FAQ: Frequently Asked HVAC & Plumbing Questions

Our industry-leading experts in Bristol County, MA, can answer all your HVAC and plumbing questions—call us today! At RCL Mechanical, we strive to educate our clients in Taunton, MA, to make well-informed decisions about their HVAC and plumbing systems. Read on for our compiled list of commonly raised queries and learn more about your HVAC and plumbing systems.

A burning plastic smell originating from your heater might mean two things. First, it’s possible that a foreign object got lodged near the heating components and started to burn. Another potential cause is an electrical failure. For your safety, we recommend turning off your heating immediately and calling us to assess your system.

If your AC smells like vinegar, a buildup of organic material inside the system might be the culprit. Bacteria and microorganisms can thrive inside poorly maintained air conditioners and produce substances that emit a sour odor. When you notice a gassy, almost faintly sweet, aroma from your AC, reach out to our HVAC technicians immediately. There’s a high chance that you might be dealing with a hazardous Freon leak.

While there’s a chance that your furnace will catch on fire or explode, it's many safety mechanisms will make that scenario very unlikely to happen. Most heating systems today will shut down automatically the moment they start overheating.

The first thing you can do if you’re experiencing low water pressure is to call your water supplier, as it might be undergoing system maintenance. If not, your shut-off valve might not be fully open. Most properties have their valves installed in or near their water meter. Slowly unscrew the tap and see if your situation improves. If you’re still experiencing poor water pressure, it might stem from a serious plumbing problem, such as:
  • Faulty pressure regulators
  • Severe plumbing clogs
  • Corroded pipework
  • Broken or faulty fixtures
These issues require industry experience and specialized tools, so be sure to call our experts for help.

Drain snakes handled by experienced professionals are enough to clear out most clogged drains. However, the toughest obstructions – especially those located deep inside your pipework – are best cleaned through hydro-jetting. The most effective methods vary per case, which is why we at RCL Mechanical provide tailor-fit drain cleaning instead of relying on cookie-cutter solutions.

There are many possible causes of your hot water running out too soon, with the most common being:
  • Age: When your heater exceeds its operational lifespan, it begins to lose its original performance.
  • Low heating output: The water heater you chose might not have the capacity and output needed by your home or business.
  • Poor installation: If your unit was installed by inexperienced contractors, you might end up with subpar heating.
  • Lack of upkeep: Like any machine, your water heater will only work its best when properly maintained.

If you have any questions still unanswered, our experts at RCL Mechanical are more than happy to share their knowledge with residents of Bristol or Plymouth Counties in Massachusetts. Call us at 774-784-0260 today!