Tag: three

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. 

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Technician servicing an outdoor air conditioning unit with tools at Air Works Heating & Air in Wake Forest, NC.

Three Signs It May Be Time for a New AC

Signs It’s Time for AC Replacement

As winter fades for another season and warmer weather approaches, many people will soon use their air conditioners again. Since these systems have been dormant for the winter, it’s common for homeowners to experience some odd things. Maybe the smell of the vents is a little strange, or the air conditioner doesn’t seem to be cooling the home fast. Sometimes, these are just little things that spring maintenance from a professional HVAC company can address. Other times, there are signs that the air conditioner is failing. In this article, homeowners will learn the difference between the two!

The Home Doesn’t Get Cool Enough

The only job an air conditioner has is to cool the house (well, that and help control humidity). So, there’s good reason to be concerned when the unit isn’t doing its job. However, there are several minor reasons why this could be happening. Just to name a few, a clogged air filter could cause a lack of cold air blowing through the vents, a blocked condenser unit, a refrigerant leak, or a frozen evaporator coil. These issues can be addressed by the homeowner (clogged air filter) or an air conditioner maintenance tech. 

But other times, especially if the air conditioner has been struggling, needs numerous repairs, or is old, it could be a sign that the unit needs to be replaced. Most air conditioner units last between 10 and 15 years, and paying for continual repairs when a replacement is needed could end up costing the homeowner more money in the long run. 

Energy Bills Are Increasing

Woman reviewing increasing energy bills while using a laptop, reflecting concerns about HVAC efficiency and air conditioner maintenance.In addition to paying for air conditioner repairs when replacement is the better option, there’s also the problem of decreased efficiency. As air conditioners get older, they tend to lose efficiency. This makes them run longer to achieve the desired temperature, increasing the energy bills. To exacerbate the problem, skipping regular maintenance can also damage efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the air conditioner. 

Homeowners who experience rising energy bills in addition to air conditioner malfunctions or repairs are often better off getting the unit replaced. Modern air conditioners are more efficient than their older counterparts and tend to last longer — up to 20 years in some cases. 

The AC Makes Strange Noises or Generates Bad Smells

Woman holding her nose, expressing concern about unpleasant odors, relevant to air conditioning issues and maintenance.Many homeowners experience a musty smell the first time they use their air conditioner in springtime. This is because dust and other fine particulate matter build up in the unit when not used during the winter. This can generate mold and mildew, which can cause that musty smell when the AC is first turned on. While this isn’t a huge issue, it can be a sign of poor maintenance that should be addressed with air conditioning maintenance. 

Other smells, however, are certainly cause for concern. If there’s a burning smell or an odor like car exhaust, it’s usually caused by a serious issue that needs to be addressed by a professional as soon as possible. Homeowners who aren’t sure what they’re smelling, only that it’s not normal, should contact an AC repair company immediately. 

About Air Works Heating & Air

Air Works Heating & Air professionals have been serving Wake Forest, NC, with pride since 2007. Their NATE-certified technicians are always prompt, professional, and knowledgeable. They also provide up-front pricing and a 1-year parts and labor warranty on every job. Contact them today for air conditioner replacement or repair in Wake Forest, NC. 

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