Archive for January, 2012

Types of Water Filters for Sun City Summerlin Residents

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Water filtration is an important issue for many Sun City Summerlin homeowners. We all use water every day to bathe, cook, drink and clean. No one wants to worry about whether that water might be unhealthy for their family.

For those who aren’t fortunate enough to live in areas where the water supply is naturally clean or properly filtered before reaching their faucets, a water filter is an important and valued investment. It can mean water that not only tastes better, but is also free of potentially harmful contaminants.

But with so many kinds of water treatment systems on the market, how are you to know which one is right? Let’s take a look at a few of the different types available.

One of the simplest solutions is a faucet-mounted water filter. The installation is simple, and most models allow for easy switching between filtered and unfiltered water. They are quite effective at removing most large contaminants. However, there are some drawbacks. These filters don’t work with some faucets and the cartridges need to be replaced, meaning an ongoing expense.

A countertop model sits alongside the existing tap and has its own tube for dispensing water. These are also fairly simple to install since they require no modification to any existing plumbing, and they work better for large quantities of water than faucet-mounted types do. Like faucet mounts, however, they also don’t work with all faucets.

Moving from the top of the sink to below it, you have under sink options. These also work well for filtering large volumes of water and have the added advantage of hiding out of sight. As a downside, they are more difficult to install than the previous two options, since the plumbing must be modified.

All three of these options are good solutions for a single sink, or you could get a few of them if you only need to filter water in some parts of the house. For a more extensive solution, consider a whole house filter. These attach to the main water line and filter all water that comes into the home. The cartridges last a long time and they remove dust and sediment well. However, installation needs to be done by a professional and these filters usually can’t handle other contaminants, like metals.

Depending on your filtration needs, one of these filters should work great for you and your family.

North Las Vegas Plumbing Maintenance Tip: How to Extend the Life of a Water Heater

Friday, January 27th, 2012

To avoid having to pay for replacing your North Las Vegas home’s water heater, your best course of action is to take care of the water heater you have. Many homeowners forget about this simple part of household maintenance, probably because water heaters are so often out of sight that we take them for granted. For a simple start on water heater maintenance, try this three-step annual routine:

  1. Lower the temperature on your water heater to somewhere between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is more than adequate for all household functions, and it will keep the water heater from overheating. Locate the knob on your unit (refer to the manual or manufacturer website if you have trouble) to dial it down. You’ll never notice the difference in temperature, but your water heater will have to work less and your energy bills will be lower.
  2. Test the temperature and pressure valve by lifting the valve lever part of the way up, then allowing it to snap back into place. This should be followed by a gurgling sound as water is briefly released from the tank into the drain tube. If not, the valve may need to be replaced.
  3. Flush the tank on a smaller scale. Rather than doing a full flush of the water heater, you can do a smaller one in much less time. To do this, just put a bucket under the drain valve and release the valve. When the bucket is full, close the valve back up and drain the bucket outside or into a sink. This will help get rid of sediment, but takes much less time than draining the whole tank.

It is also recommended that you get a professional inspection of your water heater on a regular basis, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This three step plan is a good interim measure, however, and it only takes a few minutes each year.

Kitchen Plumbing Advice from Top Sun City Summerlin Plumbers

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Considering how often we use our kitchen sink – i.e., many times per day, every day – and all the grimy business that it usually has to put up with, it’s kind of amazing that we don’t all experience headaches with our kitchen plumbing once a week. Chalk that up to the marvels of modern engineering and design.

That does not mean that kitchen plumbing is perfect, though, and all Sun City Summerlin homeowners face problems with their kitchen plumbing from time to time. Fortunately, many such problems are fairly common and routine and therefore are easily remedied.

Below are 3 common kitchen plumbing problems and some possible solutions for each:

  1. Clogged drain
    Probably the most commonly aggravating of all kitchen sink problems is the clogged drain. If you have never had to deal with one, first thank your lucky stars and then brace for impact, because you’ll probably have to soon. This is usually caused by some piece of food or other deposit obstructing the sink. Try plunging it out, or breaking it up by pouring boiling water or white vinegar down the drain. This may take several attempts. If none of that works, you can resort to a commercial drain opening product.
  2. Leaky faucet
    Got a dripping sound keeping you up at night? Often, leaky faucets are caused by an obstructed aerator, which is that little screen thing on the end of your faucet. Unscrew that, clean it with water and put it back on. If the faucet still leaks, there may be a loose fitting somewhere further down the line, in which case you may need to call in a plumber. (Bonus tip: To quiet the dripping noise until the leak is fixed, tie a length of string to the end of the faucet. The water will run down the string silently instead of clanging into the basin all night.)
  3. Garbage disposal won’t run
    The quickest and most common solution to this problem is the reset the garbage disposal by pressing the button on the unit under the sink.

If these tips don’t work to solve your kitchen plumbing conundrum, then it is probably best to call in a professional. Plumbing is a tricky thing – and garbage disposals can be dangerous – so sometimes it is best to leave it to the pros.

North Las Vegas Plumbing Maintenance: Sump Pumps

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Keeping the sump pump clean in your North Las Vegas home has many benefits. Not only does a clean sump pump run more efficiently, which lowers your energy bills, but it also helps prevent malfunctions. The sump pump in your home pumps out excess groundwater that could potentially flood your basement and cause major water damage and mold growth.

To prevent flood damage in your home, make sure your sump pump well is free of debris and that the pump it is maintained regularly. Call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing any time if you have questions about how to maintain sump pump or to have it professionally cleaned and inspected. Here are some specific reasons why a clean sump pump is important.

Float Switch Malfunctions

Most submerged sump pump models have a floater or similar device that detects the water level inside the well. Once the water table reaches a certain point, the float switch turns the pump on. If debris or dirt gets trapped underneath the switch, it can get stuck in the “on” position, which causes the motor to run constantly and potentially overheat.

Clogged Filters

Most filters in sump pumps are designed to allow smaller particles through, but larger pieces of debris can clog the system and cause it to shut down. An overheated motor or tripped circuit could result from a clogged filter because the motor has to work harder to pump out the water. If you aren’t sure how to check the filter for debris, call a professional plumber for advice.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Try to keep debris from falling into the well, and clean out any large particles that you can see in the water. Occasionally fill the well all the way with a hose and test the floater switch to make sure it’s working properly. At least once a year, hire a professional plumber to drain your well and clean the inside of the well and the pump. Your North Las Vegas plumber will also inspect the pump to make sure it is in good working condition.

You can help maintain the sump pump in your North Las Vegas home simply by keeping it clean!

Spanish Trails Plumbing Installation Guide: How to Replace the Kitchen Sink Spray Nozzle

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Replacing an old or broken spray nozzle in the kitchen sink in your Spanish Trails home is relatively easy and shouldn’t require many tools. Depending on the style of your old nozzle, you may need to replace the hose, but most models are universal and will work with your current hose. If the package tells you that you need to upgrade your hose, try installing the new nozzle before you buy a hose.

Some brands will also include the tools you will need to complete the project. Don’t buy pipe thread if you are not replacing the hose. All you will need is a pair of needle nose pliers and maybe a screwdriver.

1. Remove the Old Nozzle Head

You don’t necessarily have to turn off the water if you are just replacing the nozzle on your sprayer hose, but it would be a good idea to avoid accidentally turning on the faucet, which will cause the water to shoot out of the hose while the nozzle is off. Simply unscrew the old nozzle and look for a small metal clip that holds the rest of the housing in place (your new nozzle should have the same part and where to locate it in the instructions).

You will probably need needle nose pliers to pull this clip off. It looks like a horseshoe and will be located below the washers. Once you remove the clip, you can take off the base of the old nozzle. Look at how it is assembled as you remove it; your new one will have basically the same construction, so seeing how it is attached will help you install the new nozzle.

2. Unscrew the Mounting Nut and Replace Nozzle Base

The mounting nut is the large nut located under the sink just below the nozzle. It keeps the base of the nozzle in place. Hold down the base of the nozzle as you unscrew the mounting nut. This may be tricky depending on the design of your sink. You might want to get someone to hold the base in place so that you have better access to the mounting nut.

Once you unscrew the nut from the base, you can guide the hose through the opening in the sink to take slide off the old nut and replace it with the new mounting nut. Next, put the hose back through the hole and install the new base by screwing it into the new mounting nut.

3. Install New Nozzle

If you unscrew the top part of the nozzle from the bottom where the metal clip is attached (your instructions should label them with letters), you may find the washers inside or packaged separately with the clip. Slide the bottom part of the nozzle onto the hose and install the metal clip on the bottom ridge of the plastic part of the hose with the pliers. Next put the plastic washer around the tube, and then the rubber one. Then, simply screw on the top part of the nozzle and test it for leaks.

Don’t tighten the nozzle too much, because the parts are delicate and could break with too much pressure. If you can’t fit the nozzle on without leaks, you may need a different style hose.

When you are making any home improvements for your Spanish Trails home, feel free to call the experts Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance.

Sun City Anthem Plumbing Repair Tip: Warning Signs of Leaking or Broken Pipes

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

The plumbing system in your Sun City Anthem home consists of an extensive network of pipes and fixtures that can wear down over time, even if they are well-maintained. Your pipes should be inspected at least once a year, particularly in older homes.

Some broken or leaky pipes can be repaired easily, but you may need to replace your pipes. If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing system, call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing to speak with one of our certified plumbers.

Here are some warning signs of hidden leaks and broken pipes:

Abnormally High Water Bills

Unusual hikes in your water bill could indicate a leak, from broken or corroded pipes.  You should monitor your water bills to help you keep track of abnormal price increases.

Water Pressure

If you notice any sudden drops in water pressure, or if your washing machine or dishwasher takes longer to run through cycles, you could have a large leak in your pipe system. Call a plumber if it continues to be a problem.

Water Discoloration

While it could be sediment or mineral buildup getting through the municipal filtration system, water that contains red flakes or has a bitter taste could potentially indicate corrosion. You should call a professional plumber if this happens. Not only is it a health hazard, but you may need a pipe replacement.

Cast Iron Pipes in Older Homes

If you buy an older home with iron pipes, you should have them inspected by a certified plumber. Home inspectors can give a preliminary inspection, but they are not equipped or trained to provide a comprehensive inspection. Because cast iron pipes are made of rougher material than PVC piping, cast iron pipes tend to get clogged more easily, so you could have a potential disaster on your hands.

A professional plumber can provide a video camera inspection of your pipes to make sure there are no major clogs, root penetration, or corrosion on the inside of the pipe. This is why a professional plumber should handle any of the plumbing repairs in your Sun City Anthem home.

Call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing to handle all of your plumbing installation, repair, or maintenance needs.

Heat For The Holidays – Yes! Helping the Community

Monday, January 16th, 2012

This holiday season, Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing decided to give back to the community with a program called Heat for the Holidays, in which we offered our HVAC services to seniors in need. Here is an article that was published in the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada Newsletter that describes the program:

During the month of December, Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels clients were selected to participate in the Yes! Cares Senior Program. Yes Air Conditioning and Plumbing provided full inspections, home weatherization and heating products at no cost for homebound seniors. After recording a significant increase in the customers residing in senior developments throughout Las Vegas, Yes! Founder Kenneth Goodrich established the senior program as a way to offer support and resources to our community.

After inspection of a faulty unit at the Kendricks, Yes! secured a donation of a new HVAC unit from Goodman Manufacturing! Special thanks to Desert Crane for use of equipment and to Yes for completing the installation and making this all possible. THANK YOU!

“I call this, love in action,” stated Rosa.  Our clients are over joyed to have working heat!  Thank you for caring about the well being of those in need.

For the original article, check out the newsletter (page 3): http://www.catholiccharities.com/enewsletter/eNewsletterTwelve.pdf

Happy Martin Luther King Day from Your Las Vegas Plumbers!

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Happy Martin Luther King Day! Many people consider this day a call to service, and there are so different many ways you can help your community, from lending a hand to a neighbor to donating food. Take a moment to think about how you make a difference in someone’s life today; even a small act of kindness can have a big effect. Help us make our community a better place!

Spring Valley Plumbing Tip: Parts of a Toilet

Friday, January 13th, 2012

The majority of Spring Valley homeowners are not aware that they can repair most minor toilet problems on their own. Whether it’s overflowing or running more than it should, toilets can be repaired often without calling a plumber; however, it is important to know the basic parts of a toilet before trying to troubleshoot toilet issues.

Here’s a guide to learning the parts of a toilet:



Tank: Pictured above (inspectapedia.com) is the tank on the back of the toilet, which holds the water supply for the bowl and the components that you need to know to fix most problems.

Bowl: Holds wastewater and uses the water from the tank to flush the waste.

Flush Handle:  The flush handle is the part that everyone knows, but it’s important to know what happens when you flush: the flush handle is connected to the trip lever, which lifts the flapper and allows the water for the tank to enter the bowl.

Trip Lever: The trip lever is the part that you need to know for a running toilet. It attaches the flush handle to the flapper, and when you flush the toilet, this lever lifts the flapper (sometimes called a flapper valve) and releases the water from the tank into the bowl to force the wastewater in the bowl down the sewer drain. When a toilet is running, you can simply lift the trip lever to lower the water level in the tank.

Float Ball: The float ball basically measures the water in the tank. After you flush, the ball will fall as the water level lowers, and the ball will rise again as the tank fills from the toilet main water supply. When the tank has enough water, the toilet will stop running.

Overflow Tube: This is the tube that will stop the tank from overflowing if the toilet is running. It leads into the drain and pushes out all the excess water. Sometimes you can remove the rubber water supply tube from the overflow tube to keep a toilet from overflowing if you are not able to shut off the main water valve behind the toilet.

Flapper Valve: This is the part to know whenever you have an overflowing toilet or a backup. The flapper is attached to the flush handle by a chain and the trip lever. Whenever the flapper is pushed down, the water cannot leave the tank, so when you flush, it creates a suction to pressurize the water entering the bowl so that it has enough force to flush the waste. If your toilet is overflowing, push the flapper down with your hand so that it stops the water from entering the bowl. Most people are afraid to put their hands in the tank because they associate the tank water with the water in the bowl. The water in the toilet tank is clean because it comes from the main water supply line, which is attached to the stop valve.

Stop Valve: This is also called the toilet supply valve because it controls the fresh water supply going into the tank. It is usually located behind the toilet near the floor, and turning it off is another way to stop an overflowing toilet because the tank cannot fill once it is turned off.  It is attached to the supply tube, which attaches to the refill tube.

Supply Tube: Although the supply tube and refill tube are connected, they are two different parts. People often use their names interchangeable, but what’s most important to know is that the supply tube supplies the water from the main line and into the refill tube, which refills the bowl.

Refill Tube: When the float ball is down, the refill tube fills the bowl with the water from the supply tube. After a flush, the ball rises, and when it reaches a certain level, the refill tube stops the flow of water into the bowl.

Trap: The trap is a seal that prevents backflow and strong odors from the main sewage line. If you smell sewage in your bathroom, particularly near the toilet, you could have a bad seal or faulty trap. Troubleshooting a trap usually requires a plumber, unless you are familiar with toilet installation.

Wax Ring: Another cause for bad odors is the wax ring, which is a seal between the toilet and the sewage line. A faulty wax ring could also cause leaking at the bottom of the toilet. Call a plumber whenever you aren’t sure about leaking toilets or strong sewer odors; there could be a problem in the main sewer line.

Call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing if you have any questions about these components, or if you want to trouble shoot with one of our qualified Spring Valley plumbers.

Congrats Kenneth D. Goodrich – CSN Foundation Announces 2012 Legacy of Achievement Honorees

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Kenneth Goodrich, founder of Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing, has been awarded the Legacy of Achievement award by the College of Southern Nevada! Here is the article about it published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

The College of Southern Nevada Foundation Board of Trustees announced today the 2012 Legacy of Achievement award recipients.

The 2012 honorees are Henderson Municipal Court Judge Diana D. Hampton, Western Zone President for American Residential Services Kenneth D. Goodrich, CSN Fine Arts Department Chair Richard McGee, Ph.D., and Sunbelt Communications Co. Executive Vice President of News Robert “Bob” Stoldal.

Recipients, who will have an endowed scholarship at CSN in each of their names, are selected by trustees based on the overall and lasting impact of their contributions locally, statewide and nationally.

“The impact that these four have had on the community is astounding and worthy of recognition,” said Peter O’Neill, CSN Foundation board of trustees chair and corporate director of public relations at R&R Partners. “The Foundation’s legacy honorees are true role models in Southern Nevada. The 2012 recipients have demonstrated significant contributions to civic engagement and support of life-long learning.”

The honorees will receive their awards at the May 12 Legacy of Achievement Gala at the Rio. The CSN Foundation organizes the gala each year to raise funds for CSN scholarships and programs. The Legacy of Achievement program was initiated in 2007 and the annual gala has raised almost $2 million to fund CSN scholarships and programs.

Judge Diana D. Hampton

Judge Diana Hampton, a CSN alumna, became the first female judge in Henderson following her successful election in 2005. She was subsequently re-elected last year. Handling adult and juvenile offenders, Judge Hampton frequently advocates education as a solution and encourages many to work toward their GED or attend CSN. A living testament to how education can change lives, Judge Hampton has also brought new programs to Henderson Municipal Court to help educate youth about safe driving and the consequences of poor decision-making.

Kenneth D. Goodrich

Kenneth Goodrich, Western Zone president for American Residential Services and Founder of Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing, is a Las Vegas native. Throughout his 20-year career, he has made an indelible impact on the Las Vegas Valley through his business acumen and HVAC expertise.

In fall 2009, he donated $100,000 to establish the CSN J. Duncan Goodrich Air Conditioning Technology Endowment, then garnered $50,000 in cash and in-kind donations from community partners and pledged to obtain $150,000 more for the CSN Air Conditioning Technology Program. The CSN J. Duncan Goodrich HVAC Lab is named after his late father — also a key member of the HVAC community — in honor of the Goodrich family’s significant contribution to education.

Richard McGee

CSN Fine Arts Department Chair Richard “Dick” McGee, Ph.D., enjoyed a significant music career on the Las Vegas Strip, where he played thousands of performances with stars such as Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Burt Bacharach and Johnny Mathis. He began teaching at CSN in 1989 and founded the Nevada Symphonic Wind Ensemble in 1987.

He helped found the Las Vegas Philharmonic and served as associate conductor until 2010. He created the Philharmonic’s Youth Concert Series, which, over 12 years, brought more than 150,000 young people to the concert hall to hear live symphonic music. He serves more than 6,000 students per semester in the areas of art, music, dance and theater at CSN.

Robert “Bob” Stoldal

Executive Vice President of News at Sunbelt Communications Co. Bob Stoldal is a legend in the Nevada news industry. An award-winning journalist and broadcast manager who is the former vice president of news at KLAS Television, he was instrumental in the drive to allow public access to judicial and governmental proceedings through television broadcasting.

He was elected to the Nevada Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1998. Nationally, he has helped to launch 24-hour news channels in Tennessee and Virginia and has served on the National Committee on Ethics in Television and as a board member of the National Committee on Civic Journalism.

“Future community leaders will benefit from the educational opportunities afforded by scholarships created in each Legacy of Achievement recipient’s name,” O’Neill said. “Their impact on Nevada will benefit generations of students for years to come.”

The CSN Foundation is a nonprofit organization led by community volunteers. The Foundation is dedicated to providing resources to support students and programs at CSN. Founded in 1982, the CSN Foundation has also provided donations of cash and equipment to build the many classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums and academic buildings at the college’s three main campuses and many sites and centers.

To see the original article, visit the Las Vegas Review-Journal website: http://www.lvrj.com/special_sections/csn-foundation-announces-2012-legacy-of-achievement-honorees-137077478.html?ref=478