water streams from burst pipes after freezing

How To Prevent Burst Pipes

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Winter in Michigan is never dull. The weather runs the gamut from beautiful soft snowfalls to ice squalls and bitter, below-zero temperatures. People and plumbing have to be tough enough to keep up with it. During an extreme weather event like a polar vortex, pipes bursting can be a real threat. Burst pipes can cause significant damage in a very short period of time. Let’s go over what they can do and how you can be proactive to keep your pipes from freezing. 

Frozen Pipes Are a Homeowner’s Nightmare

When a pipe freezes and breaks from the pressure of the water inside, so many things can go wrong. Water can be tremendously damaging. If the broken pipe is in a hard-to-access area or around electrical wiring, it’s even worse. If the water is not turned off right away, it can quickly flood the home and cause damage to the structure and its contents. 

Perhaps the most immediate danger is if the water comes in contact with the home’s electrical system or starts a fire. If you have a pipe break in your home, you should not only turn off the water at the entrance to the house, you must shut the electricity off in any of the affected areas and call an electrician (after you call a plumber). 

If enough water floods the home, it can weaken the walls, collapse ceilings and floors, and even damage the foundation. If it’s not immediately remediated by a professional, it can also create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria which is difficult to remove after it takes hold in a home. 

All of this repair work is very expensive for a homeowner. Replacing belongings is another cost, and in some cases, the owners have to find alternative housing while the home is being repaired. 

How To Prevent Burst Pipes

Fortunately, there are actions you can take to protect your home or cabin from this terrible outcome. 

First, the homeowner can insulate the pipes by wrapping them with heat tape or foam sleeves to keep them from freezing if the temperature drops. Make sure that any area of the home that has pipes running through it is adequately insulated. 

If you are going to be away from your home or cottage for a longer period of time, do not lower the thermostat below 55 degrees. Fifty-five degrees is cool enough to save on energy costs, but warm enough to protect your home from excessively cold temperatures. Turn the water off at the entrance to the house and open the faucets to allow the faucets to drip. Running water is less likely to freeze than standing water. It’s also helpful to ask a friend to stop by and check periodically to make sure the furnace has not failed and everything looks good. 

Have your plumber inspect your pipes from time to time for leaks or weaknesses and repair anything that they might find right away. Regular maintenance keeps problems from becoming emergencies.

If you are stuck without electricity and/or heat for any extended period of time, shut the water supply off to your home, and open your faucets. If your home does freeze, do not try to thaw your pipes with an open flame. Call a plumber if you see any evidence of leaks. Otherwise, wait until the home heats up again to turn the water back on. It’s always useful to have the number of a plumbing professional on hand in an emergency.

If you are worried about pipe leaks or need emergency plumbing services, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We are available 24 hours a day for emergencies, and we are ready to help. Winter is tough, but with a little preparedness, you can prevent burst pipes even in the harshest of weather. 


Customer Service certificate

Customer Service Is Our #1 Priority

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We are proud to announce that Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating was recently featured by the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce for our customer service. The Chamber awarded us a certificate of recognition. Weinkauf always makes our work with customers our top priority, so we are happy to see that being noticed. 

Weinkauf customer service

Why Is Customer Service So Important? 

At Weinkauf we work with our team of service professionals to hone their customer service skills. Our goal is to exceed your expectations for service. This is important because even though we sell products like furnaces, hot water heaters, and toilets, it’s really the installation and maintenance of those products that makes a difference to your comfort. You invite us into your homes and businesses to do our work, and we want to make that a pleasant and rewarding experience for you. In order to do that effectively we have focused on the following: 

Listening – Before we start work, it’s our goal to listen and understand what the problem is and the limitations you may have in solving it so we can recommend appropriate and affordable solutions. 

Responsiveness – Emergencies happen. In fact, any furnace or plumbing failure will feel like an emergency pretty quickly. Our emergency number is 989-354-5427. Don’t hesitate to call! We are ready to quickly address your plumbing or HVAC problem so you can go back to living your life without that added stress.

Proactivity – We consider it part of the job to anticipate our customers’ needs if possible and take steps to prevent issues from arising in the first place. This often means recommending additional products or maintenance to stop a problem from becoming a problem. 

Consistent Service – All of our customers are valued customers and receive the same high standard of care. 

To meet these goals for service we train our staff, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to effectively handle customer concerns. We also focus on feedback and continuous improvement, developing our team’s skills and abilities. 

Many of our customers have noticed our customer service efforts and left reviews for us on our Google profile. If you’re unsure of who to call to fix your clogged sink or broken air conditioner, take some time to read the reviews there from over a hundred satisfied customers.

Weinkauf services all existing HVAC and plumbing products as well as the ones we sell and install. Call us anytime with questions – our service vans are stocked and ready to roll. We want to be your choice for plumbing and heating professionals in the greater Alpena, Michigan area which is why we make customer service such a high priority. 




furnace failure - gas furnace isn't heating

Furnace Failure: Why Isn’t Your Furnace Working?

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It’s winter, and in Michigan that means we very much need our furnaces to provide us with consistent heating for us to stay warm and comfortable. Some winters, like this one, are more challenging. If you have an unreliable furnace, it can cause a lot of anxiety. Let’s go through some of the reasons your furnace might fail. Some of them you can fix yourself, and others will require the help of a trained professional. 

Reasons for Furnace Failure

If your furnace isn’t working, one of the following problems may be the cause. Let’s start with the most basic:

Your thermostat is not on

Sometimes something can happen to alter the settings of the thermostat. Whether this is a human or tech error, if your furnace isn’t working, check the thermostat settings to make sure that it is on HEAT mode and the temperature is set a few degrees higher than the current room temperature so you can see if it turns on. It’s possible that your batteries have lost their charge or, if your thermostat is hardwired, a breaker has tripped. Check the batteries and your circuit breaker to make sure. If you’ve experienced this problem more than once, you may have a problem that an HVAC technician will have to diagnose.

Your air filter is clogged

A very dirty air filter can result in the furnace overheating and shutting off as a way of preventing a fire hazard. Check your air filter and replace it if it is full of dirt. Once your furnace has cooled down, you will see if this fixes the problem. 

There is an air-flow blockage

Other blockages can also cause the furnace to overheat and shut off. If you have items blocking your furnace, clear six feet of space around it. Check to see if all of the vents in your home are open and unblocked so that air can circulate through them. 

If your furnace is turning on and then off again after a short period of time without heating the house, this is called short cycling. It’s frequently caused by clogged air filters or airflow, although it can also be caused by a mechanical problem. If your furnace is short cycling, call an HVAC professional because this can cause damage to the furnace if it continues for too long. 

A part is malfunctioning

Your furnace is made up of a number of parts that all have to function correctly and in tandem for it to work. These parts get dirty over time, lose their lubrication, or simply get worn down or break. If your furnace is not working, your HVAC professional will examine the:

  • Burners 
  • Bearings
  • Igniter
  • Limit switch
  • Control board
  • Heat exchanger
  • Flame sensor
  • Gas line
  • Circuit breaker

Call a Professional

The problem could involve one or more of the above. If you have no experience with furnace care, you should call a professional instead of tinkering with it yourself. A gas furnace that is not operating properly can allow combustion fumes to accumulate and cause a carbon monoxide leak. Any kind of gas leak in the house is dangerous, especially during wintertime when people’s houses are closed up and no new air circulates in the house. If you notice an unpleasant smell or you see surfaces in your home getting noticeably dirtier, your furnace has a problem that needs to be corrected right away. Call an HVAC professional. 

At Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating we are available for all of your heating needs any time. If you are in Alpena or Oscoda and have a furnace emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at (989) 354-5427. We will send someone out right away to diagnose and fix your furnace failure. 



Weinkauf wins 2 of the Best of the Best awards

Weinkauf Wins 2 Best of the Best Awards!

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Weinkauf Best of the Best winners

Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating is excited to announce that we were named as “Best of the Best” in two categories by The Alpena News. We were voted the Best of the Best Plumber and Best of the Best Heating & Air Conditioning! 

Best Plumber in Alpena 

Weinkauf has been helping people in the Alpena area with their plumbing needs since 1959. We are a certified team of State of Michigan licensed master and journeyman plumbers. We work with many local licensed and insured building contractors to help you get your new construction or remodeling projects completed.

With our showroom and professional staff, we can help you with a simple faucet replacement or install all of the plumbing in your new house. Stop in and visit our showroom today to start planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Best Heating & Air Conditioning in Alpena 

Best of the Best heating and air conditioningAs a full-service HVAC company, we’re a one-stop shop for all your heating and cooling needs. Our staff of experienced, well-trained service technicians are equipped to take on any residential or commercial task. Call us for a free in-home quote to replace, repair, or upgrade your heating and cooling system. 

As the staff and owners of Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, we would like to thank the Alpena community for their support and The Alpena News for the recognition. We would also like to congratulate the other winners on their wins. There are many very fine businesses in the community, and we are proud to be among them. Contact us today for all of your plumbing and HVAC needs! We are always here for you. 



new bathroom

Planning a New Bathroom? Involve Your Plumber Early!

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Are the bathrooms in your home doing what you need or want them to do? If you have a bathroom that needs to be renovated or completely overhauled, it’s wise to involve a professional plumber early on. You do not want to invest your hard-earned money only to find you’ve made costly mistakes that need to be fixed down the line. If you’re planning a new bathroom, call your plumber first! 

What Do You Need from Your New Bathroom?

Indoor plumbing has been a feature in most American homes for only a century – or less. In the beginning, bathrooms were simple and practical, just the basics. Over time, they have evolved into much more as more Americans seek to relax and pamper themselves in a luxury setting with luxury features. Nothing eases away stress like a good soak in a spacious bathtub or a hot shower after a long day. 

In fact, in terms of adding value to a home, bathrooms are very important, only second to kitchens. Even a smaller space can wow guests or prospective buyers when done properly, with style and flair. 

But whether you’re planning to do a complete bathroom makeover or just to put in a new shower, you will want to consult your plumber early on. He will be able to advise you on the practicalities of your current plumbing and how you can best modify it.

Why Do You Need a Plumber? 

It may seem simple to add a new bathroom, but the process can be more complicated than you think, especially in a compact space. Professional plumbers have both the knowledge and the technical skills to make the process simpler and better for you. They can assist you in the design phase by advising you on what options are possible without major alterations like moving water lines. They will be aware of building code regulations and will understand when permits are necessary and how to get them. 

A plumber can inspect your pipes beforehand. Like everything else in a home, pipes age and do not last forever. A home renovation is an excellent time to inspect pipes because they will be more accessible. If there are problems, they can be fixed beforehand, eliminating the risk and high cost of a pipe burst or leak at a later time. 

Involving a plumber will also make the process faster. Renovating a bathroom means that for some period of time you won’t be able to use it. Involving a skilled, experienced plumber will make the process go faster, shortening the downtime and the inconvenience. 

A plumber is an expert voice on upgrades, fixture efficiency, plumbing condition, and code regulations, as well as a skilled technician who can complete the work quickly and correctly the first time. If you are thinking of doing a renovation or putting in a new bathroom, talk to a plumber early on in the process. You will thank him for saving you hassle, money, and time. 

If you are in the Alpena area, Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating wants to be your professional for all of your full-service plumbing needs. Contact us for assistance any time. We are ready and waiting to help. 



change your air filter

Change Your Air Filter to Keep Your Furnace in Good Condition

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Regular home maintenance is part of responsible homeownership. It helps ensure that all of the parts of your home that keep your family comfortable are working correctly. One regular maintenance task that should not be skipped is changing the air filter on your furnace. This quick, inexpensive task impacts your indoor air quality. It can mean the difference between enjoying problem-free comfort in your home and paying for unnecessary repairs. 

What Your Air Filter Does

In most homes, especially homes with newer HVAC systems, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are combined. This means that all the air that comes through the system is filtered by one filter. There are many types of filters, but they all work to prevent air particles of up to 40 microns from entering the system and clogging the machinery. 

When the air filter gets too dirty, the air pressure in the system can drop which causes reduced air flow. The system must then work harder to do its job. Over time, this creates stress and may result in the furnace breaking down and needing to be repaired or replaced. 

A dirty filter can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and mold, especially if it’s in a damp location. Mold spores can spread throughout the entire house via the HVAC system. This creates an unhealthy atmosphere and an expensive problem to remediate. 

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? 

The rule of thumb is that, for an HVAC unit that sees nearly year-round use, you should change your air filter at least every three months. If your home has many pets or people living in it or if there is a lot of dust, pollen, or other airborne particulate, changing it once a month would be better. 

Different HVAC systems take different types of filters. Most filters are disposable screens that are designed to trap as much air particulate as possible. There are many types of filters that will fit different types of furnace units. Make sure to use the right size filter for your furnace or it will not work properly. If you have questions about where your filter goes or how it is inserted, ask your HVAC professional when you have your furnace maintenance done. 

Adding an AprilAire 1410 air purifier to your furnace unit will help keep the blower housing within your furnace clean. This means that the air within your entire home will also be cleaner. It comes with a healthy air filter that captures more pollen, dust, dander, and mold spores, leaving your air easier to breathe. 

Have Your Furnace/HVAC Serviced Regularly

You should have your furnace serviced at least once per year. A furnace has many moving parts that can break or degrade over time. An HVAC technician will inspect your furnace’s

  • Belts
  • Coils
  • Fans

as well as your ventilation ductwork to make sure everything is working properly and there are no clogs or other problems. 

Changing your air filter regularly and having your HVAC system serviced at least annually will keep your air clean and your air handling system working smoothly. If you have questions about the quality of your air or your HVAC system, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We will be happy to look at your system and recommend solutions to improve the comfort of your home. 

 

 

 

flush your water heater

Why You Need to Flush Your Water Heater

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How long will your water heater last? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the water heater you purchase, but also how well you maintain it. In this blog we will talk about why you need to flush your water heater to keep it working well and extend its life.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Water Heater? 

The rule of thumb is that a water heater should last about 10 years. Of course, this depends on the amount of work the heater has to do over its lifetime as well as the conditions it operates under. If your house uses a great deal of water for bathing, laundry, or cleaning, that means the water heater has to work harder. Remember, you expect there to be hot water whenever you turn on your tap. In order for that to happen, your water heater is working even when you’re not thinking about it. Your refrigerator is probably the only other appliance you have that operates continuously. 

The hardness of your water also contributes to how much your water heater has to work. Hard water has a higher mineral content. This mineral content builds up on the inside of your water heater and on its heating element slowly over time and reduces its efficiency. Excessive sediment buildup at the bottom of a gas water heater can create hot spots and damage the tank. If you hear popping or rumbling noises coming from your water heater, you have a problem with sediment buildup, and you need to have it addressed.

What is the solution? You need to flush your water heater. 

Why You Need to Flush Your Water Heater

no hot waterLike most of your home appliances, your hot water heater does need periodic maintenance. It may keep chugging along seemingly without problems, but that doesn’t mean it’s operating at full capacity or efficiency. Over time it will use more energy to heat the water, and it may fail completely and require replacing if you don’t flush it out. 

Flushing your water heater will remove the lime buildup on the lower heating element in electric water heaters and prevent uneven heating at the bottom of the gas water heaters that can lead to leakage. For both types of water heaters, flushing will remove the sediment that can cause the drain valve to clog. 

Ideally, most water heaters should be flushed every six months to prevent damage. If your water is very hard, you may want to do it more often. Draining and flushing the tank is an involved chore, so many homeowners will call a licensed plumber to service it annually. A plumber will inspect the tank for rust and leaks as well as test the thermostat and valves. He will replace the anode rod to prevent corrosion too. 

If you don’t know how to drain the tank without creating a watery mess or want to fuss with your pilot light, calling a plumber to inspect and flush your water heater is the way to go. Over time, this maintenance will produce lower heating bills and a longer lasting water heater. 

If you have concerns about your water heater or would like to schedule maintenance, contact Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We want to keep your plumbing in tip top condition so you do not have to worry about outages or leaks. Call us – we’re here to help!

 

prepare your plumbing

Prepare Your Plumbing for Your Summer Vacation

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Winter is the season everyone worries about their plumbing with freezing temperatures threatening their pipes. However, if you’re not careful in the summertime, you might have problems then too. If you plan on going on vacation, you should prepare your plumbing so you don’t come home to an expensive disaster. Here are our tips for preventing issues from occurring while you’re away.

Prepare Your Plumbing

When you leave your home for a longer period of time, there are some actions you can take to mitigate the risk of a plumbing emergency happening when you’re gone. 

Shut off the water supply

Turning off the water at the main valve is a simple thing you can do to make sure that water will not flood your house as a result of a leaky pipe or a busted valve. You may not think this is much of a risk because you’ve never experienced a sudden leak, but plumbers, disaster remediation companies, and insurance adjusters can tell you about the damage that can result from even a small leak that is left unattended. Imagine that a toilet valve on your second floor breaks and that water leaks through the floor and the first-floor ceiling, down the heating return vent or even down the stairs…for days or weeks.

Shutting off the water supply will take seconds and will eliminate the risk of that happening while you are gone. If you do not know where the main water shut off valve to your home is, take the time to find out well before you’re hurrying out the door. 

Inspect your water heater

Ideally you should have a plumber inspect your water heater annually in order to detect leaks or discover any warning signs of failure. Flushing sediment from the tank will improve your water heater’s efficiency and longevity. Turning your water heater off while you are on vacation will conserve energy while you are away.

Check your sump pump

If your basement were to have a water incident, your sump pump would turn on and begin pumping the water out and away from your home, preventing a flood. If it’s not operating properly, though, a storm could cause problems. Test your sump pump by filling a 5-gallon bucket with water and pouring it into the sump pit. If it’s working properly, this will activate it, and it will eliminate the water within a few minutes. 

Clear your garbage disposal and your drains

If you’ve left food or grease in your sink drain, your house may have a distinct odor by the time you return from vacation. Run hot water with your garbage disposal on for a minute or so to clear everything out. Make sure you flush your toilets too! 

Do You Need Plumbing Help? 

If you find that any of the above are not working correctly or at full capacity, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We can help clear out your water heater, fix your sump pump, replace your garbage disposal, and repair any faulty valves or pipes. We recommend regular inspections and plumbing maintenance to anyone who wants their plumbing system to work seamlessly and eliminate issues before they become a problem. Call us either before or after your vacation to schedule plumbing maintenance – and enjoy a relaxing time off. You’ve earned it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

best toilet

Choosing the Best Toilet for Your Bathroom

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Choosing the right toilet for your bathroom may take some thought and knowledge of the toilet products available. If you need to replace your toilet right away because of a plumbing emergency, your bathroom decor may not be the first thing on your mind. If you are adding a bathroom to your home or designing your dream home, though, you will probably prefer to take some time and consider all of your options. 

Choosing the Best Toilet

You might be surprised at how many choices you have for toilets or how complex toilet design can be. Toilets seem pretty straightforward, but we have all seen some of the different options in public bathrooms: self-flushing, handicapped accessible, water saving, and others. Here are a few questions you might ask yourself and anyone who will be using the bathroom: 

Who will be using the bathroom? 

If you need a toilet for a children’s bathroom, you probably don’t want one that attaches to the wall. If elderly or disabled family members will be using it, having a taller toilet may help them with sitting down and standing up by themselves. 

How much traffic does the bathroom get? 

An easy-to-clean model may be a good choice for a bathroom that is always in use or one that kids will have to clean. 

Are you replacing an existing toilet or adding one to a remodeled or brand new bathroom?

If you do not want to replace your flooring or wall tile along with the toilet, you might want to select one that has a similar size and shape. You can choose based on preference or style if you are remodeling or building.

If you would like to add a toilet in a basement space that does not have underground plumbing, we can install a Saniflo toilet that pumps upwards and connects to the sanitary lines overhead. 

What is the style of the bathroom? 

Toilets come in a large variety of styles, so if you want to match yours to the design or color palette of the bathroom, you can. Once you begin looking at your options, you may actually find yourself a little overwhelmed at the range of features and styles of today’s toilets. 

At Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, we install Kohler and Mansfield toilets, depending on your preference and your budget. Both lines offer beautiful looking toilets and reliable performance over time.  

We are the plumbing experts in the Alpena area. We can help walk you through the process of choosing the best toilet for your bathroom, beginning with deciding what it is you need and then guiding you through the different possibilities. Once you have found a product that meets your needs, our plumbing professionals will install it in your home. If you need a new toilet for your bathroom area, call us at (989) 354-5427, and we can begin your bathroom project together. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

update your furnace

Use Your Tax Refund to Update Your Furnace

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 The beginning of spring is when people begin to anticipate better weather. They look forward to turning off their furnace and opening up their windows to breathe in fresh air, but April is also tax season. If you’re anticipating getting a tax refund this year, you might invest that money to improve your air quality and update your furnace. 

Has Your Furnace Been Making Noises? 

Your furnace will not last forever, unfortunately. We’ve been through five months of cold weather, now. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your furnace was struggling to keep up with your family’s demand for warm air. Maybe it made loud noises when it came on or failed to heat all of your house evenly. Now is a good time to have a professional come out to check on it before you turn it off and forget about it until next fall.

If your furnace is relatively new and functioning well, there are additions you can make to it to improve your indoor air quality and comfort during the colder months. All of the air in your house is drawn through your furnace system where it is filtered, mixed, heated, and redirected. Your furnace can also clean and humidify it as well. Let’s go through some of the furnace options available.

Add an Air Filter

The standard, disposable filter that people typically insert into their furnace will only catch dust and other large particles. It will not filter out fungi, bacteria, or smoke particles. There are several options for adding a more effective filter, the most common being an accordion-style media filter and an electronic air cleaner. For allergy sufferers, the media filter works well, trapping nearly all of the larger (6-micron) particles in the air and the majority of 1-micron particles. This type of filter needs to be replaced annually. 

An electronic air cleaner uses high-voltage/low-amperage wires to negatively ionize all particles passing through the unit. It will trap more of the tiniest particles – 70% of .3-micron particles – which makes it 4-5 times as effective at filtering than a media filter. Instead of replacing a filter, the homeowner will need to wash the unit’s collection plates every month. 

Add a Humidifier

Michigan is a wet, humid state for much of the year, but during the winter most homes need moisture added because the furnace’s constant output dries out the air, our skin, and our lungs. People are more likely to get sick in the winter if their air is too dry or to suffer from problems like asthma, bronchitis, and nosebleeds. Adding a humidifier to your furnace can help to increase comfort and decrease illness. Humid air also feels warmer than dry air, so you can save a bit on heating costs if you update your furnace with a humidifier. 

Add a UV Disinfector

Ultraviolet light units are designed to kill airborne bacteria and mold that grows on air-conditioner evaporator coils. Neither of these are desirable to have in your home, for obvious reasons. Because UV disinfectors destroy mold, bacteria, and allergens, your air will be cleaner and smell better. In terms of maintenance requirements, you will need to replace the light tubes on a UV light unit annually. 

If you find yourself with money to invest this tax season, putting it into your home and increasing your family’s air quality is a very good use for it. If you have questions about furnace options, why not call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating? We would be happy to talk to you about how you can increase your family’s comfort by updating or adding features to your furnace.