hvac

Prepare the AC for Summer With Spring Maintenance

Benefits of Annual Spring AC Maintenance

Spring is here, and that means people will be getting their spring cleaning schedules and to-do lists ready to tackle any work around the home. When homeowners write out their to-do lists, it is essential to remember to maintain the air conditioner. After a long winter, when the air conditioning system sits idle, it should be properly cared for to ensure it is ready before it sees the most use. Here are some of the benefits of spring AC maintenance

Lower Energy Bills From Better Energy Efficiency 

bills The first benefit of routine air conditioner maintenance in the spring is that it improves the energy efficiency of the unit. This pays off in a couple of important ways. First, a more efficient air conditioner will cost less to run than an inefficient system where maintenance has been neglected. Also, when an AC system is more efficient, it will not have to work as hard, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. 

Additionally, getting maintenance done in the spring helps the AC system to run more efficiently before it sees the most use, allowing for cost-effective operation during the rest of the spring and summer. This means that homeowners can spend less on their bills while staying comfortable. 

Improved Reliability and Fewer Repairs

hvac Cost savings due to better efficiency are beneficial, but there are other ways that maintenance can save homeowners money over time. By scheduling spring AC maintenance, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of costly problems during the air conditioner’s operation and lower the risk of needing repairs. 

Routine AC maintenance improves an air conditioner’s performance and not only helps prevent issues but also allows technicians to spot and fix problems before they become serious. So, maintenance reduces the likelihood of problems and provides the opportunity to make minor adjustments and repairs instead of dealing with more extensive and costly repairs later.

Longer Lifespan

One thing every homeowner wants for their home is the longevity of major systems. No homeowner is excited to pay for an air conditioner replacement. AC replacement is an expensive process that involves losing the air conditioning for the duration of the installation. However, annual AC maintenance helps extend the air conditioner’s lifespan, preventing the need for early replacement. 

Air conditioners are typically expected to last about 10 to 15 years, but when they’re well maintained, they can last even longer, and homeowners won’t have to worry about AC replacement as often. Homeowners should invest in their air conditioner’s longevity by scheduling routine maintenance. 

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned company serving Chatham-Kent and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them for AC maintenance and tune-ups in Chatham-Kent, ON

leak

Tips to Help Homeowners Identify Water Leaks

Several Easy Ways to Find Leaks 

If homeowners were to make a list of problems they want to avoid at their house, a water leak may be near the top. Not only can they cause water damage, but they can also be expensive due to water costs, leak repair costs, and water damage repair costs. 

To help prevent these problems from worsening, homeowners can take steps to find a water leak as soon as possible. The faster homeowners call for water leak detection and repair, the better chance of limiting the water damage and costs. 

Common Signs of Leaks

To prevent further water damage and even some structural damage to homes, homeowners should know how to identify the signs of a leak so they can call a plumber to fix it. These symptoms of a leak may include wet spots, discoloration, or water stains on walls, floors, or ceilings. 

Signs like mold or mildew growth or smells, low water pressure from the plumbing fixtures, and the sound of running water when no fixtures or water-using appliances are on can all also signal to homeowners that they have a water leak. Of course, more obvious signs like damaged or warped flooring and sagging ceilings also indicate a leak. 

Higher Water Bills

billsAnother key sign of water leaks that homeowners must be aware of is increased water bills. When water costs get higher without a noticeable change in the household’s water usage, it can indicate that there is a water leak in the plumbing, and a plumber should be called. 

As water leaks out of the pipe, water will be wasted, even when it’s not needed, resulting in higher water usage and bills. Property owners must identify these problems quickly and schedule prompt repairs to limit the water damage and costs. Once the leak is fixed, water bills will be reduced, and homeowners can save money.  

Use the Water Meter

water meter Homeowners can also use their water meters as a tool to detect leaks. Some water meters will have a leak indicator, which often looks like a triangle, wheel, or dial, that moves when water flows through the meter. When everything that uses water for the household is turned off, but homeowners notice the leak indicator is still moving, it suggests that water is still flowing somewhere, indicating a leak in the system.

But even without this feature, water meters can still be used to test for leaks. Property owners should verify that water is not being used inside or outside the house to ensure they get an accurate reading. Then, they should write down the number on the meter’s display, also known as the current reading. After about an hour of not using water, check the meter’s display again and compare it to the previous reading. If there has been an increase in the number, there’s likely a leak in the system, and a plumber should be called for water leak repair.

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a family-owned electric, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company serving Chatham-Kent, ON, and the surrounding areas since 1989. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for water leak detection and repair in Chatham-Kent, ON

home improvement

Electrical Enhancements to Make at Home in 2024

Beneficial Electrical Home Upgrades

After ringing in the New Year, homeowners might be looking to make beneficial home improvements to get a fresh start in 2024. This post will discuss some home electrical upgrades that can benefit households and homeowners. These include adding ceiling fans, upgrading the lights and switches, and installing an electric vehicle charging station at home.

Install Ceiling Fans

fanCeiling fans are an overlooked electrical fixture that can easily add a new look and enhanced capabilities to a house. These fans offer numerous benefits, including the ability to improve energy efficiency while heating and cooling the home without any sacrifices in comfort. 

Using ceiling fans along with heating and cooling systems allows temperatures to be changed to save energy and money in both the summer and winter. Based on the direction that the fan spins, they can help make homes feel cooler in the summer and help circulate the heat, helping the heater during the winter months. Ceiling fans also prevent homes from becoming too stuffy and often include additional lighting.

Install More Efficient Indoor Lighting and Switches

Another electrical upgrade households can make that saves energy is changing out indoor lighting by retrofitting the home with LED lights and installing dimmer switches. These can help change the look and feel of a house while reducing energy usage and saving money over time.

Replacing older, existing incandescent light bulbs with LED lighting can be beneficial since LED light bulbs are longer-lasting and more energy efficient. Dimmer switches also have advantages since they allow more customizable lighting that adds ambiance to a house but can also help use less energy by only using the amount of light needed. 

Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

charging stationAn EV charging station installation at home is another electrical upgrade that can benefit homeowners who own an electric vehicle. One of the biggest advantages is the convenience they offer. It can be a hassle for homeowners to have to locate a public charging station and then wait for their car to charge when they are in a rush. Instead, being able to charge their vehicle at home prevents this headache. 

They can charge their cars at home overnight without worrying about needing to charge them on their way to work or when they have to be somewhere. This can save them much-needed time, as well as lessen their stress. Installing a charging station can also save homeowners money over time. When charging at home, property owners can charge their cars outside peak electricity hours to reduce costs, and an electric vehicle charging station installation can also add value to their homes.  

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned AC, heating, plumbing, and electrical company serving Chatham-Kent, ON, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical services in
Chatham-Kent, ON

humidifier

Install a Whole-Home Humidifier to Get Rid of Dry Air

How Humidifiers Help Households in Dry Winter Months

When cold temperatures arrive and heaters and furnaces are working at full blast, homeowners can experience dry air in their houses. This can negatively impact the household and its residents, including dry and flaky skin, respiratory problems, and dying houseplants.

Fortunately, these problems can be avoided with a whole-house humidifier installation. This post will explain the benefits humidifiers provide to households, including reduced respiratory issues, better skin, and healthier indoor plants.

Improve Respiratory Health

One of the biggest impacts dry air can have on a household is enhanced allergy and asthma symptoms. This can lead to respiratory problems like increased coughing, sore throats, more frequent asthma attacks, and other issues. But a whole-home humidifier can reduce these issues.

These systems add moisture to the air to prevent family members’ respiratory tracts and nasal passages from drying out. This lessens coughing and irritated sinuses and reduces allergy and asthma symptoms. Humidifiers also reduce the spread of germs and viruses, keeping families healthier and lessening cold and flu symptoms. They are also beneficial for household members who suffer from sleep apnea, as increased moisture in the air can provide better sleeping conditions.

skin careSkincare Benefits

Other benefits of a humidifier installation include improved and more hydrated skin and lips. During the winter months, homeowners might notice their skin is dry and experience frequent cracking of their fingers and knuckles. This can be avoided by adding moisture to the air through a humidifier.

Humidifiers help prevent skin from drying out, which can also reduce the effects of skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. It can also help small cuts and skin irritations heal faster. In addition, a humidifier installation can help prevent lips from becoming dry, chapped, and cracking due to the added moisture.

plantsIncreased Moisture for Indoor Plants

Another humidifier benefit is healthier indoor plants. If the air in a house is too dry, it can cause plants to wilt, lose leaves, and suffer from diseases. Installing a humidifier can prevent these issues by providing more moisture for plants to grow. Humidifiers help plants flourish, preventing browning, drying out, and falling leaves.

With more moisture in the house, tropical plants, in particular, will have improved health. The added humidity allows these plants to live longer and grow better and gives homeowners more options when selecting plants for their houses. These systems also keep plants healthier by preventing diseases and pest infestations. If homeowners have questions, they should consult an HVAC technician to determine if a humidifier will help improve their home’s indoor air quality.

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned AC, heating, plumbing, and electrical company serving Chatham-Kent, ON, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for humidifier services in Chatham-Kent, ON.

generator

Do You Need a Standby Generator?

Can a Whole Home Generator Installation Benefit Your Household?

Whole-house generators can help households that are left vulnerable during a blackout or a major storm that causes homes to lose power. Without electricity, homes are left without lights, HVAC systems, working refrigerators, and even lifesaving medical equipment. 

Installing a standby generator allows a household to have continuous power during these blackouts, keeping the residents comfortable and safe. This post will discuss which households can benefit the most from generators based on how often they experience heavy storms, extreme heat, and power loss. 

Do You Live in an Area With Heavy Rain or Storms?

rainOntario households endure severe weather throughout the year – from severe summer thunderstorms to extreme cold and heavy snowfalls. When these weather events happen, homes can experience power outages. Homeowners can benefit from standby generators to keep their power on during a blackout. Some of the top advantages these systems provide include:

  • Uninterrupted power supply to the house, keeping appliances running and the lights on
  • Flood prevention, as the generator can keep the sump pump working during heavy rain storms to keep the water from entering the house 
  • Safety by keeping security systems running
  • Comfort by keeping the HVAC systems running. This is essential during the winter months. By keeping the heater or furnace on, households can also help prevent frozen pipes. 

Does Your Home Experience Power Outages More Than a Few Times Yearly?

power outagesWhen electricians help homeowners determine whether they need a whole-house generator, one of the questions they often ask is how often the home experiences power outages. If the power goes out more than a few times a year, households can benefit from installing a backup generator. 

If homes lose power often, it can jeopardize their health and pocketbooks. Households with medical equipment need continuous power to keep their family members safe and healthy. Homeowners might also be forced to replace their food in the refrigerator or freezer often when it spoils during an outage. If households lose power often, replacing their spoiled groceries can add up quickly. 

Does the Summer Heat Lead to Blackouts?

A common time for households to lose power is during a summer heatwave. With numerous homes running air conditioners simultaneously for extended periods, it can lead to area-wide blackouts. These can be dangerous, as they can leave homes without AC systems during high temperatures.

Generators can protect households during these situations. They can keep power flowing to air conditioners, giving families relief from the hot temperatures. Standby generators can also keep lights on to allow family members to see where they are going and charge cell phones so households have a way to call for help in case of an emergency or if the AC doesn’t work correctly and they are left in a sweltering house. Electricians recommend installing a whole-house generator before periods of extreme weather to ensure that residents have electricity during the next blackout.

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned AC, heating, plumbing, and electrical company serving Chatham-Kent and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for whole-house generator installation and services in Chatham-Kent, ON

heat pump

What Homeowners Should Know About Heat Pumps

Is a Heat Pump System Right for Your Home?

When selecting a new heating or cooling system, homeowners might focus on traditional forced-air systems. However, they could be missing out by overlooking a heat pump. These systems are more energy-efficient than other HVAC systems, can be used for both heating and cooling, and offer additional benefits to households. This post will explain how heat pumps work, their advantages, and what symptoms indicate a heat pump system needs to be repaired.

Heat Pumps: Learn the Basics

heat pumpProperty owners tend to overlook heat pumps when considering new heating systems for their homes because they are not as familiar with the system as they are with more traditional heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps can both heat and cool a house and work by transferring heat from cooler outdoor air or the ground and transferring it indoors. 

Then, during a refrigeration cycle, the compressor circulates the refrigerant through the coils, which then absorbs and releases heat. When used to cool a house, the heat pump reverses the process by taking heat from the indoor air and sending it outside. Since they rely more on the transfer of heat than the heat being generated, they are highly efficient. 

Advantages of Installing a Heat Pump

When considering if a heat pump installation is right for their house, homeowners need to consider the benefits of a heat pump. Arguably, the top advantage is the energy efficiency the system provides. Unlike many conventional systems, heat pumps don’t create most of the hot or cooled air – they get most of it by transfer. This lets homes use less energy and allows property owners to reduce their utility bills. 

Some of the other heat pump benefits include:

  • Homeowners can purchase one system for both heating and cooling instead of a separate heater and air conditioner.
  • It allows for more consistent heating and cooling, making homes more comfortable.
  • Heat pumps can be safer than many heaters and furnaces as they do not use open flames. 

Signs You Need Heat Pump Repair

energy billHomeowners who already have a heat pump can help keep their homes comfortable during the chilly weather by having their heat pumps repaired as soon as possible when it’s needed. The best way to get professional services quickly is for property owners to recognize the signs that the heat pump is malfunctioning. 

Some of the most obvious signs households will notice are if it doesn’t produce warm air when it’s set to heat or if there is uneven heating throughout the home. Homeowners should also pay attention to loud noises, odd smells, or if the unit turns on and off quickly without properly heating the house. Other signs can also indicate a system needs to be repaired, like if a homeowner’s energy bills suddenly increase, leaks in the system, or if the heat pump is older and is showing signs of wear and tear. 

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local and family-owned AC, heating, plumbing, and electrical company that has been serving Chatham-Kent and the surrounding areas since 1989. They offer flat rate pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for heat pump services in Chatham-Kent, ON.

Evaporator coil cleaning

Schedule Evaporator Coil Cleaning When You Notice These Signs

Signs You May Need Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning

When a house fails to reach the desired temperature on the thermostat or experiences other issues, it may be due to several reasons. While homeowners most often put the blame on their air conditioner or heater as a whole, it could also be due to a dirty evaporator coil. 

An evaporator coil removes hot air from a house and disperses cold air to cool the property when used with an air conditioner. If it malfunctions or gets dirty, the system’s performance can suffer. To prevent this, homeowners must schedule evaporator coil cleaning services at the first signs of a problem, including if there is a frost build-up on AC coils, the system runs longer than normal, or the house is not heating or cooling correctly. 

Loss of Heating or Cooling Function

hotOne of the most noticeable signs of a dirty evaporator coil is if a house is not reaching the desired temperature setting on the thermostat. It may be subtle, but members of the household may start to notice the house feels warmer or cooler than it should be or stuffier. 

An evaporator coil can fail to cool or heat a house correctly due to several reasons, including if there is a refrigerant leak from the coil, if there is frost building up on the coil, if it is corroding, or if there is dust, dirt, or debris building up on the component. Property owners should schedule evaporator coil services with an HVAC contractor at the first signs of an issue to determine if they need coil cleaning or other services.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

frostAnother problem that can cause an evaporator coil to malfunction is if there is a frost build-up on it or it’s frozen. Ice on the unit will prevent it from working properly and prevent air from correctly flowing through the device. But frost on the coils can be caused by them getting dirty or refrigerant leaking from it. 

Frost can also form if there is a clogged or dirty air filter or another cause of low airflow in the HVAC system. If the frozen coils are due to an issue with the evaporator coil, like low refrigerant or dirty coils, evaporator coil services and cleaning will be needed. 

The AC or Heater Runs Too Long

If the heater and AC evaporator coils are dirty, homeowners might notice the air conditioner or heater running longer than necessary. Longer cycles can be problematic as they can cause the unit to overwork, resulting in higher energy bills. A dirty evaporator coil can cause them to run longer or continuously if frost, dirt, or dust buildup on the evaporator coils prevents the heat exchange process from working correctly. 

Homeowners can help prevent these issues by scheduling routine maintenance and then scheduling evaporator cleaning services as soon as they notice the symptoms of dirty evaporator coils, such as a loss of function and comfort, frozen coils, or longer HVAC system cycles. 

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned plumbing, electrical, heating, and AC company serving Chatham-Kent and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, on-time arrival, and same-day service. Call them today for evaporator coil services in Chatham-Kent, ON. 

Plumbing basics every household

Plumbing 101 Essentials Homeowners Should Know

Plumbing Basics Every Household Should Know

There are some essential plumbing basics homeowners need to know to ensure their plumbing system is operating correctly, prevent wasting money, and avoid major plumbing repairs. Plumbers recommend property owners know some essentials of their plumbing system, including how to recognize the signs of a problem quickly and why preventive maintenance is necessary. This post will share some important information about plumbing for homeowners to know. 

Plumbing Fixtures

tubIf homeowners start to notice their utility bills getting higher and higher, it can be due to their old and inefficient plumbing fixtures. However, upgrading old and wasteful fixtures with new, water-saving and energy-efficient ones can reduce a household’s energy and water usage and save them money. 

Some examples of energy-efficient and water-efficient plumbing fixtures include:

  • Water-saving toilets, which use less water per flush than standard toilets and come in many different models. 
  • Dual-flush, water-saving toilets save water by having two flushing options based on whether it’s liquid or solid waste.
  • Low-flow showerheads use less water while still providing comfortable water pressure. 
  • Faucet aerators that reduce the flow of water without changing the water pressure.
  • Tankless water heaters use less energy because they only heat water when needed. 

Common Signs Indicating a Plumbing Problem

billTo prevent consequences like water damage, flooding, and high water bills, homeowners need to recognize the signs of plumbing issues so they can be fixed as soon as possible. The faster these are recognized, the quicker a plumber can make the necessary repairs. 

Some symptoms of plumbing problems that can signal a property owner to schedule plumbing repairs are:

  • Dripping or leaking faucets
  • Slow-draining sinks, bathtubs, or other drains 
  • Frequent clogged toilets
  • Low water pressure from faucets or showerheads 
  • Foul odours coming from the drains or toilets
  • Running toilets
  • Smelly or discoloured water 
  • Higher than normal water bills

The Importance of Routine Plumbing Maintenance

While plumbing problems will occur in systems from time to time, some out of a homeowner’s control, there is a way property owners can prevent plumbing issues in their homes and extend the life of their plumbing. Scheduling routine plumbing maintenance can keep plumbing systems running correctly for longer, prevent issues, and save money. 

During these routine services, plumbers can identify issues before they cause major problems in plumbing systems, allowing homeowners to avoid plumbing emergencies. These services should typically be scheduled at least once a year. During an inspection, experts can perform the following tasks:

  • Look for signs of leaking or dripping in the faucets or showerheads
  • Ensure toilets are flushing correctly and are not leaking or running
  • Examine the sink, shower, and bathtub drains for clogs 
  • Perform drain cleaning services if there’s a clog 
  • Check the supply lines and connections for leaks or damage
  • Ensure the water pressure is appropriate
  • Examine the water heater to ensure it’s operating correctly and efficiently, and look for leaks or corrosion
  • Inspect the pipes for signs of leaks, signs of aging, or corrosion
  • Check the water heater’s anode rod, temperature, and valves 

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local and family-owned AC, heating, plumbing, and electrical company serving Chatham-Kent and the surrounding areas since 1989. They offer flat rate pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Chatham-Kent, ON.

Tamper Resistant outlet - keep kids safe at home

Protect Your Children With Childproof Outlets

Install Tamper-Resistant Outlets to Help Keep Kids Safe at Home

Parents of toddlers know all too well the importance of childproofing their homes. From anchoring furniture to walls to installing gates around stairs to keeping kids away from electrical outlets, there are countless dangers in homes that children need to be protected against. 

Electrical outlets can be especially tempting for young children as they are drawn to the devices at eye level for them and try to stick toys and even their fingers into the slots. Doing this can cause serious injuries – from shocks, burns, and even electrocution. Installing childproof outlets can help prevent these risks. This blog will discuss tamper-resistant outlets and their benefits.

How Do Tamper-Resistant Outlets Work?

When electricians talk to homeowners about childproof outlets, one of the first questions they may get from parents is, “What is a tamper-resistant outlet?” This is a reasonable question, as property owners want to understand how these protect their children and why they are different from their other outlets. 

These childproof and tamper-resistant outlets have self-closing covers to protect children and provide electrical safety. These covers will only open to let something inside the outlet if equal pressure is applied to both shutters simultaneously. If those shutters are not engaged at the same time, they will not open, preventing children from inserting toys or other objects into the outlets. When an adult inserts an electrical plug into an outlet, the covers will open, and the plug will be allowed in, but if only one slot is engaged at a time, the shutters will not open to allow things into the outlet. 

Benefits of Childproof Outlets

outletHomeowners, and especially parents of young children, can experience many benefits by installing childproof outlets. While there are many options for childproofing outlets, including plastic outlet caps and plugs, these can actually pose additional dangers to children. Children and toddlers can learn to remove these caps from their outlets, and they can pose choking hazards. 

Childproof outlets are a safer solution. The shutters prevent toddlers from sticking objects into the slots, reducing the risk of injuries while also not being a choking hazard for young children. These outlets offer many benefits. They help prevent electrical hazards, give parents an easy way to protect their toddlers without the expense and work of purchasing caps and plugs and putting them in each outlet, and help protect children from injuries. 

Signs to Replace an Old Outlet

outletLike any outlet in a home, childproof outlets need to be replaced if they show symptoms that they are not working or are aging. Some obvious signs that an outlet needs to be replaced are if the faceplates are cracked, or there are other signs of damage and if the outlets are hot to the touch.

Other signs of an outlet needing replacement are loose connections in the outlets and plugs falling out or the outlets not providing power. If a homeowner experiences any of these issues, calling an electrician to inspect the devices and schedule outlet replacements is essential.

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical company serving Chatham-Kent, ON, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for childproof outlet installation in Chatham-Kent, ON.

Beware of outdoor plumbing clogs

Beware of Outdoor Plumbing Clogs!

Everything to Know About Outdoor and Underground Plumbing Blockages

Clogs in outdoor or underground piping systems can cause severe damage and create a major inconvenience. If left unchecked, clogged pipes can lead to flooding, widespread property damage, unsanitary conditions, costly repairs, and more. Water backed up from clogged outdoor pipes often seeps into the ground or overflows onto the lawn. Clogs in underground pipes are even more difficult to identify and diagnose because they cannot be seen directly; instead, indications of a problem will likely appear at the surface or via strange sounds emanating from below.

It is essential to identify and act on clogs quickly to prevent further damage, avoid costly repairs, and help prevent some of these issues. This post will share signs of underground plumbing blockages, what can cause them, and the processes plumbers use to remove them.

Signs of Outdoor Clogs

It’s crucial to call a professional for help at the first signs of underground plumbing clogs to avoid extensive water damage and expensive repairs at a house or property. Some symptoms of a clog to watch out for are slow drains and backed-up toilets or sinks. If homeowners notice water coming up through their sinks, toilets, or other drains, it can indicate a blockage in the line.

Other common signs of clogs in the underground plumbing are foul odors coming from drains or signs of flooding in the yard. If there are soggy spots or puddles in the grass of a yard, it can indicate a blockage. Additionally, if a water line is clogged, it can cause low water pressure. Once any sign of a blockage in the pipes is noticed, homeowners should contact plumbers to fix it.

How Pipes Clog

tree root clogPipes can suffer clogs due to a variety of reasons. For one, mineral deposits from hard water can build up and form blockages in water lines. Sewer line clogs can form when hair, dirt, grease, foreign objects, or other debris accumulate in the pipes. As these materials build up over time, they can cause blockages, resulting in slow drains and backups. Additionally, tree roots growing into the piping can cause clogs.

It is essential to regularly inspect pipes for signs of clogs and take steps to prevent them from forming. To prevent clogs, homeowners should avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down their toilets and pouring cooking grease or oil down their drains. Root barriers can also be installed to help prevent clogs from tree roots.

Clearing Tough Clogs

clearing tough clogsIt’s essential to act quickly as soon as signs of clogs are noticed. The first step needs to be to call a plumber. A trained, experienced professional can locate and remove the clog easily with special equipment and recommend ways to prevent outdoor plumbing clogs in the future.

Depending on the severity of the blockage, a technician may use a variety of ways to remove the clog. Some common drain cleaning methods are:

  • Drain snaking: With a drain snake, a technician will push a metal cable through the pipe until it gets to the clog. It will keep working on the clog until it is eliminated.
  • Hydro jetting: During this technique, a professional will use a heavy, pressurized stream of water to remove the blockage. These are efficient at clearing tough clogs.

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a family-owned company serving Chatham-Kent, ON, and the surrounding areas since 1989. They provide flat rate pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Chatham-Kent, ON.