The Empire State Plumbing Journal
The Empire State Plumbing Blog:
Plumbing & HVAC Advice
Practical advice for Capital Region homeowners — from a local crew that has done this work since 2006.
Latest from the journal
Recent articles
Repair or replace an air conditioner? A practical guide for Capital Region homes
Repair or replace an air conditioner? Fix a single failed part; replace a leaking coil, failed compressor or repeat breakdowns. How to decide.
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Water softener vs. water filter: which problem is yours?
Water softener vs water filter: what each one removes, how to match scale, taste, odor, iron or sulfur to the right treatment, and when a home needs both.
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Trenchless sewer repair vs. excavation: what decides the method?
Lining, pipe bursting or digging? How trenchless sewer repair vs excavation is decided: what the camera must show, access, utilities and restoration.
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Heat pump vs. furnace for a Capital Region home
Heat pump vs furnace for a Capital Region home: how each works, cold-climate performance, ducts, electrical needs, backup heat and running cost.
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Why some of your radiators stay cold (and how to fix it)
Radiator not heating? Why one radiator stays cold while others work: trapped air, a stuck valve, sludge or a steam vent, how to bleed it and when to call.
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Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Furnace blowing cold air? The usual causes (fan setting, clogged filter, ignition or flame sensor), quick checks to try first and when to call a pro.
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Why is my AC not cooling the house?
AC running but not cooling the house? The common causes, from thermostat and filter to the outdoor unit and refrigerant, and when to call for AC repair.
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Why is my AC freezing up?
AC freezing up or iced over? Why the coil ices, how to thaw it safely, what not to do and when low refrigerant or a failed part means a call for AC repair.
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Why does my drain keep clogging?
Why does my drain keep clogging? The usual causes by fixture, when it means a main line problem, what to avoid and how to stop repeat clogs.
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What to expect from a sewer camera inspection
What happens in a sewer camera inspection: the visit step by step, what the camera finds and cannot see, how to prepare and what comes next.
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What size air conditioner does your home need?
What size air conditioner do I need? How tonnage works, why bigger is not better, what a load calculation measures and how to size central AC.
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7 warning signs of a sewer line problem
The main signs of a sewer line problem: several slow drains, gurgling, sewer odors, soggy yard spots and backups, and what to do first at home.
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Tree roots in a sewer line: what the camera and pipe condition decide
Tree roots in a sewer line: the signs to watch for, why roots get in, what a camera shows, and how clearing, monitoring or a repair is decided.
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Sump pump not working? What to check first
Sump pump not working, not turning on or running nonstop? Check the power, float, pit and discharge line in order, then see when to call a plumber.
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Spring AC maintenance checklist for Capital Region homes
An AC maintenance checklist for spring: what to check at the outdoor unit, filter and thermostat, what a pro tune-up covers and when to book.
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Snaking vs. hydro jetting: which clears your drain?
Snaking vs hydro jetting for a clogged drain: how each works, when to use each and what changes the price, plus when a camera look should come first.
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When to replace a furnace or boiler: signs and how to decide
When to replace a furnace or boiler: the signs that point to replacement over repair, and how to compare both in writing. Capital Region guide.
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Is an oil-to-gas conversion worth it?
Is an oil-to-gas conversion worth it? When it pays off, when oil or propane still makes sense, what a conversion involves and what to ask before you start.
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How to improve indoor air quality at home
How to improve indoor air quality at home: filters, humidity, ventilation and leaky ducts first. A Capital Region guide from Empire State Plumbing.
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Furnace & boiler maintenance checklist before winter
Furnace and boiler maintenance checklist for fall: steps you can do yourself, the pro tune-up, and timing based on our no-heat call records.
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Central AC vs. ductless mini-split: how to choose
Central AC vs ductless mini-split: how each cools, which fits a house with or without ducts, zoning, upkeep and pros and cons. Capital Region guide.
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Boiler vs. furnace: how each one heats a house and which suits yours
Boiler vs furnace compared: how each heats a home, which fits radiators or ducts, fuel, upkeep and cooling. A Capital Region homeowner guide.
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Your top 7 hot water heater questions answered
Hot water heater questions answered: lifespan, tank or tankless, temperature, running out of hot water, leaks, gas or electric, repair or replace.
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Winter HVAC tips to keep your Capital Region home warm and efficient
Stay warm and cut heating bills this winter with simple HVAC tips for your Capital Region home, from filters to thermostats. Call (518) 482-4205.
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Big box store water heater vs a plumber: what to know before you buy
Big box store water heater vs a plumber: compare installation, permits, sizing and warranty before you buy, and which questions to ask the seller.
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Why do water heaters fail?
Sediment, corrosion, worn parts and age all end a water heater. Learn the causes, which failures are repairable and what keeps a tank running.
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Pipe is frozen? What to do when your pipes freeze
Pipe frozen? Shut off the main, thaw it safely and know when to call a plumber. What to do when pipes freeze or burst, and how to prevent it.
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Water heater vacation mode: what should you do while away?
Water heater vacation mode and what VAC means: use the manual, fuel type and freeze risk to pick a safe setting while away, then restart safely.
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What is a power-vent water heater?
How a power vent water heater moves exhaust, where it fits, what happens in an outage, and why venting and installation need a plumber to assess.
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What does an anode rod do in a water heater?
How an anode rod protects a tank water heater, what a worn rod looks like, when to inspect it, with rod types, how replacement works and FAQs.
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Water softener guide: what it does, how it works and if you need one
Water softener guide: what a softener does, how ion exchange works, signs of hard water, how to size one and keep it running. Plus when you need one.
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Standard tank water heater benefits: 5 reasons to stay with a tank
Standard tank water heater benefits: lower upfront cost, simple installation, steady hot water when fixtures overlap, easy repairs, proven record.
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Standard vs tankless water heater: pros and cons for Capital Region homes
Standard vs tankless water heater: compare price, hot water supply, space, efficiency, service life and installation to see which fits your home.
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Water contaminants in tap and well water: signs, testing and fixes
Water contaminants in tap and well water: hardness, iron, sulfur, sediment and bacteria. How to spot the signs, test the water and match a fix.
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Gas vs electric water heater: which should you buy?
Gas vs electric water heater: compare upfront cost, recovery time, running cost, venting and installation to pick the right fit for your home.
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Low water pressure: causes and how to fix it
Low water pressure causes, from clogged aerators and valves to a bad regulator, a leak or a well pump, with simple checks and when to call a plumber.
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Water heater leaking or condensation? What to check safely
Water heater leaking from the bottom or just condensation? Safe checks, what each leak location means, and when to shut it off and call a plumber.
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How to check your sump pump before spring
How to check your sump pump before spring: a bucket test, pit cleaning, discharge line check and a maintenance checklist to avoid a flooded basement.
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How often should I flush my water heater?
Flush a tank water heater about once a year, more often with hard or well water. Learn the signs it is overdue and the steps to flush it safely.
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Furnace and boiler cleaning: what a fall service includes and when you need one
Furnace and boiler cleaning explained: what a yearly cleaning covers, how often to schedule it and the signs your system is overdue. Book before winter.
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Signs you need a new water heater: 5 warning signs
Rusty hot water, a leaking tank, rumbling noises, a unit past a decade or hot water that runs out fast: the 5 signs you need a new water heater.
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Pool heater service in the Capital Region: keep the pool warm longer
Keep your pool warm into fall with professional pool heater installation and repair. Swim longer this season; book online or call (518) 482-4205.
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Water heater services in the Capital Region: which one do you need?
Water heater services for Capital Region homes explained: when to repair, replace, go tankless or maintain a water heater, and what each covers.
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Hire a licensed plumber: what you can DIY and what to leave to a pro
Hire a licensed plumber or DIY it? Which plumbing jobs are safe to do yourself, which to leave to a pro, and how to check a plumber’s license.
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Tankless vs traditional water heater in Albany: how to choose
Tankless vs traditional water heater in Albany, NY: four checks on your own home (demand, gas line and venting, space, water) show which one fits.
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Whole-house plumbing inspection: what it covers and when to get one
What a whole-house plumbing inspection covers, what you can check yourself, when to get one, and what to ask before buying a house. Book online or call.
Read moreWater heater efficiency tips: what actually helps
Water heater efficiency tips that hold up: confirm your equipment, fix leaks, set the temperature safely, cut pipe heat loss, know when to replace.
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