Douglas Cooling & Heating Blog : Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

What is hydro jetting? What does it do for Birmingham homes and why do homeowners need to schedule this specialized plumbing service? 

Our licensed plumbers hear these common questions from our Birmingham, AL area customers all the time. In this blog, we provide a detailed look into what is hydro jetting, how it’s different from other plumbing services and what it does for the home’s plumbing system. Could your home plumbing system benefit from this service? Let’s learn more.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a process used to clean the interiors of plumbing pipes throughout a home plumbing system. High-pressure water flows through the plumbing system and removes build-up inside pipes. This provides a thorough clean and prevents backups by flushing plumbing piping of clogs and potentially damaging materials, including:

• Grease
• Mineral scale
• Debris
• Tree roots

What’s the Difference Between Hydro Jetting and Snaking a Drain?

Unlike snaking a drain, hydro jetting has the power to break up tough clogs AND remove materials from interior pipe walls. Plumbing snakes just puncture the clog and help break it apart. Hydro jetting offers a thorough maintenance cleaning of the plumbing pipes to prevent future clogs and more expensive sewer repairs.

Steps in the Hydro Jetting Process

Here’s what occurs when you schedule this service:

1. Your licensed plumber locates the plumbing system cleanout, which gives an easy access point to the piping throughout your home.

2. He or she uses a  camera to inspect your plumbing pipes and drain prior to jetting. This step searches for damage within the system, such as cracked or crumbling pipes, which could be worsened by the process. 

3. Your plumber inserts the jetting hose downstream into the plumbing lines. This durable hose attaches to a water tank that pressurizes water.

4. Your plumber adjusts the water pressure to appropriate levels for pipe conditions. Hydro jetting typically involves water pressure up to 35,000 psi.

5. Once the high-pressured water begins, the tool moves upstream through the plumbing lines as it scours the interior pipe walls. 

6. The tool removes built-up debris from the inside of the pipe walls. Gravity pulls the debris down through the home plumbing system and safely flushes it out of the home.

Demonstration of Hydro Jetting Power

Here is a video showing the power of a hydro jet flow: 

Does Hydro Jetting Work on Tree Roots?

The hydro jetting process is commonly used to clear tree root penetrations in underground plumbing pipes. Some extra precautions are required to ensure problem resolution and to protect the integrity of the piping. Always work with a licensed Alabama plumber to protect your home’s plumbing system.

It’s critical to use a sewer line camera to visualize the tree root issue prior to drain cleaning. This video inspection allows your plumber to inspect for damage to the piping. Just like a surgeon preps for surgery, the plumber wants to avoid any surprises. As long as the pipe is not significantly damaged or its waterproof coating compromised, hydro jetting is often a safe and efficient method to break up and remove root penetrations.

In Conclusion: Schedule Plumbing Services and Enjoy Better Water Flow

Clear your pipe system of clog-causing debris with plumbing and sewer services from Douglas Plumbing. Our plumbers take great care to protect the integrity of your plumbing system as they eliminate buildup and clear clogs. 

Don’t risk damage to your plumbing system with improper cleaning! Trust our licensed plumbers to thoroughly inspect and safely hydro jet your plumbing pipes. Our plumbers in your area are also available for plumbing repairs like running toilets, leaky pipes and to install fixtures or garbage disposals. 

Schedule a licensed plumber for your Birmingham area home today.

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Your home plumbing system uses many components to carry water into your home and waste out. If you’re unfamiliar with how a home plumbing system works, repairs and plumbing problems may feel intimidating. Through this introduction to your home plumbing system, familiarize yourself with the different system components and know exactly how plumbing works in and out of your Birmingham home.

How Your Home Plumbing System Works

Your home plumbing system has two main components: 

1. the water supply system, which brings fresh water into the home and out through your fixtures
2. the drain waste system, which moves wastewater out of your home

Main Component of Home Plumbing: Water Supply System (What Goes In)

If you have municipal water at your Birmingham area home, water comes through city lines buried in the ground. A water main line extends from these shared lines up to your street, and a line extends up to your home. A water meter measures the water used on this incoming line and a shutoff valve turns off the water supply.

City water is under pressure to move the water to all supplied homes. If your home has a well, the well pump moves water from the ground source into the home, which is pressurized by the pressure tank.

From your water main lines, smaller plumbing lines run throughout your home, supplying different areas where water is used, such as:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry rooms
• Water heaters
• Outdoor spigots

Water runs to faucets, toilets, and other fixtures throughout your home for use. Many of these fixtures have individual shutoff valves, which allows the homeowner to turn off the water supply to the specific fixture, rather than to the entire home at the main shutoff valve. This is handy when a fixture springs a leak or you have another isolated plumbing problem, like a running toilet.

Illustration credit: DS Plumbing, Ontario, Canada

This diagram illustrates how home plumbing systems generally work. In this example, 

1. Yellow lines: venting pipes – these exhaust air and gasses from the system
2. Red lines: hot water supply – these move hot water from the water heater to fixtures
3. Blue lines: fresh water supply – these bring new water into the house
4. Black lines: waste pipes – these move “grey” water and sewage from the house to the sewer line

Main Component of Home Plumbing: Drain Waste System (What Goes Out)

A Birmingham household creates wastewater in many ways, such as:

• Showering and bathing
• Flushing toilets
• Washing machine cycles
• Dishwasher cycles
• Sinks and drains

The drain waste system helps all this wastewater flow out of your home to a municipal sewer system or septic tank. This home plumbing system uses gravity to move this depressurized water.

Drain waste systems are more complex than the water supply system because they involve a number of vents, traps, and cleanout equipment. Again, gravity helps move this wastewater out of your home. Vent pipes poking out of your roof, as well as P traps under each sink are part of this home plumbing system.

Drainpipes are typically much larger than supply pipes. Drainage is more efficient when the lines are larger. In most homes, the drain waste system includes a component called the cleanout plug. This component allows plumbers to remove clogs that form from waste.

The drain waste system carries wastewater and human waste to a shared sewer line for municipal sewers, or flow out to your septic system, which is waste management for your individual home. Sometimes these drains become slow, emit bad odors, clog or overflow. Plumbers perform snaking, drain clearing or drain cleaning to puncture or flush the clog. 

For Plumbing and Sewer Help Call Douglas Cooling & Heating Douglas Cooling & Heating

If you have trouble with any of the home plumbing system elements mentioned above, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for expert plumbing repair. Our licensed plumbers find the source of your problem and provide reliable fixes to help your home plumbing system perform at its best. 

We handle minor issues like leaky faucets and clogged toilets to major projects like new plumbing installations and hydro jetting sewer repairs. 

We also perform emergency plumbing repairs if you have situations like a water leak from pipes or a water heater, broken sump pump or a toilet overflows. Need a new water heater? We have finance options for major plumbing equipment purchases. Our licensed plumbers travel throughout the Birmingham, Alabama area. How may we serve you?

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Leaky faucets are one common reason Birmingham area homeowners Call Douglas’ Douglas Cooling & Heating for help. This simple plumbing issue leads to serious water waste and creates a potential for water damage in your home. Learn common causes as well as why you never want to ignore this issue. Get help with leaky faucets today!

Common Causes of Leaky Faucets

• Worn-out O-ring
• Valve seat corrosion
• Bad washer
• Bad seals
• Loose components
• Broken pipes

Leaky faucets are caused by many different issues, within the fixture or your plumbing system. We share insight into a few common causes to help with leaky faucets around your home:

Worn-out O-ring

The faucet O-ring is a small disc attached to the stem screw which holds the faucet in place. If the O-ring is worn out or otherwise damaged, leaks occur at the faucet’s handle. It’s common for O-rings to wear out from normal fixture use and eventually need replacement.

Valve seat corrosion

The valve seat sits between the faucet and spout. Sediment from water often accumulates here and causes corrosion in the component. This results in leaks around the faucet’s spout. The valve seat should be cleaned regularly to prevent corrosion. 

If you’re not sure how to do this, schedule a plumbing inspection and service visit with a licensed plumber. He or she can handle it and or show you how to do it. 

These service visits are a great time to ask questions and learn more about how to maintain your plumbing fixtures. Regular plumbing maintenance goes a long way to prevent major plumbing repairs or replacements. 

Toilet running? Toilet gurgles? Funny smell from a drain? They may seem like no big deal, but it’s best to get in front of small problems before they become big ones. 

Click Here to Schedule Plumbing Service

Bad washer

Each time you use a faucet, the washer pushes against the valve seat. This results in friction and over time wears out the washer. This causes leaks around the faucet spout in a compression-style faucet, which requires replacement. Washer replacement is a common DIY project. Just be sure the washer is correctly installed and the right size, otherwise the leak continues.

Bad seals

Water inlet and outlet seals are also subject to corrosion from sediment buildup, which results in leaks.

Loose components

The packing nuts in the stem screw have a tendency to loosen over time. This results in leaks at the faucet handle. To stop the leak, it helps to tighten or replace this component.

Broken pipes

Leaks underneath your sink are commonly caused by loose fittings or broken pipes. This often happens when items stored below the sink strike against the plumbing components. Pipes also break during periods of overnight temperature drops, even in Alabama. 

Help with Leaky Faucets – DIY or Call a Pro?

Many Birmingham area homeowners are comfortable performing plumbing repairs on their own, but others are not, and that’s okay! Just remember, when you replace a faucet component, the new component must be properly placed and the fixture correctly reassembled. If not, water leaks persist.

While some Birmingham homeowners love to tackle the challenge of a DIY plumbing project, don’t feel you have to. For many of us, if a task requires special knowledge, certain tools and will take twice the time it takes a professional, it’s worth calling for plumbing repairs. After all, a leaky faucet is a repair plumbers do all the time!

Why You Need Help with Leaky Faucets

Most Birmingham homeowners are unaware of the waste and impact of leaky faucets. Sure, a small, slow drip doesn’t seem like a big issue. When ignored, however, it has the potential to waste thousands of gallons of water over time. One drip per second leads to over 3,000 gallons of water wasted from a faucet over a year. That’s the equivalent of more than 180 showers!

Need Help with Leaky Faucets? Call Douglas Today!

Douglas Cooling & Heating is here to help with leaky faucets and any other plumbing issues around your Birmingham area home. We get to work to solve your leaky faucet problems, which restores plumbing fixture performance and limits water waste in your home. 

Our team of licensed plumbers assists with water heater installation, water heater repairs, water filtration systems, slow or clogged drains, sewer line clogs, hydro-jetting, as well as toilet and garbage disposal issues. We also offer emergency services, so if a water leak is causing damage or you have an overflow, call us right away. We’re here for you!

Our team travels throughout the Birmingham area, including Bessemer, Hoover, Homewood, Calera, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Helena, Vestavia Hills, and Chelsea. So don’t let that drip or plumbing problem continue – call Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule plumbing repair!

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Is a tankless water heater better than a tank water heater model? That’s the question Birmingham area homeowners want to know when it’s time to buy a new water heater. Make sure to make the most out of this investment and get the hot water heating system your household needs. Our plumbing professionals share why many consider a tankless water heater the better choice.

If the answer to, “Is a tankless water heater better?” is a yes for your family, call Douglas Cooling & Heating Douglas Cooling & Heating to learn more about available equipment options and schedule installation with our licensed plumbers. Of course, if you choose a tank model, we are happy to help you get the right water heater for your household!

Is a Tankless Water Heater Better? 

For many homeowners, it comes down to three factors: 

• Tankless water heaters last longer
• Tankless heaters consume less energy and cost less to operate
• Tankless water heaters have great installation flexibility

Many homeowners in Alabama have decided a tankless water heater is the better choice for their homes! We show you why this technology continues to grow in popularity and makes its way into Birmingham-area homes.

Tankless Water Heaters Last Twice as Long

Tankless water heaters offer a service life double that of a tank model! In fact, tankless models often last 20 to 30 years with good maintenance and care, while tank models need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. 

If you choose a tank water heater, expect to replace it twice as often as you would a tankless model. While tankless options seem more expensive upfront, it generates savings by helping your household avoid water heater replacement costs.

Tankless Heaters Consume Less Energy 

Tankless water heaters use less energy than tank models. This is because they do not store hot water for use like a tank model. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, and warm water when your taps call for it. 

A tank model, which is also called a storage water heater, heats water to fill the tank after the reserve is used, and stores it heated until it is needed. To keep this water warm it needs energy around the clock.

According to Energy.gov, in a home where 42 gallons of hot water or less is used in a day, a tankless water heater cuts energy costs 24 to 34 percent. Even if your household consumes a great deal of hot water in a day, they still help you save. For example, they are around 8 to 14 percent more efficient in homes using about 86 gallons of hot water each day.

Choose a Compact Installation Area 

A tank water heater requires ample room for installation, as the tank needs space in your home. This consumes usable square footage that could otherwise be used for different needs. Tankless water heaters are pretty compact by comparison. 

A licensed plumber installs tankless water heaters on the wall and frees up floor space. Some larger homes install two – one upstairs and one downstairs to accommodate bigger families and square footage. Tankless models easily fit into tight areas, such as laundry rooms and even bathroom cabinets. 

Is a Tankless Water Heater Better? Ask Douglas Cooling & Heating Douglas Cooling & Heating!

When you wonder, “Is a tankless water heater better for my Birmingham home?” get an answer from the pros! The skilled plumbers of Douglas Cooling & Heating are happy to help you determine which type of water heating equipment meets all your needs, energy goals and budget.

We provide high-quality tankless water heaters as well as tank models, so we are able to meet your family’s hot water needs no matter which water heater you decide is best. Trust our skilled plumbers! They expertly install your new water heater so it’s ready to serve your home. 

Concerned about finances? We offer finance options for new water heater installations to keep your household budget under control. Spread out the payments while you enjoy the benefits right away. We also offer emergency plumbing services, so if your current tank model has sprung a leak – we’re here to help!

Our team of licensed plumbers serves homeowners throughout the greater Birmingham, AL area, including Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Chelsea, Pelham, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Bessemer, and Calera. So contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to learn more about tankless water heaters and tankless water heater installation.

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Do you know how to choose a garbage disposal for your Birmingham, AL home? Many homeowners think all garbage disposals are basically the same. Did you know there are actually two different types available?

Learn about each equipment type and how to use them, then you’ll know how to choose a garbage disposal which best meets your needs.

The plumbing professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating are available for a consultation on how to choose a garbage disposal to help you make a decision, as well as for garbage disposal repairs or replacements. For assistance or to schedule installation, contact us today!

How to Choose a Garbage Disposal: Types

Two types of garbage disposals are available for use in your Birmingham, AL area homes: continuous-feed and batch feed. Learn how each works as well as how to and how not to use them.

Continuous-Feed Garbage Disposals

Continuous-feed garbage disposals are the most common type used in residential kitchens. As the name suggests, users can feed waste down the disposal continuously, rather than only add smaller quantities at a time. As long as the switch is on, it grinds waste.

With a continuous-feed garbage disposal, you are able to continuously add waste as you move along in meal prep or cleanup. Leave the switch on to grind waste as you go or only turn it on when needed.

Run cold water when the garbage disposal does. If you leave it on continuously, there is a potential for more water and electricity waste.

Because continuous-feed garbage disposals are more popular, they are typically cheaper than batch feed models and there’s plenty of selection.

The main drawback of continuous-feed garbage disposals is safety. The motor runs until the switch is turned off, which raises the potential for accidents. If someone sticks their hand down the drain as the disposal runs, serious injuries are likely. Also, if other non-food items such as silverware slip down the drain, your disposal may suffer damage.

Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Batch feed garbage disposals are not operated by a switch. They are activated once the sink stopper is put in place. To use, put your food items down the drain, then place the drain cover over the opening to initiate grinding.

The main benefits of batch feed garbage disposals are safety and conservation. With a batch feed model, the potential for accidents is nearly nonexistent, making them a great choice for homes with children. Also, the machine and water do not continuously run, which conserves electricity and water.

Because batch feed garbage disposals aren’t as popular as continuous-feed models, they are usually more expensive. There is also less of a selection when it comes to different models to choose.

How to Choose a Garbage Disposal: Other Factors

Whether you choose a continuous-feed or batch feed garbage disposal, there are factors related to the models themselves important in your decision. These include:

Garbage Disposal Motor Size

Garbage disposal motor sizes are rated in horsepower. For most Birmingham homes, a ½ HP motor is sufficient. You may choose a slightly higher horsepower motor which delivers smoother operation and creates fewer jams. This is a good option for families who get a lot of use from their garbage disposal.

Other Features

An auto-reverse is a great feature to have on a garbage disposal. It protects against jams when it automatically reverses motor rotation if waste becomes stuck in the chamber. This feature protects against breakdowns and damage.

Garbage disposals are inherently noisy, but some models offer quieter operation than others. A model with insulation around the grinding chamber offers lower noise output to minimize disruptions when in use.

Need Help to Choose a Garbage Disposal? Plumbers from Douglas Cooling & Heating are Here

In conclusion, there are two main choices for garbage disposals. One is known as batch feed. which is safer and usually more expensive. The other is continuous feed, which is more common, more affordable and operates differently.

Once you choose a garbage disposal type for your Birmingham, AL home, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for quality installation. We offer efficient equipment and reliable installation and repair service for all your plumbing needs.

Our licensed plumbers assist homeowners in communities throughout Birmingham, including Vestavia Hills, Helena, Pelham, Chelsea and Mountain Brook. You’ll also find our team in Hoover, Bessemer and Homewood. Need a plumber? We’re here for you!

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With April showers, it’s time to think about plumbing tips for spring. Here at Douglas Cooling & Heating, we know how to avoid inconvenient plumbing problems in your Birmingham, Alabama area home. Your home deserves the highest quality plumbing available and we know how to get you there. In this blog, we’ll review common plumbing problems, plumbing tips for spring for homeowners and how to prevent issues.

Potential Springtime Plumbing Problems

Spring arrives with its own difficulties for your plumbing, especially in Birmingham, Alabama. Spring marks a shift in temperature from cold to warm, sometimes with sudden temperature changes overnight. As a result, your pipes function differently. Here are some things to watch for before we share our plumbing tips for spring.

Excessive condensation

First, the change in temperatures causes condensation on your pipes and plumbing fixtures. Though this seems like a small issue, prolonged moisture build-up damages areas around the condensation.

Leaky pipes

Winter wrecks your plumbing. The cold causes pipes to freeze and potentially burst, even in the South. When spring rolls around, the new problem lies with discovery. In spring, you see all the cracks, breaks or leaks the harsh winter left behind.

Extra clogs

Next, your drains experience more use in the winter. Between long showers and holiday parties, your plumbing gets used more often in the winter months. Because of this, your drains in the spring have more issues with clogs.

Hair and food get stuck in your drains the more you use them, so springtime reveals all the clogs created in the winter.

Roots

Lastly, spring marks the beginning of plant growth. While plant life makes your home a more beautiful place, plants also present a problem for your plumbing. Roots grow as the weather warms.

Occasionally, these roots grow through your underground plumbing. If you notice excessive amounts of water in your backyard, not from rain, it’s because roots have likely damaged your pipes.

How to Prevent Problems with Plumbing Tips this Spring

The problems listed above don’t have to ruin your spring. With these helpful hints, keep your pipes, drains, faucets, and toilets in great condition.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #1 – Regular maintenance

The best way to combat potential springtime plumbing threats stems from consistent maintenance. Check on your drains and pipes by yourself, then call a professional for added security. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers free estimates on service checks to help you plan your tune-ups.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #2 – Keep plumbing dry

To combat condensation, wipe down exposed plumbing fixtures regularly. As a preventative step, invest in insulation for your pipes. Insulation keeps the temperature regulated so condensation never forms.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #3 – Be conscientious in winter

Next, stay aware of your water usage in the winter months. Prevent excessive clogging in the spring with limited water use in the winter. Long showers after a day in the cold are great, but drain blockages counteract all those good feelings.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #4 – Check underground plumbing

When it comes to tree roots, you want to leave the exploration for professionals. When you call with Douglas Cooling & Heating, ask us to check out where your main plumbing lines are during the visit. We determine if your trees present a risk to your plumbing.

If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, you might have something called Orangeburg pipe. Many of these pipes are at the end of their useful life and eventually crumble. If you’re unsure, we can verify then come up with a plan to protect and preserve your pipes if possible.

It’s better to be proactive than to discover you have a preventable, massive plumbing and sewer problem.  

Best Plumbing Tips for Spring? Call Douglas Cooling & Heating

In conclusion, it’s best to perform regular maintenance, keep plumbing dry, be mindful during winter and stay ahead of underground pipe issues. These plumbing tips for spring are sure to help when the warm weather hits.

You don’t have to worry about plumbing problems in Birmingham if you get regular maintenance checks and regularly check on your plumbing.

Our licensed plumbers handle a variety of plumbing needs, including leak repairs, water heater services, plumbing fixture repairs and installations, drain clearing and water quality products. We serve customers in Vestavia Hills, Helena, Pelham, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Calera, Hoover, Homewood and Bessemer.

So call Douglas Cooling & Heating today if you notice any problems. We provide great service and understand plumbing needs during spring. We look forward to serving you!

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What’s the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning? Residents of Birmingham ask this question all the time. The differences are more important than you think! Luckily, Douglas Cooling & Heating’ new plumbing division helps you decipher the differences to best help your home.

What’s the Difference Between Drain Clearing and Drain Cleaning

Before you take action with your drain, it’s best to know if your drain needs clearing or cleaning. Drain clearing removes a blockage. After the clog is removed, a jet of pressurized water shoots through the pipe. This is called drain cleaning and it ensures any leftover debris moves through the pipe.

Seems simple enough, but at-home remedies often misdiagnose the problem.

Drain Clearing

Though drain clearing sounds like an easy task, professionals often need to get involved. Here’s how to tell if you actually need your drain cleared.

• Main drain blockage- Low water pressure throughout your home indicates a block between the main line and your plumbing system. Often, a camera is needed to see the problem before you take action. Luckily, Douglas Cooling & Heating has this equipment and takes care of the problem for you.
• Deep clogs- Secondly, clogs too far down in your pipe to be snaked or plunged need professional help. A professional plumber has the right tools to clear the blockage without damage to your pipes. Like with the main drain block, a camera diagnoses the problem; the plumber then clears the clog with the appropriate tools.

Sometimes, drain clearing is all that’s needed. In some cases, however, drain cleaning is necessary to prevent clogs from quickly resurfacing. In the cases of crumbling pipes or tree root infestation, the situation may be even more serious.

Our licensed plumbers perform the necessary assessments to provide you with as much information as possible before you make a decision about services.

Drain Cleaning

Unlike drain clearing, drain cleaning relates directly to surface-level clogs and leftover debris. At-home methods—such as baking soda, borax, or washing soda—can only clean close to the top of the drain. However, professional plumbers clean deeper with their specialized tools.

First, a plumber uses a camera to assess the problem. Next, they puncture a clog if needed. Once the clog is removed, a hydro-jet sprays your pipes with pressurized water. This clears any debris unable to be snaked or removed manually.

Why Is It Important?

So, now you know the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning, but what does it mean for your home? When you understand why you experience blockages as well as why home fixes do not resolve the issue then you can understand what type of service you may need.

A good snake of your drain removes surface-level blockages but leaves larger clogs farther down the pipe untouched.

If you get frustrated with the process, excessive force with the snake usually follows. This actually causes more harm than good; damaged pipes are even more difficult to treat.

Last, excessive use of chemical cleaners also damages pipes. The chemicals erode the inside of the pipe. This leads to breaks and leaks which require more attention than a simple clearing and cleaning job.

The only way to clear your drain completely comes from professional assistance. Plumbers have the correct tools to remove deep blockages. After the drain clearing, a concentrated jet of water leaves your pipes sparkling clean and—most importantly—undamaged!

Call Douglas for Plumbing Services in Birmingham

Now you know the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning. Damage to your pipes through excessive force with a snake or too many chemical cleaners causes more harm than good. Use at-home methods sparingly to maintain a healthy plumbing system.

When you’re stuck, call Douglas Cooling & Heating in Birmingham, Alabama! We give you a free estimate on your plumbing service. Trust us, we finish the job quickly and reliably.

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Common plumbing problems weigh on every homeowner’s mind. When should you deal with plumbing yourself? Is it time to call a plumber? The professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating, located in Birmingham, Alabama, are here to help. Tell the difference between at-home fixes and common plumbing problems requiring a professional with our help.

Common Plumbing Problems Which Require a Professional

Professional help with plumbing is needed more often than you think. A number of common plumbing problems must be fixed with the expertise of a plumber. These are a few issues to seek help from a plumber to fix.

Clogged drains

Everyone gets a clog now and again. If all your at-home methods—plungers, chemical cleaners or drain snakes—don’t fix the clog, call a professional. Additionally, if you experience clogs on a regular basis, the problem most likely stems from a complete clog far down in your drain. At-home methods can’t fix these clogs.

Leaky pipes

Similarly to clogged drains, leaky pipes are temporarily fixed with at-home remedies; however, these fixes need a professional to be correctly treated. Your leaky pipe seems like an easy fix, but it points to larger issues.

Use leak tape before your plumber visits to keep leakage contained. Then, call a professional. They fix the underlying problem instead of the surface-level issue.

Low water pressure

Though it’s one of the most common plumbing problems, many believe this issue doesn’t need attention. Quite the contrary! Most of the time, low water pressure stems from build-up of minerals on faucets and shower heads.

If a quick clean of faucets doesn’t remedy your water pressure, get in touch with a plumber. A deeper issue, like a pipe leak or breach, could be the culprit. In that case, call a plumber to assess the problem.

Installation

Even for DIY masters, plumbing installation requires professional help. Attempt to install plumbing on your own and face potential hazards later on. Professionals are trained to install plumbing, so call them when you want a new set of pipes, sink or tub.

Septic tank leaks

Finally, septic tank leaks need professional assistance. No one wants to tread through septic tanks, especially if you don’t know how to fix the problem. You need a professional for any septic tank problems you have.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best strategy to avoid emergency plumbing repairs employs regular visits from a professional. Here are some benefits to regular plumbing maintenance.

• Always clean- First, your faucets and pipes benefit from regular cleaning. You clean your pipes externally, but plumbers go deeper. All parts, inside and out, must be cleaned for the best performance.

• Proactive not reactive- Maintenance allows your plumber to come across small problems before they become big ones. Common plumbing problems are solved quickly, but large issues take time—and rack up expenses.
  
  Get professional help to alleviate the need for emergency calls to your plumber. Even a small water leak can create big, expensive problems so it’s best to get those check-ups!

• Ensured safety- Last, plumbers check potentially dangerous problems during annual checks. For example, water heaters need to be checked for problems because any damage leads to gas leaks, fires and possibly explosions.
  
  While these are extreme examples, they are possible and should be taken seriously. Regular maintenance ensures your water heater runs smoothly.

Call Douglas to Solve Common Plumbing Problems for You

At the end of the day, professional help from plumbers guarantees your water flows as it should. While at-home fixes temporarily fix your common plumbing problems, they do not treat underlying issues.

This is why you must call an expert. Luckily, Douglas Cooling & Heating is here to help the residents of Birmingham, Alabama. For professional, reliable service, call us today and schedule a maintenance visit.

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When we consult with plumbing customers, they frequently ask if they should invest in a tankless water heater or a tank water heater for their Birmingham homes. It’s a great question and one we love to discuss.

Both have positive qualities and potential drawbacks. In order to determine which is best for you, we’ll share some benefits of each to answer these questions for you. Once you’ve identified priorities, the solution becomes more clear. For a free estimate, you can always contact us at Douglas Cooling & Heating.  

Positives of a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater

Easily described as an on-demand water heater, tankless water heaters employ high-power burners to quickly heat water as it flows through a heat exchanger. The water flows directly to your faucet or appliance. No more wasting water while you wait for the hot water to arrive.

Energy & Water Savings

Tankless water heaters are powered by gas or electricity. They are regarded as more energy efficient. In fact, according to Energy.gov, if you use 41 gallons or less of heated water daily, tankless heaters provide 24 to 34 percent more energy efficiency than a traditional tank water heater.

For homes which use more hot water, say 86 gallons a day, tankless still wins by eight to 14 percent. Part of the reason they’re more energy-efficient is there’s no reason to pay to heat water as it sits.

Longer Lifespan

The system also has a long lifespan. Tankless water heaters easily last up to 20 or 30 years, with proper care. They may be mounted on the wall or in some cases, inside a closet or in a sink cabinet at point-of-use.

Some larger homes find benefits in installing one upstairs and one downstairs to meet various needs simultaneously.

Space Saving

A smaller footprint means greater flexibility. If you’ve ever considered downsizing or building a “granny pod,” tankless water heaters are great space-savers. They can even be installed outside your home!

Tank Water Heater

Upfront Cost

Found in most homes, these traditional water heaters are familiar to most homeowners. Commonly, the tanks store between 30 and 50 gallons of water. Fueled by gas or electricity, they are less expensive to purchase than a tankless version.

Drawbacks of a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater

Upfront Cost

Simply put, initial cost. Tankless water heaters cost more up front to purchase and install, depending on the specific situation. If you plan to move in the near future, it might not be a high priority for you.

For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes, however, the monthly energy savings will continue long after one or even two tank heaters have died. The longer lifespan means owners won’t need to replace it for a couple decades or more. They’ll enjoy the energy and water savings from day one of ownership.

Tank Water Heater

Operating Cost

They cost more to operate which takes away from the purchase savings compared to a tankless water model.

Lifespan

With diligent maintenance and a water softener, they might last half as long as a tankless water heater. You might end up buying two or even three tank water heaters during one tankless heater’s useful life.

Space

They take up space in your garage, basement or utility room.

Capacity

Also, the tank eventually empties. If multiple people must shower or you run laundry, the tank empties pretty fast. You must wait to take a shower until the tank refills and heats again. This is generally inconvenient. It’s downright uncomfortable if you’re showering when the tank uses up all hot water.

Risk

There’s a risk of flooding if your tank springs a leak.

Questions to Answer When You Consider a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater

1. Do you have gas or electric lines for heating water? Gas is often less expensive and creates the most energy-efficient gains.
2. Do you have an existing tankless water heater or a tank water heater you’re replacing? If you’re switching from one to the other, it might affect installation costs if new pipes or lines need installation.
3. How long do you plan to stay in your home?
4. How many family members live in the home?
5. What’s your average daily water usage?

Give these questions a minute, gather your utility bills and give us a call!

When You’re Ready for a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater Call Douglas Cooling & Heating

Next time you need assistance with plumbing services, whether it’s a new water heater, toilets, leaky faucets or water quality, call Douglas Cooling & Heating. We’re happy to review the pros and cons of a tankless water heater or a tank water heater based on your specific situation.

Our plumbing team is eager to show you the same commitment to customer service our heating and air customers enjoy. If you live in the Birmingham area, such as Calera, Mountain Brook, Chelsea, or Vestavia Hills, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for your plumbing needs.

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If you’re new to homeownership, or if you’ve had a run of good luck, you may be unfamiliar with many of the plumbing services commonly used by homeowners. Recently, Douglas Cooling & Heating, a heating and cooling company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, brought plumbing services to their many heating and cooling clients.

Owner Blake Sanders says, “from conversations with customers, we knew there was a need. We’re thrilled to offer plumbing services so we may comprehensively serve the Birmingham community.” Now when Birmingham residents need a plumber, they can Call Douglas! Let’s review some of the most requested plumbing services.

Common Plumbing Services for Birmingham Homes

Water Heater Services

Need to replace a traditional storage tank water heater? Interested in upgrading to a modern tankless water heater? Either way, we’ve got you covered. If you’re curious about tankless water heaters, they’re more energy-efficient than the traditional storage model.

Simply, they heat water on demand. There’s no utility cost to constantly heat a large tank of water. Also, because there’s no tank, your tankless water heater produces nearly an infinite amount of hot water.

How many times have you had a couple of family members take showers in a row and left you with no hot water because the tank was empty? With a tankless water heater, that’s unlikely to happen. A regular tankless model adequately serves an average household.

Larger homes opt to get a larger model or to install multiple units, such as one upstairs for laundry and bathing, and one downstairs for kitchen and other uses.

Leak Repairs

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or pipe, we can put a stop to it. Did you know Alabama is one of 12 states to collectively account for more than 50 percent of the total water withdrawals in the U.S.?

It may not seem like much, but a drip per minute in an average home wastes more than 100 gallons in a year. Repairs for a leaky faucet or pipe are one of the most common plumbing services we provide. Don’t put it off – schedule an appointment today. It will start to show up in your water bill!

Drain Cleaning

This term is often misunderstood. Drain cleaning is often confused with drain clearing. Drain clearing clears your main drain. If you have low water pressure in your home, you may have an obstruction between your home’s plumbing system and the main line which travels to the street or another municipal outlet.

Clearing penetrates the obstruction to improve water pressure and flow. Drain cleaning, on the other hand, is more comprehensive. We may use one of several tools, including hydo-jetting to fully flush the pipes clean.

If you have blockages causing drains to back up or drain slowly, you may need drain cleaning over clearing. Our team of plumbing services pros will carefully evaluate your situation with special tools, such as a camera, to fully assess the problem.

Plumbing Fixtures

Want to update your bathroom or kitchen? Plumbing services include swapping out old, dated or inefficient plumbing fixtures with new ones. Get more use from your kitchen sink with a spray attachment central faucet.

Enjoy baths or showers more with handheld sprayers or “rain shower” shower heads. We can help you save money and water here too. Ask us about water-efficiency in plumbing fixtures, such as aerators or low-flow toilets.

Water Quality

We can install products like a water softener or a whole-home water filtration system. Enjoy fewer spots on your dishes, cleaner laundry and a cleaner you! Filtered water tastes better and makes your skin and hair feel better too.

Plumbing Services from Douglas Cooling & Heating

Next time you need assistance with your plumbing system, whether it’s toilets, faucets, water heaters or water quality, call Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our plumbing services team is eager to show you the same commitment to customer service our heating and air customers enjoy. If you live in the Birmingham area, such as Bessemer, Homewood, Hoover, Pelham or Helena, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for your plumbing needs.

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