Plumber tips on winterizing plumbing systems

Preparing for Winter

How to avoid frozen pipes. (Photo Credits)

Winterizing a home plumbing system is an important home maintenance procedure to undertake before the snow season sets in. It basically prevents frozen pipes that could eventually leak, burst, and could even lead to home water damage.

This is especially true for vacation homes, and when leaving the home for the holidays.

(Related Post: How to spot plumbing problems in the Garden)

Home improvement website BobVila.com has explained the importance of winterizing the plumbing system. A/C And HVAC 

"When water freezes, it expands. So if the temperature of your pipes drops below 32 degrees, even for a short period, you run the risk of a pipe fracture or worse. Take the following precautions now to avoid a major headache later. Inside Your Home — anywhere cold air blows on a pipe, it creates the potential for freezing."

The continuation can be found here.

How to winterize

Personal finance website The Balance mentioned the steps to take to winterize a home plumbing system. They also came up with a comprehensive guide for the procedure. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

(Related Post: Plumber's Advice on Bath Tub Troubles)

"Begin with a plan for winterizing your plumbing. It is easy to miss a step, so you make yourself a checklist of all parts of the house with the steps detailed below, including all taps and valves. Mark them off as you complete them, so you'll know you did everything—and won't have any nasty surprises come cold weather. "

The post can be found here.

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Older home improvement website This Old House meanwhile shared ways on how to drain pipes in time for the winter season, and before leaving a home for an extended period of time.

"Shut off the main water valve, which is typically located near the water meter. Drain hot and cold water from house by attaching a hose to sill cock or basement faucet; drain the water into a sump-pump pit or to the outdoors. Open all faucets and flush all toilets in house, starting with top floor and working your way down."

Read the continuation of the instructions here.

Plumbing experts say homeowners should ensure that they do routine home care to prevent damage in plumbing systems as well as other property structure.

Diamond Ace Contractors

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

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumbing Repair San Diego

Common HVAC Thermostat Problems

The post Plumber tips on winterizing plumbing systems appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

HVAC Technician’s guide on right air condition sizing

Proper A/C Sizing

Having the right size of air conditioner fitted into a room spells a lot of difference when it comes to cooling comfort and electricity bills. Experts advice that every home should have a properly sized air conditioning unit so that they could take full advantage of their a/c unit and operational costs.

The US Department of Energy's Energy Star explained why it is important to get the right sizing of air conditioning to the room where it is being used. Plumbing Association of San Diego           

"A unit that is too big will be less effective and offer reduced air conditioner efficiency. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room, before it has a chance to remove the humidity. The result will be a room that's not very comfortable to spend time in That cool moist air will make the room feel damp and clammy. The most energy efficient air conditioner is sized to the square footage of the space to be cooled."

Check out the Energy Star's information table here.

Precise calculation

Homeguides SF Gate meantime explained that there may not be a hard and fast rule when it comes to determining the appropriate capacity of air conditioning unit for a certain room. They explain there is a lot of factors in play such as location of the home, the usual climate, among others. A/C And HVAC     

"To obtain a precise calculation, you must consider your home's unique factors: What region is it in? How good is the insulation? What direction does the house face? Some websites use online calculators to enable you to perform a closer estimate. An HVAC professional can use the Manual J – an engineering guide that precisely pinpoints the size you need."

Take a look at the rest of the explanation here.

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• HVAC Chula Vista Free Inspection    
• H.V.A.C El Cajon Emergency Technician
• AC Repair Oceanside Learn More  

Consumer Reports meanwhile shared a rule of thumb approach that some use air conditioning professionals in right-sizing their air conditioning unit. The number though would have to be adjusted in view of factors like the orientation of the sun vis-à-vis the room, the number of occupants in a room, and the type of room where the air conditioning unit will be used.

"Window air conditioners typically have a cooling capacity ranging from 5,000 to 12,500 British thermal units (Btu/hr.). As a rule of thumb, an air conditioner needs 20 Btu for each square foot of living space. But don't buy by Btu alone. Other considerations, such as the ceiling height and the size of your windows and doorways, might call for more cooling power. To measure your room, multiply the length of the room by the width. Add together the size of rooms that aren't separated by doors because the air conditioner will need to cool both spaces."

Check out the rest of the guidelines shared here.

To be sure about the right size of an air conditioning unit, it is best to consult an HVAC Professional.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Air Conditioner Repair

Plumber's Advice on Slow Drains

The post HVAC Technician's guide on right air condition sizing appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

HVAC Technician’s guide on right air condition sizing

Proper A/C Sizing

Having the right size of air conditioner fitted into a room spells a lot of difference when it comes to cooling comfort and electricity bills. Experts advice that every home should have a properly sized air conditioning unit so that they could take full advantage of their a/c unit and operational costs.

The US Department of Energy's Energy Star explained why it is important to get the right sizing of air conditioning to the room where it is being used. Plumbing Association of San Diego           

"A unit that is too big will be less effective and offer reduced air conditioner efficiency. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room, before it has a chance to remove the humidity. The result will be a room that's not very comfortable to spend time in That cool moist air will make the room feel damp and clammy. The most energy efficient air conditioner is sized to the square footage of the space to be cooled."

Check out the Energy Star's information table here.

Precise calculation

Homeguides SF Gate meantime explained that there may not be a hard and fast rule when it comes to determining the appropriate capacity of air conditioning unit for a certain room. They explain there is a lot of factors in play such as location of the home, the usual climate, among others. A/C And HVAC     

"To obtain a precise calculation, you must consider your home's unique factors: What region is it in? How good is the insulation? What direction does the house face? Some websites use online calculators to enable you to perform a closer estimate. An HVAC professional can use the Manual J – an engineering guide that precisely pinpoints the size you need."

Take a look at the rest of the explanation here.

Related HVAC Repair and Installation Services:

• San Diego HVAC Contractor More Info    
• HVAC Lakeside Free Estimate           
• HVAC Escondido Call Now        
• HVAC Chula Vista Free Inspection    
• H.V.A.C El Cajon Emergency Technician
• AC Repair Oceanside Learn More  

Consumer Reports meanwhile shared a rule of thumb approach that some use air conditioning professionals in right-sizing their air conditioning unit. The number though would have to be adjusted in view of factors like the orientation of the sun vis-à-vis the room, the number of occupants in a room, and the type of room where the air conditioning unit will be used.

"Window air conditioners typically have a cooling capacity ranging from 5,000 to 12,500 British thermal units (Btu/hr.). As a rule of thumb, an air conditioner needs 20 Btu for each square foot of living space. But don't buy by Btu alone. Other considerations, such as the ceiling height and the size of your windows and doorways, might call for more cooling power. To measure your room, multiply the length of the room by the width. Add together the size of rooms that aren't separated by doors because the air conditioner will need to cool both spaces."

Check out the rest of the guidelines shared here.

To be sure about the right size of an air conditioning unit, it is best to consult an HVAC Professional.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Air Conditioner Repair

Plumber's Advice on Slow Drains

The post HVAC Technician's guide on right air condition sizing appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

Plumber’s Advice on Slow Drains

Slow and Steady

When the draining gets slow. (Photo Credits)

Slow drains can be frustrating and at the same time could signify that something is amiss in the sink's plumbing system. Fortunately there are ways to remedy this type of issue before calling in the big guy AKA The Plumber.

(Related Post: Plumber's advice on improving garden drainage)

Home improvement website BobVila.com mentioned several reasons for a slow draining sink, and was also quick to mention to not use abrasive and over the counter drains which can further damage plumbing systems especially the older ones. A/C And HVAC          

"If you've got really old plumbing, harsh drain chemicals can cause damage. Try a naturally biodegrading drain cleaner or this homemade remedy: Pour in a half cup of baking soda, then a whole cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for five minutes and flush it with a gallon of boiling water."

Read more here.

Get the hair out

For bathroom sinks, The Family Handyman mentioned that usually it is hair and soap scum that causes the slowing of drains. It then shared the possible ways to get the blockage out. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

(Related Post: Plumber's thoughts on Drain Snakes)

"To learn how to unclog a bathroom sink, try lifting out the stopper (Photo 1). Sometimes it'll come right out. If it doesn't lift out, it's held in by the pivot rod. Release the stopper by removing the pivot rod nut and pulling out the pivot rod (Photo 3). If you can't loosen the nut by hand, use pliers. With the pivot rod pulled out, you'll be able to lift out the stopper. Then to get the clog out, bend a wire in a tight hook (a light-duty clothes hanger or short length of electrical wire will do) and fish out the hair (Photo 2). "

Check out the rest of the procedure here.

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Apartment Therapy also came up with a step-by-step guide in solving a slow-drain problem. In their Do-It-Yourself suggestion they just used pantry staples to unclog the slow drain.

"Set a full tea kettle on the stove to boil. Dry your sink out with a rag. Now, measure a 1/2 cup baking soda and dump it down your drain. In most sinks, the sink stopper will be in the way. We used a Q-tip to push the majority of the baking soda down the drain. Don't worry if you can't get it all down, the next step will do the rest of the work for you."

The succeeding steps can be found here.

If slow drains persist, call in a plumber for assistance.

Diamond Ace Contractors

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

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumbing Repair San Diego

Devices that help lower HVAC operating costs

The post Plumber's Advice on Slow Drains appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

Plumber’s Advice on Slow Drains

Slow and Steady

When the draining gets slow. (Photo Credits)

Slow drains can be frustrating and at the same time could signify that something is amiss in the sink's plumbing system. Fortunately there are ways to remedy this type of issue before calling in the big guy AKA The Plumber.

(Related Post: Plumber's advice on improving garden drainage)

Home improvement website BobVila.com mentioned several reasons for a slow draining sink, and was also quick to mention to not use abrasive and over the counter drains which can further damage plumbing systems especially the older ones. A/C And HVAC          

"If you've got really old plumbing, harsh drain chemicals can cause damage. Try a naturally biodegrading drain cleaner or this homemade remedy: Pour in a half cup of baking soda, then a whole cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for five minutes and flush it with a gallon of boiling water."

Read more here.

Get the hair out

For bathroom sinks, The Family Handyman mentioned that usually it is hair and soap scum that causes the slowing of drains. It then shared the possible ways to get the blockage out. Plumbing Association of San Diego 

(Related Post: Plumber's thoughts on Drain Snakes)

"To learn how to unclog a bathroom sink, try lifting out the stopper (Photo 1). Sometimes it'll come right out. If it doesn't lift out, it's held in by the pivot rod. Release the stopper by removing the pivot rod nut and pulling out the pivot rod (Photo 3). If you can't loosen the nut by hand, use pliers. With the pivot rod pulled out, you'll be able to lift out the stopper. Then to get the clog out, bend a wire in a tight hook (a light-duty clothes hanger or short length of electrical wire will do) and fish out the hair (Photo 2). "

Check out the rest of the procedure here.

Related Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

• San Diego, California Plumber Near Me
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• Sink and Drain San Diego, CA Check Here
• Rancho Bernardo Plumber DiamondAce Contractors Free Estimate  
• City of El Cajon Plumber Emergency Service
• DiamondAce Plumber Now Lemon Grove Click Info

Apartment Therapy also came up with a step-by-step guide in solving a slow-drain problem. In their Do-It-Yourself suggestion they just used pantry staples to unclog the slow drain.

"Set a full tea kettle on the stove to boil. Dry your sink out with a rag. Now, measure a 1/2 cup baking soda and dump it down your drain. In most sinks, the sink stopper will be in the way. We used a Q-tip to push the majority of the baking soda down the drain. Don't worry if you can't get it all down, the next step will do the rest of the work for you."

The succeeding steps can be found here.

If slow drains persist, call in a plumber for assistance.

Diamond Ace Contractors

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

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumbing Repair San Diego

Devices that help lower HVAC operating costs

The post Plumber's Advice on Slow Drains appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

How to spot plumbing problems in the Garden

Lawn and Yard Plumbing Issues

What to do when plumbing issues occur in the garden? (Photo Credits)

The garden is another spot in the house that regularly uses up huge amounts of water. From the water sprinkler, to garden hoses, outdoor faucets, and even mini fountains or ponds, all these plumbing fixtures use water on a day-to-day basis.

Unfortunately, like any other plumbing fixture, garden faucets, hoses, and water sources are also subject to wear and tear. There is also the possibility of bad installation that may cause an even bigger trouble in this area of the home.

One common lawn problem is a wet and soggy surface. Home improvement website The Spruce discussed this issue in one of their posts on lawn problems, saying this can be attributed to a drainage trouble. Plumbing Association of San Diego

(Related Post: Plumber's advice on installing shut-off valves)

"A soggy, wet lawn will attract all sorts of problems from weed outbreaks to lawn disease and eventually thin and dying turf. Installing subsurface drainage is the best way to alleviate drainage issues but it must be installed correctly to work properly. There are a variety of methods and materials that can be used for a drainage project depending on the amount of money, time, and labor at one's disposal."

Take a look at the rest of the explanation here.

Drainage issues explained

Home gardening website TheSensibleGardener.com shed light on why drainage problems usually plague lawns. In their web feature they mentioned that soil permeability as well as topography plays a huge role on lawn drainage. A/C And HVAC

(Related Post: Plumber's thoughts on Drain Snakes)

"Drainage is never instantaneous. In other words, rain water is never completely absorbed immediately by the soil. On lawns especially, roots can create a thick barrier that can greatly reduce soil permeability. Soil compaction may also be an issue." Check out the full web article here.

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• Del Mar Plumber Company Call Now
• DiamondAce Plumber Now Lemon Grove Emergency Plumber  

Another outdoor plumbing issue that may hound homes are frozen pipes. The best thing to do is to detach the garden hose even before the winter season sets in to avoid freezing the water that runs through the hose, the pipes, and the outdoor faucet. Frozen pipes that will end up bursting can be a problematic and expensive plumbing issue.

Diamond Ace Contractors

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

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumbing Contractor San Diego

How to lower water consumption in the kitchen

The post How to spot plumbing problems in the Garden appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.

How to spot plumbing problems in the Garden

Lawn and Yard Plumbing Issues

What to do when plumbing issues occur in the garden? (Photo Credits)

The garden is another spot in the house that regularly uses up huge amounts of water. From the water sprinkler, to garden hoses, outdoor faucets, and even mini fountains or ponds, all these plumbing fixtures use water on a day-to-day basis.

Unfortunately, like any other plumbing fixture, garden faucets, hoses, and water sources are also subject to wear and tear. There is also the possibility of bad installation that may cause an even bigger trouble in this area of the home.

One common lawn problem is a wet and soggy surface. Home improvement website The Spruce discussed this issue in one of their posts on lawn problems, saying this can be attributed to a drainage trouble. Plumbing Association of San Diego

(Related Post: Plumber's advice on installing shut-off valves)

"A soggy, wet lawn will attract all sorts of problems from weed outbreaks to lawn disease and eventually thin and dying turf. Installing subsurface drainage is the best way to alleviate drainage issues but it must be installed correctly to work properly. There are a variety of methods and materials that can be used for a drainage project depending on the amount of money, time, and labor at one's disposal."

Take a look at the rest of the explanation here.

Drainage issues explained

Home gardening website TheSensibleGardener.com shed light on why drainage problems usually plague lawns. In their web feature they mentioned that soil permeability as well as topography plays a huge role on lawn drainage. A/C And HVAC

(Related Post: Plumber's thoughts on Drain Snakes)

"Drainage is never instantaneous. In other words, rain water is never completely absorbed immediately by the soil. On lawns especially, roots can create a thick barrier that can greatly reduce soil permeability. Soil compaction may also be an issue." Check out the full web article here.

Related Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

• DiamondAce Plumber Review San Diego Click Here           
• BDP Air Conditioning Contractor San Diego Check Info      
• San Diego Drain Cleaning Team Free Estimate       
• Plumber Repair Service Carlsbad Emergency Plumbing Contact Info        
• Del Mar Plumber Company Call Now
• DiamondAce Plumber Now Lemon Grove Emergency Plumber  

Another outdoor plumbing issue that may hound homes are frozen pipes. The best thing to do is to detach the garden hose even before the winter season sets in to avoid freezing the water that runs through the hose, the pipes, and the outdoor faucet. Frozen pipes that will end up bursting can be a problematic and expensive plumbing issue.

Diamond Ace Contractors

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

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumbing Contractor San Diego

How to lower water consumption in the kitchen

The post How to spot plumbing problems in the Garden appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.