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How to Stay Safe During a Power Outage

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

lightning bolt strikes during stormThere is much to enjoy once the summer season rolls around. Outdoor activities, backyard barbecues, and weekend getaways with family and friends are all part of what makes summer such a great time of year. Unfortunately, though, the summer season can also mean some seriously stormy weather. Severe thunderstorms and high winds can cause tree branches and other items to fall on electrical wires – and that can mean a prolonged power outage.

You may be wondering what you can do to protect yourself and your family during an extended power outage in your area. In this article, we’ll give you a few practical suggestions you can follow, and we’ll also let you know what Boelcke can do to help you weather any storm, no matter what the season. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips on Staying Safe During a Power Outage

Nobody likes to think about losing power in their home, and especially for several hours – or even days. If you find yourself without power, there are a few things you can do to help you stay safe. Here are five tips you can easily follow:

  1. Make sure to have an emergency kit prepared. This should include a flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, matches/candles, bottled drinking water, non-perishable foods, charged backup chargers for cell phones, medical supplies, blankets, and extra clothes appropriate for the weather.
  2. Stay informed about the storm. Listen to the battery-operated radio we mentioned above or keep track of the local news on your cell phone. Most utility companies also provide an estimated wait time on their website, so you’ll be able to better plan for a prolonged outage.
  3. Keep away from downed power lines. If there has been a severe windstorm or tornado in your area and you are without power, it’s safe to assume that there are downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away from it and call 911.
  4. Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. A full freezer will keep food safe for consumption for 48 hours, and a fridge will keep it safe for up to four hours. These estimates are without opening and closing the appliances. According to the government’s food safety website, if you have any doubts about food spoilage, throw it out. You can visit their website to learn more about how long most foods are safe – and at what point they should be discarded.
  5. Do not use grills indoors. While it can be tempting to pull your grill into a garage or enclosed porch to cook during a power outage, this can be very dangerous. That’s because grills produce carbon monoxide. Outside, the CO easily dissipates into the outdoor air, but inside it doesn’t have anywhere to go, and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

What can I do to avoid losing power in my home?

While the tips we’ve shared above can help keep you and your family safe during a prolonged outage, you may be wondering how to avoid losing power in your home altogether. Fortunately, Boelcke can help! We offer our customers the quality Honeywell generators they need, to weather any storm. You’ll never have to worry about going without power again – and this is vitally important if you or someone in your family relies on electricity for medical equipment. When you choose us to help, our expert technicians will provide you with professional generator installation. We can help you choose the right generator for your home, based on your family’s needs.

Learn more about our home generator solutions.

Honeywell generators provide backup power for everyday life. They come in a variety of sizes that can power your entire home. Boelcke’s home backup solutions provide the power you need during an outage, without the need to start the unit. We proudly offer our customers some of the best home generator solutions available, including:

  • Whole-Home Backup Generators: Honeywell automatic backup generators help guard against potential dangers that power outages can bring. These generators automatically turn on when they sense a utility power disruption and provide power until your main power is restored.
  • Portable Generators: Portable generators can be used for home backup, work, or recreation. They are a great option for emergency backup power for your home and can be used in a variety of different settings based on your needs. These are available upon request.

While we can’t prevent power outages from happening, we can help keep you and your home safer if one occurs. Simply give us a call at 269.429.9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you with your home generator needs.

How Can I Keep My Bathroom Plumbing Running Smoothly?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

A cozy farmhouse bathroom with a wood cabinet, marble countertop, and subway tile shower.You might not think about it very often, but your home’s bathroom is a busy place. Between the sink, tub, shower, and toilet, there’s a lot of water flowing into your bathroom every day, and wastewater flowing out. That’s why it’s so important to keep your bathroom plumbing in good shape.

Nobody wants to think about clogged pipes, plugged toilets, or leaky faucets. Fortunately, there are many things you can do as a homeowner to help keep your bathroom plumbing flowing freely. In this article, we’ll share some tips on what you as a homeowner can do, as well as how Boelcke can help.

7 Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Plumbing Working Properly

While you should always call your plumber for serious clogs or leaky pipes and faucets, there are a few things you can do to help keep your bathroom plumbing in good working order, including:

  1. Maintain your bathroom sink. Toothpaste, hair care products, lotions, and soap chips can build up in your bathroom sink’s drain, especially if hair has collected there, too. Using a mesh drain cover in your sink can help keep any hair out. Run hot water down the sink weekly to help break up any residue.
  2. Put a mesh drain cover in your shower drain. This can help catch things like hair and lint, which can end up clogging your shower drain. Avoid pouring chemicals or greasy substances down your shower drain, too.
  3. Don’t flush unflushable items down your toilet. Ideally, you will only want to flush waste and toilet paper. Paper towels, baby wipes, cotton swabs, and sanitary products should never go down the toilet.
  4. Check for toilet tank leaks. If you’re concerned that your toilet tank is leaking into the bowl, you can test it by putting some red food coloring into the toilet tank and waiting an hour or so. If it leaks into the bowl in that time, you’ll want to call your plumber as the tank ball will likely need to be replaced.
  5. Clean the showerhead with vinegar. Mineral buildup, especially in areas where the water is hard, can stop the water from flowing freely from your showerhead over time. To clear mineral deposits, simply unscrew your showerhead and soak it in vinegar for 24 hours. This should help remove the deposits, allowing the water to flow freely again.
  6. Be cautious of what household chemicals you use. Some chemicals are very caustic and can corrode your plumbing over time. While approved for cleaning surfaces in your home, they can do a number on your plumbing. Some cleaners can become especially corrosive when combined.
  7. Clean tub and faucet aerators. The aerator is just the cap on your faucet with tiny holes in it. Unfortunately, hard water can cause those holes to clog up with mineral deposits. Carefully unscrew your aerator and gently brush vinegar on the aerator to remove any sediment.

Rely on Boelcke for the bathroom plumbing services you need.

Whether you need new bathroom plumbing installed, your drains cleaned, or repairs on pipes or water mains, Boelcke is ready to help meet the plumbing needs of your home. We also offer products that help improve your home’s water quality, including water softeners and water filters. And, if you need a hot water heater replacement, we provide installation of both tank and tankless water heaters. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

How Can a Heat Pump System Benefit My Home?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Family Relaxing Indoors Playing Chess And Reading Book SmilingIf you’ve been considering updating your home comfort system this fall, you should know that there are many different types of equipment to choose from. In most cases, new equipment is much more energy efficient than equipment that is 10 or more years old, including heat pump systems.

Heat pump systems are widely regarded as highly effective and efficient. They’ve been around for some time, but the reason they may feel like a newer type of equipment is that they’ve only become commonly used in the northern part of the U.S. in recent years. Technological improvements have made the heat pump a viable home comfort solution even in colder climates. In this article, we’ll tell you more about heat pumps, the benefits of choosing one for your home, and how Boelcke can help.

5 Benefits of Choosing a Heat Pump System

There are many reasons why choosing a heat pump system for your home is a good idea. Below, learn more about some of the main benefits:

  1. Year-Round Comfort: One of the most exciting benefits for homeowners is the year-round comfort heat pump systems can provide. A singular heat pump system can replace both air conditioning and heating equipment, because during the summer months, they pump heat out of your home, and in the winter extract heat from the outdoor air and bring it inside.
  2. Energy Efficiency: The Department of Energy considers heat pumps to be one of the most energy-efficient home comfort products available. They suggest that a heat pump uses up to 50 percent less energy than electric baseboard heat, and dehumidifies better than standard air conditioning systems, providing you with less energy usage and more cooling comfort during the summer.
  3. Flexible Configurations: Heat pump systems are available in both ducted and ductless models, allowing you to install a heat pump whether you have ductwork in your home or not. Ductless systems can even work as an enhancement to your current HVAC system, helping to provide comfort in rooms or areas outside the home’s duct system (such as additions or converted spaces).
  4. Environmentally Friendly: Heat pump systems do not require fossil fuels to heat your home. As we mentioned above, they instead extract heat from the air (air source heat pumps) or ground (geothermal heat pumps) and pump that heat into your home. And, today’s systems use a type of refrigerant that is much less harmful to the atmosphere than older refrigerants, such as freon.
  5. Available Incentives: Federal and state governments, as well as utility companies, are seeing the benefits of homeowners choosing heat pump systems. As such, there are numerous incentives being offered to help homeowners pay for a new heat pump system for their homes.

How can Boelcke help me with my heat pump needs?

At Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning, we proudly install, maintain, and repair heat pump systems, so whether you need a brand-new system installed in your home, or help with an existing one, we can assist you. When you need heat pump products and services from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke to provide both quality equipment and professional service. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Do I Need to Get Heating Maintenance?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Male Plumber Working On Central Heating BoilerWhen the fall season arrives, people start to think about the warmth and comfort of their homes. The holiday season is approaching, and that means more time at home with family and friends. You’ll want to make sure your home is a cozy, inviting haven, and one of the best ways to do that is by making sure your heating system is ready to keep your home comfortable, no matter how chilly the temperature gets outside.

However, you might be wondering if getting annual heating maintenance for your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or ductless mini-split heating system is necessary. People often forgo getting heating maintenance, but is it a problem if they do? In this article, we’ll talk about some of the reasons why you shouldn’t skip out on getting your system the maintenance it needs, and how Boelcke can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Five Reasons to Choose Heating Maintenance for Your Home

Heating maintenance is a service that involves inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up the components of your heating system, such as a furnace, a heat pump, or a mini split. It can provide many benefits for your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. Some of the benefits of heating maintenance are:

  1. Better System Performance: Seasonal maintenance can improve your heating system’s performance and reduce the risk of breakdowns or costly repairs.
  2. Increased System Efficiency: Proper heating maintenance can lower your energy and fuel costs by optimizing your heating system’s efficiency and reducing its workload.
  3. Improved System Lifespan: When you choose maintenance for your heating system, it can extend the lifespan of your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or mini split system, and prevent premature replacement.
  4. Better Indoor Air Quality: Over time, your heating system can collect dirt, dust, and other particulates. Maintenance can help improve your indoor air quality by removing dust, debris, mold, and pollen from your heating system and ensuring your filter is clean.
  5. Home Safety: Nobody wants to think about home safety issues, but heating systems that are left unchecked can develop problems that can make safety a concern. Maintenance can help to ensure your home’s safety by checking for electrical issues, gas leaks, carbon monoxide levels, and other potential hazards.

Therefore, it is recommended that you get heating maintenance at least once a year, preferably before the heating season starts. You can also sign up for a heating maintenance plan or service contract with a reputable HVAC contractor like Boelcke to get regular checkups, seasonal tune-ups, priority service, and other perks.

How can Boelcke help me get the heating maintenance I need?

At Boelcke, we proudly provide a complete listing of heating services for your home, including seasonal maintenance. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive maintenance program that not only ensures that you get the annual maintenance services you need but also helps you save if you need emergency services or repairs. To take advantage of our heating maintenance services, all you need to do is give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to schedule an appointment with you.

I Need New Heating. What Type Should I Get?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Family comfortable at homeNow that the chillier weather has returned, many people have started to rely on their home heating system to keep them comfortable. If your heating system is older and you notice that you’re not as cozy as you’d like to be, it may be time for new equipment.

Maybe you’ve been considering a new heating system for a while, but you’re not sure what type will best benefit you, your family, and your home. This article explores three different types of heating systems, how they differ from each other, and how Boelcke can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Types of Heating Systems

If you’ve been thinking about replacing your old heating system, you probably have been surfing the web to learn about the types available and which system will be best for your home. At Boelcke, we proudly install furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps.

Furnaces

Most homes in North America use furnaces as their primary source of heat. Furnaces use fuel to effectively heat the air in your home and rely on a system of ductwork to move that heated air into the rooms of your home via registers. Today’s furnaces are much more efficient than those manufactured even 15 years ago – some reaching up to 98 percent efficiency.

Boilers

Boiler heating is the second most popular type of heating system in North America. Unlike a furnace, that moves heated air throughout your home, a boiler system produces radiant heat by moving heated water throughout radiators in the home. Like furnaces, boilers have become much more efficient in recent years, so if you have a 20-year-old boiler in your home, you can likely expect to gain anywhere from 15 to 20 percent in efficiency.

Heat Pumps

While not exactly a new technology, heat pumps have been growing in popularity in the Northern United States in recent years. That’s because technological advances now allow heat pumps to effectively heat a home in much colder climates. Heat pumps are perhaps the most efficient way to heat your home, and are available in both ducted and ductless models, so they work in homes with or without ductwork. As a bonus, they can also be used during the summer months to cool your home.

Signs You May Need a New Heating System

Now that you’ve learned about the types of heating systems available on the market today, you may be wondering if there is any way to know if you need new equipment. Here are a few things you should look out for:

  • Increased energy bills for no obvious reasons
  • Current system not keeping your home comfortable
  • Unusual noises coming from your heating system
  • Odors like melting plastic or burning rubber coming from your equipment
  • Frequent, expensive repairs
  • The current system is more than 10 years old

If your system is showing any of the signs above, you should contact Boelcke as soon as possible. Your equipment may at the very least need repairs.

Boelcke is ready to help you get the heating replacement you need.

When you need heating installation from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Don’t Let Your Bathroom Plumbing Be the Grinch This Holiday Season

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

wood box with seasons greetings and red towels on toiletThe holiday season means it’s that time of the year to enjoy family, friends, food, and festivities. And that also means a steady stream of guests visiting – and using your home’s restrooms. Unfortunately, that can sometimes lead to some plumbing concerns.

While nobody wants to have a conversation with family and friends about what they can flush and what they can’t, it’s important to make sure some items are discarded in the wastebasket instead of down the toilet.

In this article, we’re sharing a list of items that should never be flushed, and how they can harm your plumbing. We’ll also tell you how Boelcke can help keep your bathroom plumbing working smoothly all year long – keep reading to learn more!

7 Items That Should Never Be Flushed

Toilets are designed to handle waste and toilet paper, but not much else. Flushing other items can cause clogs, damage, and environmental problems. Here are seven items you should never flush down the toilet, no matter how tempting it may be.

  1. Wet wipes: Wet wipes, such as baby wipes or facial cleansing wipes, should never be flushed down the toilet, even if they’re labeled as flushable. The material they’re made of does not break down easily in water like toilet paper does. Because of this, they can clog your pipes and can harm your septic system.
  2. Cotton balls and cotton swabs: Even though they’re small, cotton balls and swabs will clump together in your pipes, forming clogs.
  3. Feminine hygiene products and diapers: These items are made to absorb liquid and expand, which, if flushed, can cause them to swell and block pipes. This can cause your toilet to back up and overflow – something nobody wants to happen. It’s best to wrap these items in toilet paper and dispose of them in the garbage.
  4. Cat litter: Cat litter is made of material that does not dissolve in water. Clumping litter is made to absorb moisture, so you can imagine the harm it can do to your pipes. The best way to get rid of cat litter of any kind is to scoop it into a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.
  5. Plastic items: Plastic items such as wrappers, applicators, and bottle tops should never go down the toilet. Plastic does not biodegrade and can cause major blockages in your plumbing and damage to your septic system.
  6. Grease, oil, or fat: Flushing grease, oil, or fat down the toilet is just as bad as putting them down your sink. They can solidify as they cool and can coat your pipes. Not to mention, anything that’s okay to flush, like toilet paper, can cling to the solidified grease and form a nasty clog. Dispose of grease by letting it cool, pouring it into a container, and disposing of it in the garbage.
  7. Hair: While it might not seem damaging, flushing hair down your toilet can cause clogs, blockages, and other damage. Hair does not decompose in the water and can get tangled and form knots in your pipes. Collect hair from shaving, trims, and hairbrushes and toss it in the trash.

To avoid clogs, damage, and pollution, always dispose of the above items in the trash or the recycling bin, if applicable. This will keep your toilet from overflowing – and becoming the Grinch of your family holiday!

Can Boelcke help me if I have a bathroom plumbing issue?

Despite your best efforts, you could run into a plumbing issue that needs professional attention. That’s where Boelcke comes in. We provide a complete range of plumbing services, so no matter what your concern may be, we can help get your toilets, tubs, sinks, and drains back in working order promptly and professionally.

We can even help you get ahead of the game by inspecting your plumbing and fixing any problems that might be a cause for concern once your holiday guests arrive. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different bathroom plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

How Do I Know if I Need a New Hot Water Heater?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

technician repairing a hot-water heaterFor many people, having a steady supply of hot water in their homes is something they don’t think about very often. It’s important to have reliable hot water for many daily tasks, including hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. If your water heater isn’t working as well as it should be, you may be wondering if it’s time for a replacement.

But how do you know for sure that your water heater might be heading for a breakdown? In this article, we’re sharing some of the signs your water heater might give if it needs replacing. And, we’ll tell you what options are available when it comes to water heaters and how Boelcke can help you get the right equipment for your home and lifestyle needs. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Signs Your Hot Water Heater May Need Replacing

If you turn on your faucet and you have no hot water at all, then you know something is up with your water heater. However, some signs are more subtle and may indicate it’s time for a replacement, including:

  1. Your water heater is 15+ years old and has needed frequent repairs. Water heaters are durable, but around the 10-year mark, many begin to need repairs. If you’ve been trying to keep an older water heater running, and repairs are becoming more and more expensive, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
  2. Your water heater is leaking, or there are puddles around the base. If you notice any water on or around your water heater beyond normal condensation, there’s a good chance your water heater has developed a leak. A leaking water heater can cause damage to your home, so it’s best to have it checked out right away.
  3. You notice that your water is rusty. Rusty water usually indicates corrosion in your water heater tank. If there’s rust in your water, you may notice your white laundry has rusty spots, sinks have rust marks, and your water has a metallic taste. When water heaters rust, it’s only a matter of time before leaks develop.
  4. Your water is not hot. When water heaters start to fail, people often notice that their water doesn’t get as hot as it once did. This can be a sign that your water heater is on the way out, or that the heating element has failed. Either way, you should have your water heater checked out by a professional.
  5. Loud noises are coming from your tank. If you notice popping, banging, clanging, or other loud noises coming from your tank, chances are sediment has built up in your tank. This buildup prevents your tank from effectively pushing a supply of hot water through your home. And, sediment can damage your heating element and cause rust issues.

If any of these signs are apparent in your home, you should call a professional to inspect your system. While it may be possible that your water heater can be repaired, older water heaters or ones that have not been maintained properly may need to be replaced.

What are some options available for water heaters?

If you do need a water heater replacement, you have a couple of different options available – traditional tank systems and tankless water heaters. Conventional storage water heaters offer a storage tank of hot water that is adequate for everyday use. Tankless water heaters do not use a tank but instead, heat the water directly. The hot water is supplied on demand rather than from a reservoir of heated water.

How can Boelcke help me if I need a new water heater?

If you think you might need a new water heater, we can help! Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning proudly provides a comprehensive listing of water heating products for your home. We can help meet all your water heater needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

How to Know if Your Heating System Needs Fixing

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

When it’s very cold outside, you need your heating system to keep you warm. But sometimes your heating system can stop working or have problems. You should know the signs of heating system failure, so you can call a professional to fix it before it gets worse.

What are some of the signs that my heating system needs repair?

Often, your heating system will show some signs that it needs repair before it breaks down completely. Here are some things to look out for:

  • High Bills: If you pay a lot more for your heating than usual, it might mean your heating system is not working well. It could be because of a dirty filter, a leak, or something else. A professional can find the problem and fix it.
  • Weird Noises: If you hear noises like squeaking, grinding, or banging from your heating system, it might mean something is broken or worn out. It could be a belt, a fan, or a motor. A professional can replace the faulty parts.
  • Uneven Heating: If some rooms in your house are too hot or too cold, it might mean your heating system is not working well. It could be because of blocked vents, dirty filters, or leaks in your ductwork. Or, it could be that your heating system is too big or too small for your house. A professional can check your system and adjust it.
  • Changing Thermostat: If you need to change your thermostat a lot to stay comfortable, it might mean your heating system is not working well. It could be because of problems with your thermostat or with your heating system. A professional can test your thermostat and your system and fix them.
  • Old Heating System: If your heating system is old, it might start to break down or work poorly. Some parts might need to be replaced. You should get your heating system checked every year, so you can fix small problems before they get bigger and more expensive.

If you see any of these signs, you should call a professional right away. They can fix your heating system and make sure it works well.

If you think your heating system may need repairs, call Boelcke.

If you need help with your heating system, you can call Boelcke. Our experienced technicians can get you the help you need. You don’t have to be cold and unhappy. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261 and we’ll be happy to help.

Spring Has Sprung – Time to Schedule AC Maintenance

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Technician servicing an air conditionerOnce the spring season arrives, we start to think about the warmer days ahead. While we often experience some more chilly temperatures in this part of the country, it’s still a good time to think about our home’s HVAC system, and about getting our cooling equipment the maintenance it needs.

Many homeowners wonder about the need for maintenance every year, and if it benefits their system. In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of getting your air conditioning system the maintenance it needs and some of the benefits. We’ll also explain how Boelcke can help. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Benefits of Air Conditioning Maintenance

If you have an AC system installed in your home, you probably rely on it to keep you cool once Mother Nature turns up the heat. Having a well-maintained air conditioning system is important if you want to keep that cool air flowing freely. Here are five of the main benefits that annual maintenance provides:

  1. Better energy efficiency. As your air conditioning system ages, it can become less efficient. By getting annual maintenance, you can rest assured that your system will be operating as efficiently as possible, and that can save you money on utility bills.
  2. Better comfort. When an air conditioner has been poorly maintained, it may not keep a home as comfortable as possible. A dirty system with minor problems has to work harder than a clean system in good working order, which can mean less comfort.
  3. Improved indoor air quality. Over time, dirt and other particulate matter can accumulate in your air conditioning system, and then those particles get circulated into the air in your home. A maintained system is cleaner, meaning fresher air for you and your family.
  4. Fewer expensive repairs. If a minor problem with an air conditioning system goes unchecked, it can turn into a much more expensive repair or replacement. Annual maintenance can help discover small problems before they become larger – and much more expensive – ones.
  5. Warranty maintenance. Many manufacturers require regular maintenance by a licensed professional to keep the warranty intact. Failure to do so may result in out-of-pocket costs to you, should your system need repair or replacement.

As you can see, air conditioning maintenance not only helps you stay more comfortable in your home; it can also help you save money on energy costs and repairs. And, getting the annual maintenance you need for your AC system is as easy as calling Boelcke.

Boelcke is ready to help you get the air conditioning maintenance you need.

When you need air conditioning maintenance from a qualified cooling specialist in Stevensville and Southwest Michigan, you can trust Boelcke. We can help meet all your AC needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Could Plumbing Issues Be Making My Home Too Humid?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

woman looks at possible leak in kitchen sink or faucetOnce the summer months roll around, most people notice that the air feels more humid. In your home, your air conditioning system can help keep the humidity down. Some homes also require dehumidification to keep home humidity at a manageable level. If you have a dehumidifier and air conditioning but are still noticing that your home is uncomfortably damp, it might be time to look for other issues.

Usually, an AC system coupled with a dehumidifier does the trick in homes that tend to hold in the humid air. If they don’t seem to be working, it’s likely that some of the moisture in your home is coming from something besides the humid outdoor air. It could be that you have a plumbing issue that’s making your home more humid than it should be. In this article, we’ll talk about some plumbing issues that could be a cause for concern. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Plumbing Issues That Might Be Increasing Your Home’s Humidity Level

The major plumbing concern that could be causing your home to be overly damp is, quite simply, leaks. Unfortunately, people may not realize that there can be leaks that aren’t always noticeable. If your home seems overly damp, or you’re noticing a musty odor or mold growth throughout your home, you might want to check for leaks in these areas:

  1. Tub & Shower Drains: Tub and shower drains can leak, especially those that are plastic or fiberglass, as these materials tend to flex when people stand on them. That can result in the seal around the drain breaking. Signs that this could be happening include water stains on a ceiling below the tub, or damp and loose tiles or flooring around the tub.
  2. Toilet Flange: The toilet flange is the space where your toilet is joined to the waste pipe. In the occurrence of a toilet flange leak, water will seep out every time you flush. This is very problematic, as it not only contributes to the dampness in your home, but it eventually destroys your flooring and subflooring, and, if your bathroom is located on a second story, the ceiling below.
  3. Sinks: Leaky pipes underneath your sinks can be sneaky. Sometimes, it’s a small leak that may not be readily noticeable, but over time will cause your sink base and flooring to rot. If you notice that items stored in an under-sink cabinet seem damp, old water stains near the plumbing, or a musty odor, chances are you have a leak.
  4. Water Heaters: Water heater tanks can start slowly, but then eventually burst – leaving you with a disaster on your hands. If you notice any puddling around the tank, it’s time to act. It could be a valve, which usually only requires a repair. But if the tank itself is leaking, you will likely need to replace it right away.
  5. Washers: There are many reasons why your washing machine might be leaking, including drain hose issues, a faulty drain pump, or even a clogged hose. Check for puddles behind or around the washer if you suspect this might be a problem. Leaks around your washer can damage flooring and cause wood rot, so they should be taken care of as soon as possible.

I think I may have a plumbing issue in my home. Who can help me?

When you choose Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning to help with your leaky pipes, you’re choosing a full-service plumbing contractor who can help you get all the services you need. We’ll help to ensure the plumbing in your home is in tip-top condition. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph, or the surrounding areas and need help with leaky pipes or appliances in your home, give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll help you find the solution that best suits your needs.