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Have Questions About Backflow? We've Got Answers!

What to Know About Backflow

Plumbing backflow is a serious problem that can contaminate drinking water and cause severe health risks, so it's crucial homeowners have some basic knowledge about it and how it’s prevented. This post will answer some questions homeowners may have about backflow, how it’s prevented, and backflow testing.

What Exactly Is Backflow?

Backflow occurs when there is an unwanted flow of water going in the reverse direction. In this case, contaminants may enter a home’s clean water supply. It can occur when water flows back into a home's plumbing system from an outside source, such as a sewer line or a neighbor's plumbing.

Backflow can happen for various reasons, including faulty plumbing and power outages. Backflow usually occurs because of back pressure or greater pressure in the system versus its supply, forcing water back in the opposite direction. Another possible cause is back siphonage, where pressure is decreased in the supply causing the system to have higher pressure.

Backflow is a serious problem that can result in serious health issues and flooding. Among them are pollution of the environment, corrosion of pipes and a home’s plumbing system, compromised quality of drinking water, and diseases carried by a contaminated water supply. These risks are a real threat to human health, so it is important to prevent backflow at all costs.

What Are Some Options for Preventing Backflow?

Preventing backflow can be done by installing backflow prevention devices that are designed to keep water flowing in one direction. There are two common methods of backflow prevention plumbers may use: the air gap method and the backflow preventer valve method.

The air gap method is a backflow prevention method that involves putting a physical space or a gap between a water outlet and the flood level of a fixture. This gap helps maintain pressure in the system to keep wastewater flowing in one direction. The other method uses a backflow device called a backflow preventer valve. This valve can be installed in the system to keep water moving in one direction to prevent backflow and its effects.

How Often Should Backflow Preventers Be Tested?

While backflow prevention methods are essential for homes to help prevent water contamination, backflow testing must be done to ensure these devices are working correctly. Most states require homes to have this backflow test done by licensed plumbers who act as backflow testers at least once yearly.

Regular backflow testing gives homeowners - and the public - peace of mind that backflow devices are working properly and that their water at home is completely safe for consumption and free from contamination. If homeowners have more questions about backflow prevention and testing, they can reach out for answers.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has over 45 years of experience serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas. They offer accurate solutions, options to fit your budget, and fast turnarounds. Call them today for backflow prevention, testing, and certification services in Staten Island, NY.

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Get a Whole Home Dehumidifier This Summer

Humidity Can Make the Heat Feel Much Worse

Humidity is the amount of water vapor that is in the air. The higher the humidity, the more water is present in the air. And because hotter air is less dense, it can hold more water. So higher temperatures are more capable of higher humidity. This is why the summer heat can feel so intense. High humidity also makes it feel hotter. A dehumidifier is an excellent investment to keep a home much more comfortable and increase its air quality during the summer.

How Do Dehumidifiers Work?

The original air conditioner created was intended primarily for dehumidifying. It pulled the moisture out of the air and helped keep the paper in the publishing house from curling and tearing from the humidity. A whole-home dehumidifier is a device used to reduce the humidity in an indoor area.

It works by drawing air into the unit, which is cooled and passed through a filter to extract moisture from it. This moisture then condenses on cold evaporator coils and drips into a collection pan or is discharged directly outside. As humid air passes over the cold coils, it cools and releases moisture into the collection pan, while dry air continues to be released throughout the home or space. The dehumidifier continues this cycle until the optimal humidity levels are reached.

What Indicates the Need for a Whole House Dehumidifier?

Even if a home has a properly working air conditioning system and the temperature stays relatively comfortable, that does not mean that a dehumidifier would be a waste. It can actually assist the cooling system and make its work easier. Several things can happen in a home that signals that a dehumidifier, especially a whole-house dehumidifier, is necessary, including:

Musty smells in the house that cannot be removed indicate too much moisture.
Mold and mildew growth run rampant in high humidity.
Condensation on the windows and walls of a home shows a need to remove moisture.
Allergies and asthma more regularly triggered in the home may indicate a humidity problem.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Dehumidifier?

Some benefits of having a whole home dehumidifier installed are listed below.

Indoor Air Quality: High humidity can actually keep other pollutants like allergens and VOCs in the air. The humidity can also make breathing more difficult for people with chronic lung issues like asthma.

Home Comfort: The home will feel cooler and more comfortable with less moisture in the air.

Preservation of Property: High humidity and moisture can invite mold and mildew, damage a home’s structure, and damage furniture and floors. A dehumidifier helps prevent that.

Easy on the AC: A whole-house dehumidifier makes the air conditioner’s job easier by removing moisture, which can improve the efficiency of the AC and reduce energy costs.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is an award-winning company serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas. They provide options to fit a budget, fast turnarounds, and maintenance plans. Call them today for dehumidifier installation services in Staten Island, NY.

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The Benefits of Water Filtration Systems

Why Should Homeowners Opt for a Whole House Water Filter?

When the temperatures rise, so does the need for clean and refreshing water. For many homeowners, that means stocking up on plastic water bottles to stay hydrated. However, that can have a significant impact on the environment and budget. One solution is opting for a whole-house water filter. These devices work to remove impurities so families can enjoy clean water directly from the tap. But what do homeowners need to consider before installing one? In this post, plumbing experts explain the benefits of installing water filtration systems.

Clean Water Is Better Tasting Water

Clean water is more than just about protecting families from contaminants in water. Installing a water filtration system in the home can improve the water's taste and smell. Water is an essential ingredient for just about everything – from cooking pasta to brewing a fresh cup of coffee in the morning.

As such, one of the most noticeable benefits of a water filter is the better taste of many of these foods and drinks. Things like coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and even food the water is used to make will taste better with filtered water. Additionally, it can reduce wear and tear on appliances like the coffee maker, a win-win for all water consumption.

Removes Contaminants for Safer Water

When it comes to drinking water, the biggest concern will always be impurities. While most homes receive a steady supply of treated water, impurities can still enter the system through the plumbing. Some of the impurities that may be affecting water in residential homes include:

Metals, including lead and arsenic.
Chlorine or fluoride, which is often used to eliminate bacteria.
Industrial waste like fertilizers or oil.
Waste, like animal droppings or road debris.

While all whole-house water filtration systems differ, many can filter out these impurities before reaching the tap. For example, a reverse osmosis water filter uses filters and pressure to push water through a filtration system that removes even the most minor debris from the water supply for safer and cleaner water.

Water Filtration Saves Money

Finally, water filtration systems can help people save money. Although they require an initial investment for their purchase and installation, they help homeowners save in two major ways in the long run. For starters, homeowners can say goodbye to buying bottled water by having convenient access to clean water. Not only will this cut down on costs, but also it's great for the environment because plastic water bottles contribute to a significant amount of plastic waste.

Second, some water filters can remove minerals that cause hard water and are often harmful to plumbing. This reduces the wear and tear on the plumbing and appliances like the water heater, slowing down corrosion and leading to fewer issues and repairs, saving homeowners money.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is a veteran-owned business serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide budget-friendly options, fast turnarounds, and quality workmanship. Call them today for water filtration system installation in Staten Island, NY.

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Add AC Coil Cleaning to the Spring Cleaning Checklist

Improve the Air Conditioner’s Performance With Coil Cleaning

Summer is coming, but spring cleaning must be done before everyone checks out for summer celebrations. By doing some simple tasks when the weather improves during the spring, people can check them off their list and get back to doing the things they enjoy.

During spring cleaning, one of the tasks that can often get overlooked is AC maintenance, particularly coil cleaning. Here is a quick guide so that everyone can understand what coil cleaning is and why it is vital to the efficient operation of an air conditioner.

Evaporator Coil Cleaning

Evaporator coils are an integral part of a cooling system. They are responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside a home and transferring it to the refrigerant flowing through them to cool down the surrounding air. Evaporator coils are typically made of aluminum, copper, or stainless steel and can be found inside the indoor unit of a split-system air conditioner.

Proper maintenance of evaporator coils is essential for the energy-efficient operation of the cooling system and to ensure that it runs smoothly for years to come. Regular cleaning and inspection of evaporator coils will help keep an air conditioner running at peak efficiency, minimize energy costs, prevent potential breakdowns, and extend its lifespan.

Condenser Coil Cleaning

Condenser coils are another vital part of the cooling system in a home located in the outdoor air conditioning unit. The condenser coils transfer heat from the house to the outside environment by dissipating heat from the refrigerant as it flows through the coils. They are typically made up of copper tubes with aluminum fins.

Proper maintenance of condenser coils is essential for efficient cooling in a home, so it’s important to check on them regularly and clean them if needed. Cleaning the coils regularly can help ensure that they are working at their best and that homeowners get the most out of their cooling system in energy efficiency.

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance Benefits

The benefits of coil cleaning and maintenance are:

Prevents refrigerant leaks
Optimizes energy efficiency
Lowers energy bills
Keeps humidity in check
Improves performance
Enhances longevity

The easiest way to access these benefits is to schedule AC coil cleaning and maintenance from a qualified professional. During a routine AC maintenance visit, a technician inspects AC equipment and looks for potential problems. They will also take time to lubricate moving parts and clean the AC coils. Coil cleaning restores lost performance by enhancing airflow through the coil, and it removes caustic compounds that can eat away at the metal in the coils and cause refrigerant leaks.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is an award-winning plumbing and HVAC company serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide fast turnarounds, financing, and a beneficial maintenance plan. Call them today for AC maintenance and evaporator coil cleaning services in Staten Island, NY.

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What Tools Do Plumbers Use to Get the Job Done?

What’s in a Plumber’s Toolbox and Fully Stocked Truck?

Just like surgeons rely on specialized tools, plumbers also rely on various distinctive devices and tools in their line of work. These items allow plumbers to zero in on an issue and finish the job effectively. This blog post will discuss common tools plumbers often use when on the job and what they are used for.

Hand Tools

A professional wouldn’t dare show up to a job without smaller plumbing tools like these in hand:

Wrenches: There are different types of wrenches for different kinds of jobs. For instance, a plumbing contractor may use a monkey wrench if they need to adjust the jaws’ size constantly. Yet, for smaller jobs, they may rely on a wrench set where each one comes with a fixed jaw span.
Pipe cutters: Cutting through a metal pipe with a handsaw could take hours. That’s why plumbers use pipe cutters. These tools can cut lines clean in half, allowing for easy removal and installation.
Plunger: Sometimes, a plumbing issue, like a clogged toilet, just needs a good plunger. Plumbers likely keep “ol’ reliable” in their work van.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Plumbers regularly encounter contaminated water, sewage, and other safety hazards like having to work with scalding hot water.

To avoid endangering their safety and health, they may wear safety equipment, including:

Heat-insulated gloves: A plumber may wear heat-insulated gloves to avoid suffering burns, like when working with a water heater.
Steel-toed boots: Plumbers wear sturdy boots because they don’t want to risk injury if something falls on their feet or they step on something sharp.
Protective goggles and masks: A plumbing contractor may wear goggles to prevent hot liquid or a dangerous substance from getting into their eyes. They may wear masks to avoid inhaling harmful fumes or particles.

Specialized Plumbing Tools

Hand tools and PPE are just some things a professional plumber may rely on. However, complicated plumbing work often requires specialized equipment. These distinctive tools may include:

Plumber’s snakes: Also called drain snakes, these tools remove hard-to-reach clogs from the pipes. They’re flexible cables with a coil on the end to grab onto obstructions and come in both mechanical and manual models. Some also come with cameras, allowing plumbers to get closer looks at the obstruction.
Hydro jets: Hydro jets work a lot like pressure washers. Yet, instead of washing away grime, they blast away clogs in the piping. Hydro jetting is a proven method that not only can unclog lines but can also prevent clogs.
Sewer inspection cameras: Some problems are so deep in a plumbing system a plumber cannot see them up close. This is where drain cameras come in. These devices are put into plumbing lines, allowing plumbers to see and locate issues.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is a disabled veteran-owned business serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas. They provide fast turnarounds, maintenance plans, and award-winning service. Call them today for plumbing services in Staten Island, NY.