Shakley Mechanical

Often times we think about the plumbing inside of our house but what about outside of our home? Sure, chances are the outdoor parts of your home don't have as many outdoor plumbing fixtures, but they are just as important. Fall brings a few important things to do to protect the integrity of your outdoor plumbing. Many times they get overlooked until just before winter, until there's an issue, or missed completely. We want to make sure your outdoor plumbing is taken care of though.

1. Outdoor Faucets -- Outdoor faucets are one of the most prone to freezing which can lead to bigger issues with the plumbing inside your house. Switching the water supply off and draining the pipe can prevent water from laying there and freezing. Covering the faucets with styrofoam for insulation also protects them. You can pick up foam faucet igloos at most hardware and home improvement stores.

2. Hoses -- Proper storage of garden and garage hoses can help them last longer. By leaving water lay in…

While we're enjoying the final warm days of summer, it's important to think about the looming cool temperatures. We like to remind homeowners to switch their home furnace on before it's time to need it, even just for a few hours. This lets you know everything is in working order, and time to fix anything that isn't quite right. Sure, you'll be able to tell if it's putting out warm air but there's much more to check before winter sets in.

There are a few things that should ideally be done before switching your furnace on for a trial run.

1. Change your filters - You'll want to be sure your furnace has new filters for its sake, and your own. A clean filter ensures that excess dust and dirt particles don't make their way into your furnace causing build-up. They also help keep dirt, dust, and other airborne allergens out and keep your air quality high. Filters should be changed continually ever 2-3 months during use.

2. Clean the furnace - Cleaning are…

The transition to fall is one of our favorites. Cooler days mean a lot of homes open their windows to enjoy the fresh air giving the perfect opportunity to do some maintenance on your homes air conditioner after the harsh summer months, and furnace before the temperatures drop. Some things should be handled by the pros of Shakley, but here’s a few of our best do it yourself tips.
Clean Around Your Outdoor Units – Making sure there is a clear space of 2-3 feet around them is key for their use. Be sure to clear off any debris like leaves and ensure there is drain ability for snow and ice.
Air Filters – Replace your air filters with high efficiency pleated filters that are far more effective when it comes to filtering out dust, pollen, mold, dander, and any other nasty particles.
Humidifier Filters – While changing air filters, it is a good habit to change out your humidifier filter to be sure it is putting clean moisture into your home.
Turn On the Furnace – It is best to turn your furnace…

As a homeowner, we know it’s scary facing anything that could potentially damage your home. Knowing what problems are common for others can help you quickly identify the issues your home may have and call a professional to repair them. Emergencies are never a good thing, however, plumbing emergencies are even worse. 
Clogged Drain A clogged drain; whether it’s in the shower, sink, or basement floor, is probably the MOST common plumbing issue you can have. Usually, you can easily fix this problem yourself using a snake or clog dissolving product. However, if the issue persists it may be best to contact a plumber.
Clogged Toilet The toilet is probably the most used plumbing fixture in any home, so it’s understandable that toilet issues would be common based on use. DIY toilet fixes can be helpful in a pinch, but a persistent issue can lead to leaks, water damage, or sewage backups.
Leaks A leaky faucet or any other fixture may seem like a small problem at the beginning. A couple drops of wate…