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How to Unclog a Toilet
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As the old saying goes – there’s more than one way to unclog a toilet. OK, we just made that up but we’re here to prove it’s true. Sure, we love our plunger, but what if you don’t have one? Have you tried soap or baking soda?
Follow our detailed instructions for how to unclog a toilet with a plunger but stick around for plunger-less toilet clog hacks too. One way or another, we’ll get your toilet unclogged and return things to business as usual.
How to Plunge a Toilet
The best way to unclog a toilet is to learn to use a flange plunger properly. Flange plungers are made specifically for plunging toilets. The “flange” is an extended, sleeve-like rubber flap built into the underside of the plunger’s rubber cup. Insert this flange directly into the toilet bowl’s drain hole to ensure a tighter seal than a conventional cup plunger.
1. Prepare the area around the toilet
Plunging can get messy. Put on rubber gloves and lay out towels or plastic wrap to catch spills.
2. Level out the amount of water in the bowl
To maximize plunging effectiveness, you’ll want to fill the toilet bowl about halfway full with water (enough so that you can fully submerge the plunger cup).
3. Place the flange into the toilet drain
Maneuver the flange until it fits snugly into the top of the toilet bowl’s drain. Insert the flange at an angle so the flap fills with water as you lower it.
4. Fit the cup over the drain
Fit the cup of the plunger snugly over the drain while keeping the flange inserted. As you create the seal, let water from the bowl under the cup. The water between the cup and the drain will help generate suction pressure to unclog.
5Position and “test” your plunger seal
When you’ve created a seal with both the flange and cup, “test” it before getting started. Depress the plunger straight down and then tug it back up the way you would to unclog normally, but do so slowly. Make sure the seal stays in place throughout the process.
5a. (Optional) Apply petroleum jelly around the cup of the plunger
If you’re having trouble maintaining a seal, try applying petroleum jelly to the cup. Petroleum jelly will help keep the cup from sliding off of the bottom of the bowl.
6. Plunge forcefully 5 to 6 times
Push down on the plunger forcefully to drive the cup down and drive the flange into the drain, then pull the cup back up to “reset.” Repeat this motion repeatedly and steadily, but not too forcefully or rapidly, for 20 seconds.
7. Check water level in toilet bowl
After plunging for thirty seconds, quickly break the seal and remove the plunger. Listen for a gurgling sound from the drain (a good sign) and check the water level in the toilet bowl. If nearly all the water drained from the bowl, then you’ve probably cleared the clog.
7a. (Optional) Repeat plunging as necessary
If the water in the toilet bowl didn’t drain, repeat the plunging process a few more times. Add or bail water as necessary until your bowl is half full before you start again.
8. Test to see if the clog is gone
Before you test your flush, remove the tank lid. Depress the handle as usual and watch the toilet bowl closely. If you haven’t cleared the clog, then the toilet won’t flush, and the bowl will start filling with water. Prevent an overflow by manually closing the toilet’s flapper.
We recommend you only re-try your plunging up to five times. Plunging for too long could damage your toilet, and some clogs are too stubborn for even the most effective plumbing.
How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Worst case scenario: you only have one toilet in your home, it’s clogged, you’re without a plunger and you have a dinner party starting in two hours. Stay cool. We’ve got a few more of Mike’s diamonds to get that toilet flushing again.
How to Unclog a Toilet with Dish Soap
Dish soap has natural properties that break down grease and grime in solids. It can also serve as a lubricant to get things moving.
Simply squirt a generous cup or so of your favorite soap into your toilet’s drain. Follow the soap up with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water. Water that is too hot may crack the porcelain. Wait 30 minutes and check. Repeat if necessary.
How to Unclog a Toilet with Baking Soda
Sprinkle a cup of baking soda around your toilet’s drain. Slowly add two cups of white vinegar. Allow the chemical reaction an hour to reach the clog and work its magic. You could follow up with a bucket of hot water as mentioned above. Repeat the process if necessary.
How to Unclog a Toilet with Poop in It
Yep, we said it, but that’s the way it goes. Sometimes after your uncle has spent the better part of the morning in your bathroom, you have a very unpleasant clog.
The secret here is Coca Cola. Not for your uncle, for your toilet. Turns out, coke has some awesome acids that double as unclogging agents. The carbonation also helps by putting pressure on the clog.
Pour a can or half liter bottle of coke into your toilet and then quickly cover the bowl with plastic wrap. This will help keep the pressure in. After the hour, enough dissolving should have taken place to allow a normal flush.
Unclogging LA’s Toilets the Right Way
If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog that won’t budge, then call Mike Diamond. Our expert plumbers have yet to meet a clog they couldn’t clear.
The post How to Unclog a Toilet appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.
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How Air Conditioning Works
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Before 1902, humans adopted creative ways of staying cool during hot summers. The ancient Egyptians hung wet reed mats in their windows that created a cooling effect when the wind blew through. Ancient Romans went so far as to pump cold water from aqueducts through the walls of elite homes.
These days you need only turn your thermostat dial for sweet heat relief in your home. But what exactly happens when you turn that magic dial? And how do you fix your AC when it doesn’t click on? Mike Diamond is the fresh smelling man with the answers to all things cool. We’ll cover the parts of a home ac system and explain how the air conditioning system in your house works. If your AC isn’t working, we’ll troubleshoot the common reasons why.
Who invented Air Conditioning (and the summer blockbuster)?
The man credited with inventing air conditioning as we know it is Willis Carrier. At the turn of the 20th century, he had an epiphany while standing on a train platform. He realized that humidity could be removed from air causing it to feel colder. Willis built a system of ice chilled coils that kept mills and printing companies cool during hot industrial workdays.
Stuart Cramer invented a ventilation device around the same time that was used in textile plants to distribute cool vapor to hot air. He was also the person to coin the term “air conditioning.” In 1925 he invented a more efficient version of his device for a movie theater. Soon his device was in theaters across the country. Ever since, Americans have flocked to the movies to escape the summer heat and thus was born the summer blockbuster season.
How Does Air Conditioning Work?
Modern air conditioning works via the physical principal of phase transition. This law states that when a liquid converts to a gas, it absorbs heat energy. Like when you boil water to create steam.
The liquid in this instance is a refrigerant or chemical compound that evaporates and condenses over and over to cool your home. The refrigerant starts as a liquid that travels through an evaporation coil inside your home. As the liquid evaporates it absorbs heat and, in this case, that heat is from warm air from your home. As the heat is removed, the resulting cool air is distributed back into your home.
The used refrigerant gas is then sent to your air conditioner compressor – that’s the big unit outside – where it is compressed back into a liquid. The hot air that is a byproduct of the process (remember phase transition) is vented outside and the condenser aids the compressor in sending the liquid refrigerant back to the evaporator coil where the cycle begins all over again.
How HVAC Systems Work
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Your home’s central air takes advantage of the existing ducts and vents in your home that are also used by your furnace during colder months.
After warm air travels over the evaporation coil and is cooled, fans blow the chilled air through your ducts and vents to reach every room of your home. This network delivers cold air evenly and efficiently throughout your home.
The thermostat connected to your HVAC system regulates all temperatures for both your heating and air conditioning. Each system responds based on the setting you input. Having one central control makes it easy to stay comfortable all year long.
Why Won’t My Air Conditioner Work?
Like any piece of equipment, air conditioners are subject to break down and failure. Common reasons air conditioners malfunction include:
No power.Blown fuse or tripped circuit.No signal from the thermostat.Too hot outside to keep up.Dirty or blocked air condenser.Dirty air filter.Broken fan.Problems with refrigerant.Unit not the right size for your home.Older unit (10+ years).Leaky air ducts.
Some of these issues are easier to address than others. If your air conditioner is not working, make sure its receiving power. Check that the circuit isn’t tripped and that your thermostat has fresh batteries. Then make sure your filter is clean and check your compressor for obstructions like brush or grass. If you’re still having problems, it may be time to have a professional technician look at it.
ir Conditioner Repair Service for Los Angeles
Mike Diamond knows air conditioning and HVAC systems. When things heat up, don’t lose your cool. Call or contact Mike Diamond for fast, reliable air conditioner service in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
The post How Air Conditioning Works appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.
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https://www.norwalklamiradaplumbingheatingairconditioning.com/?p=174
How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush
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Stuck in that awkward plumbing limbo where your toilet won’t flush? Fear not. We’re here to explain the most common reasons your toilet may not be flushing and how you can fix them. If you live in L.A., your local plumbers at Mike Diamond are always ready to help.
Your toilet may be clogged (even if you can’t see it) or it may not be getting enough water. Any number of working parts could be faulty too. Before the next person in your home needs to go, let’s, ahem, plunge in and help you fix that toilet that won’t flush.
Your Toilet is Clogged.
An obvious reason why your toilet won’t flush, but a necessary one to consider is that it’s clogged. Never flush anything other than toilet paper and waste down your toilet. Wipes and other items can build up and block your sewer line. Clogs may not be visible if they’re further down the line.
A partial clog somewhere in the line could mean that your toilet will still flush but not very strong. A way to test for a partial clog is to pour a bucket with a gallon of cold water into the bowl. If your toilet still doesn’t flush properly, you probably have a partial clog.
What to do: Use a plunger or toilet auger to loosen things. Make sure you use a flange plunger, since the cup will help you create a better seal in the toilet bowl. Another way to loosen things is to turn off the toilet’s water, flush it, and then add hot (not boiling) water to the bowl. Let the water sit for several minutes, then flush it. If that doesn’t work, either, you should consider snaking the toilet. If your toilet still won’t flush after trying any of the above methods, you may want to consider professional drain cleaning services.
Check Your Toilet’s Handle and Chain
If the handle doesn’t do anything when you flush, you may have an easy fix. The handle connects to the flapper (the valve that holds the water in the tank) via a small length of chain. A simple explanation may be that the chain got disconnected at either end.
It’s also possible that the chain is the wrong length. When you depress the handle, the chain yanks up the flapper to initiate the toilet’s flush. If the toilet chain is too long, it won’t be able to yank up the flapper. If the flapper doesn’t rise, the toilet doesn’t flush. If the chain’s too short, then then your toilet flapper won’t seal properly and your toilet will run without ever completely filling with water.
What to do: Lift off the lid of your toilet tank. Check that both ends of the chain are connected. If they aren’t clip them back into place. If they are, pull the handle to test that the chain is the right length to lift the flapper fully open and also allow it to close tightly.
Why Won’t the Flapper in the Toilet Close?
As mentioned above, the flapper is the rubber valve at the bottom of your toilet’s tank. A toilet’s flapper opens and closes whenever you flush, allowing water to run from the tank into the bowl. When you depress your toilet’s handle, you’re lifting the flapper. Your toilet’s flapper is in constant contact with moving water that, over time, can bend or otherwise warp the flapper.
What to do: Examine your flapper. Does it seal tightly when it’s closed? Can you see wear or damage? Flappers are inexpensive and available at any local hardware store. Turn off the water at the supply valve, drain your toilet tank and replace the flapper. Make sure you reattach the chain. If you need help, we’re standing by.
djust or Replace Your Overflow Tube
Your toilet’s overflow tube is a part of the tank near the refill tube. Overflow tubes help empty water directly into the toilet bowl during a flush. These tubes are not infallible, unfortunately. The toilet’s constant pressure can easily crack or otherwise damage them. If the tube does crack, water will run into it instead of past it.
What to do: Replace the overflow tube to restore its ability to work. If your overflow tube isn’t working, give us a call and we’ll diagnose the problem and install the proper part.
Your Toilet Tank isn’t Filling Up All the Way
When you flush your toilet, you release water from the tank into the bowl. Releasing a lot of water into the bowl quickly generates the suction required to flush the toilet. When the tank doesn’t contain enough water, it doesn’t create the necessary pressure for a strong flush. You may notice a weaker flush, or no flush at all.
What to do: Open the tank of your toilet to locate the float and the fill line. Flush the toilet with the tank open and watch the water drain into the bowl and fill back up. If the tube stops adding water before the float reaches the fill line, then your toilet won’t be able to perform a full flush. Adjust the float by moving its position on the arm that connects it to the refill tube. Flush again and see if you’ve solved the problem.
Clean Your Toilet Jets
The toilet jets are the little holes along the underside of the toilet bowl rim. When you flush, the water from the tank above rushes down through these small openings to create the swirling action you see. If they become clogged with lime or corrosion, it will limit the strength of your flush.
What to do: Get a small nail, length of wire or toothbrush and clean the jets. Use watered down bleach or a solution of vinegar. Place a small mirror on the underside of the rim to see which jets are clogged and dig out any blockage to restore them.
Fix Your Toilet that Won’t Flush
Hopefully, you’ve diagnosed the reason why your toilet won’t flush, and everything is moving again. If it’s still not working and you want Los Angeles’ best plumbers to have a look, call or contact Mike Diamond. We’re the plumbing experts who’ll turn your frustrations into flush elations.
The post How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.
Why Is That Light Bulb Flickering?
A flickering light bulb is the electrical equivalent of a dripping faucet. It may not seem like a big deal but soon enough it will start chipping away at your sanity. Before you throw the lamp and the table it was on out the window, let us diagnose the issue.
Flickering lights don’t have to be your dim future when you keep your home’s electricity working great. Once you figure out what’s causing the flickering, you may be able fix the problem yourself. Here’s a list of possible reasons why different lights may flicker and how to fix the problem.
1.Does Your Light Bulb Have A Loose Connection?
The most obvious and easily fixed reason why your light bulb is flickering is that it’s not properly seated in its socket. If this is the case, it’ll periodically disconnect from its power supply. When the bulb flickers quickly and repetitively, it’s continually re-connecting and disconnecting from the power in the lamp. If the light flickers when you nudge the lamp, then the bulb is probably loose.
Fixing a loose bulb is hopefully as easy it sounds, and you just need to tighten it. Once it’s fully tightened, the bulb’s receiver should be properly connected with the lamp’s power supply. To tighten your bulb, simply make sure the bulb is cool enough to touch and turn it clockwise in its socket. Don’t try to force the tightening; if it’s not easy to turn, the issue may lie elsewhere.
2. Is Your Light Bulb Faulty?
If the bulb is tight but still flickers constantly, it could be faulty or burned out. Incandescent light bulbs can stop working correctly for all kinds of reasons. Contact problems, faulty wiring connections, worn-out receptacles, or a bad filament can all cause flickering. Often, these problems occur as the light bulb ages. They could also happen as the result of wear-and-tear, improper voltage, or bad wiring inside the fixture.
Older fluorescent lights won’t turn on sometimes and are more prone to flicker if they are dying. You can try rotating a bulb in its fixture to create a better connection, but chances are, it needs to be replaced.
Replacing light bulbs is easy and relatively cheap. As long as you tightened the new bulb correctly, your flickering should stop. If not, read on.
3. Is Your Light Bulb Fixture Causing it to Flicker?
An easy way to check if your light fixture is the problem is to remove the light bulb and try it in a different fixture. If it works, it may indicate that the first fixture is the problem. Over time sockets can wear out and the metal components no longer make a secure connection. The internal wiring could also be faulty.
A worn out fixture will need to be repaired or replaced. If the fixture is connected to your home, you may wish to have a professional electrician make the repair or replacement.
4. Is the Light Switch or Circuit Causing Your Lights to Flicker?
If it’s not the bulb or the light fixture, it may be that your home’s wiring is the reason why your light bulbs are flickering. A bad connection in your fixture’s on/off switch may result in irregular flickering. If you wiggle the switch and the light flickers, you’ve likely found the problem and you can replace that switch.
If you experience multiple lights flickering, especially when you have other appliances running, it may be an overloaded circuit. Your home is wired on different circuits – usually room by room – that deliver a finite amount of electrical current. If you have too many items plugged in or are drawing too much power from the circuit, it may affect your lights. You’ve probably seen this when you turn on a high-power appliance like a blender and the kitchen lights dim.
If your home’s wiring is older, it may not be keeping up with increased power demand. A professional electrician can replace your service panel and supply your home with more amperage to meet your needs.
5. Why Is Your LED Light Blinking on and Off?
You’ve upgraded your home to more efficient and longer lasting LED bulbs. Good plan. But are you using a dimmer switch? Not all LED bulbs are dimmable. Only certain kinds that are labeled “dimmable” will work, especially with an older dimmer switch.
You can replace the light bulb with the proper type, but you may need to upgrade your dimmer switch as well. A professional electrician can advise you on the best way to upgrade your lights and switches to make sure they are compatible and function properly.
How Many Times Do You Need to Change Your Light Bulbs?
If flickering bulbs and lights that don’t work properly have left you in the dark, give Mike Diamond a call. We’re your L.A. area experts for all your home plumbing and electrical needs. And even when you can’t see, we’re your “smell good plumber!”
The post Why Is That Light Bulb Flickering? appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.
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Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips to Keep the Heat Coming
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Even if winters don’t exactly get Arctic-cold in Southern California, it doesn’t mean that you want your gas furnace to go out. The best way to avoid potential trouble on those chilly evenings is with regular furnace maintenance. Keeping your furnace clean and in good working order means it’s always ready for that unexpected cold front.
To keep your gas furnace working when you need it, we recommend an annual furnace checkup. During the rest of the winter, follow these seven furnace maintenance tips to keep the heat coming:
Work under safe conditions
Before you do anything, make sure you’re working safely. Gas can be dangerous if you don’t handle it correctly. Before you begin any serious furnace maintenance, make sure you turn everything off. If you’re not 100% sure what you need to turn off to get the work done, trip the main circuit breaker to verify your safety during the maintenance process.
Finally, if you smell gas, don’t try to shut anything off or turn it on–instead, leave the premises immediately. Have a professional flush the gas from the house and fix the leak before you do any more work.
How to Check Your Furnace Filter
A gas furnace’s filter prevents dirt from entering the unit and building up. Build up can lead to malfunctions or even fires. A filter also keeps the warm air blown into your home clean. Check your filter at least once every other month. This holds true for summer as well as you run your air conditioner.
Your filter is simply a cardboard rectangle with a mesh covering. It easily slides in and out of its designated slot, usually at the bottom of your furnace. You can find most replacement filters at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Test your thermostat
If the temperature setting on your thermostat doesn’t match the actual temperature, you may have one of two furnace-related problems:
The thermostat itself has stopped working.There’s a disconnect between the wall unit and the furnace.
Either way, if this happens frequently, you’ll want to repair or upgrade your thermostat. A new, programmable energy efficient thermostat isn’t expensive and usually pays for itself in energy cost savings.
Clean the blower
While checking the filtration system, also check the blower. The blower is further inside, and you should be able to see it when you change the air filter. It’s a circular intake with a wheel-like fan.
Wipe the blower down with a damp cloth each time you change the filter. Cleaning the blower prevents dust or dirt that may have escaped through the filter from getting further inside the furnace.
Regularly check and clean your vents
All gas furnaces have a venting system that prevents unsafe heat build-up. Just like with anything else that never moves, dust builds up both on and within furnace vent systems. Clean them with a scrubbing brush, vacuum cleaner, and damp cloth to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Inspect your flue pipe for cracks or holes where dangerous carbon monoxide could leak.
Inspect the fan
This maintenance is best left to a professional. It isn’t as easy to get to the fan within the furnace as it is to get to everything else. Getting pre-winter furnace maintenance is recommended to keep up with part changes and cleaning needs. Don’t let small problems become big.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Vacuum them out or have a professional do it. Dust, pet dander and debris that builds up inside your ducts eventually gets blown all over your home. Clean ducts work better and mean cleaner air.
Annual Furnace Maintenance in Los Angeles
Keeping your furnace clean is the easiest way to extend its life and keep it from breaking down. Hopefully this furnace maintenance checklist helps you get started.
Not everyone is up to this level of DIY maintenance. If you want a certified technician to perform your gas furnace cleaning, the trained professionals at Mike Diamond are ready and waiting to help you out.
The post Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips to Keep the Heat Coming appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.
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Plumber Tips For A Healthy Plumbing Experience
Plumber plays an essential role in homes. But there are various aspects which one should consider before appointing a plumber. There are certain myths regarding plumbing that are not at all reliable. This article aims to bust some of these myths and expose the actual worth of having Plumber Woodland Hills CA for your home.
Plumber always prioritizes quality over cost: This is one myth people often consider to be true. Good plumbers never prioritize quality over price. If they do, they will be out of business very quickly. Plumbing issues will always be well handled by good plumbers who use only suitable quality materials and employ safe practices at all times. Being on time is directly related to their professional attitude and thus influences the quality of your service and customer service. And good plumbers do not mind spending extra time on quality rather than quantity if they think it will make their job easier and quicker.
A plumber can detect problems in drains in a day or night: This is another myth people often think to be true. All plumbers do not possess this ability to see a problem in a day or night. Even experienced plumbers are limited in their plumbing pricing ability. To avoid paying more than you should for repairs, always inquire about the time taken to repair the drain and the cost involved.
A plumber needs to have a degree in plumbing: It is not true that a plumber with a degree in plumbing is automatically efficient in handling any problems. Professional plumbers with a bachelor’s degree in plumbing are much better equipped to resolve any plumbing problem. They generally understand plumbing pricing, have good communication skills, and excellent repair and maintenance skills. This also enables them to quickly resolve any hot water leakage issues or repair issues with your water heater.
All plumbing companies are the same: Commonly, you’ll come across several advertisements from plumbing companies claiming to be the best in the business. How can you be sure which one is right for you? Numerous factors affect the pricing of services, including the quality of the work and service standards of different companies. To find the best, do some research and take note of the factors that affect pricing. For instance, experienced plumbers with plenty of relevant experience are likely to charge more than new ones who have just started in the business. Similarly, it is a good idea to go with plumbing companies that provide free estimates.
Plumbing service is only as good as the last service: People tend to believe this is another common myth. What you pay for a plumber is what you get. If you want quality service, you shouldn’t hesitate to pay more for it. On the other hand, paying more doesn’t mean that you will get poor service. Many reputable plumbers in the market offer high quality at affordable prices.
Hiring a licensed plumber isn’t a wise decision: You may think that licensing an electrician is a smart business move, but you’d be wrong. It’s one of the most financially irresponsible things you can do. A licensed plumber has undergone extensive training and will be knowledgeable about issues about plumbing systems. On the other hand, non-licensed plumbers don’t have the same training and often don’t know about specific problems that can arise. In addition, a good plumber will make sure that any issue is dealt with immediately to prevent further damage.
You should trust your gut: While it’s good to consult a professional before tackling a plumbing issue, you shouldn’t always assume that your first instincts are correct. For example, the number one reason people call a plumber is that they feel their drain or tub is clogged or not draining. So if you have a feeling that something is off, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber right away. By acting on instinct alone, you might be setting yourself up for significant damage or injury.
Why Hire A Plumber?
What are the primary services that a reliable plumber offer? Plumbing is a very competitive industry. Therefore, choosing a reliablePlumber Fremont CA is of utmost importance to ensure that you get top-quality service and materials.
Leaks and drains are some of the most common plumbing issues faced by plumbers. These plumbing issues can range from a simple blockage to a severe leaking that requires extensive repairs. To address any problems with leaks and drips, a plumber will recommend the best repair methods and solutions to resolve the issue. Below are some of the popular services available from plumbers.
Full plumbing system replacement: If your sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers are not working correctly, a complete plumbing system replacement is required. A reliable plumber will come to your business or residence to perform the entire plumbing system replacement. Some basic leakage repairs may be able to fix some minor leakage problems on their own. However, total plumbing system replacements require a professional plumbing firm with extensive experience and skillsets. They can replace the pipes, lines, and other plumbing parts to ensure no leaks and that the drainage problem has been solved.
Water heater installation: Sometimes, leaks and blockages in your home’s water heater systems can be quickly resolved by the regular maintenance performed by an amateur plumber. However, when professional plumbers are called in, they are more thorough and perform more invasive repairs. Water heater installation services can resolve common problems include rusty pipes, worn-out seals, and clogged drains. Leaks under sinks and faucets are another common problem that plumbers can help resolve. Blocked drains can cause a range of issues, including toilet backups, dirty water, damage to flooring and walls, as well as annoying suction noise.
Plumbing fixtures installation: Many people think that fixing broken pipes or installing new ones is the only thing. While this is true, there is much more that they can do for residential and commercial properties. For example, clogged drains can lead to unpleasant odors, blocked sinks and faucets, and leaking fixtures. A plumber can efficiently and effectively remove clogged drains using high-pressure fixtures or simple plunger devices.
Water leak repairs: Leaks are a common problem that plumbers can repair. Water leaks can occur anywhere in your home, but the most common places to find them are in toilets, sinks, faucets, showers, or behind drywall. Toilets and sinks typically have a drain hole near the bottom, while batteries and behind wall fixtures often have a channel running from the shower drain into the drain pipe. In either case, a plumber can locate the source of the leak and repair it. Some minor repairs to plumbing fixtures can also be done without hiring a professional.
Pipework repairs: Plumbers are also skilled at pipework repairs. Some examples of pipework repairs include broken pipes, blown-out pipes, worn-out pipes, replaced drains, and damaged pipelines. Most plumbing systems are relatively easy to repair; however, there are still some circumstances where it is wise to call a plumber. A burst pipe, for example, can be repaired using simple household tools.
Clogged drains: Sometimes, blocked drains are not easily identified, especially by a layman. In these cases, a plumber may need to be called. Common problems involving clogged pipes include salt deposits, iron deposits, or debris buildup inside the lines. While unclogging a blocked drain may require a lot of money, hiring a plumber will be cheaper than paying for expensive repairs. Hiring a professional to carry out the job is essential to ensure that a clogged drain is fixed.
The Anatomy of Your Home’s Water Heater
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Traditional water heaters look like large metal cylinders and are usually located in your basement or closet. While tankless water heaters are becoming more popular, this blog will focus on the workings of the more common traditional tank water heater.
Your water heater performs an important task that you probably don’t often think about. It supplies warm or hot water to all parts of your home for hand washing, showers, dishes and more. How is it that you have hot water at the turn of a knob? We’ll cover the water heater parts that make it happen and what to do if your hot water heater is not working the way it should.
Water Heater Anatomy
The two most common types of water heaters in US homes are the traditional electric and gas models. These two varieties have many of the same elements with the primary difference being their power sources. Their major components include:
Water tank. This stores the hot water until it’s needed at a faucet or appliance. Tanks come in different sizes depending on the amount of hot water needed. Most tanks are lined with a thin layer of glass. Transport your new water tank carefully to avoid cracking or breaking it.
Dip tube. This is the cold-water pipe that supplies new water to the water heater. As hot water exits the heater at the top, the dip tube replenishes the water supply at the bottom.
Hot water outlet. This is where hot water leaves the tank to travel through your home’s plumbing.
Thermostat. Like the thermostat for your home, your water heater’s thermostat regulates the temperature of the water. When the thermostat senses cold water at the bottom of the tank, it activates the burner or heating element to warm the water.
Drain valve. At the bottom of your water heater is a hose connection and valve. Use this to empty your tank once a year to prevent sediment build up inside the tank. Consult a professional if you’re unsure how to drain your water heater.
TPR valve. Water heaters have a temperature pressure relief valve near the top. This valve will open if the tank experiences excessive pressure or heat within. It prevents your water heater from exploding.
Internal anode rod. This rod attaches at the top of your tank. Like a magnet, it attracts the corrosive elements in your water so that they don’t eat away at the tank walls. Depending how corrosive your water is, you may need to replace your anode rod every few years.
Electric vs Gas Water Heater
The way in which your heater heats water depends on whether it is powered by electricity or natural gas. Below we explain the differences.
Electric water heaters
In addition to the parts above, electric water heaters also contain:
Heating element. This is a metal loop inside the tank. It’s powered by an electric resister and controlled by the thermostat. When electricity travels through it, it becomes hot and heats the water.
Electric water heaters have a thermostat mounted flush with the outside of an internal tank. This thermostat constantly senses the internal temperature of the tank. If it senses the temperature getting too low, it activates the heating element inside the tank. The tank’s internal heating element heats up the water stored in the tank. The heating works the same way an electric range heats up a pot of water. Once the water reaches the set temperature, the thermostat cuts off power to the heating element.
Gas water heaters
Additional parts that make up a gas water heater include:
Burner. The burner sits at the bottom of a gas heater. When the water inside the tank needs to be heated, a flame ignites from a pilot light. It’s essentially like heating a water kettle on a gas stove.
Vent Flue. This is a hollow “chimney” through the center of the tank. It vents the exhaust from the burner to the outside.
Thermocouple. This is a small rod beneath the burner. It senses if the pilot light is on and sends a signal to the burner to activate. If the pilot light goes out, the water heater thermocouple prevents the gas valve from opening and leaking gas into your home.
Gas water heaters have a thermostat just like electric ones do. The thermostats in gas water heaters contain a mercury sensor in the tip alongside a thermocouple. The thermocouple monitors the pilot light and the mercury sensor monitors the internal water temperature.
When the temperature inside the tank gets too low, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas control valve. This valve checks in with the thermocouple to make sure the pilot light is on. If it is, the valve opens and allows gas into a burner, igniting a flame. This flame heats the water. Once the water in the tank heats to the preferred temperature, the gas control valve closes again. The exhaust from the burner travels through the flue vent and safely outside.
How to choose the right water heater for your home?
Start by checking out our helpful guide! We’ll cover everything you need to consider when choosing a new water heater. That includes the right type, fuel, efficiency, and tank size to fit your needs.
How do I best maintain my water heater?
Make sure your drain the tank regularly to clear out any sediment build-up. If you don’t, sediment buildup in the tank will make the heater far less efficient.Set the water heater thermostat’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less. If you ever leave home for an extended period of time, consider turning the temperature down before you leave.Always keep an eye out for pooling water around the base of the heater’s tank. Catching small leaks before they become big ones will help save you a lot of money and trouble.
Los Angeles Water Heater Repair and Installation
If your water heater is leaking or you’re interested in upgrading your to a more energy efficient water heater, give the team at Mike Diamond a call. Our experts can help you choose the right make, model, and size for your home. Not only that, but we can install as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The post The Anatomy of Your Home’s Water Heater appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.
Where Does Los Angeles Get Its Electricity?
Have you ever wondered where your home’s electricity comes from? It’s a bigger question than you might realize! Every one of LA’s electricity-using structures connects to our gigantic, state-spanning, billion-dollar power system. Your humble home is one end of a story spanning hundreds of miles and involving thousands of people.
The Electrical supply Los Angeles uses every day is nothing short of an engineering miracle. We’ll give you the shocking truth about where the power that runs your coffee machine every morning comes from. Enjoy Mike Diamond’s guide to the Los Angeles electrical grid.
Who Makes Los Angeles’ Power?
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) supplies all the power LA uses every day. The LADWP is the nation’s largest municipal utility. 9400 employees help manage an electrical system capable of generating over 7,880 megawatts of power. Overall, the LADWP power system supplies an average of over 26 million megawatt-hours of electricity to LA every year.
The LADWP was established in 1902 to deliver water to LA. In 1916, it also began distributing electricity. The LADWP is managed by five-member Board of Water and Power Commissioners selected by the mayor of LA and confirmed by City Council.
What Generates All of L.A.’s Power?
According to the California Energy Commission’s 2019 report, California generates its electricity via these means:
0.12% coal16.53% large hydro42.97% natural gas8.06% nuclear0.02% oil0.20% Petroleum/waste heat2.92% biomass5.46% geothermal2.67% small hydro14.22% solar6.82% wind
California is a national leader in renewable energy production. Every part of California–including LA–is quickly scaling up how much renewable energy it uses. The state hopes to get 50% of its electric power from renewable sources by 2030.
To accomplish this goal, the LADWP is in the process of implementing the Power Strategic Long-Term Resource Plan (SLTRP). The SLTRP is a 20-year plan for aligning LA with Senate Bill 350 and LA’s 100% clean energy initiative. As part of this plan, LA will eliminate coal as a power source, decrease natural gas use, incorporate more renewable energy sources, and more.
Where The Los Angeles Electric Company Gets Its Power
The LADWP gets the power it supplies to LA from many sources, both inside and outside of California. You may be surprised to know that your electricity comes from Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and Oregon. These sources include:
Hydro plantsNatural gas power generating stationsLandfill biogas converting stationsHydroelectric damsSolar plantsWind plantsGeothermal plantsNuclear power generating stations
All of these power sources are connected to LA via a massive transmission and distribution infrastructure. Moving and distributing LA’s power requires:
3,507 miles of overhead transmission circuits (across five states)124 miles of underground transmission circuits15,452 transmission towers6,752 miles of overhead distribution lines3,626 miles of underground distribution lines160 distributing stations21 receiving stations128,693 distribution transformersand more
Overall, 15,000 miles of power lines and cables are required to transport and distribute LA’s power!
How Electricity Gets to Your Los Angeles Home
This infographic explains the high-voltage journey electrical power makes to get to your home. We break down the steps in further detail beneath the graphic.
Phase 1: Transmission
1. Plant to “Step Up” Substation
Each of LA’s many power generators connects to a transmission substation (sometimes called a power plant).
Transmission substations “step up” the voltage to prepare the power to travel long distances through the transmission grid. Whenever an electrical current is conducted through anything (like transmission lines), it loses some power to electrical resistance. The higher the voltage of the electricity in the transmission line, however, the less electricity resistance wastes. By “supercharging” the generated power’s voltage, transmission substations make sure it gets to you without losing its effectiveness.
2. First Substation to Transmission Network
After converting low voltage power to very high voltage power, substations send electricity into transmission circuits. These circuits run from the transmission substation near the plant all the way to local distribution substations in your city. A single transmission line can successfully conduct electricity for up to 300 miles.
There are two types of transmission circuits:
Overhead circuits transmit electricity over long distances. They’re supported by the giant steel transmission towers you’re probably familiar with.
Underground circuits are used in high-density, urban areas where there’s no room for transmission towers. LA uses 124 miles of underground circuits.
Phase 2: Distribution
3. Transmission Network to “Step Down” Distribution Substation
Your power has already traveled hundreds of miles via the transmission lines to reach your area. Before it can enter the distribution grid, however, it must pass through another substation. Instead of charging up the electricity with more voltage, these transformers remove voltage to make it safe for distribution.
After passing through the transformer, electrical power enters a “distribution bus.” The distribution bus splits the power off into multiple different directions. LA uses 160 distributing substations to transfer its electricity into distribution.
4. Second Substation to Distribution Network
By now, your power is almost to you. After passing through the “step down” transformer and bus at the substation, power enters the local distribution network.
LA’s distribution networks is, as you can probably imagine, massive. The city uses 6,752 miles of overhead and 3,626 miles of underground distribution lines. These lines crisscross all over the city to supply power to every single connected structure.
5. Distribution Network to You!
Once the distribution line reaches your immediate area, it connects to a distribution transformer -either supported on overhead poles or buried underground.
Distribution transformers “step down” the amount of electricity running through power lines one more time. This process brings the electricity’s’ voltage down to around 240 volts, to make it safe for residential use.
This stepped down electricity travels via your home’s service wire from the distribution transformer all the way to your home’s meter box. The meter box records how much electricity is entering your home and the voltage of that electricity. Electricity passes through the meter box and into your circuit breaker, where it’s distributed throughout your home via your electrical panel.
Electrical Contractors in Los Angeles
By the time electricity reaches you, it’s had quite the journey. If you have questions about your home’s power supply or are concerned about the amount of electricity powering your home, fill out our quick and easy service form. One of Mike Diamond’s licensed technicians will be happy to make sure your family gets the power it needs to live comfortably.
The post Where Does Los Angeles Get Its Electricity? appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.
Common Plumbing Problems
Plumbing repair entails working on plumbing fixtures, tubes, and pipes. Since it makes waste disposal and cleaner water, it’s a crucial industry that deserves attention from the people who are into it. But this is different from sewage and water systems because it’s specifically designed to serve just one facility and not an entire group. It also offers a wide range of services, and thus, plumbers who are specialized in the field usually charge higher than others. In this case, you have to compare your options carefully before you pick one. Here are some of the essential things you have to consider when looking for the best plumber in your area.
You have to know the basics to distinguish between a regular Plumbing Draper Utah repair and an emergency plumbing repair. If a part of your plumbing system breaks down, you don’t want to call a plumber just because you have a leak. You have to first find out where the leak is coming from before you can fix it. Some leaks come from a single tap while others can be caused by a plumbing trap or faulty drain line.
For a regular plumbing repair, you can expect an estimate on the spot based on the severity of the problem. But if you have a small leak that can be solved at home, don’t hesitate to call for an expert. It may cost you more in terms of time but you don’t have to deal with plumbing issues at your home anymore, rather, deal with leaky pipes at the convenience of your own home.
However, if your main problem resides in your water heating and cooling systems, you should get in touch with a reliable service provider. He can tell you the common plumbing issues that you probably encounter. One of the most common plumbing problems in the household is clogged waste lines. Your local plumbing repair company can easily solve the issue by cleaning the drain. Another plumbing issue that most homeowners face is leaking taps and faucets.
It doesn’t matter whether you are having problems with your hot water pipes or your baby’s bathroom faucet, good plumbers can help you solve it. The good thing about plumbing repair professionals is that they know which type of pipes needs to be repaired. They are fully equipped with the right tools and knowledge about the type of problem you are dealing with. Some homeowners think that they can fix their plumbing problems on their own but it is always better to call for the expertise of experienced plumbers.
When you call for plumbing repair services, expect to pay at least an hourly rate. This is the standard rate in the plumbing business. An hourly rate includes the price of labor, the materials and the repair charge. Some plumbers may also charge extra for installing drainage guttering or backflow prevention devices.
If you want to have your plumbing problems fixed without spending a lot of money, you can settle for an hourly rate rather than a fixed price. It doesn’t mean, though, that you should be satisfied with an hourly rate. Ask the plumber to provide examples of past work done for his/her previous customers. Ask if the service provider is licensed, insured and bonded. All these issues matter especially if you are hiring an expert to work on your sewer pipe or drainage system. Hiring an expert with the required skill and knowledge may save you thousands of dollars on future plumbing repairs and replacements.
Other common plumbing problems faced by homeowners are toilet overflow, clogged drainage, tree roots in sewer lines and water heaters. A clogged toilet is an emergency plumbing situation and should be taken care of immediately. It can lead to serious plumbing problems such as sink seepage, backflow and backfilling of toilets, which require plumbing repair and replacement. Clogged drains also cause toilet overflow, which is very serious because it can cause damage to the pipes as well as to the pipes around the toilet that can then lead to the clogging of the drain pipe. Tree roots in the sewer line can cause severe damage and clogging to drainage pipes.