Author Archives: PHA Alliance

Commercial refrigeration is the equipment and infrastructure used to store food in commercial buildings. Examples include reach-in freezers and walk-in coolers, often found in grocery stores, convenience stores, and food storage facilities.

How Does Commercial Refrigeration Work?

Commercial refrigeration uses a circuit and absorption system to cool the air. It expands liquid into gas, thus eliminating heat from the air. Sometimes the system will use a vapor compressor to dry the air.

Which Industries Need Commercial Refrigeration?

Various types of industries need commercial refrigeration, including most of the food industry. For example, supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants all require them. Other sectors like medicine and florists may also need commercial refrigeration. Check out the list below:

• Food: Supermarkets, resturants, convience stores, etc.
• Medical: Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, veterinarians, etc.
• Misc: Florists, nurseries, breweries

When You Need Repairs

Commercial refrigeration is essential, so repairs require immediate attention. Unfortunately, downtime can cost you inventory and threaten public safety. The good news is that many commercial refrigerators have a long lifespan. Still, it’s essential to be sensitive to the following signs:

Increased Energy Bills

A refrigeration defect can spike your energy bills which you’ll notice immediately. Reach out to a professional for a full inspection to determine the culprit for the sudden spike. While repairs may mitigate the issue, sometimes replacing the fridge will save you more money long-term.

In less severe cases, replacing the coils may be enough to reduce your energy usage. However, mild spikes often go undetected, gradually increasing until a complete replacement is required.

Food Spoilage

Early food expiry is a sign of a broken refrigerator. If the food takes longer to cool or expires faster than its expected date, you can lose your inventory. Often this stems from filthy or overused gaskets which fail to trap the cool air and guard against the warm air.

Replacing the gasket may be enough; however, it’s likely a temporary fix. If the issue persists and you cannot regulate the temperature, you will need emergency refrigeration services.

Motor Defects

Another bad sign is motor defects, including breakdowns. For example, if your hand feels very hot when you touch the back of the fridge, there is likely a motor problem. The problem may stem from dirty coils, which you should regularly brush and vacuum.

Another sign of motor problems is loud noises coming from the fridge. When you hear such noises, the refrigerator is running at maximum speed (which you don’t want). The culprit, in this case, is typically a failed control board. Unfortunately, it will also spike your energy usage and bills.

Frost & Condensation

Working refrigerators maintain an ideal balance between cold and hot atmospheres. However, when you notice condensation and frost inside the fridge, there is a problem with the functionality. Pay extra close attention to the rubber sealing, revealing condensation when there’s a problem.

You might also notice mold in this area or near the door. Sometimes replacing the rubber sealing is enough, but excessive frost likely reveals a more significant problem. You can try adjusting the temperature, but it’s wise to address the issue ASAP to prevent spoilage.

Erratic Temperature Settings

Sometimes a freezer can be too cold and cause ice formation. When your fridge fails to respond to the temperature settings, it indicates a significant problem that requires repair. In some cases, you may need to replace the refrigeration system.

Commercial Freezer Maintenance Tips for 2023

Emergency repairs are expensive and may only save some of your inventory, further draining your budget. The best action is to prevent problems with your refrigeration system before they become serious. 

To achieve this, you must engage in regular freezer maintenance. Below, PHAA outlines some of the best commercial refrigeration maintenance tips for 2023:

• Follow Regulations
• Inspect Blades, Gaskets, and Coils
• Power-on Anti Sweat Heaters (when needed)
• Refrain from 100% Fridge Capacity
• Perform Regular Cleanings
• Monitor Door Seals and Hinges (Every 3 Months)
• Use Energy-Star Products

What Do The Temperature Ranges for Commercial Refrigeration Refer To?

The temperature ranges refer to the lowest and highest acceptable temperatures for a functional refrigeration system. This range is typically between 36F and 45F.

How Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Saves Money

Commercial refrigeration saves money by reducing utility bills and preventing loss of inventory. In addition, it increases safety while reducing the risk of food safety violations and spoilage.

What Experience is Required for a Commercial Refrigeration Tech?

The required experience depends on your location. For example, in Texas, you need 48 months of practical experience in the field under a licensed AC & refrigeration contractor (in the past 72 months).

Final Thoughts

Keep an eye on your commercial refrigeration system to avoid inventory loss, energy use spikes, and food spoilage. These malfunctions will cost you and must be prevented to maintain a business.

It’s wise to perform regular maintenance on your refrigeration system to prevent minor problems from becoming major issues. Also, like all types of equipment, refrigerators will age. As a result, look for the signs that it’s time to replace your system and keep your business running at an optimal level.

Plumbers can install a boiler in one workday if they don’t face complications. Still, people often ask – how long does it take a plumber to install a boiler? Various problems can arise that extend the installation process and potentially frustrate homeowners.

As a plumber, you must plan your time wisely to meet the needs of all of your clients. However, as a consumer, you want to know how long it could be without hot water. 

And like most plumbing questions, there is rarely a universal answer. However, several considerations come into play in this situation that can alter the timeline. In the following post, Plumbing Heating & Air Alliance discusses factors influencing how long it takes to install a boiler.

What is the Role of A Boiler?

Essentially, the role of a boiler is to heat up water and push steam throughout the home. The steam warms pipes inside the wall.

Boilers are much more common in the Northern states, where freezing pipes are standard in the winter. Now, many people think that water heaters and boilers perform the same job. While the concept behind both appliances is similar, there are some key differences. 

Water heaters and boilers are not the same because water heaters are responsible for heating water and delivering it to various faucets throughout the home. They aren’t used to heat the actual home like boilers are. 

Secondly, water heaters are responsible for heating potable water, which means water that is fit to use for cooking, cleaning, and even drinking. 

So you see, water heaters and boilers are very different. It’s essential to know the difference, whether you are a homeowner or a plumber. Now on to the question, ‘how long does it take a plumber to install a boiler?’

Time Needed for Installing a Boiler

As we have mentioned, different situations will require different amounts of time. Generally, a boiler installation takes 1-3 days, depending on the type of project. But take a look at the following breakdown of boiler installation situations. 

• A System Swap: A system swap usually refers to replacing the boiler, the cold water storage tanks, and the hot water storage cylinder. For a system swap, you can expect the job to take about two days, with the property without heating for one night. 
• A Combi Swap: A combi swap entails replacing an existing combi boiler system. This kind of installation should only take one working day, which restores hot water before the end of the day. 
• A System Install: This is by far the most involved and time-consuming type of boiler installation because you aren’t just installing the boiler appliance; you are installing an entire system for it. With a new system install, which usually includes the boiler itself and an unvented hot water storage cylinder, you are looking at a 2-3 day project. You can also expect to be without heat for at least one night. 

So the good news is that a boiler installation will typically take no longer than three working days. The bad news is that if you need a boiler system installation, you could be without hot water and heating for at least one night. 

However, total system installs are a lot less common. This is because they are usually required for larger households or buildings or on properties with special heating needs. 

Other Considerations When Installing a Boiler

Aside from the boiler type and project scope, there are other things to consider when factoring in time and price. Here are some of the most critical considerations:

• The Age of the Boiler: A homeowner must consider how old the boiler is. On average, your boiler can expect about 15 years of reliable operation. 
• The Property’s Needs: Some boilers function like combination boilers and water heaters, supplying warmth and hot water throughout the home. So carefully consider which type of boiler would best suit your needs.
• Being Without Heating: Last but not least, you should consider the possibility of being without heating and plan accordingly before a new boiler installation. 

As an HVAC or plumbing contractor, you may not have digital marketing at the forefront of your crowded to-do list. And that’s understandable. First and foremost, you should be offering your customers exceptional service. But even if you provide timely, knowledgeable, and affordable HVAC or plumbing service, you may be noticing that your business has sort of hit a wall.

It’s not because you don’t work hard. It doesn’t even mean that you are doing anything wrong. But it most likely means that you are omitting something. And as you may have already guessed, that something is plumber SEO. The truth is that you should launch an SEO campaign as soon as, or before you open your doors for business. But many contractors turn to digital marketing when they notice a lack of growth or stagnation.

As the old adage goes, better late than never. If you have not had the time or haven’t thought that you needed to invest in digital marketing for your plumbing or HVAC company you need to read the following guide. Likewise, if you are just getting your plumbing/HVAC company off the ground and want to know more about how digital marketing can benefit you, this is the post you need to read. Let’s take a look at the most significant ways that digital marketing helps plumbing/HVAC contractors.

1) It Lets you Reach your Audience

Even if you don’t spend much time online; your customers certainly do. The fact is that your customers (and your competitors for that matter) are all online. According to The Next Web, the average person spends over 6 hours online every day. To compound the significance of that statistic, consider this one: 97% of consumers use the internet to search for local businesses. Digital marketing allows you to reach a colossal audience that you would have no access to without some sort of online footprint.

2) It Makes you Noticeable

So what is the flip side to the #1 benefit in our list? It’s that the World Wide Web is flooded with companies just like yours. With millions of clickable options available with a few keystrokes and the click of a mouse, your audience has plenty to choose from. But digital marketing (namely Search Engine Optimization) affords you the opportunity to stand out among the crowd. And it really isn’t too hard. By simply claiming your business on Google My Business, you are increasing traffic to your website by up to %70. You are also increasing customer trust in your business by double simply by merit of having a complete Google My Business listing. While claiming your business is a small step in the right direction towards getting noticed, it is a vital one.

3) It Makes for Easier Branding

Building a successful business is contingent on building a recognizable brand. And branding in the physical world can be tough. Signage is expensive, there are limited opportunities (and limited real estate) for your brand to be displayed and only so many people you can reach. Digital marketing offers a unique opportunity for business owners to build a consistent brand relatively easily. Displaying your logo on your website, on your social media profiles, digital business listings and on any emails you send out are all simple and viable options for digital branding. 

4) It Evens the Playing Field

Nowadays, you don’t need a massive advertising budget to compete with the national plumbing and HVAC service chains. That’s because the internet makes it ridiculously easy for people to find what they are looking for. And most of the time, what people are looking for is local service. In fact, 46% of all Google searches are for local services or businesses. People don’t want to see options for service in another state and digital marketing makes it much easier for your customers to come to you. But you need to have a digital footprint in place for people to find you when they search for things like “HVAC repairs near me” or “emergency plumbers near me.” Digital marketing allows your company to be seen by the people in your area and not lose business to nation-wide companies.

5) It Allows for Free Market Research

For the contractors who are thinking ahead and want to know what their customers need, digital marketing becomes essential. Gone are the days when you’d have to pay thousands of dollars to get the market research and info you need. Now, all it takes is a simple survey on Facebook or comments on one of your blog posts. Digital marketing allows you to talk directly with your customers and potential customers. By reading comments left on your blog, you can gain valuable insight into what people value most about plumbing/HVAC service and shape your company accordingly. Facebook’s surveys are especially helpful for finding the pain points of your target market.

6) It Makes your Business More Trustworthy

For better or for worse, you need an online presence to garner any trust in your local market. In the digital age, you need customer reviews for your business. In a Bright Local study, it was found that average customers need to read at least 10 reviews before they feel comfortable with a company. Furthermore, 68% of consumers surveyed reported that positive reviews make it more likely that they will patronize a business. And make no mistake about it; customer reviews and online reputation management are part of an effective digital marketing campaign. 

Pluming, Heating, & Air Alliance Can Help

In reality, this list could go on and on. The benefits of digital marketing for your HVAC/plumbing business cannot be understated. It is absolutely necessary, in fact. But we don’t want to overwhelm anyone out there. These are some of the most important things to understand about digital marketing but rest assured; the plot thickens. But here at Plumbing Heating & Air Alliance, we make it our business to guide you through the process.

Need to drill into your walls? Are you a plumber and want to know the best ways to avoid puncturing a pipe in a wall? If so then you should know how to find pipes in walls. Puncturing a water pipe can be very messy and expensive. In fact, a punctured water pipe can cost anywhere between $150 and $350 to repair. And that’s not even counting the damage to the wall which can cost as much as $750. 

Like most things in life, a little foresight and preparation can make all the difference. Learning the right way to find pipes in walls is extremely important whether you are a plumbing contractor or just a determined DIYer. So in today’s post, we are going to be walking you through how to find pipes in walls as well as answering some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this task. For more plumbing resources, be sure to contact us and ask us how to become a Plumbing Heating & Air Alliance member.

Why Use a Detector?

In this guide we will be showing you how to find pipes in walls using an electronic detector. So why should you use this method to find where your pipes are? Because it is the safest and most accurate method. You can’t simply knock on your walls and listen for the variance in sound to find pipes like you can with wall studs. Pipes are recessed in the walls so you will not be able to hear the difference.

You might think you can follow the water lines from your basement upwards into your walls but piping often needs to change direction to avoid studs, electrical wiring and other obstructions in the wall. Using an electronic detector is quite simply the most precise and affordable way to find pipes.

How to Find Pipes in Walls

Now that you know why using a detector to find pipes in the walls is the best practice, let’s go over a brief guide of how to use your detector:

• Rent or Buy – We included this step because we know plumbers and non-plumbers are likely to read this post. If you are a plumber, you are definitely going to want to buy a good pipe detector since you will be using it a lot. It’s important to find a sturdy, reliable, and accurate one. Here is a list of the best pipe detectors for plumbers to help you out. If you aren’t a plumber by trade, buying a detector may still be a good idea because they are very handy to have around. But if you don’t want to spend the money on a one-off project, you can easily rent one at your local hardware store.
• Practice – Now that you have your detector, practice with it. Certain detectors can pick up studs, electrical wiring, and pipes and will make different noises or flash different indicator lights for each item. Try using the detector on an area you know has piping. Get to know the sound it makes. 
• Indicate – Once you feel you are ready to use your detector in the field, don’t forget to make marks on the wall indicating where you find pipes. 

Can you Detect Plastic Water Pipes in Walls?

That will depend. A lot of modern stud finders can actually pick up plastic piping in walls. And if the plumber who installed the plastic piping abided by regulations and placed metallic tape on the piping, then your standard pipe detector will be able to pick up on it.

Can a Stud Finder Find Water Pipes?

In general, yes. Stud finders are designed to find any obstruction in the wall – including water pipes. So if you are just handling a project around the house, you can rely on your stud finder to locate pipes. But if you are a plumber, you will still want to invest in a specific pipe detector.

Call the Professionals

If you are in need of a professional plumber for your project, use our directory to find one near you. And if you are a plumber wanting to join our prestigious network, contact us.

As a plumber, you are going to need to make compression fittings your best friend. Some veteran plumbers liken compression fittings to Snap-On ties: they are quick, easy and sort of your go-to when all else fails. 

But to look at compression fittings as last resort tools would be doing yourself a disservice and belying the true value of these pieces of equipment. The basic principle behind compression fittings is that they are used to join two pieces of thin-walled tubing, pipe, and in some cases a pipe to some sort of valve or fixture. 

You can see compression fitting in other industries as well. Electricians often use them in their line of work and they are even used for hazardous waste materials. The reason they are used in such high-risk types of jobs is that they are extremely reliable and form a water-proof seal in pipe assembly. That is when they are chosen and installed correctly. 

Compression fittings are something you will have to know inside and out as a plumber. So if you are an apprentice or just starting out on your journey as a plumber or contractor, today’s post will be of particular interest to you. Today is all about compression fittings: what they are, how to use them, and what they are used for. Consider this your primer guide to these indispensable plumbing tools. 

If you would like even more resources for your plumbing business or for yourself as a tradesman, please don’t hesitate to call us and find out how to become a member of the Plumbing, Heating & Air Alliance.

The Basic Components of a Compression Fitting

There are 3 basic components to any type of compression fitting: the compression nut, the ferrule (sometimes called the compression ring) and the compression fitting body) sometimes referred to as the compression seat). Here are the functions of each of these components:

• Compression Nut – The compression nut looks like your basic nut – usually hexagonal. And it functions exactly like a nut. The Compression nut tamps down on the compression ring as it is tightened with a wrench.
• The Compression Ring – The compression ring is sort of the go-between of the entire operation. It works between the nut and the compression seating and gets pressed into the seating as the nut is tightened.
• The Compression Seat – The compression seat receives the tube that is to be connected as the compression ring is inserted under it. The seat keeps the ring in place and makes sure that it is being pressed into the tubing, forming a watertight seal…ideally.

Compression Fitting Uses

One of the most important things to remember about compression fittings is that they should only be used on stationary connections. Fitting a pipe to a valve for example would be the ideal time to use a compression fitting because in this scenario, neither the valve or the pipe being fed into it are likely to move. Rather, the fitting is there to form a watertight seal. In general, here are the steps for using a compression fitting properly:

• Slide the nut onto the tube that is to be fitted
• Slide the compression ring up onto the tube and into the nut with the threaded side out
• Connect the tube or pipe that is to be fitted into the compression seat
• Slide the nut and the compression ring down toward the fitting body
• Screw the nut (and by proxy the ring) into the fitting body and tighten the connection with a wrench

Different types of compression fittings are available for different uses as well. For example, the lines that supply refrigerators with water to be filtered will typically be sealed with quick-connect compression fittings. Another common application that calls for the use of a compression fitting is any time you need to hook up a water line to pneumatic lines.

And here’s a tip for all you newbie plumbers out there straight from the mouths of our plumbing community members: it’s always a good idea to lubricate the nut thread before using it to join any kind of pipes or tubing. In rare instances, you will be able to reuse old compression fittings. In such cases, you will definitely want to lubricate the threading. But it is just good practice to get into the habit and even lubricate new fittings. 

Other Compression Fitting Tips

So at this point, we’ve done a pretty good job of scratching the service. And surely, there is no better teacher than hands-on experience. As you go out into the field and use compression fittings in your work, you will learn much more about how best to use them.  All the same, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when working with compression fittings:

• Don’t Overtighten – Tighter is not always better – especially with certain kinds of tubing. Rigid pipes can stand a lot of torque, but thin piping like copper or thin-walled tubing can’t. Do not overtighten plastic tubing. This will cause a puncture in most cases.
• Reusing Fittings – It is a good practice to use new compression fittings as much as possible – especially if they have been used on rigid piping. The threading of the ferrule (or ring) can get worn down over time and become unreliable. 
• Plastic Compression Rings – When dealing with plastic tubing, always use a plastic ferrule (or compression ring). Use a plastic ring instead as a metal ring can damage the tubing.

Get Help from the Pros

Here at Plumbing, Heating & Air Alliance, we specialize in putting consumers and professionals in touch with the contractors that can help them. As a new plumber, you will need the guidance and resources that we can offer. Not just for knowing how to use tools like compression fittings, but to grow your business and operate efficiently. That is what we are all about at Plumbing, Heating & Air Alliance so talk to us and find out how to become a member.

Do you want to know how to become a plumber in 2020? As long as the sun is in the sky, there will always be people allured by the prospect of problem-solving. The trades have always been a necessity because everyone needs a place to live, places to do business, and amenities to fill those places. And there is always a ready and willing workforce of men and women prepared to fill the needs of the trades.

Does working with your hands and head appeal to you? Do you love being presented with a problem and working through it to solve it? Do you like not being bound to a single work station and meeting new people every day? If so then a career in plumbing may be right up your alley. Plumbing can be a very rewarding career for the right person…

Will Plumbing Suit you?

Not everyone is cut out for the trades. Even some people who are highly intrigued at the thought of becoming a plumbing contractor realize it is not for them once they actually begin their apprenticeship. We asked our community of professional plumbing contractors who have been in the business for decades and have seen greenhorns come and go what attributes they see in the most successful plumbers. Take a look at some of the personal characteristics they pointed out:

• Fondness for Physical Work – Plumbing work may not be as labor-intensive as masonry or construction, but make no mistake about it – it is very physical work. Plumbing work will involve crawling into tight spaces, wrenching at rusted steel pipes, carrying heavy equipment, lugging even heavier appliances, and getting wet. Our community said that the most successful plumbers not only tolerate this type of work; but have a fondness for it.
• Resilience – One of the things that some of the plumbing foremen we talked to said they hate to see in apprentices is a lack of resilience. The fact is that some foremen will be hard on you. They will work you very hard and some days, they won’t be able to teach you everything you want to know.  “It’s never a personal thing,” explained one of our community members “but sometimes the job demands what it demands and apprentices don’t always come first. A lot of apprentices take it personally and assume they aren’t cut out for the work.” Resilience is key, especially when you are apprenticing. 
• Decisiveness – A lot of plumbing service calls are emergency calls. Of course, it pays to know your stuff and have the skill to tackle a plumbing emergency. But in order to stand out in a sometimes overcrowded trade market, you also have to be decisive. You have to be willing to take action in order to mitigate further damage in the home or commercial property of your customer.
• Aptitude for Math – Some apprenticeship programs will actually look at your ACT math test results when considering your eligibility. But even if you find a contractor who doesn’t look at any test scores, an aptitude for math will serve you very well in the plumbing trades. Piping, fitting, and bending are all regular parts of the job and all involve complex mathematical calculations. While many people learn on the job, having an aptitude for math going into your apprenticeship will surely give you an edge in this industry.

How to Become a Plumber

Does it sound like you have all the key attributes of a successful plumber? Then you may be ready to dive into a career that pays well over the national salary average. So here is a basic primer for how to become a plumber:

• Get your GED – Having your GED is a requirement in most states’ apprenticeship programs. It will also help if you took advanced math courses either in high school or college before you enter your apprenticeship. Courses in drafting will also increase your value as a new apprentice.
• Complete Vocational Plumbing Courses (Optional) – This step is not a requirement in most states but it can be very helpful. Not everyone that wants to become a plumbing apprentice will get to be one. Only the most qualified will make it so having some vocational courses under your belt will give you an edge over the competition. Your vocational school may also be able to set you up with an apprenticeship much easier than if you were to search on your own. And of course, in some cases, you will actually be required to take these courses.
• Become an Apprentice – You can contact the local plumbers union in your area and they will direct you to contractors who are looking for apprentices. You can also apply to local plumbing contractor companies. You will need to be hired on as an apprentice and complete the hands-on training over a course of 4-5 years. There is a certain amount of on the job hours you will need to fulfill depending on your state.

How to Become a Plumbing Contractor in 2020

Becoming a plumbing contractor entails a different process. In most states, you will be required to:

• Be approved by a professional board to take the standardized plumbing exam
• Have at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman, business owner or supervisor 
• Pass the plumbing exam by at least 70%
• Show proof of financial responsibility including a working capital of at least $2,500 and a bond of $10,000.

It is very important to note that the process of becoming a plumber and a contractor varies from state to state. But it is a promising career that is on the rise. In fact, job growth in the plumbing industry is predicted by professionals to rise 24% from 2014 to 2024. 

If you have any more questions on how to become a plumber or want to become a member of our coveted contractor’s directory, please get in touch with us here at Plumbing Heating & Air Alliance. It would be our honor to help you start or expand your career in plumbing.