Do Home Warranties Cover Plumbing?

You can ask any homeowner about the most annoying home problems they’ve experienced and you’ll likely get the same response – the plumbing. Often taken for granted, we rely on these home systems until a problem strikes and there’s no choice but to take immediate action. Not only are they unpleasant to handle but also quite costly in some cases, as the typical cost of a repair depends on the time and whether or not replacement parts are readily available. You must also be aware of leaks and where the water is running, as floorboard rot, damaged drywall, and internalized mold are all potential risks of water leaks.

What Do Home Warranties Cover?

If you’re considering purchasing a home warranty plan to ward off future expenses, you should first find out what it will actually cover. While some plans seem similar, the actual coverage can vary. In most cases, plumbing issues are only covered if they are the result of normal wear and tear, although not every plan is created equally.

If you are interested in a largely inclusive home warranty plan, Reddi Services may have the option for you! Our Reddi Preventative Maintenance (RPM) Program offers annual heating and cooling safety checks and service, along with annual plumbing safety checks and inspections!

What does our RPM Program cover?

• Priority service – your calls are scheduled ahead of others
• 15% Discount on all same day service calls
• Quality service with no overtime or after hours emergency fees
• Quality, professional technicians (background checked and drug tested for your safety and protection)
• Your service plan may transfer to your new home
• Simple service scheduling – we will remind you when to schedule your safety check and service
• Easy automatic payments (annual renewal to your credit card)
• With select equipment and home automation plans we will monitor your system and troubleshoot most problems remotely before we need to come out!

ENTIRE HEATING SYSTEM (Inspect, Check, or Test)
ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM (Inspect, Check, or Test)
ENTIRE PLUMBING SYSTEM (Inspect, Check, or Test)

• Sinks, drains, interior, and exterior faucets
• Showers, bathtubs, toilets, and sump pumps
• Washing machine faucets and hose bibs
• Water heater flush (if applicable) and T&P valve
• Emergency shutoff and pressure reducing valves

Reddi Services covers what many home warranty companies don’t, giving you peace of mind and knowing your home and appliances are being well-kept. Call today to learn more and secure you home with our RPM Program!

How to Conduct a DIY HVAC Inspection

If there’s one thing sure to bring down your mood, it’s going to be your HVAC unit going out in the middle of summer. Learning how to perform a basic inspection of your HVAC unit will help keep it operational and may help avoid greater damage from building up over time.

Not only can it be expensive to fix or replace an HVAC unit, but it’s one of the most depended on appliances to keep the indoor temperature comfortable to live in. Unfortunately, unless something goes wrong, most homeowners push it to the back of their mind and don’t perform the necessary inspections to keep it running. As with other appliances, your HVAC unit will begin to deteriorate from the moment it’s installed, although most people do not run into any problems until a few years down the line. You can do your best to prevent any malfunctions by following these Reddi Services approved steps.

Check The Thermostat

Check to make sure that your thermostat is working as it should, starting by checking both preset temperatures for your heating and cooling. If necessary, open the thermostat and clean the inside with a q-tip.

Turn Off The Power

Walk out to your breaker box and look for the correct switch to shut off the power of your unit. On the outside, make sure to switch off the on/off switch. This is a very important step as you will need to remove some parts of the unit for access.

Remove Debris From HVAC Unit

Using a screwdriver and wrench, detach the fan cage from your unit and use a vacuum to remove any debris from the inside.

Clean And Repair The Fins

Take a hose and rinse down the fins from the inside of the unit. Be careful not to use a power washer as it can be too powerful and cause damage to the fins – the fins must be straight for air to flow properly through. Use a butter knife to carefully straighten the fins if necessary, then reattach the fan cage. If you have trouble cleaning the fins with a regular hose, you may need to use a specialized fin-cleaning spray.

Clear Area Around The Unit

The best rule of thumb is to keep a minimum of two-feet distance between your HVAC unit and any vegetation or other objects in your yard. Make sure your unit is not covered up, as rodents will quickly find a new home for themselves in your unit.

Level The Unit

Check to make sure your unit is leveled, as with time it may slowly shift out of place. If you find that it’s not leveled properly, invest in rot-resistant shims and prop up the necessary side.

Clean Evaporator Coil

On the inside of your unit you should find an evaporator coil door. Dust this off and spray it down with a no-rinse coil cleaner. After foaming up, you can use a small amount of bleach and hot water to clean it up.

Check Evaporator Drain

You may also notice while cleaning the evaporator coil door that the evaporator drain is clogged. This can lead to flooding, so use a wet/dry vacuum and clear out any debris that could be causing a blockage.

Replace Filters Regularly

A common source of HVAC problems stems from the filter. This filter traps debris from entering your HVAC unit, although if not replaced regularly can lead to further damages. Ideally the filter should be changed around every three months – sometimes even more frequently if you have any pets with fur in your home.

Final Inspections

Inspect your ductwork wherever it is visible for any traces of water. If you find any leaks, simply patch up with duct tape. Also be sure to inspect the air vents around your home for traces of mold, debris, or rodent droppings.

Having Difficulties With Your HVAC Unit?

As with other costly repairs, your home system replacement is a serious investment. It can be unfortunate, but even new units will have a performance issue every once in a while. Reddi Services not only will come out for one-time services, but also offers our Reddi Planned Maintenance program that covers what many home warranty companies don’t. Give yourself peace of mind knowing your home and appliances are being well-kept. Call today to learn more and secure you home with our RPM program!

Early Red Flags From Your Electric Water Heater

Most homeowners with an electric water heater can expect to see their water heater last around 8-12 years.

Most households depend on the instant use of hot water, from running the dishwasher to how often the shower is run. Despite how often we take our water heaters for granted, the moment one goes out can be very frustrating. Be on the lookout for these signs of wear and save yourself from a future headache.

Signs Of Rusty Water

Although it may be resistant to rusting, the truth is all tanks can and will have corrosion at some point. Rusty water should be immediately addressed, and likely stems from having corroded pipes. Be on the lookout for leaks, and make sure to have it taken care of swiftly.

Not-So-Hot Water

You paid to get a water heater, not a water warmer. If you realize that your water is on the cooler end, check your thermostat to make sure the temperature is around 120-140 degrees. If it’s set properly but still not producing truly hot water, you may have a broken heating element.

Odd Noises

Any loud noise coming from your water heater should be taken seriously. Normal noises include slight hissing when the temperature initially rises, but any clanking, banging, or other startling noise could be an indicator of sediment buildup. If you leave the sediment alone in your heater, you may soon be facing greater damages.

Leaks

The closer your water heater gets to the end of its life, the greater your chances are of finding leaks. Through the constant heating cycles, your water heater will start to deteriorate over time – usually starting as small cracks but eventually widening. Sudden repairs and replacements may be required, but you don’t have to subject yourself to needless leak repairs, or even worse with a full replacement. By having a simple maintenance routine, you can keep your water heater working smoothly for years and plan its eventual replacement well in advance.

Time to Repair or Replace?

If easy DIY maintenance isn’t helping, or if you notice a bigger problem, give Reddi Services a call today! We’re ready to diagnose and repair or make a replacement recommendation to fit your needs.

What Are Plumbing Vents?

One of the most depended upon systems of any household is the plumbing system. Needless to say, having plumbing issues can be very disruptive. Read ahead to learn more about your plumbing system, specifically about how your vent pipes work and what to do if they stop working properly.

Why Do You Need Plumbing Vents?

The job of your plumbing vent, sometimes referred to as a vent stack, is to regulate the air pressure in your plumbing system. Similar to how drain pipes transfer waste and water out of your home, plumbing vents allow fresh air into the system, removing gasses and odors. While the fresh air is used to allow for smooth transfer of water in your drain pipes, no actual water should be inside your plumbing vents. This pipe is connected to your roof vertically, running down the side and into the drain line. The vent stack is found next to the main roof vent, channeling any exhaust gas into the vent and maintaining the proper air pressure in your system.

Why Maintaining Air Vents Is Important

The plumbing air vents in your home are an integral part of the plumbing system. Both the drainage pipes and air vents work together to remove water and waste from your home. The drainage pipes carry waste to either the city sewage line or directly to a septic tank. Any time a bathtub is drained or a toilet is flushed, the two systems work together to move water through the drainage pipes, while the air vents prevent the sewer gases from entering the home. While the vents are found on roofs, they will be found away from windows and AC units so any gasses are able to dissipate.

Problems With Vent Pipes

When you face an issue with your plumbing air vents, you can be sure that your plumbing drainage will be involved as well. Common signs of a blocked up vent include gurgling sounds from the drains, finding small pools of water around indoor drains, or simply if water is draining slowly.

When a vent becomes blocked, the air pressure loses its balance and negative pressure will begin to build up inside the drainage pipes. You will need to clear the blocked vent, as solutions like clearing a blocked drain are only temporary fixes. Vents that go uncleared and allow water to pass through the drainage pipes slowly risk having a sediment buildup inside the pipes, leading to expensive pipe repairs, or in some cases, full replacements.

Reddi to Help

If you find yourself unable to clear a clogged drain with the use of a plunger or drain cleaner, the blockage may need to be examined by a professional. If the vent goes long enough that it becomes completely covered, a vacuum seal will form, causing the gurgling to go away and allowing gasses and the smell of sewage inside the affected rooms. Situations like these should be immediately examined, something Reddi Services is available to help with 24/7.

7 Ways To Hide An A/C Unit

Want to keep your home looking stylish while keeping your A/C unit protected? Check out these ideas for covering your unit!

Many of us take air conditioning for granted. Even in areas that do not experience the heat like we do, nothing is better than walking into your home and being greeted by fresh, cool air on a summer day. Without it, your household would have a difficult time staying comfortable, even at night. That said, not all A/C units are nice to look at. While larger boxes tend to be quiet and efficient, they don’t exactly blend in to the landscaping. Here are some tips:

Plant Shrubs Around Your Unit

Plant shrubs by your A/C unit! While you need to keep them a minimum of two feet away for airflow, you can shape them and opt for taller shrubs that will grow to hide the unit. If you do plant shrubs, be sure to regularly check your A/C unit for leaves and debris that need to be cleared.

Build A Fence Around It

Just like adding shrubs, many homeowners choose to build fencing to surround their unit instead. The same rule applies to fencing as well – make sure to keep a distance of two feet from your A/C unit so you do not limit any airflow.

Latticework fencing is a popular fencing choice for those looking to disguise their unit, which offers large amounts of customization and decorating options. Picket fences and old window screens can be used to make a privacy screen around the unit, or they can be bought pre-made if you are not into DIY projects yourself.

Decorate With A Nice Wooden Box

You can always opt to build a removable top for your unit. Long-lasting woods can be constructed with plenty of slats for air to flow through, and will be easily accessible for a technician to reach.

Utilize A Trellis & Plants

A solid trellis can add plenty of pizazz to an otherwise drab looking A/C unit. Both perennials and annual plants could be used with a trellis, depending on how you want the plants to blend in with the rest of your landscaping!

Add A Tool Shelf

If you are looking for a place to store your tools, consider building a pyramid structure to place on the top of your unit’s cover. As long as the tools do not interfere with ventilation ports and are out of the way for technicians, you’re good to go!

Build A Ventilated Shed Around It

While this option is a bit more of an investment in both time and money, it can be largely beneficial to homeowners with other pieces of equipment that may be considered bulky or eyesores, such as lawn mowers, pool equipment, and other landscaping supplies.

Build A Vertical Garden

Those with less space may appreciate the usage of a vertical garden. These gardens are perfect for those with limited space, or for people who are interested in vertical-oriented decorative plants. Long and colorful plants can be used near the top to droop down and hide your A/C unit!

DIY Plumbing: Leaks, Clogs, And Other Plumbing Issues You Can Fix at Home

While some plumbing jobs are too big to handle on your own, there are plenty of everyday situations that could pop up that you should be ready for. Read ahead for some DIY tips from Reddi Service’s to clear clogs, fix leaks, and solve other common problems!

Tackling A Draining Dishwasher

A common household problem almost all owners will face is the sight of standing water at the bottom of a dishwasher. You may be able to clear the drain on your own before getting a service professional to help you, as daunting as it may first seem. If you’re having issues with draining your dishwasher, give these tips a try.

• Run the garbage disposal. If the disposal is full, or if there is a gap with the connecting hose, water will be blocked from draining correctly.
• Check the drain at the bottom of your dishwasher for any internal obstructions. Be on the lookout for dishware or utensils that may have slipped or for food buildup.
• Not all dishwashers are created equal. Make sure you understand the proper operating instructions for your dishwasher.
• Begin to regularly check your dishwasher filter to see if it is clogged. Most dishwashers have a filter located on the bottom of the inside of the dishwasher, although if you have difficulty finding it you should refer to your user manual.
• Check the drain hose connected to the garbage disposal as a faulty hose can cause a broken seal. Be sure to adjust any bends and poke a hanger through to check for any clogs that may be inside.
• Check the drain valve on the valve bracket. This piece should be located at the bottom of the dishwasher and should be able to move freely.
• If you start your dishwasher and hear clicking or humming noises that are irregular, there is a good chance the drain pump and motor need to be replaced.
• To drain still water from the bottom, grab a ladle or measuring cup and move water to a bowl or into the sink. To avoid large spills, place towels on the floor and use paper towels to clean up any remaining water.

While clogs are inevitable, there are steps you can take to prevent them from happening. If you use a garbage disposal, be sure to only feed small amounts through at a time, so you do not risk overloading it. Grease, oil, and coffee grounds should never be run down a disposal, and should be disposed of properly. Once your sink is cleared, you can routinely pour in equal parts vinegar and baking soda for a few minutes before draining with hot water. This will help keep buildup minimized and also work to keep foul odors trapped. If you have found that these tips have not brought any solutions, then it may be time to call for help – Reddi Services is here and ready to come to you today!

HVAC System Maintenance: Change Your Filter!

One of the keys to keeping the heat out of your home is through the proper maintenance of your HVAC system! Learn to change your filter, why it’s important, and how to be ready for the heat when it hits.

Why Change Your Air Filter?

To start with, HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning” and works to pull in air, which is either heated or cooled, then redistributed through your house via ventilation. Understanding how your HVAC system works is important – the job of your HVAC filter is to filter out any allergens, pet hair, dirt, and debris, keeping them out of the insides of your HVAC system. Keeping your HVAC filter regularly maintained will not only save you money, but also extend the life of your system.

You Will Save Money!

If your filter has not been changed recently, then there’s a good chance that your HVAC system is working overtime and is expending more energy than would be necessary if the filter was clear. On average, having a clean and efficient filter can save between 5-15% of your electric bill, certainly enough to be a noticeable difference!

You Will Avoid Having Your HVAC Break Down!

One of the last things you want to be dealing with is a broken HVAC system in the middle of a heat wave during the summer. Changing your filter helps your HVAC live longer. How? The dirtier that your filter is, the more air is necessary to draw in, resulting in the system working harder. The more work that your system has to do, and the more energy that it expends, risks leading to untimely, although often avoidable, HVAC breakdowns.

In order to keep your HVAC system running clean, just remember to change your filters! If you live in your home full time, you should be changing out your filter every three months. If you own any pets that shed hairs, such as cats or dogs, you should change a minimum of once every two months, although in households with multiple pets, sometimes a filter change will be necessary around the four to six week mark.

HVAC System Lifetime!

Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive parts of your home. Replacing an air conditioning unit tends to cost around $5,000 on average, while a furnace replacement costs about $3,000. Remember that running maintenance yourself is very inexpensive, simple, and will help not only with the effectiveness, but also the longevity of your system!

Cleaner Air!

The health of your family is directly impacted by the quality of the air you all breathe in. If you or someone in your household suffer from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, or if you house elderly family members, then maintaining the air quality will be even more important.

If you do not change out your air filters regularly, you may experience some short-term effects such as irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as occasional headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Long-term effects can result in much more severe illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illness or heart disease. Dirty filters needlessly risk the health of you and your family. The good news is that you can buy HEPA-rated filters specifically designed to block the most pollen, fur, and other allergens, allowing for easier breathing.

Maintaining your HVAC is not just easy, but also far more cost effective than waiting for something to go wrong. By keeping your indoor air quality the highest you can, you save money on heating and cooling costs, along with keeping the system running with far more efficiency. You will not just keep yourself and your family safe, but also be providing a more comfortable space to be living in!

For More Information Or Help

If you’re experiencing prolonged problems with your HVAC system, and you can’t find the source, call Reddi Services today. Specializing in all matters of HVAC maintenance and repair, we will have your system back up and running in no time! Be sure to check out our Reddi Planned Maintenance program for even more benefits.

DIY Plumbing: Leaks, Clogs, And Other Plumbing Issues You Can Fix at Home

While some plumbing jobs are too big to handle on your own, there are plenty of everyday situations that you should be ready for. Read ahead for some of our DIY tips to clear clogs, fix leaks, and solve other common problems in your kitchen sink.

Unclogging A Kitchen Sink

Clogged sinks often happen at the worst of times – with guests over, or large piles of dishes on the side, it may be your first thought to call for plumbing services. Before placing a call, we recommend these few home remedies to get your sink flowing as usual.

• Boil a pot or pitcher of water while you drain your sink of any still water. Pour the boiling water into the sink and give it a few minutes to start draining. If you have no success the first time, you may need to be patient and give it a few more attempts. You can also add a half cup of salt in the drain before pouring any more water.
• Check your garbage disposal for any clogs. If your disposal is overheated, you may need to flip the switch.
• Remove any standing water and pour in one cup of baking soda followed by the same amount of white or apple cider vinegar. The solution should bubble and die down, at which point you need to cover with a stopper and wait for 20 minutes. Run hot water afterwards and see if the clog has cleared.
• If you have no vinegar, you can mix a cup of baking soda with a half cup of salt and allow it to sit in the sink for a few hours. Pour in boiling water to see if the clog has cleared.
• Use a plunger. If you have a double sink, be sure to cover one side. You will need a tight seal around the plunger, so be sure to leave some water in the sink you plan to unclog. Plunge for a few minutes and listen for a suction noise indicating a cleared clog.
• Check the P-trap, often located at the curve of your drainpipe under the sink. You can unfasten the pipe and attempt to clear any clogs inside. Reconnect and run water through to test it again.
• You can attempt to use a plumber’s snake. This tool is inserted inside the stubout behind your cabinet wall, and will require you to disconnect the drain pipe and P-trap. Insert the snake until you feel resistance, and try to dislodge whatever is stuck. If you do not own a plumber’s snake, a home solution is to use a wire hanger wrapped in a cloth. The downside to using a hanger is the short length you will be limited to, although in some cases it may be enough to clear any clogs.

Prevention Tips

While clogs are inevitable, there are steps you can take to prevent them from happening frequently. If you use a garbage disposal, be sure to only feed in small amounts of appropriate scraps at a time, so you do not risk overloading it. Grease, oil, and coffee grounds should never be run down a disposal, and should be disposed of properly. Once your sink is cleared, you can routinely pour in equal parts vinegar and baking soda for a few minutes before draining with hot water. This will help keep buildup minimized and also work to keep foul odors trapped. If you’ve found that nothing has helped your clogged sink, Reddi Services is here to help – give us a call and we’ll clear it out right away!

What You Need to Know About HVAC Replacement & Costs

Have you found yourself having to count on an increasingly unreliable HVAC unit, wondering about the expenses to replace it? While we can’t give a definite replacement cost in the article, we can give some insight into whether or not a replacement unit is the necessary action for you, and how to account for additional factors that would contribute to your final bill.

If you are interested in a largely inclusive home warranty plan, Reddi Services may have the option for you! Our Reddi Planned Maintenance (RPM) program offers annual heating and cooling safety checks and service, along with annual plumbing safety checks and inspections! Quality maintenance extends the life of your equipment and saves you money.

How To Know If You Need To Replace Your HVAC System

Sometimes it may just be obvious; your HVAC unit is old, it may be making irregular noises, and perhaps has needed multiple repairs through the years. On the other hand, the answer is not always so obvious, and you find yourself adjusting the thermostat more often, resulting in a larger energy bill. No matter the case, if either of these sound true, it may be worth considering a new HVAC system.

What To Look For In A New HVAC System

Your HVAC unit is one of the most important pieces in maintaining your home, and when it comes time to replace it, we understand it can be a daunting task. Here are some important things to keep in mind when searching:

• Begin and finish your project with the right contractor. The efficiency of your unit is determined by its installation, meaning it is of the utmost importance to work with a reputable contractor. Make sure that any of your candidates are willing to break down the cost for you.
• Determine Unit Size. Make sure your contractor performs a load calculation and takes into consideration the size of your home, roofing materials, orientation of the home in daylight hours, and other related notes.
• Pay Attention To The SEER Rating. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a rating that shows how efficient the unit will be. Although a higher SEER rated unit will cost more initially, you’ll also end up saving money through its efficiency in the long run.
• Use Rebates! Check to see if you can apply for any rebate incentives to bring down some of your HVAC replacement cost.

Replacement Costs And Influential Factors

For the most part, a replacement and repair cost of a cooling unit can range from $150 to $4,000. Heating units cost roughly the same amount as well. If you are thinking that you need a full replacement, you’re likely looking at spending a few thousand dollars. Some additional factors to consider when looking for a unit include:

• The size and type of unit you are looking for.
• The fuel necessary to run the unit.
• Additional repairs, replacements or add-ons, such as ductwork.
• Energy efficiency of the new unit.

Things To Consider After Replacing Your HVAC Unit

As with other costly repairs, your home system replacement is a serious investment. It can be unfortunate, but sometimes even new units will have a performance issue every once in a while. Reddi Services covers what many home warranty companies don’t, giving you peace of mind and knowing your home’s most important appliances are being well-kept. Call today to learn more and secure your home with our RPM program!