You walk into your laundry room to move the clothes over from the washer to the dryer and immediately feel the cold wet water seeping into your socks. When this happens there are many things you should check before resorting to replacing your appliances. It can be hard to pinpoint what is wrong especially if your water heater is in the same space as well.

The first thing to check is your drainpipe

Behind your washer, there is a place where your drain hose runs into the wall. This pipe can become clogged causing water to back up and drip back down the hose and onto the floor. To fix this you will want to run a small snake down the pipe to clear any clogs.

Another issue that can relate to this pipe is if your vent is clogged above the pipe. Every main pipe in your home has a vent that allows air to escape for the water to drain properly. Check that vent to make sure it is also clear.

Frozen pipes

If it has recently dropped below freezing and your laundry room is against an exterior wall then the pipe inside of the wall may have become cracked and be leaking down and through the baseboards.

Next, check your water heater

Inspect the pan that the water heater sits in and see if there is any water. If there is then the leak could be coming from your water heater. Run your finger under the drain spout and if it feels dry then it’s not coming from there, run your finger or a dry paper towel down all the pipes around your water heater, if any of them are wet then you have found your leak. If they remain dry and the pan is still full of water then most likely there is a crack in your tank.

Hoses can get old

Another thing to check is the hot and cold water hoses that run from your water source into the washer. These can get tattered and cracked. The best replacement option for these is stainless ones that will last much longer.

The final option could be your washing machine itself

Check your drain hose that runs from the washer to the wall, sometimes they can become brittle and crack over time. Another option could be your drain pump it can spring a leak for a variety of reasons, and you will want to get that fixed before it gets the motor wet and you need an entirely new machine.

If after checking all these things, you still are not sure where your leak is coming from give us a call at 202-cool and one of our very experienced technicians will come out and solve your problem for you.

From time to time, you will catch a whiff of a bad odor in your home. We are going to walk you through a few things that it could be.

The P-Trap

If your shower drain smells like sewage, it could mean that your P-trap isn’t effectively keeping sewer gases from seeping up into your bathroom. If you’re dealing with a musty odor and your P-trap is clogged then it needs to be cleaned.

A P-trap is an extra drain fitting that comes with you pipes. The trap itself contains water that creates a seal that prevents the gasses from coming back up into the home. If the water isn’t in the P-trap, then odors will easily waft up into the bathroom through the shower drain and around your feet as you shower. This makes inspecting it easy, just shine a flashlight at it and see if it looks dry or free of water. To fix it, check around for any debris in its trap. If it looks like something is stuck inside, get a paper towel to scoop out anything blocking it.

Leaking Pipes

If you smell rotting eggs while in the shower, it’s usually a sign that there’s a leak in the drain lines under your house. Smelly shower drains like this can include faulty valves, corroded pipes and dripping faucet joints. To get rid of these type of shower smells, you’ll need to tighten all corroded joints and replace sections of pipe that could be rusted. This can be a daunting task but if you call Air Design we can take care of it for you.

Biofilm Buildup

If you have a clog that you can’t clear with a plunger, then it may be that biofilm has built up inside the bowl and is preventing water from draining through. Biofilm is a film that forms on the insides of drain pipes when hair and other debris begin to decay and decompose. To break down the biofilm, you will use a special enzyme-based product that targets bacteria and germs.

Drain Pipe Clogs

If there’s a clog in your shower drain line from hair or other debris, then you’ll have to address this right away before the smell becomes any worse. Common causes of smelly shower drains can include drain clogs as well as leaks because when water sits for too long under the house, it begins to rot and decay at a much faster rate.

What Causes Clogs in the Shower or Sink?

The most common causes of clogs in your shower:

• Hair
• Sand
• Earrings
• Soap scum
• Dirt
• Mineral Deposits

These are just some of the most common reasons you could be smelling something in the wet areas of your home. We offer the knowledge for those DIYers but if that isn’t you, we are always available just call 850-202-cool.

You go to the hardware store and stand in front of 25 different silver, brass, tall and short faucets trying to pick which version will best suit your space but do you really know what the difference is between them? Let us explain the types to you so you can make an informed decision next time.

A Compression Faucet

These are the longest-running type of faucet which uses a washer to create a watertight seal. Compression faucets are the ones with two knobs to differentiate hot and cold water. When you want to turn the water on you simply turn the knob which untightens the compression releasing the water. To stop the flow of water, simply tighten the knobs back down.

Each knob connects to a stem assembly which is a long screw that has a washer at the end. When you tighten the faucet, the stem assembly is moved down to the valve seat where water flows out from. As the stem assembly is lowered, it forces the washer to compress, which creates a seal that prevents the water from continuing.

A Cartridge Faucet

To turn it on and off you move a single-handle cartridge faucet up and down. You move them from side to side to control temperature, just like disc faucets. These faucets are unique. They can have one or two handles and they don’t have any washers or balls. They contain a hollow metal cartridge inside the faucet that controls the flow of water.

A Ball Faucet

Ball faucets are like compression faucets, except they don’t use washers, they use a rotating ball that rolls into a hole to control the flow of water. This setup is called the lever ball assembly and it is housed inside the faucet’s body. These faucets have a single handle that controls both hot and cold water by turning it in specific directions. The ball has small chambers and slots in it that are connected to the water line. These slots align with different grooves, allowing water to flow through when not aligned or blocking it when they are aligned. These are the most common type of faucets for kitchen sinks.

A Disc Faucet

Disc faucets are the newest type of faucet on the market. These are different from the other types we have talked about. They do not have washers and are wider than compression and ball faucet. They have one handle that moves up, down and side to side. You can identify them by their single-lever design, which is very sleek and stylish.

There are two ceramic discs inside the faucet, the lower disc is locked in place while the upper disc moves with the handle. The upper disc turns away from the lower disc creating a space between them to allow water to flow when turned on. When you turn the handle in the other direction, the discs close, and water isn’t allowed to pass through.

If you’re having trouble installing your new faucet, give Air Design a call and we can have it sorted out for you in just one day. Our plumbers are always waiting to help you with any of your home’s needs.

Many people have at one time or another complained of the sudden appearance of brown or yellow water coming out of their faucets. If this has ever happened to you, it is important to know that there could be a few possible causes for this. The water may be completely safe to drink, or it may be contaminated and pose a serious health risk. It’s good for you to know the difference or to know when to call the professionals at Air Design Systems to help.

Why is My Water Brown?

If your water is brown it could be because of sediment, minerals or rust that have built up in the pipes over time. Sediments like these can break loose and enter your home’s water supply, causing the water to appear brown or discolored.

Another cause could be because of nearby construction work or some other occurrence that has disturbed the area around your water main. When this happens, just wait a few hours and the water should clear up. If this doesn’t happen, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to diagnose the cause of the discoloration.

The most common cause of brown water coming out of your home’s plumbing system is a recent pipe replacement in the home or from broken water pipes. When rust breaks off the pipes and into your water supply, your water will turn brown. During plumbing repairs, there’s a change in water pressure which can dislodge some of the rust. The rusted or damaged pipes should be found before they cause a leak that could result in water waste or water damage.

Build-up of minerals in the water lines could also be a cause of brown or yellow water. This is more common in homes that have well water. These minerals can build up over time and cause the water to become discolored. You see this sometimes in sprinkler systems that deposit orange coloring on the sides of the house. If you use a water softener, your will want to clean it out on a regular basis to remove the deposits. If you don’t have a water softener, installing one could help with this issue. Alternatively, many people prefer to replace the well pump as they might have calcium deposits which can degrade the quality of water. Such people tend to hire firms that provide well pump installation in Redmond, WA or in their vicinity, who can replace the well system.

If you still have brown water:

If you have looked into these issues and still aren’t sure why your water is brown please give Air Design Systems a call at 202-COOL and let us help you. If your concerned that the brown water might be poisonous or undrinkable make sure you check with your local water utility to see if it is safe.

Don’t Put Food Down the Kitchen Drain

Even with a garbage disposal, you should still avoid putting food down the kitchen sink. Garbage disposals are used for small amounts of food scraps. They shouldn’t be used to dispose of large amounts of food on a regular basis. Completely scrape food off plates and into the trash before washing the dishes.

Always Use a Sink Strainer

The top way to keep scraps of food out of your kitchen drain is to use a sink strainer all the time. It’s well worth it to invest in a high-quality mesh strainer. Choose one that fits easily into the drain without overlap. Make sure to always check that the strainer is firmly in place before washing the dishes.

Have Your Home Septic System Regularly Inspected

If you have a septic system, you should have it inspected every few years. Issues with the septic system can lead to major issues such as clogs in the drains of your home. You can’t inspect your own septic system without the correct gear and equipment to do so, hiring a professional is the best way to go. It’s a small price to pay every few years to keep from any major back up issues. If there’s ever a back up or clog that has gone unnoticed, you may have to look for sewage clean up services located in Boise, Idaho. Or wherever you live. They can handle the problem before it spills over, literally.

Only Flush Appropriate Things Down the Toilet

Clogged sinks are no fun, but clogged toilets can be a nightmare. Watch what you flush down the toilet. Waste and toilet paper are the only things that should ever go down that drain. Although many feminine hygiene products state that they are safe to flush, it’s best to just throw them in the trash instead. Flushable toilet wipes have become a big deal lately but will still clog your toilet. If there are small children in the house, make it clear that nothing that doesn’t belong in the toilet goes in the toilet. Many plumbers have pulled toys our of drains and that can be very expensive.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you have a clog in your drain, your first thought may be to run out and get a really harsh drain cleaning product such as drano. Tv commercials make these products look really fast and effective, but what they don’t say are the risks that are involved. Most notably, chemical products can erode drains and pipes over time, especially, cast iron pipes. These products don’t usually clear away the entire clog. Because of that, you can end up in a cycle where you have to use these products over and over again. Instead, you could call for professional plumbing service that offer drain cleaning as well; in this way, you could also have some of your other pipes looked at to make sure everything’s in order.

Never Pour Paint or Paint Thinner Down the Drain

When working on a painting a project, you’re going to have leftover paint or paint thinner. The fastest solution may be to pour it down the drain, but that’s the opposite of what you should do. Chemicals in paint and thinning products can wreak havoc on your drains and pipes.

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Once a week, boil a large pot of water and pour it down the kitchen drain. Repeat the process for the other drains in your home. Boiling water works wonders when it comes to clearing away old grime and buildup that can contribute to clogs.

Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease may seem soluble, but it should never be poured down any drain in your home. Things like sausage grease solidify when they cool down. Liquid grease becomes thick over time and can create a buildup that will eventually cause a clog. After cooking with grease, allow it to cool down all the way.
Pour it into a disposable container of some kind, and then throw the container in the trash. You can also soak it up with some paper towels and then throw in the trash.

If you follow these tips you will be less likely to suffer from a clogged drain but, it can happen to the best of us. That is why Air Design Systems is available night and day to help you in any emergency.

Ways to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Most people move to the gulf coast, to take advantage of some of the best weather in the country. Our winters are almost non-existent, at least in comparison to the more northern states. However, we do dip into freezing temperatures occasionally. While these temperatures don’t usually last long, they can lead to frozen or cracked pipes. These can quickly turn into a emergency for you and your household. The average Floridian is usually prepared with hurricane go bags packed, tubes of sunscreen hidden away in every vehicle, and may even know the best way to deal with an alligator in the family pool. But because temperatures below 32 degrees rarely happen here, southern homeowners don’t usually worry about plumbing issues caused by winter weather. Our northern neighbors are more acquainted with these problems and have a yearly checklist they follow to mitigate the chances of a disaster.

In this article we will go over a few things you can do yourself to protect your home from frozen pipes during the colder nights this winter:

Get a Visual.

Has the padding around your sprinkler system worn thin? Have rodents eaten away at the insulation coating your pipes? Any pipes sticking out of the ground without insulation? Simply looking at the exposed parts of your homes plumbing system can reveal a lot about the condition of it.

Open Up.

Plumbing lines usually enter your house through an outside wall, usually a wall in the kitchen or a washroom. When cabinet doors are closed under the sink it can stay colder in the cabinet than in the rest of your home. Opening up the doors and allowing the warm air from your home to circulate into those spaces can help keep the pipes from freezing.

Get Covered.

For your outdoor pipes that don’t have any insulation make sure you insulate them with something. Even taping a towel around them can help prevent freezing. For outside spickets, you can buy winter covers from almost any hardware store.

Drip, Drip, Drip.

We’ve all heard the saying “moving water wont freeze” and while technically correct there is a bit more that goes into it. Turn on one or two faucets in the home so there is a small steady stream flowing.  This allows a flow of water through the pipes, that prevents ice from forming.

Too late they froze, what now?

You should turn off the water supply. Some homeowners have access to valves that will allow you to turn off the flow of water to specific sources. If you don’t have these valves, or don’t know where to access them, use your main shut-off valve and stop all water from flowing.

Call Air Design to the rescue! We are available 24/7 to come help with your frozen pipes should you need us call 202-COOL.