Dealing with plumbing problems can be quite the hassle. Luckily, many of your plumbing questions can be answered with simple fixes. Resolving these issues can save you time and money. Whether you are browsing the internet to solve a problem or if you are a new home owner looking to educate yourself about preventative maintenance. We are here to help you with all the basic plumbing and HVAC questions that might be floating around in your head!

Will a garbage disposal clog my pipes? No. A garbage disposal that is used properly will not clog your pipes. However, the key to making sure that your garbage disposal doesn’t clog your pipes requires proper installation and then usage that is compliant with your model. Before you install any kind of garbage disposal, you must make sure that the drainage pipes are clear in the first place. A Culbert Construction & Plumbing technician should install your garbage disposal and can check for preexisting clogs and clear them out. Remember, a garbage disposal is supposed to be a convenience, not a nuisance.

When I use my dishwasher, water backs up into the garbage disposal, why? Water backing up into the garbage disposal and then the sink is generally caused by food that is left in the disposal. If you leave food particles in the disposal and then forget about them without grinding them up and then sending them through the drain pipes with a good amount of cold water, these food particles will clog up your drainage system. Since the dishwasher and the garbage disposal share the same drainage pipes, you will have plumbing problems in the kitchen if you do not make sure that food particles from the disposal are cleared before using the dishwasher.

How long should a water heater last? How long a water heater lasts depends on how well it is maintained, the water quality in your area, proper installation, and amount of use. When you buy a water heater, it’s always good to look at all the information that comes with it. That way, you will know what to expect. If you install your new water heater properly and maintain it, you can expect great results. It’s always better to buy a better water heater. This is because it works twenty-four hours every day for the whole year! So, when you buy a water heater that is guaranteed to last for ten years it will probably last for twelve. Considering that the average family has a forty-gallon water tank and uses quite a bit of hot water, it’s worth it to get the better hot water tank and have one of our plumbers professionally install it.

How can I prolong the life of all my plumbing fixtures and water heater? The best way to prolong the life of your plumbing fixtures and extend the life of your water heater is to install a water softener or water conditioner in your home. These systems are designed to stop scale build-up, protect pipes and fixtures and make all appliances that use water more efficiently.

How can I prevent leaking pipes? Take the time every once and a while to inspect your pipes. If rust or lime is depositing on them, this may indicate a leak is starting. If this is happening, contact Culbert Construction & Plumbing to address the problem. By performing an occasional inspection, you could stop a small problem before it turns into a large one. Leaking pipes can damage floors and belongings and become much costlier than if the problem was detected early.

Is it a big deal if my toilet is running? Yes! This is not only an annoyance but also a waste of water and money. Leaky toilets can cost almost $100 extra per year on your water bills. If the toilet continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, it indicates that some part of the mechanism is out of order and needs to be replaced.

What does HVAC stand for? The three functions of Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning are closely interrelated. All of them seek to provide thermal comfort, acceptable indoor air quality, and reasonable installation, operation, and maintenance costs. HVAC systems can provide ventilation, reduce air infiltration, and maintain pressure relationships between spaces.

How often should I replace the air filter? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of filter changes is driven by how much your heating and air conditioning system operates, which is also driven by your individual climate. Start by checking the system’s filters at least once a month. Hold the used filter up to the light and compare it to a clean filter. When light is obscured by captured dust and dirt particles, the old filter should be changed. Keep a record for one year and then replace the filter on that basis. Culbert Construction & Plumbing recommends having your heating and air system checked and replacing filters at the beginning of heating and cooling season to insure proper operation.

Why should I replace my working furnace or air conditioner? Although your present furnace or air conditioner may be working, if it is more than 12 years old you should consider replacing it with a new high efficiency system. A new heating and air conditioning system could save up to 50 percent on energy costs, and save you money in the long run on heating repairs. While these products save you money on your utility bills, they also offer a better degree of comfort within your home.

What is a SEER and EER? Since January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have at least a 13 SEER. SEER is the abbreviation for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it is a U.S. government standard energy rating and reflects the overall system efficiency of your cooling system. An EER is short for Energy Efficiency Ratio and doesn’t take into consideration the time of year, but rather the system’s energy efficiency at the peak operating use. Both ratings should be considered in choosing cooling products. The rating is a ratio of the cooling output divided by the power consumption and measures the cooling performance of the system. The Federal government developed an ENERGY STAR program for high efficiency central air conditioning systems that to qualify must have a SEER of at least 14.

Culbert Construction & Plumbing is a local family owned and operated business with honest and reliable service in San Luis Obispo County since 1979