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It’s Getting Cold Out There

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

It’s Getting Cold Out There!

The wind is howling, you’ve broken out the coat and mittens, staying buried under blankets in the morning seems more and more appealing…it’s officially that time of year again! With the weather as nice as it is here in Arizona, it’s easy to forget about things like furnace and water heater maintenance. As much as we would like to pretend it’s sunny and beautiful year-round here in Tucson, we can’t deny that when it’s cold, it’s COLD. A broken water heater or furnace is definitely an inconvenience while the temperatures are low, but more importantly, it’s a safety issue. There can be severely dangerous outcomes of a water heater or furnace malfunctioning, so for that reason proper use and maintenance are key.

In our August 1st entry, we talked about how a water heater works and what could cause it to malfunction. For more the full article, click here. For now, here are the highlights of that entry:

A water heater is like a giant teapot. How quickly you have hot water is dependent on four factors:

1) The water temperature
2) The amount of water
3) How much heat is applied to the water
4) The type of heat being applied

These four factors work together in a delicate balance, and if knocked out of equilibrium, can lead to catastrophic incidents like a water heater explosion. Things that can knock these factors out of balance and thus cause a major incident are improper installation, lack of maintenance, and leaks and malfunctions. The sediment that builds in the bottom of your tank over time also is a major contributor to water heater issues. In order to avoid any accidents caused by malfunction, be sure to have a professional perform a safety check on your water heater and drain the sediment from it at least once a year. Additionally, water heaters should be replaced every 10 years, so if yours is older than that, it’s time to get a new one!

While making sure that your water heater is serviced seems just like one more thing to add to the never-ending list of chores that come with being a homeowner, the aftermath caused by 40 gallons of boiling water shooting in every direction is well worth avoiding. And, if your water heater is gas powered, having that safety inspection could help save you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning due to any gas leaks.

We’ve gone over what can happen when things go wrong with a hot water heater but what about with a furnace? In the worst-case scenario, explosion or fire can result from fuel leaks or excessive heat buildup due to faulty or malfunctioning parts. If you have a gas furnace, like most people, carbon monoxide poisoning to you and your family can also happen if there are any gas leaks. These are some pretty serious risk factors here.

The way a furnace works is pretty simple. In a gas powered furnace, the air is warmed up inside the furnace by a pilot light and several burners that heat what’s called a heat exchanger. Basically, the heat exchanger is a chamber in which the air is heated to the temperature specified on the thermostat, and from there is blown through the vents of your home. The heat exchanger is only found in a gas furnace. With an electric furnace, however, the air is heated by a series of conductive coils.

While it all sounds pretty straight forward, furnaces have a lot of components that can break, and any diagnosis or repair should be conducted by professionals only. As with anything, regular maintenance can help keep your furnace running the best it can. Having a professional change your furnace’s filter monthly (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer) and conduct a safety inspection annually can help keep you and your family safe from dangers like fires and explosions! Furnaces have a life expectancy of around 15 years, so be sure to replace it as needed!

When it comes to water heaters and furnaces, the old adage applies: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling is committed to the safety of you and your family. Check out our winter special below, and as always, call today for a FREE plumbing safety inspection.

PHX: 480-500-1960 or TUS: 520-333-2121
On day one, our regular technician, Jordan, met the installers at our home to walk them through the project. These gentlemen were the utmost professionals. Installing a 5 ton HVAC system on the roof of a 67 year old home was not a quick job. They removed and hauled away the old equipment. They took their time, were SO courteous, and left my home in immaculate condition. When the job was finished they made sure that I understood how to work the Nest thermostat. Manny Sr., Manny Jr., Marcos, Fredo, Carlos, and Pedro ~ you gentlemen are the BEST! Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling has our loyalty and business for life!

Kevin Cummings Receive Belling from Ben’s Bells

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/01/2018

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

Kevin Cummings Receives Belling from Ben’s Bells
Kevin Cummings is Honored for being the Epitome of Kind by Ben’s Bells
Tucson, AZ.: Ben’s Bells wants to honor those in Tucson who inspire kindness daily, making our community a better place to live. Whether it is a grocer, a child’s crossing guard, a co-worker, or a youth who is making a difference in the community through kindness, Ben’s Bells would like to celebrate their kindness by “belling” them – presenting them with a Ben’s Bell and a Ben’s Bells gift pack. Once a week, the Ben’s Bells Belling committee combs through the numerous submissions and selects one person to receive a belling. This week, it was Kevin Cummings.

Kevin was nominated for the belling by one of his employees. The nomination read: Kevin is such a wonderful and caring boss. He really takes care of us as employees. Not only does he pay us extremely well, he hired someone to cook us breakfast and lunch every day. We also have a ton of food at the office for anyone who wants it, an entire freezer dedicated to just ice cream, popcorn machines, nachos, and he will randomly do nice things for us – just because. He’s also like a father figure. He truly cares about what happens to us as employees and as human beings. He takes time to listen to our wants and needs, his door is always open, and he makes it known that he really wants the best for us. He’s constantly reinvesting in us and providing ways for us to make more money and further advance in our career paths. The things that he does as a boss is well over and beyond what’s necessary for an employer. When I’m at work, it’s like I’m home…I’m with family. Kevin has worked really hard to create and cultivate that environment for us. Kevin truly is the epitome of kind.

“I am extremely grateful for this belling,” said Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “I don’t see what I’m doing as anything special; per se. I just see it as being a decent human being who has a good moral compass. The things that I do for my employees are done because I see them as more then employees. They are an extension of who I am; they are my family. I treat them like I would my own children. At the end of the day, I believe that everyone needs to feel cared for, regardless of who they are. All that we’re searching for in life is to matter to someone. I make it a point to let my employees know every day that they matter to me.”

“Kevin deserves this award for being such an amazing person,” said Elaine Lee, Office Manager of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “He’s such a humble and quiet guy…always doing something to better the company so that they employees can benefit from our growth and success. I see Kevin working so hard to provide for those who work for him…asking for nothing in return. He’s truly invested in the employees and does what he can to ensure that everyone has opportunities to succeed and be fulfilled. That’s not something that is commonly found in the workplace. Having won Best Boss of 2018, receiving this belling reiterates the kind of man he is. But Kevin is more than a boss, he’s a leader. Congratulations, Kevin.”

“When I found out Kevin was going to receive a belling, I wasn’t surprised,” said Elaine Cummings, wife of Kevin Cummings. “Every day, I see him making choices for the business. But what people don’t see is that he’s not working hard for the business, he’s working hard for our employees. In everything he does, he does it naturally because that’s who he is. He was raised this way by his parents. I know that his dad is up in heaven just beaming right now. We’re all so proud of him and so grateful to be a part of this wonderful journey.”

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.

Help! My Drain is Backing Up!

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

Help! My Drain is Backing Up!

The majority of the calls we get are related to backed-up toilets and drains. It’s actually one of the first images people picture when they hear of the word plumbing. So why is there such a strong association between plumbing and stoppages? Well, that’s because it’s so common in our field. However, what most people don’t know is that a stoppage (backed-up toilet or drain) is only a symptom of a bigger problem. Rarely is a stoppage as simple as something getting clogged in your pipes. Clogged drains, frequent stoppages, and backed-up toilets are common symptoms of poor pipe conditions or something else going wrong.

Calcified pipes (pictured) are very common images that we see when we camera lines. If a homeowner tells us that they have frequent stoppages, we can typically assume that there is a larger problem at hand. There are common factors that causes stoppages over and over again. In Arizona, there are two that are extremely common. The first is hard water. Hard water deposits minerals in your pipes as the water flows through. Over time, this creates the image that you see pictured. This process narrows the opening of your pipes. When this happens, even a single sheet of toilet paper will get caught and cause your drains to back up; causing a mess.

Another common problem that we run into are roots. Because Arizona is so dry, trees, bushes, plants, and even weeds, dig to find water. A common source of water for them is often your home’s plumbing system. Your sewage water, which is actually rich in nutrients for plants, only causes them to want to do more to penetrate into your pipes and have access to the water. If they find a weakness in the pipe, they will often force themselves into those pipes and draw out water and whatever else they need. We’ve seen pipes before that had numerous root access points all along the sewer pipe. Having roots in your drains causes a obstructions for things to get clogged.

As you can see, stoppages are only a symptom of a larger problem happening.

We’ve had customers tell us that they use some sort of drain unclogging/drain cleaning chemical to try to get rid of the problem. There are many reasons why we advise against it.

  1. ENVIRONMENT: The agents in drain unclogging and cleaning chemicals are very dangerous to the environment. Once it enters our environment, it basically poisons anything around it. If enough of this stuff gets into our water systems, it can potentially cause irreversible effects to our water system. There are countries overseas that are currently struggling with water pollution due to contaminates that people have put into the water systems. Google “polluted water” and you will see image after image of water that is polluted by chemicals and trash; doing unrecognizable harm to the environment they’re in.
  2. HEALTH: The agents in drain unclogging and cleaning chemicals are very dangerous to our health and to pets. Most of them will have labels that will say, “DANGER: MAY BURN EYES AND SKIN ON CONTACT. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. Avoid contact with body and clothing. TOXIC GAS MAY FORM IF MIXED WITH OTHER CHEMICALS.” That’s only the beginning. Their Safety Data Sheets will often show that they’re extremely flammable, that in the event there is direct contact, you should seek medical aid, and that the product may cause corrosive damage. The labels warn you that inhaling, ingesting, or even touching the chemical is dangerous.
  3. Plumbing: Seeing what it can do in the event it contacts your skin, imagine what it does to your pipes. Yes, it takes care of the immediate problem; helping dissolve the mass that’s causing your drains to back up. However, as it does that, it’s also destroying your home’s plumbing. Over time, this corrosion causes your plumbing to become weak and causes further damage to your home. From your kitchen sink to your sewer lines, the water travels quite a distance and hits a lot of different areas. Sometimes, the chemically tainted water will pool and collect in certain angle stops, unable to move, causing even more damage.

If you have frequent stoppages, the solution we recommend is to camera your lines. For this month only, this service, which is valued at $250, is completely free. We want to help you figure out what’s causing the stoppages and come up with a permanent solution to fix it. While we’re there, we will also do an entirely FREE plumbing inspection to check everything and make sure it’s all working properly. In addition, you will receive $50 off of your stoppage service call. Don’t wait. Call us today!

William (JT) Patterson and team were extremely professional, punctual (which is more important than ever in today’s society) and knowledgeable. They identified the problem quickly, talked me through the solution that would prevent future repairs, and went to work immediately after we agreed. Once finished, they even offered a complementary home inspection from a plumbing/leak perspective and offered some great future options without being pushy salesmen. Overall I’m extremely pleased with the work and customer service and would definitely recommend for plumbing repairs.

Cummings Flag at Half Mast for Sept 11

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/11/2018

Nary Vang, Web Design and Marketing Specialist
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling
520-293-6900
naryv@cummingsplumbing.com

Cummings Plumbing Flies Flag at Half Mast
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling Flies Flag At Half Mast in Remembrance of The Lives Lost and Those Affected from Sept 11th, 2001
Tucson, AZ.: On September 11th, 2001, America was attacked by an Islamic terrorist group named al-Qaeda. The attacks killed 2,996 people, injured 6,000 others, and caused at least 10 billion dollars in infrastructure and property damage. Since the attack, additional people have died due to 9/11 related cancer and respiratory diseases. Four planes hijacked, four different targets marked, and thousands of lives paid the price. Time stood still that day; not just for America but all across the world. The attack was unprecedented and lives in infamy. Today, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling flies their flag at half mast to remember all those affected by these attacks.

“It’s still hard to think back on the events of that day,” said Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “I can still remember exactly what I was doing and where I was when the first announcements came out about the attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers. Tucson went into lockdown because of the Air Force Base and Raytheon. It’s surreal, thinking about how long ago this happened…17 years ago. Kids these days are learning about this event in textbooks…while to me, and probably most of the people who were alive when the attack happened, still remember it like it was yesterday. Today, I’m going to ask a huge favor of everyone. Take a moment to be kind. Do a random act of kindness to show love to someone today. All those lives…all those families…not one of them thought that they’d leave for work to never return. People were just going about their business. What would they have done differently, or taken the time to say, if they knew it was going to be their last? Let’s make this day count for them. Let’s take this day and remember the good. Let’s choose to remember how America came together. Let’s choose to see how we fought back as a nation. Let’s choose to see that we’re still standing here today; proud and strong. We were not defeated on September 11th, 2001. This attack had the opposite effect on our nation than intended. Instead of making us weaker, it made us stronger. Let’s never forget that.”

“It’s been 17 years and our nation is still mourning,” said Elaine Lee, Office Manager of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “Rightfully so. Whenever I think about the live feeds of the Twin Towers, the images of bodies dropping out of the sky, the burning buildings, the final collapse…I am brought back to that day. I can close my eyes and see the pictures replay like a video montage. I remember calling family and friends…gathering together…sitting in silence. What was there to say? In all of the calm and quiet, I remember saying a prayer. Not for the lives lost but for the ones still living. I can’t even begin to imagine what they went through and are still going through. Like Kevin said, take a moment today to be nice and do something kind. Take the time to tell those you love that you love them. We live in a fruitful and great nation. Let’s ‘Never Forget’.”

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 Tucson 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.

Do You Have Enough Hot Water?

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

Do You Have Enough Hot Water?

One of the biggest complaints that we hear from our customers during the winter months is that they don’t have enough hot water. They’re often frustrated because they are stuck taking cold showers or waiting until there is enough hot water to go about their business. Our customers are always asking us why this happens; especially since the water heater was working perfectly fine and supplied enough hot water just a few months prior.

To help answer this question, we’re going to do some math. Do you remember thinking why you would ever need to learn algebra back in junior high? Well, today is the day that it comes into good use. We’re going to do an exercise to calculate how hot water is used and why so many people run out of hot water during the colder months.

Here’s what we know:

During winter months, the average temperature of the water entering your home is ~45˚.

During summer months, the average temperature of the water entering your home is ~78.9˚.

The average shower temperature is ~105˚ (this, of course, varies depending on personal preference).

An average shower uses ~2.1 gallons of water a minute.

So what does this all mean?

During the summer, let’s say that the water temperature entering your home is 80˚ and you like your showers at 100˚. That means that it would take 1 gallon of hot water mixed with 1 gallon of cold water to give you 100˚ water for your shower. An average 40 gallon water heater (typical in most homes) would provide you with 40 gallons of hot water. This equals a ~19 minute shower.

Now let’s say that during winter, the water temperature entering your home is 40˚ and that the temperature that you like your showers is still 100˚. That means that it would take 3 gallons of hot water to mix with 1 gallon of cold water to give you the same 100˚ water temperature. This means that an average 40 gallon water heater only provides you with ~13 gallons of hot water. This equals a ~6 minute shower.

Once it’s depleted, and assuming your water heater is working efficiently, the average gas water heater takes 30-40 minutes to fully heat up the water in its tank (an hour to an hour and 20 minutes for an electric water heater).

So just based off of the above information alone, you can quickly see how a brand new water heater can change in its ability to provide you with enough hot water during the summer months but not be able to keep up with your demands during the winter months. Again, this is assuming that your water heater is well maintained and installed properly; which we often find that it’s not.

One of the biggest reasons we find water heaters are not able to keep up with demand has to do with how it’s maintained; or even if it’s maintained. Last month, we talked about Is Your Water Heater Safe. Unfortunately, improperly installed and improperly maintained water heaters are a real problem. Most people don’t think about their water heater until it stops working and don’t take the time to care for and maintain them like they would a normal household appliance.

We encourage our customers to be proactive in caring for their homes to avoid damage and costly expenses later. This is why we offer a lot of free services, like inspections, to help them have a handle on what’s going on inside the four walls of their homes.

Before the cold hits this winter, you should find out if your water heater can handle your hot water needs. Don’t wait until winter to find out if your water heater will be able to supply you with enough hot water to last you through the colder months.

Call us today to schedule a FREE plumbing safety inspection and a free water heater check-up ($165 value).

2018 Readers Choice Announced

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/30/2018

Nary Vang, Web Design and Marketing Specialist
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling
520-293-6900
naryv@cummingsplumbing.com

Winners and Favorites for Readers’ Choice Best of 2018 Announced
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling Receives Tucson Favorite for Four Different Categories and Best of 2018 for One Category at this year’s Readers’ Choice Best of 2018 Award Ceremony
Tucson, AZ.: Every year, the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson.com hold a contest where readers in the community can nominate and vote for their favorite businesses in a variety of different categories. Since the contest started in 2015, over 430,000 votes have been cast for Tucsonans favorite businesses. Last year, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling was proud to be the recipient of the Readers’ Choice 2017 Award for Best Plumber. This year, the company was up for four categories: Best Plumber, Best Air Conditioning/Heating Service, Most Innovative Workplace, and Best Workplace Culture. In addition, Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, was up for Best Boss. At the annual awards ceremony on August 29th, 2018, held at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling received Tucson Favorite for Best Plumber, Best Air Conditioning/Heating Service, Most Innovative Workplace, and Best Workplace Culture. Kevin Cummings won for Best Boss.

“It was incredible and unreal…” said Kevin Cummings. “As they were making the announcement of winners and got to Best Boss, I’m not even sure if I remembered hearing that I won. All I remember is that everyone at the two tables we had erupted in cheer. People stood up, I saw high-fives, people were yelling, hugs were given…it was chaos for a few seconds. As soon as it registered to me that I won, I was overcome with both a feeling of pride and humility…if that’s possible. I was proud because I won this amazing award. Best Boss in Tucson for 2018…that’s crazy! But it was an extremely humbling feeling to know that my employees view me this way. I am so lucky because I am surrounded by amazing people; people that have my best interest at heart. If there was a category for Best Employees, my crew would win for sure. To top that off, we are also Tucson Favorites for four other incredible categories, including Most Innovative Workplace and Best Workplace Culture. To know that we, a plumbing company, are thought of as having an innovative workplace and best workplace culture…there are no words to describe that feeling. It makes sense for us to be in the Best Plumber and Best Air Conditioning/Heating Service categories…but these two other categories confirmed that we are really set apart from others in our industry. It was an amazing night and I just want to say, ‘Thank you,’ to everyone who helped make this happen.”

“Oh…this was so well deserved and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” said Elaine Lee, Office Manager of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “Kevin has worked so hard to build this company and the culture that we have today. I can’t think of a better person to win the award for Best Boss. He has gone way above and beyond to ensure that our employees are taken care of. The employees at Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling are very lucky to be working for one of the best people that I know. In addition, we’re lucky to have our incredibly amazing employees. The two go hand-in-hand. Because of them, we are Tucson Favorites for four other categories. This just goes to show that you reap what you sow. Life is about synergy and at Cummings, we are doing all of the right things to make a great company happen naturally. I just want to take a minute to say, ‘Kevin, well deserved. You are doing an incredible job. You earned it.’ To our employees, ‘Thank you for your loyalty, dedication, and for everything you do. Your hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed.’ To Tucson, ‘It’s been an amazing year and it will only get better. Thank you for your support.'”

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 Tucson 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.

Cummings Plumbing Becomes Arizona Athletics Sponsor

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/24/2018

Nary Vang, Web Design and Marketing Specialist
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling
520-293-6900
naryv@cummingsplumbing.com

Cummings Plumbing Sponsors Arizona Athletics
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling Becomes a Proud Sponsor of Arizona Athletics
Tucson, AZ.: Driving from the airport on S Tucson BLVD towards E Benson Hwy, it’s hard to miss the billboard that says, “Wildcat Country”. That’s what Tucson is known for: the Arizona Wildcats. As a part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division and a member of the Pac-12 Conference, the Wildcats are the athletic teams that represent the University of Arizona. With the ever expanding footprint of the University of Arizona, the Wildcats are at the heart of most Tucsonans; intertwined into its culture. It’s no wonder then, why Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling decided to sponsor Arizona Athletics to support the Wildcats.

“I have been a Wildcat fan since I was a teenager and moved to Arizona,” said Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “After moving here, I quickly learned that a lot of people here bleed red and blue. The fans supporting the Wildcats are like nothing I’d seen before. After living here for over 37 years, being a Wildcat fan comes as naturally to me as breathing. When we got approached with the opportunity to be a [proud] sponsor of Arizona Athletics and support the Wildcats, it was a slam dunk for me. I was so excited. It’s a real honor for us to be supporting something that I’ve been a huge fan of with since I was a teen. With the support we’ve received from Tucson, I am proud to give back to Tucson by supporting something I know they love: the Wildcats. Bear Down, Arizona!”

“Putting together this sponsorship was so exciting for us,” said Elaine Lee, Office Manager of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “College sports are so much fun because the athletes really play with their hearts. [And] even though we put these athletes on pedestals and look at them like celebrities, at the end of the day, they’re really just college students. The funds given to Arizona Athletics helps to support these students athletes. It’s so nice to be able partner up and do something that will positively impact Tucson and the people who live, work, eat, and play here. ”

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 Tucson 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.

Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, signing sponsorship contract.

Finalists for Readers Choice 2018 Announced

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/04/2018

Nary Vang, Web Design and Marketing Specialist
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling
520-293-6900
naryv@cummingsplumbing.com

Finalists for Readers’ Choice Best of 2018 Announced
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling Receives Nominations for Five Different Categories for this year’s Readers’ Choice Best of 2018 Award
Tucson, AZ.: Every year, the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson.com hold a contest where readers in the community can nominate and vote for their favorite businesses in a variety of different categories. Since the contest started in 2015, over 430,000 votes have been cast for Tucsonans favorite businesses. Last year, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling was proud to be the recipient of the Readers’ Choice 2017 Award for Best Plumber. This year, the company is up for four categories: Best Plumber, Best Air Conditioning/Heating Service, Most Innovative Workplace, and Best Workplace Culture. In addition, Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, is up for Best Boss. In each category, Cummings joins only two other finalists for the award; which will be announced at the annual awards ceremony on August 29th, 2018.

“I need a minute…” said Kevin Cummings. “When we got the news of the initial nominations, I was already deeply touched and moved. Now, I am humbled and grateful beyond words. Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling has been in our family for six generations. Every day, I wonder if I’m doing the right things and making the right decisions for both the company and my employees. In addition to that, I wonder if the things I’m doing would meet the approval of those who preceded me. With this news, I know that my dad is looking down on me and that he’s beaming with pride and excitement. He was my biggest fan and he was everything to me. My dad left me this company; his legacy. I’m glad that I can make him proud. I am deeply moved when I think about how far we’ve come as a business and of all of our accomplishments. This, of course, would not have happened without the hard work, dedication, and loyalty of all of my employees. They are the ones who make things happen on a daily basis. Then, there’s all of our customers and Tucson. Without them, we wouldn’t be in business. So to everyone, I sincerely want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“I can’t believe it,” said Elaine Lee, Office Manager of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “I knew that we were up for three categories but I didn’t realize that we’d become finalists for five. That completely took us by surprise. We’ve worked so hard on our brand and image over the last year; to show everyone who we truly are and the kind of company we are. We are focusing on giving back to the community and have made a commitment to education. This tells me that our hard work and efforts are paying off. I’ve known the Cummings family for a very long time and I know that the entire family is just beaming with joy and excitement right now. I also know that they are extremely touched. Tucson, thank you for your commitment and loyalty to us. We love it here and are glad to be a part of such a great community.”

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 Tucson 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.

Is Your Water Heater Safe?

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

Don’t miss out on our current month’s special at the bottom of the page.

Is Your Water Heater Safe?

You’re driving along in your car and a little light comes on. The car tells you it’s time to change its oil. What do you do? Most people will either take it to a mechanic to have their car serviced or have a spouse/family/friend do it for them. Your home is going to be the most important purchase you ever make in your life (short of buying a business or something major). What are you doing to maintain it and make sure it’s running the way it should?

Would you ignore the check engine light on your car dashboard? Probably not. The reason is because you don’t want to get stranded somewhere without transportation. However, what would you do if you got home and your water heater exploded? What would you do if you got home and your pipes burst and you faced water damage all over your home? What would you do if your septic tank backed up into your home?

Imagine that your water heater is like a giant teapot (because it basically is). How quickly the water heats up depends on 4 factors:

  1. The temperature of the water
  2. How much water you’re boiling
  3. How much heat you’re applying
  4. What type of heat you’re applying

These 4 little variables can affect how quickly you have hot water available to you. But these 4 little factors also affect the water heater, how it’s operating, and whether or not it’s safe.

Would you leave a boiling teapot on your stove and leave for the day?

Unfortunately, water heater explosions are a very real thing. There are a variety of reasons why this happens but can mostly be attributed to:

  1. Faulty installation
  2. Lack of maintenance
  3. Leaks and malfunctions

Just like how we talked about the calcification process and the need for water softeners last month, sediment can build up in your water tank. This creates a barrier between the water and the burner. In order to get the water to heat, the burner needs to run longer, which increases the heat inside the tank.

Electrical and gas malfunctions may also exist due to construction, normal wear and tear, and poor installation. As water touches components, if it’s worn out, it may cause electrical shorts. Gas leaks are also a major hazard because they are dangerous if inhaled. Carbon monoxide is not detectable; only natural gas (rotten egg smell). So that also causes an unknown threat.

Your water heater also has a pressure relief valve to help vent out extra pressure (like a teapot). If it’s leaky or if the pressure reaches an extreme level and the valve is faulty and doesn’t work, this could cause the tank to explode.

Now imagine that you are boiling water in a teapot on the stove and you drop it. Imagine how you’d react and how you could be injured. Now, imagine that it happens with your water heater and you have 40 gallons of scalding hot water exploding in every direction. Now, try to imagine the aftermath.

Your water heater should be inspected on an annual basis and flushed out. If for no other reason, for the safety of your family. You have a lot to lose. A simple phone call and FREE plumbing safety inspection (this is a $165 value that we’re giving away for August) can give you the peace of mind that you need.

Call us to come and do a FREE plumbing safety inspection and make recommendations on how to best maintain your home to keep your family safe.

Our August Special
For this month only, save $200 when you buy and schedule the installation of your new water heater through Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. Don’t miss out on this special offer.

Again, call us for your FREE plumbing safety inspection today!

PHX: 480-500-1960 or TUS: 520-333-2121

Very prompt & excellent service. Jason in sales was great to explain what could and couldn’t be done with our system. The installers – Marchos and Pedro were fantastic. They worked tirelessly in the 110 heat and replaced the whole system in one day. They were so respectful of us and our property. Did a great job of cleaning up before they left and even checked all the appliances to make sure everything was in order. These guys were an absolute pleasure to have around. THANKS!!

Cummings Flag at Half-staff

Written by Cummings Plumbing on . Posted in Company News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/27/2018

Nary Vang, Web Design and Marketing Specialist
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling
520-293-6900
naryv@cummingsplumbing.com

Cummings Plumbing Flies Flag at Half-staff
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling flies flag at half-staff to honor State Trooper Tyler Edenhofer
Tucson, AZ.: If you’ve watched the news, browsed your social media account, or have talked to anyone in the public sector, you probably have heard of the tragic events that led to the death of State Trooper Tyler Edenhofer.

“This tragedy is an all too real and heartbreaking reminder of the harm our heroic law enforcement officers face each and everyday for the safety and wellbeing of Arizonans, and for peace in our communities.
This morning I ask Arizonans to join me in prayer and reflection; in gratitude for Trooper Edenhofer’s service to our state, for the strength and health of Trooper Dorris, for both of their grieving families, and for all of our brave law enforcement officers who are mourning the loss of one of their own. Arizona stands in support with you all.

“I’ve directed all flags at state buildings be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset tomorrow, Friday, July 27, 2018.” – Governor Doug Ducey, State of Arizona [1]

Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, had this to say, “We stand in solidarity with the State of Arizona and those who Edenhofer left behind; his fiancee and his mother. This was a tragedy that did not need to happen. There is never a reason for the loss of an innocent life. We are saddened by the events that have occurred and want to let everyone in Tucson know that we are mourning. Everyone here at Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling has had to endure the loss of a family member, loved one, or friend before. Death is not something that escapes us. We know and understand the pain. However, it is always hardest when the loss comes unexpectedly and too soon.”

“He was so young,” said Elaine Lee, Office Manager of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “I keep reading the online articles and the words Edenhofer’s mother said to the DPS Director Col. Frank Milstead, ‘You just got him,’[2] keeps ringing in my ears. As a mother, I can only imagine what the family is going through. We want everyone to know that our hearts are with you through this time. We stand in support with you.”

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 Tucson 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.