Why You Need a Professional for Drain Cleaning

April 18th, 2022
drain-with-water-going-down

Blurp. Blurp. Blurp. 

Bubbles rise slowly to the top of the pooled water above a clogged drain to burst defiantly in your face. Stopped-up drains are a huge pain in the neck, especially the ones that are almost completely sealed off. It can feel like a Herculean effort to get it cleared out again. Instead of risking damage to your pipes, calling a plumber for drain cleaning services ensures the job is done safely and effectively the first time around.

To save money, many people turn to commercial drain cleaners or DIY solutions to clear the drain. However, some of these methods do more harm than good and some just plain won’t work. 

Sometimes, the only good way to clear a drain is to call a professional for help. Clogged drains disrupt daily life, emphasizing the inconvenience caused by plumbing issues. Professionals offer comprehensive drain cleaning solutions that address both routine maintenance and emergency situations. Professional drain maintenance can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. One such method is hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clear out stubborn clogs and debris. Check out the main reasons why you need a professional to clear out your clogged drain.

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“Crash! Bang! Boom!” and Other Noises You Don’t Want Your Heater Making

April 4th, 2022
woman-holding-hand-to-ear

While we may not live in a climate that gets as bitterly cold as other parts of the country, our winters do pack a punch, and you know how important it is to have a powerful and efficient heater in your home. You should also be aware of the warning signs of a heater that’s in disrepair.

When your heater is making strange noises, it’s time to call in a professional to look at it. Sometimes, these noises are just indicators that the heater is about to break down, and other times they can signal something more serious, like a gas leak.

This guide will let you know what to listen for to take care of your heater before it becomes a bigger problem.

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How to Detect Leaks: Plumbing Repair Service Guide

March 21st, 2022

In our previous blog post, we went over an essential method to prevent plumbing leaks–routine plumbing maintenance. Still though, even with diligent care, there’s still a chance you can experience leaks between routine plumbing maintenance sessions. This week, we’re going to talk about how to find out if you already have a plumbing leak.

Knowing these signs can help you mitigate a much bigger problem–after all, leaks can be silent for a long time before you even notice the damage they’ve caused. Read on to learn more!

What Causes Plumbing Leaks?

Timely plumbing repair is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system. Repairing plumbing issues early on will save money in the long run, as it helps avoid more extensive and costly repairs.

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How To Prevent Plumbing Leaks

March 7th, 2022
woman-on-phone-while-investigating-leak-under-sink

One of the most annoying, and yet most common, problems that homeowners face is that of plumbing leaks.

There probably isn’t a homeowner in the area that hasn’t had to deal with at least one minor leak, even if it’s just a drippy sink faucet. This may leave you wondering, though, can you ever prevent a plumbing leak? And if so, how?

Well first, scheduling routine plumbing maintenance so that our professionals can inspect your pipes and make sure they’re in good shape is a great first start. Next, it’s best to avoid chemical drain cleaners… these are actually quite caustic and can eat away at the lining of your pipes, ultimately doing more harm than good.  You may also want to consider the importance of professional drain cleaning to ensure long-term protection against buildup that can lead to leaks.

You may still deal with a leak here or there due to wear and tear, but at least you can try your best to avoid some of the most popular leaks such as…

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Have You Scheduled This Important Heating Service Yet?

February 28th, 2022

With a climate like ours, and being near the end of “winter,” whatever that word is worth to us, it might seem pretty pointless to schedule heating maintenance if you haven’t done so yet this heating season.

And yet, heating maintenance is the most important heating service you can schedule for your furnace or any other heating system.

Why? Because maintenance is the only way you’ll ensure that your heater works as efficiently and effectively as possible, for last long as possible. Sure, we might not need to use ours around here as much as our friends up north, but when you do need yours, you want it to work well right?

And the good news is, unless your heater has completely broken down to the point that no repair will get it back up and running again, it’s never too late for heating maintenance! Here’s why…

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Plumbing Factors to Consider in a Kitchen Remodel

February 7th, 2022
mother-and-daughter-standing-over-kitchen-sink

Planning a remodel is one of the most fun and exciting things you can do in your home. And this is the perfect time of year to do so, between the holidays and spring/summer when you’re most likely to have guests over.

Oftentimes, however, people don’t think too much about their plumbing system in regards to their remodel. Sure, you might plan on getting a new kitchen faucet, or maybe you’re adding a garbage disposal after never having one before. But have you considered all the plumbing factors you need to?

Read on to learn more, and for your kitchen plumbing needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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Gas Furnace Installation and Heat Exchangers: Key Facts | Cheeky HVAC

January 24th, 2022
gas-jets-of-a-furnace

Introduction to Gas Furnaces

When it comes to keeping your home warm and cozy, a natural gas furnace is one of the most popular and cost-effective heating systems out there. These furnaces work by drawing in natural gas from your municipal supply, igniting it in the combustion chamber, and using that heat to warm the air that circulates throughout your house. Not only does this process deliver reliable heat, but it also tends to be easier on your wallet when it comes to annual operating expenses, especially compared to oil or propane systems.

Natural gas furnaces are also a greener choice, producing fewer emissions than oil furnaces or propane alternatives. However, before you can enjoy the benefits of a gas furnace, your home needs to be connected to an existing natural gas line. The furnace cost, including installation, can vary quite a bit, depending on the size of your home, the efficiency rating of the unit you choose, and the local codes that govern installation in your area.To keep your furnace running safely and efficiently, regular furnace maintenance is a must. This includes cleaning the combustion chamber, inspecting the flue pipe for blockages or corrosion, and making sure all components are in top shape. With proper care, a gas furnace can provide years of dependable heat, making it a smart investment for homeowners looking to balance comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.

What does a gas furnace heat exchanger do, and why is regular maintenance essential?

A gas furnace heat exchanger safely transfers heat from combustion gases to your home’s air while keeping harmful gases contained. Over time, metal fatigue can cause tiny cracks that may leak carbon monoxide. Annual maintenance helps detect early damage, ensuring safe, efficient operation and avoiding expensive replacements.

Furnace Installation Process: What to Expect When You’re Installing

Thinking about upgrading to a new furnace? The furnace installation process is more than just swapping out your old unit for a shiny new one, it’s a detailed job that calls for specialized training and a keen eye for safety. Furnace installation requires specialized training and tools to ensure proper setup. That’s why it’s so important to work with a reputable HVAC company that knows the ins and outs of local codes and regulations.

Here’s what you can expect: First, your HVAC technician will assess your current heating system, including the existing furnace, ductwork, and even your air conditioner, to make sure everything is compatible. Before any work begins, it is important to turn off electrical breakers and gas supply lines to ensure safety. Next comes the careful removal of your old furnace, which involves disconnecting gas lines, electrical wiring, and the ductwork system. Once the old furnace is out, the new furnace is installed, with precise connections to the gas supply, electrical system, and ductwork to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Your technician will also install a new thermostat and thoroughly test the system to confirm it’s heating your home efficiently and safely. The installer should provide a walkthrough of new equipment and how to perform basic maintenance after installation. Before they leave, you’ll get expert advice on furnace maintenance, like how to replace the furnace filter and when to schedule service checks, to help prevent heating problems and keep those energy bills in check.

By understanding the furnace installation process, you’ll see why hiring a qualified HVAC pro is so important. Not only does professional installation help you avoid costly mistakes, but it also ensures your new furnace operates at peak efficiency, giving you reliable heat and lower energy bills for years to come.

What You Should Know About Your Gas Furnace Heat Exchanger

If you’re like many homeowners in the Dunwoody area, you likely have a gas-powered furnace in your home to keep yourself and your family warm throughout the house. There are several types of heating systems available for residential use, and gas furnaces are among the most popular. The forced air furnace is the most common type of gas furnace found in homes, known for its reliable performance, but it’s important to consider both installation and maintenance costs when choosing this heating system. The average furnace replacement cost can range between $3,800 and $10,000. Furnaces are a great heating choice, as they are powerful and very cost-effective. With proper upkeep, knowing when to repair or replace your heating system can help ensure long-term performance and efficiency.

Today’s furnaces even have a higher efficiency rating than just a short decade ago. In fact, the highest AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating for a natural gas furnace is 98%. Newer furnace models typically achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings than older models. Trust us, that’s efficient! Optimizing furnace performance is even more effective when combined with upgrades like professional air sealing services, which prevent heated air from escaping your home.

In addition to high efficiency, you want to know you can rely on safety when it comes to your heating system, right? Gas furnaces certainly are not dangerous by nature. However, if you don’t take care of your furnace as you should, then it can certainly become dangerous, something a home energy audit can reveal before it becomes a costly or hazardous issue.

The most common culprit of a dangerous furnace, especially an older one, is a cracked heat exchanger. For a deeper understanding of why this issue is so critical, check out furnace repair needs and the danger of a cracked heat exchanger. Even if you don’t have an obvious problem with your furnace’s heat exchanger right now, if your system is 15+ years old, it’s time to start considering an upgrade. Newer models offer improved efficiency and safety features compared to an old furnace. An important factor to consider when upgrading is the efficiency and reliability of the new system.

Read on to learn more!

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Here’s How to Detect a Plumbing Leak

January 10th, 2022
blue-cloth-around-white-pvc-pipe

We’ve probably all seen those movies or TV shows that show a character discovering a terrible leak when a rainstorm hits, or when they really need to get their home ready for a gathering. These scenes are dramatized and typically involve an aggressive jet of water spewing out a cabinet.

In reality, plumbing leaks are generally not that dramatic. This can be a good thing and a bad thing.

The good news is, you’re probably not going to come home to a completely flooded home with thousands of dollars worth of property damage if you have a leak. The not-so-good news is, the damage you do have from a leak can be hidden–underneath your slab, floorboards, or even behind your drywall.

Some more good news is that there are signs you can watch out for that indicate a leak. If you keep an eye out for those signs and then call our team right away, you may be able to mitigate most of the damage. Read on to learn what these signs are!

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Tips for Boosting Heating Efficiency

December 27th, 2021
checklist-with-red-marker

Heating in Woodstock, GA is a necessity for winter. Especially when the temperature drops to an average of 35°F during the month of January. This doesn’t mean you want to pay an arm and a leg to keep your home cozy.

There are some simple tips you can do to boost the efficiency of your heating system. This will help keep your bills lower through the chilly months.

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Signs That It Could Be Time for Repiping

December 13th, 2021
plumber-hands-working-on-pipe-under-sink

There’s a component of your home that you rely on each and every day, but probably don’t give a whole lot of thought to–your plumbing system! You rely on it for hot water to bathe with, cook with, clean with, and water to nourish your yard and houseplants.

But what if your pipes are old? Could this cause problems? Yup, it certainly can! Aging pipes are prone to pinhole leaks and corrosion. Sometimes, whole-house repiping is necessary to get this system back in good shape. Read on to find out if it might be time for repiping in your home!

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