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Life @ Mahoney Plumbing was created to provide periodic tips, tricks & insights that the plumbers & HVAC technicians know and leak out in small doses to the rest of us. The following posts contain lessons learned from these hard working professionals. Of course, life at Mahoney Plumbing isn't all business so we'll share some fun stuff too.
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How to Properly Plunge a Toilet
by All of us at Mahoney on 2/10/2012
A clogged toilet is no fun, but after this quick tutorial you can quickly & easily clear simple blockages. As with any job, first you need the right tools. When it comes to plunging a toilet, you need a plunger that has a cup to it vs. the half moon shaped ones. See the picture of the style plungers you’d find in any plumber's home to the right. With proper tools in hand, you want to approach the toilet at an angle so the extended cup of the plunger fits in the toilet's drain. Slowly push in and pull out as you feel the vacuum clearing the drain. When done right, you’ll actually feel the drain release. Remove the plunger & be sure to empty its contents into the toilet. We recommend twisting the plunger around as the cup can hold some water in it that you don’t want to end up on your floor.
Why Perform HVAC Maintenance?
by All of us at Mahoney on 12/30/2011
Often people ask why they should perform maintenance on their HVAC system. There are a number of reasons why maintenance pays off for you. First and foremost, you want every dollar you pay to the utility company to be used to actually create heat (or in the summer air conditioning). HVAC maintenance works to make the most of what your home already has. Sometimes that’s by increasing the unit's efficiency by simply cleaning, greasing & confirming it’s operation or it can be by making minor improvements for dramatic results.
In addition to improving what you already have operating, maintenance can help you identify troubles before they take your system out. Like the brakes on your car – if you address them when you start having trouble, the job is relatively easy. However, if you wait until there are no brake pads left, you will likely end up having a big job that costs you triple what the original maintenance would have cost you.
As one of our technicians said, “Don’t change your oil, buy a new car. Don’t change your filters, buy a new furnace.”
Garbage Disposal Tips Pre-Holidays
by All of us at Mahoney on 11/15/2011
Thanksgiving always brings trouble with garbage disposals. To help you avoid some of the most tragic holiday garbage disposal faux pas’, as always, please use plenty of water before, during and after using the disposal. Water is essential to clearing away everything you put down the drain. Also, watch how much you put down at one time. Divide up what you put down the drain into smaller batches & you are much less likely to have trouble.
No matter the precautions you take, sometimes you still find yourself with trouble.
If your disposal doesn't seem to be working and makes no noise at all, on most models there is a reset button at the bottom of the unit that can reactivate it. You should also check your home's electrical panel to see if the circuit has been blown.
If your unit is making some noise (typically a humming sound) but just not functioning right then you can try to plunge the drain with your toilet’s plunger. It is not a sure-fire fix, but if you have a simple clog you might open things up enough to save the day. Of course if you need a plumber, we are here for you 24-7 – holidays included – just call.
Six Things You Should Know When Hiring Someone to Work on Your Home
by All of us at Mahoney on 10/19/2011
When it comes to your home, these six tips will help you avoid hiriing the wrong person. Mahoney Plumbing was selected to help contribute towards this article to help you protect your home and get the best craftsmanship at the best price. Click here to see the full article>
How to Avoid Water Damage When A Leak Occurs: Emergency Shutdown Instructions
by All of us at Mahoney on 9/15/2011
1. Turn the water supply off
a. Twist the handle on the water valve above the water heater clockwise until it stops. (If water does not stop, turn off the main water valve.)
2. Turn the gas or electric off at the ball valve (lever handle).
a. Gas: Twist the dial on top of the thermostat from the ON to the OFF position.
b. Electric: Turn the power supply off to the water heater at the circuit breaker.
3. After turning off the valve open the lowest two handle faucet in the house to confirm that water is off. In most area homes the lowest two handle faucet is at the basement laundry tub, the first floor Kitchen or a powderroom sink. Just be certain that the faucet has a separate hot and cold handle. This step is to be certain that the valve holds.
4. Drain water heater if necessary to avoid water damage
a. Attach a garden hose to the drain faucet connection at the bottom of the water heater. Run the other end of the hose to a lower location where hot or rusty water won’t cause damage.
5. Pull handle up on relief valve to allow air to enter the heater.
a. This heater may have an extended warranty and guarantee. Repairs or maintenance of any type performed by an unauthorized technician may void coverage. For authorization or immediate assistance call us at 847.432.0320
Water Facts
posted by All of us at Mahoney on 8/19/2011 - brought to you by Chicago Tribune, "Busting Water Myths", 7-9-11
Americans spend $21 billion a year on bottled water, compared with $29 billion maintaining and improving water infrastructure. The U.S. loses 7 billion gallons of drinking water a day through leaking mains. (Chicago Tribune, “Busting Water Myths,” 7-9-11)
Toxic Chromium in Chicago's Water - What You Can Do to Test YOUR Water
by All of us at Mahoney on 8/10/2011
The Chicago Tribune put out an article talking about hexavalent chromium in Chicago's drinking water. Made popular by the movie "Erin Brockovich", this article has caused many concern. Article at: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-06/health/ct-met-drinking-water-chromium-20110806_1_hexavalent-chromium-toxic-chromium-chromium-contamination
Before you get too worried about your health, know that there is not a one-size fits all filteration system. Here at Mahoney Plumbing we believe that the best way to filter out unwanted pollution from your water is by first identifying exactly what is in it! The most expensive filtration system is useless if you don't have the pollutant in enough strengh to begin with. Our approach to filtered water is first to have a nationally certified testing organization break down a sample of your home's water to identify what exactly it is you are drinking. From there we can then find a filtration system that allows what you want through. While the study's information is troubling, if you are concerned about your water take the right steps & start by first testing YOUR water.
Check It Out: Water Conservation Tips
by All of us at Mahoney on 7/20/2011
Learn ways to conserve water in these dog days of summer @
Whirlpool Tub Trick That Can Save You Money
by All of us at Mahoney on 7/6/2011
Over the weekend one of our office staffers (Katie) went to run her Jaccuzi whirlpool tub only to find it no turning on. Surprised at it's sudden death, she questioned if instead of the tub being broken it wasn't something with electricity - as this was the first use of the tub since a major power outage. Bingo. The circuit breaker had in fact been effected & needed to be flipped. A
Battery Backup Sump Pump Facts
by All of us at Mahoney on 6/28/2011
Power outages last week plagued the area. Battery backup pumps have saved thousands of local residents from taking on water. Beware the batteries are made to run around 7 hours, but since sump pumps don’t run constantly that translates typically to 24-48 clock hours. Determining how much time you have left is easier than you’d think. Most pumps have an indicator – some have number systems that display where the battery’s charge is at, some have green-yellow-red indicator lights showing a battery’s power & still others have a light that goes on when it’s time to get a new battery. When dealing with your backup pump the important thing is to keep your eye on it. The battery is not meant to last forever so keeping tabs on the life you have left is important to keeping your home dry.
On the topic of battery backup pumps, a few things you should be aware of. First, if you need a new battery be sure the one you get comes charged. As standard batteries do not come fully charged; they are designed to be installed & then power up completely. In emergency situations like yesterday, Mahoney Plumbing charges up batteries for those in need so the battery we install will get you through as much power-outage time as it can. Second, when it comes to batteries being too proactive isn’t always a good thing. You do not want to replace a good battery with a “new” battery prematurely – let your battery do it’s job until it simply has no power left. If you are lucky the extra hours you get out of the battery, the power will return & you’ll skate away without having to invest in a new battery!
The other thing you should take note of is how old your system is. These critical systems are not set-it-and-forget-it systems. They should be tested annually to confirm both the system & the battery will be there when you need them. Typically these systems last between 3-8 years, with batteries needing to be replaced between every 3-5 years. Some systems last years longer & others need earlier replacement your annual maintenance will let you know where your system is operating at.
More questions? Call us. We are here to help 24/7. Our number is 847.432.0320
Four Ways to Reduce (or Even Eliminate) An Air Conditioning Service Call
by All of us at Mahoney on 6/15/2011
Last week’s heat is wreaking havoc on North Shore air conditioning systems. The rapid changes in temperatures has put added stress on HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems causing many people to suffer without air conditioning – sometimes because of simple things. At Mahoney Plumbing, our HVAC team has repaired hundreds of air conditioning units & we wanted to share some of the insights we’ve learned with area homeowners so you can reduce or even eliminate your air conditioning repair costs.
The following three expert tips are:
1.
Change Your Batteries – If your air conditioning just simply stops working it might be because the batteries in your thermostat(s) have died. When the thermostat isn’t working, neither will your air conditioner. Before you call for a repair, make sure it’s not simply that the batteries need to be replaced. This simple step could save you a service call!
Change Your Batteries – If your air conditioning just simply stops working it might be because the batteries in your thermostat(s) have died. When the thermostat isn’t working, neither will your air conditioner. Before you call for a repair, make sure it’s not simply that the batteries need to be replaced. This simple step could save you a service call!2.Turn On The Fan – Sometimes ice forms on an air conditioning unit. Don’t fret, it is a common problem that can usually be solved without too much headache. However you should know that a HVAC technician can’t work on the air conditioning unit until the ice melts. Save yourself some money and turn on the fan to melt the ice before the technician comes otherwise you will be paying the serviceman to watch the ice melt.
Turn On The Fan – Sometimes ice forms on an air conditioning unit. Don’t fret, it is a common problem that can usually be solved without too much headache. However you should know that a HVAC technician can’t work on the air conditioning unit until the ice melts. Save yourself some money and turn on the fan to melt the ice before the technician comes otherwise you will be paying the serviceman to watch the ice melt.3.Change Your Filters – Dirty filters can prematurely damage your air condition unit. If you just don’t seem to be getting what you need out of your air conditioner, be sure it’s not the filter that’s causing you trouble. Not changing your filters regularly can (and will) have you prematurely replacing your air conditioner.
Change Your Filters – Dirty filters can prematurely damage your air condition unit. If you just don’t seem to be getting what you need out of your air conditioner, be sure it’s not the filter that’s causing you trouble. Not changing your filters regularly can (and will) have you prematurely replacing your air conditioner. There are literally hundreds of reasons an air conditioner stops working but using the three insights above can often save you time, money & stress. If you still are having trouble with your air conditioner and need a qualified service technician be sure to call us 24/7 at 847.432.0320.
Air Conditioning Maintenance - Make Sure the Temperature is Above 65 degrees
by All of us at Mahoney on 05/10/2011
Temperatures are rising! Perform annual maintenance on your air conditioning system at a discounted rate! Details @ www.MahoneyPlumbing.com/Specials.html. Note, performing maintenance when the temp. is below 65 degrees doesn't allow accurate gauged reading of refrigerant (Freon). For this reason, we schedule according to the weather so we can properly test your equipment.
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Our North Shore and Chicago area services include: Highwood, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Glencoe, Winnetka, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Lincolnshire, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Buffalo Grove and Glenview, Illinois. We do travel outside these areas for new construction, remodeling and other services.
501 Bank Lane, Highwood, IL 60040 - PH 847.432.0320 - FX 847.432.0581 - Info@MahoneyPlumbing.com
Trained, licensed & insured service technicians - IL license# 058-099144
