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Leaky Hot Water Tank? Cummings Plumbing Explains What to do Before the Plumber Gets There

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Leaky hot water tanks are a common occurrence in many households. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation, such as when you spot a leak, is important in order to keep your house safe and free from damage. 

Cummings Plumbing Heating & Cooling is a plumbing and HVAC company based in Tucson, Arizona. Their specialty lies in repairing and installing residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. They provide a few tips on what to do when you have a leaky hot water tank. 

Figure Out the Source of the Leak

Notice a leak in your hot water tank? The first course of action is to determine the source of the leak. Cummings Plumbing Heating & Cooling of Tucson, Arizona, claims that more often than not, it isn’t actually your hot water tank leaking, but something else. Whatever you do, don’t panic. Instead, take the time necessary to figure out where the leak might be coming from and if it is even a leak that you’re dealing with. For example, not all water found at the base of a hot water tank is necessarily a leak. Sometimes condensation can form and as it builds, it causes droplets of water to land on the floor. In addition, something else, such as the water softener discharge lines, furnace drain lines, or another plumbing issue could be the cause of the leak. In order to determine the source, dry the area and then inspect the hot water tank for signs of a leak. If you don’t notice anything obvious, inspect any other possible sources (remember to look up as water will always drip down). If you still aren’t sure, place some paper towels on the floor over the area where you found the original puddle of water. Check back every few hours to see if any water has returned. If the water doesn’t return after a day or two, it was likely just a build up of condensation; however, if it returns and you haven’t found any other obvious leak, then it is more likely your hot water tank.

Turn Off the Power

As soon as you have determined that your hot water tank is responsible for the leak, Cummings Plumbing of Tucson, Arizona, claims that your next course of action should be to turn off the power supply to the hot water tank. If you have an electric water heater, there should be an “off” switch for your water heater on the circuit breaker box. Alternatively, if you have a gas water heater, you should be able to find an “off” switch or dial on the tank itself, usually towards the bottom. Ideally, you want to avoid turning off the gas shut-off valve, as these can be quite finicky and hard to turn back on.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Cummings Plumbing’s final piece of advice for a DIY repair of your leaky hot water tank is to turn off the water supply. Before a plumber arrives, do your best to turn off the water supply to your house by turning the cold water shut-off valve to “off.” Typically, cold water shut-off valves either have a handle that you will pull down on or a dial that can be turned clockwise. It’s important to note here that Cummings Plumbing does not recommend closing the cold water shut-off valve if you can’t reach it without coming into contact with water. Thus, if you’re unable to turn it off, then your only option will be to turn off the house’s main shut-off valve; however, this will cut off any and all water supply to your house. One benefit to shutting off the main water supply valve is that it should completely stop, or at the very least, slow down the leak. 

Emergency Plumbing: What to Do with a Leaky Pipe

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A leaky pipe is one of the most common plumbing issues people face. However, very few people know the proper way to go about fixing one. Worse, in a plumbing emergency, every second counts, which can make matters even more stressful if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, a plumbing and HVAC company based in Tucson, Arizona, provide their expertise on fixing pipes. The company specializes in repairing and installing all types of units, including plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. 

Step One: Turn Off the Water Supply Valve 

According to Cummings Plumbing, the very first step in fixing a leaky or burst pipe should be to turn off the water supply valve. Before starting to fix the problem, you first need to ensure that no water is going to spurt out at you, so locating and switching off the supply water valve is a must. If you aren’t sure which water supply valve supplies the water to the specific pipe that is leaking, then it’s best just to shut off the main supply valve for the time being. From there, you can buy yourself some time until a plumber arrives. 

Step Two: Clean Up the Mess

Whether you have a minor leak with drops of water slowly seeping out or a sudden burst resulting in a small flood in your kitchen, cleaning up the mess should be the second step in fixing your leaky pipe. Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Tucson, Arizona, recommends not only cleaning up the bottom of the cabinet where the water might be concentrated, but also the leaky pipe itself and any surrounding fixtures. Further, you’ll want to mop up the floor if any water has spread there and clear out the cabinet and surrounding areas where your plumber will have to work. 

Step Three: Assess and Smooth Out the Leaky Pipe

Now that the area is clean, it’s time to prepare your leaky pipe for your temporary patch. Before you patch up a leaky pipe, you must take time to assess and properly prepare the area for the patch. This includes checking to make sure there is no rust, limescale, or rough edges on the surface of the pipe, as well as using sandpaper to smooth out any build up on the pipe. This will not only be good for your pipes in the long term, but it will make your temporary patch more effective and give it a better chance of holding up against water flow, should you need to turn your water back on before a plumber can fix it. 

Step Four: Seal the Leak Via a Temporary Patch

The fourth and final step regarding what to do with a leaky pipe is to seal the leak using a temporary patch. If you don’t have time to wait for a plumber and want to take matters into your own hands, Cummings Plumbing of Tucson, Arizona, recommends temporarily sealing the pipes by using plumber’s epoxy, available at most local hardware stores. All you need to do before applying it to your pipe is to mix it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Remember to mold the silly putty-like epoxy to fit the gap in your pipe exactly. Then, smooth out the edges and let it dry for however long as the instructions dictate. Applying this seal or patch is a great way to fix the problem temporarily; however, it isn’t a long term solution. While doing the proper research, including reading articles like these, can help you temporarily fix a leaky pipe on your own, it is possible to make things worse if you don’t know what you’re doing. Thus, if you’re ever unsure of your DIY plumbing skills, it is highly recommended that you call a professional. 

Top DIY Plumbing Mistakes

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Who doesn’t love a “do it yourself” project? Most people are intrigued by the idea of taking on a DIY task, especially one that might save them money and help them learn something new along the way. However, when it comes to the complicated art of plumbing, taking a DIY approach can be an unmitigated disaster, especially if you fail to do the necessary research in advance. 

Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling is a plumbing and HVAC company based in Tucson, Arizona, whose specialty is repairing and installing residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. Cummings Plumbing has been proudly serving their customers for nearly four decades, having first opened their doors in 1983. Needless to say, they know what they’re doing when it comes to all things plumbing. This makes them the perfect company to provide their expertise on the subject of DIY plumbing. The company highlights what they view as the top three DIY plumbing mistakes. 

Overtightening Connections

According to Cummings Plumbing, the top DIY plumbing mistake is when people over tighten connections. Connections, such as pipes, supply tubes, and fittings, need to be watertight in order to function properly. And so, people think that in order to make them watertight, they should tighten them more than necessary. This is a mistake, as often these connections already come with a watertight seal and tightening them more is not only unnecessary but can actually damage the fittings and break the rubber or plastic washers used to create the seal. Further, tightening a pipe too much can also lead to cracked plastic fittings, which makes the entire thing useless. Such a crack may not occur immediately, but the excessive force caused by the tightening can be enough to weaken it until a few weeks later, it cracks and you’re dealing with a flood. 

Over Relying on Drain Cleaner

Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Tucson, Arizona, shares the second most common DIY plumbing mistake: over relying on drain cleaner. While chemical drain cleaners can sometimes be effective at eliminating minor clogs, they ultimately do more harm than good when it comes to your pipes. This is because the harsh chemicals drain cleaners contain can significantly damage the pipes and fixtures, especially if you use too much at one time or use it regularly. In addition, if the drain cleaner doesn’t clear up the clog, then it might just be left sitting on top of the drain, which presents a toxic danger to anyone within close contact, even creating a breathing hazard. Instead, when you have a clogged drain, you should either use a drain snake or other barbed drain cleaning tool, or if that isn’t an option, create a concoction out of natural cleaning ingredients, such as vinegar, baking soda, salt, and hot water to ease the problem.

Failing to Turn off the Water

Turning off the water might seem like plumbing 101, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this small but crucial step. Tarizurning off the water should be the very first step in any DIY plumbing project. Failure to do so can result in an expensive disaster, where water sprays from a loosened pipe connection or pours freely out of a pipe after a fixture is removed. Not only will this lead to a huge mess, it can also mean more damage to your house that has to be fixed. In addition, you’ll become so preoccupied with fixing the new problem that it’ll take much longer to fix the original problem you were working on. Further, Cummings Plumbing reminds all DIY plumbers to remember that shutting off the water source doesn’t mean there will magically be no water in your pipes all of a sudden. That is why after shutting it off but before you start working on the plumbing, Cummings Plumbing of Tucson, Arizona, always recommends that you run the kitchen or bathroom faucets for a few seconds to make sure they’re really clear. 

Understanding HVAC Basics in Arizona

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Whether you’re a brand new or longtime homeowner, understanding the basics of your home’s HVAC unit is a must. An HVAC system is one of the most important components to a house, especially for households located in extreme climates, such as that of Arizona. 

Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, a plumbing and HVAC company based out of Tucson, Arizona, are experts on the repair and installation of residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. They know how important it is that homeowners have at least a basic understanding of how HVAC systems work, and more importantly, how to keep them running smoothly. They provide a few basic tips that all Arizona homeowners should know about their HVAC. 

Always Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean

One of the basic tips relating to HVAC systems is to always keep the outdoor unit clean. It doesn’t take much for an outdoor unit to be covered in dirt, leaves, and other debris, but this can lead to issues in the long term. That is why homeowners should regularly clean their outdoor unit. Beyond simply removing any leaves, weeds, or other build up around the unit, clean it with water via a hose. However, be sure that the power to the outdoor unit has been turned off before doing so. In addition, although you can get away with doing this less frequently, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling advises all homeowners to deep clean the inside of the unit as well, removing the panels and giving them a wash.   

Change Your Filter Regularly

Another HVAC 101 tip? Change out your filter regularly. This is one of the easiest and best tips when it comes to keeping your HVAC unit running smoothly. Professionals recommend all homeowners change out their HVAC filter every three months and replace their filters along with the seasons. So, when Summer turns to Fall, it means it’s time to change your filter. In addition to keeping your system running efficiently, a new filter can drastically improve the air quality inside your home. If you like, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling often advises homeowners to change their filter and clean their outdoor unit simultaneously. They can easily be done at the same time and that way, you don’t have to perform maintenance on your unit all the time.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Maintaining your HVAC system is yet another tip for all Arizona homeowners. If you want your HVAC system to last as long as possible, then regular maintenance is a must. Cummings Plumbing recommends scheduling an annual HVAC check-up with an experienced technician. Not only will the technician make sure everything is running smoothly and fix potential kinks, but they are experts at preventative maintenance. This means that they will perform tasks such as cleaning the condensation drain line, which are not necessarily problems but could turn into problems if not dealt with. 

Know When It Should Be Replaced

Lastly, it is critical all Arizona homeowners are able to identify when their HVAC system needs to be replaced. The average lifespan of an HVAC unit is roughly 15 to 20 years. This means that depending on how old your current unit is, it may be time for a replacement sooner rather than later. Cummings Plumbing recommends all new homeowners find out the age of the HVAC system before buying the house, just so that they have all the information. While time is one of the best indicators regarding when to replace your HVAC unit, routine problems are another indicator. If you’re constantly attempting DIY jobs to fix one thing or another, or calling a professional, it might be time for a replacement. Generally speaking, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Tucson, Arizona, says that once your system is costing you a decent amount of money in repairs every single month, it’s likely going to be more cost-effective (not to mention less stressful) to replace it. No one ever wants to spend more money repairing a unit than it would cost to get a brand new one.

COVID-19 Service Updates

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Coronavirus is a concern for all of us, and during this time we all want to minimize contact with as many people as possible. But what happens when something in your home breaks and you are unable to fix it yourself? As an essential industry, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling will remain open for business to assist Tucson in its time of need.

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What Happened to the Hot Water??

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The colder temperatures are on the way here in Arizona – and with that comes water heater breakdowns. In order to avoid a cold shower when you least expect it, be on the lookout for signs that your water heater might need to be repaired or replaced. Below are the top signs of water heater malfunction to be on the lookout for!

  • Sounds – if your water heater is making noise, it’s usually bad news. That means there’s sediment build-up in bottom of the hot water tank that is being shaken around. As the sediment moves around, it hits the water heater elements, sides of the tanks, and tubing. This causes natural wear and eventually results in failure
  • Rusty Water – If the water comes out of your pipes looking muddy, sandy, or rusty, this usually means that the sediment has caused problems in pipes and in the water heater and has now contaminated your water. Your water heater should be inspected and the likelihood of it needing to be replaced will be pretty high.
  • Leaks – Water heater leaks are not normal. They can actually be dangerous because it’s leaking hot water. Sediment, rust, or some sort of malfunction has caused the wall of the water heater or a pipe to be compromised. Because water heaters are under pressure, this creates a very unsafe condition.
  • Water that has a Smell or Taste – If the water has a smell or taste, that can mean that a heating element in the water heater is malfunctioning, there is metal in the water, or there is another issue that is causing the smell or taste. Weird smells and tastes should be checked out as soon as possible because it could be hazardous to your health.
  • Water that is not the Correct Temperature – If your hot water is only coming out warm, even after a long absence of being used, that means that the heating elements are no longer working properly, or that there could be other issues causing a lack of power supply to the heating element. You should get this checked to ensure that there isn’t a larger problem.
  • Frequent Repairs – Sometimes, getting a water heater repaired is a good solution instead of getting an actual replacement. However, after so many repairs, it may be time to just replace the entire water heater altogether. Remember that water heaters work under pressure. You have gallons of hot water in your home under pressure and if you have a faulty water heater, it may be in your best interest to just get a brand new one.
  • Age – The life expectancy on a typical water heater is generally between 8 and 10 years. This can be even less if you don’t have a proper filtration system, or your water heater hasn’t had regular maintenance. Even if you aren’t experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is a good idea to have a professional check your unit for functionality if you know its getting up there in years. As with anything, water heaters need to be maintained as they age.

Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling offers professional service for water heater repair and replacement! For more information about our water heater services, give us a call or click here to book an appointment.

Cummings Plumbing Awarded Inaugural Small Business Award of the Year

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/17/2019

Gina Rotermund
Marketing Assistant
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling
520-293-6900
gina@cummingsplumbing.com

Cummings Plumbing Awarded Inaugural Small Business Award of the Year
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling Awarded
Small Business Advertising and Marketing Excellence Award of the Year
Tucson, AZ.: Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling was awarded the inaugural Small Business Advertising and Marketing Excellence Award of the year. The Hollywood Ball, hosted by Casino Del Sol on May 17th, honored recipients of the first annual Advertising & Marketing Excellence Awards. The companies selected were among those in the community that have made significant investments in the local Tucson advertising and marketing community throughout the year. “We take this opportunity to celebrate and honor advertisers in the market for their continued investment in our industry,” said the Gala Committee Chair, American Advertising Federation Tucson Executive Director/Administrator, Lorie Anderson.

“Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling has been proudly serving Tucson for over 35 years,” said Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “In that time, the company has grown to include a fleet of over 80 service trucks, a large support staff, and two locations in Tucson. Because of our size, we are able to offer our clients the largest inventory at the best prices; focusing on customer service and getting the job done right the first time. We also pride ourselves on innovation and technology; investing in state of the art products and services; and that also speaks true to our advertising. I just want to thank the American Advertising Federation Tucson for this award and honor. Thank you.”

“As a proud partner of Arizona Athletics, we got endorsement deals from local Tucson celebrities like Coach Sean Miller and Director of Broadcasting and Voice of the Arizona Wildcats, Brian Jeffries,” said Elaine Lee, Director of Operations and Facilities Management. “With an in-house agency, we are able to bring full creative control to all of our advertising. From storyboarding script ideas, utilizing actual Cummings technicians in commercials to maximize visibility and customer recognition, to sourcing the best locations for commercial shoots, we do it all.”

“Even more important than work, Cummings knows how to have fun!” said Nary Vang, Website Designer for Cummings. “Whether it’s at McKale during an intense basketball game or something a little more elegant and formal like a company Christmas party, in the Cummings world, you either go big or go home. But truly, at the true heart of it all is all of the philanthropic work that we do. Whether it’s supporting a worthy cause, supporting an organization, or just helping someone in need, Cummings is there.”

About American Advertising Federation Tucson: American Advertising Federation Tucson (AAF Tucson) serves as a collaborative hub for a full spectrum of industry experts. We bring together today’s leaders and tomorrow’s rising stars from the fields of advertising, marketing, communications, interactive, and media. Through professional development, networking, and acknowledging the local hotbed of talent, our mission is to promote our industry’s importance to the region’s economy and culture.

About Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling: Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling is proud to be one of the largest privately owned and locally operated plumbing and HVAC companies in Arizona. Initially out of New York, we opened our doors in Tucson in 1983 and have been proudly serving Arizona residents for the last 35 years. Our mission is “To be a trusted household name that spans generations by educating our customers and helping them make informed decisions.” As a 6th generation plumbing business, the professionals at Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling are equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can trust.

3 Ways to Care for Your Air Conditioner

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Good to Know.

3 Ways to Care for Your Air Conditioner

Summer is here, and with that comes the heat! As residents of Southern Arizona, we know that having a properly-functioning air conditioner is the difference between surviving the summer and having a house that is uninhabitable. In that respect, we all share the same nightmare: not having cold air in the summer. Imagine, you’ve made it through a long day at work, picked up the kids, been to the grocery store, and have finally walked in through the door ready to settle in for the evening. Temperatures have reached over 110 and you’re looking forward to relaxing in your nice, cool home. So imagine the surprise in realizing that, when you walk in through the door and feel that its just as hot inside as it is outside, the air conditioner has broken down! In other parts of the country, this scenario would likely only result in some discomfort. However, in the desert where temperatures reach extreme levels this situation can be deadly. At these temperatures you are beyond risk of heat stroke and dehydration, and would likely have to be displaced from your home temporarily while you waited for a new air conditioner to be installed. Now in addition to the costs of a brand-new air conditioner, you’re facing costs of temporary living as well. So how exactly do we avoid a breakdown during the hottest months of the year? Here are the three best practices to consider when it comes to air conditioner care.

1.) Change the filter on your air conditioner monthly

While it may be an easy thing to forget, making sure that the filter on your air conditioner is clean will ensure that the parts within the unit remain functioning properly. As air flows into the unit, dust and debris from the outside are also brought in. This can build up over time and wreak all kinds of havoc on your air conditioner! The filter is put in place in order to protect the internal parts of the air conditioner from such build-up. When a filter gets dirty, it no longer works the way it should, and the dust and debris can flow through. In order to ensure that the unit functions properly and at full capacity, keeping the internal parts of your air conditioner clean is necessary. Dust buildup not only can lead to malfunctioning, but can also cause the air conditioner to lose energy efficiency. Over time, dust can affect the functioning of the parts within the unit, causing it to have to work harder and thus use more energy. The build-up can also lead to corrosion and degradation of the parts, which can lead to a lower life expectancy and breakdown later on down the road. Even if the life expectancy on your air conditioner is 10 years, that doesn’t mean it can survive 10 years without proper upkeep. As with everything, air conditioners require maintenance and the costs associated with that are far lower than major part replacements or having to buy a new unit completely. By opting for the minimal cost of changing the filters, you are saving your wallet from high energy bills, more costly repairs, or a complete unit replacement.

2.) Have an annual inspection conducted by a professional before the hot weather hits

In order to avoid a breakdown during the summer, taking care of your air conditioner and being sure that all the parts are functioning properly before the extreme temperatures hit is crucial. That way, you are ensuring that you will avoid any air conditioning crisis during the worst possible time of year. The time in which you have your annual inspection is dependent on the weather in your region, but it is wise to consider an inspection around 3 months before temperatures begin to rise. This allows you a grace period to deal with scheduling any repairs or unit replacements, as well as to prepare for any resulting expenses. For Southern Arizona in particular – sometime during January, February, or March is an ideal time for an inspection. This inspection should involve a technician checking to make sure that all parts are functioning properly, that there are no leaks, and that all parts are clean and corrosion free. As these months are usually cooler and outside of the window of extreme temperatures, you will be allowing yourself time to prepare for any repairs, or a total unit replacement before the situation becomes urgent in hotter temperatures. You won’t have to worry about being without air conditioning for long, and will have far more flexibility in scheduling an appointment than you would during the summer months.

3. Replace your unit on time

Most air conditioners have a life expectancy of around 15 years, however that does not mean that the unit will last that long, nor does it mean it will perform like new for that long. Especially in the desert where an air conditioner sees a lot of use, it’s wise to get your unit replaced if it is over 10 years old. In fact, one of the most common causes for a unit breaking down is a Freon leak due to corrosion, usually around the 10-year mark. Think of an air conditioner like you would a car – the more miles you put on it the sooner the likelihood of you needing to get a new one. Air conditioners are no different, and if air conditioners were cars in Southern Arizona, those cars would see a lot of miles. Aside from age, here are some other signs that it may be time to replace your unit:

  1. Your unit frequently breaks down
  2. You are experiencing fluctuations in humidity
  3. You have high energy bills

These can be indicators that there is an issue with your air conditioner, and if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should call a professional to take a look at your unit for a diagnosis. If you do need a new air conditioner, there are many reputable brands available. Remember to ask your technician to see which brands and units fit your needs, and understand that financing is often available if need be.

Unfortunately, we don’t get to choose when disaster strikes. We can only prepare for it the best we can and try to be aware of issues as they arise, so that they cause as little damage as possible. The tips listed above will help you do just that. By changing the filter on your air conditioner monthly, you’re ensuring that the parts within the unit stay as clean as possible so that they stay functioning properly. If something still breaks, you’ll know about it during your annual inspection in the spring time, when the temperatures are still cool and there is time to make repairs without having to worry about the heat. By staying on top of the time period in which the unit needs to be replaced completely, you are also helping to avoid any surprise breakdowns as best as possible.

While things can still go wrong even when you’re doing everything right, following these tips can at the very least lower the chances of that happening. Air conditioners are one of the more expensive appliances in a home, yet are also one of the most essential when it comes to keeping us safe from the extreme heat. Nobody likes dealing with repairs or possible replacements in the first place, and it’s like salt in a wound when it happens with such a big ticket item. In that sense, wouldn’t you much rather not be caught off guard when something goes wrong, and have time on your side? If your unit has yet to be inspected this year, be sure to beat the heat and call for an annual inspection today!

Do You Have A Smart Home?

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Good to Know.

Do You Have A Smart Home?

You did it: you booked the flight, wrestled all week with the kids to get packed up for your vacation, and now you are finally in the cab on the way to the airport. You are the master of all things vacation; a super parent. This feeling continues during your entire trip, all the way up until you open your front door after all the traveling is said and done, and you are hit with a rude awakening. In all the hustle and bustle of getting ready to leave, you completely forgot to set your thermostat lower to save on energy while you were away and didn’t even notice that your 5-year-old left the bathroom faucet running after he was done washing his hands. Forget about all that R&R that you caught up on while you were away, because now it (and a lot of extra dollars) are being spent on your astronomically high electric and water bills – and that’s assuming you aren’t facing costs due to flooding and water damage from any overflow in the sink!

This is an extreme scenario of course but unfortunately, it’s not all too uncommon. It’s situations like these that are prompting more and more people to convert their houses to smart homes. What is a smart home you may ask? Smart homes are named such because they have automated systems that can control anything from lighting, water, heating and cooling, entertainment systems, and even appliances. Often times, these systems can be monitored and controlled right from your phone; even when you are at work or traveling. Having complete control over your home 24/7 can help you avoid emergencies and help you save on regular costs of utilities.

Two such systems that can help turn your home into a smart home are the Nest Learning Thermostat (Nest) and Flo Water Leak Detection System (Flo). The Nest Learning Thermostat handles climate control, while Flo controls water usage. In our vacation scenario above, your 5-year-old has left the faucet running before your family leaves for the airport. Let’s take a look at how a system that controls water like Flo could have helped.

Part of Flo’s installation into your home is connecting it through an app, which will send you information right to your phone. As Flo is installed to the main line of your water system, it is able to detect things like pressure, flow, temperature, and usage. Every day, Flo performs a water system inspection to make sure that your home is leak free and will send you the report through the app. In addition, you are able to check the status of your water usage as it is happening and are able to shut off your water; even from remote locations. Had you had the Flo system in this scenario, you would have been able to see right away that water was still flowing in your home and have been able to shut it off, no questions asked. Water still may have been wasted but it’s nothing compared to water running for a week! Your child may get a stern talking-to but your sanity and your wallet are spared yet another day in avoiding a catastrophe.

Now, as for you forgetting to turn the thermostat down, how about could Nest have helped? This one has a little less severe consequences than leaving your water running while on vacation. However, this can still cost you a lot in unnecessary expenses. The Nest Learning Thermostat works similarly to Flo in that it sends you reports to an app installed on your phone. Not only would you have had the option to turn the temperature down manually through the app, Nest probably would have done it for you. Nest can tell when you are at home or away by using your phone location and sensors. When the house is empty, Nest turns itself down to “Eco Temp” in order to save on energy while you are away. Not only that but say there was an extreme weather change while you were gone. In cases of extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures, the Nest has built-in safety features that ensure that your home won’t suffer any damage due to weather. So even if you never looked at your phone while you were away, Nest would have your back. Problem taken care of and your energy bill stays low.

That’s not all these two systems can do. A faucet that is left on is obvious, but how about a leak that is happening somewhere behind your walls, in your attic, or under your floors? And what if you are simply trying to stay on top of your utility bills and cut down on water and/or energy bills? While these systems are handy in case of emergency, they are designed to help you with every day events such as these. Let’s look at how these two systems can help you in everyday life.

As mentioned before, Flo runs an inspection on your home every day to ensure that your home is leak free. This includes places that you can’t see! Instead of finding out you had a leaky pipe in your attic after you start noticing water damage and a drip coming from your bedroom ceiling, noticing right away can save you the extra costs of repairs (and of course, keep your water bill from suffering!) In the event of more serious pipe damage, like a burst, Flo will shut off the water for you, again saving you money on extra repair costs and water bill. Flo can also keep you up-to-date on what’s going on with your pipes and will let you know if you are at risk for having leaks through its daily inspection. Things like water pressure and temperature can cause leaks under certain conditions. Flo will let you know of this so that you can fix the problem before it becomes an even bigger one. In terms of water conservation, Flo tracks your water habits so you are able to better control them.

Running late and your teenager won’t get out of the shower? You can literally shut off the water with the push of a button from your phone. Going on vacation but need to make sure that the irrigation system continues working to water those award-winning roses? You can control that from your phone. Have a toilet that has a tendency to run? You can fix that from the convenience of your phone. When it comes to managing the water system in your home, the sky’s the limit on what Flo can do for you.

While Flo is controlling your water, on an everyday basis, Nest is also working hard to ensure that you are comfortable and being energy efficient. Aside from having the built-in safety features, Nest learns your preferences as you turn it up or down. Over time, Nest will learn what you like and adjust itself for you. Using this information, it creates a schedule that fits your needs and saves you energy. To keep you even more energy wise, it will show you how much energy you use each day and give you tips on how to conserve. Imagine a home where it’s never too hot or too cold. Wouldn’t that be perfect? Or what if you liked it warmer in the morning and cooler in the evening? Wouldn’t it be great if your home could adjust itself automatically to fit your needs?

Smart tools like these have made saving on energy and water that much easier. When it comes to the peace of mind that they can bring you, the price is limitless. Turning your home into a smart home not only can help you avoid huge catastrophes but helps you save on the everyday costs of life. A home is a huge investment so why wouldn’t you want to know more about what’s going on behind the scenes? Call us today for your FREE plumbing inspection and to learn more about how to turn your home into a smart home with the Nest Learning Thermostat and Flo Water Leak Detection System!

Excellent, the crews were prompt polite, clean, efficient and courteous. In the past I have found that most large companies rest on their laurels so to speak. I know now why Cummings plumbing is still a large plumbing company. They provide good service at a reasonable price for the work and get the job done quickly. Most of the time there were four trucks and at least six service members working on my project. The repairs were expensive expensive but a new much needed furnace was also installed at about half the price I was expecting it to be. The discount on the furnace was much appreciated. I would also like to thank MG for cleaning out my hot water heater while he was here, The next project is a new HVAC system, I think I know where I will go for that project. Jane G.

Cummings Plumbing Donates a Million Pennies

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/21/2018

Nary Vang, Sales & Marketing Manager
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling
520-293-6900
naryv@cummingsplumbing.com

Cummings Donates a Million Pennies
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling Donates a Million Pennies to Arizona’s Children Association
Tucson, AZ.: Arizona’s Children Association (ACA) is one of the largest organizations that provides support to children in need. From foster care and adoption services to family preservation and reunification, they help Arizona’s children through a variety of means. For the last 5 years, 95.9 KIIM-FM has hosted a penny pinch to help raise funds for the programs that the ACA offers. These funds stay in Tucson and go to help families in need during the Christmas season and after. This year, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling challenged Tucson – penny for penny – to help raise one million pennies ($10,000). As of 8:30 am on December 21st, the goal of a million pennies had been reached and matched; a total of over two million one hundred thousand pennies had been received…and it’s not over yet!

“This is so exciting,” said Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “When we were working with KIIM-FM on this, I was trying to come up with a way to get Tucson involved to help raise funds for this great cause; instead of just giving them the million pennies that they always try to raise every year. The penny for penny match seemed like an amazing idea. Historically, they’d always been able to raise a million pennies…but this time, with a match on the line, it meant that we could double that and do twice as much good…this made it all the more exciting. To present the check to the ACA this morning was such a wonderful feeling. It shows that Tucson really cares and it’s just a reminder of what an amazing community we live in. Whenever a challenge calls, we come together as a community to meet the challenge head on. That’s what I love about Tucson. So many kids are forgotten over the holidays that don’t have anything or anyone. I’m so glad that we were able to rally together to make something great happen for them.”

“This was so much fun,” said Elaine Lee, Office Manager of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “When we heard about this penny pinch idea, we were so excited to become involved. Christmas is the season to give and there are so many people who are unintentionally forgotten because they fall through the cracks. It’s so nice that the ACA is there to help do so much for these kids and the families in need that reach out to them. It is our hope that the season of giving doesn’t just stop after December 25th but that the spirit of the season stays with everyone into the new year. These days, there are so many things that people can do to help pay it forward. I’m so glad that we were able to exceed the goal and help donate to such a wonderful cause. From all of us here at Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

About Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling: Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling is proud to be one of the largest privately owned and locally operated plumbing and HVAC companies in Arizona. Initially out of New York, we opened our doors in Tucson in 1983 and have been proudly serving Arizona residents for the last 35 years. Our mission is “To be a trusted household name that spans generations by educating our customers and helping them make informed decisions.” As a 6th generation plumbing business, the professionals at Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling are equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can trust.