Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Newport Beach’

The Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement

Monday, August 9th, 2021
water-line

If your sewer lines are in need of repairs, the worst thing you can do is to wait and do nothing. Small clogs can turn into complete blockages and can even break down the sewer lines completely. These problems should be solved quickly on an urgent basis with help from professional plumbing in Newport Beach, CA.

A lot of people are opting for trenchless sewer line replacement technology. It offers a faster, cheaper, and environmentally friendly method for replacing and repairing sewer lines. Let’s look at how it works and some of its major benefits.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Drain and Sewer | Comments Off on The Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement

Why Your In-Floor Heating Isn’t Working

Monday, March 8th, 2021
in-floor-heating

Heating for homes in Orange County is usually done with forced-air systems, such as a furnace or heat pump. But the popularity of in-floor heating has grown over the last decade as an alternative to having heated air blown out of vents. You may live in a recently built home that took advantage of the benefits of in-floor heating, which means you have a hydronic boiler supplying the heated water that runs in cables under the subfloor to deliver heat. This system needs special care, and there are not many local HVAC contractors who work with them. 

But we’re proud to offer hydronic boiler repairs in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County. When you have trouble with a hydronic heating system that isn’t doing its job, call us to take care of it. 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Why Your In-Floor Heating Isn’t Working

Making Bathroom Plumbing Replacements During a Remodel

Monday, February 22nd, 2021
luxury-bathroom

Everybody is looking to make some changes this year, to get a fresh start or some new energy into their lives after a not-all-that-great previous year. Doing some home remodeling is a great way to make a change to your house, and the bathroom is one of the best places to remodel. It may not be as flashy a remodel as a kitchen, but it contributes greatly to your personal comfort. 

If you are considering a bathroom remodel this year, something to focus on is making important plumbing replacements. The bathroom has more plumbing in it—from pipes to drains to fixtures—than any other room in the house. A remodel is more than new countertops and cabinets and storage; you’ll have some choices to make about plumbing replacements.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Making Bathroom Plumbing Replacements During a Remodel

Why You’re Seeing Black Specks in Your Water

Monday, February 24th, 2020
water-and-tap

The water that comes from your taps is supposed to be clear. As crystal clear as possible. Although you may still have unseen contaminants inside clear water (which is why recommend scheduling regular water testing every few years), when the water turns muddy, discolored, or cloudy, you’ll know there’s something wrong.

A common visual issue you may see in your water is black specks. What causes this, and is it a reason to call a plumber in Newport Beach, CA to fix it? We’ll answer these questions below.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Why You’re Seeing Black Specks in Your Water

How Indoor Air Quality is Affected by Crawl Spaces in Laguna Beach

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Indoor air quality problems in Laguna Beach come in many forms. The most common is a specific irritant like dander or pollen getting in through poorly sealed windows or a lack of ventilation keeping stale air inside during the winter. However, for those with crawlspaces beneath their home, the risk of potentially dangerous indoor pollutants rises sharply.

Radon in Your Crawlspace

Radon is a gas emitted from the natural decay of uranium found in almost all soil. Any home can sit atop radon emitting soil – the real question is whether that gas can make its way into your living space. Unfortunately, poorly sealed crawlspaces are a frequent problem, either due to previous owners using the space for storage or to it being poorly sealed during construction.

If your home shows high levels of radon, the crawlspace is likely the first space that will be inspected by your contractor. Because radon gas can lead to diseases like lung cancer (in as many as 21,000 people each year), the risk is not worth ignoring.

Mold and Mildew

Another major problem faced by homeowners with crawlspaces is the presence of moisture in the crawlspace. Moisture is a direct contributor to the growth of mold and mildew which can quickly spread into your home. Proper sealing is highly recommended if natural moisture builds up in the crawlspace or if a lingering mold problem simply won’t go away.

Crawlspace Inspection

Inspection of your crawlspace starts with carefully analyzing the indoor air quality of your home to be sure nothing is currently causing problems. If high levels of radon or mold are detected, the crawlspace is usually the first place to check. If they are not, it is still good to inspect the space to check for both as they can quickly spread to the rest of the house.  Another preventative step you can take is installing air cleaners in your HVAC system to help reduce air pollutants.

An unsealed crawlspace is almost always an unnecessary danger that should be seen to as quickly as possible. If you are interested in keeping tabs on your home’s air quality, it starts at the foundation. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today and learn more about what they can do for you.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on How Indoor Air Quality is Affected by Crawl Spaces in Laguna Beach

New Fixtures in Newport Beach: A Low Cost Way to Brighten a Kitchen or Bath

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Many older homes in Newport Beach still have the original faucets, toilets, shower heads, and other plumbing fixtures and are in desperate need of plumbing replacements. Like most contractor-grade components, those fixtures were  probably designed to be strictly practical, with very little styling or decorative flair.

Contractors aren’t architects or interior designers. They’re focused mainly on installing the infrastructure of the plumbing system – the water delivery and waste pipes. It’s not their job to pick out elegant or cutting edge fixtures. They also can’t predict the taste of a home’s future occupants, so it makes no sense to install distinctive fixtures that might be removed or, worse, contribute to a potential buyer’s negative impression of the home.

That means many homeowners spend years living with plumbing fixtures deliberately intended to be bland and unnoticeable. There’s nothing wrong with that, but consider how many times each day we use our bathroom and kitchen plumbing. How many times per week do we take a bath or use the shower? The simple pleasure of seeing and touching an attractive, well designed faucet is a little perk that can help brighten the day.

Higher end plumbing fixtures can be pricey, but factor in how long most fixtures last and you’re only paying a few pennies or less per day. Plumbing fixture design has become much more consumer-driven. Companies must compete by offering an expanding variety of styles.  The new passion for cooking has increased the demand for professional grade kitchen faucets that can stand up to hard use, have pullout sprayers, and accommodate large pans. New shower head designs provide a more comfortable, invigorating spray. Sink faucets with elegant finishes of bronze, brushed nickel, or brilliant brass can liven a bathroom. Ergonomically correct handles are easier to use and more inviting to touch.

There are also practical reasons for replacing fixtures. With improvements in materials technology the interior seals of faucets and other fixtures are more resistant to mineral build up and corrosion that can cause leaks. Metal finishes are more durable and resistant to dulling from soap or detergent.

Installing a new, attractive faucet won’t provide a total kitchen or bathroom makeover, but it will provide a spark that brightens the room and makes everyday living just a little more fun.  Call Saddleback Plumbing to get started today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on New Fixtures in Newport Beach: A Low Cost Way to Brighten a Kitchen or Bath

Furnace Tip 1: How to Fix a Faulty Furnace Blower

Monday, January 9th, 2012

The blower fan on your furnace is designed to distribute warm air through the ductwork in your Talega home evenly, ensuring you use all of the energy consumed by your furnace. If the blower doesn’t turn on when the furnace turns on or it continues to run when the furnace is off, it can cost you money and result in cold rooms. Here are some tips on how to fix a faulty furnace blower.

What is the Problem?

First, check to see what the problem is. If your furnace blower remains on all of the time, it may be a thermostat issue. Make sure the fan isn’t set to stay on continuously (a common setting for most air handlers). You should also check the limit control switch to make sure it is working properly. If this is broken, it needs to be replaced which is a relatively simple fix.

If the furnace blower isn’t turning on at all, you may have a belt problem. This can be fixed by you if you have the proper tools. To repair the belt problem, first turn off all electricity to the device. You’ll need to remove the old furnace blower belt, so release the tension in the pulleys before removing the belt.

Installing a new belt is not unlike doing so for your car. Make sure to check the blower or your user manual for proper tension when you install the new belt. Make sure you purchase the right size belt and set it to the right tension. If you cannot or you do not feel comfortable doing so, you should call a professional to inspect and repair the problem for you.

Getting the Blower Back Up and Running

Once your new belt is in place, test the system carefully, starting with the lowest setting (if there are variable settings). If it does not yet work or if something sounds strange, call a Talega heating and air conditioning technician right away. You don’t want the motor to burn out or something else more substantial to go wrong with your furnace or air handler during the middle of the winter.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on Furnace Tip 1: How to Fix a Faulty Furnace Blower

Allergens Affected by Indoor Air Quality Systems: A Guide from Saddleback Plumbing

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Indoor air quality devices are designed to capture and remove certain allergens from the air, but what exactly is being removed and how would those allergens affect your health if left to circulate in your Irvine home? Here is a quick rundown of common allergens found inside the average home and why you should have them removed:

  • Dust Mites – Dust mites develop in high humidity conditions – above 50%. This means that dehumidification (which can be done with an air conditioner) to a healthy range between 35-50% will keep them from developing and ensure your indoor air stays comfortable and safe. Dust mites are not dangerous but they can severely increase complications from asthma and other uncomfortable conditions.
  • Animal Dander – Dander from cats, dogs, birds and other furry or feathered creatures is a common allergen for millions of people. If you suspect dander as an allergy, go on vacation to a place without dander and see how it affects you or your loved ones.
  • Dust and Dirt – Dust is in every home and while it is a common irritant, it can inflame asthma or worsen allergies many times over.
  • Pollen – Pollen is a problem for anyone with seasonal allergies or hay fever. While medicine can help, proper sealing of your house and indoor air filtration can reduce the presence of pollen from clothing and animals.
  • Bacteria and Viruses – Bacteria can develop in the air from common colds, old food or outside contaminants. Use a UV light to remove these from your air handler or ductwork.
  • Smoke and Exhaust – Indoor/outdoor ventilation can allow in smoke and exhaust that irritates most lungs. To avoid this problem install an electronic air cleaner that can target particles in smoke.

Getting rid of allergens in the air is an important aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy household. Proper air cleaning, filtration and UV purification will reduce these allergens many times over. There are also some great tips on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation website for how to reduce the presence of those allergens to start with.19

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on Allergens Affected by Indoor Air Quality Systems: A Guide from Saddleback Plumbing

Key Components for Annual Maintenance of Your HVAC System

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Annual service checkups are an important component of your HVAC system’s ongoing operation in Fullerton. Without these checkups, the system may not run properly. While there are some tasks you can perform yourself, most of the vital maintenance tasks need to be performed by a professional annually.

As you look for a contractor to perform your annual maintenance, make sure you find someone who will perform each of the most important tasks listed below for your system each year:

  • Electrical Connections – These should be tightened, tested and replaced as necessary.
  • Thermostat – A professional thermostat calibration ensures the system runs at the right temperature throughout the summer.
  • Control Panel – The control panel is checked for error codes and recalibrated to ensure it continues running as intended for another year.
  • Blower Parts – The fan and motor are checked and serviced as needed. Replacement parts are installed.
  • Condenser Coils and Evaporator – Both are cleaned and checked for signs of wear. Any bent coils are repaired.
  • Gas Connections – An inspection of your gas lines, if applicable, is made. Additionally, if you have electrical components, they will be checked for damage.
  • Exchanger and Combustion Components – If you have a packaged system, these are checked for the entire system.
  • Refrigerant Check – If you have a refrigerant filled air conditioning system, it will be checked to ensure levels are high enough for another summer.
  • Air Filters – While you can do this yourself each month, a professional will check permanent and replaceable filters for wear and tear.
  • Moving Parts – All moving parts are inspected, oiled, and checked for damage. If a part needs replacement it is done now to avoid future problems.

Good annual maintenance is necessary to keep your system running smoothly year round. While there are plenty of cleaning tasks you can perform each month, the most important tasks are those performed by your contractor.

If you are interested in learning more about how maintenance will be performed on your system, call your local contractor today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on Key Components for Annual Maintenance of Your HVAC System

When to Replace Your Air Conditioning System

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

One of the last things you probably want to think about is replacing your current air conditioning system, especially during a hot Placentia summer. However, the time will come when you can no longer ignore the fact that your air conditioning system is not getting the job done like it used to. And considering your replacement options early can help save you a lot of money and aggravation in the long run.

Before you can start looking at replacement options, though, you need to be aware that the time has come to replace your current model. But how can you tell that your air conditioner is on its way out? Well, there are actually quite a few warning signs that, if you are attuned to them, will help you determine whether or not it is the right time to replace.

First of all, if you have to call for repairs, even minor ones, on a regular basis, chances are that you would be better off replacing rather than continuing to patch up the air conditioning system you already have. This is true for several reasons including the fact that a system that requires repairs so often is probably not going to last you much longer anyway.

By replacing now rather than continuing to pay for repairs, you will save a lot of money in the long run. After all, you are going have to pay for the new system sooner or later, so you might as well skip the shelling out of extra cash to repair a system you are just going to get rid of anyway.

Problems like inadequate or uneven cooling or mismanaged humidity levels in your home are a good sign that something is not working right in your air conditioning system and that it may be time to replace. At the very least, you should call someone out to take a look and let you know what type of repairs you are looking at.

You should also think about replacing an older system even if it is still working fine because the newer systems available are much more energy efficient than even the top of the line models available ten years ago. While you will have to pay the purchase and installation cost up front, you will immediately begin to save substantial amounts on your monthly cooling bills.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on When to Replace Your Air Conditioning System