How To Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Kitchen Drains

February 6th, 2023
water-running-down-a-drain

Drain flies are a common issue in New Jersey. These unsightly bugs tend to congregate in kitchens and bathrooms. Although they’re harmless, they’re not pleasant to look at or deal with–especially when you’re trying to prepare food, entertain guests, and eat. 

You might be wondering why drain flies have decided to invade your home and if it has anything to do with your home’s cleanliness. Unfortunately, the two aren’t related. Even the most sparkling-clean homes can suffer from drain flies. 

If you have drain flies around your kitchen or bathroom drains, here are some DIY methods to try. Drain flies can be a sign of a bigger issue developing in your plumbing. If these tips don’t help, don’t despair. You can always rely on the plumbing technicians at Max Sr and Paul Schoenwalder for drain cleaning in South Orange.

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What’s the Harm of a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger?

January 23rd, 2023
gas-burners-inside-a-gas-furnace

The need for furnace repair in Warren, NJ never seems to come at a convenient time. Although there are some furnace issues that can wait a bit, there are some potential problems that should be addressed immediately. One of these is a cracked heat exchanger. 

If you have a gas furnace, a cracked heat exchanger is a safety issue that can pose potential health hazards to you and your family. Let’s take an in-depth look at this essential part of your furnace. By knowing the signs of a cracked heat exchanger, you’ll know when to call for immediate furnace repairs. 

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How To Avoid Furnace Repairs This Season

January 9th, 2023
woman-looking-comfortable-in-home-in-winter

The winter weather is here to stay and some people are glad about that, and some people aren’t so happy about it. But if you love or loathe cold weather, there’s one thing you all have in common, and that’s the need for a reliable furnace. 

When the temperatures drop below freezing, you need a reliable furnace to keep your home warm and cozy. A furnace you can depend on isn’t a luxury in New Jersey; it’s an absolute necessity. How confident are you in your furnace’s ability to warm your home through the start of the new year with no interruption in service?

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5 Signs Your Heat Pump Is Suffering

December 26th, 2022

A heat pump is one of the most convenient and efficient home comfort systems out there. If you own a home with a heat pump, you’re probably aware of its many benefits. A heat pump is the workhorse of the home, putting in double duty to heat your home in the winter and cool it down in the summer.  

Unfortunately, just like other heating and cooling systems, heat pumps don’t last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. What are the signs you may need heat pump replacement in your Union, NJ home sooner than later? Here are 5 signs to be aware of.

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Strange Things Plumbers Have Found in Drains

December 12th, 2022
hand gripping drain pipe

There are various drain clogs and stoppages that plumbers see all the time: soap scum in bathroom sinks, food waste in kitchen sinks, and foreign objects in toilets. But every plumber has a story about truly strange things they’ve found in drains and garbage disposals.

Here are a few things that are unusual–and some that are weird but still fairly common. Perhaps you’re guilty of a few of these, but by reading about these examples you can hopefully avoid plumbing repairs in your home.

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Features to Look for in a New Furnace

November 28th, 2022

couple-coffee-floor-paint-samplesChoosing the latest and greatest technology when it comes to something like a cell phone or a smart TV is a matter of convenience and, let’s admit it, fun. You picked out that smartphone with the high megapixel camera because you love showing off your awesome photos, or you got that new TV to watch the big game in a way you never have before.

However, when it comes time to pick out a new furnace, you might not be so excited to go for the latest and greatest technology. After all, you won’t be looking at the furnace, and heat is heat, right? We certainly don’t think so. While it may not be as flashy as some of the other technology in a home, a new furnace with the latest features can certainly help you feel more comfortable and save money. It’s worth it!

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Tips for Boosting Heating Efficiency

November 14th, 2022
technician-working-on-furnace

Winter weather is right around the corner, and chances are that you’re going to use your heater a lot this season. That’s just a part of living in our area, right? Well yes, but paying an arm and a leg to use that heater certainly shouldn’t be a part of living in our area. But the fact of the matter is, that’s what many homeowners are doing, through no fault of their own. Too often, we see individuals use their heaters inefficiently, and they end up paying more in energy costs, repair bills, and premature replacement costs as a result.

So what can you do to avoid all this? Do you need to spend a lot of money to avoid spending a lot of money? Not at all! There are some very cost-effective and even free things you can do to boost efficiency and lower costs. Read on!

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How Do You Know If You Need Furnace Repairs?

October 17th, 2022

white-question-mark-on-blue-circleThe time of year for using our furnaces on a regular basis is here. Hopefully, you already scheduled furnace maintenance this year. Professional maintenance will help your heating system work as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible. It even reduces repair needs by as much as 85%!

Of course, just like any other important piece of equipment, your furnace will have some wear and tear over the years. So, it’s important to understand the signs that you need furnace repairs. These signs can include strange noises, cold spots in your home, low airflow, or anything that is outside of the normal operation you’ve come to expect. Read on to learn more!

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“How To Clean My Drains Myself”

October 3rd, 2022

water-flowing-down-kitchen-sink-drainYou’re probably not going to like what you’re about to hear–but bear with us!

One of the most commonly searched-for phrases online in regards to plumbing is how to “DIY” plumbing repairs, including drain cleaning. You’re going to find results. In fact, there are probably going to be thousands of results that come up!

But… any of those results that recommend you buy a bottle of chemical drain solution or try baking soda and vinegar for a clogged drain should be ignored.

The latter can be effective for a smelly drain, and we’ll talk about that in a bit… but for truly effective drain cleaning that won’t end up doing more harm than good, we actually recommend nixing that bottle of liquid drain cleaning “solution” you got at the store, and instead giving our number a call. Read on to learn why!

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It’s Time to Schedule This Heating Service!

September 19th, 2022

hand-writing-in-calendarHave you pulled out the sweaters, hoodies, and boots yet? If not, you will soon because fall is making its appearance here in Kenilworth, NJ. While the trees are changing colors and preparing to drop their leaves, most property owners are adding “schedule heater maintenance” to their to-do lists. If you own a home or rental property, there are a few good reasons that you should do the same.

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