Tips

Here are some helpful plumbing tips based on some of our customers' most common questions:

Water Shut-off Valves

In the event of a water leak it is crucial to know the location of your shut-off valve. If the shut off valve is difficult to close or continues to leak after it's been turned off it should be replaced.

Toilets

Two common problems with toilets are either water leaking from the tank to the bowl or consistently hearing the toilet refilling when it's not in use (commonly referred to as "running"). To check for a leak from the tank to the bowl simply add two drops of regular food coloring to the tank and check it in 20 minutes. If the dye appears in the bowl, then you have found the source of the leak. If you think that your toilet is running then it could be a result of high water pressure.

Replacing old toilets with new water efficient models will not only lower your water bill, but may also qualify you for a rebate.

Drain lines

To help prevent stoppages avoid flushing heavy amounts of paper or non-flushable items such as sanitary wipes or feminine products.

In the event that a stoppage does occur avoid using caustic drain openers such as Drain-O and Liquid Plumber - they can cause the pipe to either weaken or erode. Using an environmentally friendly product such as Bio-Clean on a monthly basis can help reduce organic build up in the line without damaging your pipes. Contact Rivers to have the line professionally cleared and inspected.

If stoppages reoccur, then consider having a camera run through the cleanout. This may reveal the underlying cause of your stoppages - such as tree root infiltration or broken pipes.

Perhaps a foaming root treatment product like Root-X is needed to destroy the root intrusion.

Water Heaters

How to shut down a gas or electric water heater

Step 1. Gas units should have a dial on top of the thermostat - twist the dial to the "off" position. If the unit is electric turn the power supply to the water heater off. It is located either on the appliance or at the circuit breaker panel.

Step 2. Turn the water supply off. 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)

Step 3. Drain water heater if necessary to avoid water damage by attaching 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. Open a hot water faucet in the house to allow air to enter the water heater as the water drains.

Once the unit is turned off and/or drained down, it is important to have the new unit installed by a professional who is familiar with California code.

Tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters are the environmentally friendly alternative to the standard water heater. Rivers carries both the Noritz and Navien brand tankless water heaters. Certain models qualify for the government tax credit and are Energy Star qualified.

Customers looking to replace an existing water heater with new tankless unit should have a professional come out to give an estimate before their existing unit fails as there are some additional factors (gas line location, venting, etc.) that need to be taken into consideration.

HVAC Tips

Just as a car needs regular maintenance to keep it running at its peak performance, the same is true for your HVAC system. The best solution to keeping your system running at its full potential is to have your heater serviced in the fall and the air conditioner serviced in the spring. Not only will this allow our technician to bring potential problem areas to your attention before they become costly repairs, but it will also help you keep your heating and cooling bills down.

Here are some helpful tips to test your HVAC system to determine if it is working to its full potential:

Air Conditioning Checklist

  1. Check filter and clean or replace prior to starting.
  2. Set thermostat to desired temperature and turn switch to "cool" and fan to "auto".
  3. Check around furnace for water leaking.
  4. Turn off humidifier and close damper.
  5. Check outdoor unit to ensure airflow is not blocked.
  6. Check breaker and verify power to unit.

NOTE: If you see ice build-up on any of the lines going into the unit shut down the unit and call for service!

With a Rivers A/C tune-up?

  1. Check condenser coil for efficiency.
  2. Check electrical connections for tightness.
  3. Adjust system for optimum cooling.
  4. Check for oil and refrigerant leaks.
  5. Check safety devices.
  6. Check expansion valve and coil temperature.
  7. Clean standard filter media.
  8. Check refrigerant level.
  9. Lubricate as needed.

Heating Checklist

  1. Check and clean air filter.
  2. Propane customers check fuel tank.
  3. Check gas pilot light if needed, following instructions on unit. (disregard for gas with spark ignition)
  4. Are breakers and emergency switches at the side of the unit in the "On" positions?
  5. Set thermostat to desired temperature and turn switch to "heat" set fan switch to "auto".
  6. Turn on humidifier and open damper. Set humidistat at desired setting.

NOTE: If the unit fails to operate properly, call for service!

Considering replacing your old central heating & air system with a new Energy Efficient model? Call Rivers today to schedule for a free on-site estimate!