Archive for the ‘Homeowner Tips’ Category

Plumbing Tips

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

At Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company we realize that every plumbing problem you may have may not require the expertise of a licensed journeyman plumber and can be corrected if you have the knowledge to complete your project. Here are a few tips that can help you do it yourself if you are so inclined. Of course we are always a phone call away at 918-742-6171 if you need our expertise.

Leaky Faucets

Besides being annoying, fixing a leaky faucet also saves you money! Dripping water at on drip per second wastes 400 gallons of water in a year. If it is hot water you are wasting even more money. There are many different types of faucets. Some require simple cartridges that when replaced stop the drip while others require washers and can be a little more challenging. We recommend the Wolverine Brass brand of faucets when you are ready to replace your old faucet. Their cartridges are guaranteed for the life of the faucet and give you a long life of worry free operation.

Bathroom Plumbing Tips

  • Be sure to check faucets and pipes for leaks.
  • Replace standard shower heads with low-volume heads or flow restrictors.
  • Check your toilet periodically for leaks. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. After a few minutes if you see color in the bowl it is an indication of a leak, probably caused by a faulty flapper.

Listen for gurgling sounds coming from the toilet. These noises could indicate the flush valve may need to be adjusted.

Typical Toilet

Water Heater Tips

For safety reasons, keep the temperature setting below the factory setting listed on the water heater or in the owners manual. Keeping the temperature setting above the recommended setting will greatly increase the potential for scalding. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we can help you with this.

All water heaters are required by law to be equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve (t & p valve) as a safety feature to prevent damage from excessive pressure (>150 psi) or temperature (>210F). If the t & p valve is discharging water you should call Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company immediately at 918-742-6171.

Flushing your water heater should be done on a regular basis. The procedure is as follows:

Hook a garden hose up to the bottom drain valve. Place the hose in a position to allow full discharge of the water through the hose.

Be careful where you drain this water to because it will be very hot and can kill plants if you drain it into your yard.

Open the drain valve wide open. Do not close off the incoming cold water supply to the heater. Run the water out of the hose until the water runs clear (usually just a few seconds). Once the water is clear, shut off the bottom drain valve and remove the hose.

Typical Electric Water Heater

Kitchen & Laundry Plumbing Tips

  • Automatic dishwashers and washers are more efficient if run only when they are full.
  • When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the tap run freely to rinse. Fill the second side of the sink with rinse water.
  • Fill a pitcher with drinking water and store it in the refrigerator.

Garbage Disposals DO’s and DON’T's

Do run a strong flow of water while grinding

Do run water for at least 30 seconds after grinding to flush out the disposal.

Do run the disposal each time waste is put in.

Do use small batches when disposing of large amounts, especially starchy foods such as potato peels, rice, pasta, etc.

Fibrous foods such as cabbage, asparagus, banana peels, etc. should be cut into small pieces before grinding.

Do run disposal with ice and/or citrus peel to clean and deodorize as needed.

Don’t grind bones, shells, or very fibrous things such as corn cobs or corn husks.

Don’t stuff your disposal with large amounts of food at one time.

Typical Kitchen Sink w/ Disposal

We hope you found these tips helpful. Please understand that they are not intended to replace the expertise of our licensed professionals who can help you with any plumbing issue you may be faced with in your home or business. We are just a phone call away at 918-742-6171.

Posted in 24 Hour Plumbing Repair, Homeowner Tips, Plumbing, Plumbing Maintenance Agreements, Water Heater Repair Tulsa | No Comments »

Beat The Summer Heat With These Helpful Tips

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Summer is here and it is time to refresh our memory of the simple things we can do to protect ourselves, our pets and our homes in the summer heat.

Protect Yourself

  • Be careful when performing strenuous activities on a hot day. Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustions sufferers will exhibit cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; and exhaustion. Their body temperature will be near normal. Those in danger of heat stroke will have hot, red skin, changes in consciousness, rapid weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Their body temperature can be very high, as high as 105 degrees.
  • Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing. The light color reflects heat and light and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
  • Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. You must stay hydrated.
  • Avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Eat well balanced, light, regular meals.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible.

Protect Your Pets

  • Be sure to keep clean cool water available at all times.
  • Never leave your pet in the car.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise with your pet on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early morning or late evening. Avoid going for walks on hot asphalt.
  • Be aware of the signs of heat stress in your pet. Ask you veterinarian what to watch for.

Protect Your Home

  • Have your air conditioning system serviced. With regular service you can save yourself from much heartache having a cooling system go down during the peak heat. Call Bill Russell Plumbing, Hear & Air today at 918-742-6171 to schedule a licensed technician to take care of your comfort system.
  • Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They generate less heat than conventional bulbs.
  • Shut down computers and other electronic devices when not in use. They put out more heat than you would think!
  • Plant trees and other shade giving landscape plants on the south and west sides of your home. This will help protect your home from direct sun.

From all of us here at Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company we hope you and your family have a safe and fun summer!

Posted in Heating & Air, Homeowner Tips | No Comments »

What To Do About Water Damage

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Water is the sort of thing you can’t live without that can turn your home unlivable in a matter of moments. It’s the most common source of home damage – whether from big storms or leaking pipes, roofs and appliances.

The preferred way to deal with water damage, obviously, is to prevent it from occurring at all. For example:

  • Check household appliances regularly, including water heaters, washing machines, dishwasher, refrigerator and air conditioner. Inspect hoses. Look for leaks and signs of wear.
  • Check doors and windows to see if water is able to seep through.
  • Check the plumbing, including sinks, showers, bathtubs and toilets. Are pipes leaking? Is water collecting in any place? Are there cracks or holes?
  • Inspect your pipes. If they’re behind walls, under floors or above ceilings, look for signs of water stains on walls, floorboards and ceiling panels. For a thorough review schedule a professional plumbing inspection annually.
  • Inspect the roof for lost and cracked shingles or other signs of deterioration. Keep gutters and drains clear.

If significant water damage does occur in your home, you’ll need the help of professionals for repairs, as well as an insurance adjuster to file a claim. But there are several things you can do in the meantime to contain the damage:

  1. Stop the source of the water. If it’s coming from a pipe or hose, shut off your home’s main water valve. If it’s coming from the roof and you can access your attic, use something to catch the water like a large plastic sheet or pans and buckets.
  2. Beware of the risk of electrical shock. Turn off the breaker, and unplug or remove any electrical devices in the water-logged area.
  3. Open windows and turn on fans or heating and air conditioning systems to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and also to promote drying.
  4. Remove furnishings or items that may rust or stain carpet or break during restoration. Lift draperies away from wet carpet.
  5. Take photographs of the damage.

Of course anytime you have water damage occurring due to plumbing problems we are here to help. Just give us a call at 918-742-6171 and we will be glad to assist. Also we offer to our Performance and Reliability Agreement customers a free annual plumbing inspection. This is the best way to avoid a water disaster in your home or place of business.

Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company

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Posted in 24 Hour Plumbing Repair, Homeowner Tips, Plumbing, Plumbing Maintenance Agreements, Water Heater Repair Tulsa | Comments Off

Is Your House Off Balance?

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Home comfort systemAll rooms are not alike. Some are warmer when you’d rather they be cool, some are cooler when you’d rather they be warm. How is this happening? A number of variables could be having an impact. For example, direct exposure to sunlight heats up a room – good in winter, not so good in summer.

Electronics could play a role here, if high-speed computers and accessories are plugged in, powered up and producing heat. The height of the ceiling has an impact, as does the type of flooring.

Why, even the number of people in the room can raise its temperature. No, all rooms are not alike, but that doesn’t mean the level of comfort can’t be the same. And that calls for an understanding of the variables, along with an assessment of how well your home comfort system balances the different needs and efficiently delivers the warm or cool air you desire.

Two-story homes especially can see differences – with one or two rooms a long duct run away from the furnace or air conditioner, or from less insulation for rooms above garages.

How to get Balanced?
The first steps for balancing the air on your own is to make sure:

• Return vents are open

• Windows are properly closed

• Clean or replace your air filter on a regular schedule

You may also want to have your home comfort system evaluated by a professional. Air balancing and air diagnostics can pinpoint inefficient areas and provide solutions. These are tests that determine how well your system is performing and what adjustments need to be made.

The effectiveness of your system depends on the amount of airflow, and if the system is low, the effects will be felt in an uncomfortable room. A certified technician can measure this airflow and see how the system is performing. He can then make a diagnosis to repair and balance the duct system for maximum performance. If you have rooms that are too warm or too cold, just give us a call and we can evaluate your home, or just ask us about it when we are performing your Fall tune-up.

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Posted in Energy Saving Tips, Heating & Air, Homeowner Tips, Save on Electricity | No Comments »