JD's Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Lubbock’

“When Should I Call an Emergency Plumber?”

Monday, October 3rd, 2022
gloved-hand-feeding-drain-snake-into-sink

There aren’t many people out there who know precisely when they’re going to need plumbing repairs. Let’s face it, there’s no convenient time for a plumbing problem to happen. The reality is, sooner or later most homeowners find themselves caught off-guard by a plumbing issue.

When can a plumbing problem wait, though, and when does it constitute an emergency call outside of normal business hours? Keep reading for an answer to this, and to learn what you can do to prevent a plumbing problem from becoming an emergency.

Emergency versus Non-Emergency

Of course, some plumbing problems are going to very obviously be emergencies. Perhaps an interior pipe leak, or maybe even burst. Maybe you have sewage starting to back up on your property. These are problems that you can’t ignore or put off. It’s definitely worth contacting an emergency plumber, in this case.

Other plumbing problems, though, can probably wait to be scheduled for a later time. Dripping faucets in your bathtubs or sinks is one example. Yes, this is a waste of water, and over the course of a year can actually waste gallons of water. But we’re not telling you to wait a year! We are, however, saying that this is a plumbing problem that you don’t have to stress about right away.

If you’re debating calling for emergency plumbing services, it makes sense that you don’t want to waste any more time determining if what you’re dealing with is technically a “true” emergency. Instead, it’s best to ask yourself “can it wait?” and if you still aren’t sure, give our plumbers a call and ask! We’re happy to provide tips and advice along with quality plumbing services—both emergency and non-emergency.

Do You Need to Schedule Drain Cleaning?

One of the most common reasons that a plumbing problem turns into an emergency is because the need for drain cleaning was ignored or neglected. You might not have done this intentionally, but it’s important to watch out for signs that you need a drain cleaning to reduce the risk of this happening to you. These signs include:

Slow Drainage: If this is happening in a single drain, then the problem is probably isolated to that one particular section of your plumbing. If, however, you’re noticing it in multiple drains, the problem could be deeper down in your sewer system. Regardless, it’s important to call for repairs right away otherwise you may certainly find yourself facing a blockage emergency.

Foul Odors: If strange or gross smells are arising from your drains, you almost certainly have a backup occurring. Smelly drains shouldn’t be acceptable. Sure, if it’s a kitchen sink you might be able to clean it with some baking soda and lemon juice to resolve the issue, but if it’s coming from anywhere else or if the smell persists after your DIY cleaning, it’s definitely time to call a plumber.

JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for emergency plumbing services and more. So stop searching online for an “emergency plumber near me” and give our number a call!

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Do You Know These Signs of a Plumbing Leak?

Monday, September 19th, 2022

It’s easy to see a dripping faucet or notice a flood in the basement when the washing machine stops working properly. Other plumbing leaks are harder to pinpoint, and that often means they can be harder to repair soon enough before they cause extensive damage. 

If you know you have a leak, Lubbock, TX, plumbers are readily available to help you. And, even if you’re not sure there’s a leak, it’s best to call out a team to find out.

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Is Professional Duct Cleaning Worth It?

Monday, September 5th, 2022
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The average individual probably doesn’t think very much about the air ducts snaking their way through their home, and this is logical. After all, ductwork is mostly hidden from view for a good reason. Homeowners shouldn’t really have to think about the condition of their air ducts too often, but from time to time they do need attention.

While you certainly do not need to understand all the “ins and outs” of your ductwork, there are a few things we would like to share with you about how dirty ductwork can impact your overall indoor air quality (IAQ).

Our professional duct cleaning services ensure that the air ducts that move air through to your living space each and every day is clean and breathable, and contribute to good HVAC efficiency. Read on to learn more!

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Why Maintenance Is Vital for Your Tank Water Heater

Monday, August 22nd, 2022
faucet-with-hot-water-coming-out

If there’s anything that most homeowners universally enjoy, is a nice hot shower at the end of the day to get clean and refresh. There’s also not a lot less enjoyable than being surprised when your warm shower suddenly turns cold. If this has happened to you before, it probably didn’t make you very happy!

Nobody likes this kind of wake-up call from their shower, and from their water heater. This could very well mean that your water heater is struggling to do it’s job, and if you delay having it checked on, you could end up needing to replace it sooner rather than later.

Of course, you can avoid all this water heater drama with one important service–water heater maintenance. Maintenance isn’t often thought about for water heaters, but it is really important. Read on to learn why!

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The Refrigerant Myth You Shouldn’t Believe

Monday, July 25th, 2022
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We have all heard someone, or perhaps even a so-called expert repair person, talk about the refrigerant in air conditioning systems needing to be replaced or recharged every year. It is spoken about as the fuel that keeps the air-conditioner running. They would be wrong. Air conditioners use electricity for energy, not refrigerant. 

Your air conditioner is manufactured with enough refrigerant to last the life of the unit. Loss of refrigerant fluid is not part of the normal operation of an air conditioner. JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning will provide air conditioning service in Lubbock TX to help diagnose and repair leaks.

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4 Signs You Have a Struggling Air Conditioner

Monday, June 27th, 2022
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Imagine you’re in this scenario: you are sitting in your home, relaxing. It’s about 85°F outdoors, but that’s fine! Your AC is blasting away, providing your whole home with the chilled air that makes you feel perfectly comfortable. Until, suddenly, you don’t feel that cold air anymore.

You rush over to the thermostat–the settings seem to be correct… the thermostat seems to be working okay.

So you check the circuit breaker next–did it trip? No, it’s fine. So, what’s happening?

You decide to call for emergency repairs. It’s going to take a bit though because everybody is calling for AC repairs right now. All of the sudden, your nice, relaxing afternoon turned into a frustrating and hot one.

Below, we’re going to dive into 1–how this might be prevented to begin with and, 2–what signs you should watch out for that your AC is struggling, before it just stops working altogether. Read on!

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A Guide To Preventing Drain Clogs

Monday, June 13th, 2022
kitchen-sink

It’s our hope that you can make it through your homeownership without ever experiencing a huge plumbing mishap. But it’s unrealistic to believe that you will never face a plumbing issue. Whether it’s the holiday season or the middle of summer, there are going to be times that you are harder on your plumbing system than others, and as a result, you may experience a plumbing problem or two–with drain clogs being at the top of the list for common plumbing repair calls we receive. 

We’re going to start by saying that if you do have a drain clog, the last thing you want to do is reach for that bottle of chemical drain cleaner you got at the store. These “solutions” are actually quite caustic, with chemicals that cause corrosion and leaks over time. Additionally, these chemical liquid drain cleaners don’t flush all the way out of your plumbing system, so they can create future clogs themselves. 

When you do have a drain clog, you’ll want to contact a professional plumber to effectively relieve it and possibly even prevent it from occurring again. Plus, there are things you can do to prevent drain clogs on your own, too. Read on to learn more!

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You Might Have a Plumbing Leak If…

Monday, May 2nd, 2022

Do you know how to tell if you have a plumbing leak?

You might be thinking, “sure I do! I just look at my faucets and showerheads, or underneath my kitchen and bathroom sinks, and if I see water, it means there is a leak!”

On your behalf, we wish it were always as easy as this. The fact of the matter is, since most of your plumbing system is actually hidden from view, leaks can be hidden from view too, for a long time–long enough to do some serious property damage.

The good news that there are signs you can watch out for that you’re actually experiencing a plumbing leak, and then can call us to have it repaired promptly. Read on to learn what these signs are!

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Heed These 5 Signs You Might Need AC Repair

Monday, April 18th, 2022
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When our average summer temperatures hover in the 90s, your AC might be your best friend. So when something seems off about it, you don’t want to ignore it and hope for the best. But how do you know for sure when you need to call for repair

Some common signs indicate something is wrong with your AC — knowing what to look and listen for can give you a head’s-up that something’s wrong. Calling in an expert when you first notice a problem might just save it from turning into a more serious and costlier problem.

Decreased Airflow 

If your AC is turning out nice, cool air, but the air doesn’t seem to be flowing as powerfully, there could be one of several causes. Check your filter first – dust and debris can clog a filter. If it hasn’t been changed in the past few months or is visibly dirty, it could slow your airflow. 

If changing your filter doesn’t work, you may have a problem that’s not as easy to fix yourself. Decreased airflow can also be caused by blower problems, blocked or leaking air ducts, or frozen evaporator coils.

No Cooling Power

Check your thermostat first if the air is flowing but you’re not cooling down. Sometimes the simplest solution is also the right solution. If that’s good, take a look at the filter. A clogged filter can cause several problems. If your filter is clean, the problem may need an expert. The problem could be a clogged or frozen condenser coil, leaky ducts, or a refrigerant leak.

Cycling On and Off

When your AC keeps turning on and off rapidly throughout the day, it’s called short-cycling. It’s inefficient and causes unnecessary wear and tear on your system. Short-cycling could mean the system may have low refrigerant, a dirty compressor unit, miscalibrated thermostats, or other mechanical problems. It could also mean your AC unit is the wrong size for your home. An expert HVAC technician can diagnose the exact cause of your problem.

Unexpected Noises

The only sound you want to hear from your AC is the soothing whoosh of cool air moving through your air ducts. If you hear a grinding, hissing, rattling, or other unpleasant and unusual sounds, your unit could have a refrigerant leak, a loose component, or other mechanical problem. Your AC needs attention from an expert who can locate and fix the problem.

Higher Energy Bills

If your energy bills increase dramatically and unexpectedly, your unit is not running as efficiently as it should. There are many possible causes of a loss of efficiency, like failing parts, poor maintenance, or an old system that’s simply no longer doing its job. If your unit isn’t old, but your bills are higher than expected, give us a call. 

JD’S Keeps You Cooler

When you know something’s wrong with your AC, but you aren’t sure what, an expert HVAC technician should be your first call. 

For professional air conditioning service in Lubbock, TX, contact JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

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Should I Repair My Broken AC Compressor or Replace It?

Monday, April 4th, 2022
compressor

Nobody wants to find that their home cooling system isn’t working, especially in the Texas heat. Our air conditioning systems work hard down here, and it’s not very comfortable without them. So, when you notice that your system isn’t cooling as well as it used to or you hear a hissing or humming noise that shouldn’t be there, you hope it’s a quick and inexpensive fix. 

A faulty thermostat or a coolant leak might be relatively quick and affordable repairs, but a broken AC compressor can be a costly problem. In fact, it’s the most expensive part of your AC system.

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