Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Blog

Homeowners often forget about their sewer lines, only dealing with obvious plumbing problems like leaky sinks and clogged toilets. But, getting your sewer line checked is just as important, even if it's harder to tell when you should.

These are some of the signs it's time to check your sewer line:

1. Your water levels are low or inconsistent in your toilets.

2. Your water drains slowly in the drains throughout your home.

3. There are bad odors in the drains or toilets.

4. Mold is growing in your drains.

With more families spending time at home during the virus, it can take a toll on your plumbing system. Here are a few basic plumbing tips for homeowners:

1. Constantly running toilets are annoying and costly. This issue is usually caused by a flapper that has gone bad. The flapper is a rubber part inside the back of the toilet that can often be found at the hardware store for under $10 and it only takes about ten minutes to replace.

2. One of the most common plumbing problems is a leaky faucet.  These can also be caused by the wearing of an aerator, but could also indicate the need for replacement of a washer, rubber seal, or an o ring. These are all products that can be found at the hardware store and easily replaced. 

3. In case of a pipe burst, learn where the water main is located and how it shuts off. 

4. In case you don't have draino on hand, you can try a natural solution of 1/2 cup each of vinegar and baking soda. Mix it and pour it slowly into the drain to see if that helps move it.

5. If your toilet seat is loose, it is usually a quick fix. There are bolts on the underside of the seat that can loosen over time. Tighten those and you should be good to go.

Our plumbing team is operating and here for you in case of emergencies! 

Due to COVID-19 a lot of us are stuck at home right now. So, the G-Man wanted to share some HVAC check tips you can do on your own.

1. Check your filter. This is an easy fix for your HVAC system. Simply swap out the filter to improve airflow. 

2. Check the power. If your system is suddenly off, it could be the circuit breaker. 

3. Clear your vents. If vents are blocked it could impact airflow. Move furniture or other items at least 2 feet away.

These are just 3 easy steps you can take to ensure your HVAC is running its best. If none of these things improve your system, we are still here for you. Our crew is following all safety protocols and are ready to serve you should you need it.

Winter is not quite over in Virginia, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't already be thinking about preparing our air conditioners for spring. So far we haven't had massive winter storms, but that doesn't mean your outdoor unit wasn't affected by the weather. We have had lots of rain and other damaging weather, like wind, this winter.

The first step is to visually inspect your unit. Is there debris or other rubbish around it? Be sure to clear the area around your air conditioner.

Next, be sure to replace your filters. Old filters can greatly reduce your air conditioner's productivity. Filters should be changed about every 3 months. (Tip - set an alert in your phone to indicate when you need a new filter.)

Check all your lines. Do another visual inspection of all the pieces of your system, including the lines. Look for any damages that may have happened over the last few months.

And finally, get an inspection. A professional HVAC inspection, like our Comfort Plan maintenance, is the best way to ensure your AC unit is all set for spring and summer. You can learn more about our Comfort Plans here.

Winter is about to touch down in Virginia. One of the biggest plumbing concerns during the cold weather months is frozen pipes. Here are a few tips to help prevent that.

1. Keep your garage door closed. Making sure you close your garage every time you enter or exit will help your pipes stay warmer because water supply lines can be in the garage.

2. Don't turn down your heat a night. While it may help you save a dollar or two, turning down your heat when it is below freezing outside could damage your pipes. Keep your temperature the same during both night and day.

3. Open your cabinet doors. Expose your kitchen and bathroom pipes that are in cabinets to your heat. 

4. Check your basement and attic. For these areas of the house that may not have heat, make sure your pipes are insulated.

If you have a plumbing emergency, Gilman is here for you. You can quickly schedule an appointment here, or learn more about our plumbing services here.