Author: Kevin

How To Install Kitchen Sink Plumbing

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on How To Install Kitchen Sink Plumbing

If you have your sink, countertop, and faucet, you can easily install it at a low price. A sink installation is not difficult since you only screw or glue the plumbing parts without solder. Connecting the drain tends to be the most challenging part of the sink installation job. However, we have prepared a step-by-step guide for how to install your sink.

Measure Your Sink’s Layout and Mark It

The first step of installing the sink is to mark the counter. You can do this by using the manual or by laying it upside down. This will enable you to align the marking on your counter with the one on the sink. Ensure that you leave around 1.5 inches between the backsplash and the back edge of the sink.

Put the Cutline Marks on the Counter

After connecting the marks using the straight edges, you’re likely to have a rectangular outline on your counter. Make the corners circular, and drill a hole using a spade bit.

Use Jigsaw to Cut the Sink Opening

The third step is to sew along the line to the back hole using a jigsaw blade. Do this on both sides. Ensure that you lay a piece of wood that is a bit longer than the sink area’s cut out. Screw the wood around the waste cut-out to prevent it from binding your saw blade or falling. Cut along the back and front cut lines, and then remove the cut-out piece. Check how the sink fits on the countertop, and do some trimming if necessary.

Install the Faucet

Once you have made the hole, it is now time to install the faucet. Begin with setting the sink upside down on a counter or padded sawhorse. Enter the tailpiece and the supply tubing of your faucet via the gasket that connects the faucet to your sink and then through the sink’s hole. Screw the washers and mounting nuts under the sink deck. Ensure that your faucet can swing comfortably before you tighten the nuts.

Put a Filter on the Plumber’s Putty

Now that the faucet is in place, take a thick roll of your plumber’s putty, and insert it under the lip of the filter. Then, push it via the drainage hole of your sink. Slip the washer, gasket, and housing onto your filter and against the under part of your sink. You will dab the pipe-joint compound on the thread, and then thread the sink’s locknut on the filter. Use pliers to fasten it.

Set Your Sink and Connect Your Water Supply

Around the underside of your sink, apply silicone plaster. It is now time to set your sink on the hole that you made earlier. Take your sink, and place it into your hole. Ensure that the sink’s parallel parts are aligned with the edges of the countertop. Connect your faucet to the shut-off knobs using braided steel horses or acorn-head supply pipes. Also, apply the sprayer pipe to the tailpiece of the faucet.

Connect Your Drainpipes

Measure the length of the pipe required to connect the trap to the trap adapter, as well as the length from drain elbow to the sink’s waste line. Slide the trap on the tailpiece so you can fine-tune the alignment and the length of the pipe. Take the pieces apart. Clean the cut ends using a utility knife, coat them using PVC primer, and dry. Swab your PVC cement on the two sides that are getting joined, and push the two together. Tighten and reassemble the threaded connections by hand.

Attach the Dishwasher Drain and Clean Up

The drain line gets attached to the tailpiece’s waste nib. Tighten your hose clamp using a screwdriver, and remove all the excess putty on your filter. Get rid of the aerator from your faucet, and open the water fully. Check whether there are any leaks at all connection points along the drain line and the supply. If there are any leaks, tighten the nuts carefully until the leak stops. Ensure that the edge of the counter is parallel with the front edge of the sink. Fill your sink with water, and leave it overnight to increase the stability as the seal sets.

Get Professional Sink Installation Services

If you do not have the time to install your sink, contact us for expert services. At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we offer professional plumbing services to the residents of South Charleston, WV, and the neighboring areas. We also offer other services, including HVAC repairs, installations, and maintenance. Call us today, and enjoy our timely and quality services.

Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

Refrigerator leaks are a common refrigerator problem that a qualified technician can fix. Water puddling under the fridge is a warning sign of a serious underlying issue that you shouldn’t ignore. Chronic fridge leaks caused by high humidity levels, clogged defrost drain tubes, and water filter leaks can damage your floor and cause mold growth if you fail to address them in due time. Leaks can also increase energy bills and reduce your refrigerator’s lifespan. Read the information below to understand some common causes of refrigerator leaks and when to call a fridge expert for diagnosis and repairs.

1. Blocked Defrost Drain

A blocked defrost drain is a common cause of leaky refrigerators. The defrost drain blocks when food particles and other foreign objects obstruct the drain hose, leading to ice buildup. Eventually, water leaks out of the refrigerator and onto the floor. Fortunately, you can easily fix this issue by flushing the hose with warm water or calling a professional if the clog is severe.

2. Water Filter Leak

If your fridge is modern, it likely has a water filter. A broken connection between the filter and refrigerator could cause water leaks. Also, an old or a cracked water filter causes refrigerant leaks. A broken connection between the water filter and refrigerator could also be caused by installing the wrong filter size. It’s best to hire an expert for replacement or repairs so that you don’t have to keep cleaning up water puddles on the floor. Immediate repair also protects your refrigerator from further damage.

3. Cracked Drain Pan

The defrost pan located at the bottom of the refrigerator takes in the liquid from the defrost drain. Water usually accumulates in the pan and evaporates after some time. However, if there’s a crack or split on the drain pan, the water leaks to the floor. The water on the floor might evaporate after some time, especially if it’s in small amounts, and you might notice the leak. However, since it’s a safety hazard, you should hire a professional to fix the issue.

4. Faulty Ice Maker

Modern refrigerators have a built-in ice maker for convenience. Homeowners can enjoy fresh ice whenever they want. However, this feature can be inconvenient because it’s a common cause of refrigerator leaks. Water lines are connected to ice makers, and the connectors may sometimes wear out with age or crack. You can easily detect the leak by inspecting the ice maker connectors to determine whether they’re in perfect condition or leaking water.

5. High Humidity

Extreme humid weather conditions are also culprits of refrigerant leaks. That’s because the high humidity in the air mixes with the cold temperatures from the refrigerator. The condensation that forms fills the drain pan faster than usual. The drain pan then overflows, so you notice a water puddle on the floor. You can empty the drain pan manually during humid days to prevent refrigerator leaks. You may also install a dehumidifier in your kitchen if high humidity is frequent in your area.

6. Damaged Door Gasket

Little condensation drips on a fridge’s exterior or water in a line on the front of a refrigerator are signs of a damaged refrigerator door gasket. The door gasket in your refrigerator is made of pliable plastic surrounding the inner edges. When you close the fridge door, the plastic compresses to seal and prevent cold air from getting out of the refrigerator. Therefore, a damaged door gasket allows warm and cold air to meet. As a result, condensation pools up and appears like a leak. You should address the problem early enough to avert high energy bills and increase your refrigerator’s lifespan.

7. Refrigerator Door Left Open

When you leave your refrigerator door open for a long time, the appliance slowly accumulates water because warm air comes into the appliance. It overwhelms the evaporator system, causing a refrigerator leak. The solution would be to avoid opening the fridge door for a long period of time. Most modern refrigerators have an alarm to signal when the door is left open for excessive periods.

Ask the Pros

You may face minor or major household water damage due to a refrigerator water leak. Discovering the leaks early enough is important in preventing costly water damage and protecting your refrigerator from developing other problems. Reach out to our team of plumbing professionals in Charleston, WV & Kanawha Valley once you notice a sign of water leaks from your refrigerator. Whether you’re in St. Albans, Hurricane, or Elkview, our team is at your service ready to help you.

We provide water tank replacements, gas line repair and replacement, sewer and drain services, and tankless water heater installation. For more information about refrigerator leaks, contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today.

Why is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Cooling. No Comments on Why is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?

A well-maintained and functional air conditioner shouldn’t be noisy. A soft hum coming from your air conditioning unit shouldn’t worry you much, either. Every Kanawha Valley resident needs a reliable AC to combat the humid summer days and nights. What should worry you, therefore, are any unusual AC sounds. A noisy AC is a sign that the system is malfunctioning. In order to avoid expensive repairs, schedule repair services as soon as you notice strange or loud noises from your AC. You can read on to discover some common causes of loud air conditioners.

Loose Parts

Loud buzzing or humming noises are usually due to loose AC components such as screws, nuts, and bolts. It’s likely that the fan blades are loose or out-of-balance. A detached panel can also cause loud humming or buzzing sounds. Call a professional HVAC technician to tighten the loose parts immediately to prevent them from completely detaching. Additionally, a loose panel is likely to allow contaminants into the air conditioning system, causing a faster accumulation of debris and dust. Accumulation of dirt in your AC leaves it prone to inefficiencies. Also, the contaminants can mix with your indoor air and circulate in the house, leading to allergic reactions and other health risks due to poor indoor air quality.

Air Flow Problems

Airflow issues are common culprits of noisy air conditioners. However, these problems are common in older AC units built with different pieces that can sometimes fail to work well together. The high volume of air that pushes through an AC with too small ductwork can cause a whistling sound. Small vents can also cause airflow problems that cause noisy air conditioners. Damaged ductwork also causes whistling noises, which you will likely need a technician to remedy. Additionally, dirty or clogged air filters can cause noisy air conditioners, necessitating a clean-up or replacement.

Worn-Out Compressor

Air conditioner compressors are almost always a little noisy. However, you should be worried if the component makes unusual noises or is louder than usual. It could be that the compressor is worn out or about to malfunction. This would be a good time to call an expert for repairs.

Faulty Fan

Air conditioners have two fans, one at the rear end and another at the front end. Fans need to be clear for them to function well. Fan blades can cause a rattling or humming noise, especially if they come from the fan area. Usually, debris, insulation, or other items may fall into an air conditioner, explaining the loud rattling or humming noise caused by the blade movements. You could also check if you have loose blades and tighten them to eliminate the noise.

Refrigerant Leak

A buzzing air conditioner can be due to a leaking refrigerant. Contact your HVAC technician to check on your AC immediately you notice a loud buzzing sound. Refrigerants are dangerous because of their toxicity, and even a tiny leak exposes your family to breathing complications.

Motor Issues

A bad fan motor can cause loud banging sounds. When fan motors are off balance, they can bang inside the outdoor air conditioner unit and cause loud irritating noises. A dirty blower can also get off-balance and cause unusual noises.

You can experience motor malfunctions that can affect the AC’s interior, too, causing the system to make screeching noises. Therefore, if you hear loud screeching noises from the inside of the house, it could be an issue with the blower fan motor. Loud squealing sounds could indicate a worn-out fan belt. It’s best to hire an expert to inspect your noisy AC and fix the underlying issue.

Excessive Friction

Lubrication is vital in preventing overheating of all moving components of an air conditioning unit. If your air conditioner makes squealing, wailing, or squeaking noises, then you could be having an issue with dry AC components. It’s wise to lubricate all AC moving parts often because the longer they remain unlubricated, the higher the chances of premature breakdown. Dislodged parts can also cause a loud banging noise from an AC. The sound comes from the impact that a detached part makes after hitting the AC blades.

The best thing to do with a loud or noisy air conditioner is to call our friendly and experienced HVAC technicians. We provide dependable residential and commercial HVAC services in the Kanawha Valley area. We can also help you with sewer and drain issues, water leak repairs, gas line repair, and heating installations. Contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston today to book an appointment with our technicians.

The Best Ways to Heat a Garage

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Heating. No Comments on The Best Ways to Heat a Garage

A freezing garage is not comfortable enough to work on your hobbies or projects. The cold temperatures are also not favorable for stored tools, liquids or equipment. In addition, suppose you have converted your garage into an extra living space, bedroom or playing area for your kids. In that case, the freezing temperatures in a detachable garage during winter can be too uncomfortable. Most homeowners in South Charleston, WV, have a detachable garage, so the heating unit in their main house doesn’t heat the garage. Luckily, there are straightforward and effective ways of heating an uninsulated garage to create a warm and cozy space for your hobbies, projects and entertainment. You can enjoy your attached or detached garage with these heating options even when the South Charleston winters tell you otherwise.

Assess Your Needs

The first challenge you should tackle is to understand how difficult it will be to heat your garage. One of the considerations to look into is your garage space’s size and how cold it gets during winters in your neighborhood. You might consider an energy audit or an expert to help you determine your heating needs and the number of BTUs you require in the garage. Also, it’s necessary to consider the garage’s insulation and if you are willing to remodel the space to add additional insulation.

Install the Right Insulation

Most garage spaces are not insulated, which explains why they are freezing during winters. The materials used in the construction of your garage can significantly determine how it performs in cold weather. Most spaces have open studded walls that are not ideal for warming garages during winter. Therefore, it’s wise to start by insulating your garage’s walls, doors and ceiling. There are a few insulation options based on how you want the space to perform in cold weather. You can use drywall, plywood or other paneling types to finish walls and ceilings. Blown-in insulation is a perfect option if you plan to use your garage for long periods during winter.

Forced-Air Heaters

Forced-air heaters are an effective and affordable way to heat your garage during winter. They run on natural gas and generate heat to your garage via gas combustion. The forced air heaters then transfer the heat through constant air circulation. You can place the heater into one corner of the space for maximum heating for the entire space. However, they can be a little bit noisy due to their fan circulation and gas combustion.

In-Floor Heaters

In-floor heaters were initially considered bathroom heaters. However, homeowners are embracing them as a garage heating method. In-floor heaters offer the ideal comfort as they keep the ground warm if you sit or lay down on the ground. If you use the space for a mechanic project or to work on your vehicle, in-floor heaters can work well. Combine this method with other heaters for optimal garage heating.

Infrared Heaters

These use advanced technology to heat objects directly in an open garage. An infrared heater is an ideal garage heating option if your space is open and difficult to insulate properly. However, liked the forced-air heater, these heaters are more expensive than most garage heaters. You can choose from different infrared heating options, though, depending on your preferences and heating needs, such as a mounted infrared heater, infrared ceiling panel and floor infrared heater.

Convection Heater

A convection heater is also an ideal heating option for your garage during winter. These heaters are versatile and operate by propane, natural gas or electricity. They are available in different sizes and types. Some convection heaters heat garage spaces fast, while others are a bit slow at warming up a space. You can choose the variation that suits your garage space perfectly.

Enhance the Flooring

Usually, garages have concrete flooring because upgrading it can be costly. However, it’s paramount to change the floor because it gets icy during the winter months, and more people are using the space. Also, concrete flooring makes garage heating unsuccessful. Consider wooden flooring if you want to make your garage warm. You can also throw a huge rug to cover the concrete flooring or use carpet tiles or floor mats.

Ductless System

Ductless heating and cooling systems are also known as multi-split or split systems. They are the easiest to install as compared to most other HVAC systems. A ductless system also has several other properties that make it an ideal method for heating garages. For instance, it is energy-efficient, which helps to save money on utility bills. Ductless systems are also eco-friendly solutions because they meet the most efficient energy guidelines.

You can have a warm garage space for your projects and entertainment during the winters by choosing an appropriate heating source. We can help you determine an ideal heating method that saves on utility bills. We also specialize in sewer and drain services, water tank replacement, troubleshooting, repairs and installation or heating and cooling services. Talk to us at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston to learn more about the best ways to heat your garage.

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

Low water pressure issues could be a sign of other large plumbing issues in your house. Low water pressure in your Kanawha Valley area home may arise due to several factors. Fortunately, you can quickly solve the issues with a plumbing expert’s help and restore the right water pressure in your residence. If you wondered why your house has been facing low water pressure issues lately, this article is for you. Read through to discover some possible causes and how to deal with them.

Faulty Fixtures

Faulty fixtures are a significant cause of low water pressure. Old faucets and showerheads can get clogged by dirt, rust, or limestone. Clogged fixtures reduce water flow and water quality in your property. You can test whether or not this is the reason behind the low water pressure by turning on each faucet at a time to discover the faulty faucet. Ensure that the screen aerator is clean because a clogged screen or aerator ruins the water pressure for the entire fixture. If you discover clogged fixtures, it would be wise to hire a plumber for cleaning or replacement. A qualified plumber will also inspect other parts of your plumbing system to diagnose the cause of low water pressure.

Your Water Supplier

Before you start panicking and calling your plumber, first ask around. If your neighbors are experiencing the same problem, the chances are that your house has nothing to do with the low water pressure. Consider contacting your water supplier to inform them of your low water pressure issue in your home and determine if they are aware of it.

Pressure Regulator Is Failing

Not all plumbing systems are installed with a pressure regulator. If you have a pressure regulator, it could be the reason behind low water pressure in your house. You can test this by attaching a water pressure gauge to the hose spigot outside. The gauge should give you a quick read of the water pressure after turning it on unless it is faulty. In that case, it is best to hire a plumber for replacement.

Water Meter Valve Isn’t Open

The water meter valve controls water intake in your house. If you notice a reduction in water pressure after a home project like a renovation or new landscaping, you may need to talk to your water company. You probably did not open the water meter valve completely after the completion of the project. Therefore, you need someone to check the meter valve and open it all the way.

Clogged Water Pipes

Clogged pipes are also a primary contributor of reduced water pressure. This happens after a long time, mostly with galvanized pipes. You may need to contact a trained plumber to inspect your pipes for clogging and offer a solution. Do not make the mistake of unclogging the pipes on your own because it can get messy. You will need a plumbing expert to unclog your pipes and offer a permanent solution to restore water pressure.

High Water Demand

Low water pressure can happen when the water demand is high in your house. Water pressure can reduce if you run more than two taps or water-consuming appliances at a time. The water supply in your home can only deliver so much water at a time. The supply divides when you use several appliances or taps at a time to be able to supply to all applications, which lowers the water pressure. You can solve this problem by adjusting your habits and coordinating water usage in your household.

Your Pipes Are Leaking

A flooded foundation or basement is a tell-tale sign of leaking pipes. However, even a small leak can mess with your water pressure. Pipe leaks misdirect water supply, so much so that even if other plumbing fixtures are functioning properly, you will not get the full water pressure. If you have noticed reduced water pressure, consider inspecting your pipes for pooling water or wet spots. Turn off the main water supply as you wait for a plumber to arrive to repair or replace the leaking pipes.

Consult the Experts

A professional can fix most of the issues discussed in this article. You do not want to ignore any plumbing issue unless you want to deal with worse plumbing problems in your house. Our qualified, bonded, and licensed plumbers offer comprehensive residential and emergency plumbing services. We are also trained in troubleshooting and repairs, replacements, and installations of heating and cooling systems. Call Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Kanawha Valley today for more information on the causes of low water pressure and how to solve the problem.

Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Bad for Plumbing?

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Bad for Plumbing?

A clogged drain can cause a major inconvenience. Plus, if the clog is severe enough, your drain may overflow and cause significant water damage to your home. To help prevent problems associated with a clogged drain, it’s important to understand the best methods to remove clogs from your pipes. One popular fix for clogged drains is to use a chemical drain cleaner. While these products might help remove the clog, they can cause damage to your Kanawha Valley home’s plumbing system as well. To understand the risks of using a chemical drain cleaner, check out this guide from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston.

Chemical Reactions

When you use a liquid drain cleaner, it’s not the force of pouring the substance down the drain that removes the clog. Instead, it’s the chemical reaction that takes place between the cleaner and the debris in the clog that eventually dissolves the obstruction and moves it out of the way. However, chemical reactions, especially uncontrolled chemical reactions that happen out of sight, can have some unexpected outcomes.

For example, one common way that chemical drain cleaners remove clogs is by creating heat to help liquify grease so that a clog will move out of the drain line. However, if the clog is especially stubborn, the heat-creating reaction may continue in that single spot for quite some time. This ongoing heat-creating reaction could spell disaster for some types of pipes, meaning that you could end up with a bigger problem than you started with.

Chemicals Linger in the System

Another problem with using chemical drain cleaners is that residue from them may stick around for some time. This is because a chemical drain cleaner typically doesn’t clean a drain as thoroughly as a mechanical option would.

Therefore, some of the drain cleaner can remain in your drains long after the clog has been cleared. This poses a problem if you pour other types of chemicals down your drain later. The various chemicals mixing together could cause an unexpected reaction that’s quite violent and dangerous. The best solution is to thoroughly flush your drains if you do decide to use a chemical drain cleaner.

Harmful to Humans

Along with being harmful to your pipes, chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to humans as well. The caustic chemicals in drain cleaners can cause chemical burns on your skin, blindness and severe side effects if the drain cleaner is ingested. This means that you have to be extremely careful when working with these products.

Plus, you have to store drain cleaners out of the reach of pets and children to ensure that they aren’t accidentally dispensed. All in all, you need to use a lot more care with chemical drain cleaners than you would with a mechanical solution employed by professionals.

Harmful to the Environment

Even if you’re successful in removing your clog without causing damage to yourself or your drainpipe, the problems associated with chemical drain cleaners aren’t over. The powerful substances in chemical drain cleaners can have a negative impact on the environment, doing great harm to local aquatic wildlife. Compared to other drain-cleaning methods such as using all-natural ingredients or hydro-jetting, using chemical drain cleaners is by far the least environmentally-friendly method of removing a clog.

All-Natural Drain Cleaning

The good news is that there are other options besides chemical drain cleaners to help your drains flow freely again. Baking soda and vinegar are two powerful options to help you regain control of your home’s plumbing system. You can use boiling water to loosen up grease and follow it with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break up the clog, Finish with more boiling water to wash the clog away.

In many cases, this method is just as effective as using a chemical drain cleaner. Of course, if you aren’t able to remove the clog using an all-natural method, the next step is to call a professional from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to eliminate the clog for you.

Taking Care of Business

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we’re fully prepared to take on any plumbing challenge that you face. We can repair pipes, install water heaters, replace toilets and much more. In fact, we handle the complete spectrum of plumbing issues. Plus, we can maintain, repair and install HVAC equipment and take on home remodeling projects. We’ve been proudly serving South Charleston and the Kanawha Valley for over 40 years, and our customers know they can trust us to treat them with respect every time they have a need. To learn more about the services we offer, contact us at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today.

Traditional Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on Traditional Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater

If it is time for you to replace your water heater or install one into a new home, you may be wondering if you should choose a tankless or traditional water heater. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Here, we will discuss the differences between the two types and the pros and cons of each.

Traditional Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters are the most common type of water heater found in residential homes. They are commonly referred to as “storage tank water heaters” because they require an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until it’s needed. Most traditional water heaters use electricity or natural gas to heat the water and have a holding capacity of between 30 and 50 gallons.

Since this type of water heater stores and maintains the temperature of heated water until you are ready to use it, they are less efficient than tankless water heaters. Traditional electric water heaters are cheaper than their natural gas counterpart. However, they are less efficient, and since electricity costs more than natural gas, they are also more expensive to operate.

Compared to tankless water heaters, storage tank water heaters are cheaper to purchase and install. They are also simpler in design, which makes maintenance and repairs a lot simpler and cheaper. However, traditional water heaters are not as efficient, meaning that you will have a slightly higher energy bill. They also require more space than a tankless option.

If you are using a lot of hot water on a particular day, a storage-tank water heater may run out, and you will have to wait until it fills up and heats the water. You may also run out of hot water in the middle of a shower. Traditional water heaters also have about half the lifespan of tankless options. They will typically last anywhere from 10-15 years depending on how well they are maintained.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are also called “on-demand water heaters.” As the name suggests, this type heats water as you need it and does not have a storage tank. They are a lot more complex in nature, and the installation process can be just as complex depending on your home.

While tankless water heaters are quite a bit more expensive to purchase and install, they can save you a significant amount on your energy bill. On-demand water heaters are also typically fueled by electricity or natural gas, with the natural gas option being much more efficient.

Since tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank, they do not require as much space as a traditional one. In fact, if you are limited on space, you may want to opt for a tankless water heater. They are typically mounted on the wall. Some types can even be mounted on the outside of your home.

With a tankless water heater, you will never have to worry about running out of hot water. If your household uses 41 gallons or less of hot water a day, an on-demand water heater can be 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than a storage tank option, according to energy.gov.

While tankless water heaters are more expensive than the traditional option, they can last anywhere from 20-30 years. So even though a traditional water heater may cost less to purchase and install, you will have to replace it twice as often as a tankless option. So, in the long run, it is more cost-effective to go with a tankless water heater.

The main drawback of a tankless water heater is that if multiple people are taking showers at one time or if you are doing laundry at the same time as taking a shower, it may have a hard time keeping up with the demand. You can get around this issue by installing more than one tankless water heater if you have a large home and if your demand for hot water is high.

The Bottom Line

If you have the budget for it, a tankless water heater is a better investment. It will save money on your energy bills and will last twice as long as a traditional water heater. If you are still unsure about which option is best for your situation, the experts at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston, WV, can help guide you and answer any of your questions.

Our highly knowledgeable team can also assist you with heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance. You can also rely on our extensive range of plumbing services, indoor air quality solutions, and ductwork installation, repair, and maintenance. Give us a call today!

The Advantages of Hydro Jetting Your Clogged Pipes

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on The Advantages of Hydro Jetting Your Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes are a serious issue for homeowners. When water drains slowly or not at all, it can bring your whole house to a standstill. With a severe clog, you may have to tell your family members not to shower, flush, or wash the dishes. At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we have helped hundreds of South Charleston residents get their water flowing freely again. Hydro-jetting is one of the most effective tools we use for this task.

Causes of Household Clogs

When most people think of a pipe blockage, they may imagine a wad of excess toilet paper causing a backup. This type of clog is a temporary inconvenience that you can often solve with a plunger or a plumbing snake.

More serious clogs build up over time. It depends on what you are sending down your drains. If you frequently pour hot fats and oils down your kitchen drain, they can congeal and coat your pipes. As the diameter of the pipes gets smaller, hair and other insoluble substances can collect obstructing the flow further. You will notice slow drains as the conditions get worse.

Some clogs start through no fault of your own. In your sewer line, small tree roots can work their way into your pipe and create a blockage. Sediment from hard water will also cause pipe narrowing and a place for a clog to form.

What is Hydro-Jetting?

For minor blockages of a single sink or toilet, a plunger or snake may be all you need to get things flowing. You have probably experienced that joyful moment when your toilet flushes freely after a clog moves. However, if you experience slow or clogged drains throughout your home, you are dealing with a more serious problem that is further down your plumbing line.

For serious clogs, hydro-jetting is often the best solution. With this technique, our team uses pressurized water to blast clogs and send them down the sewer pipe. With our long hoses, we can reach a clog in any part of your household pipes and blast it with water at up to 4000 PSI. With this amount of water pressure, it will not be long before the water is flowing freely.

Hydro-jetting is a process best left to professionals. We know the proper pressure that is required to break up clogs effectively without damaging your pipes. When the experts at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling clean your pipes with hydro-jetting, you can be confident that we will get the job done correctly and safely.

After successfully clearing hundreds of clogs in South Charleston, we have found that there are several advantages to the hydro-jetting process.

Completely Clear Pipes

The biggest benefit to hydro-jetting is this technique leaves your pipes completely clear. The pressurized water does not just punch a hole in a clog, but it destroys the clog along with any buildup. Hydro-jetting removes fat, grease, and sediment deposits that would allow a clog to reformat the site.

Environmentally Friendly

With this process, the only thing going through your pipes is water. Chemical drain cleaners use harsh substances to break up blockages. Once they do their job, those chemicals will travel through your septic or sewer line and make their way into the water supply. They can leach into the soil or end up in natural waterways where they can harm wildlife.

A Sanitary Process

While a snake can do an effective job of clearing a clog, it is a messy process. You know the substances that go through your pipes. The snake will push through the blockage, but it will drag part of it up in the process. With hydro-jetting, the clogged material breaks up and travels the direction you want it to, away from your drains and down the sewer line.

Safe on Your Pipes

A chemical drain cleaner must sit in your pipes to do its job. The chemicals that break up the clog can also react with the metal in your plumbing and create a weak spot. Hydro-jetting only uses water, so you can rest assured your pipes will be safe.

Your Partner for Complete Plumbing Services

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we offer a wide range of plumbing services that includes drain cleaning, water heater services, and fixture repairs. Contact us today if you want more information about how hydro-jetting can clean your pipes. We also offer complete heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is the team to call to keep your South Charleston home safe and comfortable throughout the year.

Should You Invest in a Larger HVAC System for Your Home?

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Cooling, Heating. No Comments on Should You Invest in a Larger HVAC System for Your Home?

If you’re frustrated by your HVAC system’s lack of heating or cooling capacity, you may think that it’s time to upgrade to a bigger unit. However, finding the right HVAC system for your Charleston, WV, home involves far more than simply choosing the largest one available. In fact, utilizing this approach may actually have detrimental effects on your indoor comfort. To help you choose an HVAC system that will work well for your house, we at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling offer the following tips.

The Goldilocks Approach to HVAC Sizing Needs

When it comes to your property’s HVAC system, size does matter. However, we at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling want you to know that finding an HVAC unit that’s appropriately sized for your home requires a “Goldilocks” approach. In other words, your system needs to be “just right.” This means that a unit that’s either too large or too small for your house won’t deliver the efficient performance that you deserve.

The reason that a poorly sized system won’t work well in your residence comes down to heating and cooling capacity. A unit that’s too large will provide too much heating and cooling capacity, meaning that your home will reach the desired temperature too quickly. While this might seem like a good thing, the short operating cycles will have a detrimental effect on the lifespan of your equipment, meaning that you won’t get as much out of your initial investment.

On the other hand, a system that’s too small will have to work harder and longer to get your house to the desired temperature. This extended running time can shorten your unit’s lifespan, leading to premature replacement. Ultimately, then, you want a system that can heat and cool your home efficiently without putting excess wear and tear on the equipment due to excessively short or long runtimes.

How Is the Correct Size Determined?

There’s a lot of careful calculations that go into determining the size of an HVAC system that’s needed for a property. Therefore, it’s important to have an experienced HVAC installation company like Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling handle the job.

First, the volume of the livable space in the house must be calculated. This determines how much space will need to be heated and cooled by the equipment. If your house is especially large, it may be better to utilize HVAC zones, which are multiple HVAC systems that heat and cool various areas in your residence independently.

Once the heating and cooling needs of your house are determined, then it’s time to choose a system that will meet those needs. A unit is selected based on its heating and cooling output capacity. This capacity is calculated by the manufacturer and easily accessible by contractors and homeowners. Once all of this has been done, the best system for your house can be determined so that you can enjoy a comfortable home for many years to come.

What if My System Isn’t Heating or Cooling Correctly?

If you’ve recently had a new HVAC system installed in your house and your indoor environment isn’t comfortable, it’s likely that the unit isn’t properly sized for your property. Fortunately, there are a few things that we at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can do to help overcome this issue.

If it’s determined that your system is too small for your house, we can add a separate unit to create a zoned approach to ensure that you have adequate heating and cooling capacity. If the system is too large, we can rework how your ducts move air through your residence so that your home changes its temperature in the proper amount of time.

Get a Well-Designed System From the Start

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we believe in helping our customers to save as much money as possible. Whether that’s through exceptional maintenance and repair services for your air conditioner and furnace or by designing and installing top-notch HVAC systems, we can do it all.

You’ll be glad to know that we can also take care of a variety of other maintenance and repair needs, including home remodeling, ductwork repair and installation, plumbing services of all types, and more. For 70 years, we’ve been glad to serve this area with high-quality services that help to keep our customers happy and comfortable.

This consistent commitment to excellence has earned us countless five-star reviews. If you’re wondering if we can really deliver on all that we say we can, we encourage you to read through some of these reviews for yourself to see the difference that we can make in your life. For more information about installing a new HVAC system, contact us at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today. We look forward to serving your indoor home climate comfort needs.

Reasons Why Upgrading Your Insulation Is Not a DIY Job

Written by Kevin on December 2, 2024. Posted in Cooling, Heating. No Comments on Reasons Why Upgrading Your Insulation Is Not a DIY Job

For most homeowners in South Charleston, WV, correct attic insulation is a major concern and an easy goal for enhancing energy efficiency. Many older homes and newer ones lack the correct volume of insulation in their attic. However, there are many things to weigh up when resolving to add or improve insulation.

It might seem like an easy DIY project for the most skilled homeowner. However, improper setup or installation might result in poor outcomes and a lower return on investment. Here are the reasons why insulation is another task that you’ll want to leave to the professionals:

More Options

For many DIY insulation tasks, the homeowner will install fiberglass blocks. Supplied on a roll, they are typically 15 inches wide to perfectly fit between wall posts. Some homeowners who have a slightly more mechanical tendency may also choose to rent an insulation fan for an inflated barrier. An expert installer has the right equipment to provide these and many other options, including spray foam insulation, which can add another layer of protection.

Expert Installation

There is more than just applying insulation the right way, ensuring that it’s the correct thickness, and ensuring that you cover all the open spaces. Also, there is the aspect of providing ventilation, selecting the correct R-value, applying the necessary humidity barriers, and sealing the outside gaps. This kind of work requires experience and expertise. Professionals will also obtain the necessary permits and ensure that the work is done per local construction codes.

Increased Cost Savings

It may seem obvious that it is always cheaper to do the work yourself than to hire someone. However, with insulation, you have to consider the long-term and short-term cost savings. Because a professional insulation company can give you more choices, you have the option of installing blown-in or spray foam insulation that lasts much longer and provides a stronger barrier than the fiberglass blocks. If you evaluate an insulation job, an expert can usually do it with minimal damage to the trim, drywall, etc. that would otherwise need costly replacement. Experts also get the work done faster, saving you time that could be spent elsewhere.

Convenience

Convenience may be the best motive to hire an expert to insulate your house. Fiberglass blocks are some of the most unforgiving pieces of textiles in the home construction industry. DIYers may itch, cough, and sometimes lose sleep for several nights because the fibers can settle in your eyes, body, lungs, and nose. Professionals have protective equipment that helps them in getting the job done with less irritation.

Correct Disassembly and Installation by Experts

If you decide to install new insulation by yourself, how do you know if you have done it right? You can view articles and videos online, but nothing replaces the hands-on experience of an experienced insulation company like Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. We recognize the easy-to-miss places where insulation is frequently lacking. We also have the diagnostic equipment to check if and where you require an air seal.

Improving the Performance of Your Home Through Insulation

If you are making a significant investment to re-insulate your household, you need your money to be worth it. With an expert contractor like Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, you will be sure to get the biggest boost in your home’s power efficiency. New insulation offers benefits such as:

Lower utility bills
Less deterioration on the HVAC system
More indoor comfort year-round
Better indoor air quality

Qualified Insulation Technicians

Insulation is good for your home all year; it keeps your household warm when it is cold outside and cool when it is hot. With so much relying on good insulation, replacing it is not a task you want to do yourself or trust to an inexperienced company.

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, our team has over 500 years of combined experience in insulation installment, and we will give our undivided attention to every job in South Charleston. We can install and repair any insulation and make sure it is adequate for your property. Our technicians respond very fast, and they will address your issues as quickly as possible. We will do your South Charleston insulation so that you can focus on other tasks. Our workmanship is never lacking, and we strive to provide the best results.

Our highly skilled team also performs HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations. We even offer indoor air quality, plumbing, and ductwork services. Learn more regarding our reliable services in South Charleston by calling Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today.

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