Ask Mike http://askmikecounsil.com Got a plumbing question? Ask Mike! Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:47:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Dustin Says: My showerhead is grimy and lopsided..what’s up with that? http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/grimy-showerhea/ http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/grimy-showerhea/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:47:41 +0000 lauren http://askmikecounsil.com/?p=81 Continue reading »]]> Mike Says: Sounds like years of buildup of hard water mineral deposits they eventually damage showerheads. You might try removing the showerhead and soak it in white vinegar for ½ hour loosens the deposits with a scrub brush and a toothpick to unplug holies. If that doesn’t work buy a new showerhead. To prevent the buildup of minerals on your fixtures you may consider installing a water softener. The new No salt water softeners are very efficient.

]]> http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/grimy-showerhea/feed/ 146 Betty Says: My refrigerator is constantly running what can I do? http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/refrigerator-running/ http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/refrigerator-running/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:42:44 +0000 lauren http://askmikecounsil.com/?p=79 Continue reading »]]> Mike Says: In a healthy fridge the air is coiled by refrigerant, a chemical that surges through two pairs of coils. One absorbs heat and the other releases it outside your fridge. Your coils may be so clogged with link and dust that they can’t cool efficiently. Unplug the fridge, get on all fours and look for a vent. It will be located on the bottom of your unit (front or in some models the back) Remove the filter cover and gently vacuum.

]]> http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/refrigerator-running/feed/ 207 Mary says: How dangerous is a clogged drain? http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/mary-says-how-dangerous-is-a-clogged-drain/ http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/mary-says-how-dangerous-is-a-clogged-drain/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:33:57 +0000 lauren http://askmikecounsil.com/?p=74 Continue reading »]]> Mike says:  What’s important to know is that clogs can damage your pipes. When the clog solidifies it then becomes highly corrosive and ultimately thins the pipe. Chronic clogs can burst the pipes and cause serious home damage.
Clear the clog immediately with any over the counter product if that does not work call the office and we’ll send a plumber out right away.

]]> http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/15/mary-says-how-dangerous-is-a-clogged-drain/feed/ 167 Donovan says: Do I really need to install a dedicated gas line if I am installing a tankless water heater? If so why won’t my existing gas line be good enough? http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/07/need-to-install-a-dedicated-gas-lin/ http://askmikecounsil.com/2010/09/07/need-to-install-a-dedicated-gas-lin/#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:01:16 +0000 lauren http://askmikecounsil.com/?p=43 Continue reading »]]> Yes you do need a dedicated gas line when you are installing a tankless water heater. Your regular tank water heaters require approximately 40,000 to 60,000 btu’s to run. A tankless water heater, in many cases, uses up to 199,000 btu’s to operate correctly. If you install a tankless water heater on an existing non-dedicated line, the tankless water heater may be starved for gas and carbon will build up in the heat exchanger. This can ruin your tankless water heater in as soon as 2 years. Installing a tankless water heater on an existing non-dedicated line in many cases will void the warranty. If you are thinking about a tankless water heater, always have it installed by a plumbing company certified by the manufaturer to install their product.

Thanks for the question
Mike

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