Your water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, but it can’t do all that work on its own! Water heater repair and maintenance services are crucial for keeping this appliance in the best shape possible so you can get the hot water you want, when you want it.

There are a few different maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly to keep your home’s water heater running efficiently. You should call for a system sediment flush and drain once a year if you have a tank water heater. You can also call your plumbing and home improvement specialists to assess and replace the anode rod, and to perform safety checks as needed.

If your water heater is in need of maintenance, let Mike Counsil Plumbing help. Our San Jose water heater services can help keep your appliance in good shape so that it provides all of the hot water your family needs. Give us a call at (408) 618-8002 for more information.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/do-water-heaters-need-maintenance-2/

What to Check Before Leaving Your Home for Vacation

Are you going to be leaving your home for an extended time this summer? Whether you’re taking a long vacation or you have a second residence, there are some things to take care of in your house before you leave. Follow this helpful checklist to make sure nothing important is left undone.

- Stop the mail. Stop or forward your mail, and if you subscribe to a newspaper, pause your subscription.

- Let all your service providers know of your plans. This includes the cable company, your utility providers, and anyone who manages your neighborhood.

- Secure your valuables. Anything you’re not taking with you should be placed in a safety deposit box or another secure location.

- Empty and turn off water fountains. Standing water can attract mosquitoes, but don’t empty hot tubs, to avoid summer heat damage.

- Bring in outside equipment. Outside furniture, chairs, and decorations should be stored away from the heat.

- Empty the refrigerator. Don’t leave food in the fridge, and seal up any non-perishable food in your cabinets to keep pests from getting into it.

- Take care of any vehicles you’re leaving behind. Have them serviced before you leave, inflate the tires, and disconnect car batteries.

- Do not store combustible items in the garage. Leaving propane tanks behind, for instance, can pose a fire hazard.

- Arrange for maintenance while you’re away. Hire someone to come by and keep your lawn trimmed, as well as maintaining your pool if you have one.

- Enlist the help of a trusted neighbor. Leave a key to your home and your contact information with someone. Ask this person to check on your home from time to time, removing any flyers or door menus, and making sure everything is in order.

- Turn off and unplug electric appliances. Leave the air conditioner plugged in if you want to keep the home climate-controlled for certain items you’re storing inside.

- Call in a plumber for assistance closing the house. If your home uses natural gas, the plumber can shut it off at the main valve, and do the same with your water.

Of course, this is just a basic checklist, because every home is different, and you should take some time to tweak it to meet your home’s unique needs. If you need help with your plumbing, you can count on the professional plumbing contractors at Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter to provide stellar plumbing service with a smile. Since 1994, we’ve served San Jose, California, and the South Bay Area, building a reputation on excellent service and a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Our family-owned and -operated company is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations, and our staff is kept up-to-date on all the latest advances in the industry. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we’re available to take care of plumbing issues that can’t wait. Contact Us today to learn more!
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/what-to-check-before-leaving-your-home-for-vacation-2/

Use this coupon for a discount on repairing or replacing your worn-out garbage disposal.

Fine Print:

Cannot be combined with any other offer and may not be used for the trip charge.

Expires:

December 31, 2023
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If you have hard water, then using a water softener will protect your pipes, clothing, dishes, hair, and skin from damage. Hard water not only causes physical damage to your home and body, but it can cause bad odors and stains. Fortunately, you can treat hard water by using water softeners. Your plumber can install a water softener system that addresses your hard water problems so you can avoid the associated damage. Here is a closer look at how these systems work.

Filtration

When hard water enters the water softener, it passes through a collection of plastic beads, also called a media. The beads are usually made of polystyrene, but they are sometimes made from other forms of plastic. They have a negative charge, which attracts the calcium and magnesium that makes water hard. Through this attraction, those minerals are removed from the water and cling to the beads instead. The water is ready to be used at this point.

Brine Tank

The brine tank is separate from the media portion of the softening system. Inside the brine tank is a concentrated solution of water and sodium or potassium. This water is used to rinse the beads in the media so that the magnesium and calcium are removed, allowing them to be used again for water softening. The brine solution combined with the magnesium and calcium then goes down the drain.

Water softeners are simple systems that can have a major impact on the longevity of your home plumbing and the safety of your water. Mike Counsil Plumbing can assist with a variety of home plumbing needs, including water softeners, drain cleaning, and water heater repair in San Jose. To schedule a service call with a plumber, dial (408) 618-8002.

 

 

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A toilet is one of the most used fixtures in the home, so when it’s time to invest in a new one, it’s important to make a careful decision. If you have questions about what might be right for your home, consult with your plumber. He or she can make sure this home improvement investment will pay off for you well into the future. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you shop for a new toilet.

Don’t Ignore Low-Flow

If you haven’t had to replace a toilet in a long time, you may instinctively stay away from low-flow models because they used to be fairly ineffective. However, today’s toilets are completely different. Low-flow toilets are now reliable thanks to many innovative design changes, and they actually do what they’re supposed to do—reduce your water consumption. Go for a low-flow toilet with confidence, and enjoy the eco-friendly and cost-saving benefits.

Carefully Consider Special Features

You’d be surprised at how many special features you can choose on a toilet, from custom seats to unique flushing mechanisms. When you consider purchasing a toilet with these features, remember that there may come a time in the future when they need to be repaired. Having unique features can increase the repair costs, and you may find that the parts you need aren’t even available years down the line.

Pay Attention to Flush Ratings

Choosing a toilet with a high flush rating should be one of your highest priorities when you’re shopping. These models deliver the most reliable performance, so explore independent test results online or ask your plumber for tips. These ratings will also tell you about important factors, such as the noise made while flushing. Some powerful toilets, such as pressure-assist toilets, can be extremely noisy, so they may not be ideal for bathrooms that are near sleeping areas.

Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter can assist with all of your plumbing needs, from new toilet installation to water heater maintenance and repairs in San Jose. To schedule plumbing services, please call (408) 618-8002.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-new-toilet-2/

Using appliances that are powered by natural gas is a way of life for many families, but the gas that provides so much convenience can become dangerous during disasters like fires and earthquakes. An earthquake shut-off valve is a safety solution your family can’t afford to be without.

Watch this video to see how earthquake shut-off valves work. When a line ruptures, the shut-off valve automatically reduces the flow of gas. In the case of fire, these valves can also completely stop gas flow, which can help to prevent explosions.

For earthquake shut-off valves in San Jose, contact Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter. We offer extensive plumbing services, including water heater repair and emergency services. For more information, call (408) 618-8002.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/why-your-home-needs-an-earthquake-shut-off-valve-3/

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You would never dump food scraps into the bathroom sink, but you don’t think twice about rinsing your plate in the kitchen sink. You have your garbage disposal to thank for your confidence. However, even this robust little appliance needs some care and attention if you want it to last. Follow the instructions in this garbage disposal guide to keep things up and running.

Know What Can’t Go in the Garbage Disposal

It’s okay to send small food scraps down the kitchen sink at the end of a meal. However, there’s a long list of things that shouldn’t go in the garbage disposal. These include:

- Grease and oil (bacon grease, cooking oil and runoff from making gravy)

- Hard materials (bones and fruit pits)

- Fibrous foods (egg shells, corn husks and celery stalks)

- Starchy foods (coffee grounds, potato peels, and excessive amounts of rice or pasta)

- Non-food items (string, flower stems and cigarette butts)

- Drain cleaning chemicals (drain opener, bleach and lye)

Operate the Garbage Disposal Correctly

To ensure safe, proper operation, have a professional install your new garbage disposal. Then, follow these operating tips:

- Run cold water for a few seconds before and after turning on the disposal.

- If you hear an unusual sound when running the disposal, turn it off immediately. Shine a light inside to look for foreign objects.

- If you need to retrieve an item from the garbage disposal, unplug it first. Then, reach inside with tongs, not your bare hands.

Keep the Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh

As you might expect, bacteria and odors are common in garbage disposals. Keep things fresh using natural items you already have at home:

- Ice and salt: Toss three or four ice cubes into the garbage disposal along with a handful of rock salt. Run cold water on full blast and grind up these items to loosen oil and grime from the disposal blades.

- Baking soda and vinegar: Pour a cup of baking soda down the kitchen sink and chase it with a cup of vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction will effectively clean and disinfect the disposal. When the fizzing stops, rinse the sink with cold water.

- Soapy rinse: Plug the sink and dispense a squirt or two of dish soap. Then, fill the sink up to half full with warm water. Remove the stopper and run the disposal until all the water has drained.

- Citrus fruit peels: The next time you peel an orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit, grind up the peels a piece or two at a time in the garbage disposal. This helps dislodge items from the blades and leaves a pleasant citrus scent behind.

Garbage disposals require minimal care, and as long as you operate yours correctly, it should work well for years to come. If you need help with garbage disposal maintenance, or the appliance is acting up, please contact Mike Counsil Plumbing at 408-618-8002.

 

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Mike Counsil, president of Mike Counsil Plumbing, brings an extensive level of service experience to his job. He has a background in residential and commercial construction in the Santa Clara Valley, and he made the leap to plumbing in the 1990s. Despite difficult times, Mike has worked to build the company up into one of the most trusted plumbing services in the community with the help and support of his loving wife Brenda. In recent years, he has focused on rethinking and improving the way the business operates internally, working to keep Mike Counsil Plumbing running smoothly from day to day while experimenting with new concepts to keep customers satisfied with the service we provide.

After many years of faithfully serving the community of San Jose, CA, Mike Counsil Plumbing remains as dedicated as ever to offering our customers the best plumbing services possible. From hydro jetting ,video inspection, and trenchless sewer lines and water lines, we use the latest and best plumbing technology and the most qualified professional technicians to improve the customer experience and provide faster service. If you’d like to learn more, call 408-618-8002.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/meet-our-president-mike-counsil-2/

Do you know how old your water heater is? These appliances typically last between 8 and 10 years before they need to be replaced. If you work with the right water heater repair company, you can keep your appliance in great shape for as long as possible. Keep reading to learn about common types of hot water heater repairs that you might need over the years.

Fixing Dip Tubes

If you’ve noticed that you’re not getting as much hot water as you used to, then a broken dip tube might be to blame. This tube is responsible for transferring cold water to the appliance so it can heat up and be transferred to your home. If the dip tube breaks, the cold water will simply be added to the warm water instead of going through the heating process, which results in less hot water. Your plumbing company can fix the broken tube to make your water heater run more efficiently.

Replacing Heating Elements

Typically, there are two separate heating elements used to heat water in an electric water heater. If one or both of these elements burn out for any reason, they won’t be able to heat up the water sufficiently before it is transferred to your fixtures. A water heater repair specialist will be able to see if either heating element needs to be replaced.

Restoring Faulty Burners

If you have a gas-powered water heater instead of an electric model, then a faulty burner might be to blame for your lack of hot water at home. Rust and dust can both cause a burner to work improperly, resulting in less hot water. If you think your gas-powered water heater is failing, then you should call your plumbing company right away for an assessment.

When you’re in need of water heater repair in San Jose, you can contact the professionals at Mike Counsil Plumbing. Call us at (408) 618-8002 to learn more about our water heater repairs and other home improvement services, including appliance tune ups.

 
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/common-types-of-hot-water-heater-repairs-2/

What Every New Homeowner Needs to Know about Plumbing

When you rent, an issue with your plumbing means a call to the landlord. However, when you purchase a home, you’re on the front lines of dealing with plumbing problems. You can reduce the risk of costly repairs by learning a few basic things about how your plumbing works. This information will help you understand what to do in the face of a gas leak, when to call a plumber for drain cleaning, and much more.

Find Your Shut-Off Valves

When faced with a water or gas emergency, getting to your shut-off valves as quickly as possible is essential. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to try to locate them. In the case of a major leak, shut the water off at the main valve to prevent any further flooding. If there is a gas leak, shut off the main valve, get out of the house, and call your plumber and gas supplier right away. Having an earthquake shut-off valve that automatically activates can also be helpful.

Learn the Signs of Hidden Leaks

Not all water leaks are immediately apparent, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not doing damage. Sometimes, a high water bill is the first indicator that you have leak. In other cases, you may notice a suspicious wet spot on the wall. If you think you have a leak, check your usage on your water meter and avoid using any water for a few hours. Check the meter again. If it shows you have used more water, then you have a leak and should call a plumber.

Know When to Call a Plumber

Drains are bound to get clogged every now and then. However, repeated clogs and clogs that occur in multiple drains at once can be signs of a larger issue. Call your plumber to see if you need drain cleaning or a video inspection of your pipes to find the issue.

At Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter, we’re here to help every homeowner keep their plumbing in top condition, with reliable and affordable tune-ups and repair services. For everything from water heater services to drain cleaning in San Jose, call (408) 618-8002.
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If you have hard water, then using a water softener will protect your pipes, clothing, dishes, hair, and skin from damage. Hard water not only causes physical damage to your home and body, but it can cause bad odors and stains. Fortunately, you can treat hard water by using water softeners. Your plumber can install a water softener system that addresses your hard water problems so you can avoid the associated damage. Here is a closer look at how these systems work.

Filtration

When hard water enters the water softener, it passes through a collection of plastic beads, also called a media. The beads are usually made of polystyrene, but they are sometimes made from other forms of plastic. They have a negative charge, which attracts the calcium and magnesium that makes water hard. Through this attraction, those minerals are removed from the water and cling to the beads instead. The water is ready to be used at this point.

Brine Tank

The brine tank is separate from the media portion of the softening system. Inside the brine tank is a concentrated solution of water and sodium or potassium. This water is used to rinse the beads in the media so that the magnesium and calcium are removed, allowing them to be used again for water softening. The brine solution combined with the magnesium and calcium then goes down the drain.

Water softeners are simple systems that can have a major impact on the longevity of your home plumbing and the safety of your water. Mike Counsil Plumbing can assist with a variety of home plumbing needs, including water softeners, drain cleaning, and water heater repair in San Jose. To schedule a service call with a plumber, dial (408) 618-8002.

 

 

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https://mcplumbing.com/blog/how-do-water-softeners-work-2/

For homeowners, an unexpected plumbing problem can cause a great deal of stress. When problems pop up without warning, the repairs can be extremely expensive and disruptive. With a Home Protection Plan from Mike Counsil Plumbing, you get the benefit of regular maintenance services, which will help extend the life of your appliances, such as water heaters, and plumbing systems while allowing your plumbers to catch problems early, when they are more affordable to repair. Could our Home Protection Plan be the right choice for you? Here is a look at some of the major benefits.

Complimentary Maintenance

As Home Protection Plan member, you will receive annual maintenance and free plumbing system tune-ups included in your membership fee. Our annual maintenance checklist involves more than 100 items and is valued at $200. Our plumbers will tune-up and flush your hot water heater, check all toilets, test faucets, inspect water lines, and much more. Through annual maintenance service, you can rest assured that your plumbing is in top working order. During maintenance, our plumbers can also identify repairs that need to be made, in order to prevent large malfunctions in the future.

Front-of-Line Service

Between annual maintenance visits, if you need plumbing services, you will jump to the front of the line. Home Protection Plan members receive priority appointment scheduling, so you can count on getting fast service, even if we are fully booked with other appointments. Faster service can minimize damage and inconvenience when you’re experiencing plumbing issues.

Loyalty Pricing

Home Protection Plan members get access to loyalty pricing on all plumbing services. This means an 11% discount on all work performed, plus the opportunity to take advantage of unadvertised discounts. Plan members also get a two-year, full guarantee on repairs and replacements.

Reap the rewards of membership for yourself and contact Mike Counsil Plumbing today to find out how to sign up for a Home Protection Plan. Call (408) 618-8002 for more information about plan membership, as well as our other plumbing and home improvement services in San Jose.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/top-benefits-of-our-home-protection-plan-program-2/

During an earthquake, water and gas lines are extremely vulnerable. When damage to gas lines occurs, a leak may happen. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous to both the affected home and the surrounding properties and can lead to explosions and loss of life. Earthquake shut-off valves can prevent these leaks from happening and protect your family and home.

 

Earthquake shut-off valves are attached to gas lines. They detect seismic activity, and when an earthquake occurs, they shut off the supply of gas, so a leak cannot occur. The shut-off valves are programmed to only react to earthquakes of specific magnitudes, so that small tremors do not needlessly cause any disruption to your gas service.

Talk to a plumber at Mike Counsil Plumbing about installing and maintaining an earthquake shut-off valve at your San Jose home. For more information on this and our other home improvement and plumbing tune-up services, call (408) 618-8002.

 
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/how-to-prevent-gas-leaks-during-an-earthquake/

Check out these great tips to ensure your home is healthy all year long. 
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If there’s one thing every homeowner ought to know, it’s that grease and drains don’t mix. Even pouring a small amount of grease down a drain can result in a plumbing crisis. Grease and other oils contain fats that will harden and block your plumbing pipes. Eventually, you’ll have a backed-up drain on your hands, and you’ll need to phone for a plumber. If you have grease left over after cooking, you should let it cool and then throw it away in a garbage bin. Never wash a pot or pan until you have properly disposed of any grease.

 

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain in your San Jose home this winter, don’t hesitate to contact Mike Counsil Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers can provide you with the fast, dependable services you need, including hydro-jetting and video inspection. If you have any questions, you can reach us today by calling (408) 703-6111.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/why-you-should-never-pour-grease-down-the-drain-2/

If you’re trying to decide whether you should opt for a tankless water heater in your home, you may be wondering if there are any potential drawbacks to having one. As beneficial as tankless models can be, they’re not right for everybody. In this video, you’ll learn some important things that all homeowners should be aware of when they’re mulling over what type of water heater to purchase.

Are you looking for a new water heater? Mike Counsil Plumbing carries a wide range of models, so you can be sure you’ll find the right one for your household. If you need a plumber in San Jose you can always depend on, call us at (408)618-8002.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/3-things-to-know-before-switching-to-a-tankless-water-heater-2/

If you’re anything like most homeowners, you probably use hot water on a daily basis. That means you need to have a dependable water heater. If you want to be assured of a working water heater, however, it’s important to remember to schedule routine maintenance. Having mineral buildup removed and having every component checked will help to ensure that your water heater continues to serve you well for many years to come. Here’s why regular maintenance is so imperative for your home’s water heater:

It extends your water heater’s lifespan.

When you delay your routine maintenance, it means that minor problems such as sediment buildup and worn-out components can quickly escalate into major problems. Over time, these issues can add up and make your water heater much more likely to break down. Regular maintenance will help keep your water heater fully functional for much longer.

It means more efficient service.

Routine maintenance helps to iron out any issues with your water heater, which allows for more efficient service. This, in turn, means that you’ll be reducing the amount of energy you have to use to heat water, and hence saving money on your utility bills. Maintenance is a short-term investment that can pay off in the long run.

It gives you peace of mind.

One of the last things any homeowner wants to be confronted with is a malfunctioning water heater, especially when it’s cold outside. You can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a water heater problem by investing in regular maintenance. A well-maintained water heater will have fewer breakdowns and require less frequent repairs.

Mike Counsil Plumbing is proud to offer state-of-the-art water heater replacement to homes and businesses in the San Jose area. We can recommend a water heater that will be ideal for your building’s needs. To get started, call (408) 618-8002 today.

 
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/why-regular-water-heater-maintenance-is-important-2/

Tips for Preventing Clogs in Your Bathroom Drains
If there’s one thing nobody wants to be greeted by in the morning, it’s a clogged drain in the bathroom. Whether it’s your sink, your bathtub, or your toilet that’s stopped up, a clog in one of your bathroom drains usually means it’s time to call a plumber. Ideally, of course, you wouldn’t have a clog in the first place. Here are some tips for avoiding clogs:

Brush before you use your tub or shower.

Hair is one of the most common culprits when it comes to drain clogs. Before you hop in the shower, take a few minutes to brush your hair. This will pull out all the loose hairs that would otherwise wash down your drain, eventually leading to a clog. If you shave in the shower, buy a rubber hair catcher and put it over your drain to catch all of the hairs.

Watch what you flush.

You should only use your toilet to flush waste, water, and toilet paper. Nothing else should go down your toilet drain—and that includes cleaning wipes, diapers, paper towels, facial tissues, dental floss, tampons, medication, and any of the other common household items that plumbers find clogging up toilet drains.

Clean your pop-up stopper.

Most bathroom sinks have a long, removable stopper that can be used to open or close the drain. It’s a good idea to remove the stopper periodically and clean off the hair, soap scum, and anything else that is clinging to it. Having a clean stopper will help keep your bathroom sink draining like normal.

Is your day being held up by a clogged drain? Mike Counsil Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency services in San Jose, including drain cleaning. Our team uses state-of-the-art techniques—including hydro-jetting and video inspection—to identify and fix clogs quickly and efficiently. If you have any questions about our services, call us today at 408-618-8002.
https://mcplumbing.com/blog/tips-for-preventing-clogs-in-your-bathroom-drains-2/

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Most people envision water leaks causing instant flooding, but a leak could be hiding in your home for a long time before you even know it is there. The longer a leak is around, the more water it will waste and the more damage it will cause. By being aware of the signs of hidden water leaks, you can know when to call your plumber for repairs to decrease the amount of damage. Schedule an inspection by your plumber if you notice these signs.

Increased Water Bill

Many homeowners find out that they have a water leak when they see their water bill suddenly increase dramatically without any good reason. A good way to make sure any increase you see isn’t seasonal is to compare a recent bill to a bill from the same month from the previous year. If they don’t align, a leak could be to blame.

Foundation Cracks

When a leak occurs, the water can eventually wear away at your foundation, causing cracks to appear. You may notice cracks on the foundation itself, or you may notice cracks on walls, uneven floors, or doors that won’t close because of foundational shifts. This can be a serious structural issue, so take action quickly.

Musty Smell

If you smell a damp, musty odor, then it could indicate that you have mold or mildew growing behind the walls of your home. If you notice a musty odor, let you plumber pinpoint the cause.

If you think you have a water leak, call Mike Counsil Plumbing today for an inspection and leak repairs. You can reach a plumber in San Jose by calling (408) 618-8002.

 

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