Possible Problems With Bathroom Remodeling

The Importance Of Home Maintenance

If you are a homeowner that takes pride in maintaining your home, then you are probably well aware of the responsibilities that come with conducting routine upkeep. Just about every homeowner is faced with meeting some type of challenge(s) in regards to their property, whether it be repairs, replacements, cleaning, or complete renovations. Whichever the case is for the homeowner, they should never give up, as a home is usually considered as being one of the most valuable assets an individual can own and invest in.

A home’s most utilized components, amenities, and appliances are usually the areas that become the most prone to breaking down due to natural effects of wearing and tearing. Such circumstances are basically inevitable, as physical products are tangible and prone to deteriorating over specific periods of time.

The Domino Effect Of Plumbing Systems

Some of the most commonly utilized areas of a home are interconnected to a centralized set of pipelines and drains, which ultimately work together in an entire plumbing system. Therefore, if any specific area of a home’s pipeline(s) and drain(s) become problematic, there is a very good chance the entire system will become affected one way or another. A homeowner can compare their plumbing system to a set of dominoes, as one faulty area can cause the entire system to collapse. This is actually a very common scenario that many homeowners aren’t necessarily too aware of. However, those that are aware of this circumstance are in a good position of not only retaining the overall value of their home, but also of potentially increasing it.

What Is Connected To The Plumbing System?
Some of a home’s most commonly utilized amenities and appliances that have an effect on the property’s plumbing system are sinks, water spigots, refrigerators, bathtubs, toilets, outdoor sprinkler systems, swimming pools, garbage disposals, and sewage systems. Just about every one of these things are used on a very regular basis, for most homes, at the very least. If you are experiencing any issues with any of these components in your home, it is highly recommended for you to contact your local plumber to get an inspection conducted, an analysis of the issue, and a repair/replacement quote.

Call Heidler Inc. at (410) 268-7191 right now for bathroom remodeling services. Our experienced technicians will service your Annapolis home in no time! 

Dealing With Your Furnace

You should maintain your furnace because it keeps you and your family warm. It keeps your pipes from freezing, too. In fact, your furnace works all day on your behalf, keeping your home cozy for your return. Furnace repairs for your house are like oil changes for your car. Preventive maintenance will keep your furnace running worry-free for many years to come.

How Often Should I Get My Furnace Serviced?

Ideally, you should have someone check out your furnace and air conditioner units twice a year. The best time to get your air conditioning serviced is before the really hot weather hits. Your furnace should get some attention before the cold weather takes over. In a perfect world, many folks would prefer never to turn the heat or the air conditioning on. We can’t promise that, but our technicians hope for the next best thing. We’d like to keep your home comfortable and worry-free, no matter what the temperature is outside.

When to Call a Technician

To keep your furnace humming, you want to maintain it properly. Ideally, sometime between the Halloween costumes going into storage and the Thanksgiving dinner landing on the table, your furnace should be serviced by a qualified technician. They can check out the condition of your unit, clean any features that may need attention, and check or change your filter.

Maintaining your furnace at this time means that you don’t need an emergency service call. The second Tuesday of November is a great time to meet with your furnace technician to get your furnace serviced. Frantically trying to arrange a service call on Christmas Eve is not a great way to spend your holiday. Planning ahead will save worry and money.

My Furnace is Old! Can You Help?

Our technicians are skilled technicians. We have experience with floor heaters and steam units. The older your furnace, the greater the risk of failure. Depending on the age of your furnace or boiler, a unit failure can be more than inconvenient; it can be dangerous. Your safety and comfort are important to our team of service professionals.

Looking to hire professional HVAC technicians for your Annapolis home’s furnace repair? Call Heidler Inc. at (410) 268-7191 for our quick and efficient services. 

Air Filter Replacement

 

When you are trying to take care of your home as best you can, you need to make sure that you are changing the filters in your heater and air conditioner regularly. You want to make sure you use these air filters to keep your family healthy, and you can use these filters to create a healthy environment in your home.

The Importance

When you are changing the filters in your air conditioner or heater, you are going to consistently get clean air in the house. You have to make sure that all the filters are changed every few months, but you can change the filters based on the time of year. When it gets hot outside, you can use stronger filters to get rid of the smog in the air. When it gets cold, you can use a standard filter because the air is much cleaner.

The Schedule

You can change your filters on your own schedule, but it is wise to change your filters every few months. These filters are going to clog up when you leave them in the system for too long. If they are allowed to sit in the system for several months at a time, they will begin to clog and tear. If the air filter breaks, you will have all the dust and dirt in the filters pass into the house. You can avoid this problem by keeping to your schedule.

The Strength

When you want to change your filters, you need to make sure that you using the filters that are the right strength. Each and every home needs a different filter, but you need to choose a filter that matches your health needs.

There are air filters that are standard, but there are air filters that can sterilize the air in the home. You want to choose the air filter that provides the cleanliness you prefer.

When you are trying to make your home as healthy as possible, you need to make sure you are changing your filters regularly. You also need to choose your filters based on your health needs so the family always has clean air.

Does your Annapolis home need urgent air filter replacement? Dial (410) 268-7191 now to contact Heidler Inc’s top notch services. 

Maintaining a Garbage Disposal

 

Imagine for a minute what your home would smell like if you left the garbage simply to rot away in the kitchen receptacle for days and weeks. This is exactly what is happening to the food that is trapped in your kitchen pipes from a garbage disposal not functioning properly.

The reason many disposals have so much trouble is the homeowner simply places the wrong items into the disposal, and that food remains trapped inside the drains.

What Foods Should Not Go in the Disposal?

The wrong foods not only can damage the blades of the disposal, they can easily get trapped in the pipes, allowing other foods to get trapped. That trapped food is the source of the odor, and reducing some of those foods from getting into the drain will lessen the likelihood it will smell. Never put bones or egg shells into the disposal because they will damage the blades. Do not put grease or oil into the disposal, they will solidify overnight and lead to clogs. Rice and spaghetti will continue to expand after being in the disposal, leading to a clogs deep down in the pipe.

Why Does the Garbage Disposal Smell?

The reason that the garbage disposal smells is certain food particles that are not liquified get trapped in the pipe. The more food that makes its way into the pipe, the more it accumulates in that one location. The smell of the rotting food travels up through the pipe and out the kitchen sink. The longer those foods remain trapped in the pipe, the worse that smell will become. It is best to call in a professional plumber to properly clean the plumbing and eliminate that odor.

What Can a Plumber Do to Eliminate the Smell?

Your local plumbing professional will first locate the source of the clog, then access the pipe and begin cleaning it. Having a cleaning at least once a year will prevent certain foods from being able to stick to the inside of the pipe. The plumber will then use organic cleaning compounds to clean the pipes leading from the disposal, removing any and all particles that might be trapped inside. Once the pipes are thoroughly cleaned, the home will no longer have that strong odor of rotting food in it. Schedule a preventative maintenance cleaning at least once a year to keep the disposal running more efficiently.

If your home is in need of garbage disposal services, call Heidler Inc. at (410) 268-7191 for the best services in the Annapolis area. 

Benefits of a Thermostat Upgrade

 

To the average homeowner, the air-conditioner and heating unit serves a purpose and unless something goes terribly wrong, they adjust the thermostat and let it do its thing. Regular maintenance assignments will generally catch issues that arise around the unit, but unless otherwise informed, replacing the unit or any part thereof hardly ever occurs unless something is worn or needs replacing.

Individuals who travel or visit a lot will probably be aware that there are many different types of thermostats for these Air-conditioner units, a few of them use technology to help with the equipment. One such device works with Wi-Fi, and as you would expect, it has its benefits.

How Does a Wi-Fi Thermostat Work?

Most users may not see the significance in using a Wi-Fi Thermostat, at least not until they understand how the device actually functions. The first thing to keep in mind is that contact with a Wi-Fi Thermostat can take place through the Internet, which will be a far cry from the user having to stand in front of it. With the ability to connect to the local network and the Internet, as a user you (or someone you trust) can make adjustments to the settings of that thermostat from anywhere in the world.

Can It Save Me Money?
Considering the fact that there will be a lot more control as far as temperature settings and usage is concerned, there should be minimal doubt that the user will see a major benefit on their utility bill. Failing to adjust your thermostat before you leave the house may result in an unnecessary increase on your utility bill, a correction that can easily be handled from your car, boat or office. Making this adjustment as soon as you remember, or in the event that you are reminded will be your first of many future savings.

Should You Upgrade?

Unfortunately, technology has its price and a Thermostat with Wi-Fi capabilities will cost more that a standard unit that you position yourself in front of to make changes. A regular device which is allowed to run aimlessly because you are unable to make changes due to logistics could end up costing you a great deal more. Customers who are serious about controlling their environment and refusing to keep their home cool when they are away should seriously consider the Wi-Fi Thermostat. At the very least, the convenience of being able to control your settings from anywhere will be worth the upgrade.

Is the varying temperature in your Annapolis home making you consider a thermostat installation? Call Heidler Inc. today at (410) 268-7191 for top quality installation services.

Drain Clog Prevention

 

Why Does a Drain Clog?

This happens because of the way that we use our drains. People might not even notice this in their everyday life but water is not the only thing that goes down our drains. Because of this, we end up with clogged drains that contain hair, food, insects, plastic, etc. If you know what goes down your drain, you might be able to start paying more attention and preventing clogged drains after conducting Drain Cleaning services.

Lets take this one step at a time. Starting with the kitchen sink, things like food and grease end up down the drain just because of the everyday task of washing dishes.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains?

You can purchase a catcher for a very inexpensive price at your local grocery store or hardware store. This goes directly on your drain and will catch any food particles while still allowing water to go through. Unfortunately, this will not catch grease but the food is the most important part anyway. You can dump whatever food gets caught in the trash can and then continue.
Next, we move to the bathroom. Here, hair and soap scum are the most drain clogging items. Eventually, these things will build up in the drain and create a line around the drain. All it takes is one piece of food or clump of hair after to this clog the entire drain and require a call to the plumber or a trip to the store to get some serious drain cleaner. To keep this from happening, you can use the same method as your kitchen. Buy a catcher for your bathroom sink and your shower. This will catch clumps of hair and anything else that tries to make its way down your drains.

When it comes to other ways that a drain can be clogged, basically anything can fall down the drain including jewelry, bottle caps or even toys, especially when you have children. Drain cleaners will not help this situation. It definitely requires a plumber so try to avoid this at all costs. The catchers will help if anything falls but if you have scandalous children, try to keep them away from the drains without supervision.

Drain clogs can be a big hassle for anyone and causes frustration. They are an unnecessary nuisance and if you pay more attention to what goes down your drains, you can easily avoid clogged drains in the future.

 Are you looking for Drain Cleaning services in the Annapolis area? Look no further than Heidler Inc. Call us today at (410) 268-7191. 

Heating & Cooling Systems’ Air Quality

 

Should I be concerned with indoor air quality? 

Now that winter is here, with more and more time spent indoors, indoor air quality becomes more of a concern. What many homeowners don’t realize is that indoor air quality is often the result of the type heater is used, and if it includes methods of balancing the air. Poor air quality also has to do with other factors, such as regular maintenance to the furnace, clean filters, indoor contaminants, and proper balance of air. If furnaces aren’t balancing the air, or need maintenance, excessive condensation may exist in homes, leading to moisture, spores, bacteria, and mold. Air containing too much moisture and humidity leads to allergies, and other respiratory related problems.

Air quality becomes a problem when moisture in air begins settling in spaces of the home, or when air isn’t properly circulated throughout the home. This is common in areas such as in cabinets, underneath counters, around ceilings, windows, in crawl spaces of attics. A good indicator that condensation exists is checking for moisture and mold in these spaces. If green or black mold is present, this should be dealt with immediately. If you feel sick at home, but better elsewhere this may also indicate problems that need dealt with. Mold, cigarette smoking, and even heavy detergents and perfumes can result in contaminants that lead to poor air quality, and may lead to poor health.

What does an air handler do for my system?

In addition, an air exchange unit can solve contamination problems. Such a unit eliminates contamination in the home resulting from a variety of factors. This results in better overall air quality, and helps to prevent contaminants from lingering in homes. Air handlers within systems also allow cool or hot air to circulate throughout the home, which means condensation and contaminants are less of a problem.

The first step in dealing with air problems in the home is to consult with a heating and air specialist who will visit the home, test and make an assessment of the air quality. They will also check the furnace, the filters, any crawl spaces, or air ducts in attics, and suggest any updates to equipment or maintenance that may need completed. Technicians will also check levels of home contaminants, and ability of existing equipment to properly filter the air. Heating and air technicians are the best option for testing and assessing factors related to poor air quality, and will indicate what steps need taken for improvement.

Concerned about the air quality inside your Annapolis home? Take action and call Heidler, Inc. today at (410) 268-7191. 

Saving Money With Preventive Plumbing Maintenance

One of the biggest investments a person can make is in the purchase of a home or business. To preserve this investment it is essential that it be maintained in a manner that allows it to operate at top efficiency at all times. In addition to general upkeep, it is essential that the building’s water system be adequately maintained. A breakdown of this system can be avoided with a plumbing maintenance agreement. This will help avoid expensive costs if something should go wrong.

One of the biggest expenses incurred in a home or business is water. When there is a leaking faucet, water pipe or similar problem it does not take long for this monthly expense to increase considerably. Therefore, with a routine maintenance program not only are current expenses avoided but unexpected ones as well.

It is possible to purchase a monthly maintenance agreement with a reliable plumbing company. This will include a 24-hour call service, a yearly plumbing inspection and a routine maintenance program. This allows a plumbing problem to be caught before it becomes expensive and inconvenient. With such an agreement you can expect an inspection for leaks and functions in the following areas:

Kitchen

• Dishwasher
• Faucets
• Garbage disposal
• Under cabinets

Bathroom

• Toilets
• Sink and shower
• Toilet Tanks
• Cabinets

Outside                                                                    Basement

• Hose bibs                                                               • Visible plumbing
• Gas riser and meter                                               • Shut-off valves
• Sump pump lines                                                   • Gas lines

Sewer

• Snaking out the main sewer line (on some packages)

Sump pump cleaning and function testing are also part of a good maintenance program. Hot water tanks can be the source of one of the highest utility expenses. Routine maintenance is provided regarding flushing out sediment, cleaning the burner, testing the pilot light, and so forth. This allows the tank to function smoothly and efficiently.

A great deal of expense can be avoided with a preventive plumbing maintenance agreement. Having a flooding toilet or broken pipe can damage floors and walls requiring replacement in many cases. This is cost effective.

It is important when considering a company for such a program to look carefully at what they are offering as well as their record of satisfied customers. A good company will provide an extended warranty as well as routine maintenance and inspection in their contract. All employees should be licensed, insured and bonded.

Looking to save money in the long run? Call Heidler, Inc. today at (410) 268-7191 for plumbing maintenance services in the Annapolis area.

What Are the Precautions to Take When Discovering a Leak in My Home?

 

One day you will probably notice a damp patch on a wall or ceiling, or simply water will begin to drip through a ceiling and start to puddle on the floor. either way you notice a leak it is important to have it repaired quickly and efficiently by a professional plumbing company. The dangers caused by water leaking behind walls or above ceilings mean it is important for a professional plumber to complete any repair as the lifespan is longer for the repair and an individual has the peace of mind that the repair is completed correctly.

What Do You Do When You Find a Leak?

In our professional opinion, the first step to take is to call ourselves and seek our professional assistance. The first step we take is to ask the homeowner to turn off the water supply to the damaged pipe or pipes, if this is not possible we will do this ourselves when we arrive at the property to complete a repair. Once the water is turned off and our plumbers arrive we will examine the area of the leak and determine what course of action needs to be taken.

Our plumbing company will talk you through the problems that caused the leak and also explain how the problem has affected the water supply and surrounding areas of the property. We will then enact the best possible repair or replacement for the homeowner and discuss any problems that we have seen behind walls or above ceilings.

Why Bother to Fix a Leak?

Water is essential to life, but it can be dangerous when entering a property without being checked or housed within pipes. We see a large amount of problems caused by water leaking into a property, which can include the issue of water causing damage to walls or ceilings, which could after a long enough time cause the area to collapse.

Water that pools behind walls and ceilings unchecked can quickly cause health problems for the property owners, largely caused by the temperature within a property. Mold spores can form on walls and ceilings that are capable of causing lung and breathing problems in humans, humid conditions within a property can also result in serious medical conditions.

The foundations and structure of a property can also be damaged by a water leak as liquid running down walls can cause cracks and the earth to shift in a dangerous fashion.

Serving your Annapolis community everyday. For leak detection assistance, Call Heidler, Inc. at (410) 268-7191 today for reliable plumbing services.

Do I Need Plumbing Repiping?

 

There are many different reasons to repipe your home. Knowing the reason why will help you determine the best option for you.

The Three Main Reasons to Repipe Your Home

If you have galvanized piping it should always be replaced. In the past it was thought that galvanized piping did not rust easily. It has now been shown that galvanized piping rusts very easily. If not replaced you will have rust in your water, which means your family will be bathing in and drinking rusty water.

Leaking copper pipes, any leaking pipes for that matter, should always be replaced as well. The reason for the leaking could be due to a low quality of copper that was used when the house was built or remodeled. Leaking could also be caused by the pipes’ poor quality type in combination with a complex water solution. If your town or city has aggressive water the combination of both will inevitably cause leaks. If the decision is made to replace with copper piping type L or K quality copper piping should be used. This will be ideal for even the hardest water.

Illegal piping that is not up to the building code must be replaced. It is a dismal fact that contractors, licensed and unlicensed, sometimes install illegal piping. In many instances this is not known to the homeowner until they are doing renovations or selling their home, which would make it unsellable at that point. Once found, it must be replaced because it can become a hazard.

How Long Does It Take To Repipe Your Home

For a two bathroom home or smaller it can be completed in one day. Larger homes can take up to two to three days. Please note, two days should be added for city or town inspections.

Why Should My Plumber Do the Job?

Repiping your home should be done by a licensed plumbing specialist. They guarantee their work and have had many years of experience specifically in repiping. This gives you and your family added peace of mind.

Want to repipe your Annapolis home? Call Heidler, Inc. at (410) 268-7191 today and get the job done with our services!