Hillsborough, NJ Plumbing FAQ: What is a U-Bend?

February 18th, 2013

If you have plumbing questions for one of our Hillsborough, NJ plumbers, feel free to call Awesome Air any time for tips or advice. As a homeowner, it is important to understand how basic plumbing works. This helps you know when to call for repairs or when it’s time for a routine tune-up service. That’s why we’ve put together a short description of a U-bend and why it is an important part of your plumbing.

You’ve probably noticed the U-bend underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks but never really thought much about its function. Because of “U” shape in the pipe directly under the sink, it helps push the water through the drain trap and into the drain line that leads to the main sewer line outside your home. If the sink is not being used, there remains a small amount of water in the bend of the pipe.

The water that remains in the U-bend is there to prevent sewer odors from coming back up the pipe. The downside to this technology is that it is susceptible to clogs when hair and other particles get trapped in the bend. This is a simple fix and can be done by clearing out the drain trap. Make sure you know how to remove and replace the drain trap before you try to do this yourself.

If you have questions about the U-bend, or need a repair service, the experienced plumbers at Awesome Air can help you out. While a plumber should handle all major repairs for the plumbing system in your home, there are a few basic tasks you can do to help. Knowing how to clear out the U-bend can prevent larger clogs further down the line. Don’t hesitate to call the Hillsborough, NJ plumbers at Awesome Air for all your drain and sewer needs.

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Common Heating Repairs in Princeton NJ

February 15th, 2013

Your heating system is essential during a cold winter in Princeton NJ. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or a heat pump, you need to make sure that it works both efficiently and effectively all season long. Issues with your heating system can reduce energy efficiency and might lead to early replacement. While heating maintenance can help ensure that your heating system works as it should, problems can happen to even the best equipment. When your heating system stops working, you need to call a contractor you can trust. In the Princeton NJ area, the heating contractor to call is Awesome Air! We provide 24 hour emergency service to Princeton, Hillsborough, and the surrounding areas!

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Common Sewer Problems in Bridgewater, NJ

February 13th, 2013

The sewer lines in your home are critical to your home’s comfort. Every day your home’s sewer system disposes of your waste water safely and efficiently. When you need sewer repairs you want them to get done quickly. At Awesome Air we provide complete sewer repairs in Bridgewater, NJ. We wanted to make sure that our customers know what to look for so they can call for plumbing repairs. Here are some of the most common sewer problems that we see.

Tree Roots

Surprisingly, tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer repairs in Bridgewater, NJ. In their search for water, your tree roots can wedge their way into your sewer pipe joints and fittings. This can cause a terrible clog in your sewer pipes. When that happens, your drains won’t work well and you’ll likely have problems with multiple drains in your home.

Leaks

Whether it’s from old age or shifting of the ground below your home, your sewer pipe can eventually start to leak. If you notice soggy patches in your yard or smell sewage, it could indicate that you have a leak in your sewer lines.

Clogs

If something has gone down your toilets or your sink drains that shouldn’t have, it could end up in your sewer line and form a clog. While this can happen suddenly it can also happen over time. Sediment, minerals and other deposits can start to build up in your sewer lines with time. If your drains aren’t working correctly and you’ve tried to unclog your drains, it could be because the clog is located further down your sewer line.

If you need sewer line repair in Bridgewater, NJ, call Awesome Air. We can help get your sewer lines back up and working quickly.

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Somerville, NJ Boiler Guide: Causes of Boiler Leaks

February 11th, 2013

A boiler is a great way to provide comfortable and efficient heat for your home in Somerville, NJ. But like everything else they can eventually start to break down. Boilers have many working parts and any repairs on them should always be done by a professional. Leaks are a serious problem for boilers and will likely cause you to lose some heating efficiency in your home. At Awesome Air, we provide complete boiler repairs in Somerville, NJ and wanted to make sure that our customers knew what to look for if their boiler starts to leak.

Symptoms of Boiler Leaks

A leak from your boiler can be caused by a number of different things. One of the best ways to figure out what is causing the leak is to find where the leak is coming from. Depending which part of your boiler is leaking will determine what’s causing the leak.

Common Causes of Boiler Leaks

During the winter you likely use your boiler every day. With all that use it will eventually need leak repair in Somerville, NJ. Here are some of the common causes of boiler leaks.

  • Pressure – If you see that the pressure release vale on your boiler is starting to leak, it could mean that your boiler is heating the water too much or that there’s too much pressure inside it.
  • Crack – With age your boiler could start to crack. This is obviously a very bad sign and you should call for plumbing repairs. A crack in your boiler tank usually requires that you replace the entire system.
  • Pump – Your boiler uses a pump to circulate the hot water through your home. If your pump is starting to leak it might mean that the seals on it are old and are deteriorating.

If you need any kind of boiler repairs in Somerville, NJ, call Awesome Air. Our plumbers have years of experience dealing with all different types and brands of boilers.

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Hillsborough, NJ Plumber’s Guide: What Causes Water Leaks?

February 8th, 2013

Water leaks not only lead to possible water damage, but they can also cost you a lot of money on your utility bills. Leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the average home every year. Watch this video to learn some common causes of water leaks! If you suspect a leak in your home, call your local Hillsborough, NJ plumbers at Awesome Air!

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How to Tell if You Need a Sewage Ejector Pump in Hillsborough, NJ

February 6th, 2013

When it comes to our home plumbing systems, most of us just want them to work without our having to give them much thought. If you own a home in Hillsborough, NJ though it really is necessary for you to familiarize yourself with such aspect of your home as the plumbing system. Doing so can help prevent a serious headache down the road. Asking yourself if your home needs a sewage ejector pump now, for instance, can help avoid being surprised by that need later on. Call Awesome Air for more information about sewage ejector pump installation service.

A sewage ejector pump, or sewage grinder pump, is used to pump sewage to a septic tank or sewer line in a home where a bathroom may be below these systems. If you have a bathroom in your basement then you probably either have or need a sewage ejector pump. Your plumbing system can become backed up if the sewage from these low lying bathrooms cannot be disposed of with the help of gravity alone.

Even if your bathroom is pretty much at the same level of your septic tank or sewer line it is still possible that you need a sewage ejector pump. If your property prevents sewage from reaching the necessary speed to be disposed of, a pump can help usher it along its path. As with most plumbing questions, the answer is not as clear cut as you may think.

If you are concerned about the ability of your home’s plumbing systems to efficiently dispose of your sewage in a hygienic manner you should speak with a Hillsborough, NJ plumber. Most of your plumbing system is hidden out of view, and homeowners often have no way of understanding what issues it may be experiencing.

If you have low lying bathrooms or if your sewage system frequently backs up, call Awesome Air. The professional installation of a sewage ejector pump may be just what you need to resolve the problem. Give us a call today to have your plumbing system professionally evaluated. We have the training and experience necessary to determine if a sewage ejector pump is necessary in your Hillsborough, NJ home.

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Common Water Line Problems: Somerville, NJ Plumber’s Guide

February 4th, 2013

Running water is such a common luxury that most of us never stop to consider how important it is in our day to day lives. It becomes a lot harder to ignore when there is a problem with the water supply to your Somerville, NJ home, though. If your main water line or pipes are compromised, call the expert Somerville plumbers at Awesome Air right away. We have the skills, training and experience necessary to pinpoint, diagnose and resolve any problems that you are experiencing with your water line. Here are some common problems with water lines that we see frequently.

Burst pipes are one of the more serious issues that you may experience with your water line. In the event that your water line does burst, be sure to shut off your main water valve as soon as you realize the issue. A burst water line can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Never underestimate a water leak of any size, especially one on this scale. Once you have the water off contact your Somerville, NJ plumber immediately. The sooner the issue is resolved the sooner your life is back to business as usual.

A lack of sufficient water pressure is an annoying problem, but it can also be indicative of a much more serious issue. If you water pressure falls suddenly in a noticeable way then you may have sprung a leak in your water line or elsewhere in your home plumbing system. There are a lot of pipes carrying water into, out of and throughout your home. The sooner any leaks are found and repaired the less likely extensive water damage is.

Water line sediment is another very common issue that your plumber deals with fairly frequently. Any rust or other debris in your pipes may increase with age. Erosion and sediment buildup can cause issues with your water line and may affect the quality of the water brought into your home. A replacement line may be necessary if the problem is pervasive.

For more information about common water line problems and how they can be rectified, call Awesome Air. We want to ensure the comfort and convenience of your Somerville, NJ home. Call today to schedule service.

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Choosing New Plumbing Fixtures for Your Kitchen or Bathroom: A Bridgewater, NJ Plumber’s Guide

February 1st, 2013

Everything in your home should be a reflection of your tastes and your style. This holds true even for your kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures. Choosing the right plumbing fixtures for your kitchen or bathroom may not sound like that big a project, but keep in mind that you will be seeing and using these fixtures every day. Make sure that you get the right fixtures for your plumbing needs and design preferences. Contact Awesome Air today to discuss the kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures available for installation in your Bridgewater, NJ home.

Kitchen Plumbing Fixtures

When it comes to the kitchen plumbing fixtures you choose for installation in your home it all comes down to personal preference. Do you love to cook? You may want to consider installing a pasta arm in your kitchen for quick access to water near the stove. If you have granite countertops then an under mounted sink is probably right for you. Kitchen sink faucet fixtures may include sprayers built into the faucet, single handle or dual handle faucet controls, and a bevy of other options. Consider your kitchen usage, your new kitchen fixture goals, and be sure to discuss all of the pros and cons of different styles with a qualified professional. There is no rule as to what the “best” kitchen plumbing fixtures are, just those that are best for you.

Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures

Your bathroom serves a few very important functions and is an integral part of your daily routine. That doesn’t mean that it should be entirely utilitarian, though. Your bathroom may be where you get prepared for your day or ready for bed at night, but it is still a room in your home. Upgrading the fixtures therein, whether the showerhead, faucets, tub or toilet, can really help make your bathroom your own. Contact a professional plumber to elevate your bathroom to the same status as the rest of your house.

If you have any questions about the installation of new bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures in Bridgewater, NJ, call Awesome Air today. Our expert team of qualified plumbers has all the answers. Let us know what we can do for you.

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Somerville, NJ Plumber’s Tip: What is Commercial Plumbing?

January 30th, 2013

Do you own a building in the Somerville, NJ area? Call the commercial plumbers at Awesome Air to handle all your plumbing needs. Commercial plumbing is different than residential plumbing in many ways, but the main difference is that commercial plumbing systems have stricter codes and regulations. Call us if you need a plumbing service for your commercial facility.

Commercial plumbing systems have many components and extensive piping. Some of the components could be in places that are inaccessible, such as behind a wall or in a ceiling. That means you may not notice a leak until it has already created extensive water damage. If you own an apartment building, it’s important to have your plumbing system installed and maintained by a qualified commercial plumber. A joint that isn’t soldered properly during the installation, or a tune-up by an inexperienced plumber could cause damage to your tenants’ units or their property.

For all these reasons, you should schedule routine inspections by a certified commercial plumber who is trained to work specifically with these types of systems. In addition, commercial drain and sewer lines have to remove larger volumes of waste water, so they are more susceptible to clogs or backups. Depending on the location of your building, the underground sewer lines leading to the city line could also be exposed to things that are out of your control, such as poor soil conditions and tree root intrusion. Many older buildings are also likely to have cast iron pipes, which can cause clogs more easily because of the rough surface on the inside of the pipe.

Along with water and sewer lines, your commercial building may have gas lines if you run your heating and cooling equipment or your hot water system with natural gas. This is another component that should only be serviced by an experienced and qualified commercial plumber to ensure safety. Our commercial plumbers make sure everything is up to code whenever they perform a commercial plumbing or gas piping service.

Contact the Somerville, NJ commercial plumbers at Awesome Air to find the right solutions to your commercial plumbing needs.

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Hillsborough, NJ Water Heater Tip: Why is My Hot Water Rust-Colored?

January 28th, 2013

Are you seeing rust-colored water when you turn on the hot water in your home? Call the Hillsborough, NJ water heater experts at Awesome Air if you need a water heater tune-up. Here are some common reasons you could be seeing rusty water when you turn on the hot water tap.

Many homeowners are unaware that tank water heaters need to be drained and flushed often to remove the sediment that can build up at the bottom of the tank. If you see rust-colored water when you turn on the hot water it is most likely sediment in your water heater rather than an issue with the piping, unless you are seeing it in cold water as well.

If it is only in hot water, you should call a repair technician. If you have an electric water heater, the pumps and the tank will need to be checked. You may also need a water heater replacement since the inside of the tank could be corroding, especially if it has not been maintained.  If you do have to replace the water heater, consider a tankless system.

Tankless water heaters don’t have to heat an entire tank of water; therefore, you save money by avoiding standby energy losses. They also offer hot water on demand and do not need to be flushed as often. Call us if you would like to know more about installing a tankless water heater. While they are not the solution for every situation, many homeowners are switching to tankless systems.

If you are seeing rusty water in your cold water as well, or you have iron stains in your sinks and tub, you could have iron in your system. You could also have ferrous iron, which appears clear out of the faucet, but then it leaves a rust-colored stain after it is exposed to oxygen over time. If you see rust coming out of your cold water as well, then you may have ferric iron, which leaves stains and can damage pipes and plumbing appliances.

Call the Hillsborough, NJ water heater repair technicians at Awesome Air for all your hot water heater repair and maintenance needs!

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