Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Laguna Hills’

Is a Standard Tank Water Heater Sometimes the Better Option?

Friday, August 8th, 2014

Tankless water heaters have existed for many years now, but it was not until recently that they expanded their popularity from Europe to the U.S. Now many homeowners on this side of the Atlantic are enjoying the benefits of going tankless, which include never running out of hot water, saving space, lowering energy costs, and getting more years of service from their water heater.

But not everyone has switched from the old “tank” water heaters (storage water heaters) to the tankless models. There are some good reasons for this, and it isn’t just resistance to change. In certain situations, a storage water heater is a superior choice over a tankless one.

It will be hard to determine on your own which of these choices is best for you. You should also seek a professional opinion from a water heater installer and Laguna Hills, CA plumbing company. The team at Saddleback Plumbing is here to help answer your questions and then install the right system for you.

Why might a storage water heater work better for me?

The first consideration is cost: tankless systems cost more to install than standard tank water heaters. In some situations, the potential savings from a tankless system are insufficient to make them worth the upfront investment. How much water you use regularly and your immediate budget plans will affect how useful a tankless heater can be. If your use of water is moderate (usually because you have a small household) and your budget is currently tight, a storage water heater makes a perfectly acceptable option for hot water.

Tankless water heaters can sometimes lose efficiency if multiple taps turn on at once; if this is something that occurs regularly in your home, then you should also consider staying with a storage model.

However, in most homes there is very little to restrict you from choosing a tankless water heater. Considering their long lifespan (usually 5 years more than a storage water heater) they have a lengthy period to return your initial investment. Most owners will see the installation costs paid off in only a few years. Consult with an experienced plumber about installing a new water heater to find out which of the available models will bring you the amount of hot water you need at price that matches your budget.

Since 1981, Saddleback Plumbing has served Orange County with water heater installation. When you need expert work for you plumbing in Laguna Hills, CA, make us your first choice.

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Common Problems Associated with Bathroom Plumbing

Friday, June 20th, 2014

Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used parts of your household, and you need the sinks, toilets and showers to perform without a hitch day in and day out. When problems arise, you need to take care of them as quickly as possible. Here in Laguna Hills, bathroom plumbing problems are a regular occurrence and can be handled by a number of qualified bathroom plumbing services. Here are some common problems associated with bathroom plumbing that you should keep an eye out for.

  • Clogs. Clogged drains are the scourge of many homeowners, and can get particularly bad in the bathroom. Human hair is surprisingly strong, and it can collect in your faucet or shower drain. There, it mixes with soap scum, toothpaste and similar materials to make a very strong clog. Store-bought cleansers can rarely dent such clogs, but a professional plumbing service can usually make short work of them.
  • Hard water. Hard water is water with an unusually high amount of mineral content (usually calcium and magnesium). It’s harmless, but it can create a crumbly white build-up on your faucet heads, and even clog up the faucet if left untreated. Hard water can also leave you skin feeling raw and red after bathing. A water filtration system can soften your water and a plumber can deal with egregious deposits left by hard water.
  • Leaky Toilets. A leaky toilet is usually caused by a breach in the line between the toilet tank and the rest of your plumbing system. The seal, valve or the line itself can usually be replaced fairly easily. A more substantial leak may be caused by a crack in the porcelain, in which case you will probably need to get the entire toilet replaced.

Whenever you’re faced with common problems associated with bathroom plumbing, the best solution is to call the experts at Saddleback Plumbing to help. Bathroom plumbing problems of all varieties are our specialty, and we won’t rest until you are completely happy with our work. We also provide a variety of other plumbing services in Laguna Hills, CA. Pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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These Are Your Choices for a Sump Pump in Laguna Hills, CA

Friday, June 6th, 2014

Here in Laguna Hills, sump pump technology remains a reliable and effective way of preventing home flooding. We have our share of flooding problems during the rainy season, thanks to shallow sewer systems and our hilly terrain. A sump pump, which is placed in a pit in your basement, can swiftly pump floodwaters out of your home: keeping your property and possessions dry in the process. As always, it pays to consult with a professional when selecting a model for your home, but in general terms, these are your choices for a sump pump in Laguna Hills, CA.

  • Pedestal pumps. Pedestal pumps are less expensive and easier to install than other types of pump. They’re mounted on a stand above the pit, keeping the motor out of the water. They work best in areas that get a lot of flooding, though their position above the pit means that they can be fairly noisy.
  • Submersible pumps. These pumps are placed directly in the pit, and are designed to operate while under water. They cost more to install, but tend to be more efficient, and because they’re underwater, they don’t make as much noise.
  • Back-up pumps. Most pumps are run by electricity from your home. A back-up pump is battery powered and intended for use when the electricity goes out.
  • Sewage pumps. These pumps are specifically designed to remove sewage waste and semi-solid materials from you home. This is a significant consideration in Laguna Hills, were our flooding issues often entail overflowing sewers.
  • Combinations pumps. Combination pumps merge a primary pump and a battery-powered back-up pump into one system. It’s a solid choice if you want to cover all your bases without a lot of additional hassle.

A qualified expert plumbing service in Laguna Hills, CA can discuss your choices for a sump pump, then perform an installation once you’ve found the best model for your home and budget. The professionals at Saddleback Plumbing have the skills and expertise to help you out in all stages of sump pump installation. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

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How Heat Pumps Are Different from Forced Air Systems

Friday, May 2nd, 2014

The most common way to heat and cool a home is through a central forced-air system, where blowers send conditioned air through a ventilation system to distribute it throughout the rooms. Air conditioners and furnaces are both types of forced-air systems.

How do heat pumps differ from these systems? First of all, heat pumps are also forced-air systems. In fact, much of their operation is identical to that of air conditioners. They attach to ductwork and an indoor blower fan distributes the air through the ventilation shafts, the same way that other forced-air systems work.

But heat pumps have some important differences from furnaces and air conditioners, as we’ll look at. If you are considering installing a heat pump in Laguna Hills, CA for your home, you can find answers to all your questions at Saddleback Plumbing. Call us today and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members.

The heat pump difference

The standard set-up for a home that uses an air conditioner and a furnace (either gas or electric) is to package the air conditioner above the furnace, which is above the blower fan. The blower works for both AC and furnace, sending air through the furnaces heat exchanger and through the air conditioner’s evaporator coil and into the ventilation system.

A heat pump, however, works on its own: it is both a heating system and cooling system. The indoor unit has a refrigerant coil and blower fans, and the outdoor unit contains the compressor, fan, and refrigerant coil. The heat pump works in the same fashion as the air conditioner: the compressor circulates refrigerant through the indoor and outdoor units, absorbing heat using the indoor coil and releasing it from the outdoor coil. The major difference is that, through a component called the reversing valve, the heat pump can change the direction the refrigerant flows. This means the heat pump removes heat using the outdoor coil and releases heat from the indoor coil. With only a single change on the thermostat, the heat pump switches from an air conditioner to a heater.

However, in either mode, a heat pump still uses forced-air to distribute comfort.

Choosing a heat pump

A heat pump makes an ideal choice for year-round comfort in the Southern California climate. It can deliver air conditioning the equal of a standalone system, and will not struggle with the excessively low temperatures that can cut into efficiency in heating mode. A heat pump also uses less power in heating mode than a furnace does: you will not only save money by not needing to install a furnace, you’ll also pay less to heat your home.

Saddleback Plumbing can install, repair, and maintain your heat pump in Laguna Hills, CA. Our more than 30 years of experience should make us one of your top choices for home comfort.

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How Does the SEER Rating Affect New Air Conditioners?

Thursday, May 1st, 2014

When you begin to plan for new air conditioning installation in Laguna Hills, CA to prepare for the summer heat, you will have to wade through a large number of technical specifications about the various models available. Most of these specs will only have meaning for HVAC professionals, but there are a few about which you should have some basic understanding in order to guide your decision.

Perhaps the most crucial air conditioning specification to understand is SEER, which stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” It isn’t too difficult to understand, and the rating will help you understand how much it will cost you to run a new air conditioner.

SEER is important, but it is not the only factor to understand. For the help seeing the big picture, bring professionals installers into the selection process early on and let their technical knowledge guide you. Saddleback Plumbing has helped residents of Orange County since 1981 find the ideal ACs to make their homes pleasant through the long warm season. Call us today. You’ll be glad you did.

What SEER measures and why it’s important

“Seasonal energy efficiency rating” is a measure of how well an air conditioning system converts its energy source, electricity, into cooling power. It is a ratio of the cooling produced in BTUs (British Thermal Units) to the amount of energy used in kWh (kilowatt-hours) as measured over a season. The higher the number, the more efficiently the air conditioner uses electricity, and the less it will cost to run.

The standard lower end of SEER is 14, the minimum requirement for an air conditioner to receive the ENERGY STAR label from the U.S. Department of Energy. High-efficiency models can have 20–22 SEER. Higher SEER usually means a more costly unit, but with a short payback period. Check with your installer to see if the model you are interested in will give you a good return on your investment.

Make sure that SEER is not your sole guide for choosing a new AC. You want a system that matches your budget and also has sufficient power to cool your entire house to the level you want. The installers will help you balance all the considerations so that your air conditioning installation in Laguna Hills, CA goes exactly as you planned.

Saddleback Plumbing takes pride in the fast and professional service we provide. Contact us today and we will put our experience and knowledge to work for you and your family this summer.

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Watch for Water Line Breaches after an Earthquake

Friday, April 11th, 2014

Earthquakes are a serious concern here in Southern California, and in Laguna Hills, water lines can often be breached following a significant temblor. As the ground shifts, rocks below ground might move, sinkholes could form, and other pressures may be placed on your pipe that weren’t there before. The good news is that there are plumbing services in Laguna Hills with experience repairing water line breaches. The bad news is that breached water lines are usually located below the ground, which means you need to look for subtle signs rather than expecting it to announce itself. Here are a few tips to help you watch for water line breaches after an earthquake.

  • No water
    This is the most obvious sign that something is wrong. If you turn on the faucet or flush the toilet and no water comes back, you likely have a serious breach with the line.
  • Puddles
    Another good sign that you have an underground breach is the appearance of mysterious puddles of water in your yard. Check your year and other parts of your property such as the basement after an earthquake to make sure those puddles aren’t forming.
  • Odors
    A bad odor can indicate a breach in the sewer line, but also a fracture or a back-up in the water line as well. If you small something strange emitting from your kitchen sink or other pipes, it’s time to take some action.
  • Sounds
    You may hear running water in a nearby storm drain or even in parts of your home, despite the fact that there’s no apparent source of the water. That’s usually a good sign that you’re looking at some serious problems.

If you spot water line breaches after an earthquake, call the experts at Saddleback Plumbing for help. We work in Laguna Hills, water lines are a part of our service, and we know how to move quickly when there’s an emergency. After an earthquake, the first thing you need to do is secure your family and your valuables.  We can be a major part of that, especially in the event of water line damage. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

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Why Schedule Heating Repair Services Now

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

We’re coming to the end of another winter, and while no one cries too hard for us here in sunny So Cal, we’ve still had our share of cold nights. Area furnaces and heaters have seen regular use, and with the weather growing warm again, that use is dropping as we focus on our air conditioners instead. Ironically, that makes the best possible time to plan for heating repair service from a trained professional. Here in Laguna Hills, CA, heating systems can be repaired by the same companies, but why should you schedule heating repair services now? In short, because there is no better time.

Not every problem with your heater announces itself with a full-bore breakdown. In many cases,  the problem simply leaches energy from your system. It still runs, but it costs you more in monthly costs than it should and increases wear and tear on the system overall. Not only are you paying more every month than you need to, but the chances of a more serious repair issue increase every  day the initial problem goes unsolved. You might not be able to fix it during the winter, when the eater may see use every day, but with temperatures rising, your unit can afford to be out of action for a day or so in order to handle it.

In addition, that reduced need gives you the flexibility to schedule repairs at your leisure instead of scrambling to react to an immediate problem. We all lead busy lives and increased flexibility can be a boon when juggling your schedule. The spring is the best time to make these plans, before the needs of your air conditioner take center stage.

If you know why you should schedule heating repair services now, the next step is to call the experts at Saddleback Plumbing to help. We professionally handle heating system repairs in Laguna Hills with the same high levels of quality that you’ve come to expect. Give us a call today to set up an appointment and let us show you what we can do!

 

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Can I Move My Sink During a Kitchen Plumbing Remodel?

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

One of the best ways to enhance your home is with a full kitchen remodeling. The kitchen is often located near the center of a house, and will usually become an informal gathering place for family and guests.

Although the outer appearance of your kitchen will be on your mind during remodeling, how much of the vital hidden workings, the plumbing, can you change? Specifically, can you move your sink during a remodel, or must the remodeling work around the sink’s fixed location?

The simple answer is: Yes, you can move your sink during a plumbing remodel. But you’ll need special assistance with it.

Contact Saddleback Plumbing when you want extensive work on your kitchen plumbing by an exceptional plumbing service in Laguna Hills, CA during your remodel.

Everything and the kitchen sink

An experienced plumber will know all about how to plan moving a sink during a plumbing remodel. One of the key ideas during remodeling is to retain the kitchen’s “footprint,” that is, the basic layout (L-shape, U-shape, etc.). It is still possible to retain that footprint while moving one of the major appliances. In fact, some appliances can be shifted without changing their plumbing hook-up. A good example: you can have your sink moved to the other side of the dishwasher because the hookup for both doesn’t depend on whether the sink is on the left or the right of the dishwasher.

Consult with your plumbing professional regarding how you want to renovate to relocate the sink, and he or she can discuss the options for you that will work best with the remodel and how much the changes will cost. Often the plumber will have ideas for moving the sink that hadn’t occurred to you, and which will save time and money, as well as mesh easily with the plans of the remodelers.

Saddleback Plumbing can help you

If you do wish to move your sink during your upcoming kitchen plumbing remodel, have a professional plumber involved early on to work with the remodelers and determine the most effective way to move the sink. This will make the job easier for everyone and result in lower costs and a faster job. Contact Saddleback Plumbing when you want remodeling for your kitchen plumbing in Laguna Hills, CA.

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Common Problems With Water Lines

Friday, December 13th, 2013

Sooner or later, every homeowner has to deal with common problems with water lines. Most of the time they lie under the ground in your yard, and since reaching them can be difficult, most problems simply go unnoticed until they actively interfere with the functioning of your plumbing. Here in Laguna Hills, water lines have to contend with our local atmosphere and other problems unique to southern Orange County. What kind of issues can you expect from your water lines?

Did you know Saddleback Plumbing works with water lines? Call us for help!

A few of the most prevalent are detailed below.

  • Clogs and blockages. Clogs are an inevitably as grease, waste, hair and food leavings slowly build up in your pipes. You can hire a plumber to handle basic clogs in your sink or shower, but build-up in the main water line can be a more serious operation.
  • Tree roots. Tree roots are instinctively drawn towards sewer lines, because the waste entailed often acts as a natural fertilizer.  Over time, they can instigate breaches or even infiltrate the pipe with micro-roots and clog it solid. Tree roots are among the most difficult water line problems to treat because you must often excavate the entire pipe to get at it.
  • General corrosion. Laguna Beach often contains a lot of corrosive material in the soil: salt from our sea air and similar components in the soil can wreak havoc with your pipes: creating breaches and leaks over time.
  • Shifting soil. The soil can change position over time, especially with our combination of hilly terrain and occasional earthquakes. When it does, your water line may be subjected to sudden pressures that can easily damage it, perhaps resulting in breach.

Unfortunately, common problems with water lines often require meticulous solutions, of the sort that only a trained professional can provide. Saddleback Plumbing works in Laguna Hills, water lines are a focus of ours, and we can apply modern technology (such as video pipe inspection) to address the issue. We have unique conditions in Southern California, and those conditions can affect your home plumbing in ways that you can’t always anticipate.

Give Saddleback Plumbing a call and make sure you have an experienced expert on your side!

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Why Does My Furnace Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

Friday, December 6th, 2013

While new furnaces usually have an electric igniter instead of a pilot light, many homes still have furnaces with pilot lights. When the furnace activates, the pilot light ignites the flow of gas so that you can get heat in your home. However, if your pilot light starts to go out often, it might be time to call for repair. Here at Saddleback Plumbing we offer total furnace repair in Laguna Hills for all types of furnaces. If you’re not getting enough heat or if your furnace won’t light, give us a call and we want figure out what’s going on. Here are some of the things that might be causing your pilot light to go out.

Saddleback Plumbing can help you with your heating services in Laguna Hills, like installing a furnace.

Laguna Hills Furnace Repair Tip: Why Is My Pilot Light Going Out?

There are a few different common causes of your pilot light going out. Our experts can fix any type of issue that you’re having. While every home and furnace is different, here are some of the things that could be causing your problems.

  • Thermocouple – Your gas-fired furnace has a safety feature called a thermocouple. It detects when the pilot light is lit by constantly testing the flame with a probe and it will shut off the flow of gas if the pilot light goes out. However, if the thermocouple malfunctions, it can inadvertently shut off the flow of gas to your pilot light which will cause it to turn off. If this is the case with your furnace, our technicians may need to replace it, clean it or repair it.
  • Lack of maintenance – Another common cause of pilot light problems is just a simple lack of maintenance and cleaning. If your pilot light gets dirty because of dust, it may block the flow of gas to the unit.

If you need any kind of furnace repair in Laguna Hills just call Saddleback Plumbing and one of our experts can help you out. Call today!

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