Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Plumbing FAQs

How do I Replace a Water Heater?

The easiest way to replace your water heater is to call the pros at Liberty Plumbing. We offer affordable installation, maintenance, and repairs of standard and tankless hot water heaters. But if you’d like to give it a try, here are the steps to take to replace a water heater yourself:

1. Turn off the cold water pipe leading into your water heater and turn off the gas supply.
2. Drain water from the heater using a garden hose.
3. Use a tubing cutter to cut the cold and hot water pipes.
4. Unscrew the union that connects the gas pipe to the heater.
5. Remove old water heater.
6. Set new heater on top of blocks.
7. Attach exhaust flue to top of heater.
8. Solder new copper pipe to connect heater to cold and hot water pipes.
9. Reconnect the gas line.
10. Install the vacuum valve to the top of the heater. Wrap threads with Teflon tape and tighten with pliers.
11. Turn on cold water to fill the tank.
12. Light the pilot light and adjust the setting to achieve the desired temperature.

There are plenty of videos and tutorials online if you’d like more information about hot water heater installation.

HVAC FAQs

What are Average Prices for Heating and Cooling Systems?

A properly functioning heating and cooling system is essential to the comfort of a home or business. With so many components making up this system, it can get expensive quickly. Luckily, Liberty Plumbing offers free quotes and affordable pricing on all heating system installation and repairs. If you’re considering HVAC installation, call the friendly pros at Liberty Plumbing today.

How Can I Fix a Broken Air Conditioner?

Before you call in the pros at Liberty Plumbing, there are a few steps you can take to see if you can repair your broken air conditioner yourself:

• Check the air filter – Dust and debris can obstruct air flow, causing the AC unit to work harder and break down, possibly even damaging the system. That’s why it’s so important to change the filter every 30 to 90 days.
• Check the breaker and fuses – If your air conditioner is working really hard (because of high temperatures or dusty air filters), it could trip the breaker. Check your breaker box to see if that’s the case. (Note: It takes at least 15-20 minutes for the AC unit to get up and running after a breaker trip.) If that’s not the problem, use a multimeter to test the fuse on the unit itself.
• Check the compressor coil – Make sure there’s nothing blocking the coil or fan blades. If there is, make sure the power is off before removing any debris.
• Reset the power – Go back to the breaker box and switch the power off. Wait a few minutes and switch it back on. Give it another few minutes to see if the unit starts up again.

If these quick and easy steps don’t get the air conditioner working again, contact Liberty Plumbing.

What Should I Do if my Air Conditioner is Leaking?

There are three main reasons why your air conditioner could be leaking:

• Clogged air filter – If your air filter is dirty, air cannot pass through it, which causes a problem with the refrigerant, which in turn, causes the evaporator coils to freeze and stop working correctly. Be sure you change your air filters regularly (every 30 to 90 days), so this doesn’t happen.
• Cracked/missing drain pan – The drain pan (found under your indoor air handler) catches condensation that drips from your AC unit. If it’s missing or cracked, you’ll experience a leak. First, turn off the power to the unit, then use a wet-dry vac to suck up the water, then look for damage. If you find any cracks in the smaller auxiliary drain pan, you can replace it yourself. If it’s the larger, primary drip pan, which is typically welded together, call the pros at Liberty Plumbing for help.
• Clogged drain line – The condensate drain line can get clogged from time to time with algae, mold, mildew, and other debris. To remedy this, find the PVC pipe near the air handler’s drain pan that’s sticking out at a 90-degree angle. Take off the cap and pour 6 ounces of vinegar down the drain line. (We recommend that you do this every few months to prevent problems.) If that doesn’t work, get a wet-dry vac, hold the skinny attachment to the pipe, and turn the vacuum on. If the clog still doesn’t clear, make an appointment with the experts at Liberty Plumbing.

How do I Replace a Home Thermostat?

Replacing a home thermostat is a relatively simple process. While there are dozens of types of thermostats available to homeowners today, installation is basically the same for all of them.

1. Turn off the power to your thermostat.
2. Remove the old thermostat by removing the cover and loosening any screws.
3. Take a photo of or take notes describing which wire goes where. That way, reattaching the wires will be much easier.
4. Mark where the screws for the new thermostat will go with a pencil. Use a level so the unit is straight. Pre-drill holes for the new base.
5. Install the new thermostat base.
6. Connect the wires.
7. Plug the new thermostat onto the base.
8. Test the new thermostat to make sure it’s working properly.

Should I Really Be Worried About My Indoor Air Quality?

Here are 5 alarming facts that prove the answers is, yes!

1. Indoor air quality can be two to five times – sometimes up to 100 times – more polluted than the worst outside air.
2. Indoor air is among the top five environmental dangers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
3. Secondhand smoke is one of the top indoor air pollutants – currently, over one million children suffer from asthma-related health issues
4. Harmful chemicals are released into the air by furniture, cleansers, air fresheners, personal care products, and other seemingly harmless items every day.
5. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to allergic reactions, dizziness, lung disease, asthma, respiratory tract infections, and even cancer.

How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?
Here are a few easy ways to improve indoor air quality:

• Use the best air filters you can afford and change them every 30 to 90 days
• Vacuum weekly using a HEPA filter
• Don’t smoke in the house
• Use an air purifier
• Don’t use scented candles or plug-in air fresheners
• Use lids on trash cans
• Avoid aerosol products
• Dust with a damp cloth
• Don’t overwater houseplants
• Clean showers, tubs, and sinks frequently
• Wash curtains and dust blinds often
• Make sure your house is well ventilated – open windows from time to time

How Often Should I Replace My Home Air Filter?

Home air filters are designed to keep the air quality in your home healthy. Depending on their MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which determines the particle size they can capture, air filters remove dirt, dust mites, pollen, hair, animal fur and dander, mold spores, bacteria, smoke, and microorganisms. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle size they can catch and the cleaner your air will be. Home air filters should be changed every 90 days, but more frequently – 30 to 60 days – if you have pets, allergies, or open your windows often.