How to Avoid Plumbing Problems

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.

Bathroom Maintenance: Unclogging A Tub Drain

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.

5 Ways to Stop Your Furnace From Wasting Your Money

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.

My Heat Exchange Is Cracked

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?