Our Products
Our Products
J Downs Plumbing LLC carries a diverse selection of products to suit various budgets and tastes. Our most popular ones are shown below. Feel free to call us for more information about our products, current promotions, and custom options.
The Art of Soldering (How to Solder Copper)
How to Solder Copper Pipes (J Downs Plumbing LLC)
Weil-McLain Steam Boiler
Zoeller Sump Pumps
Hot Water Boiler
Rheem Gas Hot Water Heater
Bradford White Water Heater
What Is the Difference Between a Boiler and a Furnace?
What Is the Difference Between a Boiler and a Furnace?
A home with a boiler system and one with a forced air furnace come with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. The two heating systems work in markedly different ways.
A boiler heats water, which flows through a series of pipes in the home. As the water flows, it radiates heat throughout the house. On the other hand, a furnace heats air, which is then moved through the house using a blower motor.
Both systems have proven to be remarkably durable over the years. Most manufacturers offer warranties of 10 years or longer. However, they have different maintenance requirements.
A forced air furnace will need the air filter either changed or cleaned on a regular basis. This can be as often as once a month or as little as once a quarter. A boiler will need to have excess air bled from the system periodically. This will vary from system to system, but a good sign that the system needs to be bled is when rooms are no longer heating properly.
One of the great advantages of a boiler system is the ability to heat different zones in your home. A boiler system will generally have thermostats in every room. These can be set individually. Instead of heating the whole house, you only have to heat the rooms you are using when you use them.
Generally, forced air system has a single centrally located thermostat that controls the heating for the entire house. Boiler systems also tend to leave the house with a higher natural humidity than forced air systems, which often require a separate humidifier to be attached to the system directly or run somewhere in the house.
There are definite differences between a boiler and a furnace. Only you can decide which system is best for you.
Turning Off Your Water
Turning Off Your Water
At J Downs Plumbing LLC, we understand that some plumbing issues come as nasty surprises. When something happens in your home, it’s important that you know how to turn off your water main. Causing any damage to your home during a repair or DIY installation is the last thing you want. Here are a few easy steps to turn off your water.
1) Find the Emergency Shutoff
1) Find the Emergency Shutoff
We recommend finding your emergency shutoff before any accidents happen. That way, you’ll be ready in case any issues arise. Typically, you’ll find the shutoff inside of a closet in the basement. It is also usually on the side of the house that is closest to the street where the meter is.
Of course, it’s not always going to be this simple. If you have trouble finding it, don’t hesitate to call us.
2) Get the Tools You Need
2) Get the Tools You Need
If you have an older shutoff, you may need a wrench to turn it. Be prepared and bring the equipment you need with you. If your shutoff is in a dark corner, taking a flashlight with you will ensure you can see what you’re doing.
3) Turn Off the Valve
3) Turn Off the Valve
There are different types of shutoff valves. For some, you just have to do a quarter-turn to the right. Others need to be turned several times until you feel resistance. Make sure that you turn yours off completely.
4) Test Your Water
4) Test Your Water
Turn on a faucet and make sure that your water has stopped running before you start a project. Usually, water will run for a few seconds before slowly stopping.
While your water is off, there are a few other things we suggest turning off as well. First, turn off your water heater and its valve. Second, turn off your electrical or gas off. We always take these extra safety measures whenever we serve our clients.
If your home project doesn’t go as planned or if you require assistance with this process, feel free to contact us.
Water Lines
Water Lines
If you forget to disconnect your garden hose during the winter, the water that remains within will freeze. This will almost definitely cause the lining to crack. If you have a control nozzle on your hose and freezing occurs, the ice will put pressure on the pipes connected to your house, affecting your entire plumbing system.
The added pressure will then increase the potential for your pipes to either crack or burst, leading to some of the most expensive repairs for a homeowner.
Drain outdoor faucets immediately. Once you put away your garden hose for the winter, take extra steps to ensure that the plumbing exposed to the elements will be safe in freezing temperatures. Begin by completely draining the outdoor faucet immediately after the hose is disconnected.
Shutoff Valves
Shutoff Valves
Most homes have shutoff valves that you can use to block a pipe that leads outdoors. In most cases, you will find them in basements or closets in an area of the house that is close to the outdoor faucet.
Insulated Faucet Jacket
Insulated Faucet Jacket
After you’ve ensured these outdoor pipes are as bone dry as possible, invest in an insulated faucet jacket. Found in most hardware stores, these devices work to make sure that even if the faucet has no moisture, the freezing temperatures won’t penetrate indoor plumbing.
Low Water Pressure
Low Water Pressure
If you are experiencing low water pressure, there are several reasons for that. The first step in dealing with this issue is to identify the type of water lines in your home. Consider the age of your house and determine if the lines could be original.
In most of our calls involving low water pressure, we discover that the water lines are original to the house. By working in the same neighborhoods, we have also learned that many of the areas we service have decent water pressure.
You can check with your neighbors to see if they theirs is decent. If they have had their lines replaced or have ever had a water softener, they may have better water pressure than you have in your home. This ensures that better water pressure is available without having to install a pressure-boosting system.
Galvanized water lines are a good indicator that your lines are original to your house. You can identify galvanized water piping because each piece must be threaded into a fitting. It is often gray or black. In many cases, certain sections will have been repaired. The water supply line that runs from the meter on the inside to your house is usually a larger diameter pipe that what is inside your home.
With a larger pipe, there is less restriction that can be caused by sediment. However, replacing the pipes inside your home will not always increase the water pressure.
Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
Is Your Main Sewer Line in Trouble?
Is Your Main Sewer Line in Trouble?
While you likely don’t give it much thought, your main sewer line is one of the most (if not the most) important component of your plumbing system. This is one of the two main plumbing lines connected to your home.
Your main sewer line is responsible for removing all the wastewater from your home and moving it into your city’s civil sewer system. Since your main sewer line is hidden underground, it can be quite easy to forget about it—until trouble arises.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional
The Importance of Hiring a Professional
Hiring a trained professional is essential for all your plumbing needs, especially for any repairs that occur underground. Only an experienced and licensed plumber has the knowledge and the tools required to properly diagnose and repair complex plumbing issues.
Your main sewer line is one of your plumbing system’s most crucial components, so it is important to treat it as such.
House Trap and Vent
House Trap and Vent Removed and Cleanout Installed
We Do Camera Service for Sewer Lines
Is It Time for Professional Drain and Sewer Repairs?
Is It Time for Professional Drain and Sewer Repairs?
Do you smell the extremely unpleasant but identifiable odor of sewage in or around your home? Is there standing water at your property’s lowest level? Are your toilets backing up? Are your sinks refusing to drain throughout the entire house? Such problems mean only one thing—it is time to call us to schedule a drain and sewer repair.
Not only do sewer leaks or backed-up drains put your convenience and your property at risk. They can also put your health at risk. Waiting or ignoring these problems will only give them the time to get worse. Also, the fact that the problems are now so obvious means that they’ve probably been in development for some time.
Do not wait a moment longer than necessary. Get in touch with us to schedule your drain and sewer repair service.
Do Drains and Sewers Need Maintenance
Do Drains and Sewers Need Maintenance
Yes. They do. Drain and sewer lines are not mechanical systems with moving parts. However, they can benefit greatly from routine sewer and drain maintenance services. From peering deep within the system with our video pipe inspection equipment to look for problems to flushing out your drain and sewer lines with high-pressure jetting equipment, we offer effective maintenance solutions for your drains and sewer.
Please note that this will not completely eliminate the risk of eventual drain repairs and sewer repairs. Any contractor telling you otherwise should not be trusted with your business. However, it can keep any problems with the system to a minimum. It will also allowing us to catch potential problems early on. Contact us today to request our drain and sewer services.
Hot Water Heater
Hot Water Heater
Do you remember the last time you drained your hot water heater? Running your water heater at high temperatures will cost you money, and it will not last as long.
Check your smoke pipe. If it's gas, see if it has rotted out or not and if it is sealed around the chimney. When you drain a gas or electric hot water heater, turn off the gas or electricity to avoid damaging it. Inspect for leaks on the cold water pipe going in and the hot water pipe going out.
Additionally, check the shutoff valve and relief valve. If you notice water on your floor around the water heater, it's a good indication that something is leaking.
Having a cold shower should always be a choice. It should never be the last resort. Water heaters give us the luxury of temperature control for our daily water use. When your water heater fails, that control is lost and you end up stuck with only one option: enduring constant cold water.
Every day, thousands of water heaters in Mercer County, New Jersey function to maintain a hot water reservoir. This makes hot water constantly accessible to you with a turn of a knob or a lift of a handle.
You may notice issues such as:
- Inconsistent or Lukewarm Heat
- Poor-Tasting/Smelling Tap Water
- Hot Water That Frequently Runs Out
- Leaking Water Heater
- Pilot Light That Keeps Going Out.
Your water heater always has the potential to experience one of these issues. When it comes to your water heater, we have the right tools needed to perform repairs and maintenance. We also do hot water heater installations and replacements.
When you need to have your water heater repaired, just give us a call. It’s quite simple. When you notice your unit failing to produce hot water, dirty water spouting out, or other unusual problems, it’s important to schedule a service as soon as possible. By setting up recurring maintenance for your water heater, you will help address problems early on. It will also ensure your unit functions optimally.
As with anything in life, the more you care for your hot water heater, the greater the reward. The benefits of repairing and maintaining your unit include:
- Lower Water System Operational Costs
- Energy Conservation
- Improved Water Efficiency
- Increased Water Heater Life Expectancy
- Reduced Potential for Contamination
If you need to have your water heater replaced, just call us!
Neither traditional nor tankless water heaters are invincible. Eventually, perpetual use and age will get the best of your unit. If your unit is more than 10 years old, in need of consistent repairs, or constantly leaking, it might be time to call for a hot water heater installation.
Yes. It is an investment. However, with a brand-new hot water heater in your home, you are earning way more in the long term.
If the corrosion from the leaks is causing water to pool at the tank’s base, it’s time to completely replace your water heater. You’ll enjoy reduced energy costs, peace of mind, better temperature regulation, and cleaner water. Whether it’s a routine maintenance, a repair job, or a complete installation, you’ll benefit from our service.
Gas Lines and Gas Line Air Test
Gas Lines and Gas Line Air Test
Black Steel Pipe for Gas Lines
Gas Meters
Many people are unaware of the fact that they are actually responsible for some sections of natural gas pipelines in and around their home. This is very important to keep in mind.
The diagram below shows the pipelines near a home. You can see the labels around different segments of pipe, including which parts are the client’s responsibility and which sections are the responsibility of Peoples™.
Typically, any natural gas pipeline that runs from the Peoples™ mainline and into the meter is your responsibility as a client. Generally, you're responsible for any pipeline that runs from the meter and into your home. This includes the pipe that connects to your natural gas stove or furnace and the boiler or gas line to the fireplace.
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