With the winter approaching quickly and the temperatures steadily dropping, making sure your home is comfortable is a top priority. If you have a furnace for your heating system, it needs to be in good shape. Knowing the signs that you need a furnace replacement can help you stay warm in the winter months.  

Your Furnace is More Than 15 Years Old

For the most part, you can count on your furnace lasting at least 15 years. If you’ve had yours for longer, you may want to consider replacing it. A new one can increase the efficiency of your heating system.

Your Energy Bills Are High

One of the most common signs that your furnace needs to be replaced is higher energy bills. If your furnace isn’t operating properly, it has to work harder to generate heat. This means higher energy bills and puts stress on the furnace itself. 

Your Allergy Symptoms are Flaring Up

If you’re noticing your allergy symptoms are worse than usual or you’re having them when you normally don’t, this could be a sign that you need a furnace replacement. Old furnaces won’t filter out dust and debris like they should and will expel it into the air. Getting a new furnace can make you more comfortable and healthier in the wintertime. 

Need a Furnace Replacement in Edmonds?

The plumbing in your home is an essential part of your health and safety as well as that of your family. The team at Plumbing & Heating Specialist is here to help you with all your plumbing and heating needs. Contact us and check out our special offers; we’ll help you keep your home in good condition and running smoothly. 

Quality Furnace Replacement in Edmonds

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on November 15, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

The condition of the plumbing in your home is essential when it comes to your health and safety. If there is an issue with your plumbing, you could be making yourself and your family sick. Knowing how a professional plumber can make your home safer is integral to getting the help you need. 

Removes Mold

Mold is one of the most dangerous things you can have in your home and if your plumbing is growing spores, you could end up with serious issues like asthma and allergy symptoms. A plumbing specialist will be able to identify mold and find the source. They will also be able to get you the help you need to remove it. 

Mitigates Water Damage 

If your pipes are leaking, they could be causing damage to the rest of the home. Deterioration and structural issues with your home are costly and unsafe if not repaired immediately. A professional can mitigate water damage and make sure the source is taken care of. 

Manages Sewage

Sewage is incredibly unhealthy and if any of it is leaking into your home, it can cause sickness and exacerbate underlying health issues. A plumber will make sure all your sewage goes where it’s supposed to and isn’t backing up into your home. 

Need a Plumber Serving Mukilteo?

The plumbing in your home is an essential part of your health and safety as well as that of your family. The team at Plumbing & Heating Specialist is here to help you with all your plumbing and heating needs. Contact us and check out our special offers; we’ll help you keep your home in good condition and running smoothly. 

High-Quality Plumber Serving Mukilteo 

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on October 14, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Do you find yourself flushing the toilet twice because the flush is weak and fails to send everything down? Not only is this a nuisance but it’s also a water waster. Here’s why it has become weak and how you can get a strong toilet flush in Lynnwood.

Check for a Backup

The weak flush may be due to a clog that partially blocks the waste pipe. Water struggles to flow through and consumes pressure that otherwise contributes to flushing power.

To check for a backup, fill the toilet bowl with water and flush. If the flushing power remains the same, then you have a partial backup. Try to remove the backup with a plunger. If that doesn’t help, you may need to contact plumbing services.

Clean the Rim

The rim holes where the flushing water flows through may be blocked from mineral deposit buildup. For a quick way to create a strong flush, open the toilet lid and pour one to two cups of toilet bowl cleaner into the flush valve opening. The flush valve, located in the middle of the toilet tank, includes the overflow tube, the hole where water enters the bowl when the toilet is flushed and the rubber tank ball or flapper that covers the hole when the tank is full. Don’t use the toilet for the next several hours. The cleaner will flow through the channels and dissolve the hardened deposits.

Low Water Bowl Level

You won’t get full flushing power if the water in the bowl is abnormally low. Low levels may indicate a leaky fill valve. If the valve leaks water, it takes pressure away from the tube that refills the bowl.

Flush the toilet with the toilet tank lid open. Is water squirting from the valve? If so, then this part needs to be replaced.

We Produce a Strong Toilet Flush in Lynnwood

If the toilet is still not flushing at full capacity, contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialist. Our special offers include a free diagnosis and heater-related services. Having to double-flush is an annoyance. A strong toilet flush is just a phone call away.

For a Strong Toilet Flush & Residential Toilet Repair in Lynnwood Contact Us!

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on September 18, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

You turn on the faucet and are horrified to find black specks accompanying the water. Should you be alarmed? It’s certainly not normal, that’s for sure. Here are some of the reasons why you might see black specks in the water in Edmonds and what you can do about it.

Mineral Traces

The plumbing system may contain excess traces of minerals, mainly iron and manganese. These are not harmful to ingest, but the black specks are disconcerting. They may also stain the sink surface, dishes, or whatever else they come into contact with.

Pipe Corrosion

Old pipes may begin to corrode after several decades. Bits of the interior surface may start to peel off and end up in the water. Black specks from pipe corrosion usually occur with aged copper pipes. Contact plumbing services for a possible switch to updated cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes.

Heater Corrosion

Do you only see the specks when turning on hot water? This may indicate extensive corrosion in the heater water lines. You may not even notice the black specks coming out of the water. However, you may notice black shavings and black smears around the sink or tub after use.

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

Most modern water filter systems use GAC as a filtering material in their cartridges. GAC appears as hard particles similar in shape and texture to coffee grounds. If the filter is overdue for a replacement, some of the GAC may make its way into the water. Replacing the cartridge may fix the problem.

We Trace the Source of Black Specks in Water in Edmonds

Contact us at Plumbing & Heating Specialist if you see black specks in the water. We will identify the source and take corrective action. Our special offers make diagnosis affordable.

Resolving Black Specks in Your Water in Edmonds

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on August 16, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Many Mukilteo homeowners notice a leaky outdoor faucet but don’t do anything about it. Since it’s outside the home, they believe it’s not important. Ignoring the issue, however, can result in hundreds of gallons of wasted water and a skyrocketing bill. Fortunately, the problem is fixable.

First, Locate the Leak

In most instances, the leak occurs at the stem. This is the part of the faucet where the handle is located. Water typically leaks from behind the handle. The stem wears out over the years as you constantly turn the handle on and off. In addition, hard water, quite prevalent in the Snohomish area, can stiffen the washer, leading to a leak.

If left untreated, the leaking water can puddle around the foundation, gradually leading to concrete damage.

The Repair Process

Most leaky exterior faucets can be repaired using nothing more than a wrench. All you have to do is locate the packing nut located behind the handle. Tightening the nut will stop the leak in most instances.

If this doesn’t work, you may need to call plumbing services. If you take pride as a DIYer, however, try the following.

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Unscrew and remove the rod-like faucet stem.
3. Inspect the washer assembly. If it appears worn, replace it.
4. Use a screwdriver to pop open the vacuum breaker cap.
5. Remove the breaker by unscrewing the retainer. The leak may be due to a dirty vacuum breaker. Clean it and reinstall the components.

We’ll Repair Your Leaky Outdoor Faucet

The exterior faucet is a part of your plumbing system as much as the indoor faucets and heating. Contact us at Plumbing & Heating Specialist if the leak continues. A leaky outdoor faucet warrants your immediate attention.

Leaky Outdoor Faucet Specialists Serving Mukilto

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on July 16, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A plunger seems like the obvious solution for a DIYer. However, what if it doesn’t work, or you don’t have one? Are there other options? Fortunately, you don’t have to have a plunger to unclog a toilet. We’ll go over other options that work.

Hot Water

Pour about a gallon of hot water down the drain. Do this gradually and let the water sit for several minutes. Mild heat may be enough to loosen hair and other clog-inducing debris.

When we say hot water, we mean hotter than lukewarm but not boiling. Boiling water can cause the ceramic to crack.

Dish Soap

Pour about a cup of dish soap and let it sit for 30-minutes to an hour. Soap can break down some clogs. In lieu of dish detergent, you may also use shampoo or a similar cleaner that produces foam. Don’t use any fancy salon-grade cleaners; just stick with basic detergent.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salts works in a similar fashion to dish soap. They both produce lots of of foam and soapy chemical reactions. If you don’t have Epsom salts in your cabinet, you can try a bath bomb. This produces similar results, plus it gives the toilet bowl a pleasant fragrant scent.

Toilet Brush

You can use a toilet brush the same way you use a plunger. Stick the brush into the drain hole and thrust it in and out; repeat as often as necessary. You would be surprised the way a toilet brush can work as a substitute for a plunger.

Can’t Unclog Your Toilet in Lynnwood? Call a Plumber 

Our final suggestion is to call plumbing services; this is the fail-proof solution. Contact us at Plumbing & Heating Specialist when you have plumbing problems.  We also provide special offers on select services, including heater repairs and installations. 

We’ll Help Unclog Your Toilet in Lynnwood: Residential Drain Servicing

Serving Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on June 12, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Have you noticed that some plumbing problems tend to arise in conjunction with summer? This is no coincidence. We examine some common summer plumbing problems: why they occur and what homeowners in Mukilteo can do about them.

Shower Drain Backups

Why are backups such a common plumbing problem in the summer? Hot weather means sweaty bodies, which means more showers. Naturally, more hair and other debris get into and block the drain. One effective way to limit solids getting down the drain is by using a mesh cover.

Toilet Backup

Our plumbing service responds more often to toilet backups in the summer. With school out and people staying inside to avoid the heat, more people are in the home more often. This means increased toilet usage; ultimately, this also leads to more backups. Remind your children to use only as much toilet paper as necessary.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

With summer comes outdoor barbecues and delicious food—lots of it. Food scraps, such as corn cobs, fruit seeds and bones end up in the garbage disposal when they belong in a regular garbage bin. The same goes for oil and grease.

Sprinkler Problems

Grass and plants can lose water and dehydrate under high temperatures. The sprinkler keeps the foliage nicely hydrated. However, the increased use also leads to more breakage of the hose and sprinkler heads. Small leaks in the sprinklers can also lead to water waste.

Summer Plumbing Problems in Mukilteo?

This is the season to address heating and plumbing problems since water usage increases dramatically. Take advantage of our special offers for big savings. Contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialist to address common summer plumbing problems.

We Fix Summer Residential Plumbing Problems for Mukilteo Homeowners

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on May 17, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Ever wonder if it’s okay to flush a tampon down the toilet? Many women believe that if they don’t have a septic system, they can flush all the tampons they want. Septic systems aren’t designed for dealing with large amounts of sanitary waste, so it’s important that you don’t flush tampons down the toilet. But, even if you’re part of a regular sewer system, flushing your tampons is still a bad idea. 

Why Flushing a Tampon Down the Toilet Is Bad for Plumbing

What makes flushing a tampon especially bad? Tampons are bad for two reasons: they’re not biodegradable, and they can swell to 10 times their size when they’re soaked. This makes them a common cause of toilet backups. If you’re still tempted to flush used tampons out of habit, then consider this warning from Tampax: According to the popular tampon maker, users should never flush the tampons, the applicator, or wrapper down the toilet.

Can You Flush a Tampon That’s Biodegradable?

Some tampon brands claim their product is biodegradable. Even when that’s the case, we still recommend erring on the side of caution. Products have to pass the Brunelle Flushability Test to be considered flushable. To pass the test, the item has to be able to pass a drain’s U-bend pipe.

Here’s the problem: Even if a tampon manages to pass the U-bend it still has a series of other pipes it must negotiate. This presents plenty of other opportunities for the tampon to become stuck.

We’ll Clear a Tampon-Induced Backup

Contact us at Plumbing & Heating Specialist for plumbing maintenance or heating services. We especially recommend the latter now that winter is approaching. Our special offers make both services affordable.

Never Flush a Tampon: Plumbing Advice for Lynnwood

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on April 18, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Showers are refreshing, especially at the beginning or end of a long day. However, the way you bathe could adversely impact your shower’s drainage system. Let’s consider together some shower habits that can harm your shower’s plumbing.

Allowing Hair to Go Down the Drain

Letting hair go directly into your drain will eventually result in a major clog. You can prevent this from happening by using a drain cover. After you shower, remove the cover and dispose of the hair. Reinsert the cover, and you won’t need to worry about hair blocking up your plumbing system.

Taking Long Hot Showers

A hot shower can be as relaxing as a spa. However, lengthy hot showers are bad for several reasons. First, a hot shower leaves behind hot vapors that create an ideal breeding ground for mildew and mold. Limit hot showers to 10 minutes. If you have a ceiling vent, be sure to turn it on while you shower, and leave it running for a few minutes after you finish.

Using Drain Cleaner

During a shower, you might notice your drain is slow. To speed up the process, you might reach for a chemical drain cleaner. This is one of the worst things you can do for your bathroom plumbing.  Store products contain harsh chemicals and can weaken your pipes over time.

Eliminate Bad Shower Habits; Improve Your Plumbing

Many everyday actions you perform at home may inadvertently affect your plumbing or heating system. Contact us at Plumbing and Heating Specialist for special offers. Change your shower habits in Bothell; your bathroom plumbing will thank you for it.

Change Your Shower Habits to Protect Your Plumbing and Fixtures in Bothell 

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on March 21, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

While many people don’t drink tap water from the faucet, the water is generally safe. However, at times, you may notice a strange odor in your tap water. Is this normal and should you be concerned?

Metallic Odor in Your Tap Water

You may notice a metallic smell in the H2O. This usually emanates from mineral deposits of iron, manganese, or zinc. These might be deposits that occur naturally in most water sources. They might also come from metal particulates from the pipes or water heater. In either scenario, this is no cause for serious alarm.

However, the metallic tap water smell could also be an indication of lead. Older pipes made before 1986 contain lead, which may leach into the water as the metal corrodes. This is a safety hazard and requires immediate attention from a plumber.

Musty Odor

A musty odor isn’t as serious a concern as most people think. City aquafers acquire water from a source that contains algae blooms. While a filter prevents the algae from reaching the water supply, the algae’s residual smell may still linger. The odor isn’t harmful, but if you want to minimize the smell, try refrigerating the water before use.

Rotten Eggs

A smell of eggs gone bad is due to hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas may build up inside heaters. This is certainly the case if the smell is only present in warm tap water. We suggest flushing the heater. If the smell is present in both hot and cold water, then the odor may stem from the water softener.

We Can Eliminate Most Water Odors

Our special offers include heater and water softener cleaning and flushing. This may remove the cause of unpleasant smells. In any case, if smells accompany the tap water, give Plumbing & Heating Specialist a call. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Odor in Your Tap Water? Your Pipe & Heater Maintenance Experts in Snohomish

Serving Customers in Snohomish, King & Pierce Counties, including Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Shoreline, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Maltby, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens & Woodway

Posted on February 16, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business