Frequently Asked Questions

Get advice from our experts on common AC, furnace, and plumbing problems—keep reading or call us today!

Should I Shut My Water off to My Home if I Am Going on Vacation?

It depends upon what type of main shutoff valve you have. If you have a ¼ turn type valve such as a ball value we recommend shutting it off. If you have a gate valve we recommend against shutting it off because these valves have a tendency to break off in the closed position and this could leave you with no water in your home!

How Do I Keep My Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh?

Use a natural bacteria enzyme such as Bio-Clean once a week! It will smell great! You can use it for a fresh-smelling litter box as well.

Why Am I Changing My Toilet Flapper Every Four or Five Months?

Toilet bowl cleaner tablets such as “2000 Flushes” typically contain bleach usually chlorine-based. Do not use these tablets as they will destroy all the rubber items inside your toilet! Use the kind that hangs on the rim of the bowl instead. Also, make sure to get a silicone impregnated flapper when you purchase your next one. This type will hold up better in city water with high chlorine content.

Why Do My Pipes Rattle When I Turn My Faucet Off?

This is known as a water hammer. The air chambers in the walls have leaked out the air and filled with water. To correct this follow these steps. First, turn off the water to your house using the valve outside your house or at the water meter. Next, turn on every faucet in the house, including outside hose bibbs and shower valves. After they have been drained, get a shallow pan and disconnect the toilet supply lines, allowing the water to drain into the pan. This will ensure that as much water as possible has been drained from your water pipes in the walls. Next, put that toilet valves back together and turn all of the faucets you previously turned on, off. Turn the water back on to the house. Wait 10-15 minutes before turning a valve on. This procedure will recharge the air chambers and eliminate the water hammer.

Should I Place a Cover on My Air Conditioner Condenser During the Cooler Months?

We recommend against using air conditioner covers because they can trap moisture inside the unit which wreaks havoc with the electronics.

Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which One Is Right for My House?

Heat pumps can provide both cooling and heating for your home while being more energy-efficient than the average furnace. Furnaces meanwhile cost less to buy and maintain because they have fewer mechanical components. If you're having trouble deciding between the two, please reach out to our experts so they can properly assess your property’s needs.

What to Do When My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

When you notice ice buildup on your AC, turn it off and let it defrost for a few hours. Then, clean or replace your air filters and turn on just the fan for an hour. If your AC freezes again, call us for a full inspection. There may be an issue with your evaporator coil.

Why Is My Air Conditioner or Furnace Sweating?

Excess condensation can cause your HVAC systems to "sweat" or accumulate moisture on exterior surfaces. This problem often stems from damaged air ducts, dirty filters, or faulty fan motors, leading to poor air circulation. Too much humidity inside your HVAC system will likely lead to dangerous mold growth—which can become a health hazard when left untreated. Give our experts a call if you notice your unit producing sweat.

How to Prevent a Furnace From Leaking Carbon Monoxide?

If your furnace develops a crack in its pipework or heat exchanger, it can leak deadly carbon monoxide. The best preventative measure you can take is to get annual professional maintenance. At RupCoe Plumbing, we can perform several safety checks—including full-system cleanups—to diagnose and treat any problem with your unit and keep it in excellent condition all year round.

What Size Ductless Mini-Split Do I Need?

First, measure the square foot of the room you want to cool by multiplying its length and width. Then, multiply the square foot by 25 to get the required BTU output. You can use this value to check if a certain mini-split can meet the minimum cooling needs of your room. Keep in mind that this method is not the most accurate. If you want the most energy-efficient mini-split for your property, seek professional assistance from our HVAC team.

Will My Heat Pump System Work Without Freon?

Heat pumps use Freon—or refrigerant—to carry out heat exchange throughout their major components. During the hot season, your unit uses refrigerant to absorb indoor heat and move it outdoors. In the winter, it does the opposite by absorbing outdoor heat and bringing it inside. Without refrigerant, your heat pump can't perform these functions properly and likely will stop working.

Is It Better to Have Two Water Heaters vs. One?

The number of water heaters that suit your property's needs depends on various factors like peak hot water demand, property size, supply distance, and the type of water heater. If you plan on getting a new water heating system for your home or business, our experts can make some recommendations that will account for your budget, convenience, and energy-saving goals.

If you want more expert advice from our professionals at RupCoe Plumbing, feel free to call us at (908) 226-1616! We serve all of South Plainfield, NJ, and the surrounding communities.