5 Plumbing Questions…Answered

Should I be concerned if my toilet is running?
Absolutely. This is a very common and annoying plumbing problem that can quickly cost you money. If the toilet continues to run after the toilet is flushed, it indicates that some part of the internal mechanism is broken. Often a little jiggling of the toilet handle solves the problem. Sometimes a simple part needs to be replaced. The worst case scenario is that the entire mechanism needs to be replaced. You can try to fix the problem on your own or call Jackson Total Service.

My faucets and shower heads have a white substance around the area where the water comes out. Is there anything I can do other than replace them?
This unsightly buildup is caused by mineral deposits. To remove them, pour a cup of vinegar into a plastic bag. Place the bag over the showerhead or faucets and hold it in place with a twist tie overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and gently scrub off the deposits with an old toothbrush.

My garbage disposal won’t run after it was jammed. Do I need a new one?
Not necessarily. Chances are, breaking down could be by fibrous food or hard object such as silverware. Please make sure the garbage disposal is TURNED OFF before removing any objects. If you don’t find anything that could have jammed the disposal, try to reset it with the reset button (usually located underneath the garbage disposal) or check your breaker switch in your breaker box. More often than not, this will do the trick. If not, the motor may be damaged and have to be replaced or repaired.

What happens if my water heater is leaking?
Leaking water heaters usually indicate the bottom of the tank has rusted. Keep in mind that there are very few repair options for this problem; you most likely need a new water heater.  You should call Jackson Total Service for a price on a new water heater.

What should I do in case of an emergency like water dripping from my ceiling?
Turn off your main water shut off valve to prevent the drip from turning into a flood. This valve is usually located near your water meter.   If there are any electrical appliances nearby, turn off the electricity off at the main breaker to prevent any possible electrocution or starting of fires. Once the water flow has stopped, call Jackson Total Service and we’ll send a plumbing technician to your home to diagnose the problem.

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  Contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com

 

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

Duct Cleaning May Not Solve All Indoor Air Quality Problems

 

It is impossible to say whether or not air duct cleaning in your home would be beneficial. You may be considering having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should be occasionally cleaned.

There are 3 situations when Jackson Total Service recommends duct cleaning:

1)    There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.

2)    Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or

3)    Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to your health.

Since conditions in every home are different, Jackson Total Service cannot give a one price fits all estimate for duct cleaning.  Plus, sometimes the contamination may be a symptom of a larger problem.  Over 90% of homes have hidden air control problems. Jackson Total Service offers an optional test that allows us to identify the root cause of a dusty or unhealthy indoor air problems and will evaluate if you need your air ducts cleaned.  It will help you understand all your options, and frankly will save you money in the short run and in the long run. It actually costs a lot less than a good duct cleaning.  As a side benefit, it identifies many things you can do to save energy and money and improve comfort.

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  We are located at 3727 Enterprise Ave 34104. 

Feel free to contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com or www.facebook.com/jacksontotalservice

 

 

If your water heater had a birthday, would you know when it was?

Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

 

Unfortunately you never know exactly when your water heater is going to stop working.  Prices for new water heater range from $800 and up…But don’t be fooled by a low price.  Here are some tricks played by unscrupulous water heater installers:

• Use old connections on new unit
• Fail to clear drain under unit
• Instead of welding, they use clamps
• Sub out installations without you knowing, exposing you to workman’s comp issues and major liability problems if the sub is under insured
• It is not uncommon that the water heaters are seconds.

Wrong choices result in water damage to your floors, dry wall and furniture. In some cases, condo owners end up in court over floods caused by BARGAIN water heaters. The installers cut these corners because they are in a hurry.  Put your TRUST in Jackson Total Service to do the job right the first time.

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  We are located at 3727 Enterprise Ave 34104. 

Feel free to contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com         
or www.facebook.com/jacksontotalservice

 

 

When is it time to replace a toilet?

When your toilet clogs or overflows, the mess can take hours to clean up. Of course, the crisis usually occurs at the wrong time like when you are having a party or during a holiday.  Imagine if you are not at home when the water crisis occurs!  Then you are left to fix the problem yourself or quickly find a plumber to perform the repairs for you.  So, how do you know when your toilet is in its final stages and requires a replacement?

1.    INCESSANT CLOGGING- It’s not uncommon for objects to get flushed down the toilet, many of which may land in areas of piping that are inaccessible. Not only items, but also deposits from minerals in the water that may continue to build along the piping until it’s completely blocked. The resulting blockage could be requiring you to plunge your toilet multiple times on a weekly basis; at this point, it is probably time to replace at least some plumbing components or invest in a new toilet.

 

2.    CRACKS and LEAKS- Cracks in the porcelain comprising the bowl, base, or tank of the toilet will gradually deepen if left unchecked. If not dealt with, eventually the cracked area will break, resulting in flooding and ruined floors.  Even though the emergency might not arise for a long time, cracks can still cause daily leakage, most likely whenever the toilet is flushed, and water damage to the area surrounding the toilet. As cracking or leaking increase, it’s recommended to choose a new toilet as soon as possible.

3.    CONSTANT REPAIRS- The costs of those small fixes add up; the stopper in the tank or the toilet handle are common and easy enough to fix.  Sometimes the accompanying pipes need repair.  At some point, the cost of the repairs becomes greater than that of a new toilet. If it’s been years since your toilet has been replaced, newer units have become much more efficient and water saving.

If you are not sure, if you want a comfort height toilet, elongated seat or pressure assisted flushing click hear to read our guide on buying a new toilet.  http://jacksontotalhometips.blogspot.com/2014/07/guide-to-buying-new-toilet.html

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  We are located at 3727 Enterprise Ave 34104. 

Feel free to contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com           www.facebook.com/jacksontotalservice

Are Your Air Ducts Costing You Money?

According to the Department

of Energy

“The typical duct system loses 25% to 40%

of the energy put out by the central air conditioner.”

 

The problem with leaky ductwork is that air not only can leak out of you HVAC system and air ducts -- untreated and unclean air and contaminants from the attic can actually be pulled in to the air you and your family breathe.  We find 20% to 40% leakage in 3 out of 4 homes we visit.   Since so many air duct systems leak and pull bad air in, poor air quality is a problem that many homes have.

 

Repairing and patching leaks in HVAC duct systems saves cooling, heating, and fan energy. In air-based systems, ducts deliver all of the heating and cooling to conditioned spaces. Any duct leakage translates into extra air that must be supplied so sufficient heating or cooling reaches the conditioned space. This not only increases effective heating and cooling loads, it also increases fan energy due to increased flow and/or run time. Sealing duct leaks reduces the amount of heated or cooled air the supply fan must handle to deliver the same amount of air to the conditioned space.

 
Poor indoor air quality can lead to poor health. 
Do you have these problems in your home?  

• Excessive, unsightly dust?
• Hot or cold rooms?
• Dirt or sweating on vents?
• Hot humid air?
• Lingering or musty odors?
• High utility bills?
• Allergies, asthma, trouble sleeping or headaches?

Independent research shows 90% of homes have hidden air flow problems causing health, comfort, safety and efficiency issues. 

 

Permanent solutions to these irritants are now possible!

The Home & Duct Performance Evaluation is the 1st step in helping you identify the precise root cause of these persistent issues in your home & ultimately make you more COMFORTABLE and HEALTHY.

 

 

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  Contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com

 

 

 

 

 

Guide to Buying a New Toilet

Buying a new toilet may seem easy.    Nowadays, you can buy a toilet in a box.  The box has everything you need for the installation.  However, there are many features to consider when choosing a toilet and the technology that is making them more comfortable, efficient and eco-friendly than ever before. 

Here are some options to consider when making a new purchase: 

Select Bowl Shape 

Do you prefer a round bowl or elongated shape?  Elongated toilets tend to provide greater comfort but they take up more space.  If you have a smaller bathroom, such as a half-bath, choose a round bowl toilet that will fit into tight spaces.   

 

Select Toilet Height
Next, determine the appropriate height for your toilet. Standard sizes are 14 or 15 inches, but the 16 or 17-inch models are becoming increasingly popular, especially for taller or physically challenged individuals.  These are called comfort height toilets or ADA approved toilets.

 

Select Design Style

There are three design styles to consider when purchasing a new toilet:

Two-Piece: The bowl and tank are separate pieces

• Most common type
• Generally more economical
• Easy to find replacement parts 

One-Piece: Tank and bowl fused together into a seamless unit

• May require larger upfront investment
• Save space
• No hard-to-clean crevices
• Creates a sleek, stylish look

Wall Mounted: Mounts to wall and eliminates need for toilet foot or base

• May cost more to purchase and install
• Ideal for transfers from wheelchair or walker
• Requires thicker wall for mounting
• Drain for toilet must be on wall rather than floor
• Easy to clean underneath 

Water Saving Toilets

Save up to $90 per year on your water and sewage bill with WaterSense® labeled toilets. Toilets are the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home's indoor water consumption. New flushing technology across various toilets has enabled water conservation without sacrificing flush performance.

Toilet Seats

Consider upgrading your new or existing toilet with a new toilet seat with features including slow or quiet close and easy cleaning. There are even toilet seats with night lights.  Check out the Kohler website for more information.  http://www.us.kohler.com/us/

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  Contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com

 

Choosing the Best Air Filter for your Home

Breathe deep with improved

air quality 

 You can begin improving the air quality in your home immediately just by changing or upgrading your air filter. There are several factors to consider when deciding which air filter to buy.

 

Home air filters keep the coils on the air conditioning system clean. Dirty coils make the system work harder. Every time a technician from Jackson Total Service visits your home, he records a static pressure measurement.  If that number is high, your coil may be dirty.  Keeping the filter clean protects the coils and helps prolong the life of your air-conditioning unit.

 

The most important thing to remember about home air filters is to change them regularly. Even the highest-quality filter can't do its job right if it's clogged with a thick layer of particles. Different filters are meant to be changed at different intervals, but once a month is a common time frame. Brand new homes, as well as homes where there is remodeling or construction going on, will need more frequent filter changes to compensate for the extra dust and residue in the air.  The chart below highlights some of the option in air filters available to you from Jackson Total Service.

 

 

Don’t let your NOSE be the best air cleaner in your home.

 

Since we spend 90% of our time indoors, it's important that the air inside our homes is safe and clean. A home with poor air quality or indoor air pollutants can lead to illness and discomfort. Respiratory infections, sneezing and chronic lung conditions like asthma have been linked to poor indoor air quality. You don’t have to put up with an unhealthy home.  There is a way to fix them permanently.  New technology and repair procedures can transform your home into a wonderful indoor environment.  ASK about our Home & Duct Comfort Evaluation.

 

 

 

 

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  Contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com.  We are located at 3727 Enterprise Ave Naples, FL 34104