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Three Easy Tips for Unclogging a Blocked Drain

How To Fix a Clogged Kitchen Sink

A kitchen sink clog is more than inconvenient; it can cause problems in other areas of the home. Before reaching for that bottle of Draino, think twice. Pouring chemicals down a kitchen’s drain is one of the worst things a homeowner can do to solve the problem. These corrosive chemicals wear down a home’s pipes and can cause irreparable damage.

Homeowners can do three easy things to eliminate clogs without relying on chemicals. Some of these measures include:

Pouring Hot Water Down a Clogged Sink Drain

Many homeowners turn to this method first before considering other measures. The boiling water can cut through the clog and push it deeper into the system, but in the worst-case scenario, it can make the clog worse.

Here are some things to consider:

Do not use this method if the clog is made of oil, fat, and grease. The boiling water can bind these components together, creating a sludge ball that can be very difficult to remove.
If a home has PVC pipes, pouring boiling water down the drain can melt the pipes. If the pipes don’t melt right away, they could start leaking over time.
Pouring hot water down the drain shouldn’t be one’s go-to for removing clogs. It should only be used once in a while if the clog is a purely organic material and the pipes are metal.
A professional drain cleaning professional can determine what measures could work best for a clogged drain. They may use a drain snake or another method to remove the blockage.

Use a mixture of Baking Soda and Vinegar

Many people know that baking soda and vinegar combine to create foamy, bubbling carbon dioxide. They can work together to break down organic material. Here’s how to use baking soda and vinegar for clogs:

Pour warm water down the drain.
Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain.
Cover the drain and wait five to 10 minutes.
Remove the drain cover.
Pour warm water down the drain again.

This is generally a safe method for most homeowners to use. For instance, if a home has PVC pipes, the baking soda and vinegar solution will not hurt the pipes. However, if the clog is made of fat, oil, and grease, the solution could make the clog coagulate––making it difficult to remove without proper tools.

Scheduling an Appointment with a Kitchen Plumbing Service Professional

While DIY drain cleaning measures can address short-term problems, one should have their plumbing system assessed at least once a year by a trained professional. An expert will look for:

Leaks
Old, rusted pipes
Drains that chronically clog
Poor water pressure

A professional may use a host of measures to eliminate clogs, such as using drain snakes, removing old pipes, and even evaluating the sewer main in front of the home.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical is available 24/7 to help homeowners in the Taunton, MA, area. They offer flat-rate pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for experienced technicians and professional service in Raynham, MA.

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Getting to Know the Boiler Better for Valentine's Day

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Boilers

Many homeowners don’t think about their boilers unless boiler service is needed or it’s not acting the most optimally or efficiently. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge or unpreparedness can lead to expensive repairs because of ignored warning signs of potential issues. Knowing what to look for and who to call for boiler repair when a unit is experiencing minor issues helps prevent major problems later on.

Do Boilers Boil Water?

The boiler is the center of the home’s central heating system. Hot water boilers heat water between 140-180 degrees and then push the heated water throughout the house. Steam boilers boil water beyond the boiling point until the water becomes steam, used to heat the home.

A valve connected to the boiler opens when the unit is running, gas is released into a sealed combustion chamber, and an ignition system is ignited to burn the fuel. Hot jets linked to a heat exchanger transfer heat from the ignited fuel to water that flows over the exchanger. An electric pump then takes the heated water, pushes it out to radiators, and taps throughout the house.

Are Boilers An Eco-Friendly Heating Option?

Residential boilers are closed systems that continuously recycle water. Modern boilers are more cost-effective and efficient than previous models. Homeowners should look for units with a 90% or higher efficiency rating based on the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. Residential units should have an Energy-Star designation.

The best boiler installation technicians will properly size the unit to meet the household's needs and current configuration to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal use.

What Impacts a Boiler’s Efficiency?

A boiler that drops below a certain water pressure threshold will likely not cause damage to the central heating system or boiler but will impact the household's quality of life. Most boilers have a visible gauge on the unit and an indicator with a minimum safe pressure range.

Gas boilers can be connected straight to a gas main for continuous fuel usage or have Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders that need periodic refilling. It is the most commonly installed boiler because it is the cheapest option available.

Oil boilers operate similarly but require an oil tank storage near the boiler and consistent oil deliveries from a local company. This option is not as eco-friendly but tends to be more fuel-efficient.

Electric boilers don’t burn fuel but instead use electric elements to transfer heat to the water in the boiler. It is often the least efficient unit and the most expensive to run due to the higher cost of electricity in most municipalities.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical focuses on building exceptional relationships through exceptional customer service in Taunton, Bristol County, and the South Shore Region. Trusted technicians are available 24/7 to assist with boiler installation, maintenance plans, and minor repairs in Taunton, MA.

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Are Heat Pumps the Most Efficient Home Heating Method?

Heat Pumps Offer Versatility, Flexibility, and Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps can bring outdoor air into the house to heat in the winter and cool during the summer. Under the best-operating conditions, a heat pump can move up to 300% more energy than it uses. Some heat pump services tout that heat pumps offer a 100% efficiency rating, saving 5% in energy efficiency over furnaces. That 5% can be the difference between high and low energy bills this winter season!

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Air source heat pumps use electricity to provide an energy-efficient alternative to heating and cooling a home without the added cost of a heating service company installing both a furnace and air conditioning unit.

Heat pumps do not create heat but rather move heat from one place to another to keep the temperature at the desired setting. Heat wants to move from high temperature, high-pressure environments to low pressure, low-temperature environments naturally, so heat pumps use this to transfer heat.

A reversing valve within the system allows for a change in the flow of refrigerant used to heat or cool the home. Older model heat pumps are the superior option in mild climates or areas where electricity costs are low.

Some high-efficiency heat pumps offer the additional benefit of acting as a full house dehumidifier for homeowners that live in climates with above-average moisture levels and could use some relief. To ensure quality and professional heat pump service, heat pump installation and repair should only be conducted by licensed and insured professionals.

Is Ductless Right for the Home?

Ductless heating/air systems are generally wall-mounted indoor units with an outdoor compressor used in areas that traditionally would have used a window AC unit or baseboard heating. Most homeowners prefer ductless units because only a small hole has to be drilled into the wall for installation. The unit is also quieter, with a higher quality aesthetic within the living space.

Mechanical professionals and heating services have done the research and found that heating ducts cost homeowners up to 25% of the energy output of a traditional furnace or air conditioning unit. Ductless models use inter-driven compressors that speed up or slow down the compressors based on the needs of the unit rather than turn off the unit entirely until it’s next needed like traditional HVAC systems do.

Energy Savings Equal Money Savings for Savvy Homeowners

On average, Energy Star ductless systems save homeowners 30% on their heating and cooling costs. The Federal Government offers a tax credit for qualified individuals, and some utility companies offer incentives for installing energy-efficient equipment in the home.

According to the Department of Energy website, modern heat pumps can reduce home energy use by up to 50% compared to electric furnaces and baseboard heaters.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical, located in Raynham, MA, uses the latest plumbing and HVAC technologies to provide customers with always on-time service at a flat rate. This company has earned a prestigious Home Advisor Elite award as a top-rated company for customer service. Technicians are LEED and NATE certified and guarantee customer satisfaction on every provided product or service. Call RCL Mechanical today for heat pump installation and service in Taunton.

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Why Won't Your House Stay Warm Enough?

Three Common HVAC Issues That May Be Affecting Your Home’s Heating

As autumn rolls on and the weather grows ever chillier, homeowners find themselves running the heater with more and more frequency. Unfortunately, many homeowners also find that no matter how often or how long they run their furnace, the house never seems to reach or hold the desired temperature. This can be frustrating and problematic, to say the least, especially with winter just around the corner.

So keep reading to learn about three of the most common reasons a home’s central heating system might be struggling to provide warmth - and what to do about them.

Wrong Sized Unit

One surprisingly common cause of heating issues is a heater or furnace that’s the wrong size for the home. This can occur if the unit was selected and installed without proper calculations or if part of the house has been remodeled.

If the unit is oversized, it will produce too much heat too quickly, and the thermostat will shut off the heating cycle prematurely. This is known as “short-cycling” and can cause some parts of the home to be deprived of heat. An undersized unit will run longer than intended as it struggles to meet the thermostat’s demands. The result can be higher utility bills and increased wear and tear on the unit in either case. Unfortunately, the only solution is a new heater installation.

Thermostat Issues

In some cases, a heat deficiency may be caused by something as simple as a thermostat problem. If the thermostat is located near a heat source or exposed to direct sunlight, it may cause the heater to turn off even though the rest of the house hasn’t been properly heated. Similarly, if dust or grime has built up inside the thermostat, it may not be able to accurately read the temperature, potentially resulting in insufficient heat.

Alternatively, the problem may also simply be an old thermostat. For instance, some older thermostats contain a mercury bulb, which can cause malfunctions if it isn’t completely level. Even a purely digital thermostat can become worn and begin to fail after many years of use. The best way to solve thermostat issues is to call an HVAC professional to diagnose the issue and perform thermostat services such as a cleaning, adjustment, or full upgrade.

Debris In Or Around the Outdoor Unit

Another reason the home’s heating system may not be producing enough heat is a buildup of debris around the outdoor unit. In homes with heat pump systems, the outdoor unit is responsible for capturing heat energy from the outdoor air to be transferred indoors.

Fallen leaves, twigs, or other debris can get into the unit or clog up air pathways, impeding airflow and interfering with the heat transfer. The heater will then struggle to keep up with the demands of the thermostat. Fortunately, this can be resolved with professional heater service and likely won’t require repairs. In between heater maintenance visits, homeowners can help prevent this issue by keeping the area around their unit clear of leaves and other yard debris.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical proudly serves Raynham, MA, handling all their plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs. They offer superb customer service and stellar workmanship performed by professionals. Their techs arrive on time and always leave the home clean after every job. Give them a call today for expert heating service in Raynham.