Articles | Totally Plumbing

Water Heater Upgrade and Other House Projects to Consider if the Climate Bill Passes

The climate bill that recently passed for 2022 offers rebates and tax breaks for qualifying homeowners who install energy-efficient products such as an energy efficient water heater. Estimated savings are approximately $1,800 in annual costs for gasoline and utility bills and can exceed $30,000 after 10 years and $140,000 after 25 years, if a household invests their energy bill savings from making energy efficiency upgrades.

There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient, including upgrading to an energy efficient water heater, installing an HVAC heat pump, adding insulation, installing rooftop solar panels, replacing drafty windows and doors, and more. For example, an energy efficient water heater will use approximate one-third of the electricity of a conventional water heater and would qualify for up to $1,750 in rebates.

Learn about home improvements that can reduce energy costs and quality for tax savings and rebates.

plumbingmbd2022-08-14T14:15:06+00:00August 12th, 2022|

Home Improvements You Can Tackle with Your Tax Refund

A tax refund can make many small home improvement projects possible. According to the IRS, the average refund for tax year 2021 is expected to be more than $3,000, which is more than enough budget to paint a room, add a feature wall, or improve your home’s security. Home improvement projects that typically cost less than the average tax refund and can be completed quickly include adding a kitchen island; painting a house; adding a tile backsplash; replacing bathroom amenities such as cabinets, sinks, and fixtures; installing wainscoting, and upgrading a sump pump. Learn about home improvement projects that can be completed with a tax refund.

plumbingmbd2022-04-19T02:48:33+00:00April 14th, 2022|

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets

Roaches are unsightly in kitchen cabinets as well as other areas of a home, and can carry diseases and be a risk to pets. To get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, there are some remedies that can be used before contacting a pest control specialist. Steps include cleaning out kitchen cabinets to eliminate possible food sources, identifying and filling cracks where pests may gain entry, address possible water leaks and moisture sources, applying gel baits, and applying diatomaceous earth or boric acid to kill the insects. Learn more about remediating roach infestations in kitchen cabinets.

plumbingmbd2022-04-19T02:25:28+00:00April 12th, 2022|

Basement Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

A sump pump works to keep a basement dry by discharging captured water from a sump pump basin that could have penetrated a basement by seeping through seams or cracks in basement walls or basement floors. To ensure the sump pump is in proper working condition, it is recommended to perform annual, and in some cases quarterly, inspections and maintenance. Sump pump maintenance steps include checking and clearing the sump pump basin of debris, checking the sump pump for corrosion and other damage, cleaning the sump pump inlet screen, lubricating sump pump bearings if recommended by the manufacturer, and clearing the sump pump discharge line of debris. Learn about basement sump pump maintenance to ensure performance.

plumbingmbd2022-03-08T16:12:18+00:00February 28th, 2022|

What to Do When Water is in a Basement Crawl Space

Causes for water leaking into a basement crawl space include leaking pipes or plumbing fixtures, water from gutters and downspouts, and groundwater seeping through seams or cracks in the foundation. Resolving this issue quickly is important, as standing water can erode a home’s foundation, rot the wooden beams and joists, and create mold and mildew issues. Depending on the root cause of water in a basement crawl space, possible solutions include repairing plumbing leaks, installing a sump pump, adding a vapor barrier, cleaning gutters and diverting downspouts away from exterior basement walls, and fixing grading around the foundation to redirect water away from it. Learn about causes of water in a basement crawl space and remediation tactics.

plumbingmbd2022-02-28T16:55:19+00:00February 22nd, 2022|

How to Find Your Septic Tank

A residential septic system needs regular maintenance to avoid a system backup and ensure the longevity of the septic tank and septic field. Regular septic tank maintenance includes pumping the tanks every 2-3 years depending on the number of bathrooms and occupants in the home.

There are several options for finding the location of a septic tank. These include inspecting the yard for a large divot or hill, identifying areas in the lawn that are patchy or difficult to grow grass on, using a soil probe to find the septic tank lids, following the main sewer line from the home by tracking the sewer line in the basement, and contacting your local Department of Health or county building department to obtain records or plans submitted for design approval of the septic system. Learn more about ways to identify the location of a home’s septic system.

plumbingmbd2022-02-15T15:40:36+00:00February 14th, 2022|

Does a Home Warranty Cover HVAC Repair?

With some exceptions, HVAC systems are usually covered by home warranties that include home systems. The HVAC systems covered under the warranty depends on the type of warranty purchased. Appliance coverage typically includes appliances only (including kitchen and laundry appliances), systems only (including whole home systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC), or combination policies that cover both appliances and whole home systems. The home warranty policy will specify which HVAC components are covered, which typically include central air conditioning units, heating systems, some wall heaters, and water heaters. Some home warranties for HVAC will cover ductwork, pipes, and controls such as thermostats. Typical exclusions include portable appliances such as window units. Learn more about home warranty coverage for HVAC systems.

plumbingmbd2022-02-01T17:11:00+00:00January 31st, 2022|

How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?

HVAC systems are manufactured to withstand high use and last an average of 15-25 years. Climate and frequency of use impact an HVAC system’s longevity and while improvements in insulation and sealing a home reduces heat and cooling, it traps chemicals, dust, and other particles which can have a negative impact on HVAC appliances and controls. HVAC maintenance, including annual cleanings and tune-ups, can extend system life. Air conditioner maintenance is best performed in early spring while furnace maintenance is best performed in early fall. Typical HVAC system service includes cleaning condensers and coils, checking overflow valves, tightening connections, and a general inspection. Learn about HVAC system longevity and maintenance that could extended HVAC system life.

plumbingmbd2022-02-01T17:08:22+00:00January 31st, 2022|

How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?

A concrete septic tank, the most common tank type, can last as long as 40 years. To maximize a septic tank’s lifespan, is it recommended to pump a septic tank every 2 to 3 years. As part of the service call, the septic service company should inspect the complete system for potential issues that could require repairs. Identifying and repairing issues quickly can extend the septic tank and system life. It is also recommended to avoid flushing items down the toilet that could harm the septic system and lead to failure, including hazardous waste, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, paper towels, paint thinner, and other household and personal care items. Learn about septic system lifespan, identifying possible septic tank and septic field failures, and how to extend the life of a septic system.

plumbingmbd2022-01-27T16:07:34+00:00January 27th, 2022|

Ways to Warm Up a Cold Finished Basement

When planning a finished basement project, be sure to consider that basements can be chilly in winter. There are several options for keeping a finished basement comfortable without major renovations. Low cost ideas for creating a warm and inviting space in a basement include a space heater, portable baseboard heater, an area rug, a throw blanket, and a ceiling fan that can run in reverse. Options for increasing the temperature of a large space in a basement include an electric fireplace, radiant floor heating, and radiant wall heaters. Learn about options for keeping your finished basement warm during colder periods.

plumbingmbd2022-01-21T17:57:42+00:00January 19th, 2022|