Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Irvine’

How Often Should I Schedule Plumbing Maintenance?

Wednesday, July 30th, 2014

The plumbing of your home does a tremendous amount of work each day, bringing in fresh water to multiple taps and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers; running hot water from the water heater; and removing wastewater from drains to the sewer system. Considering the amount of punishment that plumbing can take over weeks, months, and years, it is surprising that homeowners don’t often consider scheduling regular maintenance to check on the integrity of the plumbing system.

Maintenance is something your plumbing must have in order to keep working optimally, without the risk of leaking, corrosion, breaks, and blockages. The complexity of the pipe system in a house, which consists of freshwater, wastewater, and hot water lines made from different types of material, requires that professionals handle the maintenance. Contact the experienced team at Saddleback Plumbing in Irvine, CA for plumbing maintenance that will keep your home’s vital water system in the best shape possible.

The Frequency of Plumbing Maintenance

How often is it necessary to have a maintenance inspection for your plumbing? Annually, just as you do for your heating and air conditioning system. (You are having those done annually, right?) Any major system in your home that received daily use needs to have a professional check-up once a year.

Consider all that a plumber needs to inspect during a maintenance visit, and you’ll understand why it is so important to have this work done every year:

  • Water pressure check to see if there are possible leaks or if the pressure is too high because of problems elsewhere in the system, such as mineral buildup from hard water.
  • Leak detection to spot places where hidden leaking may be occurring.
  • Garbage disposal check.
  • Backflow preventer check to make sure sewage can’t enter into the freshwater lines.
  • General drain cleaning service to clear out the buildup of residue inside frequently used drains like those in the kitchen.
  • Sewer line inspection to see that the line is in good shape and not in danger of blockages from tree roots.
  • Inspecting the water heater to see that it doesn’t have impending repair needs.

A thorough inspection will see that your plumbing is both safe and efficient. It will help you avoid repairs in the future and ensure that all parts of the system are working in peak condition.

Regardless of how well you maintain your plumbing, repair needs can crop up, so make sure that you have a reliable company in Irvine, CA for plumbing repairs that can get the work done fast and accurately. Look to the more than 30 years of experience at Saddleback Plumbing for repairs and maintenance that will keep your plumbing working for you instead of causing hassles.

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What’s Causing Problems with My Water Treatment System?

Thursday, July 10th, 2014

When it comes to protecting our health in our homes, and protecting our plumbing systems as well, a good whole-house water treatment system is often a necessity. You can’t always trust the water from the Orange County municipal supply to be free of unhealthy contaminants and the minerals that create hard water. With the right water treatment systems in an Irvine, CA home, you can have protection from nitrates, arsenic, pesticides, calcium, magnesium, sulfurous oxide, and other chemicals and pollutants that enter the water supply.

Water treatment systems sometimes need help as well, both through regular maintenance and from repairs. If your water treatment begins to fail at its job, call for repairs from Saddleback Plumbing right away, and we’ll find what out what is plaguing your water treatment and fix it.

What Can Go Wrong with Water Treatment Systems

  • Clogged or bad filters: This is the most common reason for problems in a whole-house water treatment system. If the system uses filters to clean water, those filters will eventually become clogged, which will not only stop the filter from working properly, it will lead to a reduction in water pressure. To help avoid these problems, arrange for yearly maintenance for your water treatment system, which will make sure the filters are cleaned and/or replaced as necessary.
  • The wrong system was installed: It’s extremely important to have professionals install your water treatment system. Amateur installation often means receiving a system that either a) doesn’t treat the specific problems in your water you need, or 2) is the wrong size to properly do its job. There is a great variety of water treatment systems available, each designed to target different issues in the water, and installers need to know exactly what problems in the water need remedy before choosing a system. They then need to size it right for the level of water use in your home. If your whole-house water treatment system does not appear to be improving the water quality, call on professionals to see if the right unit was originally installed.
  • Excess salt from a water softener: An issue that homeowners sometimes encounter when they install a water softener is that it adds too much salt to the water in order to balance the calcium and magnesium ions. If you start to notice salty-tasting water, you might need to install a reverse osmosis system to balance the pH level from the water softener.

There are many other possibilities for water treatment malfunction. We recommend annual check-ups and maintenance to keep your home’s treatment system working as well as possible. Call Saddleback Plumbing today to arrange for a maintenance visit, or for plumbing repairs for your Irvine, CA home.

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What to Expect from Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Friday, May 30th, 2014

Plumbers can often perform professional drain cleaning services on your pipes, dealing with tough, stubborn back-ups in ways that store-bought cleansers simply can’t. Here in Irvine, drain cleaning services are readily available, and can use professional tools like mechanized snakes and hydro jetting hoses to take care of the problem properly. While every case is unique, you have a right to expect certain things from the technician who arrives to solve the problem. Here’s what to expect from professional drain cleaning services.

  • Courtesy and consideration. The service should treat your home like they would their own. While some drains can be cleaned quickly and easily, others will require more effort. Regardless, the technician will bring his equipment in carefully and deploy it with utmost concern for your kitchen or bathroom’s well-being. When the operation is finished, he or she will clean up any standing water or other bits of mess, and leave your home in the exact shape he found it.
  • Up-front estimates. There shouldn’t be any hidden surprises with a drain cleaning operation. The plumber will perform a breakdown of all the costs involved and let the homeowner sign off on it before the cleaning begins. In addition, he or she will explain specific techniques such as hydro jetting so that the homeowner knows what to expect from a possibly unfamiliar process.
  • Results. A professional drain cleaning service offers guarantees on the quality of their work. In other words, once they clean the drain, it should stay cleaned for a reasonable amount of time and the home owner shouldn’t be charged if a repeat visit in necessary.

If you know what to expect from professional drain cleaning services, the next step is to contact the experts at Saddleback Plumbing. We have the skills and know-how to do the job right the first time, every time, and our trained staff of experts is on hand to explain every step of the process in clear detail. We treat your home with the courtesy you expect and all our work is backed by a guarantee. Give us a call today and ask us about our drain cleaning and other plumbing services in Irvine, CA.

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When to Repair Rather than Replace Your AC Unit

Thursday, May 29th, 2014

If you have an old air conditioning unit and it runs into trouble, you need to seriously consider whether the time has come to replace it. Sooner or later, every air conditioner needs to be replaced and if you feel like yours has given up the ghost, you may need to accept that reality. But just because you can replace an older unit doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Specifics vary, and here in Irvine, air conditioning installation services can give you specific advice on when to repair rather than replace your AC unit. We’ve provided a few more general tips below.

In the first case, you should look at how extensive the specific repair is and how much it will cost to make it. A relatively minor repair might be worth it, which a major one could start to look like throwing good money after bad. To that, you should look at the overall frequency of repairs, and whether this is a seeming anomaly, or just one of a long line of problems experienced by your air conditioner. If it hasn’t been much trouble overall, then a repair is probably the most appropriate response.

In addition, you should take a close look at your monthly energy costs, and compare it to similar costs earlier in the air conditioner’s life. A lack of efficiency is a huge reason to consider purchasing a new unit, and if your current unit is still performing well, there’s no need to install a new one just yet. Similarly, if you haven’t had your existing unit for that long, there’s probably not a huge demand to put in a new one, not when you can still get a great deal of use out of the existing unit. In both of these cases, regular maintenance sessions from a trained technician can help improve your unit’s efficiency and ensure that it lasts a good long time.

In the end, every system is different, which is why professional consultation is usually in your best interests. Advice on air conditioning installation in Irvine, CA can be provided by the experts at Saddleback Plumbing. We can give you sound advice on when to repair rather than replace your AC unit, and can perform both repairs and installations with professionalism and pride. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

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Drain Cleaning Solutions Used by Plumbers

Thursday, May 15th, 2014

Everyone is familiar with commercial chemical drain cleaners sold in any supermarket or hardware store, designed to get rid of stubborn clogs and backups. Those cleaners tend to be universal and adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, which actually doesn’t work very well for any but the mildest clogs. For plumbers here in Irvine, drain cleaning solutions can treat a wide variety of problems, and not all of those solutions involve chemical cleansers. Indeed, most plumbers prefer to use alternate methods of cleaning the drains that are less overtly caustic. Here’s a short list of the different types of drain cleaning solutions used by plumbers.

  • Snakes. Snakes are also available to the public, but as with chemical cleaners, the store-bought models tend to be one size fits all. Plumbers, on the other hand, often use mechanized snakes that bring power to the equation that hand-cranked snakes don’t. They also use snakes with rotating heads that can be adjusted to match the exact nature of the clog.
  • Hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is a method by which the plumber fires bursts of water under incredibly high pressure down the pipes. It’s a thorough and very efficient means of clearing up the clogs, and has the benefit of affecting the entire length of pipe, not just the spot that’s causing the back-up. Hydro-jetting requires professional training to use correctly, but it’s safe and effective.
  • Video inspection. This isn’t strictly a solution, but it definitely helps the plumber get a better sense of the problem. He or she sends a tiny video camera down the pipe, attached to a flexible rod. It allows him or her to ascertain the exact nature of the clog, and then choose the solution that fits it the best.

Here at Saddleback Plumbing, we’re well versed in drain cleaning solutions used by plumbers, and we know how to deploy them with skill and care.  If you live in Irvine, drain cleaning solutions need to do the job right, not just adopt a single tactic to what can be a surprisingly complex problem. Give us a call today to make an appointment with our plumbers in Irvine, CA and let us get rid of that clog for good!

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Air Conditioning Repairs to Consider Before Summer

Friday, April 25th, 2014

Summers in Irvine can be lovely but they can also be intense. If your air conditioner breaks down during the summer months, you might be in for an unpleasant stretch waiting for emergency repairs to arrive. (Many other people will probably have their ACs break down on the same day.) To help prevent serious air conditioner malfunctions during the upcoming hot season, have all necessary repairs done now—even if you aren’t currently using your AC.

Since 1981, Saddleback Plumbing has helped homeowners in Orange County stay cool during the long summers. Our many years of experience make us an ideal choice when you need air conditioning repair in Irvine, CA.

Here are some of the repairs you should have taken care of during the spring if they’ve started to affect your air conditioning. All of these problems will grow worse without attention, so make the call today for repairs right away.

Recharge the Refrigerant

People sometimes ignore the appearance of frost along the indoor evaporator coil because it seems appropriate on a device that is sending out cold air. But ice on the coil usually means that the AC has lost its refrigerant charge due to leaking. Other signs of refrigerant leaks are hissing sounds and a drop in cooling. If the refrigerant isn’t recharged, the AC will eventually lose its cooling power and the condenser will suffer serious damage. Repair technicians will locate and seal any leaks, and then restore the refrigerant to its proper level.

Fix or Replace Failing Motors

When you hear a grinding noise coming from the AC cabinet, it usually indicates that one of the motors is failing. This can happen because of dirt, loss of lubricant, or overheating. Often, the whole motor will need replacement.

Stop a “Hard Starting” Compressor

An air conditioning system is “hard-starting” when the compressor stutters as it comes on and soon shuts off before completing its cooling cycle. There could be a number of reasons for this, such as low line voltage, a failing start capacitor, a tight or seized compressor motor, or a compressor near the end of its life. A repair technician can sometimes fix hard starting with a “hard start” kit, but in some cases the compressor will need to be replaced.

Whatever repairs your air conditioner needs, don’t try to do them yourself. ACs are intricate machines, and amateur repair attempts can cause the problem to worsen. A trained technician will need to investigate the problem and zero in on the exact cause so he or she can provide an accurate repair.

Don’t delay on any repairs, whether your air conditioning is hard starting, making odd noises, or causing hot spots in your home. Call Saddleback Plumbing and talk to our Irvine, CA air conditioning repair specialists today. Make sure you also sign up for our Membership Value Program to keep your air conditioning running each year with professional maintenance.

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How to Address Leaks in Bathroom Plumbing

Friday, April 4th, 2014

Leaks are a sad inevitability in most homes. No matter how well maintained your plumbing system is, sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with a breach or a leak. This is especially true with bathroom plumbing, which sees the heaviest use and often experiences the most damaging leaks. Here in Irvine, bathroom plumbing doesn’t undergo the same pressures as it might in colder climates, but seals and connectors can still wear down, as can the pipes themselves in the most extreme cases. Here’s how to address leaks in bathroom plumbing.

Detection is key, which means you should always look out for signs of drips or water running where it shouldn’t. Check under your sink for drips and puddles on a regular basis, and look for signs such as odd noises and gurgling sounds for those pipes that aren’t readily visible. Once you spot it, shut off the water to that section of your plumbing if you can. If you can’t, simply take care not to use the fixture or appliance in question, most bathroom plumbing fixtures don’t have constantly running water, so refraining from using the sink or shower until you can get the leak addressed will prevent the water from puddling up in inappropriate locations.

In a few cases, you can treat a leak yourself with epoxy or a similar sealant. In most cases, however, you should contact a qualified plumber to deal with the leaks. He or she can replace the damaged component, tighten the loose fittings and otherwise address the leak in a substantive fashion. More importantly, most reputable plumbing repair services offer a guarantee on their work, which means you won’t need to worry about the leak returning anytime soon.

Professional plumbing repairs in Irvine is offered by the professionals at Saddleback Plumbing. We stand by our work with guaranteed services and proudly cite our affiliation with reputable groups such as the Plumbing Heating & Cooling Contractors as proof. Most importantly, we know how to address leaks in bathroom plumbing with courtesy and care. Pick up the phone today and give us a call. You’ll be glad you did!

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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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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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Can Zone Controls Be Installed with an Existing Furnace System?

Wednesday, February 5th, 2014

You may have heard of zone control systems, which divide your home up into individual sections which can be heated and cooled one at a time. It’s an incredibly versatile tool – allowing you to set one temperature in the kitchen and another in the bedroom, for instance – and by letting you shut off the heat in rooms you aren’t using, it can save you a great deal on energy costs. On a more abstract level, it can improve the resale value of your house, which may offset some of the cost of installation. Here in Irvine, furnace technology reigns supreme, which may appear to present a problem for installing a system such as this. Most people associate zone controls with ductless HVAC systems: multiple small units scattered throughout the home. Can zone controls be installed with an existing furnace system? In point of fact, they can.

The key to zone control is compartmentalization, which allows you to adjust the temperature in one area without affecting any other areas.  That wouldn’t seem possible with a traditional central furnace, which distributes heated are via a system of ducts. The solution is to install valves and shutters within the system itself. The valves can be placed at key locations in the ductwork, with multiple thermostats installed to let you control each one. The air handler and a few other components need to be modified as well, but the duct system itself remains intact, giving you an efficient zone control system without having to uproot your existing system.

In most cases, the installation process takes less than one day, provided it’s performed by experience professionals. In Irvine, furnace installation services like Saddleback Plumbing can install zone controls with an existing furnace system. We’ll thoroughly inspect your home and draw up a plan for installing the system, then explain every step to you before performing the operation with professionalism and care. We’ll treat your home like it was ours and are completely dedicated to your satisfaction at every stage. Give us a call today to set up an appointment for your next heating service in Irvine.

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