Beacon Plumbing and Heating

How to Avoid Plumbing Problems

2011-06-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Plumbing problems are a common issue that will inevitably plague every homeowner at some point in his or her life. Even with the best care and maintenance, issues due to age and weather conditions can result in serious plumbing problems. In this video clip, you can learn about some simple ways to avoid these problems.

Winter can be an especially hazardous time for your home’s plumbing, so it’s important to make sure everything is in working order during the warmer months of the year. Regular check-ups from a licensed and insured plumber can help you learn more about your home’s plumbing. It’s important to know where the house water shut-off is so that you can turn off your home’s water supply at the first sign of any problem.

To learn more about preventative maintenance and plumbing services, contact the experts here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating and Mechanical.

3 Situations in Which You Need Emergency Plumbing

2011-04-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-04-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Plumbing Maintenance that Will Reduce Your Water Bill

2011-03-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Regular maintenance of your household plumbing can be done both at home by you and by your plumber, and knowing a few simple things can save you from an emergency plumbing situation, and save on your overall water bill.

* From tightening your taps to keeping an eye on your water meter, you can have a hand up on leaks. Conserving the amount of water you use can easily reduce your costs, and there are simple ways to do it. Add a few drops of food coloring into your toilet’s tank—if colored water appears in the bowl without flushing, then your toilet may be running needlessly.
* Insulate your pipes. This conserves heat, keeping the water warmer longer and reducing the strain on your water heater. Installing a tankless water heater offers on-demand hot water, and can greatly reduce the amount of water you use.
* Turning on the shower and letting all the cold water run out not only wastes a vast amount of water, but can indicate problems with your water heater. A more efficient heater uses both less water and less energy due to reduced demand. Maintaining your water heater keeps it efficient longer and is something you can do at home without special tools.
* Use a bucket to hold the cold water from the shower and, in turn, water your plants. Putting a couple bottles of water weighted with some pebbles or sand inside your toilet tank is an inexpensive way of having a water-saving flush.
* An unusually high bill and a corresponding change on your meter can indicate unusual usage. Keeping an eye on your water bill is the easiest way to know what your average consumption should be, in conjunction with checking your water meter. Pay attention in the summer to how often and how much you water your lawn and garden, and cut excess hot water time in the shower during the colder months.

Here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical, we would love to share some great free tips to help you save water and money. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about reducing your water usage!

Bathroom Maintenance: Unclogging A Tub Drain

2011-03-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

If your toilet clogs or flushes slow, then you use a plunger. But what about your bathtub? Bathtubs are very susceptible to clogs, and dealing with them is a little different due to their construction. With a few handy tools and a little know-how, unclogging your bathtub can be something you can fix at home.

In this video about unclogging your tub, you can learn the most common causes of clogs and how to remove them once they’ve stopped your drain. If you want to know just how to attack a clogged tub drain, then this video will teach you several methods and what tools to use.

If you have any questions or if the clog is a little more difficult to reach, visit the experienced, bonded and insured plumbers at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical. For expert service and advice, contact our licensed plumbers, and we’ll help you tackle your plumbing problems in no time.

Today is World Plumbing Day!

2011-03-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical for any of your plumbing needs.

You can read and watch more at: http://www.worldplumbingday.org/

Six Plumbing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

2011-03-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

Homeowners can save time, frustration, and money if they have some basic plumbing knowledge under their belts. Calling a plumber and discovering you have no idea what they’re talking about can be a frightening experience—and an expensive one.

Increasing your own plumbing vocabulary can vastly assist in either an emergency plumbing situation or something as simple as a slow-flushing toilet.

1. Aerator: An aerator is a small filter that screws on to your faucet. Calcium and rust often build up inside, and simply removing them and giving them a thorough cleaning can improve poor flow problems.

2. Auger: Commonly called a “snake,” an auger is a long metal tool that rotates and twists through stubborn clogs. Often a homeowner can alleviate clogs without needing to pick up the phone.

3. Cleanout: A cleanout is an access point usually located furthest down the main line from your house before the line reaches the public sewer (or your septic system). If you do not have a clean out, then installing one can save a lot of time and money down the road.

4. Drain: Drains from your household fixtures all tie in to the main sewer line eventually, but often tie in to each other on the way. A clog can affect the system as a whole, but the culprit may be located in a single drain line, affecting all those that tie in to the main line before it does and leading to sewer line repair.

5. Shutoff Valve: Your house has a main valve that controls water flow into your home. Closing this valve is the quickest and easiest way to stop a leak and allow for a plumber to repair it.

6. Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters are smaller and more efficient than their larger tank-based cousins, and provide on-demand hot water for as long as requested, shutting down when the tap is turned off.

With these terms in your toolbox, you’ll be better prepared for both the big and little problems. For when you do need an expert plumber in the Seattle, Tacoma, Auburn, Everett, and Kent areas, then count on Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical. Visit our website or give us a call.

Helpful Tips on Cutting Down Natural Gas Use

2011-03-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

While Winter may be on it's way out, it still is cold outside and we're still turning our heat up. Yeenet.eu offers some helpful tips on how to save energy during these cold months.

* Make sure your furnance filters are clean. It is actually recommended to change your filters once a month. Do you remember the last time you changed yours?

* Reduce your hot water temperatures. There is a gauge on hot water heaters - and if you make sure it is locked in at the 'normal' setting. This could potentially save you 7-11% on your hot water. Just make sure your dishwasher does not require hotter water to run properly.

To read more information, check out the entire article here: YeeNet.eu

Home Improvement & Repair on Video: How to Stop Air Conditioner Condensation Drip

2011-02-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

If you’ve noticed water dripping out of a pipe located by the porch or front door, you may have a clog in your primary condensation drip line.

Your air conditioner produces condensation as it runs. This build up can cause problems, which is why it is drained through the primary condensation drip line. But the drip line can get clogged with algae buildup, forcing the condensation to be diverted to a drip pan in the attic, which drains through your back-up condensation drip line.

You’ll need to go to your attic and locate the condensation line. Pull off the cap and pour some warm water and bleach down to clean out the algae. If the build up is too much, then you’ll need to get a snake to help you clean it out.

For more information on air conditioner condensation drip, contact the experts here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical.

5 Commercial Plumbing Services Your Business Building Needs

2011-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

Your business building is similar to your home in a lot of ways. It has vents to circulate airflow, bathrooms containing toilets and sinks, and many even have kitchens resembling the ones we know from home. Because your business building is so similar to your home in how it works, doesn’t it make sense to have a plumber for it? Commercial plumbing services provide the regular maintenance and repair that your building’s appliances require.

Commercial plumbing also offers some services that residential plumbing does not. This comes in handy when you think about the large-scale plumbing and piping that business buildings contain. Let’s take a look at 5 commercial plumbing services that your business building needs:

1. Drinking fountain installation. Employees need to be able to get their daily water requirements in while at work, which is why drinking fountain installation is essential to business buildings.
2. Drain cleaning and repair. Your building has employees working and doing various tasks inside all day. Toilets, sinks, and other drains are constantly being used day in and day out. It’s important to make sure everything stays clean and in working order.
3. Sewage pump maintenance. The sewage pump plays a vital role in the disposal of waste. It is important that it’s always working to its fullest potential.
4. Leak detection. With such a large building having so much water being run through it, you’re at risk for leaks. Commercial plumbers can perform expert leak inspections.
5. Preventive maintenance. Having a professional plumber regularly check all the pipes will help them spot small problems before they get too big.

For the best in commercial plumbing, contact the experts here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. Our crew specializes in sewer line repair, tankless water heaters, heating & furnace repair. We even offer emergency plumbing services for those unexpected circumstances. Contact us today for more information on our amazing services!

5 Ways to Stop Your Furnace From Wasting Your Money

2011-01-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone is looking for ways to reduce monthly expenses these days. We try to cut down on eating at restaurants, lower our gasoline consumption, and decrease our cell phone plans. One of the easiest ways to save money is often overlooked—proper care and maintenance of your home heating system.

By taking proper care of your furnace you will not only be saving money on monthly bills, but you will reduce the chance of the need for heating & furnace repair.

Below are 5 simple tips to keeping your furnace from wasting your hard earned money:

1. Install a digital programmable thermostat for your furnace. Digital programmable thermostats are not only more accurate but can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your heating costs. Set your thermostat lower while you are out of the house and at night when you are sleeping.
2. Take the time to look for leaks around windows and doors. If leaks are found, then seal them with caulk or weather stripping. By taking the few minutes needed to check and fix leaks, you could reduce your heating bills by as much as 20%. You may also avoid an unnecessary call to your plumber.
3. Check your furnace filter every month. By keeping your furnace filter as clean as possible and changing it on a regular basis, you help your furnace run as efficiently as possible. This means a more comfortable house and lower utility bills.
4. Have a professional tune-up performed on your furnace annually by heating & furnace repair specialists. By having your furnace inspected and tuned up annually, you will ensure you get the best performance and longest life from your heating system.
5. If a problem does arise, then get your furnace repaired as soon as possible by a heating & furnace repair professional. Finding problems in the early stages helps keep your furnace running at peak efficiency.

At Beacon Plumbing, Heating and Mechanical, we are ready to help you stay warm and save money. We perform emergency plumbing, sewer line repair, heating & furnace repair, as well as tankless water heater installation. Our professional technicians are experienced and ready to fix any type of problem on almost any type of system. Give us a call today to see what we can do for you.

To Our Customers: Thank You

2010-12-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

On behalf of Beacon Plumbing, I want to apologize to any of our loyal customers if we were late to our appointment with you during this past Thanksgiving week.

Last Monday in the Greater Seattle area we experienced unusually harsh weather which lasted through Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. Many of the people caught off guard by the snowstorm battled traffic jams for hours and hours on end on Monday only to go home to a cold house. By Thanksgiving Day many people suffered from broken pipes that had frozen during the 3 day cold snap when those same pipes began to thaw sprouting gushing leaks and forcing these people to shut off the water to their homes. Imagine facing a large group coming over to celebrate Thanksgiving at your home with no running water, or heat, or both. We understood the gravity of the situation for everyone who called in and desperately requested service.

We did the best we could, under the circumstances, to get out to as many of our customers as we could. It’s not as simple a matter to dispatch our technicians by assigning them to customers on a “first come, first serve” basis. We have to take into account the abilities of each technician, the distance they will have to travel, and we managed to dispatch as efficiently as we could reaching hundreds upon hundreds of people in the last week. Unfortunately, at times we could not get our technician to you in as timely a manner as we normally do. We take great pride in providing same day emergency services but sometimes circumstances and events are beyond our control.

We started early every morning and worked late every night. Yet, no one from the business office, to the shop, to the dispatchers, and especially our dedicated technicians, complained about the long hours. Some of our office staff stayed in a hotel near the office on the Monday it snowed because they knew the next day they would be needed in the office early in the morning.

We’re just now recovering from the sudden onslaught of so many people needing help. Our scheduling is beginning to return to some semblance of normalcy.

Please accept our apology for any inconvenience this may have caused you. If it’s any consolation, your patience, cooperation and understanding made it possible for many other people to enjoy the basics such as heat and hot water who otherwise would have been without during this Thanksgiving holiday.

Thank you.

William K. Cahill, President
Beacon Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc.

My Heat Exchange Is Cracked

2010-10-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

The weather is starting to cool off and its time to start using your furnace again. If you have a gas furnace, you may want to have your furnace inspected and tuned up. If you do, and the technician tells you your heat exchanger may be cracked and you need a new furnace, you should read further . . .

The basic role the heat exchanger plays in your gas furnace is to confine the combustion from your gas furnace in a metal enclosure (the exchanger). The combustion heats up the exchanger and the heat is then blown throughout your house.

If the exchanger is cracked, then it means you’ll likely have to replace the furnace because it can pose a health hazard. One of the gases produced by the combustion is carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that is highly toxic. Replacing a heat exchanger is frequently not economically feasible and buying a new, replacement furnace is more economical in the long run.

That’s why it’s prudent to have your gas furnace inspected annually by a qualified heating technician from Beacon Plumbing. We’ll inspect the heat exchanger and other critical components in your furnace to give you peace of mind that your furnace will operate at peak efficiency when you need heat.

Contact us about one of our high efficiency gas furnaces that carry a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger, and don’t forget, the tax credit for these furnaces expires at the end of 2010! For a very limited time a 10year extended warranty on parts and labor are being offered by some manufacturers.

Where is the crack?

1.Don’t let a dishonest heating technician try and sell you a new furnace by telling you
your heat exchanger is cracked. Ask that person some basic questions such as:

2.How big is the crack?

3.How much air is leaking from the crack?

4.Is the crack actually in the combustion area or in the sheet metal of the frame?

5.How will this crack affect the operation of the furnace?

6.Can you see light (blower removed) from the air side of the furnace?

7.How does the crack compare to the burner openings and the flue opening on each end of the heat
exchanger?

Know How Your Run-Off Drainage System Works

2010-09-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

It’s Fall and the rainy season is just around the corner.

A wet basement or crawl space is a common problem if you live in the Northwest because we live in an area that gets rainfall for most of the year. Add in the geography of our area which is hilly to mountainous, it’s understandable why the ground can stay wet for so long after we’ve had some rain. While water coming into your basement is an obvious problem to fix, why the big deal about water in the crawl space? Most homes with crawl spaces have structural elements made out of wood. Wood is susceptible to “dry rot” if it becomes saturated, then allowed to dry out, only to become saturated again. So standing water beneath your home can pose a dry rot threat because of the constant moisture. That’s why a moisture barrier (thicker black “visquine plastic” is often used) is put over the bare dirt in the crawl space to keep the moisture below from reaching your home, but even the moisture barrier may not be enough to protect your home.

Often the problems of damp or wet basements and wet crawl spaces are the result of poor drainage of the runoff from the roof and other impervious surfaces around your home. On a rainy day do you ever wonder where the runoff is going? Do your gutters drain onto bare ground, or are your gutters “tied in” to some other drainage system such as a foundation footing drain? Even if your gutters are tied into a foundation footing drain, where does the foundation footing drain empty? What kind of pipe is being used in the foundation footing drain system and is there sufficient grade in the footing drain system to carry the runoff away from the foundation?

All of these factors need to be taken into account, plus other considerations like the topography around the home. When you understand how your runoff drainage system really works, you can then take preventative measures to keep the drain lines open and able to carry off the water so your basement or crawl space can dry out. Sometimes a sump pump is necessary because there’s just too much underground water, sometimes a “french drain system” is necessary but your expert technician at Beacon Plumbing can help you solve the problem and protect your home!

Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is Located

2010-08-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

If you have to stop a water leak in your home the fastest, easiest way is to stop the flow of water into your house. The “shut-off valve” will stop all of the flow of water from the outside water service line into your home.

Knowing WHERE the shut off valve is located in your house can save you from extensive, and expensive, water damage occurring. Often, the shut off valve is located in your garage where your water service line enters your home. The water service line runs from your water meter to your home. Once you locate the shut off valve, conspicuously mark it or paint it a bright color. Show your family members where the shut off valve is so if something happens when you’re not home, they can help prevent further damage. Our technicians will tag your shut off valve for free when they visit your home as part of our unmatched customer service.

Did you know that one of the most common causes of water damage occurs when people are out of the house and a hose to their washing machine bursts? Check the condition of the hoses. Changing to non-bursting hoses on the washer is relatively cheap and easy. There are many hose manufacturers with extensive warranties on their hoses that Beacon can provide and install for you. The incoming line to your washing machine is under constant pressure (if you leave the line turned on when not in use) so a hose that will burst is really just a matter of time. This especially true if you live in a home with high water pressure (PSI). There are many neighborhoods in the Puget Sound area that are well known for PSI in excess of 80 pounds/square/inch. If you live in such a neighborhood, call Beacon to find out what can be done, such as installing a pressure reducing valve (PRV). High PSI can also create problems for your water heater, so the next time Beacon is at your home, your technician will be happy to take the PSI for your home.

Also, when you go on vacation or leave the house unattended for a few days, if you don’t need to have the water to your house left on consider turning the water off a the shut off valve while you’re gone. Then if your instant hot-water device or in-sink water filter faucet springs a leak, you won’t come home to an expensive floor replacement which may or may not be covered by your home owner’s insurance or someone else’s liability insurance. Even if you have a family member or friend come over the house to water the plants inside or outside, show them where the shut valve is and how to turn it on and off.

Welcome To The Beacon Plumbing and Mechanical Blog!

2010-07-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Blog of Beacon Plumbing and Mechanical!

By starting this blog we hope to provide our readers with insightful information about the world of plumbing. We look forward to providing all of you with useful tips and proactive ways to maintain your current plumbing situation!

Stay tuned for more.