3 Situations in Which You Need Emergency Plumbing

Heating and furnace repair can be complex and arduous, true—but plumbing issues are particularly messy.

Below you’ll find three situations in which you are likely to need emergency plumbing. Trust us; these are times when you’re going to want to leave the problem to a professional.

1. Blocked Drains/Toilets—Blocked drains and toilets are the most commonly cited plumbing emergencies and are typically caused by grease, oil, or hair buildup. Less frequently they are caused by dropped valuables such as toys or jewelry. Blocked drains and toilets can cause bacteria to spread, not to mention localized flooding and mold growth at sites of water damage. It’s important to call in for emergency plumbing should a blockage be detected to avoid more serious flooding and/or repeated overflows.

2. Burst or Leaking Pipes—Rusty or otherwise damaged pipes can develop leaks and may even burst. This can result in major flooding, water damage, and excessive mold growth if not immediately taken care of. The excessive water loss can also significantly increase your utility bills. If you hear running water when you are not intentionally using faucets or appliances, then it’s a good idea to call a plumber to check your underground pipes as well as those indoors.

3. Clogged Septic Lines—A clogged septic tank is usually caused by leaves or other debris, but can also be the result of underground root infiltration. If your septic tank is compromised, then sewage could make its way into your basement and travel to other rooms—posing a serious threat to sanitation. The sooner you get it taken care of, the better.
Blocked drain

If you suspect you have a plumbing emergency or you simply have more questions about what to do to gauge the seriousness of a plumbing problem, then call our experts at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. We provide 24/7 services to both residential and commercial clients and can offer water damage referral if needed.

Home Maintenance & Hand Tools: How to Drain a Water Heater

If your water heater fails, then it’s important that you thoroughly drain it before repair. But how does one go about draining a water heater?

In this video, you’ll get a step-by-step tutorial from a home repair specialist on locating electricity and water supplies, as well as fitting a garden hose to the heater. Couched in his instructions, you’ll also find important safety precautions—so pay close attention!


If you’d like more details on water heater maintenance and repair, then contact us at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. Refer to our website for information on standard water heaters, hybrid water heaters, and tankless water heaters, and make an appointment with our experts if you’re in need of installation help or repairs!

How to Choose a New Air Conditioning Unit

Selecting plumbing, heating, and air conditioning appliances is a daunting task. A unit of the wrong size and type can significantly increase your utility bills, not to mention lower your general comfort level.
Air Conditioning Repair

In the interest of helping you choose an AC unit that performs well, here is a list of characteristics to consider:

* Type and Cost—Types of AC units include window units, split system units, and central air units. While window and split system units tend to be much cheaper than central air units, they are also less efficient, have a shorter lifespan, and require more frequent maintenance/repair.

* Cooling Capacity—The cooling capacity refers to the amount of cold air an AC unit is capable of producing. The cooling capacity should be posted on the outside of the unit, expressed in either British Thermal Units (BTU’s) or tons. You will typically need about 10,000 BTU’s per 450 square feet of your residence.

* Energy Efficiency Rating—The efficiency of a unit (measured in SEER’s—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) indicates the quantity of cold air produced relative to the energy consumed by the unit. The minimum rating, as set by the federal government, is 13.0, though a higher rating will guarantee you lower utility bills.

* Aesthetics—While window units tend to be bulky, mini-splits are more easily concealed inside walls or above ceilings. Central units are even less visually obtrusive. You should also consider the noise level of your unit. Window units, again, tend to be the most noticeable, while compressors for split system and central units are located outside and out of earshot.



If you have more questions about choosing an air conditioning unit, then call us at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. We can provide you with more details on energy saving units and rebates and can install any make and model you choose!

Want to Learn More About Conserving Water, Saving Money on Your Bill, and Maintenance Issues?

Would you like to learn more about the topics covered in our recent blog posts? If you’d like further information on conserving water, saving money, and at-home plumbing maintenance, then you might find the following resources informative and helpful.

* Conserving water is not only important for the environment, but the first step to saving money. This article contains 25 ways to use less water at home.
* Plumbing isn’t just for plumbers. Educating yourself on some of the basics will allow you to knowledgably converse with your plumber and help you handle emergency plumbing situations with confidence.
* Ever wonder what ABS plastic is or what applications it has in your sewer line repair? A list of a few common plumbing terms will keep you up to speed.
* Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water at the point of access and can save considerable money and water in the long run. But what exactly do they do? This helpful Tankless water heater FAQ answers some common questions.
* Your yard and garden can be a large water expense, even in times of rain. Watering wisely outside is as important to keeping your bill low as is using less water inside.