Press Releases Archive - Page 3 of 3 - Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Pro Tips to Avoid Garbage Disposal Problems

How to Help Keep Garbage Disposals Working Well

When homeowners are cooking or cleaning up after a meal, it can be convenient to scrape food scraps into the sink and dispose of them in the garbage disposal. However, this may be contributing to problems with the garbage disposal and clogged sewer lines.

Homeowners can follow some simple tips to keep a garbage disposal unit working correctly. This post will share some tips for how household residents can help prevent their unit from malfunctioning and clogs from forming, including being careful about what foods go down the garbage disposal, running cold water while using it, and limiting how much food goes down the disposal at once.

Foods to Avoid Putting Down the Garbage Disposal

Helping keep garbage disposals running well and preventing clogs includes being mindful about what goes down the drain and disposal. The after-dinner rush might tempt homeowners to toss everything in at once, but a little caution can save a lot of trouble.

Food items that can cause problems with the disposal and pipes include things like pasta, rice, coffee grounds, eggshells, grease, fats, oils, and more. Stringy foods like celery, artichokes, asparagus, pumpkin, and corn husks should also be kept out of the garbage disposal.

Run Cold Water While It’s On

Another easy way for people to keep their garbage disposals working correctly is to run cold water from the kitchen faucet while using it and for several seconds afterward. Performing this task offers key advantages to the system, including helping flush food scraps through the system, preventing buildups and clogs, and resulting in clean garbage disposals.

Additionally, running cold water can help keep the disposal from overheating. People can also put ice cubes down the disposal occasionally to help remove food particles that have gotten stuck in the unit and to help sharpen the blades.

Limit How Much Food Goes Down the Disposal

Homeowners can also help prevent their garbage disposal from experiencing problems and the pipes from clogging by limiting how much food they put down the disposal at once. Putting too much down at one time can cause problems like clogs and blockages in the garbage disposal and pipes. Only small amounts of food should be put down at once. Additionally, if food scraps are too large, plumbers recommend breaking them into smaller pieces before putting them in the disposal.

Homeowners should also watch for signs that their unit needs to be repaired or replaced, especially if the garbage disposal reset button doesn’t fix the problem. Some signs of garbage disposal problems include unusual noises like humming, bad smells, or if it stops working correctly.

About Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned company that has been serving the Bound Brook area since 1986. They offer affordable prices, dependable work, and timely and courteous service. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal repair or replacement services in Bound Brook, NJ.

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Signs That Air Conditioner Repair or Replacement May Be Required

Air conditioning unit with metal blades in a residential outdoor space by Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

How to Tell When an AC Unit May Need Repair or Replacement Services

Most homeowners know that if their air conditioner is old, meaning it’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan or needs repairs too frequently, it’s likely time for an AC replacement. Or that an air conditioner that has broken down and won’t turn on likely needs repair or replacement.

However, there are other warning signs homeowners can watch for that can indicate they need to repair or replace the AC unit. This post will discuss three more signs that can alert homeowners that their air conditioner needs AC repair or replacement.

Unusual Sounds

Unlike the relatively quiet sounds of a functioning air conditioner when it’s running, new, strange noises from the system can signal trouble and indicate air conditioning repair or replacement is needed and that a professional should be called, including:

Screeching or squealing: These noises coming from an air conditioner could be due to the AC unit’s motor needing lubrication or worn or broken components in the unit.
Grinding: This could point to an issue with an essential component of the AC unit, such as a damaged compressor valve, condenser fan bearings, or blower fan bearing or blade.
Banging: This indicates something in the AC unit is broken and needs repair or replacement, like a compressor.
Hissing or buzzing: These sounds can both indicate a refrigerant leak and buzzing could also be a result of an electrical problem with the AC unit or a malfunctioning condenser fan.

Rising Energy Bills

Unusually high energy bills can indicate the air conditioning system is running inefficiently and this inefficiency has many possible causes. If routine AC maintenance and air filter replacements are done to schedule, the inefficiency is likely an indication that air conditioning replacement or repair is needed.

High cooling costs could be due to an older AC unit in need of replacement since air conditioners lose efficiency as they age. However, it can also point to the need for repair because several air conditioning issues can cause a loss of efficiency, such as a unit low on refrigerant due to a leak, air leaks in the ductwork, and more.

Airflow Problems or Uneven Cooling

Uneven cooling or airflow problems, in addition to the more obvious sign of a complete loss of cooling, can also indicate an air conditioner may need repair or replacement. So, homeowners should be alert if some rooms feel significantly cooler than others, causing temperature issues throughout the home, or if the airflow from vents seems weak.

There are many potential causes of uneven cooling and poor airflow, such as low refrigerant levels due to a leak, a faulty thermostat, leaking air ducts, an old and aging unit, and more. The first thing people can check is that they don’t have clogged and dirty air filters. If not, or if that’s not the only reason for the airflow or cooling issues, a professional should be called to determine the cause and best solution.

About Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned company that has been serving the Bound Brook area since 1986. They provide upfront pricing, dependable work, and arrive on time. Call them for air conditioner replacement and air conditioning repair services in Bound Brook, NJ.

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Achieve Peak Performance With Plumbing Maintenance

Close-up of a hand using a wrench on shiny chrome plumbing pipes in a DIY context for Jeffrey Burke Plumbing services.

Routine Plumbing Maintenance Has Many Advantages

Plumbing systems are heavily relied upon in households. However, when they are not well-maintained, they can experience more frequent problems, shorter lifespans, and higher costs. This blog post will explain the benefits of regular plumbing maintenance, including how it can keep systems running correctly with fewer issues, prolong the lifespan of the plumbing, and save homeowners money.

Help Prevent Plumbing Problems

When plumbing systems malfunction, they can result in large, expensive problems. However, households can help avoid issues and keep their plumbing system running smoothly by scheduling routine plumbing maintenance. During maintenance services, plumbers will thoroughly check the plumbing system, looking for issues and performing tasks to help avoid issues.

By identifying any problems early on during a maintenance visit, plumbers can make the necessary repairs before the problem worsens and has more expensive consequences. These services will not only help prevent the likelihood of problems, but they can also lower the chance of needing surprise repairs.

Help the Plumbing Last Longer

When plumbers perform routine plumbing maintenance, it can also help extend the lifespan of the plumbing components, which helps homeowners avoid having to pay for frequent replacements. Daily use can cause wear and tear on the parts of the plumbing system. However, routine maintenance can help them last longer.

For example, one plumbing maintenance task is checking the water pressure. This is important because if it is too high, it can damage the pipes or lead to corrosion or leaks. While some leaks and damage may only require pipe repair, corrosion may necessitate pipe replacement. Additionally, water heater maintenance helps prevent corrosion of the water heater by performing tasks such as replacing the anode rod and flushing corrosive sediment from the tank, which extends its lifespan.

Reduce Costs

Another reason homeowners should schedule routine plumbing maintenance services is to save money. Not only can they reduce their repair and replacement costs with maintenance, but they can also lower their utility bills. By having plumbers inspect the plumbing regularly during maintenance, they can identify and fix water leaks that are wasting water and raising water bills, which will reduce water costs.

Additionally, routine water heater maintenance can save homeowners money on utility bills because when maintenance is neglected, it can cause inefficiency, and inefficient water heaters cost more to run. However, during maintenance, sediment gets drained and flushed from the water heater, which helps maintain good energy efficiency and keeps the water heating costs lower.

About Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned, locally-operated company serving the Bound Brook area. They provide upfront and affordable prices, knowledgeable technicians, and timely and courteous service. Call them for plumbing services in Bound Brook, NJ.

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AC Filters and Their Importance Explained

Stack of folded filter material with a hand, illustrating plumbing maintenance.

FAQs About Air Filters

Property owners need to clean or replace their air filters as recommended. While this might seem unnecessary, it is crucial for the heating and air conditioning system and indoor air quality. This post will answer common questions about air filters so homeowners have a better understanding of their crucial role and when to replace them.

What Purpose Do Air Filters Serve?

Air filters play an essential role in HVAC systems, and clean air filters are necessary to allow air to flow through them properly. Their purpose is to:

Remove dust, pollen, bacteria, dirt, and other particles from the air.
Keeps the home’s indoor air clean by removing these allergens and pollutants.
Keeps the air conditioner and heater running correctly and efficiently by preventing particles from circulating through them.

When Should I Replace My Air Filters?

There are two main categories of air filters: disposable filters that need to be replaced periodically and reusable filters that need to be periodically cleaned so they can be reused. These filters must be cleaned or replaced on time to benefit the system and household. However, what on time means can vary per household, depending on factors like the type of filter, filter size, and whether there are people with allergies or pets living in the home.

Typically, it’s recommended to clean or change an AC or furnace filter every three months. However, if there are pets or people whose allergies are worsened from dust or pet dander living in the home, the filters should be replaced or cleaned more often to help. This will help account for the extra fur and pet dander that can clog filters faster.

Why Do I Need to Replace My Air Filters on Time?

While changing the air filter is simple, some homeowners overlook its importance or fail to do it on time. However, having clean filters in the system is beneficial for numerous reasons. Changing or cleaning air filters regularly helps households reduce their energy bills by allowing the heating and air conditioning system to operate more efficiently.

Air filter replacements, when needed, also help protect the system from breakdowns and problems, helping prolong the lifespan of the air conditioner and heater. Cleaning or replacing dirty air filters also improves indoor air quality and keeps the air in a house healthier. This is especially important if family members suffer from allergies or asthma.

About Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned company serving the Bound Brook area. They offer upfront pricing, timely and courteous service, and trustworthy technicians. Call them for AC filter replacement in Bound Brook, NJ.

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How Homeowners Can Safely Handle Gas Leaks

Handheld gas meter with digital display and probe for plumbing maintenance at Jeffrey Burke Plumbing.

Find and Fix Dangerous Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are not an issue homeowners should take lightly, as they can cause dangerous and deadly consequences. To avoid the risks of gas line leaks, this post will discuss signs that can indicate a gas leak, what to do when a gas leak is noticed, and the dangers of a gas leak.

Common Signs of Gas Leaks

Homeowners should know the common signs of a gas leak so they can respond promptly and schedule gas leak detection and repair with a professional. The bad smell of rotten eggs or sulfur can be one of the most noticeable signs indicating a gas line leak, but there are a few other gas leak symptoms.

Other ways to be notified of a gas leak are the sound of whistling or hissing near the gas line, bubbles in standing water or puddles near the gas line, and dead or dying grass or plants. Health symptoms may also be due to a gas leak, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

Steps to Take When a Gas Leak Occurs

When a gas leak occurs at a house, households must take certain steps to keep everyone safe. First, everyone in the household must quickly leave the house and safely evacuate the property. Everyone should take certain precautions while evacuating to avoid accidentally creating a spark that could ignite the gas.

It might be obvious to avoid using a lighter or matches, but there are less obvious things that could also cause a spark. People cannot use electronics, appliances, or even cell phones to prevent a spark. They also should not start a vehicle close to the property. Once the family is in a safe location, the local gas company should be called to shut off the gas, and professionals should be contacted for detection and to make the gas line repair.

Gas Leak Risks

Gas leaks can put households in extremely dangerous situations. Explosions and fires can be a risk when a spark ignites the gas, but there are also other threats to be aware of, including potential poisoning and physical symptoms, such as breathing problems, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes and throat.

To protect their homes and families from the dangers of gas leaks, people should watch out for signs of gas leaks and take them seriously when noticed by responding quickly and having them fixed by professionals. Devices like natural gas detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can also be used in homes to alert residents to gas leaks quickly.

About Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned, locally-operated company serving Bound Brook and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, affordable prices, and timely and courteous service. Call them for gas leak detection and repair in Bound Brook, NJ.

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Humidity: What You Need to Know

Rain-covered window with water droplets and blurred greenery outside; focus on plumbing and HVAC maintenance.

Everything You Need to Know About Humidity and Its Effects

A home’s humidity level can not only impact a household’s comfort level but also lead to damage to the house and potential dangers. If there is too little or too much moisture in the home, family members can experience negative health symptoms. This post will explain how to spot signs of too much or too little humidity and the benefits of installing humidifiers or dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels in an ideal range.

Why Does Humidity Matter?

A home’s humidity level can significantly impact its indoor air quality and the overall comfort level of a household. Ideally, homes should keep their humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. This will control the amount of moisture in a house, reduce the risk of mold growth, and create a comfortable home.

If the humidity levels are too high in a home, homes can feel warmer than they are, and condensation can form on the windows. In addition, high humidity indoors can cause mold growth and health symptoms such as respiratory issues, skin irritation, and fatigue.

If low humidity is a problem in a home, it can also negatively impact health, causing worsened allergies. It can also cause dry skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and an increase in static electricity. If there is too much or too little humidity inside a home, the installation of a dehumidifier or humidifier can help.

Humidifiers

Property owners might consider adding a humidifier if there is too little moisture in a home. A whole-home humidifier installation can offer many benefits to households, including:

Improving health
Preventing dry skin
Saving money on heating
Protecting wood flooring and furniture
Lessening static electricity
Improving sleep
Improving home comfort

Dehumidifiers

If homes have too much moisture, homeowners should consider a whole-home dehumidifier installation. These can offer numerous advantages to households, including:

Improving health
Preventing the growth of mold and mildew
Avoiding musty odors
Saving money on cooling
Protecting belongings susceptible to humidity
Stopping condensation
Protecting wood from warping and metal from rusting
Improving home comfort

About Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned business serving Bound Brook, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, dependable work, and neat, tidy service. Call them today for dehumidifier or humidifier services in Bound Brook, NJ.

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Avoid Dangerous Threats by Repairing Backed-up Toilets

Person using a wooden-handled plunger in a bathroom toilet, demonstrating plumbing maintenance from Jeffrey Burke Plumbing.

Hire Professionals to Repair Toilet Backups

Backed-up toilets are not an issue homeowners want to try to fix themselves. These issues can quickly lead to major risks in a household, including water damage, mold growth, foul odors, and even potential health issues if there is sewage present.

Plumbers need to inspect the system to determine the underlying cause of the backup and how to repair it. This post will explain how experts handle backed-up toilets, possible causes, and how households can help prevent them.

What Leads to Toilet Backups?

Backed-up toilets can occur due to numerous issues. Clogged sewer lines are one of the most common underlying causes of toilet backups. These clogs can be caused by several factors, including things that shouldn’t have been put down drains like grease, cooking oil, and food scraps; items that shouldn’t have been flushed down the toilet like wipes, paper towels, and hair; and even tree roots that have grown into the sewer line.

Another possible cause of a backed-up toilet is a collapsed, crushed, or broken sewer line that, like a clog, doesn’t allow water and sewage to drain correctly through the sewer line. The reason for the toilet backup will determine how the plumber will repair it.

Expert Techniques to Repair Backed-up Toilets

When a plumber arrives to repair a backed-up toilet, they must first figure out what led to the backup. To do this, they might perform a sewer video inspection. This will give the expert a full view of the sewer line and reveal problems like pipe damage and clogs.

If a plumber determines a sewer line clog is causing the backup, they can use a drain snake to remove or dislodge it or use another method called hydrojetting. Hydro jet drain cleaning uses water at high pressures to clear stubborn clogs and clean the line to help avoid future clogs. If the sewer video inspection reveals a crushed or damaged pipe, sewer line repair or replacement will be needed to fix or replace it.

Tips to Prevent Backed-up Toilets

While backed-up toilets can be messy to deal with, fortunately, there are some ways homeowners can help avoid these situations. One of the first ways to help prevent backed-up toilets is by preventing clogs. Households should take precautions over what they flush down the toilet and put down the home’s drains to avoid clogged sewer lines. Homeowners can also put screens over their drains to collect food, hair, and soap residue so they don’t end up contributing to a sewer line clog.

Property owners should also be careful where they plant trees on the property, avoiding putting them near any underground plumbing, and root barriers can be installed to help protect piping from existing tree roots and prevent them from growing into the sewer lines. Households should also schedule routine plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning services with a plumber.

About Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Jeffrey Burke Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned, locally-operated company serving Bound Brook, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront and affordable prices, dependable work, and timely and courteous service. Call them today for toilet repair services in Bound Brook, NJ.