September 19, 2026
Repair or Replace an Air Conditioner? A Practical Decision Framework
An air conditioner should be repaired when the diagnosed problem is safely repairable and the repair makes sense in the context of the whole…
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The Empire State Plumbing Journal · Capital Region · Since 2006
Empire State Plumbing Blog
Practical advice for Capital Region homeowners — from a local crew that has done this work since 2006.
Practical home know-how from a local crew.
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September 19, 2026
Water Softener vs. Whole-House Water Filter: Which Problem Are You Solving?
A water softener and a whole-house water filter solve different problems. A conventional ion-exchange softener primarily addresses hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium.…
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September 19, 2026
Trenchless Sewer Repair vs. Excavation: What Decides the Method?
Trenchless sewer repair can reduce the amount of open excavation, but it is not automatically the right method for every damaged sewer. Traditional excavation…
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September 19, 2026
Heat Pump vs. Furnace for a Capital Region Home
A heat pump moves heat and can provide both heating and cooling. A furnace creates heat and normally serves heating only. For a Capital…
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June 6, 2026
What to Expect From a Sewer Camera Inspection
Wondering what happens during a sewer camera inspection? Empire State Plumbing explains the process, what it finds, and what comes next in the Capital…
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June 6, 2026
Why Is My AC Not Cooling the House?
AC running but the house won't cool? Common causes from thermostats to refrigerant, plus Capital Region fixes from Empire State Plumbing. Call (518) 482-4205.
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June 6, 2026
Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
Furnace blowing cold air in your Capital Region home? Learn the most common causes, easy DIY fixes, and when to call Empire State Plumbing…
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June 6, 2026
Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging?
Tired of the same drain backing up again and again? Learn why Capital Region drains keep clogging, from grease and hair to tree roots…
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June 6, 2026
Why Is My AC Freezing Up?
Ice on your AC during a Capital Region summer usually points to restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Here's what's happening and how to fix…
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June 6, 2026
Why Some of Your Radiators Stay Cold (and How to Fix It)
One radiator stays cold while the rest of the house heats up? Here's what causes uneven radiator heat in Capital Region homes and how…
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June 6, 2026
What Size Air Conditioner Does Your Home Need?
Wondering what size AC your Capital Region home needs? Learn how cooling sizing works and why bigger isn't always better. Empire State Plumbing, (518)…
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June 6, 2026
Boiler vs. Furnace: Which Is Right for Your Capital Region Home?
Boiler vs. furnace for your Capital Region home? Empire State Plumbing breaks down radiator heat vs. forced air, fuel choices, and which fits your…
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June 6, 2026
7 Warning Signs of a Sewer Line Problem
Spot sewer line trouble early. Empire State Plumbing shares 7 warning signs that Capital Region NY homeowners should never ignore. Call (518) 482-4205.
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June 6, 2026
Central AC vs. Ductless Mini-Split: How to Choose
Central air conditioning and ductless mini-splits can both cool a home effectively when they are designed and installed for the building. Central AC distributes…
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June 6, 2026
Is an Oil-to-Gas Conversion Worth It?
Thinking about switching from oil to gas heat in the Capital Region? Here's how Empire State Plumbing helps Albany-area homeowners weigh the decision.
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June 6, 2026
Furnace & Boiler Maintenance Checklist Before Winter
Get your Capital Region furnace or boiler ready for winter with this pre-season maintenance checklist from Empire State Plumbing, family-run since 2006.
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June 6, 2026
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
Improve indoor air quality at home with smart filters, balanced humidity, and simple habits. Capital Region tips from family-run Empire State Plumbing.
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June 6, 2026
Spring AC Maintenance Checklist for Capital Region Homes
A practical spring AC maintenance checklist for Albany and Capital Region homes from Empire State Plumbing, family-run since 2006. Call (518) 482-4205.
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June 6, 2026
Sump Pump Not Working? What to Check First
Sump pump not running before a heavy rain? Here are the first things to check in your basement, from the family-run Capital Region NY…
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June 6, 2026
Repair or Replace a Furnace or Boiler? A Decision Framework
A furnace or boiler should not be replaced just because it is old, and it should not be repaired indefinitely just because a repair…
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June 6, 2026
Snaking vs. Hydro-Jetting: Which Clears Your Drain?
Snaking vs. hydro-jetting for a clogged drain in the Capital Region: how each method works, when to pick one over the other, and how…
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June 6, 2026
Tree Roots in a Sewer Line: What the Camera and Pipe Condition Decide
Roots found inside a sewer line are usually evidence of an entry path—a separated joint, crack, failed connection, or other opening—not proof that the…
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May 31, 2026
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Water Heater From a Big Box Store
Buying a water heater from a big box store often costs more once you factor in install, permits, and warranty headaches. Here's a smarter…
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May 31, 2026
Winter HVAC Tips to Keep Your Capital Region Home Warm and Efficient
Practical winter heating tips from Empire State Plumbing, a family-run Capital Region team since 2006. Keep your home warm, safe, and efficient all season.
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