Sunday, May 27, 2018

Plumber’s thoughts on Drain Snakes

Are Drain Snakes useful?

Drain

Can drain snakes really help in unclogging drainage blockages? (Photo Credits)

Drain Snakes are one of those plumbing tools that even ordinary homeowners without a plumbing background would dare use. For one it is available in local home improvement stores, and secondly, most of the household versions do not look too complicated to use.

Home website Spruce.com explained the different types of drain snakes, and how they could be useful in a home setting.  Plumbing Association of San Diego     

"Drain snakes come in several different types, ranging from simple handheld models to powerful motorized augers. The reason for the variety is that there are different types of drains: sink drains, toilet drains, house drains, sewer drains… Here is a look at the most commonly used drain snakes for household clogs. While a plumber might have all of them, you'll likely need on only one or two, unless you want to rent a big auger for cleaning a sewer drain."

(Related Post: Plumbing and HVAC Red Flags in a Home for Sale)

Read the continuation here.

But are they really useful?

Apartment Therapy shared their experience in using drain snakes in a household setting. They included the procedures they undertook and then put out a photo guide in their web page. A/C And HVAC   

"Snaking the drain is one of those nasty jobs that we put off, and just deal with a clogged or slow draining sink or tub because we don't want to bother with calling the landlord, or figuring out how to do it ourselves. Like so many things, after we actually do it, we realize it's just not a big deal and wish we'd done it sooner. It's also satisfying —and gross."

(Related Post: Plumber's advice on Smelly Drains)

Check out what happened in their experiment here.

Related Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

DoItYourself.com also has a related article on drain snakes. In fact, they put up a guide on how to use them. In the same write-up, they shared more information on how an auger or a drain snake works.

"In most cases, drain snakes can be very useful and effective. They are a tool that anyone can use and they often get results. These tools can be pressed down into the pipe and can help break up clogs inside them. They have been known to be effective where other methods such as a plunger or chemicals have not. Therefore, these tools can be very useful in this area."

Check out their step by step guide here.

Drain snakes can indeed be very useful around the home.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumber San Diego CA

How to be an HVAC Technician

The post Plumber's thoughts on Drain Snakes appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

Plumber’s thoughts on Drain Snakes

Are Drain Snakes useful?

Drain

Can drain snakes really help in unclogging drainage blockages? (Photo Credits)

Drain Snakes are one of those plumbing tools that even ordinary homeowners without a plumbing background would dare use. For one it is available in local home improvement stores, and secondly, most of the household versions do not look too complicated to use.

Home website Spruce.com explained the different types of drain snakes, and how they could be useful in a home setting.  Plumbing Association of San Diego     

"Drain snakes come in several different types, ranging from simple handheld models to powerful motorized augers. The reason for the variety is that there are different types of drains: sink drains, toilet drains, house drains, sewer drains… Here is a look at the most commonly used drain snakes for household clogs. While a plumber might have all of them, you'll likely need on only one or two, unless you want to rent a big auger for cleaning a sewer drain."

(Related Post: Plumbing and HVAC Red Flags in a Home for Sale)

Read the continuation here.

But are they really useful?

Apartment Therapy shared their experience in using drain snakes in a household setting. They included the procedures they undertook and then put out a photo guide in their web page. A/C And HVAC   

"Snaking the drain is one of those nasty jobs that we put off, and just deal with a clogged or slow draining sink or tub because we don't want to bother with calling the landlord, or figuring out how to do it ourselves. Like so many things, after we actually do it, we realize it's just not a big deal and wish we'd done it sooner. It's also satisfying —and gross."

(Related Post: Plumber's advice on Smelly Drains)

Check out what happened in their experiment here.

Related Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

DoItYourself.com also has a related article on drain snakes. In fact, they put up a guide on how to use them. In the same write-up, they shared more information on how an auger or a drain snake works.

"In most cases, drain snakes can be very useful and effective. They are a tool that anyone can use and they often get results. These tools can be pressed down into the pipe and can help break up clogs inside them. They have been known to be effective where other methods such as a plunger or chemicals have not. Therefore, these tools can be very useful in this area."

Check out their step by step guide here.

Drain snakes can indeed be very useful around the home.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumber San Diego CA

How to be an HVAC Technician

The post Plumber's thoughts on Drain Snakes appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

Friday, May 18, 2018

How to be an HVAC Technician

Trainings and Educational Requirements

All in a days work

What one needs to know to become an HVAC Professional. (Photo Credits)

Being an HVAC Technician requires training, education, as well as continuous learning and practical experiences. It is a trade skills job that that can be rewarding.

Learn.Org explained the job of an HVAC Technician as well as how a person can work in this type of career. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

"An HVAC technician installs, services and fixes heating, ventilation and air conditioning units in residential and commercial buildings. As a technician, you are trained to read blueprints and use an assortment of common and specialized tools, including metal cutters, flow sensors and current meters. When servicing a system, you ensure that all components, including compressors, motors, fans, pumps, thermostats and switches, are working properly and that all controls are at their recommended settings. Your specific duties include connecting wires, welding pipes, testing electrical circuits for continuity and testing pipes and tubing for leaks."

(Related Post: Winterizing the HVAC System)

Read more here.

So how can a person be an HVAC Technician?

Advance Technology Institute shared information on what to expect when training to become an HVAC Technician, what is included in the training, as well as what can be expected from this career line. A/C And HVAC

"Fortunately, there are excellent programs available where students are able to receive the highest quality education from industry professionals while also gaining valuable hands-on experience in the classroom or shop. Ideally, this should include everything from window unit air conditioners to 12-ton commercial cooling systems so that all of your bases are covered. Seek a program where you can become certified in all relevant areas so that when you go out into the real world to look for work, you'll stand apart from the competition. With the right program, you could be earning money and loving your job in about a year."

(Related Post: HVAC Expert's take on the use of Space Heaters )

Read more here.

Related HVAC Repair and Installation Services:

The website HVAC Classes meanwhile shared the requirements needed in order to acquire a license as an HVAC Professional.

"Some licenses, however, do transcend geography. Namely, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that any technician working with refrigerants (such as CFCs and HCFCs) must be properly trained in handling and disposing of these hazardous chemicals. HVAC technicians can become certified in small appliances, low-pressure systems, high-pressure systems, or can obtain a universal certification that qualifies them to work with all refrigerant systems. The tests for this type of licensing are offered by a number of third party companies and can be completed online."

The rest of the information can be found here.

Being an HVAC Technician may require at least a whole year training and education. It is up to the person on how to become a successful one.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Air Conditioning Repair Service

How to Become a Master Plumber

The post How to be an HVAC Technician appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

How to be an HVAC Technician

Trainings and Educational Requirements

All in a days work

What one needs to know to become an HVAC Professional. (Photo Credits)

Being an HVAC Technician requires training, education, as well as continuous learning and practical experiences. It is a trade skills job that that can be rewarding.

Learn.Org explained the job of an HVAC Technician as well as how a person can work in this type of career. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

"An HVAC technician installs, services and fixes heating, ventilation and air conditioning units in residential and commercial buildings. As a technician, you are trained to read blueprints and use an assortment of common and specialized tools, including metal cutters, flow sensors and current meters. When servicing a system, you ensure that all components, including compressors, motors, fans, pumps, thermostats and switches, are working properly and that all controls are at their recommended settings. Your specific duties include connecting wires, welding pipes, testing electrical circuits for continuity and testing pipes and tubing for leaks."

(Related Post: Winterizing the HVAC System)

Read more here.

So how can a person be an HVAC Technician?

Advance Technology Institute shared information on what to expect when training to become an HVAC Technician, what is included in the training, as well as what can be expected from this career line. A/C And HVAC

"Fortunately, there are excellent programs available where students are able to receive the highest quality education from industry professionals while also gaining valuable hands-on experience in the classroom or shop. Ideally, this should include everything from window unit air conditioners to 12-ton commercial cooling systems so that all of your bases are covered. Seek a program where you can become certified in all relevant areas so that when you go out into the real world to look for work, you'll stand apart from the competition. With the right program, you could be earning money and loving your job in about a year."

(Related Post: HVAC Expert's take on the use of Space Heaters )

Read more here.

Related HVAC Repair and Installation Services:

The website HVAC Classes meanwhile shared the requirements needed in order to acquire a license as an HVAC Professional.

"Some licenses, however, do transcend geography. Namely, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that any technician working with refrigerants (such as CFCs and HCFCs) must be properly trained in handling and disposing of these hazardous chemicals. HVAC technicians can become certified in small appliances, low-pressure systems, high-pressure systems, or can obtain a universal certification that qualifies them to work with all refrigerant systems. The tests for this type of licensing are offered by a number of third party companies and can be completed online."

The rest of the information can be found here.

Being an HVAC Technician may require at least a whole year training and education. It is up to the person on how to become a successful one.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Air Conditioning Repair Service

How to Become a Master Plumber

The post How to be an HVAC Technician appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

How to Become a Master Plumber

Pursuing a Career as a Master Plumber

Plumber

Master Plumbing requires education, training, and heavy experience. (Photo Credits)

Being a Master Plumber opens a lot of opportunities for earning. For one, a master plumber gets the highest compensation rate amongst all kinds of plumbers. At the same time, it allows them the opportunity to mentor trainees and ordinary plumbers, work on big plumbing projects, and of course open up their own plumbing contractor business.

In a comprehensive article Chron.com discussed the job description, educational requirements, required experience and certification before an ordinary plumber can become a license Master Plumber. A/C And HVAC

"Becoming a master plumber requires extensive training and ultimately, passing a state licensing and certification exam. This journey takes seven to 10 years, but then you'll have the opportunity to become your own boss, earn a comfortable salary and determine your own work schedule."

(Related Post: Plumber's Guide in Installing a Faucet Filter)

Check out the rest of the article here.

Master Plumbing

Certifications and other credentials usually vary per state or city. In New York City for instance, they require at least seven years of experience. The requirements have been published in their official website and these come in varying levels depending on skills, training, experience and educational attainment. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

Here is an example of the experience levels that the NYC government requires:

"Have at least seven (7) years of total experience* within the ten (10) years prior to application with at least two (2) years of experience working in the planning or design, and installation of plumbing systems under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Plumber in the United States; at least two (2) years of this required practical experience must be obtained as a Department of Buildings' registered Journeyman Plumber. The balance of experience may be obtained by performing maintenance, replacement and repair plumbing work on existing buildings while working for a New York City agency as long as the work is under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Plumber supervisor employed by the City agency"

Read the rest of the qualifications here.

Related Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

Study.com meanwhile came up with a guide on the educational, training, and experiential requirements to become a Master Plumber.

(Related Post: Plumber's Advice on Water Efficiency in the Bathroom)

"Master plumbers are journeyman plumbers who have, after a period of classroom and on-the-job training, passed their state's master plumber's examination. To reach this level, they must have completed a basic plumbing training program, usually through a union apprenticeship, but sometimes through a certificate or associate's degree program. After gaining experience, they can take the journeyman plumber's examination and begin gaining the knowledge and experience needed to qualify for the master plumber examination. Plumber's training includes courses in building codes, blueprint reading, safety and even physics, as well as extensive on-the-job practice."

Read the rest of the original text here.

Being a Master Plumber entails dedication, hard work and focus so that one can go through the needed training, learning, and experience.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

(888) 231-1086

Residential Plumber San Diego

Signs the HVAC Ducts need Cleaning

 

The post How to Become a Master Plumber appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

How to Become a Master Plumber

Pursuing a Career as a Master Plumber

Plumber

Master Plumbing requires education, training, and heavy experience. (Photo Credits)

Being a Master Plumber opens a lot of opportunities for earning. For one, a master plumber gets the highest compensation rate amongst all kinds of plumbers. At the same time, it allows them the opportunity to mentor trainees and ordinary plumbers, work on big plumbing projects, and of course open up their own plumbing contractor business.

In a comprehensive article Chron.com discussed the job description, educational requirements, required experience and certification before an ordinary plumber can become a license Master Plumber. A/C And HVAC

"Becoming a master plumber requires extensive training and ultimately, passing a state licensing and certification exam. This journey takes seven to 10 years, but then you'll have the opportunity to become your own boss, earn a comfortable salary and determine your own work schedule."

(Related Post: Plumber's Guide in Installing a Faucet Filter)

Check out the rest of the article here.

Master Plumbing

Certifications and other credentials usually vary per state or city. In New York City for instance, they require at least seven years of experience. The requirements have been published in their official website and these come in varying levels depending on skills, training, experience and educational attainment. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

Here is an example of the experience levels that the NYC government requires:

"Have at least seven (7) years of total experience* within the ten (10) years prior to application with at least two (2) years of experience working in the planning or design, and installation of plumbing systems under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Plumber in the United States; at least two (2) years of this required practical experience must be obtained as a Department of Buildings' registered Journeyman Plumber. The balance of experience may be obtained by performing maintenance, replacement and repair plumbing work on existing buildings while working for a New York City agency as long as the work is under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Plumber supervisor employed by the City agency"

Read the rest of the qualifications here.

Related Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

Study.com meanwhile came up with a guide on the educational, training, and experiential requirements to become a Master Plumber.

(Related Post: Plumber's Advice on Water Efficiency in the Bathroom)

"Master plumbers are journeyman plumbers who have, after a period of classroom and on-the-job training, passed their state's master plumber's examination. To reach this level, they must have completed a basic plumbing training program, usually through a union apprenticeship, but sometimes through a certificate or associate's degree program. After gaining experience, they can take the journeyman plumber's examination and begin gaining the knowledge and experience needed to qualify for the master plumber examination. Plumber's training includes courses in building codes, blueprint reading, safety and even physics, as well as extensive on-the-job practice."

Read the rest of the original text here.

Being a Master Plumber entails dedication, hard work and focus so that one can go through the needed training, learning, and experience.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

(888) 231-1086

Residential Plumber San Diego

Signs the HVAC Ducts need Cleaning

 

The post How to Become a Master Plumber appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Signs the HVAC Ducts need Cleaning

Maintaining the HVAC Unit

Air conditioning heaven

How to know when the HVAC needs a cleaning. (Photo Credits)

HVAC Duct Cleaning is a must-do for some households, given that this can help improve air quality at home.

The National Air Duct Cleaners' Association says homeowners stand to benefit from all the cleaning especially if some family members have respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma. A/C And HVAC  

"Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work. While dirty ducts don't necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies."

(Related Post: HVAC Expert's take on the use of Space Heaters)

Read their full explanation here.

When to have it cleaned

Third-Party Service Ratings Website Angie's List meantime shared some signs that would indicate that the HVAC ducts may need to be cleaned. In their article they also emphasized the importance of enlisting professional, licensed services to avoid scams. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

"When to clean your air ducts — The Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning air ducts when: (1) You suspect mold exists in the air ducts. (2) You notice a vermin infestation somewhere in the home, or you see insects or rodents entering or exiting ductwork. (3) You see a visible "poof" of dust released from the supply registers when air is exiting the vents."

(Related Post: Warning signs of an HVAC Problem)

Check out the rest of the guide here.

Related HVAC Repair and Installation Services:

The website Today's Homeowner meantime shared tips on how to avoid duct cleaning scams. They say such scams remain prevalent and that homeowners have to be on the lookout for these.

"Here are some tips for avoiding scams if you decide to look into having the ducts and HVAC system in your home cleaned: (1) Full Service: Don't settle for just duct cleaning, make sure the cleaning service is also going to do a full cleaning of the heating/cooling unit. (2) References: Get and check references in your area to find out what was provided for the money, and whether customers were satisfied. (3) Estimates: Ask for written estimates from at least three HVAC cleaning services. A reputable company should provide a free inspection and estimate."

Take a look at the whole article here.

HVAC Duct Cleaning should indeed only be undertaken by licensed, professional HVAC Contractors.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

(888) 231-1086

Plumbing Heating and Air Diamond Ace Contractors

Plumber's tips on water seeping from bathroom floor

The post Signs the HVAC Ducts need Cleaning appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

Signs the HVAC Ducts need Cleaning

Maintaining the HVAC Unit

Air conditioning heaven

How to know when the HVAC needs a cleaning. (Photo Credits)

HVAC Duct Cleaning is a must-do for some households, given that this can help improve air quality at home.

The National Air Duct Cleaners' Association says homeowners stand to benefit from all the cleaning especially if some family members have respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma. A/C And HVAC  

"Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work. While dirty ducts don't necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies."

(Related Post: HVAC Expert's take on the use of Space Heaters)

Read their full explanation here.

When to have it cleaned

Third-Party Service Ratings Website Angie's List meantime shared some signs that would indicate that the HVAC ducts may need to be cleaned. In their article they also emphasized the importance of enlisting professional, licensed services to avoid scams. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

"When to clean your air ducts — The Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning air ducts when: (1) You suspect mold exists in the air ducts. (2) You notice a vermin infestation somewhere in the home, or you see insects or rodents entering or exiting ductwork. (3) You see a visible "poof" of dust released from the supply registers when air is exiting the vents."

(Related Post: Warning signs of an HVAC Problem)

Check out the rest of the guide here.

Related HVAC Repair and Installation Services:

The website Today's Homeowner meantime shared tips on how to avoid duct cleaning scams. They say such scams remain prevalent and that homeowners have to be on the lookout for these.

"Here are some tips for avoiding scams if you decide to look into having the ducts and HVAC system in your home cleaned: (1) Full Service: Don't settle for just duct cleaning, make sure the cleaning service is also going to do a full cleaning of the heating/cooling unit. (2) References: Get and check references in your area to find out what was provided for the money, and whether customers were satisfied. (3) Estimates: Ask for written estimates from at least three HVAC cleaning services. A reputable company should provide a free inspection and estimate."

Take a look at the whole article here.

HVAC Duct Cleaning should indeed only be undertaken by licensed, professional HVAC Contractors.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

(888) 231-1086

Plumbing Heating and Air Diamond Ace Contractors

Plumber's tips on water seeping from bathroom floor

The post Signs the HVAC Ducts need Cleaning appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.