Category: General

Knowing whether to repair or replace your broken water heater can be difficult. You want to get the most out of your appliance, but you don’t want to spend money to fix it if it’s not going to last much longer anyway.

Water heater issues almost always pop up for homeowners at some point, and once the problems start, it’s usually best to think about scheduling a replacement.

Here are seven signs it might be time to replace your water heater:

1. It’s Old

Water heaters only last 10 to 15 years. If you don’t even remember when you got yours, it’s probably time to have it replaced. Don’t wait until it gives out and leaves you cold and shivering in the shower.

2. The Bathtub Fills with Yellow, Rusty Water

You’re finally ready to draw your bath for your Friday night relaxation ritual, but rusty, yellow water comes out of the tap. When the tank is rusting on the inside, you can tell from the color of the water. It’s a sign the tank will leak soon or is already leaking, since the inner seal is rusting away.

3. Your “Hot” Shower Lasts 20 Seconds

When you get a full 20 seconds of hot water before it turns frigid, the tank’s heating element is starting to fade. This is bad news, because that means your dishwasher and washing machine can’t clean effectively either. Plus, you’re tired of cold showers!

4. Your Water Is Warm, Not Hot

Your “hot” water never seems to get really hot. If you crank up the temperature on the tank and still only have lukewarm water, it’s a heating element issue.

5. You Jump When You Hear it Crackle or Pop

You venture down into the basement or garage (or wherever your water heater is located) and you hear a sudden loud pop. Excessive crackling or rumbling can be scary, and it’s a sign of too much built-up sediment at the bottom of the tank.

6. You’ve Paid for Too Many Repairs

Your water heater isn’t getting any younger! It might not sprout gray hair, but when it’s forced you to pay for too many minor repairs, it’s probably better to just invest in a new one.

7. You Step in a Puddle

When you try to adjust the heat settings on the tank, you notice water on the floor. Quick! Call a plumber right away. This is a tank leak, and it’s time to get a replacement.

At Connectionz Plumbing Heating & Air, we replace your water heater before it’s too late, ensuring uninterrupted hot water flow for all your future morning showers. Don’t wait until it fails — call us today so we can diagnose, repair or replace this appliance as needed.

When you purchase a home, the sewer line that leads from the street to your residence becomes your responsibility. But that’s just part of the cost of homeownership — you can handle it, right?

It may come as a surprise when you find out the cost of replacing an entire sewer line. While price can vary widely depending on the location, the length of the pipe and any added charges involved with connecting it to the main line can cost $50 to $100 per foot. A burst 50-foot pipe can quickly turn into a $5,000 bill.

If you’re like many homeowners, you don’t have thousands available for a sewer line problem. This is where a warranty may begin to make sense. Is it worth the annual premium?

Your Homeowners Insurance Won’t Help

Sadly, your standard homeowners insurance policy won’t help with the costs when it comes to sewer line issues, not even if the sewer backs up into your home. Even flood insurance doesn’t cover sewer backups or the damage they cause to floors, walls and belongings.

With most homeowners insurance policies, it’s possible to purchase an add-on that covers sewer backups, but still, if you’re looking for specific coverage on the sewer line itself, homeowners insurance won’t provide the answer.

Considering a Warranty? Read the Fine Print

Should you pay an annual premium for a sewer line warranty? This seems like the right solution for many homeowners. With America’s aging infrastructure, sewer lines are reaching the end of their life spans. It often makes sense to pay for coverage now, before you have a problem.

A warranty can provide you with peace of mind. You know that whether it leaks, clogs or breaks, you’re off the hook for most of the costs associated with repair or replacement. Many programs take care of the repairs so you don’t even have to research a reputable contractor.

Still, it pays to dig a little deeper and look at the warranty’s fine print. Many exclusions can void your coverage claim and leave you confused and frustrated in the midst of a sewer line break.

For example, Service Line Warranties of America doesn’t cover damage to sewer lines caused by the homeowner, a third party, an act of God, a natural disaster or other “insurable causes.” That leaves a limited span of scenarios in which you can successfully claim coverage.

Also, the warranty won’t cover the septic system, and it won’t cover the inside of the home. Any other damages you’ll have to pay for on your own, or with the help of additional insurance.

Call a Pro

Want to find out more about sewer line warranties and the condition of your plumbing? Call Connectionz Plumbing, Heating and Air to schedule a sewer inspection. We will help you decide if a warranty is worth it.

As temperatures begin to drop, it might be time to turn off that air conditioner. But there’s a benefit to one type. Saving space and money becomes very important to people, and those who need to do both often then to heat pumps to get the job done. Aside from being able to warm up your home, there are a ton of other benefits associated with this type of machine.

Efficiency

Electric heat pumps are known to be one of the best ways to warm your home without breaking the bank. Because this works off of electricity, it remains quiet, and effective at doing its job. Seeing as the unit is placed outside, it is likely that you will not hear it during operation, which can reduce the annoyance of a loud unit.

2. Cleanliness

Because these units are electric, they’re essentially green when it comes to the environment. They will not produce harmful pollutants caused by combustion units, thus reducing overall footprint. In turn, this effective use for a pump can add overall value to your home, should you want to sell it.

3. Uniform Heat

By constantly producing heat for your home, you’ll experience far less temperature fluctuations, thus keeping you warmer when it matters. Additionally, you’re able to use this unit in the summer when the temperature rises. It can cool your home, providing double the amount of practical uses!

If you’re in the market for something to help you stay warm, a heat pump might be exactly what you need. To get started, give Connectionz a call — We’d love to help get you set up. With over 25 years in the industry, it’s no surprise as to why Connectionz is Sandy Ut’s leading provider of HVAC service and installation.

Increasing the lift of your ac unit shouldn’t be a difficult task, yet many homeowners neglect maintenance until something goes wrong. While it’s a better idea to have a professional come and perform the meticulous tasks associated with your unit, there are also a ton of things you can do yourself to increase your units lifespan, as well as reduce your costs.

Filters

As it is mentioned almost everywhere, this is one of the most crucial things needed in order to keep your air conditioning unit healthy. Cleaning and replacing your filters leads to better airflow which puts less stress on the entire mechanism, which greatly reduces the amount of energy needed to cool or heat your home. In turn, this lowers your overall cost, saving you money on parts and fixes.

Your Ducts

While your filters are designed to block bigger particles out, sometimes things become trapped in your ducts and vents. This restricts airflow which can lead to a unit working twice as hard to do a job that is relatively easy. By dusting and cleaning your ducts and vents, you’re doing a great service to something you’ve invested a lot of money towards.

The Outdoor Unit

If your unit is being surrounded by weeds and crumbling concrete, you might be looking at a costly repair in the future. The unit is extremely important, and you need to monitor the level it sits at, as well as anything in the way. These factors can lead to a shorter lifespan as well as a malfunction at any moment.

If maintenance is something you’re not well versed in, kick back on the couch and let a professional do it for you. At Connectionz, we have over 25 years in the HVAC industry and would love to help you get the most out of your investment. Our experienced technicians can also help you with any repair or replacement needs you may have!

There are a ton of ways for you to cut down on costs before the weather begins to lean towards the chillier months. Many people tend to think they waste a good amount of water, and their bills reflect that.

Without thinking, some homeowners waste more water than they need to, and in order to fix this, they turn to water saving options. In addition to the obvious, there are a few other things you can do to save money and water!

Collecting Water Inside

Let’s say you’re taking a shower — not all of that water is hitting your body. Instead of letting the rest drain, why not try placing a bucket inside with you? This way, you can accumulate a good amount of water and use it for a future project, like washing the car! Not only does this save water for later, but this cuts overall costs. Additionally, you can try shaving off a minute or two from your shower in order to cut back on water. Did you know that this could save you between three and five gallons per minute?

Collecting Rainwater

By placing a barrel under your downspout, you can collect water from rainshowers and use it for a ton of things! This includes watering your plants, or giving the dog a bath. Additionally, you can place a grate on the top of the barrel to filter away bigger leaves and debris for cleaner water. Water is completely reusable, and it’s important to stay on top of your usage.

For more plumbing tips, tricks and information on how we can help, give Connectionz Plumbing a call! We’re Salt Lake City, UT’s top provider of everything air and HVAC related.

Connectionz provides the best possible service in the Salt Lake City, UT area. With over 30 years of combined experience, Connectionz will provide you with the unsurpassed service you’ve always deserved.

When you turn on the shower or open a faucet in your home, water flows out, and it’s got a bit of pressure behind it. But, why does this happen? What causes water pressure to ‘exist’, and how can we alter it to our benefit?

Many people tend to overlook this amenity, not fully understanding how the process works or how it can be improved. Before taking water pressure for granted, here are a few things you should know about how it works.

Typically, your water is regulated from the city or town in which you live, and comes from a water tower which is often very high. It’s typically purified and pumped into your home. There’s also a mathematical equation related to the amount of pressure built up in your pipes which is based on the height of the tower, and diameter of your pipes, but isn’t usually the most accurate in newer homes.

A water pressure regulator in your home takes the incoming water and slows down the pressure before it hits your water meter. This is typically because most meters can’t handle the high pressure that comes from the incoming pipes.

In order to keep your water system up and running at its optimal level, it’s important to periodically have not only your plumbing checked, but your water meter,and pressure regulator as well. When the time comes to schedule maintenance, give Connectionz in Salt Lake City, UT a call! We’ve been servicing homes for their plumbing and HVAC needs for over 30 years!

Humid air is healthy for a home, but too much can become uncomfortable. Many homeowners don’t realize how much or how little is actually in their home, and it can have a negative effect on their wellbeing, as well as things inside of their home.

It’s important to stay on top of monitoring the level of humidity in your home in order to prevent illness, and the malfunction of specific items. Thanks to the power of technology and a few home remedies, there are a number of ways to reduce these levels in your home.

  • Ventilation is Key. In the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, you’ll likely find the highest level of humidity. Due to showering, dishes and dishwashers, moisture can easily infiltrate the air you’re breathing. Make sure you’re opening windows, or properly using the vents in your home. By leading this moist air out, you’ll be able to breath much easier.
  • Run Your A/C. If you’re noticing too much moisture in the air, try turning your air conditioner on for a while. It’s likely that this method might end up costing more in the long run, but it can make you and your guests comfortable while they’re inside your home.
  • Move Plants Around. If you’ve got a ton of plants inside, it’s a good idea to move them outside for a while. All plants release moisture vapor into the air, which can lead to high moisture levels. Overwatering can also lead to this issue.
  • Invest In Tech. The common dehumidifier is a great way to reduce the humidity levels in your home. These options range from the small, portable types to larger, whole-house units to make the entire house comfortable. It’s a good idea to consider this option if the levels are becoming too high.

To keep up with your A/C maintenance, you’re going to need a company you can trust. Connectionz in Salt Lake City, UT is your go-to provider of all things HVAC and air related. For more information on how we can help give us a call to discuss your options.

We know, we know, the last thing many people want to think about is chilly weather, however the earlier we plan, the better! With fall only 3 weeks away, it’s important that we begin to look at some of the factors involved with our heating system and how we can prepare for them to approach — it will come faster than we think!

Give Your A/C a Once-Over

Though we’re discussing heat, your A/C unit is just as important — before ti gets stored away and unused in the winter, it might be a good idea to check your ducts and vents now, so there’s no blockage. If you’re using your A/C as a heat pump, this makes maintenance imperative, and you should begin looking into service options as soon as possible. When the cold hits, you’ll want warmth!

Schedule Service

Before cranking that heat all the way, it’s important to note that you’re going to need to have someone monitor your system. This includes everything from your thermostats to the unit itself. Think about it — it hasn’t been used for months, so who knows what it might need. This type of service will help prevent problems from occurring, and can ultimately save you money in the long run, when it comes to operation costs.

Winter is still a ways away, but again, the last thing you’ll want when you need it, is something not working. Give Connectionz a call and we’ll be happy to assist in any way possible. We’re available to perform scheduled maintenance on your units, as well as comprehensive installations. When the going gets tough, make the Connection!

It’s normal for the average homeowner to experience a plumbing issue once or twice in their lifetime, and most of the time it isn’t serious. Armed with the essential materials to free up clogs and issues, the job can be performed pretty effortlessly. But what about slow draining pipes?

Sometimes, this issue isn’t as easily fixed. Armed with a little bit of elbow grease however, it can be fixed. Take a look at some main causes as to why this might be occurring in your home, and how you might be able to fix it.

Clogs

Many people would see a clog or slow drain and think to themselves that a plunger will rid them of all issues. While it might help in the short term, it isn’t the case completely when trying to stop the problem altogether. Your next best bet would be to take a look at commercial drain cleaners. These help break up grime that builds up in your pipes, and allows it to flow freely. A word of caution though, as too many repeated uses with these cleaners can cause damage to the pipes themselves.

Leaking Water

We’re not just talking about water that escapes from your pipes, but water that essentially raises the cost of your bills as well. Try this on your toilet. Drop a bit of food dye in the upper portion of your toilet, and let it sit for a half hour. Come back and look at the lower portion. If the food dye has made its way into the bottom, you have a leak.

While this doesn’t seem like a big deal, it can add hundreds to your water bill per year. It’s a good idea to give your plumber a call and have him replace your inner fittings and pieces.

For anything plumbing related, a professional will be your best bet in assessing the issue, as well as fixing it. If the DIY projects aren’t your thing, make sure to call someone who knows what they’re doing. With over 25 years of experience, Connectionz in Sandy Utah should be your go-to phone call!

Using a ton of energy at home isn’t favorable for a number of reasons — it can cost a ton of money, and it’s rather wasteful. With the advancements in technology, there have been great ways to reduce the amount of energy used in homes, whether it’s with simple electrical upgrades, or appliances. With emphasis on things that really decrease energy use, there are a ton of appliances and applications that can cut your costs by a large number.

Bathroom

There are a ton of things that can be added to your bathroom in order to reduce your overall costs. The two main things in the room include toilets and shower heads. Dual flush toilets provide you with the ability to save up to 3x the water it would typically take a traditional toilet to flush. Additionally, shower heads are great ways to reduce water usage as well. By investing in a water saving head, you can be saving gallons per wash. Did we mention that every minute in the shower saves you up to five gallons?

HVAC. To cool your home, you have two popular options that are typically the chosen ways to lower the temperature. Ductless AC units provide cooling in many rooms around your home, while far less energy usage. This is typically because it doesn’t take much to effectively cool one room, whereas turning the entire central unit on can cost much more. No matter what system you have, making sure that it’s running properly is important to keeping the cost of running it down. Our team can help with any repair or replacement needs you may have.

Laundry

If there’s a need for a new laundry system in your home, consider units that use less water. In addition to performing the same job as an older unit, this type of unit effectively cleans clothing without the need for a pool of water. As an added bonus, true DIY enthusiasts can look to use collected rainwater to water plants, wash laundry, and much more.

Before investing in the latest and greatest, think about the things that might save you some green around the house. For inquiries, Connectionz is available at any point during the day to speak with you regarding your options!

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