Have Questions About Your Plumbing and HVAC Services?
faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our plumbing and HVAC services in Blue Bell, PA. Learn more about repairs, installations, maintenance, and emergency services to help you make informed decisions for your home or business.
What does it mean that Randy Aiken JR. is a Registered Master Plumber?
It means our owner holds the highest level of plumbing registration, earned through extensive training and experience. That background brings deep piping knowledge to plumbing, boilers, gas lines, and water heaters across every service we provide.
Do you handle both plumbing and HVAC work?
Yes. One company handles plumbing, heating, and air conditioning, which is especially helpful for boilers, water heaters, frozen pipes, and humidity problems that involve both systems. You make one call instead of coordinating several contractors.
What does 24 hour emergency response mean?
It means we return emergency calls within 24 hours. Burst pipes, sewer backups, no heat in freezing weather, and air conditioner failures during heat waves are urgent, so call us and we will follow up with next steps and scheduling.
How do you price repairs and installations?
We believe in honesty and integrity, providing straightforward recommendations and fair, competitive pricing. You will know what the work involves and what it costs before anything begins, with no pressure to approve any unnecessary work.
Before winter arrives, how can I protect my home's pipes?
Keep heat at least around 55 degrees, insulate pipes in unheated spaces, disconnect garden hoses, and let faucets on exterior walls drip during extreme cold. Know exactly where your main water shutoff valve is located.
Which areas does RLA Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning serve?
Based in Blue Bell, PA, we serve homeowners and businesses throughout surrounding Montgomery County communities. If you are unsure whether we cover your address, call and we will gladly confirm our service area for you today.
Why does water pressure drop throughout my whole house?
A whole-house pressure drop can point to a failing pressure-reducing valve, a partially closed main shutoff, mineral buildup in older galvanized pipes, or a hidden leak. We test pressure at the meter and fixtures to find the cause.
What causes a sewer smell in my basement?
The most common cause is a floor drain or unused fixture whose trap has dried out, letting sewer gas escape. Cracked drain pipes, loose cleanout caps, and venting problems can also cause odors that need professional attention.
How can I tell if my main water line is leaking underground?
Warning signs include soggy spots in the yard, a water meter that moves when every fixture is off, lower water pressure, and unexplained bill increases. Locating the leak precisely helps limit digging and lawn damage during repairs.
Should I cover my outdoor AC unit during winter?
A full plastic cover can trap moisture and invite rodents, so it is usually unnecessary. A breathable top cover that keeps out ice and debris is fine, but remove it before running the system and never cover a heat pump.
Is a loud bang from my furnace at startup a problem?
Yes. A bang at startup often signals delayed ignition, where gas builds up before lighting. Dirty burners or a weak igniter are common causes, and the condition can stress the heat exchanger, so schedule an inspection promptly.
Where does banging in my pipes come from when a faucet shuts off?
That noise is called water hammer, caused by fast-closing valves in washing machines, dishwashers, and faucets. Loose pipe straps and high water pressure make it worse, and arrestors or pressure adjustments usually quiet the system.
Can leaky ductwork raise my energy bills?
Yes. Gaps and disconnected joints in ductwork, especially in attics and basements, can waste a significant share of heated or cooled air. Sealing and insulating ducts improves comfort, balances airflow between rooms, and reduces wasted energy.
Which thermostat setting protects my home when I travel in winter?
Keep the thermostat at 55 degrees or higher while you are away, open cabinet doors on exterior walls, and ask someone to check the house. Shutting off the main water valve adds protection against burst pipes.
When should an old cast iron drain stack be replaced?
Replacement makes sense when cast iron shows rust stains, cracks, active leaks, sewer odors, or slow drains caused by internal scaling. A camera inspection shows how much of the pipe has deteriorated before deciding between repair and replacement.
