Tag: every

Person's arm using flexible hose and orange pipe for plumbing maintenance near circular drain in bathtub setting.

Three Warning Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line Every Homeowner Should Know

Clear Signs It Is Time for Professional Drain Cleaning

Clogged sewer lines can lead to some pretty nasty issues. If a backup occurs, these issues can affect the home and public health. It’s much better to be aware of the warning signs and take action when a potential drain issue is discovered. Homeowners should be familiar with the warning signs and identify problems quickly to resolve them. Below are three common signs of a sewer line clog. 

1. Strange Gurgling in the Pipes

Elderly man listening intently, illustrating the importance of recognizing gurgling noises in pipes as a sign of potential sewer line clogs.A great early warning sign is when the pipes make gurgling noises. If a homeowner hears gurgling when a faucet is running, or the toilet is flushed, this is a sign of a sewer line clog or obstruction that must be addressed before it worsens. 

Gurgling sounds happen because a blockage is beginning to happen within the sewer line. The movement of the items in the sewer line cannot properly move through, so it forces air through the blockage, which leads to gurgling noises. 

These are some common blockages and obstructions in a sewer line: 

  • Various debris
  • Foreign objects
  • Grease buildup
  • Tree roots
  • Damage to the line
  • Toilet paper and other buildup

When a gurgling sign is heard or noticed, it is best to call a plumber. They can clean the drain with hydrojetting or a drain snake that will help clear the obstruction or blockage and get the sewer line back to normal operations. 

2. Water or Sewage Backing Up

When a sewer line clog is not resolved or noticed, it can lead to a backup in the line. This can happen with water or sewage and should be treated with care. This is an alarming sign, and it should never be ignored. Sewage backup can be very hazardous and should only be handled with the right safety measures. 

When a backup occurs, it is typically caused by a significant blockage, and nothing can move through the line. The line starts to back up at some point because it has nowhere else to go until it is clear. This can happen due to various clogged sewer line issues or tree root intrusion. 

If wastewater is backing up, it is very serious and can cause health risks from contamination. It must be addressed immediately, and a plumber should be called immediately. 

3. Sluggish Drains and Standing Water

Close-up of a drain with water swirling around, illustrating sluggish drainage and potential plumbing issues related to sewer line blockages and standing water.Finally, drains that are sluggish or leave standing water while they drain slowly are another common sign that it’s time to take action. When the drain is slow in any of these areas, there is a problem: 

  • Bathtubs
  • Showers
  • Sinks

Anywhere that water should drain could be affected. If a homeowner notices it draining unusually slowly, this is a great early warning sign to take action before it worsens. This can happen from pipe damage from debris or a partial obstruction. 

About AirWorks Heating & Air

AirWorks Heating & Air is a local company with respectable and highly-trained technicians. They offer flat rate pricing and warranties on parts and services. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Wake Forest, NC. 

Distribution Links +

Five colorful refrigerant gas cylinders labeled R-410A, R-404A, R-22, R-407C, R-134A for HVAC services by Air Works.

Refrigerant Facts Every Household Needs To Know

What Homeowners Need to Know About Refrigerant

After a long day in the summer sun, Raleigh homeowners want to retreat to their cool, comfortable homes. If they walk in and their house is warmer than it should be, it can immediately cause fear and anxiety. Is the air conditioner broken? Is the thermostat malfunctioning? 

It can be an issue with the AC system’s refrigerant or coolant. Refrigerant, a substance in an air conditioner’s coils, is essential to cool a home to the desired temperature. It absorbs the heat and provides cool air to comfort the home. 

Homeowners need to understand the basics of refrigerants. They need to understand what type to use in their AC system, what causes leaks, and when to call an HVAC technician.

How to Tell Which Refrigerant an AC Uses

For an air conditioner to function properly, homeowners need to recharge the unit with the correct type of refrigerant. Many homeowners are not aware that there are numerous types of refrigerants. Using the right type is essential, as these are not interchangeable. Using the wrong variation can result in damage to the system.

Using the wrong refrigerant can result in leaks, corrosion, and damage to key components in an AC system. These can ultimately result in breakdowns or costly repairs. 

Property owners can determine the type of refrigerant their particular AC system requires by checking the label on the air conditioner. They can ask an AC technician for assistance if they cannot locate it. 

If the AC unit was built before 2010, it likely uses R-22 (freon). Freon has been banned in newer models, as it is dangerous to the environment. Technicians may recommend replacing the air conditioner with a model that doesn’t use R22 refrigerant.

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?

Technician using pressure gauges on an air conditioning unit to diagnose refrigerant issues and potential leaks.

A common issue with an air conditioner is a refrigerant leak. These can be caused by numerous problems with an AC system, including: 

  • Damaged components:Over time, system components, such as coils, fittings, valves, or connections, can become damaged. Corrosion, vibrations, physical stress, or wear and tear can lead to small cracks, gaps, or holes, allowing refrigerants to escape.
  • Poor installation: Improper installation of an air conditioner can cause refrigerant leaks. Inadequate sealing of joints, incorrect tightening of fittings, or using incompatible materials can create leakage points. To avoid these problems, systems need to be installed by qualified professionals who adhere to industry standards.
  • Manufacturing defects:Occasionally, manufacturing defects in AC components can lead to refrigerant leaks. 
  • Vibrations and stress: Vibrations and mechanical stress can cause components to shift or loosen over time. This can lead to leaks.
  • Freeze-thaw cycles: If refrigerant lines are exposed to freezing temperatures, the expansion and contraction due to freeze-thaw cycles can cause joints or fittings to loosen or crack, leading to leaks.

Professionals can use refrigerant leak detectors to identify signs of a leak in a home and perform the necessary repairs.

When is it Time to Call a Professional?

Air conditioning unit with refrigerant tank and gauges, highlighting HVAC installation and maintenance concerns related to refrigerant leaks and system efficiency.

Property owners need to call HVAC technicians as soon as possible after noticing the signs of a refrigerant leak, frozen coil, or another issue. 

One of the most obvious symptoms is if a home is not cooling to the temperature setting on the thermostat. Without the right amount of refrigerant, AC systems cannot work properly. 

Other signs property owners should watch for include if the AC runs continuously without shutting down, if there are hissing or gurgling sounds coming from the system as refrigerant escapes through small holes, or if there is a formation of ice on the refrigerant lines, causing frozen AC coils. 

About Air Works Heating & Air

Since 2007, Air Works Heating & Air has provided heating and cooling services to the Raleigh area. They offer flat-rate pricing and 100% satisfaction guaranteed on every appointment. Call them today for HVAC services in Franklinton, NC.

Distribution Links +