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5 Things You Should Know About Big Bear Heating

Posted on December 10, 2017 7:00 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

After three decades in the heating and air business, we’ve heard many myths when it comes to keeping a home heated and cooled. Homeowners are always interested in saving money on utilities, but they may not always know the best way to do it. We want our customers to be comfortable, but we also want them to save as much money as possible on their bills. That’s money they can spend on more important things, like vacations and new cars.

We’re here to dispel myths and help you learn the truth about what you can do to reduce utility bills and maximize your heating system’s efficiency. Here are a few tips from our top technicians.

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How to Choose the Right Type of Tankless Water Heater in Big Bear

Posted on November 19, 2017 7:00 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

Big Bear draws people from across the country, whether they’re coming for a vacation or relocating to the area permanently. On a snowy winter day, nothing feels better than a warm shower or bath, but traditional water heaters can have difficulty handling the demand an entire family can put on it.

For a variety of reasons, many Big Bear homeowners have opted to shift to Tankless Water Heaters, which save money and space. If you’re one of those homeowners, it’s important to consider the most important features during your search. Here are a few of the top considerations when choosing a tankless water heater.

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Tankless Water Heaters vs. Traditional Water Heaters in Big Bear

Posted on November 05, 2017 7:00 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

Big Bear is a great place to live and vacation, whether you’re spending time on the lake or enjoying a weekend on the ski slopes. Due to its popularity, the area has also attracted a large number of homes, leading to a demand for all of the basic amenities every homeowner needs.

One of those amenities is a water heater, which is usually added during initial construction. Like all household appliances, though, water heaters have a limited lifespan, with the average unit needing replacement at least once a decade. As Big Bear residents near the end of their water heater’s lifecycle, many are facing an important decision. Should they replace their traditional water heater with the same type or make the move to tankless?

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What You Should Know About Indoor Air Quality

Posted on October 30, 2017 6:07 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

The bottom line about indoor air quality is that what you don’t know can hurt you. As a Big Bear homeowner, your to-do list is probably a long one. However, this does not mean that you should ignore the fact that you need to get proactive about improving the quality of air that you and your loved ones are breathing.

Nor should this be a project that you put off until a more convenient time. If you could physically see the contaminants in your air, you would probably be a lot more motivated to start making a change. However, in the same way, that you take precautionary measures to improve your water with a filtration system, the same care should be invested into the air you are exposed to.

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How to Tell if you Need Big Bear Drain Cleaning Services

Posted on October 30, 2017 6:05 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

Dirty, clogged drains and pipes can cause a number of other problems throughout your entire plumbing system. Depending on how clogged they’ve gotten, you most likely need a professional Big Bear drain cleaning, and you may need to replace your pipes altogether.

If you’re planning any home renovations that include any part of your plumbing, you’ll want to make sure your drains and pipes are in good condition first. You’ll definitely need to replace your pipes if you’re installing new flooring, cabinets, or any plumbing fixtures. But how can you tell if you have clogged pipes?

Sluggish Water Flow

Clogged pipes and drains will most likely require a professional Big Bear drain cleaning, so it’s important that you are able to determine whether you need those services. The first thing to check is your water flow. If water isn’t flowing as smoothly or with as much pressure as it should, the problem is most likely a clog. Homeowners often blame “low water pressure” for what is actually a problem with clogged and dirty drains. Water pressure should be the same throughout your home and in all the homes in your area. If you notice water pressure levels that don’t conform to these rule, you’ll need a Big Bear drain cleaning.

Water Pressure Consistency

Check the water throughout your home and make sure the water pressure levels are the same. If you find one faucet that has a worse flow than the rest, you should investigate further. You should also check your drains if a neighbor has water pressure that is higher than yours. Without adequate water flow, regardless of the water pressure, whirlpool tubs, showers, and toilets are incapable of working properly. Before installing new fixtures, make sure your drains are in good condition. Get a professional to perform a Big Bear drain cleaning if necessary, or you may compromise the quality of your new fixtures. There’s also a chance that your pipes are to blame, and you may need to have them replaced in all or part of your home.

Helpful Drain Cleaning Hints:

If you do replace your pipes, keep these tips in mind:

  • Plastic pipe will be much easier to work with than metal.
  • PVC pipe can only be used for cold water. Be sure you use the PVC pipe made for drinking water if that’s what you need.
  • ABS pipe can be connected to several different kinds of metal pipe. Usually, however, it’s used in bathrooms for waste removal and drain.
  • PEX can carry hot or cold water and is a great choice for home interiors.
  • CPVC is mainly used for hot water and is a great substitute for copper pipe.
  • Galvanized steel used to be used for water supply lines, but it was discovered to be susceptible to corrosion and mineral deposits. There’s a good chance galvanized steel pipes are what you’re replacing!

Don’t underestimate the problems that clogged drains can cause. Every aspect of your plumbing system relies on adequate water flow. Have a professional perform a Big Bear drain cleaning as soon as possible, or you’ll see the problems get worse.

How to Tell if You Need Your Big Bear Furnace Replaced

Posted on October 30, 2017 6:04 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

In order for them to run efficiently and have the least problems possible, furnaces require maintenance almost constantly. Most homeowners wait until they’ve noticed a big problem before calling in a professional, which makes it difficult to keep up with the necessary maintenance.

Regular furnace inspections and tune-ups should be performed by a professional at least once a year. It’s the only way you’ll be able to ensure your furnace lasts as long as possible.

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How to Have the Most Efficient Big Bear Air Conditioner

Posted on October 30, 2017 6:03 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

When the summer months start to move in, making sure your air conditioning system is in excellent condition should be a priority. If your Big Bear air conditioner isn’t running efficiently, your cooling costs will be much higher than they need to be.

Cooling your home is a huge percentage of your energy costs during the summer, so saving there can drastically lower the entire bill. There’s a chance you’ll need to have professional Big Bear air conditioner repairs. But aside from that, these are some things you can do to ensure you’re saving as much as possible on your cooling costs:

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What You Should Know About Big Bear Lake Kitchen Plumbing

Posted on October 30, 2017 6:02 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

Your Big Bear Lake kitchen is one of the main focal points of your home and so it only makes sense that the plumbing that goes into it is room is very important. Kitchens have become the central gathering place for families to catch up and talk about their day. It’s a place to grab a coffee and spend a quiet moment alone. And it is a space where, some families, create great holiday feasts or culinary masterpieces for their budding catering business.

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Saving Your Water Heater: Repairs to the Plumbing That Are Cost Effective in Big Bear Lake

Posted on October 30, 2017 5:59 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

We often do not think about our Big Bear Lake water heaters until something goes wrong with them and they need to be repaired. Most of us do not even do anything about them even when they do need repairs as that often ends up in a replacement.

Repairs and maintenance can preserve a water tank as most last about 15 years and that’s it. They clunk out without warning in most cases. This is why plumbing experts are there to help save your water tank from needing to be replaced.

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The Most Common Big Bear City Bathroom Plumbing Issues

Posted on October 30, 2017 5:56 PM by Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating

The bathroom in your home should be a relaxing place where you can complete your morning routine in peace. However, all too often, your Big Bear City bathroom does not function the way it should. Most of the time, the cause of these malfunctions is your bathroom plumbing.

When plumbing fixtures start to fail, pipes begin to decay and your drains are no longer draining, the only thing you can do is hire a professional plumber to address these plumbing issues.

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