water damage - Action Plumbing, HVAC, & Electric

Tired of spending thousands on repairs? These 5 home maintenance tasks can save you money & keep your home running smoothly. Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric is here to help! Let’s face it, homeownership comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the biggest (and often most expensive) is keeping your home in tip-top shape. According to a 2023 HomeAdvisor report, the average homeowner spends around $2,500 annually on repairs and maintenance. But what if you could significantly reduce that number?

The secret lies in preventative maintenance. By taking care of your home through regular home maintenance tasks, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are 5 simple tasks that can save you money in the long run, all brought to you by Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, your trusted partner for all your home service needs.

1. Conquer Clogged Drains with Preventative Measures

Clogged drains are a common household nuisance, but they can also lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed. A simple clog can turn into a burst pipe if not dealt with promptly, resulting in a major repair bill. Here’s how to prevent clogged drains and save money:

Install drain screens: These handy gadgets catch hair, soap scum, and other debris before they enter the drain, preventing clogs in the first place.
Limit what goes down the drain: Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the drain. These can solidify and contribute to clogs over time.
Regularly clean your drains: Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains can help break down minor clogs and keep them flowing freely. For tougher clogs, consider using a drain snake specifically designed for household use.

By taking these simple steps, you can avoid the need for professional drain cleaning services, saving you hundreds of dollars. If you do encounter a stubborn clog, Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric offers fast and reliable drain clearing services to get your pipes flowing smoothly again.

2. Embrace the Power of DIY Air Filter Replacement

Your HVAC system works tirelessly to keep your home comfortable year-round. But just like any other machine, it needs regular maintenance to function efficiently. One of the most crucial home maintenance tasks for your HVAC system is replacing the air filter.

Here’s why air filter replacement is so important:

Improved Air Quality: A clean air filter traps dust, pollen, and other allergens, improving indoor air quality and reducing respiratory problems for you and your family.
Enhanced Efficiency: A clogged air filter forces your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Replacing the filter regularly ensures your system runs efficiently, saving you money on your energy costs. The EPA recommends replacing your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on your home environment and type of filter.
Prevents Costly Repairs: A neglected air filter can put a strain on your HVAC system, leading to premature wear and tear and potentially expensive repairs. Regular replacement extends the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you money in the long run.

Replacing your air filter is a simple home maintenance task that anyone can do. Most filters are readily available at hardware stores and can be replaced in just a few minutes. If you’re unsure about the location or type of air filter your system requires, consult your owner’s manual or call Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric for assistance.

3. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Your gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. They channel rainwater away from your foundation, preventing leaks, erosion, and basement flooding. However, clogged gutters can’t do their job effectively.

Here’s why regular gutter cleaning is important:

Prevents Water Damage: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool around your foundation, leading to cracks, leaks, and even mold growth. The cost of water damage repairs can be significant, so preventative gutter cleaning is key.
Protects Your Roof: Overflowing gutters can damage your roof shingles and underlying structures. Left unaddressed, this can lead to costly roof repairs or even replacement.
Reduces Mosquito Breeding: Clogged gutters with stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Regular cleaning helps keep these pests at bay.

Ideally, you should clean your gutters twice a year – once in the spring after winter debris has accumulated and once in the fall after leaves have fallen. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning your gutters yourself, Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric offers professional gutter cleaning services. Our technicians will safely remove debris, ensure proper drainage, and identify any potential problems with your gutters or downspouts.

4. Schedule Annual HVAC System Checkups

Just like your car needs regular tune-ups, your HVAC system benefits greatly from annual maintenance checks. These checkups, performed by a qualified technician from Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, can help identify and address minor issues before they become major problems.

Here’s what an annual HVACcheckup typically entails:

Inspection: The technician will inspect your system for any signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or potential problems.
Cleaning: They will clean key components like the blower fan and coils to improve efficiency and airflow.
Lubrication: Lubricating moving parts ensures smooth operation and reduces the risk of friction and wear.
Calibration: The technician will calibrate your thermostat to ensure your system is heating or cooling your home to the desired temperature efficiently.

The benefits of annual HVAC maintenance are numerous:

Prevents Breakdowns: Catching minor problems early can prevent them from escalating into expensive repairs later.
Improves Efficiency: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, saving you money on energy costs.
Extends Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps your HVAC system last longer, saving you from the cost of premature replacement.

By scheduling an annual HVAC checkup with Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, you can ensure your system runs smoothly, efficiently, and avoids costly breakdowns.

5. Don’t Neglect Your Water Heater

Your water heater works tirelessly to provide you with hot showers and baths. But like any appliance, it needs some TLC to keep functioning properly. Here are some simple home maintenance tasks for your water heater:

Drain and flush annually: Draining and flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
Inspect the pressure relief valve: This valve is a safety feature that releases pressure if it gets too high. Test the valve annually to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Check the anode rod: The anode rod attracts corrosion, protecting your water heater tank. Inspect it periodically and replace it when necessary.

Follow these steps to make your water heater last longer and save money on repairs or having to replace it early. If you don’t want to do it yourself, Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric can help with water heater maintenance. This will ensure that your hot water continues to work well.

By incorporating these home maintenance tasks into your routine, you can save yourself a significant amount of money in the long run. Remember, preventative maintenance is an investment in your home that will pay off for years to come. For all your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical needs, Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your next service appointment!

Maintaining a healthy plumbing system is crucial for the overall well-being of your home. Yet, all too often, homeowners neglect this essential aspect of home maintenance until a minor issue spirals into a major headache. To save yourself time, money, and stress in the long run, it’s vital to prioritize regular plumbing maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the importance of plumbing maintenance, essential tips for upkeep, and why partnering with Action Plumbing is the smart choice for safeguarding your home.

Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters

Imagine your plumbing system as the circulatory system of your home. Just as your body requires regular check-ups to ensure optimal health, your plumbing system needs routine maintenance to function efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a myriad of problems, including leaks, clogs, burst pipes, water damage, and even mold growth. By investing in preventive maintenance, you can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs, prolonging the lifespan of your plumbing system and preserving the integrity of your home.

Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Inspect for Leaks: Check faucets, toilets, and pipes for any signs of leaks, such as drips or puddles. Addressing leaks promptly can prevent water waste and damage to your home’s structure.
Clear Clogs: Regularly clean drains using natural solutions or enzymatic cleaners to prevent buildup and blockages. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes over time.
Test Water Pressure: Ensure proper water pressure by testing faucets and showerheads. Low water pressure may indicate a clog or other underlying issues that require attention.
Check for Signs of Corrosion: Inspect exposed pipes for signs of corrosion, such as rust or discoloration. Corroded pipes are more prone to leaks and may need to be replaced.
Maintain Water Heater: Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup, which can affect efficiency and lead to premature failure. Inspect for signs of leaks or rust and schedule professional maintenance as needed.
Inspect Toilet Components: Check toilet tanks and mechanisms for leaks or malfunctions. Replace worn-out parts, such as flappers or fill valves, to prevent water waste and costly repairs.
Protect Pipes in Cold Weather: Before winter arrives, insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Schedule Professional Maintenance: Regularly schedule professional plumbing maintenance with Action Plumbing to ensure thorough inspections, tune-ups, and proactive repairs. Our skilled technicians have the expertise and equipment to identify potential issues and keep your plumbing system running smoothly year-round.

Why Choose Action Plumbing for Your Plumbing Maintenance Needs

When it comes to plumbing maintenance, partnering with a trusted professional is essential for peace of mind and optimal results. Here’s why Action Plumbing is the ideal choice for safeguarding your home:

Expertise: With years of experience and a team of skilled technicians, Action Plumbing has the knowledge and proficiency to handle all your plumbing maintenance needs.
Comprehensive Services: From routine inspections and tune-ups to emergency repairs, Action Plumbing offers a comprehensive range of services to keep your plumbing system in top condition.
Proactive Approach: Our proactive maintenance approach helps prevent costly repairs by addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems.
Transparent Pricing: At Action Plumbing, we believe in transparent pricing and upfront communication. You’ll always know what to expect, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize customer satisfaction above all else, ensuring that your experience with us is positive from start to finish. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and exceed your expectations.

Don’t Wait, Schedule Your Plumbing Maintenance Today

Don’t wait until a plumbing disaster strikes to take action. Invest in preventive maintenance with Action Plumbing and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, efficient plumbing system. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment and take the first step toward protecting your home for years to come. With Action Plumbing by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in expert hands.

causes leaks plumbing system

In the realm of homeownership, there are few things more inconvenient and potentially damaging than plumbing issues. From leaky faucets to burst pipes, these problems have a knack for striking at the most inconvenient times, turning our homes into miniature water parks and our stress levels into a whirlwind. But fear not, for in the world of plumbing woes, there shines a beacon of hope: Action Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electric.

Craftsmanship You Can Count On

Action Plumbing isn’t just your average repair service; they’re the superheroes of the plumbing world, swooping in to save the day with their unmatched expertise and commitment to excellence. With years of experience under their tool belts, their team of highly skilled technicians possesses the knowledge and proficiency to tackle even the trickiest of plumbing dilemmas.

From Drips to Disasters: No Job Too Big or Small

Whether it’s a minor annoyance like a dripping faucet or a full-blown plumbing catastrophe threatening to give your home major water damage, Action Plumbing is equipped to handle it all. From the moment you place the call, their dedicated team springs into action, swiftly diagnosing the issue and implementing a solution that’s as efficient as it is effective.

Precision and Professionalism

What sets Action Plumbing apart isn’t just their technical prowess; it’s their unwavering commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction. From the initial consultation to the final fix, they prioritize clear communication, transparency, and respect for your time and property. With Action Plumbing, you can rest easy knowing that your plumbing repairs are in the hands of true professionals who take pride in their work.

Prevention is Key

But why wait for a plumbing emergency to strike when you can take proactive steps to prevent it? In addition to their stellar repair services, Action Plumbing offers comprehensive maintenance plans designed to keep your plumbing system in peak condition year-round. By scheduling regular inspections and tune-ups, you can nip potential issues in the bud before they have a chance to escalate, saving you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches down the line. Save yourself from emergency repairs by using prevention technique

A Name You Can Trust

When it comes to plumbing repairs, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Choose Action Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electric, and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is in capable hands. With their unparalleled expertise, commitment to excellence, and dedication to customer satisfaction, they’re more than just a repair service – they’re your partners in maintaining a happy, healthy home.

Don’t let plumbing problems rain on your parade. Contact Action Plumbing today and let the experts handle the rest!

There are a few possible plumbing issues in your home or building that may require both immediate action and some long-term care approaches, and a good example here is a concern no one wants to deal with: A toilet that’s overflowing water. There are some early steps you should take here to prevent immediate risks like flooding and water damage, but once you’ve managed to stop the actual overflowing from happening, there are also a few general steps – including those involving professional plumbers – that are required to fully remedy the situation.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help. We offer not only a wide range of toilet repair services from the best plumbers in Salt Lake City, but also 24/7 emergency plumbing services in cases of toilet overflow or other forms of water damage you’re having trouble mitigating. Whether on your own or with the assistance of our plumbers, what are the basic steps to stopping a toilet that’s overflowing, plus what should you do once you’ve managed to stop the overflow effect? Here’s a primer.

Lid Removal

Before we dig into the specifics here, we wanted to drive home one big theme: Immediate action is very important when you notice an overflow toilet. This is not an issue that can be left until later, as it risks major flooding and water damage in both the bathroom where the toilet is located and the rest of your home, particularly the areas below that bathroom.

The first step to take when a toilet is overflowing is to carefully remove the toilet lid from the tank. This requires no screwdrivers or nails – all you have to do is lift it up. Simply set it aside in a secured location, but don’t worry about laying it down on towels or any other laborious process, as this will just waste time.

Flapper Valve

Next up, you need to reach down into the toilet tank and press down on the flapper valve. This refers to a rubber piece, usually black or dark-colored, that sits in the bottom-center of your tank. The flapper is what opens and closes to allow water into the bowl – by holding it down, you will be stopping more water from entering and, therefore, overflowing.

Some choose to wear gloves while doing this, but this technically isn’t really necessary. While it’s true that sanitation is always important around the toilet, the upper toilet tank contains clean, sanitary water that has not been exposed to any human waste.

Tank Fill Valve

From here, once your flapper valve is secured and will stay closed, you need to lift up on the float that operates what’s known as your tank fill valve. This is the main water supply to the tank itself, and the water levels inside your bowl will change in coordination with this feature. When this water source is cut off, the bowl should begin to see a slow drop in water level.

If this happens within 60 seconds or so, you can usually release the tank fill valve float and let the bowl refill naturally – the issue is usually solved here. However, in other cases, the water level will not drop here; in this case, you need to continue to hold the float while you use the toilet supply valve – which is near the floor or the wall behind the toilet – to completely turn off the water supply. This is done by turning the toilet supply valve as far as you can clockwise. You may need someone to help you with this, as some toilet supply valves will be far enough away that you won’t be able to twist them while also holding down the float.

Actions Once Toilet Stops Overflowing

Once you’ve managed to get the toilet to stop overflowing, meaning you’ve mitigated the immediate flooding and water damage risks that were present, you can move toward diagnosing the actual issue that caused the overflow to begin with. Again, this is often a concern where homeowners will call on our plumbers to assist them with – but if you’re particularly handy and want to take a shot at this process yourself, here are some basic areas to attend to:

First and foremost, stop the use of all plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, laundry machines, etc.) while you look to diagnose the issue. You may have solved the flooding concern in the toilet in question, but it’s possible the larger culprit that caused it is still present within your system. Let everyone in the home know they should not use any fixtures for now.
One of the most common issues that may cause this sort of overflowing is a blockage somewhere in the drain – for this reason, a first step here is to use a plunger or drain snake to attempt to clear the clog, especially if gurgling noises or other clear signs of a blockage are present.
If a toilet clog is not the problem, start moving from fixture to fixture in the home. Start on your fixtures in the bathroom and then work your way upward in the home – if possible, have another person present to see if anything happens on the lower floors while you’re looking at upper-floor toilets and drains.
In some cases where these initial methods aren’t solving the problem, you may have a backup in your system drain, a failing septic field, or other issues with your main sewer line. In these cases, you’ll need to contact our plumbers for a more involved remediation.

For more on how to remedy an overflowing toilet, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services in Salt Lake City, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

While there are certain plumbing components that are absolutely vital for any home and simply cannot be ignored, certain others may be present in certain homes but absent in others. A good example here is a plumbing element known as a sump pump, which some homeowners are intimately familiar with – but others have never even heard of.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our quality plumbing contractors offer numerous residential plumbing services, including informing you of the benefits of a sump pump and whether your home might require one. In this two-part blog series, we’ll dig into some of the basics of sump pumps, what they do, whether your home needs one and some basic selection and maintenance tips to keep in mind.

Sump Pump Basics

A sump pump is a device that’s installed in what’s known as a sump pit, an area dug into the single lowest point in your house (usually the basement or a crawl space). The device is submersible, meaning it can operate when underwater.

The majority of the time, your sump pump will sit idle in a standby mode. However, when rain or any other kind of moisture begins falling, groundwater will funnel toward the sump pit, filling it with water and activating the sump pump float switch, turning the pump on. The pump then drains water from this pit into a storm drain, well or detention pond nearby, stopping the water from rising to the level of your basement floor and risking a flood.

What Sump Pumps Help With

Here are some of the specific benefits associated with sump pumps:

Resistance against flooding in your basement
Protection of paint and other coverings from peeling or corrosion
Reduction of mold, mildew or fungus formation
Safeguarding basement appliances against corrosion and water damage
Improve indoor air quality
Limit risks of termites and other pest infestations
Helps home foundation remain intact
Meets basic requirements for homeowners’ insurance coverage of basement flood damage

Do I Need One?

So do you need a sump pump in your home? While the answer isn’t necessarily as simple as a yes or no, here are some of the conditions that often prompt homeowners to install a sump pump:

Flood-prone area: If your home is built on a plot with poor draining soil, low conditions or surrounding hills, it’s more likely to deal with flooding risks.
Heavy rain or snow: The same is true if your area receives heavy rain or snow.
Finished basement: Those with finished basements, even in low flood risk areas, often want to protect their space.
Previous water issues: If you’ve pad past flooding issues or regularly struggle with moisture levels, a sump pump could go a long way.

For more on sump pumps and whether one is the right choice for your home, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

Tag: water damage