Why the Thaw Might Not End Your Plumbing Problems
The days are getting longer, and the temperatures are slowly warming—and although winter isn’t officially over for a few weeks, we’re already looking forward to more sunshine and less “blah.” We’re guessing you feel the same way—especially if you’re one of the unlucky Santa Fe plumbing customers who got to experience the “joy” of frozen pipes this […]
10 Expert Ways to Take Care of Pipes and Drains
Of all our modern conveniences, indoor plumbing might be the one we most take for granted. Although we use our sinks and sewer system multiple times a day, they simply don’t require a ton of attention. And because plumbing lasts for decades, it’s rarely top of mind. When it is, it’s because there’s a problem: the […]
How to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter
Ten thousand dollars. That’s the average insurance claim related to “water damage and freezing,” according to the Insurance Information Institute. Each year, one in 50 homeowners will file such a claim—and we’re guessing that you, like all Santa Fe plumbing customers, would rather not be that “lucky” one. In fact, you’d rather not endure the hassle of any sort of insurance […]
How to Reset an Electric Water Heater in Two Easy Steps
Picture this. It’s a subzero Monday morning. You’ve hit the snooze button six times—and if it weren’t for your spouse threatening to suffocate you in your sleep, you would’ve hit it a seventh time. Instead, you sigh deeply, toss back the covers, and scurry to the bathroom. You turn on the shower, wait for the glorious […]
The Worst Things to Put Down Your Drain (based on actual experience)
OK, friends of James Plumbing and Heating, today’s post on the worst things to put down your drain is admittedly a bit self-serving. Imagine this: It’s Thanksgiving day (it’s creeping up on us, you know), and you’re just sitting down for a lovely meal with your family. The turkey’s perfectly roasted, and everyone’s enjoying one another’s company […]
How Hydro-Jetting Can Help Your Drain Problems
Most homeowners experience “ugh” moments in their kitchen or bathrooms occasionally: slow-draining tubs, gurgling sinks, mystery smells wafting from the general direction of the garbage disposal. Usually, some good old-fashioned DIY maintenance takes care of minor problems. (Baking soda and vinegar’s our favorite.) But if you’re experiencing frequent back-ups, recurring odors, ongoing sluggish drains, or noisy […]
Why Water Isn’t Always Good For You
Most of us were taught that we should drink at least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water every day. That’s basically two liters of the stuff. But what if water isn’t always good for you? If we could insert a record scratch sound here, we totally would—because that’s probably what just happened in your head: What do you mean water isn’t […]
Worst Plumbing Mistakes DIYers Make
How to Avoid Costly (and Dangerous) Consequences of Playing Plumber With the dawn of YouTube and Pinterest, most of us have tried—and failed—at a DIY project or two (or 27). Regardless of our past “nailed it” moments, we’re nevertheless tempted to take DIY to a new level when we think it’ll save us serious cash—plumbing […]
What Exactly Is A “Swamp Cooler”? And Do They Work?
As June begins to give way to July, temperatures are steadily climbing—and so are our energy bills. If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you might be researching ways to keep your cooling costs manageable. At some point, you’re likely to come across a promising option with an odd name: the swamp cooler. What’s a […]
Stay Cool, Save Money: How to Use Your AC Less This Summer
You’d like to save money on your air conditioning bill this summer, right? But you’re not all that interested in setting your thermostat on “swelter.” And unless you’re trying to shed some pounds to wrestle a lighter weight class in Tokyo next year, it seems silly to have AC and not use it. As Santa Fe’s best HVAC pros, we […]