, it stops being able to move heat from inside to outside. Air still blows over the AC coils, but instead of cold air, it blows warm. Alternatively, the coil could get too cold because it’s unable to regulate temperature. Condensation then ices over, creating frost on the coils and AC unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>For HVAC Ice Help, Give Us a Call\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re experiencing ice or snow issues relating to your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC system\u003C\u002Fa>, James Plumbing & Heating can help. We work with home and business owners in and around Santa Fe on problems just like these.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Waiting until HVAC icing issues expand into bigger problems could mean an irreparable unit or expensive repairs. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Give us a call today\u003C\u002Fa>, and we’ll diagnose and remedy your HVAC ice problem.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-snow-and-ice-affect-hvac-systems.webp",4,"how-snow-and-ice-affect-hvac-systems","You may not think the ice and snow outside impacts your HVAC system inside. The truth is ice is problematic for the HVAC components outside of your home. This isn’t even a winter-specific issue. There are…","How Snow and Ice Affect HVAC Systems",{"category":5,"date":24,"html":25,"image":26,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":27,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":28,"title":29},"2023-02-03","\u003Cp>Water dripping from a hot water heater is a bad sign. Hot water heaters work in our homes all day without a second thought. Sometimes a leak can go on without even being noticed. As soon as you recognize puddles or dripping water around the tank, it’s time to take action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>So, why does your water heater leak, and what do you do when it does? At James Plumbing & Heating we have a lot of experience in this area. We help families in Santa Fe deal with water heater issues regularly. Here, we’ll shed some light on the situation and help you determine the next course of action following a leak discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Why is my Water Heater Leaking?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>This is likely the first question you’ll ask after noticing a leak. Why is the tank leaking? Did something happen to it? The most common reasons for a leak are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Relief Valve Pressure Problems: The relief valve on the water heater is meant to allow hot air to escape when pressure mounts inside. If the water heater is used too often, the relief valve isn’t given a chance to relax and reset. Instead, the excessive heat and pressure damage the valve.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Age: All appliances in our homes age, and they all have shelf lives. Water heaters have an approximate 10-year lifespan. Once a decade, you should replace the heater. If yours is nearing that 10-year mark (or has surpassed it), it’s simply a matter of age. Parts wear out over time, making the heater less effective.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Drain Valve Issues: Like the relief valve, the drain valve has taken a beating over the years. Anything trapped in the heater, including sediment, gets caught in the drain valve, ensuring it doesn’t flow into your water system. This valve lets the heater be cleaned, and you may notice some water dripping near this area. A little is normal, but a lot isn’t.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Inlets and Outlets: Where hot and cold outlets appear on the tank, there are weak spots. The inlets and outlets weaken faster than other heater components. It’s one of the first places to check if the tank begins leaking.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes there are small signs that the heater is ready to give out. Things like a slight change in the color and quality of water, physical changes to the heater (rust, missing pieces, a crack, etc.), strange noises coming from the heater, and of course, water where it shouldn’t be (outside the heater instead of inside the heater).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice any of these signs, or there seems to be obvious trouble with the above-mentioned issues, your heater’s in trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>First Steps to Tackling a Leaky Heater\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The first step to fixing anything in your home is diagnosing the problem. Where is the leak coming from exactly? And which of the heater components is closest to the leak? This might help you determine where and why it’s leaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Before acting on any DIY repair attempts, be sure to turn off the power to the tank and drain it. Do this by switching the breaker on your circuit breaker box associated with the heater. Be careful because leaving the power running on a leaky water heater is extremely dangerous, especially if you plan on touching the tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If the water heater is gas-powered, there should be a switch to turn it off. Gas or electric, always turn off the power before starting any DIY process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Next, turn off the cold water and then the hot water valve (main water valve). Once power and water have stopped running to the tank, and it’s properly drained, you can begin to address the issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Fixing the Leak\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>There are a few areas you can check out by yourself, including the inlets and outlets. It could be something as simple as a loose connection. A wrench can be used to tighten hardware and stop a leak caused by loose inlets and outlets without help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>A broken valve is another common culprit. If you have experience changing a valve, you could tackle this project on your own. Most homeowners need a professional for this. There are a few reasons calling a professional is best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>1. A professional knows which new valve is needed\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>2. Improper assembly could cause bigger problems with the heater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If the reason the tank is leaking stems from a crack or hole, it’s probably game over. Not you, nor a professional will be able to remedy a hole or crack. Most heaters will need to be replaced entirely in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call an Expert\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If the time has come to call a professional in Santa Fe, James Plumbing & Heating can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:+15054737148\">Give us a call\u003C\u002Fa> for ongoing maintenance or repair. We’re always happy to lend a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-to-do-when-your-water-heater-leaks.webp","what-to-do-when-your-water-heater-leaks","Water dripping from a hot water heater is a bad sign. Hot water heaters work in our homes all day without a second thought. Sometimes a leak can go on without even being noticed. As soon as you recognize…","What to Do When Your Water Heater Leaks",{"category":5,"date":31,"html":32,"image":33,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":34,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":35,"title":36},"2023-02-01","\u003Cp>Home heating systems are a necessity, especially during the cold seasons. If your furnace stops working, it can be costly to repair it. This is one reason we at James Plumbing & Heating always tell clients in Santa Fe to invest in \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-repair\">annual maintenance\u003C\u002Fa> to avoid any surprises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Here, we’ll talk about 10 of the ways you can tell it’s time to call for repairs. This is what to watch for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>1. Water on the Floor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Water near a heater is never a good sign. It’s less dangerous than gas or oil leaking onto the floor, but it still causes concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Water appears because of condensation. Normally, the condensate lines in your furnace drain and trap condensation safely, keeping it away from the electrical components of your furnace and off the floor. If the water is pooling on the floor, there’s a big issue inside the furnace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice water pooling, call a professional. Left unchecked, this could pose dangers in the home. The condensate line is also not something for a quick DIY fix. It may mean replacing the line, which is a job for the experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>2. Strange Furnace Noises\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Clanks and bangs from the furnace are almost never normal. You might hear a sound like a soft bang when it comes off or on, especially if it’s old. If you hear a loud bang or a scraping sound, be sure to call an expert! Something definitely needs to be repaired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>3. It’s Been a While Since Servicing\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Regular furnace maintenance is a must. If you know it’s been more than a year, it might need a repair. Have a professional come in to clean the furnace and check it for potential problems. The longer your HVAC system goes without regular maintenance, the more likely it will unexpectedly stop working when you need it most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>4. The Smell of Gas\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you smell gas, call for help. Turn off the furnace or gas supply to be safe, take your family out of the home, and call a repair technician. Never light candles or turn on any type of flame in the home if you smell gas or oil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>5. Vents Blow Cold\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If the air coming from your vents isn’t hot, there’s a furnace problem. There are a few reasons it could be blowing cold. Before calling a professional, check to make sure the furnace is switched on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>On older furnaces, you can check for the pilot light inside the sliding door on the side of the furnace. If the light is out, it needs to be relit by an expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>6. The Furnace is Blowing, but Barely\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Weak airflow could be a sign that components inside the furnace have stopped or slowed. Motors, belts, and other working parts make your furnace come to life and heat your home. If something has jammed or stopped, air may blow weakly. Call for repair to handle this issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>7. Higher Than Normal Heating Bill\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Is your heating bill running high? It might be a sign that your furnace needs maintenance. In many cases, a good cleaning will fix this problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Something as simple as a dirty filter can cause your furnace to go into overtime, burning harder in an effort to heat your home when the filter clogs. A blocked filter stops air from flowing freely, which forces the furnace to work harder. The harder it works, the higher the bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>8. Thermostat is Reading Wrong\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The thermostat helps you control the heat in your home. If it stops working and you find yourself constantly turning it up to heat the house, there’s probably a disconnect somewhere between the furnace and the thermostat. This is likely a wiring issue. It’s important to call someone as soon as possible to fix this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Faulty wiring and electrical issues are dangerous, especially when you throw an oil or gas-burning furnace into the mix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>9. Furnace Keeps Cycling\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>When your furnace turns on, it should heat your home as per the thermostat guide. Once heated, the furnace clicks off, and the temperature is maintained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If your furnace is turning on and off, on and off, to heat your home, there’s a problem. Constant cycling is another sign that the furnace needs a good cleaning. Don’t panic, but do call a professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>10. Age\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Like any appliance in your home, your furnace has a shelf life. Most last about 15 years. The more regularly you service and clean your furnace, the longer it will last. At one point, the furnace will absolutely need to be replaced. Until then, a repair might do the trick and add a few years back to the lifespan of the device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call an Expert\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in Santa Fe and are having trouble with your furnace, we can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Call us at James Plumbing & Heating today\u003C\u002Fa> to learn more\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002F10-signs-you-need-to-repair-your-home-heating-system.webp","10-signs-you-need-to-repair-your-home-heating-system","Home heating systems are a necessity, especially during the cold seasons. If your furnace stops working, it can be costly to repair it. This is one reason we at James Plumbing & Heating always tell clients in…","10 Signs You Need to Repair Your Home Heating System",1787213982344]