Should you have a plumbing inspection before purchasing your home?

 Before buying a home in New Jersey, it’s essential to invest in a professional plumbing inspection. Unfortunately, unless you’re in the industry, when you view potential homes it’s impossible to know the state of the drains, the pipes, and the entire plumbing system in general. Having an inspection conducted by a professional will help you avoid risks, big expenses, and the inspection will give you an accurate understanding of how good a property’s plumbing system is.

Plumbing inspections will differ depending on the type and condition of the property, but general plumbing inspections cover the following:

• Inspection of the water filtration systems
• Shut-off valve inspection
• Examination of fixtures, supply lines, and drains
• Inspection of tankless water heaters or water storage tanks
• Inspection of all sinks, showers, baths, and toilets
• Inspection of kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room drainage and ventilation systems
• Thorough inspection of all above-ground plumbing, including the features under the kitchen sink, the bathroom sinks, and any laundry room sinks
• Water pressure inspection
• A video camera inspection of drains and sewer pipes underground. This is especially important because it can identify any cracks or other damage that can lead to major problems in the future.

It’s standard to have a general home inspection done when buying a house, but a general home inspection is not extensive enough to identify potential hazards and risks. In order to avoid disappointment and costly repairs, we strongly recommend investing in a plumbing inspection conducted by professionals you trust. They’ll be able to give you a comprehensive assessment of the plumbing around the entire property and alert you to any red flags.

Buying a home is a huge commitment and a huge responsibility, so you deserve to have as much information as possible to inform your decision. We’ve all heard horror stories about someone who purchased a home, only to have an expensive wiring or plumbing disaster several months later. Don’t leave anything to chance – let an expert help you.

Reliable plumbing wholesalers in New Jersey

Our team at Cross Town Plumbing is standing by and ready to speak with you. Whether you think you’ve found the home you want to buy, or you’ve just started looking, we’re happy to speak with you about all your home plumbing needs, including why it’s worth investing in a professional plumbing inspection. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/should-you-have-a-plumbing-inspection-done-before-buying-a-home/

How to Prevent Condensation on Air Conditioning Ducts

 Have you noticed condensation forming on your HVAC system? It’s summer and hot outside, so your air conditioner is likely working overtime to keep your space cool and comfortable, and you may have noticed that small drops of water have formed on your air ducts. This isn’t a sure-fire sign that something is wrong, but we do encourage you to investigate the problem and ensure it isn’t something more serious.

When humidity levels outside are high, the cold air flowing through the air duct often forms condensation, like a cold soda taken out of the refrigerator and left on the counter on a hot day. Condensation is natural and isn’t an automatic cause for alarm, and it can also be made worse by dirty air filters, poor insulation, and blocked ducts. Here’s how you can prevent condensation from forming on your air conditioning ducts:

• Change your air filters every three months. It’s a common thing to forget but set a reminder for yourself and change your filters out to avoid them getting too dirty.
• Clean your air ducts regularly to prevent blockage. When air can’t circulate freely through the vents it becomes colder, resulting in more condensation. We recommend having your air ducts cleaned properly every three to five years, and this is a job best left to professionals. 
• Reduce humidity levels in the area around your air ducts. For ducts located in a crawlspace underneath your home, you can reduce moisture by covering the soil. If your ducts are located in your attic, check for any cracks or holes and seal them. In consistently humid climates, keeping a dehumidifier next to the air duct is often a good solution.
• Check for leaks in your air duct by placing your hand on it and feel for any air escaping. You can also detect leaks using a pressure gauge. The bigger the leak, the more condensation you’ll see forming on your air ducts.

As mentioned, a small amount of condensation on your air ducts is normal, especially for humid climates and during the hot summer months. But we do recommend having your air ducts checked by a professional to ensure there isn’t a hidden issue that has the potential to turn into an expensive problem. Regular inspections and maintenance will keep your air systems clean and functioning properly.  

Contact our HVAC system experts today

Whether it’s a leaky air conditioning duct or another issue with your HVAC system, contact our team of experts at Cross Town Plumbing today and we’ll be happy to help. We’re proud to be New Jersey’s trusted plumbing wholesalers and we look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-prevent-condensation-on-air-conditioning-ducts/