This is the area where we post our tips and tricks. Our experience can save you money, and a service call.

Function Testing Your Valves

Do the valves in your home open and close easily?  Infrequent use of valves results in mineral deposits building up on internal parts; which could prevent the valve from closing or opening fully when they need to.

By function testing your valves, you could save yourself some time and money in the long run. Learning that your valve will not open or close fully is a minor inconvenience, your valve may also only partially close causing the valve to leak, (the correct term for a leaking valve is ‘passing’). A leaking valve could prove to be a large problem, should you need them to close and open properly unexpectedly.

A minor inconvenience now, because knowing your valve is faulty will allow you to plan and make the arrangements to change the valve.  It’s better to be without water for a minimal amount of time, as opposed to trying to make a repair on a Sunday night when the hardware store isn’t open to provide the parts you require.

 So, have you done a function test on all the valves in your home?

It's spring and time to inspect your vents

The snow and ice are melting, the birds are starting to sing and the lawn… well it is what it is… It’s spring. Now is the best time to inspect the vents on your home.

You will want to inspect your exhaust vents, air supply vents, the chimney and other roof vents to ensure the birdcages, louvers, dampers, screens and chimney caps are still intact or if they need replacing.

Are the birdcages, louvers, screens and dampers in good condition? Verifying that these protective measures are intact will prevent birds and other critters from creating nests, which may result in an expensive and preventable call to an exterminator.

If there are nests or other debris in your vents, you will need to clear the debris prior to changing the vent covers. Insufficient combustion air or obstructed vents for your gas equipment may cause carbon monoxide to fill your home, blocked vents can cause a fire to start in your home, and damage to your gas equipment. Death, severe illness to you and your family, or expensive repairs and replacement of gas equipment are potential consequences of blocked vents. The exhaust vent from your gas appliance needs to be vented outside without restriction to prevent any of the exhaust gas from entering your home.

Did you check your dryer vent? Are the louvers in good condition? Is it clear of lint, nests and other debris? The hot air from a dryer can ignite this debris and cause a fire to start in your vents; it’s a leading cause of house fires.

Did you check to ensure there is a tight seal between your vent and the wall or roof? Tiny holes and gaps in your home’s exterior, especially around utility lines entering your home, will provide an entrance for mice and other rodents; all it takes is a space or crack small enough to slide a pencil into for a young mouse to squeeze into your home.

Call us  at Steve's Plumbing and Heating to inspect your vents and we will address any issue we find with you.