Category: Land & Property

Meet Adrienne Bennett, the First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber

The Legacy of a Plumbing Pioneer

When people think of a plumber, they generally don't think of a woman. Plumbing has been a male-dominated industry throughout its history, but several women have made names for themselves among their peers. Adrienne Bennett is one of those women who put in the hard work to go from the bottom to the top of her industry. Her story should encourage everyone, regardless of color or gender, to work hard for what they want.

How She Started Her Journey in the Plumbing Industry

From the age of 9, Adrienne Bennett lived in Detroit, MI, which she considers her hometown. She was an excellent student, excelling in math and science, and came from a large family. She wanted to pursue metallurgy and engineering in college, but a racist incident caused her to be disillusioned with the university setting. 

Bennett was looking for her next career move when she was asked if she would like to make $50,000 a year at a political rally. She listened and signed up for the training to become an apprentice in plumbing.

Hard Days and New Challenges: Going From Apprentice to Master Plumber

contractorThe beginning of her career was filled with surprising and heartbreaking stories of what she had to overcome. She was often bullied and emotionally and physically harassed at her workplace, where she was often the only woman on a site with over a hundred men. They often tried to get her to quit. 

On her first day as a journeyman plumber, Bennett was left alone on a job site in the cold for hours. They were surprised to find her still there when they returned. Some of the jobs she has held during her long plumbing career are a journeyman plumber, a master plumber, a project manager, a plumbing inspector, and a code enforcement officer for the city of Detroit. Once she passed her master plumber exam, she became the first black female master plumber in the United States. 

The Last Rung: Becoming CEO of Her Own Company

contractorAfter all the plumbing jobs she has held, Bennett became an independent contractor and opened her own business, which she is the president and CEO of. One of her company’s specialties is green building solutions, and they are involved in an effort to rebuild Detroit and have landed big contracts. 

Due to her perseverance, she has forged a successful career in a male-dominated industry and is an inspiration to others. She continues to help upcoming generations of tradespeople by sitting on the Architectural Engineering Advisory Board for Lawrence Technological University. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is a disabled veteran-owned business serving Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding communities. They offer fast turnarounds, maintenance plans, and options to fit a budget. Call them today for plumbing services on Staten Island, NY.

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A New Heating System for a New Year

Start the New Year Warm and Cozy With a New Heater Installation

There’s nothing worse than spending the cold with a faulty heater. Whether it’s a boiler on the fritz or a furnace throwing a fit, it can be downright dangerous to have a malfunctioning heater. This blog shares some signs that it’s time for a new heater and what to do to make the most of it!

Signs It’s Time for a Heater Replacement

There are certainly some telltale signs that indicate a failing heater. The first thing to look at is the age of the heater. Both furnaces and boilers last about fifteen years. So if the heater is fifteen years old or older, there’s a good chance it’s on its last legs. Heater performance is also something to consider. If the rooms heat unevenly and there are cold spots throughout the house, it means a problem with the heater. 

If the heating costs are higher than usual, it’s another indication that the heater is faulty because issues with the unit can lead to a loss of efficiency.  Finally, it’s good to keep an ear out. Strange sounds from the boiler or furnace often mean a failing heater or component of the heater. If homeowners notice signs of a malfunctioning heating system, they should call a professional before it gets worse.  

Choosing the Right Heater for the Homeheater

Two popular types of residential heaters are furnaces and boilers. Generally, whatever type of heater the house already has will be the best bet for replacement. Boilers are often replaced with boilers and furnaces with furnaces. This is because both systems have associated infrastructure to go with them. This means a system of pipes, baseboard heaters, and radiators for boilers. For furnaces, this means ductwork. So installing a boiler in a house that previously had a furnace would be more expensive than just replacing the furnace.

There are also things to consider when it comes to boilers and furnaces. Boilers tend to be quieter than furnaces and don’t move allergens like dust and pollen around in the air as furnaces do. But boilers rely on heating water, so there can be corrosion and water damage issues if the boiler breaks. Homeowners who need guidance on the right heater for their home should consult a qualified HVAC professional. 

Ensure Proper Maintenance for the New Heating System

maintainingNo matter what kind of heater the home gets,  homeowners should remember the importance of proper maintenance. Like any other complex system, heaters need regular maintenance performed by trained professionals to ensure longevity and performance. When cared for properly with maintenance, the heater will keep the house warm more efficiently, with fewer repairs, lower utility bills, and a longer lifespan.

But if maintenance is skipped, it’s only a matter of time before the heater starts causing problems and losing efficiency. Maintenance also allows professionals to catch any issues before they turn into more costly problems. It’s good for homeowners to think of heater maintenance as caring for their investment. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has more than 40 years of expertise serving Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas. They provide maintenance plans, fast response, and financing. Call them today for boiler or furnace installation in Staten Island, NY.

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What Causes Pipe Bursts, and How Can They Be Avoided?

This Winter, Help Stop Burst Pipes

Homeowners can take preventive measures to avoid frozen pipes and other common causes of burst pipes this winter. A burst pipe can cause costly water damage and significantly interrupt daily life, so it's better to try and prevent it than deal with the consequences. The following are some of the most common causes of burst pipes and some tips to avoid them. 

Pipes Freezing

freezingFrozen pipes create a very real threat of bursting. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside the line can form into ice and cause pressure to build up inside it. This pressure can be too much for the pipe, causing it to crack or burst open. Additionally, if water is left running in a frozen pipe, it will continue to expand and cause even more pressure. 

Fortunately, homeowners can help prevent frozen pipes with a few simple steps. Insulating exposed pipes is an effective way to keep them from freezing in cold weather. Wrapping them in insulation materials such as fiberglass or foam rubber will help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the pipe and protect it from extreme cold. Additionally, it's important to keep the temperature in a home consistent and close all windows or doors that could be letting in cold drafts.

Corrosion and Deterioration

corrosionCorrosion, unlike frozen pipes, is not limited to cold weather. When corrosion or decay occurs on the inside of a line, it becomes weakened and can no longer withstand the pressure from the water. This leads to a fracture in the pipe, which can cause a burst or leak. Corrosion and decay can also weaken the joints of a pipe, causing them to separate and leading to water leakage. 

This is a danger when chemical drain cleaners are used, as they often contain corrosive substances that can weaken pipes over time, so homeowners should avoid using them to avoid this risk. Instead, it's best to use non-chemical solutions such as boiling water to melt blockages or hire a professional for drain cleaning instead of using store-bought chemical drain cleaners. These precautions can help avoid costly repairs and plumbing emergencies caused by pipe bursts due to corrosion and decay.

Drain Clogs

Clogs are another major cause of pipe bursts. When a pipe becomes clogged, pressure can build up inside the line, and there may come the point when the pressure is so high that the pipe bursts. To avoid clogs, homeowners should avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down their toilets and avoid disposing of food, coffee grounds, and grease down their drains because they all can contribute to a nasty clog. 

Another important tip to prevent clogs is to get routine drain cleaning by a qualified plumber. Drain cleaning clears any clogs and thoroughly cleans and removes all debris from the pipes using a drain snake or a high-powered water jet used in hydro jetting. Drain cleaning can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and plumbing emergencies due to clogs and pipe bursts.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is a disabled veteran-owned business serving Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide fast response, financing, and plumbing and HVAC memberships with many perks. Call them today for drain cleaning services or burst and frozen pipe repair on Staten Island, NY.

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Be Thankful For HVAC Technicians This Thanksgiving!

Heating and Cooling Services to Be Thankful For 

Every holiday season, the weather begins to get cooler. Homeowners start to get ready for the holidays with their families and get so busy that they often forget to check and see if their HVAC system is working correctly. Homeowners need to be aware of the importance of HVAC maintenance this season. This article will emphasize the essential services HVAC technicians offer that homeowners should be thankful for this holiday. 

Keeping Homes Warm

winterAs the colder months approach, it becomes increasingly important to have a working heater. Not only is a heater essential for keeping a home warm, but it can also be a lifesaver in extreme weather conditions. Unfortunately, heaters can break down and stop working properly, leaving homeowners and their families at risk of cold-related health problems. That's why it's important to know about the technicians who work on heaters and how to find one in the area.

Heating technicians are highly trained professionals who know how to troubleshoot and repair all types of heaters. They can usually identify the problem quickly and get a heater up and running again in no time. If a heater is beyond repair, they can also help homeowners choose and install a new one.

Maintaining the heater is key to ensuring that it properly operates for years to come. It’s generally best to schedule this maintenance in the fall so that the system is prepared for heavy use. Having a professional service system is the best way to receive benefits like improved energy efficiency, money savings, extended system lifespan, and better indoor air quality in a home. If a home heater isn’t serviced correctly in the fall, the winter months could become uncomfortable for the entire family. 

Keeping Homes Cool 

summerPeople rely on their air conditioners to keep them cool and comfortable when the weather gets warmer. But what happens when the AC breaks down? Without a working air conditioner, being in a warm environment can be very uncomfortable - even dangerous. This is especially true for those who are elderly or have health conditions that make them more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

That's why it's so important to have a qualified technician who can repair an AC unit quickly and efficiently. A good AC technician will not only get the unit up and running again, but they will also help homeowners avoid any further problems down the road. They should also handle all installations and maintenance. Air conditioner maintenance should be performed in the spring before the temperatures rise and the AC sees heavy use. 

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important? 

Indoor air quality is important for many reasons. Poor indoor air quality can lead to health problems, including respiratory infections, headaches, and fatigue. It can also worsen existing conditions like asthma and allergies. A working HVAC system is essential for good indoor air quality. HVAC systems control temperature, humidity, and ventilation in buildings. They also help remove contaminants from the air, including dust, pollen, and mold spores.

HVAC technicians play a vital role in ensuring that HVAC systems operate correctly. They install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems. They also perform regular inspections to ensure that the systems are functioning properly and that there are no potential indoor air quality problems.

HVAC technicians can help improve indoor air quality in a severalays. First, they can ensure that HVAC systems are operating correctly and providing the right level of ventilation. They can also recommend changes to the system, if necessary, to improve indoor air quality. Additionally, they can perform regular maintenance and repairs to keep the system running smoothly and prevent indoor air quality problems from developing, keeping families healthy and comfortable.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning 

Since 1978, PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has handled the toughest HVAC issues for Staten Island, NY residents. They provide options for different budgets, accurate solutions, and financing. Call them today for indoor air quality, AC, or heating services in Staten Island, NY.

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Backflow Testing Can Save Halloween From the Scares of Backflow

Defining Backflow

Backflow is basically what it sounds like. Water that normally flows away from the house unintentionally reverses direction and flows back toward the house. Backflow usually happens because of a major interruption in the water system.  

Some events that can cause backflow include opening a fire hydrant, a water main bursting, or some breakdown in the municipal water supply. Most cities have ordinances requiring backflow preventers because of the health hazards of backflow, and backflow testing ensures the backflow preventers are still working properly.

Why is Backflow Dangerous?

backflowBecause water flows opposite from what is intended with backflow, wastewater can be suctioned up into the home and the supply pipes. This can result in serious problems due to contamination. Here are some contaminants that can enter the clean water supply as a result of backflow:

  • Bacteria
  • Chemicals
  • Human waste
  • Microbes
  • Soap
  • Soil
  • Viruses

All of these can cause serious health problems and illnesses for anyone who comes into contact with contaminated water. 

How is Backflow Testing Done?

testingBackflow testing is the term used for testing the backflow preventers attached to most houses and businesses to prevent backflow. Municipal governments often require that backflow testing be done yearly. It must be done by a certified backflow tester, which is a qualified plumbing technician who has passed training in the machines that perform the backflow testing. This individual can perform the test, and if the apparatus works as it should, they can sign the paperwork and be gone in less than an hour. 

Here are some steps involved in backflow testing and what the tester is looking for:

  • Valve Check: The backflow preventer consists of a valve at either end that will close off to prevent water from flowing backward and the contamination that comes from that. The tester must verify that these valves are opening and closing properly.
  • Air Chamber Check: Air chambers within the device can open and close at certain points in the process. The tester makes sure these open and close when they should. 
  • Relief Valve Check: The relief valve on the device has to be very sensitive, opening at a difference of 2 PSL or less. This must be checked with a PSL pressure test to prevent damage.

Why is Backflow Testing Important?

Preventing backflow is a major benefit to public health because it’s normally a whole area that is affected by backflow, meaning that an entire city’s water could become contaminated. Contaminated water can cause an outbreak of illnesses that could make life harder for everyone in the area. 

Backflow testing is, therefore, of major importance to public health and safety, which is why some municipal governments require it. However, even if it’s not mandatory, homeowners should get it done annually to keep their families and communities safe. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

The award-winning PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning provides the residents of Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas reliable, individualized services for all their household needs. They offer options to fit a budget, fast turnarounds, and maintenance plans. Call them today for backflow prevention, testing, and certification services in Staten Island, NY.

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