Your Home’s Comfort and Function Is Our Priority

Whether you are making plans to renovate your home during the upcoming spring season or are in need of some emergency home repair services now, the best weapon to have on your side is a good HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and plumbing repairs company. 

HVAC Repair Pros at Your Service

You never know when your furnace is going to stop working in the middle of the night. You also can’t predict when your AC is going tube on the fritz. It doesn’t matter what kind of heating and cooling problems you may experience, the easiest and fastest way to restore your home’s comfort and functionality is to hire the best Nashville HVAC professionals you can find.

Common HVAC problems you may encounter include:

• Broken furnace
• Dirty air filter
•  Duct cleaning
•  AC not working 
•  AC not cooling house properly
• The list goes on
•  No problem is too big or small for us to handle.

Plumbing Problems Got You Down

The same goes for plumbing issues. Your home’s plumbing system can do more than run your water bill sky high. When it malfunctions, it can cause severe damage to your home, causing you to lose precious items, valuable and even the ability to leave in your house. To prevent minor plumbing repair issues from becoming major ones, don’t hesitate to contact Pro N Stall as soon as possible. We are here to ensure that no plumbing problem or HVAC issues remain so you are able to enjoy your home to the fullest extent possible.

Let us take the guesswork out of being a homeowner. Whether you live in Nashville or in a surrounding area, we can handle all of your pressing and not so urgent plumbing and HVAC repair needs. From repairing clogged drains, frozen pipes and performing routine maintenance, we do it all. Contact ProNStall at 615-471-1122 today.

Common Winter HVAC Concerns

The holiday season is the time of year where you should be getting ready to go shopping and spend time with friends and relatives. It is also the time of year where HVAC problems are likely to occur. To prevent your home from being a source of discomfort during the holidays, here are two common heating issues that could end up costing you a fortune that you should be on the lookout for.

Heater Suddenly Stops Working

If your heater suddenly conks out in the middle of the night, don’t panic. There could be several reasons why this has occurred. Grab a flashlight and take a look inside of your fuse box to ensure the fuse to the furnace has not blown. If everything checks out with the fuse, the next step is to check the pilot light. If the pilot is out or you haven’t found the problem, it’s time for you to contact your local Tennessee HVAC professionals.

Drafty Rooms

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary for you to keep changing the temperature on your thermostat in order to keep your home warm and comfortable. If you have a problem with your home feeling cooler than it should and you have high heating bills, the likely culprits are your windows, doors, and quite possibly the roof.  Old insulation or a lack of it can also cause a house to be drafty. Windows and doors that are not properly sealed and or have loose paneling can allow drafts or gusts of cold air into your home. This can make keeping it at an optimal temperature a challenge. A roof that is in need of repair should be serviced as soon as possible to prevent any further damage and discomfort.

Even though it is a good idea to winterize your home before the start of the winter season to prevent these issues, it is not too late to start now. For more info on how to protect your home for the winter to prevent HVAC issues, check out our blog. 

If you need assistance with your home’s heating and cooling system or have questions or concerns, we are available to assist you. Give our professional HVAC contractors at Pro N Stall a call at 615-366-9944. We  are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency and nonemergency HVAC issues.

Nashville Energy Efficiency

Our homes are a major source of energy use in the U.S. Improving the efficiency of new and existing homes while educating consumers about their energy use will help consumers save money and increase the nation’s energy security.

More and more homebuilders in Middle Tennessee are leaning towards energy efficient homes.  A partnership between Tennessee’s Realtors and the Federal Department of Energy aims to make your energy information available for homeowners.

Think about when you purchase a car - on the window you can look at the MPG. Chances are, if the sticker said your new car was going to get 5 MPG, you'd probably walk away. The goal right now is to make energy information available before buying a house.

If you've been in the market for a new house, wouldn't it be nice to be able to budget what your electric bill might be before you sign on the dotted line? You want to budget for your electric and gas, but you're just not sure what your new home will run you. Wouldn't it be amazing if you could have a general idea before you invest in a new home?

Going from a one bedroom apartment to a sprawling three-bedroom home could give anyone a sticker shock; don't let your electric bill do the same!

Realtors in Tennessee (and other states) have joined forces with the Department of Energy (DOE) to help homeowners improve their energy efficiency. The partnership makes energy information — such as the benefits of adding insulation — more available to anyone buying a house and expands existing upgrade programs.

This program should help older homes perform more like new houses, which often are significantly more energy efficient and cheaper to heat and cool.

Buying a new home is probably the most expensive purchase you'll ever make, so any way to save money is a plus!

Pro N Stall in Nashville has worked in our community providing our services since 1997. Call today for a free quote at 615-471-1122.

Visit us HERE for special offers and discounts! Also, don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook.

Water Heaters: Problems and Solutions

While a water heater is probably the most costly component in your home’s plumbing system, most problems with it are usually fairly easy to figure out and fix. Some of the common water heater problems you can run into and fix are:

• not enough hot water
• water that’s too hot or too cold
• smelly water (rotten eggs smell) 
• the tank is making noises. 

The worst water heater problem you can run into is a leaking tank. Unfortunately, once that happens, there are no fixes...that tank is done.

Before trying to fix a water heater, you need to understand how it works! Water heaters are fairly simple devices. Basically it’s a 30, 40 50 or 60 gallon holding tank with a cold water intake, a hot water outlet and a drain valve. Inside there are a few other components - a heating element, a dip tube (that guides cold water coming into the tank down to the bottom so the hot water on top will be used first) and a ‘sacrificial rod or anode’, to help prevent corrosion inside the tank.

If you're going to attempt to fix your water heater yourself, that's fine, or you can call the professionals in Nashville at Pro N Stall. The first thing you must do before attempting to fix anything is to drain the water heater!

1. Start by turning off the heater (at the electric panel or the gas supply), then give the water inside some time to cool.
2. Close the cold water intake and attach a hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank.
3. Before opening the drain valve, be sure to open a hot water tap somewhere in your home (this will allow air to get into the tank while it’s draining).

Note: Drain the water in the tank outside, down a basement drain or into buckets. (Be careful the water may still be hot).

Water temperature problems? If you have absolutely no hot water – the heating element (electric) or gas thermocouple is probably not working. These are replaceable components you can do yourself and replacing them will give you back your normal hot water supply! The thermostat on the tank being changed usually causes water that’s too hot or too cold. It’s a simple matter to raise or lower the temperature a few degrees to get your tank back to functioning properly once again.

If you're still having problems with your water heater, call the professionals at Pro N Stall in Nashville, TN. You can reach us at 615-471-1122. We service all of Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro and surrounding areas!

Running Toilet?

Sort of like with a dripping faucet, the mysteries of a running toilet can drive you insane! Whether you hear water running constantly or cycling on and off, Pro N Stall can help you decipher the clues so that you can stop most leaks. Hardware stores and home centers carry the parts for almost every repair.

One common cause of a constant running toilet is that the flapper doesn't seal. If water from the tank seeps around the flapper and into the bowl, the flapper is probably worn out.

How do you test for a leaky flapper? Push down on the flapper with a stick when you hear the water running and listen for it to stop. If it stops, you know the flapper isn’t sealing properly which means it's time to replace it!

To replace the flapper, first shut off the water supply valve under the toilet then flush the toilet to drain out most of the water, and unhook the old flapper. Buy a new flapper of the same type and install it according to the instructions on the package. Hook the flapper chain onto the flush lever arm so there’s a little slack when the flapper is closed.

If the flapper doesn’t leak and the water still runs, inspect the fill tube connected to the overflow pipe. The end should be above the water line. If the end is under water, cut it back. Next, inspect the fill valve for visible signs of wear and test the float. If the float is improperly adjusted, the tank water level can rise above the overflow pipe and drain into it. Replace the old fill valve if it doesn’t completely shut off or it hampers the float-arm operation.

Occasionally, toilets run for more complex reasons. If you’ve replaced the flapper, float apparatus and fill tube, you may have sediment that’s affecting proper flushing and filling. Higher water bills could also indicate a silent leak. To detect a silent leak in your toilet, add a few drops of food coloring to the upper tank and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Look in the bowl for any hint of color; if you see tinted water, your flapper valve isn’t working as it should.

If you still can't figure it out, call the professionals at Pro N Stall. Every Pro N Stall technician is licensed, insured, and adept in providing service on the following:

• Water Heaters: Electric, Gas, Tankless (Repair, Service, Sales, and Installation)
• Plumbing (Small or Large Jobs)
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
• Appliance Installation (Dishwashers, Ranges, Cooktops, Microhoods, Wall Ovens , Garbage Disposers, Washers, Dryers, and more)
• Emergency Service

Give us a call at 615-471-1122 to schedule an appointment today! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook!

Dripping Faucet?

As we talked about in our previous post, maintenance inspection is key to keeping your plumbing running top notch. However, even the most thorough plumbing maintenance inspection won’t prevent the occasional clog or leak, especially in older homes.

One of the most common (and annoying) plumbing problems are dripping faucets. Ugh aren't they the worst? Especially when you're trying to sleep and all you hear is that constant drip...drip...drip....

A dripping faucet also drives your water bill higher. A single faucet can send hundreds of gallons of water per year down your drains a drop at a time.

Water entering your home is under pressure to move it through the pipes. When you turn off the tap, rubber or silicone-based washers form a water-tight seal that prevents more water from pushing its way through the pipes and out of the faucet. Over time, washers can become stiff, torn or dislodged, allowing a tiny trickle of water through and creating that annoying drip. While you can replace washers yourself, the repair job can be more of a challenge than you might expect without specialized tools. If the leak has gone on long enough, the valve seat may become worn or corroded, necessitating a more involved repair that’s best left to the professionals at Pro N Stall.

Not all sinks have washers to hold back the flow of water. Ceramic taps, also called disc or canister taps, use durable ceramic plates that fit together to form a seal. Although they need maintenance less often than rubber washers, the repair job is more complex than a simple washer replacement. If you have a lever-operated sink or tub instead of one with separate knobs, you probably have a ceramic disc or canister tap.

If you're looking for an easy do-it-yourself-fix, try this: Pry off the decorative cap on the handle, remove the handle screw, pull off the handle and use a crescent wrench to unscrew the packing nut. After unscrewing the stem, remove and replace the seat washer held in place by a brass screw.

If you're nervous to try this task alone, no problem! Pro N Stall of Nashville is dedicated to helping you resolve all of your water heater, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs. Give us a call today at 615-471-1122!

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Plumbing Maintenance

Even the most non-handy homeowners or renters have a few essential tools on hand to cope with minor plumbing emergencies. Many times, a clogged toilet or slow drain may only require a little elbow grease and a plunger to fix the problem. If you’re handy around the house (which I'm not), you can generally tackle a small repair such as changing out a worn washer or replacing a drain cover. However, bigger plumbing repair jobs need professional attention from Pro N Stall. Trying to repair some common issues such as slow drains or leaking toilets by yourself could lead to bigger problems later.

One way to prevent costly repairs to your home is by having a regular maintenance schedule. Since many issues with your pipes sneak up on you, a thorough inspection is key to catching small problems before they grow. Hidden leaks in sink drains or below water heaters are more than just a nuisance; over time, they can cause structural damage. Water that seeps into sheetrock or plaster contributes to mold growth. Porous tile or wood flooring can discolor or warp when wet.

Many routine maintenance tasks are simple do-it-yourself jobs. An inspection is the foundation of any maintenance schedule. You use your sinks and tubs daily, but you might not notice minor concerns unless you set aside time for an inspection. Go through your home and take a look at your plumbing. Examine all exposed pipes, including under sinks and behind toilet tanks, for any signs of moisture. On a humid day, some condensation on a cold metal pipe is normal, so note any dampness and check the pipes again when the home is cooler. Check for signs of corrosion on brass or copper fittings; corrosion occurs more rapidly on damp metal, so corroded connections could reveal a slow leak.

Turn on water faucets in sinks, showers and tubs to monitor water pressure. Some variation between different faucet styles and purposes is normal, but all of them should have a steady flow. Note how quickly the water drains after you test the faucet, too; slow drains could mean a clog waiting to happen. While you’re making your rounds, flush toilets to ensure they don’t run or leak at the base, a sign of a faulty wax seal.

Inspections from a plumber like Pro N Stall in Nashville will give you a more in-depth look at your home’s pipes and drains. Your inspector will check the water heater, garbage disposal and every area of your home’s plumbing system. More thorough assessments might include remote video inspection of pipes, lead testing and filter system inspection.

After a thorough inspection, remove and clean aerators on faucets and shower heads. Sediment can build up and slow water flow. If you opt for professional plumbing maintenance, Pro N Stall will take care of this step and others for you. Some of the maintenance duties a licensed plumber can perform include:

• drain treatment to maximize flow rate
• cleaning of garbage disposals and water heaters
• pressure tests to detect hairline leaks
• water pressure assessment and adjustment

You don't have to undergo all of your houses plumbing problems alone. Call Pro N Stall, the professionals in Nashville and beyond at 615-471-1122 to schedule a maintenance visit today! 

Be sure to visit our website and sign up to save money! 

5 Most Common Summer Plumbing Issues

When we think of potential problems for homeowners in the summer, plumbing issues may not come to mind, however, the warmer months are prime time for plumbing problems that may not occur during the colder months. Pro N Stall in Nashville has the 5 most common plumbing problems for the summer months:

1. Clogged Disposal
Are you planning on cookouts this summer? If so, you will need be careful of how you dispose of your food! While produce may be organic, it is generally not good for your in-sink garbage disposal, particularly if you are getting rid of hard fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon or corn. These types of produce can damage the blades in your disposal unit or lead to stubborn clogs. Used cooking oils are also damaging to garbage disposal systems, so avoid pouring the dirty grease down the drain after grilling out. It is also a good idea to run cold water through your disposal for a few seconds before and after you use it to clear any remaining bits of food.

2. Sewer Line Backups
Certain areas of the country may be prone to summer rain showers or thunderstorms, especially as the air heats up in the afternoon. Excessive rain can get into sewer pipes through cracks and cause the sewer line to back up.  If you see any signs of sewer line trouble such as water from the toilet backing up into the bathtub drain, call a qualified plumber right away. He or she may recommend a sewer line replacement if the damage is extensive.

3. Washing Machine Maintenance
With the kids out of school, I assume your washing machine will be seeing more cycles! Spending days at the pool or the beach results in more laundry to wash, which can put additional stress on your washing machine. Staying at home while the machine is running is a good idea so that if a problem arises you can stop the cycle immediately and call a professional like Pro N Stall if needed. You should also move the machine out from the wall a little to prevent the hose from kinking.

4. Clogged Toilets
Household toilets are also used more regularly in the summer, thanks to your little kidlets being home all day! Teach your kids to use a modest amount of toilet paper and to flush only after they actually use the bathroom. Common clogs are fairly simple to clear with a plunger, but if you need additional help, call Pro N Stall.

5. Sprinkler Issues
If you have sprinklers embedded in your lawn, be sure to inspect and clean the heads before the season begins. When you are mowing the lawn, be careful to do so when the sprinkler heads are lowered, in order to avoid damaging them.

Any plumbing issues, call Pro N Stall at 615-471-1122! Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for our specials and exclusive discounts! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Affordable Duct Cleaning In Nashville

Now that we're finally experiencing warmer weather in Middle Tennessee, some of us you are already running your AC which means it's time you make sure your system is CLEAN! It is said that there are health benefits to keeping your air ducts clean and it is a proven fact that having your ducts cleaned and all the junk removed can boost the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Little known fact: Did you know that approximately 5-7 times a day the air in your home circulates through the air ducts of your HVAC heating and cooling system, carrying with it the dust and debris of everyday living. If you're like me, and haven't changed your filter in an embarrassing amount of time (think.... almost a year...), that's super gross!

Your furnace filter catches much of the junk circulating in your house (unless you're like me & don't change your filter!), but neglect, remodeling projects, or less than professional duct installation can lead to a buildup of gunk inside your ductwork that threatens the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Not so sure how to get those Air Ducts clean? That's okay! Pro N Stall of Nashville can help!

How are ducts cleaned? Dislodging and removing dust and debris is done with one or more of the following methods:

1. Hand-held vacuuming: Workers use a brush attached to a large portable vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This method may leave pockets of dust behind.

2. Mechanical brush: A rotating brush is fed into the ductwork. A truck-mounted vacuum sucks away debris. Before choosing this method, make sure your system is in good shape as this brush could harm poorly installed systems.

3. Air sweep: A truck-mounted vacuum system takes away dust and debris dislodged by a compressed-air hose fed into the ducts.

Of the three above methods, the air sweep method usually does the most effective job. To figure out which method is best for your home, give Pro N Stall a call today at 615-471-1122 for a free consultation.

Locally owned and operated along with low overhead allows Pro N Stall to provide professional and timely customer service at prices that you can afford! Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for even more savings! Also, LIKE us on Facebook!