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How to protect your pipes from freezing this winter

Washington cold snaps don't last long, but one night below freezing is enough to split a pipe.

• Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets.
• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages and attics.
• On very cold nights, let a faucet drip and open cabinet doors under sinks.
• Know where your main water shut-off is before you need it.

If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water and call us right away — we're available 24/7.

Signs your water heater needs attention

Most tank water heaters last around 8 to 12 years. Catching problems early can save you from a cold shower or a flooded garage.

• Rusty or discolored hot water.
• Rumbling or popping noises from the tank.
• Water pooling around the base.
• Hot water running out faster than it used to.

Flushing the tank once a year removes sediment and helps it last longer.

What not to put down your drains

Most clogs could have been avoided. Keep these out of sinks and toilets:

• Cooking grease and oil — it hardens in the pipes.
• Coffee grounds and eggshells.
• "Flushable" wipes, paper towels and cotton swabs.
• Fibrous foods like celery and potato peels in the disposal.

Slow drains in more than one fixture can mean a sewer line issue — that's a job for a plumber.

When to call a plumber instead of DIY

A plunger and some patience fix plenty of small problems, but call a professional for:

• A burst pipe or water you can't shut off.
• The smell of gas near a water heater or furnace — leave the house first, then call.
• Sewage backing up into tubs or floor drains.
• No hot water or no heat in cold weather.

Do you need a home water filter?

City water in our area is treated and tested, but many homeowners still choose filtration for taste, smell or peace of mind. It's worth considering if you notice:

• A chlorine taste or smell.
• Spots or white crust on faucets and shower glass (hard water).
• Rust-colored stains, or older pipes in the home.
• You're on a private well.

For well water, have it tested first so the filter matches what's actually in your water.

Whole-house vs. under-sink filters

The right choice depends on what you want to fix.

• Under-sink or faucet filters treat drinking and cooking water at one tap. Lower cost and easy upkeep.
• Whole-house systems treat every tap, shower and appliance. Good for sediment, chlorine and protecting fixtures.
• Water softeners target hard-water minerals that leave scale in pipes and water heaters.
• Reverse osmosis removes the widest range of contaminants, usually for drinking water only.

Keeping your filter system working

A filter that's past its life can do more harm than good.

• Replace cartridges on the schedule in the manual — often every 3 to 6 months.
• Notice lower water pressure? A clogged filter is a common cause.
• Write the change date on the housing so you don't lose track.
• Sanitize the housing when you change cartridges.

Get your furnace ready before the cold hits

The first cold morning is the worst time to find out your furnace won't start. Each fall:

• Replace the air filter.
• Turn the system on and listen for unusual noises or smells.
• Clear boxes and clutter away from the furnace and vents.
• Test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
• Schedule a yearly tune-up to check burners, safety controls and airflow.

How often should you change your furnace filter?

A clean filter is the cheapest way to protect your system and lower your bill.

• Basic 1-inch filters: about every 1 to 3 months.
• Thicker 4 to 5-inch media filters: about every 6 to 12 months.
• Change more often with pets, allergies, or nearby construction or wildfire smoke.

Hold it up to the light — if you can't see through it, it's time.

Warning signs your furnace needs repair

Call for service if you notice:

• Rooms that won't stay warm or the furnace running constantly.
• Banging, squealing or rattling noises.
• A yellow, flickering burner flame instead of steady blue.
• Rising heating bills without a change in use.
• A burning or gas smell — leave the house and call right away.

Spring checklist for your air conditioner

A little prep before summer helps your AC run efficiently on the hottest days.

• Replace the indoor air filter.
• Clear leaves, grass and debris from around the outdoor unit — keep about two feet clear.
• Gently rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose (power off first).
• Make sure the condensate drain line isn't clogged.
• Book a yearly tune-up to check refrigerant and electrical parts.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

Before you call, check these common causes:

• The thermostat is set to "cool" and below room temperature.
• A dirty air filter is blocking airflow.
• The outdoor unit is blocked or its breaker has tripped.
• Ice on the lines — turn the system off and let it thaw.

If it still isn't cooling, it may be low refrigerant or a failing part — give us a call.

Tips to lower your cooling bills

Small habits add up over a summer.

• Set the thermostat a few degrees higher when you're away.
• Close blinds on sunny sides of the house during the day.
• Use ceiling fans to feel cooler at a higher setting.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows.
• Keep up with filter changes and yearly maintenance.