Most homeowners rely on two primary systems in their home: heating and plumbing. Together, these components offer convenience and comfort to residents.
There are a variety of common issues that require plumbers to address, such as clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, water heater issues and low water pressure. But these issues can be avoided with some knowledge and proactive maintenance.
Heating
Heating is the process of distributing heat into an enclosed space, such as a room or home. There are various ways to do this, but the most popular way is through air-conditioning units or furnaces.
A furnace works by blowing hot air through ducts situated throughout your house. This heated air is then delivered to individual rooms via registers or grilles and can be powered by electricity, natural gas or fuel oil.
A plumbing system consists of two subsystems that work together to supply and dispose of water and wastes. Commonly referred to as the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, these include all pipes, valves and devices necessary for wastewater to flow out of your home while leaving all other contents behind. A properly designed and maintained plumbing system is essential for any good home; additionally, it has provided protection from disease for millennia.
Cooling
Cooling is the process of transferring thermal energy from a high temperature to a low one. This can be accomplished through thermal radiation, heat conduction or convection.
A heating and cooling system maintains the interior of a building at a comfortable temperature, while controlling moisture and humidity levels to prevent mold or mildew growth. A cooling system works by using air and water to remove excess heat and humidity from the air.
Plumbing and HVAC require advanced technical knowledge to perform correctly. According to CT-DOL, this industry is considered an “In-Demand, Job Growth”, meaning there will be an increasing shortage of trained personnel. Students in the program receive both on-campus and off-campus work based learning experiences that simulate real world applications; these job experiences can serve as a springboard into a career in this field; plus they earn CT-DOL approved credit for their work experience. They learn how to install, repair and maintain various heating and cooling systems including those for residential or commercial buildings.
Drain Cleaning
Drains in your home are essential elements of a functioning plumbing system. Without them, sinks and baths would not function properly.
There are various methods available for clearing clogs and blockages from your pipes. Depending on the specific problem, some can be resolved using DIY tools and techniques while others necessitate professional assistance.
In most cases, calling a plumber with the necessary tools and expertise to clean your pipes is the best course of action. These specialists can easily eliminate clogs or other issues that are causing your pipes to run slowly or ineffectively.
The most widely used method for drain cleaning is using a hydro-jetter. This device scours inside your pipes with high pressure to clear out clogs and geese, and it’s highly effective at eliminating almost any type of blockage while also preventing future ones.
Water Heater Repair
Water heaters are an integral part of home heating and plumbing systems. They provide hot water when needed, usually located in the basement of a residence.
When your water heater fails, it can negatively impact the efficiency of heating and plumbing in your home. Depending on the issue, you may need to repair or replace it depending on its age and make.
For instance, if the water appears smelly or discolored, you should have it tested by a professional plumber to make sure it’s not contaminated with metal or bacteria.
Another frequent issue with water heaters is sediment buildup in the tank. Sediment can corrode the bottom of the tank and prevent anode rod protection from corrosion.
In many cases, sediment can be easily removed by a professional plumber. However, if the sediment is causing major issues with your tank, you may need to seriously consider replacing it.