Warhold HVAC Press Releases: Service & News Archive

What Can Cause Low Water Pressure and How to Address It

What Causes Poor Water Pressure?

Poor water pressure often signals an underlying plumbing issue within a home’s water delivery system. Several common factors affect flow rate, ranging from fixture problems to issues hidden inside water lines. Awareness of these causes helps homeowners recognize when professional plumbing experts may be needed.

Faulty Fixtures or Closed Valves

A drop in water pressure limited to a single faucet or showerhead typically indicates a clogged or failing fixture. Mineral deposits, sediment, or internal wear can restrict water flow and reduce overall performance. Replacing or cleaning the affected fixture often restores normal pressure.

Low water pressure throughout the entire home is often caused by a closed or partially closed valve. The main water shutoff valve or the water meter valve may limit flow when not fully open. Adjusting valve positions can significantly improve water delivery throughout the plumbing system.

Routine inspections help identify fixture-related issues before pressure problems worsen. Professional plumbing services can evaluate valves, fixtures, and connections for proper operation. Early attention reduces strain on pipes and improves system efficiency.

Water Leaks

Leaks within water lines frequently cause a noticeable drop in water pressure at multiple fixtures. Escaping water reduces the amount of pressure available to sinks, showers, and appliances. Hidden leaks behind walls or under floors often remain undetected without professional assessment.

Water leak repair plays a critical role in restoring consistent pressure levels. Sealing damaged pipes prevents further water loss and protects surrounding structures. Prompt repair also supports long-term plumbing system reliability.

Ignoring leaks may lead to higher utility bills and structural damage. Professional plumbing experts use advanced tools to locate and repair leaks efficiently. Restored pipe integrity often results in immediate pressure improvement.

Clogs and Buildup

Clogs and buildup inside water lines restrict flow and reduce pressure over time. Aging and corroded pipes frequently shed material that narrows the internal diameter of the line. Reduced space inside pipes limits the volume of water reaching fixtures.

Limescale and mineral buildup also contribute to clogged water lines, especially in areas with hard water. Minerals accumulate along pipe walls and gradually slow water movement. Professional pipe cleaning helps remove buildup and restore proper flow.

Persistent low pressure caused by internal clogs often requires expert intervention. Plumbing experts assess pipe condition and recommend cleaning or replacement when necessary. Addressing buildup improves water pressure and extends the lifespan of the plumbing system.

Call Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning expert serving Greensburg, PA, and beyond. They offer straightforward pricing, personalized service, and a no-mess guarantee. Call them today for burst pipe repair in Greensburg, North Huntington, and Monroeville, PA.

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Why Consider Installing a Humidifier This Winter?

The Advantages of Installing a Whole Home Humidifier and Signs It’s Needed

As the cold winter air settles in, maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment becomes a top priority for homeowners. A whole-home humidifier installation can significantly enhance the comfort and quality of life during the challenging winter months.

Installing a whole-home humidifier can address issues like low humidity that can cause discomfort and damage to household items. This blog delves further into how it can transform a living space into a sanctuary of comfort.

What Does a Whole House Humidifier Do?

A whole-house humidifier is designed to address humidity imbalances in the home, especially during the colder months when the air becomes drier. Whole-home humidifiers add moisture to the air in every room, overcoming the dryness caused by heating systems and cold air, which holds less moisture. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels significantly improves household comfort and well-being.

During winter, cold air and indoor heating systems can drastically reduce moisture levels, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. A whole-house humidifier ensures the air throughout the home remains adequately humidified, helping alleviate the adverse effects of dry air, unlike a portable humidifier that only serves the room or small area it’s in.

Signs the House Needs a Humidifier Installation

It’s important to recognize the signs of low indoor humidity to determine if a humidifier installation is needed. Here are some indicators:

Dry or Cracked Wood Furniture or Flooring: When humidity levels drop, wooden floors and furniture may start to crack, warp, or become damaged, highlighting the need for a whole-house humidifier installation.
Physical Discomfort: Symptoms such as dry, itchy skin or chapped lips can indicate that indoor air lacks sufficient moisture. A humidifier mitigates these discomforts by ensuring skin and lips remain well-moisturized.
Respiratory Irritation: Dryness in the air can lead to a scratchy throat and dry cough, or exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms, making a whole-home humidifier installation essential for improving respiratory health.
Nosebleeds and Static Electricity: Frequent nosebleeds and those pesky static shocks are common in low-humidity environments. Adding a humidifier can reduce these occurrences, providing peace of mind.

These signs serve as a clear indication that a humidifier can be a valuable addition to any home, enhancing both comfort and health.

Benefits of a Whole Home Humidifier

Investing in a whole-home humidifier offers numerous advantages that enhance indoor air quality and comfort. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

Improved Energy Efficiency and Lower Heating Costs: By maintaining optimal humidity levels, a humidifier can make the home feel warmer, allowing homeowners to lower the thermostat without sacrificing comfort, resulting in energy savings.
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: A whole-house humidifier improves indoor air by alleviating issues like dry nasal passages, sore throats, and coughs. It can also reduce allergy and asthma symptoms by maintaining a balanced humidity level.
Preservation of Wood and Household Items: Consistent humidity prevents the cracking and warping of wood floors, furniture, and other items made from wood, extending their lifespan and maintaining the home’s aesthetic.
Reduced Static Electricity: Proper humidity levels minimize static electricity, a common winter nuisance, creating a more comfortable environment.
Moisturized Skin and Hair: A humidifier keeps skin and hair hydrated, reducing dryness and irritation, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable in their own skin.

The benefits of a humidifier extend beyond mere comfort, impacting energy efficiency, health, and the preservation of valuable household items. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional to explore the options for a whole-house humidifier installation and start reaping the benefits of optimal humidity levels in the home.

About Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated company, delivering personalized service that puts the customer’s needs first. As a small local business, they offer competitive prices and leave no mess behind. Call now for whole-house humidifier installation and repair services in Irwin, PA.

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Winter Plumbing Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Colder weather brings with it the risk of frozen pipes, which can lead to a plumbing emergency. As temperatures drop below freezing, water in the home’s pipes can freeze, expand, and exert immense pressure, often leading to ruptured and burst pipes and extensive water damage.

Fortunately, homeowners can take proactive steps to safeguard their plumbing systems and prevent these costly occurrences. From insulating exposed lines to ensuring proper heat circulation, preparing the plumbing is the best defense against winter’s deep freeze. This post will share some ways to help protect the home’s plumbing.

Insulate the Pipes

One way to help prevent piping from freezing is to add pipe insulation. Pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated areas of a home, such as the attic, crawl space, unfinished basement, or garage, are most vulnerable to extremely cold temperatures. These spaces often lack the consistent warmth needed to keep pipes above freezing, making them high-risk zones for frozen and burst pipes.

Applying foam pipe sleeves, fiberglass insulation, or heat tape to these exposed pipes creates a protective barrier, slowing the rate at which the cold air can penetrate. Insulating these critical sections helps reduce the risk of water freezing inside the pipes and causing them to burst, which can help prevent extensive water damage.

Keep the Heat on and Open Cabinets

Maintaining a consistent temperature inside the home is one of the easiest ways to ensure internal plumbing remains safe from freezing. When the outside temperature plummets, setting the thermostat to a steady temperature, 55 degrees or higher, provides continuous background warmth that permeates the walls and interior spaces. Even if nobody is home, it’s important to keep the heat above 55 degrees to protect the plumbing. By preventing the temperature around the pipes from dropping too low, homeowners can minimize the chance of freezing pipes.

In addition to keeping the home heated, another way to help protect hard-to-reach plumbing is to open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks, particularly those on exterior walls. Pipes often run along these walls and are shielded from the home’s heat by the cabinetry itself. Opening these doors allows the warm air circulating within the heated rooms to flow directly onto the pipes and fittings. This simple action helps raise the immediate temperature surrounding the plumbing, providing an extra layer of protection against freezing during severe cold snaps.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or spigots, are highly susceptible to freezing because they are constantly exposed to cold outdoor conditions. The critical steps for protecting them involve first disconnecting any garden hoses attached. Any water trapped inside a hose can freeze and expand back into the faucet, potentially damaging the valve and the pipe running inside the wall. Once the hose is removed and completely drained, it should be stored until spring.

The next vital step is to eliminate any standing water in the supply line itself. This is achieved by locating the shut-off valve that controls the water supply to the outdoor faucet and turning off the water to the outdoor spigot. After the supply is shut off, open the outdoor faucet to allow any remaining water in the pipe to drain. Finally, once the pipe is empty, cover the exterior faucet with a durable insulating cover to prevent cold air from entering.

About Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a local family-owned company serving Greensburg and the surrounding areas. They provide personalized service, straightforward pricing, and no mess left behind. Call them for plumbing and burst pipe repair services in Greensburg, PA.

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The Essential Guide to Boilers

Boiler Basics to Help Keep a Home Warm and Efficient

Keeping a home warm and comfortable is essential, especially during chilly winter months. One of the key components to achieving this comfort is an efficient boiler heating system. Understanding how boilers operate, identifying repair needs, and prioritizing routine maintenance are integral to maximizing efficiency and longevity. Keeping these aspects in mind ensures warmth and safety throughout the colder months and beyond.

What Is a Boiler?

A boiler is a central heating system component that plays a crucial role in maintaining the warmth of a home. Unlike traditional furnaces that circulate warm air through ducts, boilers heat water to provide either hot water or steam for heating. This hot water or steam then flows through pipes to radiators or convectors, maintaining a comfortable temperature in each room. This heating method is often more consistent and energy-efficient compared to other systems.

Benefits of a Boiler Heating System

Energy Efficiency: Boilers typically offer higher energy efficiency compared to forced-air systems. By using water for heat transfer, they can achieve a more consistent temperature with less energy consumption.
Comfort and Vitality: Boilers provide a more comfortable and even heat as they radiate warmth rather than forcing air, reducing the occurrence of hot and cold spots.
Versatility: Boilers can be used to heat homes, provide hot water, and even power radiant floor heating systems.

Choosing a boiler installation can greatly enhance energy efficiency and comfort within the home. It’s essential to recognize when a boiler may require attention to ensure it operates optimally.

Signs That Boiler Repair Is Needed

When boilers encounter issues, they often exhibit telltale signs that should not be ignored. Recognizing these warning signs can prevent more serious damage and costlier repairs in the long run.

Common Indicators of Boiler Issues

Water Leaking Around the Boiler: If puddles or damp spots are present around the unit, it may indicate a leak in the internal components or pipe connections, requiring immediate professional attention.
High Utility Bills: A sudden increase in energy costs may signal that the boiler is working harder than usual due to internal issues, which might necessitate boiler repair or parts replacement.
Uneven Heating or No Heat: Lack of warmth or inconsistent heating throughout the home might mean that there are blockages or malfunctioning parts within the system.
Unusual Noises: Banging, clanking, or whistling noises emanating from the boiler can indicate issues such as air in the system or failing components.
Pilot Light Keeps Going Out: If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it may point to underlying mechanical problems or even safety concerns within the boiler.

Early detection through these signs prevents more complex boiler repair issues, ensuring reliability and stability in the home heating system.

How to Keep a Boiler Efficient

Boiler maintenance is fundamental in prolonging the life span of a system and keeping energy bills manageable. Regular maintenance contributes not only to system longevity but also to its efficient operation.

Advantages of Regular Boiler Maintenance

Improved Efficiency: Routine checks and adjustments made by professionals ensure the boiler runs efficiently, effectively reducing energy wastage and maintaining lower utility bills.
Prevention of Major Failures: Identifying potential problems early can prevent expensive repairs or the need for a complete boiler replacement.
Safety Assurance: Ensuring all components are functioning safely minimizes risks of leaks or malfunctions, which could otherwise pose safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.
Extended Boiler Life: Regular service can significantly extend the life of a boiler, making it a cost-effective solution over time.

Typical Boiler Maintenance Tasks Include

Inspection of Components: A professional will check for wear and tear on any critical parts and make necessary replacements or adjustments.
Cleaning: Proper cleaning of boiler parts, such as burners and heat exchangers, ensures no accumulation of dust or scale affects efficiency.
Check for Leaks: Ensures that all seals and connections are intact, preventing water damage and maintaining system pressure.

Scheduling periodic boiler maintenance is essential in preserving both the performance and safety of a boiler heating system. Homeowners can save money and stress by prioritizing professional servicing.

About Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated plumbing and indoor comfort solutions company proudly serving Greensburg, North Huntington, and Monroeville, PA. They offer straightforward pricing, personalized service, and a no-mess guarantee. Call them for boiler repair services in Irwin, PA.