Author: Anthony Mound

Don’t Let the Cold Snap Ruin Your Home: Repair and Prevent Frozen Pipes Now!

Written by Anthony Mound on February 22, 2023. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Don’t Let the Cold Snap Ruin Your Home: Repair and Prevent Frozen Pipes Now!

Cold weather is upon us, and many are bundling up in hats, coats, and gloves. One thing that many people ignore when the weather gets colder is their plumbing system. If pipes freeze or burst, repairs can be costly and inconvenient.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent frozen pipes or alleviate freezing if it does occur. Read on for tips to keep your lines safe during cold weather and professional pipe repair services if you experience frozen pipes.

Frozen Pipes: Know Your Risk

– If pipes in your home get frozen, the damage can be costly and preventative measures are vital.

– But it’s essential to know the risk of frozen pipes, especially for those in northern regions. In northern climates, lines are typically better insulated than those in southern climates.

– That means exposed pipes can freeze during the winter, causing ruptures and water damage.

– Additionally, exterior walls, attics, and crawlspaces are at high risk of freezing. Trust1 Services offers frozen pipe services 24/7 to help prevent this from happening.

– For emergency plumbing services, you don’t need to pay extra fees for evenings, weekends, or holidays.

How to Repair a Frozen or Burst Pipe

There are two main ways to repair a frozen pipe. The first is to use a space heater or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. This method works well for pipes longer than a couple of inches. The second option is to shut off the water supply and wait for the pipe to thaw on its own. You can use this time to prepare for a plumbing leak, such as mopping, cleaning, and drying the area with towels.

After thawing the pipe, you should check it for damage, such as burst pipes and frozen joints. If any damage is found, repair it as needed. Finally, if the pipe has burst, you should call an emergency plumber right away. They will be able to assess the damage and provide any necessary repairs.

The average hourly rate for plumbers is around $330 per hour. The cost of repairing frozen pipes can range from $100-$300 depending on the size of the pipe and the difficulty of repair.

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

To prevent pipes from freezing, it’s essential to take preventative measures before the first deep freeze. Before the first freeze, disconnect water hoses and garden sprinklers, and blow out the water in your yard. This will help stop any water from freezing before winter hits.

If you live in an unheated space, such as a garage or crawl space, wrap heat tape around exposed pipes running through that area. If you are using pipe insulation sleeves, be sure to use them on water supply pipes as well as other exposed pipes. Finally, if you live in a house that has a heating system, consider setting your thermostat to at least 55˚F at all times. By taking these preventative steps, you can prevent frozen pipes and plumbing issues during the winter months.

Long-Term Steps for Preventing Frozen Pipes

If you’re battling frozen pipes, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent them from freezing and breaking. First, insulate pipes with materials such as foam sleeves or insulation tape to keep them from freezing. Also, make sure your vents and light fixtures are insulated to prevent heat from escaping into the attic. Finally, seal cracks on the exterior of your home and protect water service lines with insulation tape. If external faucets are frozen, disconnect them to allow warm water to circulate inside the pipes. Finally, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets housing sink pipes to allow warm air to circulate. This should help prevent pipes from freezing and thawing repeatedly.

Short-Term Steps for Preventing Frozen Pipes

To prevent frozen pipes, you can take several actions to minimize risk and possibly keep pipes from freezing.

– Close and drain any exterior faucets with cut-off valves to reduce the chance of water freezing inside pipes and bursting them.

– Disconnect garden hoses from exterior faucets to prevent water from freezing and rupturing the faucet. This will also help prevent damage to faucet seals and pipes.

– Keep outdoor plumbing covered during cold weather, such as with an insulated cover or faucet sock, to prevent water from freezing inside pipes.

– Make sure pipes are properly protected during cold weather by covering them with heat tape or a similar material. This will help ensure that the pipes don’t freeze and burst.

– Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of frozen or burst pipes, such as water flooding into your house or yard. If you see this, call out a plumber immediately.

The above actions should help prevent frozen pipes and prepare for winter weather.

Professional Pipe Repair Services

If pipes in your home are frozen, it can cause significant water damage and costly repairs. To prevent this, it’s vital to call in a professional plumbing team as soon as you notice a problem with your pipes. Pipe thawing equipment can be used to safely remove ice from concealed pipes, and pipe repair services can help repair any damage caused by freezing.

Professional plumbing teams are well-versed in plumbing practices and will be able to troubleshoot any problems quickly and efficiently. They can repair broken pipes and thaw frozen water lines without causing further damage or injury to the property.

If a pipe bursts, they will be able to shut off the water flow immediately to stop water damage and ensure the safety of occupants. They will also document all repairs for insurance companies so that claims can be processed smoothly.

Conclusion

The cold weather doesn’t have to ruin your plumbing system or damage your pipes. You can prevent frozen pipes by taking the right measures now to heat your pipes and water adequately. Meanwhile, if you find frozen pipes, thawing them out is the first step. Once thawed, repair them with plumber-approved pipe insulation for long-term prevention of frozen pipes. If you need professional pipe repair services in Quincy, MA, get in touch with us today!

Insulated water heater by expert with hand wearing gloves

Water Heater Insulation 101

Written by Anthony Mound on December 30, 2022. Posted in Water Heater.

At Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, we do everything we can to ensure our clients get premium quality services. But more than that, we go beyond the call of duty to help them keep every aspect of their plumbing system in peak condition–water heaters included. And that’s why we have built a solid reputation as the go-to company for quality water heater repair in Quincy, MA.

Every day, we see how insulation can significantly reduce just how much energy people use. Below is a close look at how insulating your water heater can help you save money.

Why Insulate?

Simply put, an insulated water heater is a much more energy-efficient one. Unless you have a tankless water heater, insulation won’t be an issue. But if you own a traditional tanked model, insulating it can do wonders as far as efficiency goes. The fact is, older water heaters generally have less insulation compared to newer models. The less insulated a heater is, the higher the chances of heat loss which only serves to waste energy.

When to Insulate?

Oftentimes, determining whether or not you need to insulate your water heater is as simple as touching it. If it’s hot, you need to insulate it or you’ll just end up losing heat to the outside air. Even if you’ve recently had a water heater installation done, this can still be an issue. As a general rule of thumb, the newer the water heater model is, the better insulation it has and the more efficient it is.

How to Insulate?

Insulating a water heater involves wrapping a water heater blanket snugly around the unit to ensure the heat isn’t dispersed and lost. A word to the wise: Just like water heater maintenance, insulating a water heater needs the expert touch of a professional. Be sure you have ample skills and the right tools before attempting it.

When you need a water heater replacement, repair, or maintenance procedure, don’t fret. Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is here for you. We are the experts that Quincy, MA homeowners turn to. Every one of our technicians is highly-trained and licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that they can take care of your water heater problem in a jiffy.

Air conditioner covered with snow on root top

Sure Ways to Keep Your AC From Freezing

Written by Anthony Mound on December 27, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning.

Many people often struggle with their AC systems freezing up. When this happens, the system won’t be able to produce cold air at all. As the go-to company for air conditioning repair in Quincy, MA, we can help by ensuring your AC system doesn’t get affected by this common AC issue.

Below are the sure ways for you to keep your AC from freezing.

Ensure That Your System Has Enough Refrigerant

Low refrigerant levels are among the most common causes of frozen AC units. Since the system is trying to operate with insufficient levels of refrigerant, there is a resultant drop in pressure which then causes the evaporator coil to dip and freeze. Always schedule regular air conditioning services to ensure that your system has enough refrigerant.

Clear the Airflow

Obstructions to the system’s airflow can also lead to freeze-ups. When this happens, the evaporator coil won’t be able to transfer enough heat. In effect, it cools itself too much, which then causes it to freeze up. This is why it’s crucial to always stick to a regular air conditioning maintenance routine.

Change the Air Filter

You’d be amazed how something as simple as changing the filter can affect your AC system. A dirty filter means reduced airflow as discussed above. And when that happens, the evaporator coil will eventually develop layers of ice until it freezes over completely.

Check the Vents

Before you panic and consider a quick air conditioning replacement, it’s important to check all possible solutions that can bring back your AC system’s performance and efficiency. Sometimes, the cause of AC freeze-ups is as simple as blocked vents. Remember that you shouldn’t close more than 2-3 vents at a time. In addition, you also need to move furniture away from the vents to ensure there is ample airflow.

Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning provides dependable air conditioning installation, maintenance, and repairs. We are a family owned business that is readily available to cater to your cooling and heating service needs 24/7. Reach out to us today to schedule your appointment!

cold woman in a blanket sit beside a heating radiator

The Causes of Uneven Heat Distribution

Written by Anthony Mound on December 19, 2022. Posted in Heating System.

Have you ever noticed that some areas of your home are colder than others? This is known as uneven heat distribution, and various factors can cause it. As the trusted name for heating installation in Quincy, MA, we’ve repaired numerous systems suffering from uneven heat distribution. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common causes of uneven heat distribution so that you can take steps to ensure your home is comfortable all year round.

Closed Vents

One of the most common causes of uneven heating in homes is closed vents. If a vent has been blocked or closed off, the affected area will not receive its usual load of warm air from your heating system. To remedy this situation, simply open the vents and ensure they are unobstructed by furniture or other objects. Additionally, check the registers throughout your home each season to make sure they are open and clear.

Poor System Maintenance

Another possible cause of uneven heating is poor heating maintenance. If your heater has not been serviced in some time, it may not be delivering an even temperature throughout your home due to clogged filters or worn-out parts that need to be replaced.

Tip: To prevent this issue, schedule regular HVAC repair and maintenance with a qualified heating company at least once every year–especially before winter begins. This will help ensure that all components function properly and deliver even heat throughout your living space.

Age & Size Of Your Home

The age and size of your home can also impact how your system distributes heat. Older homes often have outdated ductwork systems, leading to inefficient airflow, resulting in cold spots in certain areas while other rooms remain too hot. On the other hand, large homes require more energy to heat up evenly due to their sheer size and layout; if one room on one side of the house receives more warm air than another room on the opposite side, it could be due to insufficient insulation or the HVAC system needing heating repair.

Uneven heat distribution can have many causes, from closed vents to poor system maintenance or outdated HVAC equipment. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to diagnose and resolve these issues so that every room in your house remains comfortable all year round. For heating services you can depend on, count on Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We go the extra mile to provide you with the level of service you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Key Tips to Help Winterize Your Home Plumbing

Written by Anthony Mound on December 13, 2022. Posted in Plumbing.

Winterizing your home fixtures is a critical part of home maintenance. As temperatures drop, it is essential to ensure that your drainage system is braced to face the cold weather. If not, you could deal with costly repairs or even more serious damage from frozen pipes. Luckily, Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, the trusted plumber in Quincy, MA, is here to help curb these issues.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes are susceptible to the cold and require extra protection during the winter months to avoid unnecessary plumbing repairs. It is critical to insulate the outer surface of exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing. In some cases, this might mean covering exposed pipes with one or two layers of plastic wrap.

Seal Off Any Leaks

Leaks are one of the most common causes of frozen pipes during winter. Although simple cracks or openings in the outside walls can easily be patched and filled, larger holes may need to be completely sealed off with a layer of foam insulation from a certified plumbing company.

Let Your Faucets Drip

To combat the cold of a chilly night, open the faucets along the external walls and let the water slowly trickle. Keeping a faucet leaking reduces the pressure that could otherwise build up between it and an obstruction caused by ice. This will help reduce the likelihood of it exploding and causing an emergency plumbing scenario even if it freezes.

Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses

During the winter months, water in the hose will freeze and expand. It can cause pressure in the pipes, which can lead to bursting. By draining the hose and storing it properly, you can prevent this from occurring and protect your plumbing in Dorchester, MA.

Your plumbing fixtures are a critical part of the household. It is important to take the necessary precautions against the cold and snow to keep them running smoothly. Contact us today at Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning for top-quality plumbing services!

commercial Tankless water heater and the shower

Tankless Water Heater Problems and How to Deal With Them

Written by Anthony Mound on November 30, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized.

Tankless Water Heaters are steadily becoming the norm in American households. And with their inherent benefits, it’s easy to see why. As popular as they are, however, they also have their fair share of problems. But fret not. Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading HVAC and plumber contractor dedicated to offering the best water heater repair in Quincy, MA. While we offer numerous services, tankless water heaters are the appliances we deal with most.

Below is a look at the most common tankless water heater problems and how you can deal with them.

Cold Water Sandwich

This is one of the most common issues people with a tankless water heater experience. It is when warm water flows for a short time, followed by cold water, and then warm water again. This happens because of the cold water in the pipes. The solution is usually to let the water flow for a few seconds before showering.

Ignition Failure

These water heaters have an ignition system to ignite natural gas or propane. Ignition failure could happen when the client runs out of propane or if the water and gas valves are partially closed. If these are not the issue, it could indicate an issue with the ignition pack or more severe problems. If this is the case, we recommend calling a professional immediately for water heater maintenance to check and replace or repair faulty parts.

Exhaust Pipes Blockages

If clients use propane or natural gas, technicians usually integrate exhaust pipes leading outside the house during a water heater installation. Most of these have an error code that notifies the homeowner of a blockage, resulting in issues with venting or combustion. We recommend having the exhaust pipes inspected to determine the cause of the blockage and either remove them or call the professionals depending on the location and extent.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water has minerals like magnesium and calcium that slowly coat the interior of the heater and its pipes. We recommend installing a water softener in the home or flushing the water heater twice a year to counter its effects.

Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is the place to go for water heater replacement and maintenance services. Contact us today for more information.

How to Determine if You Have the Correct AC Size

Written by Anthony Mound on November 24, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning.

When buying a new air conditioner, you may be confronted with a vast array of decisions, such as the cost of purchasing the unit and maintenance requirements among others. However, having the correct air conditioner size is vital to ensure it runs a proper complete cycle.

Size in air conditioners represents the cooling capacity measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Acquiring a smaller unit than required causes the AC to operate continuously, thus consuming extra energy. If the A/C unit is too large, it expedites the cooling process, thus minimizing operating time. Consequently, your home remains humid, damp, and clammy since the unit doesn’t get rid of all the moisture.

From Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, the trusted name for air conditioning repair in Quincy, MA, here are tips for identifying if you have the correct AC size.

Manual J Calculation

This air conditioning installation step entails working with a professional to assess the exact HVAC unit size required in your home or area. The entire process requires getting the correct dimensions of your home, room, or space you plan to cool. Measuring helps you to acquire the square footage, or area, in square feet (ft2).

It is calculated by multiplying the length of a room or space to be cooled by its width. Multiply the results by 25 to approximate the accurate ac size in BTUs. Apart from the square footage, it also takes into consideration other factors, including climate zone, ductwork design and condition, your windows design, and others. All these details are incorporated to evaluate the exact BTU heating and cooling capacity required.

Evaluation of the Existing Ductwork

Improperly-sized ducts exert excess pressure on the AC due to a lack of compatibility. Therefore, they will cause similar challenges to having a wrong-sized AC unit for your square footage. Look for professionals to conduct an air conditioning replacement to rectify the problem.

Consult HVAC Professionals

Having the right-sized AC system can give you top-notch efficiency and make air conditioning maintenance a breeze. HVAC professionals will classify all the options and offer comprehensive insights into how some present variables, such as windows and existing ductwork, affect the calculations. Remember to be wise about your purchase and consult the experts first.

At Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, you can rely on our team to do all the calculations and recommend the best air conditioning systems based on your needs. We offer exceptional air conditioning services because you deserve no less. Contact us today for all your cooling needs!

Hvac technician removing a dirty air filter from a heat pump

Easy Tips to Help Boost Heating Efficiency

Written by Anthony Mound on November 17, 2022. Posted in Heating System.

The winter months are fast approaching and the air will soon begin to feel chilly. A lack of planning could result in much greater heating expenditures over the winter, which is why reducing heat loss, promoting energy-saving behaviors, and enhancing the quality of your home’s heating system are all of utmost importance.

As the authority for heating installation in Quincy, MA, Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning makes it a point to go the extra mile with the services we offer. This is why we do more than just service your heating systems, we also help you make the most of them. Below is a look at some of the things you can do to help improve heating efficiency.

Clean Your Furnace Filter

When you consider how much dust, microscopic debris, and germs there are in the air, it’s no wonder that filters lose efficiency so quickly. Always stick to a rigid schedule; change them regularly. Keeping your furnace in good working order by ensuring the filter is always clean can majorly affect your monthly energy bills. Frequent cleaning of your vents and heating registers is a must. Have the heating maintenance services done by an expert.

Set Up Programmable Thermostats

Sometimes, a programmable thermostat is all it takes to maximize your heating system. About 42% of a typical American family’s monthly energy bill goes toward heating and cooling the home, most of which is spent on unused rooms. Using a programmable thermostat to save heating costs during off-peak hours is as easy as setting it and forgetting it. Reducing the thermostat by one degree Fahrenheit for eight hours has reduced energy use by one percent. Turning the thermostat back by ten degrees Fahrenheit while no one is home or asleep can reduce heating costs by as much as ten percent each year.

Let The Sun in To Heat The Room Naturally

Heating services experts also recommend making the most of simple hacks because they are the most effective. The limited window of sunshine you have should be taken advantage of. It’s recommended to keep the curtains drawn during the day so that the sun can warm the room naturally. Your annual energy costs could go down by as much as 7 percent if you raise the temperature in your home by just two degrees throughout the day.

For heating repair, maintenance, and installation services you can depend on, trust only Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact our team today to schedule a service appointment!

Plumber Fixing White Sink Pipe With Adjustable Wrench

Top Signs You Need to Call a Plumber ASAP

Written by Anthony Mound on November 10, 2022. Posted in Plumbing.

Your sewer and drain lines need regular checks and maintenance repairs to keep them functional for many years. However, in spite of your best efforts, plumbing issues may still arise and you may require urgent services from Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, the top plumber in Quincy, MA.

Here are some of the signs that you need to call a plumber ASAP.

Smelly Drains

Foul odors are among the first signs you will notice of plumbing issues. Should they become persistent, you need to call a reliable plumbing company for prompt drain cleaning. Foul odors indicate the presence of a building clog that is preventing your wastewater from flowing into the sewer line. For this, you’ll need drain cleaning solutions to clear the pipes for effective drainage.

Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure keeps decreasing, have your plumbing checked immediately. This drop may be due to clogging in the inlet pipes or faucet or the wrong pressure setting. It might also be due to an unnoticed pipe leak that wastes water before it gets to your tap.

Skyrocketing Water Bill

If you notice a spiking water bill, yet your water usage has not been increasing, you might have a hidden leak. Leaks might seem minor, but they waste gallons of water daily. Therefore, it’s imperative that you have immediate plumbing repairs to restore proper water usage. Another risk of ignoring leaks is structural damage and moss and mildew growth. The damp environment also promotes respiratory issues and allergies.

No Water Supply

A sudden break in your water supply can be quite a hassle. If this isn’t a county issue affecting the area, you need to call your local plumber for emergency plumbing solutions in Dorchester, MA. This complete lack of water signifies a major problem in your piping, such as a pipe burst, complete blockage, or frozen pipes. All these require urgent attention before they advance and cause significant damage.

At Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, we discourage waiting for drain issues to subside or using DIY tactics that risk increasing the damages. We pride ourselves in prompt responses and excellent repair work to restore the efficiency of your pipes ASAP. Reach out to us at Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning for drain and sewer repairs, and enjoy trustworthy and reliable solutions in Quincy and the surroundings!

How Sediment Buildup Affects Your Water Heater

Written by Anthony Mound on October 28, 2022. Posted in Water Heater.

Tap water typically contains mineral elements that can cause plumbing issues such as sedimentation. This issue can be a cause for concern because it can affect plumbing fixtures and appliances–particularly your water heater.

As the premier company for water heater repair in Westwood, MA, Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has taken on plenty of jobs involving water heaters plagued with sediment buildup. Below is a close look at how it can affect your water heater.

Diminished Efficiency

Part of the mineral components of sedimentation includes calcium and magnesium. A mound is formed on the heater’s floor as they increase with time. It creates an insulating barrier between the heating element and the tank, causing it to be less efficient as time goes by. The effect is uneven heating of water. The water might get too hot; sometimes it won’t get heated at all. The good news is that with proper water heater maintenance, you can prevent this from happening.

Frequent Repairs

Accumulating too much sedimentation will leave you with frequent repairs for your water heater. You may be forced to get a water heater replacement or frequently repair your heater’s heating elements. Time and money are spent repairing these parts time and again.

Shortens the Unit’s Service Life

Sediment collection may also affect the durability of your water heater. As sedimentation builds up in your tank, corrosion occurs, which leads to leakage. When repairs are no longer viable, you’ll need to make a switch. It’s in this regard that a tankless water heater is ideal. While sediment can still affect it, it is much easier to maintain.

To avoid the effects of sedimentation in your water heater, ensure regular flushing annually to prevent buildups and the complications they bring. For all your water heater installation, maintenance, and repair needs, turn to Trust 1 Services Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!