There are some pretty interesting urban legends out there when it comes to Plumbing. But which of this legend are myths and which ones are rooted in fact? Prepare to find out once and for all!

1. Snakes Biting People On The Toilet

Have you heard the stories of snakes crawling up people's toilet pipes and biting them when they go to use the restroom? Well, if you're sitting there thinking that this has to be a plumbing myth, then think again. Snakes entering your bathroom through the toilet is a plumbing fact.

While rare, snakes can and have, slithered their way into people's homes, via the toilet.  Snakes can gain access to your plumbing in a few different ways, but homes with a crawl space are the most vulnerable. Snakes love crawl spaces and if there is a hole or large enough crack in one of your pipes, a snake can easily slide right in. Then it's just a short distant from there to your toilet bowl.

Plus, damaged or cracked pipes can cause a lot more serious plumbing and financial issues. If it's been a while since you've had the condition of your pipes examined, it might be time to contact a licensed plumber, to ensure that your pipes are hole free!

2. Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

There is a popular theory, that you can keep the blades in your garbage disposal sharp, by grinding up ice cubes. This is a plumbing myth.

At best, ice cubes might clean the blades in your disposal. So, if you notice a strong odor coming from your sink, you might consider tossing a few cubes in your disposal to see if that helps.

3. Water Flushes  In Different Directions In Different Hemispheres

The Coriolis Effect, makes water flush counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and
clockwise in the southern hemisphere. No, no it doesn't, this is a huge plumbing myth.

The Coriolis Effect, really only applies to large bodies of water. Toilet bowls are just too small for the Coriolis Effect. The only thing that determines the direction water flushes is the design of the toilet.

4. Egg Shells Clean Garbage Disposals

Grinding up my morning egg shells will help keep my disposal clean and odor free. Egg lovers rejoice, this one is a plumbing fact.

Go ahead a toss those egg shells in your disposal. They are one of the few items, soft and safe enough to go in the disposal, that will actually help keep it clean.

5. Flushable Wipes Are Fine To Flush

I can flush my Flush-able wipes down the toilet with no problem. After all, why else would they be called Flush-able? You might want to think twice about tossing those wipes in your bowl. This is a plumbing (and advertising) myth.

Keep this in mind, just because you can flush it, doesn't mean you should flush it! Regularly flushing these so-called Flush-able wipes can cause major toilet plumbing issues that could incur significant costs.

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Spring is here and summer will not be far behind and that means temperatures will be on the rise and so will your energy bill. Keeping cool during the warmer months can really drain your wallet, but luckily for you, there are ways to cut your energy costs this coming summer.

Check out these simple money saving tips, meant to keep your bank account full and your home cool.

1. Keep the Sun Out

You would be surprised by the amount of energy you can save by simply keeping your curtains closed during sunny, hot summer days. The summer sun, pouring into your home, will really heat things up, causing your air conditioner to run longer and more often to combat the extra heat. By keeping your curtains and blinds closed during the sunniest/hottest parts of the day, you'll be able to conserve more energy and save major bucks on your energy bill.

2. Adjust the Thermostat

Did you know that if you adjust your thermostat by just three degrees you can save an average of $100 each year? So, if your thermostat is set at 67 degrees, for example, try turning it up to 70 degrees and start counting the money you are saving on your energy bill.

3. Stop the Leaks!

Check around your windows and outer doors for small cracks or potential air leaks. The cool air from your AC can seep out through these leaks. Which will cause your air conditioner to run longer and more often to keep up. By making sure your doors and windows are closed tight and any leaks are sealed off, you will be able to keep the cold air inside longer and provide your air conditioner with some much-needed rest.

4. Filter it Out

You will save big on energy costs by keeping your AC's filter cleaned and changing it regularly. A clean filter means your air conditioner will run smoother and will not burn more energy than needed to cool your home.

5. Dinner After Dark

Try only using your oven after the sun sets, or at least wait until the evening hours when it is cooler outside. Your oven will pour extra heat into your kitchen and home, which again, will cause your AC to work overtime to keep your home comfortable, sending your energy bill through the roof. By limiting the use of your oven or waiting until the cooler hours to cook, you will be able to save yourself some real money on your energy bill.

6. Cook Outdoors

If you do not want to wait until after the sunsets to cook, you can simply take your cooking outdoors. Cooking outside on a grill will keep the heat outside where it belongs. Plus, who does not love grilling outside when the weather is warm?

7. Close Off Unused Rooms

If no one is using a room, close the doors, and if a room is not going to be used for several hours, close the vents. Your AC will not have to work as hard to cool your home and you won't be throwing money away to cool a room no one is using.

8. If you still have concerns about your energy costs and would like an energy audit from one of our Expert Technicians, simply click here to schedule an appointment online or call 1-866-TIGER70 today!

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Did you know that headaches can be caused by poor indoor air quality?

When we get headaches, that we often contribute to seasonal allergies, we don't think that they could be caused by our own homes or the buildings in which we work; however, more often than not, environmental causes may be the culprit for our achy heads - including poor indoor air quality. Having good indoor air quality is vital for the maintenance of proper health. According to the statistics presented by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the pollutant level inside the home is often two to five times higher than what is outside. These pollutants include different types of airborne particles as well as particulate matters such as gases, lung irritants, allergens, toxic chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

If you get headaches often, take time to notice if it only happens when you are in a particular room or building.  If so, there are two likely causes: Mold or Clogged Air Ducts. The presence of mold in your home or building may lead to several health issues.  In addition to headaches, recurring mold exposure may produce the following symptoms: decreased attention span, fatigue, respiratory distress, asthma, irritations of eye, nose, throat, and lungs, and redness and rashes, among others.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to the various health risks associated with polluted indoor air, as their lungs are still developing and are smaller in size. They also need to take more breaths in throughout each day, which becomes difficult if the air quality is bad. If a person is experiencing asthma attacks or allergy symptoms, then bad indoor air quality in his or her home might be a probable cause for such symptoms. Poor indoor air quality can be caused by a variety of factors, such as lingering odors, poor ventilation, water damage, new furniture, a new pet or environmental changes such as a recent construction.

If the ductwork in your home or building is clogged, clean air cannot reach the room or rooms it is vented into. When this happens, only stale air and carbon dioxide re-circulates and the lack of oxygen-rich air will cause headaches. The best way to treat poor indoor air quality is to have your air duct system cleaned and disinfected.

Likewise, If you experience allergic reactions more severely when you are in a certain room, space, or building than you do in others, it is likely caused by the presence of unknown allergens. If you are bothered in a certain area with allergic reactions, it is very important to get indoor air quality testing to rule out the possibility of poor indoor air quality being the cause of your allergies.

Using professional duct cleaning experts, such as those at Tiger Heating & Air Conditioning Services, will ensure that the indoor air that you breathe is healthy.  Schedule an appointment online, or call us today at 1-866-TIGER70. Don't delay, get headache and allergy relief today!

photo credit: Day 286, Project 365 - 8.6.10
photo credit: Outlet

A home's electrical work is something most people rarely give any thought to... until it goes wrong. By keeping up to date with maintenance and repair, a homeowner can save thousands of dollars, and thousands of headaches, by nipping potential hazards in the bud. Not only can updating your home's wiring, breakers, and appliances improve your home's safety, but it can increase the value when it comes time to put it on the market - not to mention saving you a fortune on utility bills!

How to Tell if Your Home Needs an Update

There are various indicators that your home may need an electrical update. Common signs include the following:

• Fuses that blow frequently
• Tripped breakers
• Flickering lights
• Appliances that work inconsistently or not at full power
• Old, stripped wires

If you notice any of these signs in your home, you have every reason to suspect that your electrical system is outdated and needs attention now. Putting off electrical repairs or updates not only puts your family at risk, but it means you're using more energy than you need to. Pay close attention to electrical panels that are old and damaged wiring because it is things like these that can easily lead to hazards such as electric shocks and electrocution.

Electrical Panel Concerns

Are you looking for a way to get the most out of your home electricity usage? You may need an electrical panel upgrade. Older homes may not always have updated electrical panels because of technology changes. Many people think that homes built in the mid-19th century or before are the only homes that need upgrades. As unbelievable as it may seem, even homes built in the early 2000s may not be equipped to handle the amount of electricity the modern-day household generates.

If you're installing a new home theater system, a state-of-the-art security system, or you're adding exterior lighting to your home, it's possible that your current electrical panel will not be sufficient enough. Power overloads present real dangers to households and can lead to electrical fires. Regardless of how old your home is, if you're adding major electrical components to your home, check with a local electrician to make sure your electrical system is equipped to handle the increased usage.

Don't Attempt Electrical Repairs on Your Own

The value of a professional electrical contractor should never be dismissed. Qualified electricians understand the intricacies of residential systems and know how to make upgrades that are safe and useful. While not all electrical work is rocket science or unsafe, it is still complicated. If you're not a licensed electrician, you could hook up the wiring incorrectly or install a plug the wrong way and end up putting your home's entire electrical system at risk. The end result of this kind of DIY project is a hefty repair bill.

Always consider allowing practiced and insured electricians, such as those at Tiger Electrical Services, to take care of any upgrades or repairs. Sit back and relax. Why put yourself through an exhausting DIY project when you don't have to?

Electrical Upgrades and Repairs Increase Your Home's Value

Today's modern technology requires households to be plugged in 24/7. Sure, many things like DVR systems, the Internet, and home security systems utilize wireless technology, but you still need a power electrical system to handle the basic electrical components of these various technologies. If you have plans to sell your home in the future, a property that has the ability to keep up with the demands of modern technology will be worth more than a property with an outdated, electrical system.

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While most homeowners are worrying about getting their taxes submitted on time, contractors across the nation are gearing up for new federal Department of Energy regulations regarding water heaters. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, or NAECA, raises the minimum efficiency (energy factor) of nearly all residential water heaters. Going into effect April 16, 2015, NAECA impacts all tank-type brands of water heaters. Although older units may be available in limited quantities and can be installed after this date, manufacturers across the United States will not be making the “old style” anymore. This new regulation is being implemented as a government energy savings initiative.

Although the new regulations impact manufacturers, dealers, and contractors, the ones who will be most affected by the regulations will be homeowners. The new standards do not require homeowners to replace their current water heaters, but as time passes you will only be able to buy units meeting the new DOE efficiency standards. Some of the extra cost may be recouped in energy savings, eventually. In most cases the savings amount to less than a couple of dozen bucks a year, with payback periods as long as 10+ years.

For models under 55 gallons in capacity, there will be additional insulation on the water heater. Although units will be using similar technology as before, most models will grow by 2 inches to meet the new standard.  This change could be in height and/or width. What this means for homeowners is that additional planning and preparation may need to go in to a water heater purchase. There could be size and placement restrictions, and additional plumbing or gas line alterations may need to be completed prior to water heater installation. This is not the only issue presented by the new standards regulations. History tells us that whenever a change of this magnitude is instituted, prices of higher efficiency equipment are always affected. Following the last major efficiency upgrade, there was a price increase for the new standard equipment of between 8-12%. We now know from one of the major manufacturers that these price increases on the new NAECA compliant products will be up to 40%. We can only surmise that all major water heater manufacturers will follow suit.

For models over 55 gallons in capacity, there is a bigger change. The new standards have forced manufacturers to adopt technologies that are likely to increase the price of water heaters and their installation significantly. Large water heaters of 55 gallons and above may double or triple in price, according to some industry observers. Most models will be required to change to a newer technology. This involves massive re-engineering and retooling. Gas water heaters will now be required to be High Efficiency Condensing models. Electric water heaters will need to be Hybrid Electric Heat Pump models. There are significant size differences in these new style water heaters over 55 gallons.

There are a few exceptions to the new standard. Several of today’s high efficiency models are already compliant. Hybrid, high efficiency gas and electric models, tankless, and power vented water heaters are unaffected because they already meet the new efficiency regulations set by the DOE.

For new construction projects, be sure to allow more space for the water heater to be installed. For retrofit or replacement projects, plan ahead. The professionals at Tiger Plumbing Services recommend that if you are on the fence about a new or replacement water heater, to act now. Due to the new manufacturing requirements, prices of water heaters will begin to rise. In addition, you may have to relocate your water heater or downgrade in capacity because of the new size requirements.

Industry statistics show that the average storage tank water heater lasts 10-15 years. If yours is at the outer edge of that life span, even if it is in good working order, this is a good time to consider replacing it now. In addition to paying more money in the years ahead, you will be forced to try out new technology that has been rushed into the marketplace and may well have a few bugs to be worked out. Also, water heaters compliant with the new standards will be larger and may not fit in the space your water heater now occupies, leading to more headaches.

The new regulations allow sellers of water heaters to deplete their inventories of pre-2015 models before taking on the new high-efficiency units. This means that homeowners may still have access to some older units after April 16th. As time passes those older models will become harder and harder to find, and their prices are likely to go up accordingly. This may also be a good time to consider a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters do not store hot water, but heat it on demand. They boast efficiencies of up to 96% and already meet the new federal regulations.

No matter how you decide to handle these new 2015 NAECA standards regulations, whether you upgrade your equipment now or in the future, always remember to hire a licensed contractor. The professionals at Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electrical Services have the skills, knowledge and experience, not to mention the proper tools, to advise you on the best water heater choice for your home, and to install your new unit correctly and efficiently, the first time. They will also provide a higher grade of equipment than is offered by your local home improvement store.

Give us a call at 1-866-844-3770, or chat with us online at www.TrustTiger.com, to review your options, but don’t wait too long. Demand for the "old style" water heaters is high, while the supply is being depleted to adhere to the new regulations.

Sources:

DOE: Eerie Energy - Appliance Standards - Product Aspx.

A.O. Smith

Bradford White

Pictures courtesy of: State Water Heaters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

METRO EAST, IL. – Tiger Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has expanded their fleet of orange tiger-striped trucks and vans with two pink tiger-striped vehicles. The van and the truck will help raise money for cancer awareness in our area.

“We wanted to do something to help out our community, so a portion of the proceeds from each service call that we go to in one of these vehicles is donated to the American Cancer Society,” said Jeff Gamblin, owner of Tiger Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. “To date, we have donated over $8,000 to the organization.”

The eye-catching vehicles are a big hit at local community events as well.

“We like to take the vehicles out to local Relay for Life events, and other cancer-related awareness events,” said Gamblin. “On June 27th, 2015, we will be at the Relay for Life event in Collinsville, Illinois, to show our support."

“The funds donated from these vehicles are helping the American Cancer Society to create a world with more birthdays,” said Relay for Life Specialist, Amanda Kernan. “Because of Tiger’s commitment to finish the fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society is able to ensure patients have transportation to and from treatment, provide free lodging for both patients and caregivers, fund life changing cancer research, and so much more.”

Tiger Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Services, which has been in business since 1993, has a fleet of more than 24 vehicles, and supports more than 7,000 calls in the Metro East each year.

“Everyone knows somebody that has been affected by cancer,” said Gamblin. “This is our way of making a difference in our community.”

To request one of the pink vehicles to come out to your home for service, call 1-866-TIGER70 or visit TrustTiger.com today.

Overall, plumbers probably get more calls to open clogged drains than any other service.

Bathroom Clogs 
Assuming the drainage lines were piped properly, tubs and showers usually have hair as the main cause of their stoppages. Physical removal of hair is best. The regular use of a safe enzyme based drain cleaner product such as BioClean can help prevent slow drains and stoppages. You can buy BioClean from us by calling 1-866-TIGER70 any time!

Kitchen Clogs 
The most often clogged drain is the kitchen sink. Kitchen sink stoppages are usually caused by liquid fats, emulsified by warm soapy dishwater and then carried through the drainpipes. As the water cools, it proceeds down the drain and leaves the fatty deposits along the piping. A film of grease forms on the pipe wall and so on. Coffee grounds, egg shells, etc add to this accumulation layer until the pipe becomes impassible.

We recommend that you pour excess grease into a tin can, not down the sink drain. When using a garbage disposal, always let sufficient cold water run to carry the particles down and into the main line to prevent buildup in the smaller waste lines.

The Plunger... A Plumber's Best Friend 
In the event of a total stoppage, you should have a plunger (with a large rubber suction cup and a wooden handle). Cup it tightly over the drain and plunge it vigorously several times. It is best to try to use the suction cycle rather than the pressure cycle of the plunger. What we mean is that one "should" push slowly, make sure the plunger is sealed to the drain and then pull quickly on the plunger. This tends to loosen rather than pack down the stoppage. If it is a double drain sink, make sure you seal the other drain so water will not splash out into the other bowl or on you. Drain piping can also be cleaned by removing the J-bend on the trap below the fixture.

Call Tiger at 1-866-TIGER70 or visit TrustTiger.com and let us take a look at your plumbing to make sure none of these clogs will be causing a problem for you anytime soon!

The best size for your home's air conditioner depends on several things, including:

• how large your home is and how many windows it has;
• how much shade is on your home's windows, walls, and roof;
• how much insulation is in your home's ceiling and walls;
• how much air leaks into your home from the outside; andhow much heat the occupants;
• appliances in your home generate.

An air conditioner's efficiency, performance, durability, and initial cost depend on matching its size to the above factors. Lucky for you, Tiger can determine all of this for you! Have one of our comfort advisors visit your home and we can provide you with several options for home comfort. In most cases, we can even get you set up with a brand new system that same day! Imagine waking up in the morning and your home is sticky and hot, but by the time you go to sleep that evening, your whole family is cooled off and comfortable.

Call Tiger at 1-866-TIGER70 or visit TrustTiger.com and let us make your home and family more comfortable today!

Have you ever noticed our pink tiger-striped truck or van around town? These two vehicles aren't just fun to see driving down the road, they are also raising money for cancer awareness in our area!

Jeff Gamblin, the owner of Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical Services says he wanted to do something to help out our community. So, a portion of the proceeds of each service call that we go to in one of these vehicles is donated to the American Cancer Society. To date, we have donated over $16,000 to the organization!

The eye-catching vehicles are a big hit at local community events as well and will be on display at several Relay For Life events this summer. These two pink vehicles join a fleet of more than 45 tiger striped vehicles in the area. These trucks support more than 12,000 service calls each year.

We know that almost everyone knows somebody that has been affected by cancer, and we wanted to do our part to help bring awareness to this disease.

To request one of the pink vehicles to come out to your home for service, call (618) 484-9822 or visit TrustTiger.com today.

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