Frozen Pipes In Kansas City and How to Prevent Them 

Winter has arrived in Kansas City, the chance of your pipes freezing has gone up. Anytime the temperature is going to hover around 32 degrees or below, that is when the chance of frozen pipes goes up. 

The pipes in the most danger are those in basements and attics. These spaces are typically less insulated than other rooms in your home and can freeze more easily. These spaces are also the least visible in your home, so you may not notice the frozen pipe immediately. A frozen pipe left alone can easily turn into a burst pipe. A burst pipe causes flooding damage to affected rooms and loss of water to parts of your home. The other vulnerable spots in your home are exterior faucets and hoses. These pipes are closest to the outside and at risk of freezing.

Here are some tips to prevent frozen pipes:

• Keep the Heat On: It is critical to have a functioning heating system. This is your first defense to frozen pipes. By keeping the heat above 55 degrees in your home, you are decreasing the chance of a frozen pipe. 
• Insulating Vulnerable Areas: Insulating your attic and basement will help retain the heat in those areas. It will save your pipes and save you money on your heating bills. 
• Insulating Pipes: If you add insulation to the outside of your pipes, you are decreasing the chance of a frozen pipe. The insulation stops the water inside the pipes from freezing and bursting. This insulation has some secondary benefits as well: it insulates even when the weather is warmer, so you do not have heat loss when hot water travels through the coldest pipes in your home. 
• Shut Off Outside Water: Before the cold weather sets in, shut off the water to your exterior hoses and pipes. You should disconnect any hoses that are attached to them 

If your pipes do freeze- don’t panic. Your local technicians at KB Complete are here to help. We can assist with repairing your burst pipe or insulating them before they freeze! 

Call Us For Frozen Pipes In Kansas City:

Call KB Complete Today!

Start off on the right foot by booking maintenance with KB Complete and replacing out of date equipment! 

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If there is one thing people do not want during the winter season, it is a clogged drain. In some cases, there could be serious ramifications if you do not consider the following tips. Repairs for drains can put a damper on your mood as well as your wallet. 

What can you do to solve these issues? These following tips cover drains for all aspects of your home this winter. 

Do Not Pour Grease Down the Kitchen Sink

This is easily the #1 mistake homeowners make throughout the year. When you pour grease or any kind of fats or oils down the drain, you’re just asking for a catastrophic clog.

When grease, oils or fats are poured down the drain, it might seem harmless since it’s a liquid. But the liquid quickly cools, congeals and then becomes a sticky trap that catches anything else going down the drain. And eventually, it becomes one big clog that’s completely blocking your drain. Drain replacement or repairs can put a severe dent in your finances. 

Instead, collect oils, fats and grease into a re-sealable can or cup. As an alternative, place the can of grease, oil or fats into a refrigerator unit and wait for the substance to congeal. After the material congeals, simply throw out the can or recycle. 

Avoid Clogging Your Garbage Disposal

While grease is the absolute worst substance you can put in your drain, there are other objects that should be avoided all together. This is especially pertinent if you have a garbage disposal unit as part of your drain system. These items include the following:

• Bones
• Fibrous fruits/vegetables: This includes celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce
• Coffee Grinds
• Fruit Pits: Includes Avocado pits, peach pits, etc.
• Corn Husks
• Egg Shells
• Potato Peels
• Pasta, Rice and Grains

If these items much like grease or oil, can clog up your drain or prevent the garbage disposal blades from working properly. If the blades are jammed, this can also increase the buildup in the disposal drain. 

Water Heater Failure

Hot water heater failure is a common problem during the winter due to cold temperature changes. The water coming into the heater is colder, and drops the overall temperature of the water. When the water is colder, it becomes harder to heat, and the water heater must work more intensely to get the water hot. The winter months also requires the use of more hot water to stay warm in the colder weather, so the water heater is used more often. A bad part or build-up can cause water heater failure during the winter months due to excessive use. Once a part is broken, a plumber has to be called to fix the issue. To prevent this issue from occurring, be sure to set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees and reduce your hot water usage. 

Frozen Pipes

When you combine high water pressure with freezing temperatures, water can quickly freeze your pipes. Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months, and can also lead to pipe breakage. Frozen pipes can also go undetected until the problem becomes severe. A sign that your water pipes may be frozen is a light water flow from your shower or sinks. If you suspect your pipes may freeze, leave a sink on very low, just so that the water is slightly dripping out. This can help reduce pressure and keep water flowing. To prevent freezing, you can also use insulation wrapping on your pipes. If water seems to be flowing short or you want to look into prevention methods, contact your local plumber.

Solve Winter Drain Problems In Kansas City:

Call KB Complete Today!

Start off on the right foot by booking maintenance with KB Complete and replacing out of date equipment! 

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Top Plumbing Tips to Save Money in the New Year In Kansas City

As The Cold Weather sets In Around Kansas City Follow These Plumbing Tips From KB Complete.

Repair Leaks

As the cold weather really sets in around Kansas City, it is best to check for any leaks around your home. It is easier to fix a small leak before it turns into a full blown burst pipe. When you find a leaking pipe or unexplained puddle around the house, call your trusted plumbers at KB Complete to handle the repairs. These small leaks left unchecked can cause water damage to your home and leave you scrambling to fix them. Repairing leaks the moment you notice them, instead of waiting for warm weather, will save you from the dangers of water damage, burst pipes, and destroyed equipment. 

Drain Your Water Heater

A simple money saving tip for Kansas City homeowners is to drain your water heater at least once a year. Sediment builds up in your water heater throughout the year which affects its efficiency and lifespan. The sediment causes uneven heat transfer and can corrode heating elements inside the hot water tank. Regular draining is a part of all water heater maintenance to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. If you live in an area with “hard” or mineral-heavy water, it can be beneficial to schedule a water heater draining more often than once a year. When you do this regular upkeep, it extends the life of your water heater and saves you money. Start your year on the right foot by scheduling a water heater maintenance appointment with KB Complete!

Disconnect Hoses and Shut Down Exterior Faucets

The last thing you want to come home to is a frozen or burst pipe caused by an outdoor faucet. It is easy to go around your home and disconnect any outdoor hoses and shut off water exterior faucets. This simple step will prevent any chance of ruining the hoses or developing a frozen pipe in that part of your home. 

Set Your Thermostat to 55 Degrees When Leaving Town

It may be tempting to completely shut your heat off while escaping the frigid Kansas City winter. But it will save you money in the long run to resist that temptation. Imagine coming home from a warm, relaxing vacation to find your basement or attic has flooded. By keeping your heat on a low setting while you are away, it will prevent frozen pipes from bursting in your home. You can rest easy while away knowing that your home has a layer of defense against frozen pipes. 

Wrap Exposed and Vulnerable Pipes

Even with the heat running in your home, you may have pipes that are still at risk. Leaving cabinet doors open under faucets will prevent freezing in those pipes, but there are others in your home that do not have such an easy fix. Pipes in exterior walls with no insulation, typically those in your attic or basement, can still freeze if left unprotected. By calling the professionals at KB Complete, you can know that the utmost precautions have been taken to protect your pipes. 

Check Sump Pump 

If you have an exterior sump pump hose, it may be best to disconnect it for the winter. This will prevent the hose from freezing and bursting open, which will save you during the rainy months. The last thing you want to discover after a spring downpour is that the sump drain hose is not functioning. If you do not want to disconnect your sump for the winter, then checking the drainage area will be key. Do not let snow and ice block where the water comes out and check for frozen hoses. By maintaining your sump pump, you can prevent a costly flooding accident from striking your home. 

Call KB Complete Today!

By following these simple plumbing tips from KB Complete, you can save money all year.

Start off on the right foot by booking maintenance with KB Complete and replacing out of date equipment! 

Read the Great Things Your Neighbors Are Saying About KB Complete

HVAC System Resolutions This Year

You don’t want to kick off the new year with a bunch of HVAC system problems, so it’s time to make resolutions. Sure, maybe resolutions seem frivolous, but establishing a few must-do goals for home heating will go a long way in ensuring the coming twelve months offer you comfort and security like never before.

You see, there are plenty of things that can go wrong if you don’t properly prepare for heating emergencies. Besides poor system efficiency that can lead to increased spending on energy bills, you may experience hot and cold spots throughout the house and frequent system breakdowns. Unfortunately, outdated electrical that isn’t properly attended to can also cause safety hazards, particularly when you’re trying to heat your home when it’s cold outside.

On the other hand, adhering to HVAC resolutions can reduce your monthly spending on energy bills, extend the lifespan of your home’s heating system, and improve the safety of your family by reducing or eliminating fire hazards. Beyond this, well-maintained HVAC systems eliminate hot and cold spots in homes, providing consistent heating for any and all of your creature comfort needs.

Although no resolution is one-size-fits-all, there are certain essential elements your home needs in order to operate at a healthy and efficient level. To help you along, we’ve compiled this list of HVAC resolutions (and the reasons behind each promise):

1. I will call for an annual heating tune-up.

Think of your HVAC system like your car; it runs just fine most of the time, but just because you can’t hear sputters and grinds, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get an oil change. It’s important to be aware that every company considers different elements as part of a standard tune-up, so it’s important that you ask (and understand) what your potential HVAC company will be doing before you sign on the line. Some elements might include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Checking the entire system for blockages or leaks;
• Analyzing combustion gases;
• Checking the seal at the blower access door;
• Inspecting the heat exchanger for corrosion;
• Checking the burners for proper ignition;
• Analyzing an amp-draw test

2. I will change air filters monthly.

Dirt happens; it’s a part of life. Even the most spotless of homes have dust and mites in the midst. Allergens can quickly accumulate in air filters, which can cause particular problems if you or your guests are sensitive to elements floating in the air. Changing air filters monthly avoids excessive buildup of  dirt, dust, and dander that can decrease your home’s air quality.

3. I will install a programmable thermostat.

Who doesn’t want a little extra money in their pockets? Programmable thermostats exist on the green side of life for two reasons: They enhance your home’s energy efficiency, and they save money on energy expenses. The key here? Avoid the pitfalls that could result in zero savings by understanding how to make your programmable thermostat make money for you.

4. I will call for help as soon as I notice a problem.

Like anything else in life, the longer a problem persists, the worse it’s likely to get. In concerns of HVAC problems, you could be looking at substantial expenses if you let improperly functioning equipment go on for too long. What may begin as a simple maintenance item could ultimately affect any number of attributes in your HVAC system.

5. I will keep a safe distance from the HVAC system.

There are plenty of dangers involved with the heating and electrical elements of an HVAC system. Avoid unnecessary injuries by seeking assistance from experienced, knowledgeable HVAC professionals.

6. I will seal any air leaks.

A chilly breeze is only one culprit that can cause air leaks to be a big problem. Air leaks can also lead to moisture problems in your home, contribute to poor air quality, and cause higher-than-necessary energy bills.

7. I will do my research before hiring the right technician.

An omission of due diligence when HVAC maintenance and repairs are due can be a costly error for any number of reasons. Before you hand over your credit card to a technician who may not be right for you, be sure you’ve done your research so you know what you’re getting.

8. I will check the furnace’s pilot light.

Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to your furnace’s pilot light. A properly functioning pilot light should be lit at all times, helping to protect your family from gas leaks. When the pilot light is out, it could result in serious health and safety concerns. 

The following are just a few reasons pilots lights may go out:

• Loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples, or heat exchangers
• Faulty venting
• Low gas pressure
• High winds

9. I will eliminate dirt, dust, and debris from the furnace.

Debris and dust in your furnace cause a number of problems. Besides adding allergens to your home’s air, a dirty furnace could malfunction or experience a lower lifespan as a result of dirt build-up on important parts. Consider the heat a furnace produces, dirt and debris could also present a fire hazard.

10. I will check for signs of carbon monoxide.

When inhaled in large amounts, carbon monoxide can be fatal. Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important as smoke detectors. Be sure to check the batteries annually, and have a certified technician check your home professionally at least once a year, too.

11. I will upgrade to energy-efficient technology.

The benefits of upgrading are practically innumerable. With energy-efficient technology, your family will experience reduced energy bills and increased efficiency and safety.

It’s never too early to get started on your resolutions, and, with winter approaching, it’s better to check your HVAC maintenance boxes sooner than later. These resolutions are just the beginning of a well-cared-for heating and ventilation system. If you’re in need of assistance for your HVAC needs, be sure to contact our team of experts!

Call KB Complete Today!

By following the above suggestions, your plumbing system should be able to handle the additional demands placed on it without negatively impacting your enjoyment of the holidays. 

Read the Great Things Your Neighbors Are Saying About KB Complete

Preparing Your Home’s Plumbing System for the Holidays

As the holidays approach, your thoughts are probably focused on gift giving, great food and spending time with those that you care about and love. The last thing that crosses your mind is the effects of the holidays on your plumbing system. With the increased demands on your home’s plumbing system, though, you could be in for a very unpleasant time and have to deal with clogged toilets, backed up sinks and other plumbing nightmares. 

Why You Need to Prepare Your Plumbing System for the Holidays

Thinking about your home’s plumbing is probably not something that you want to add to your list of holiday preparations. Not taking the time to do so now, however, could result in the following at the most inopportune times: 

• Damage to your home

In addition to the possibility of your plumbing’s pipes and other parts of its infrastructure becoming damaged, a clogged toilet could also cause water damage to the surrounding areas. It could be severe enough that you’ll need to repair the area — or even replace some materials. 

• Increase in expenses

By not addressing slow moving drains or clogged toilets right away, significant damage to your pipes could occur. This might require that you spend the money that you saved for gifts, food and other holiday expenses on those repairs instead. 

• More stress and inconvenience

When you have plumbing problems, those fun and relaxing holidays times suddenly become filled with the stress of having to deal with this unexpected occurrence. There is also the inconvenience of not being able to use your plumbing fixtures as you had planned during the holidays. Not only can this put a damper on your holiday cooking, it can also wreak havoc on your plans to entertain family, friends and other guests in your home over the holidays. 

Tips to Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing System for the Holidays

Fortunately, there is a great deal that you can do as a homeowner to protect and prepare your plumbing system for its increased usage this holiday season. The following tips can help you get through this joyous time without the added stress, inconvenience and expense of plumbing issues: 

• Dispose of kitchen grease properly

It might seem like a convenient step to take — especially during the busy holiday cooking season — but do not pour any type of grease or cooking oil down your kitchen drain. Doing so can result in clogged pipes as it cools and solidifies. In addition, the grease acts as a magnet for other types of debris by collecting it as it makes its way down your drain. Instead, wait for grease to cool completely before throwing it away in your regular household trash. 

• Break up build up

As you use your plumbing system, compounds and other types of build up could occur. Stop them from becoming an issue and break them up by rinsing your sink with extremely hot water on a regular basis. 

• Avoid drain cleaning products

Drain cleaning products might claim to help you prevent plumbing problems by ridding your pipes of buildup and other debris. In reality, though, because the chemicals they use are toxic, damage to your pipes could occur and leave their integrity in question. 

• Only flush the right things

Your plumbing system was designed to have only two items flushed through it — toilet paper and human waste. That’s it. Anything else that is flushed through the system has the potential to cause backups and other problems. For that reason, avoid flushing hair, baby wipes, dental floss, cotton swabs, paper towels and other items down your toilet. Instead, throw these items away in your household trash can. 

• Be prepared

Make it easy for your guests and family members to dispose of items that don’t belong in your plumbing system. Keep a trash can near the toilet to encourage them to dispose of items there instead of throwing them in the toilet. It’s also a good idea to keep a plunger next to the toilet. This makes it quick and convenient to take care of small problems before they can become larger ones. 

• Practice a good maintenance and repair schedule

Like other essential systems in your home, your plumbing system needs regular maintenance. Contact KB Complete to give your plumbing system a thorough inspection so that you know it is in top shape for the holidays. If your plumbing system is experiencing clogs and backed up drains, call a plumber for repairs at the first sign of trouble rather than waiting until the problem becomes larger.

Call KB Complete Today!

By following the above suggestions, your plumbing system should be able to handle the additional demands placed on it without negatively impacting your enjoyment of the holidays. 

Read the Great Things Your Neighbors Are Saying About KB Complete

10-Point Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Even though winter isn’t officially over yet, it is time to start thinking about Spring cleaning. Most folks think about Spring cleaning as a time to get rid of useless stuff you’ve been accumulating over the winter, a time to brush away the cobwebs, and to finally get rid of the dust bunnies hibernating under the couch. It’s also time to start thinking about some other chores that are a crucial part of your Spring cleaning routine such as the need to do a little HVAC maintenance to make sure your heating and cooling systems are running properly and efficiently for those cooler spring days, and soon to come warmer summer weather.

A properly running and maintained HVAC system is one of the most important things you as a homeowner must achieve to ensure the comfort of your family and the lowest possible utility bill each season. Many folks don’t think they need to call the HVAC company to come out unless they are having a problem with their system. That is truly not the case. Think of HVAC maintenance as a tune up for your unit. You would not go without tuning up your vehicle, and you should not go without tuning up your  HVAC unit! Why should you have the Spring HVAC maintenance performed on your system? Here’s what might happen if you don’t take care of your HVAC system with regular maintenance:

If You Don’t Have Spring and Fall HVAC Maintenance You Put Yourself at Risk For:

• Wasting money on utility bills because the system isn’t clean and is forced to work harder
• Systems may fail just when you need them most if they are not properly maintained
• Water lines may become clogged causing major damage to your home

Why Spring HVAC Maintenance is Important

The old adage is true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having your HVAC System maintained in the Spring before the hot summer days require it to work hard all day long is imperative to keeping your system in peak condition. Following a scheduled HVAC maintenance routine will not only save you tons of money on utility bills, it will give you peace of mind knowing that your HVAC system will work properly and efficiently when you need it most (cool spring nights and hot summer days.) It is not a good feeling when you need your home to be heated or cooled only to find your system is not working properly. In many cases, these issues can be identified during a preventative maintenance inspection before they become a major issue. Not familiar with what a preventative maintenance visit for your HVAC unit entails? Here are the services performed and a little insight as to the importance of the task at hand.  

Spring HVAC Service Includes:

• Clean and lubricate indoor HVAC components such as blower fans and coils so that the unit is working efficiently and keeping your utility bills low.
• Check AC’s refrigerant levels to ensure your AC is blowing cold air. If the technician notices the level is low, this could indicate a possible leak in the system.
• Changing the air filter during the Spring visit will help your unit run more efficiently and will keep down dust and allergens in your home.
• Tighten electrical connections as well as inspect the fan blades and motor for damage and normal wear.
• This is also a great time for the technician to lubricate the parts as needed and inspect safety devices for proper operation.
• Check the operation of all HVAC units (heating, cooling) to make sure everything is in peak running condition for the upcoming season.
• Clean out the outdoor unit to remove any leaves, twigs, grass, dirt, etc. that might have gathered during the winter months.
• Test thermostat for proper operation, calibrate and level to ensure your home is heating and cooling to the right temperature.
• Most air conditioners have a drainage hole on the base of the cabinet. This hole needs to be kept clear so that the air conditioner works properly. The technician will remove any obstructions during the inspection as he flushes and treats the condensate drain.
• Inspect ductwork to check for leaks.

Ideally, you should have your air conditioning and heating equipment checked before the beginning of a new season. This routine preventative maintenance will help ensure that your system is working properly and ready for the new season of heating or cooling your home. Taking care of this important part of your home is a great way to save money and rest assured that your family will be comfortable no matter what Mother Nature brings.

Use KB Complete For All Your Spring HVAC Maintenance:

Call KB Complete Today!

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