Tools Your Plumber Will Use to Clean Your Drains

June 4th, 2013

The drains in your home are one of the most-used components of your plumbing system. Any time you turn on a faucet, run the dishwasher or washing machine your drains have to work hard to dispose of that waste water. All that use means that they will sometimes need to be cleaned. When you need a Manhattan, KS plumber call Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer fast and reliable drain cleaning services that will help ensure that your drains work well. We use a few specialized tools to get down into the deepest parts of your plumbing system to remove all the hard-to-reach clogs or blockages. Here’s some information on those tools and how our plumbers use them.

Tools of the Manhattan, KS Plumber

When you need a Manhattan, KS plumber make sure that you call the experts at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We have experience working on all different kinds of drain issues and have the tools to make sure that your drains are sparkling clean. These are a few of the tools that we will use during our visit.

Water Jet

Water jet equipment is one of the best tolls at our disposal. Water jetting is a safe and very effective way to remove clogs and blockages from your home’s drain system. A water jet is a long, thin hose that produces several high-pressure streams of water that clean out all different kinds of clogs from your pipes. The streams of water are strong enough to clear clogs and keep your drain pipes safe. If you need a Manhattan, KS plumber just give us a call here at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning.

Video Camera Pipe Inspection

When it comes to finding out exactly where the clogs or blockages are, video camera pipe inspection is one of the best tools. These types of system use a long wire with a small camera on the end of it. The camera is fed down into your home’s plumbing system and it sends back an image to a video screen. Our plumbers use this to figure out exactly where the clog is and what it’s made out of. This allows us to target our efforts on a specific location instead of having to fish around the drains in your home.

When you need a Manhattan, KS plumber just pick up the phone and call Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We have years of experience offering complete plumbing services and have worked with countless homeowners.

Happy Memorial Day!

May 27th, 2013

Memorial Day, which is observed on the final Monday of May every year, is an opportunity to honor and commemorate those military personnel who have fallen while serving their country. The day began in the aftermath of the American Civil War, when the country was damaged and in need of remembrance. Originally called Decoration Day, owing to the flowers that would decorate gravesites, its principal purpose has been to mourn those who have died during service; but it’s also a time to come together as a country and take stock of the way that our soldiers have shaped this country.

There is a national moment of silence and various events throughout the day. You may see volunteers putting flags up at your local cemetery or flowers decorating war memorials. It’s also a reprieve from our work schedule that should be enjoyed in tandem with remembrance. We wish you all the best this Memorial Day.

Signs You Need To Replace Your Air Conditioning

May 23rd, 2013

Are you concerned about your AC? Will it not last another cooling season? Have you thought of replacement? Making the decision to replace your AC is a big decision for your home. You need to make sure that it’s the right one for your cooling needs and your budget. Fortunately, there are professional technicians that can help advise you on the best course of action. In today’s post, we’d like to review some of the signs that you need to replace your air conditioning. While all situations are different, and there’s not always a clear line separating repair from replacement, this may help you think about what you should do. Call Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today for comprehensive Manhattan, KS air conditioning replacement services.

  • Frequent repairs. This is one of the most common reasons to consider replacement. While minor repairs are to be expected during the operation of your AC, major ones may make you pause. They may be indications that you should consider replacement. After all, it may make more financial sense to replace your AC than continue to pay for repairs.
  • Old age. If your AC is older, you should be at least considering the prospect of replacement. You know that it can’t last forever, and it’s better to be prepared than to be surprised by a permanent breakdown during the dog days of summer. Speak to your local professional about the condition of your AC.
  • Energy efficiency. Homeowners throughout our service area are always looking for ways to cut down on their energy bills, and one of the best ways to secure the future of your home comfort while also ensuring that your cooling is highly energy efficient is AC replacement. Today’s air conditioners boast SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings much higher than those of just a decade ago.

It’s often a combination of these factors rather than just one. But please don’t make any decisions until you’ve spoken to a qualified technician about your system. If you’re in need of Manhattan, KS air conditioning replacement, call Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Benefits of Regular Manhattan, KS Drain Cleaning

May 17th, 2013

Your drains and sewer line are vital components of your home plumbing system. Without them, you would not be able to dispose of wastewater in the convenient, hygienic way that you are used to. In order to protect the operation of your drains and sewer line, it is a good idea to schedule regular, professional drain cleaning services. The Manhattan, KS drain cleaning professionals at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help you get the most out of your plumbing system. Contact us today to learn more. We want to ensure that your drains and sewer system are in the best condition possible.

There are a lot of things that get into your drains other than just water. Everything from grease to hair and toothpaste can lead to drain clogs, and clogged drains can lead to a number of different problems. One major problem with clogged drains is the disruption to convenience in your home. No one wants to take a shower while the water is pooling up around their ankles. Routine drain cleaning can keep your home clean and hygienic while also keeping it convenient.

There are many benefits to your plumbing system to be had as well. While many homeowners think of clogged drains as a minor inconvenience, they can actually do some real damage to your plumbing. If your drains are backed up, they can throw off the pressure within your plumbing system. This can disrupt the flow of water and water pressure in your home, can even lead to broken pipes. With regular drain cleaning, you can help protect the condition of your home plumbing system.

While professional drain cleaning is the best way to keep your drain and sewer system fully functional, don’t forget that you yourself can take certain steps to minimize the risk of clogged drains. Make sure that you use strainers in all sinks and bathtubs. This is a simple way to keep food, hair and other items out of your drains. Also, be thoughtful about what you put down your drain and into your garbage disposal. Take the time to learn which items are best tossed in the garbage.

For more information about the benefits of regular Manhattan, KS drain cleaning, call Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today. We will ensure that your drains are as functional as possible. Don’t let slow moving drains hinder convenience in your home.

Signs Your Drains Need Repair

May 9th, 2013

One of the most common problems that homeowners deal with is clogged or slow moving drains. Just because this issue is so common, though, does not mean that it is not serious. In fact, even minor clogs in your drains can cause serious problems for your plumbing system as a whole. If you have backed up drains, or suspect that there is any other problem with them, contact Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning immediately. The sooner that our Manhattan, KS plumbing repair professionals are able to resolve your drain problems, the better off your drain lines are likely to be. Here are some signs to keep an eye out for that may indicate the need for drain repair.

As mentioned above, one of the most common signs that there is a problem with the drainage system in your home is a backed up drain. There are a number of different issues that may cause a drain to clog. Putting inappropriate items down your drains, for instance, may cause them to back up. Kitchen sinks are one of the biggest trouble areas. Food scraps, fat, grease and many other items find their way into your drains. When this happens, they can line your pipes, trap more debris, and cause your drain to back up. If you have slow moving drains, don’t reach for a liquid chemical cleaner. Contact a professional to complete the job properly.

Tree roots may also force their way into your drain line over time. This can cause your drains to back up as well. If you notice any wetness in or around your home, contact us immediately. It is possible that a section of your drain line has been compromised, and it may need to be professionally replaced. If a repair is possible, our team of technicians can handle the job.

Make sure that your drainage system is able to carry waste water away from your home effectively. Contact Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today. If your drains are backed up, you notice water leaks or you smell unpleasant odors in your home, a Manhattan, KS plumbing repair may be necessary.

Why Is My Heater Blowing Cool Air?

April 30th, 2013

If your heating system is blowing cool air it could leave your house uncomfortable and cold during the winter. Call the Manhattan, KS heating repair professionals at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We have years of experience working with many different types and brands of systems. Give us a call if you’re having any issues with your heating system. Here are a few reasons why your heater might be blowing cool air.

Clogged Air Filter

If you have a forced air heating system like a furnace or a heat pump then you have an air filter that protects the moving parts from dirt and dust. If it isn’t regularly changed it can restrict the flow of hot air into your home. This can keep your furnace or heat pump from being able to deliver warm air into your home.

The Thermostat

Your home’s thermostats are one of the most-overlooked components of your heating and air conditioning system. If they stop working it can cause your home’s furnace or heat pump to not heat your home properly. It could be telling your heater that your home doesn’t need any heat. The Manhattan, KS heating repair pros at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning can help you get your heating system back up and running.

Burner and Pilot Light Problems

The burner of your furnace is what actually provides heat for your home. If the burner or pilot light has gone out it could mean that the fan is just blowing air through your ducts. Without heat, that air will likely be cold.

Make sure that you call the Manhattan, KS heating repair professionals at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning if you’re having any issues with your home’s heating system.

Manhattan, KS Water Treatment System Options

April 23rd, 2013

Access to clean running water in our homes is one of the most important luxuries that we enjoy. Unfortunately, the water supplied to your home may not always be up to the high standards of quality that you deserve. The Manhattan, KS water treatment systems specialists at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We offer a variety of different water treatment systems for installation in your home. Whatever your specific water quality problems may be, a professional plumber on our team can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Whole House Water Softeners

Hard water is a very common problem in many homes. A lot of people fail to realize how serious a problem hard water can be, though. Hard water has a high concentration of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which can lead to hard water stains on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. A water softener removes these excessive minerals as water passes through. Hard water can have a negative impact on any part of you plumbing system, including your water heater and boiler, so it is important that the problem is addressed with a whole house approach.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

A reverse osmosis system is one of the most effective ways to boost water quality in your home. Such systems feature two chambers of water, and each chamber has a different pressure level. A porous membrane separates the two chambers. The membrane is so efficient that only water is allowed to pass through it. When water enters the system, it is pressurized, forcing it through the membrane and separating any contaminants from your water supply.

Whole House Water Filtration

Many homeowners are familiar with point of use water filters. A whole house water filter is the same basic concept, but on a larger scale. A filtering material is used to absorb chemicals and filter out pollutants in your water.

To learn more about all of the great Manhattan, KS water treatment systems available for installation in your home, call Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today. We can answer any questions you may have. Let us help you enjoy the great water quality that you deserve in your home.

How to Tell If I Need To Replace My Drains or Sewer Line

April 15th, 2013

The drains and sewer lines in your home are a huge part of your daily life. They deal with thousands of gallons of waste water every single year which can really take a toll on them. Call the Manhattan, KS drain and sewer repair professionals at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We know how important it is for you to have your drains and sewer lines work well. Your drains and sewer lines are not something that you check on a regular basis so it can be hard to tell when they need to be replaced. These are few of the signs that you should watch for which could indicate that you need to replace your drain and sewer lines.

Age of the Pipes

If the plumbing system in your home is old and has started to require more frequent repairs it might make more sense just to replace the system instead of repairing it. The Manhattan, KS drain and sewer experts at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning will be able to help you determine whether you should repair or replace it.

Frequent Leaks and Clogs

If your drains and sewer lines are constantly clogging or leaking it could be a sign of a more serious problem with your system. The Manhattan, KS drain and sewer professionals at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning can help you figure out if  your system is on its way out and needs to be replaced.

Hard Water

If your home has hard water it means that there are excess minerals in your home’s water. While those minerals are generally harmless to your health they can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. The minerals can deposit themselves inside your drains and sewer line which could cause frequent clogs and actually wear out the pipes.

For all your Manhattan, KS drain and sewer replacement give the expert plumbers at Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning a call today.

Manhattan KS Plumbing Repair: Things To Avoid Putting In Your Garbage Disposal

April 8th, 2013

The whole point of the garbage disposal is to reduce the amount of food waste that enters your trash. It was designed to grind up small scraps of food so that they could safely enter your wastewater disposal system, whether it’s a septic tank or the municipal waste management system. It’s designed with this (and only this) purpose in mind. Thus, certain materials should not be put down your garbage disposal because they will not be properly disposed of and may clog or otherwise damage your garbage disposal unit. While mistakes can happen, it’s important to avoid such damage whenever possible. That’s why we’ve created this brief guide to help you differentiate the safe from the unsafe materials. For more information, or to schedule a repair service, contact the Manhattan, KS plumbing repair specialists at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today!

  • Fibrous foods. Potato skins and banana peels have a lot of starch in them, which can make them difficult to break down by the garbage disposal’s grinding blades. But anything that is stringy, like onions and celery, can also pose challenges to your disposal unit.
  • Bones. While we don’t imagine many homeowners have intentionally tried to stuff bones down their disposal units, even small chicken and fish bones should be composted or thrown in the trash. They can not only clog up the unit, but can also dull the blades and cause damage to the moving parts.
  • Non-organic matter. If you keep in mind that whatever goes through your garbage disposal needs to be organic and therefore biodegradable, then you can easily eliminate a lot of questionable non-organic objects quickly. Also, make sure you don’t accidentally drop cutlery or bottle caps into the garbage disposal.

The manufacturer’s instructions that came with your garbage disposal may contain a list of prohibited substances that you should avoid putting down your unit. These devices can also be dangerous, so make sure to follow any and all safety instructions. For more information, or if you have a clogged or damaged garbage disposal, call the Manhattan, KS plumbing repair specialists at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Manhattan, KS Heating: Is There Something Wrong with My Gas Furnace Burner?

April 1st, 2013

Knowing the basics of what components make up your gas furnace and how they cooperate to convert energy into heat is a great way to stay vigilant about any potential problems that may arise. While the features of your heating system are complex and require the expert service of a trained professional, a little bit of knowledge about your furnace burner can help you to recognize problems before they become severe. For exceptional heating repair in Manhattan, KS, including gas furnace services, call Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today!

Your gas furnace burner is responsible for combusting your gas into usable heat. It should give off a steady blue flame, whose height is adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The burner is comprised of an ignition device and burner tubes. You may have a standing pilot light with a thermocouple attached, or an electric ignition with flame sensor rods. In either case, the process is relatively simple: the thermostat communicates with your furnace to begin combustion, fuel is sent into the tubes and the burner ignites the fuel, creating heat used to heat air and send it throughout your ductwork.

Over time, however, your gas furnace burner may begin to develop problems. Here are a few of the most common:

  • Yellow flame. Anything other than a steady blue flame indicates a fuel supply problem. There may be a leak in the gas supply line, which can be inefficient and hazardous.
  • Sputtering or inconsistent flame. There might be soot or debris stuck in the perforated holes through which your fuel travels.
  • Thermocouple fault. Your thermocouple is an electronic safety device designed to prevent the passage of gas in the event your pilot light goes out. However, if the sensor becomes damaged or covered in dust or debris, then it cannot accurately sense whether the flame is there or not. It may automatically shut down the system even though your pilot light is working.

Your gas burner is the source of heat for your furnace. The efficiency of its combustion depends upon clean and clear components. If you think there’s something wrong with the burner in your gas furnace, call a professional. For Manhattan, KS heating services, call Standard Plumbing, Heating and Air today.