FAQs

Water rates are usually consistent. Sudden increases are therefore generally symptoms of a bigger problem. If you notice that your water bill increases by more than 20% without explanation (such as guests or a new bathroom having been installed) in any given billing period, it’s time to start looking for causes.

An incredibly sharp increase is almost always due to a leak of some kind. If you cannot find the leak, check your property – there could always be water coming up from a water line somewhere. Whether you can find the problem or not, when faced with a leak or even the idea that you might have one, it’s important to call a professional early to prevent any unnecessary damage.

Every water-using appliance and fixture in your home contributes to your water bill, so be on the lookout for ways to reduce your consumption for each. The following products and practices are all practical ways you can easily reduce your daily water usage:

• Low flow shower heads and aerators


• Low flush toilets (most cities offer rebates)


• Only run your dishwasher when full


• Energy efficient washing machines


• Fix drips and leaks as soon as they are noticed


• Install hot water recirculation pumps that deliver instant hot water to your bathrooms, so there's more waiting for the shower to warm up before jumping in!

These are some simple tips, but there are plenty more. Just be on the lookout for ways to keep water from running continuously in your home. The cost can add up fast.

Drains are designed to prevent smells from coming back inside your home, so if you suddenly find yourself wrinkling your nose whenever you enter the bathroom, there is a problem. Fortunately, it is almost always an easy one to fix. The vast majority of odd smelling drains are the result of a dried out trap.
Every drain has a U-shaped trap designed to hold a small amount of water at all times. This water blocks sewer gasses from traveling back up your plumbing and into your house. When the trap dries out, there is no barrier and you’ll begin to notice a smell when you enter the room. The simple solution is to pour water down drains in your house that aren’t used often--typically the floor drain in your basement. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you’ll need to call a professional who can thoroughly inspect your system to track down the problem.

A sudden shift in water pressure can be the result of many problems, but the simplest to solve are often those related to the water line or shutoff valve. Check your incoming lines and the valve to make sure there isn’t a kink and the valve is open all the way. Another problem you may face is mineral deposit in old pipes. This is common in homes that haven’t had their pipes replaced in three or more decades, and while cleaning is an option, you should also discuss the possibility of replacement with your plumber.

Frozen pipes only occur when the temperature around the pipes gets below freezing for an extended period of time. To stop this from happening, ensure your pipes are well insulated. If your water lines are inside, this shouldn’t typically be a problem. However, outdoor or garage water lines always need to be wrapped in extra insulation. Also pay attention to water lines inside you home that run
along an exterior wall, especially if they’re concealed in cabinetry and less exposed to the warm air provided by your furnace. Crawl spaces are another area to watch. They are not typically heated, so they are more likely to freeze when the temperature drops. Be sure to insulate these areas; the best
way to handle frozen pipes is to not let them freeze in the first place.

For the most part, tank water heaters are good for 10 years or more, so older units in particular will need a professional inspection to assess the situation and help you review your options. Replacement is the easiest solution in most of these cases, especially given the energy efficiency of modern systems. However, in some others, a broken heating element or sensor can also be a problem. Try to turn up the temperature setting on your water heater and see if it produces hotter water. If not, it’s definitely time to talk to a professional plumber.

It’s recommended that you schedule a maintenance service visit once a year with a licensed HVAC technician. This will prolong the life of your heating system and keep it running safely and efficiently throughout the cold season. A qualified heating technician will thoroughly clean and inspect all of your heater’s components and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Not only does this ensure that your heater is performing at optimal levels, which helps to save on overall heating costs, but it also allows the technician to address any major problems or safety concerns.

There are a few obvious signals that let you know when it’s time to upgrade your heating system. Frequent repairs, recent spikes in utility bills, and inconsistent temperatures in the home are a few warning signs that it’s time for a new heater. But if you’ve had the same heating system for twenty years or more, it would be a good idea to talk to an HVAC contractor about having it inspected to determine if it’s time for a heater replacement. Even if your old heater has worked without problems for years, a professional heating technician is trained to detect any indication that it needs to be replaced. If you are concerned about your heating costs, you should talk to a heating professional about other options.

When you schedule your regular maintenance visit with a qualified heating technician, they will test your system to make sure it is running at optimal levels. But there are some ways you can determine whether or not your system is working efficiently on your own. Abnormally high heating bills are one of the indicators that your system is running at low efficiency levels, but keep in mind that how well your home is insulated and sealed also plays a role in heating costs.

You can also tell by how warm your house stays throughout the winter. If some rooms are colder than others, or if you find that you are turning up the thermostat more often, your heating system may not be running very efficiently. Changing your filters and vacuuming your vents can help, but if you continue to have problems, call an HVAC professional to inspect and test your heater.

Air conditioners tend to give off some warning signs that they are nearing the end of their useful lives. Obviously, if your air conditioner stops cold one day, it may be time to invest in a new one, but short of that, there are some other signs and symptoms to watch out for.

Excessive noise is one symptom of an ailing air conditioner. They necessarily make some noise as part of operation, but if you have noticed more noise or a change in the sounds coming from your air conditioning system, something may be wrong. Inefficient or uneven cooling are other symptoms of a problem.

Now, these things do not necessarily mean that your air conditioning system automatically has to be replaced. It is possible that it just needs some repair. However, if you find yourself frequently calling for repairs and forking over more and more money to keep your old system running, it may be time to spring for a new system altogether.

When you are in the market for a new air conditioning system, you have several options. The simplest and most basic is a window unit, which is a good, inexpensive solution for cooling just a room or two. For the whole house, there is always the central air conditioning option, which requires more extensive installation but is extremely effective.

A third option that you may not have heard about but should be aware of is a ductless mini split system Although relatively new on the scene, these systems are growing in popularity, because like central air, they can cool many rooms or even a whole house at once, but they do not require any ductwork, which makes the installation much simpler.

Different solutions work better for different homes, so consult with a professional about your needs to determine what the best option is for you.

Because a new air conditioner is such a big purchase, you want to be sure it’s installed by an experienced technician who really knows what they’re doing. Plus, having a professional install your AC is an investment in its future, ensuring it’s hooked up and operating as it should from day one. An improperly installed AC system may not function properly, resulting in more repairs than would ordinarily be necessary. It may have to run too often, resulting in excess wear and tear. As a result, you may face higher repair bills, higher monthly utility bills and a shorter life span for your new system.

Most equipment warranties are conditioned upon professional
installation, so be careful not to void your equipment’s warranty and have a
licensed and insured contractor like Bell Plumbing & Heating Company
install your system. Beyond the
equipment warranties, there is Bell’s 5 year labor warranty. An equipment warranty only protects you from
the cost of the part itself, not the labor. At Bell, we offer a 5 year labor warranty so that if there is a problem
within 5 years of the installation, you won’t have to pay for the part or the
labor to install it!

This is a tricky question, because generally air conditioning systems are quite durable, but there are things that can have positive or negative impacts. A professionally installed, well-maintained air conditioning system that has been kept clean throughout its life should perform well for up to fifteen years or more.

By contrast, if you do not keep your system clean, do not change the filters and neglect to have the system maintained annually, you can expect to pay for a lot of repairs and then have to replace the whole thing much sooner. Air conditioners are a good lasting investment, as long as your protect them well.