Blog

Slab Leaks 101

June 13, 2025 by Ori Eilon

A slab leak occurs when pipes underneath your home’s concrete foundation develop leaks. Left unchecked, it can lead to costly damage. Here’s how to identify and address a slab leak before it turns into a major issue.

Gallery Slab Leak Garage Being Worked On 2 1749842541 Jpg

Signs You May Have a Slab Leak

Unexplained High-Water Bills – A sudden spike in your water bill without increased usage is a red flag.
Hot Spots on Floors – If a hot water line is leaking under the slab, you might notice warm spots on the floor.
Sounds of Running Water – Hearing water movement when all faucets are off could indicate an underground leak. Cracks in Walls or Flooring – Shifting caused by water erosion can lead to visible structural damage.

How to Test for a Slab Leak

Turn Off Water & Monitor Meter – Shut off all faucets and appliances, then check your water meter. If it continues running, you likely have a leak.
Pressure Test Your Plumbing – A professional plumber can test your system’s pressure to detect drops caused by a leak.
Use Thermal Imaging or Electronic Leak Detection – Infrared cameras and acoustic sensors can pinpoint the leak’s exact location.
Check for Foundation Damage – Any unexplained cracks in walls or floors warrant further investigation.
If you suspect a slab leak, act quickly contact a licensed plumber. Catching a slab leak early can save thousands in repairs. If you need help diagnosing the issue, seeking professional assistance is your best bet.

What Advantages Do Air Filters Bring to Your HVAC System?

January 22, 2025 by Ori Eilon

One of the most crucial components of an HVAC system is the air filter. The primary purpose of air filters is to purge the air passing through the appliance of any pollutants. If you’re not aware with how an HVAC system operates, you might be curious about the function of air filters and their advantages.

An overview of the advantages of air filters for your HVAC system is provided below.

Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Air filters’ main function is to purify the air that passes through your HVAC system. Dust, pollen, pet dander, spores, bacteria, dirt, and volatile organic compounds are among the particulate stuff that is captured by the filter material as air travels through it. The device enhances the general cleanliness of your indoor air by eliminating impurities from the air that passes through your HVAC system. Maintaining healthy indoor air quality has several benefits, including a decreased risk of airborne infections, less symptoms of asthma, a home that smells fresh, and better sleep.

Extend Your HVAC System’s Lifespan

In addition to removing small particles from the air, air filters also keep larger ones from settling in the internal parts of your HVAC system. Your HVAC system might easily fail owing to the added strain if dust, debris, and other pollutants build up inside the system. You may be confident that your appliance will run longer with little to no risk of a breakdown by using air filters.

Achieve Better Quality Sleep

Your ability to fall asleep can be affected in a number of ways by indoor allergens, offensive odors, decreased comfort, and poor indoor air quality. The air filters in your HVAC system reduce odors, enhance indoor air quality, and eliminate allergens from the air, all of which contribute to better sleep. Better sleep may result from breathing healthier air.

The lack of air flow caused by a malfunctioning fan motor or even merely filthy fan blades may result in frozen AC coils.

Reduced energy costs

Air filters not only make your home’s air quality better, but they also make your HVAC system more energy-efficient by increasing airflow and lowering resistance. An efficient unit will lower your energy costs over time and enable you to save money.

A few other advantages of HVAC air filters are:

Better climate control
Improved overall wellness
Neutralization of undesirable odors
Less pet mess
Elimination of harmful gases and chemicals

How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Air Filters?

Generally speaking, depending on where your home is located, the age of your unit, and whether you have pets, you should replace your HVAC air filters every three months. Make sure to contact qualified HVAC contractors when it’s time to replace your HVAC system’s air filters.

Call Galaxy Plumbing & Solar Systems, Inc. for AC Repair and All of Your HVAC Needs

Are you looking for skilled HVAC contractors to aid you with AC repair since your AC unit is in poor condition? When should your HVAC system be replaced? If so, Galaxy Plumbing & Solar Systems, Inc. is the company to call for all of your HVAC requirements. The skilled HVAC contractors at Rooter Hero Plumbing have the knowledge, the experience, and the cutting-edge equipment to handle any HVAC needs you may have, whether it be for AC repair, AC replacement, or AC maintenance.

Give Us a Call

Do you have a central air conditioning issue? Make a call right away! Our amiable team of professionals is here to provide you with quick, accurate diagnosis and repair.

Top 5 Reasons Why AC Coils Freeze

January 22, 2025 by Ori Eilon

Frozen AC coils, in contrast to other HVAC issues, can be brought on by almost any system flaw. It’s certainly an issue if you notice frost or a film of ice on your indoor unit, but it’s not always simple to figure out why.

We’ll discuss the potential reasons of frozen air conditioner coils in this post, as well as what you should do if it has already happened to you.

Frozen AC Coils Indicators

If your indoor unit’s coils are frozen, there will likely be ice or frost on them as well as maybe on the pipes. You might not be able to see that, though, as many interior units aren’t accessible. What other signs of frozen air conditioner coils are there then?

Your first clue that there is a problem with your HVAC system is likely to be the heat. There are a few things you may check to learn more about the issue if your AC doesn’t seem to be functioning as it should.
The airflow via the supply registers should be checked. Frozen coils may be the issue if the air is warm or completely stopped.
A buildup of moisture from frozen AC coils may result in condensation or water leaks in your building.

Continue reading to find out the top 5 problems that might lead to frozen AC coils.

1. Frozen AC coils may result from dirty air filters.

For your AC to work correctly, there must be a constant flow of pure air. Filters that are dirty might make it difficult for air to enter and exit.

The coils get too cold if air is not moving around them, which causes ice to build up.

2. Broken fans can obstruct airflow and lead to frozen coils.

It won’t assist unless the fan is blowing air through the system, even if your filters are clean.

The lack of air flow caused by a malfunctioning fan motor or even merely filthy fan blades may result in frozen AC coils.

3. Blocked condensate pipes are the cause of frozen AC coils.

Your HVAC system’s condensate lines are responsible for removing extra moisture caused by humidity. Through pipes, this moisture’s water condensate makes its way to a floor drain.

A clogged pipe can cause water to become stationary and freeze. This is especially true if the obstruction is located close to the evaporator coil, which is the AC’s coolest component. The water may freeze as a result of a clogged condensate line, which will then force the coils to thaw.

4. Frozen air conditioner coils result from malfunctioning thermostats.

Your thermostat and air conditioner work together to maintain a constant temperature in the building by monitoring the temperature frequently and adjusting how hard the air conditioner must work.

A malfunctioning thermostat could cause the air conditioner to run too long and wear out the system if it senses the temperature incorrectly or controls it inappropriately. If your building struggles to maintain a constant temperature or if it routinely runs too cold, you might be on to something.

Unchecked overuse of an air conditioner could result in frozen coils.

5. Coils that freeze frequently are caused by refrigerant leaks.

The substance called refrigerant flows through the AC coil of your air conditioner, changing pressure and temperature to absorb heat. If there is a leak, the reduced pressure will cause it to overheat. The coils then freeze over as a result, followed by the refrigerant lines.

In some countries, it is against the law to leave refrigerant lines leaking in addition to the fact that refrigerant leaks are terrible for the environment. Instead of just adding more refrigerant, a professional should rectify the leak or replace the coil.

What to do if your AC coils are frozen.

Okay, so you’ve established that the coil in your air conditioner is frozen. Even better, you might be able to identify which of the five factors contributed to your issue. How do you proceed from here?

The unit must first be turned off in order to prevent compressor failure.

Calling a specialist is in your best interest due to the potential for system harm. They’ll be able to quickly identify the problem’s root cause and restore your unit to operation.

While you wait for more assistance, you can take care of a few things on your own.

Find any water damage and clean it up. It’s a good idea to clean up any water leaks from ice that your frozen AC coils may have generated in order to protect your building.
To melt the ice, try. You should switch off your computer and wait for the ice to thaw, or you can consider using a hair dryer. Never attempt to chip or chop the ice off as you run the risk of harming the coils.

How to prevent frozen AC coils with a preventative maintenance plan.

Do you think that worrying about all of this is unnecessary? Perhaps not, either. Obtaining a preventative maintenance plan is the simplest method to avoid AC issues.

An assessment and upkeep of your AC from an HVAC technician are included in preventative maintenance programs. When using your air conditioner for the first time in the summer or after turning it off for the season in the fall, these system checks are most helpful. Filter changes, coil cleanings, and leak checks are just a few of the maintenance duties that the specialist will handle.

In most cases, frozen AC coils are the result of a smaller issue that was neglected for an extended period of time. A preventative maintenance program would guarantee that you identify a problem as soon as it arises and have it fixed before it damages your air conditioner or leads to a more expensive issue.

It is more cost-effective to take care of your HVAC system over time with a preventative maintenance plan than to spend more money on major repairs. Additionally, it guarantees that no business is lost or work is interrupted by an AC failure. That means you can relax and get on to more important things.

Give Us a Call

Do you have a central air conditioning issue? Make a call right away! Our amiable team of professionals is here to provide you with quick, accurate diagnosis and repair.

Top 11 Central Air Conditioner Issues for 2022

January 22, 2025 by Ori Eilon

As long as it is functioning properly, air conditioning is a summers dream. However, issues with air conditioners inevitably arise from time to time. Get ready. Learn about the top 11 central air conditioner issues for 2022, along with detailed remedies.

1. Running the Air Conditioning Unit Nonstop

You’ve been using your air conditioner a lot this summer, but should it really be on all the time? For the purpose of achieving and maintaining the temperature set by your thermostat, central air conditioning often cycles on and off many times every hour. You can have an issue if the central air is running nonstop.

SOLUTION: Your air filter has to be changed as a first step. (It’s always a good idea to give this a shot right away; for optimum air conditioner performance, filters should be changed every 30-90 days.)

If that doesn’t help, talk to an expert. The good news: due to recent advances in air conditioning technology, the AC you buy today will be much more energy-efficient than a few years ago.

2. Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak

The Freon within your central air conditioner won’t evaporate or get depleted because it is a closed system. Theoretically, it might last a lifetime—unless the system experiences a leak, in which case your air conditioner would have to run harder than usual to make up for the lost refrigerant.

SOLUTION: Make contact with a specialist in air conditioning repair.

3. A Leak in the WaterTop 5 Reasons Why AC Coils Freeze Condenser

On occasion, you could see a pool of water beneath the external condenser of your air conditioner. If the water leaks solely when the air conditioner is running, especially on really hot, muggy days, this can be totally typical. On the other hand, a persistent leak or a significant amount of water suggests a problem.

SOLUTION: If your filter is damp or clogged, replace it. Check the temperature outside on warmer days; using an air conditioner in conditions below 16 degrees C may cause frozen coils and water leaks. Make an appointment for a professional tune-up if the issue continues.

4. Loud Noises from the Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners typically produce a certain level of noise. You might hear brief clicks, clunks, squeals, or shudders during startup. A steady low hum and the odd gurgling are typical sounds throughout operation.

However, be wary of unexpected changes in acoustics or loud noises (like grinding or shrieking). They might indicate significant AC issues.

SOLUTION: Change your filter before doing anything else since blocked airflow causes some dramatic sound effects. If strange air conditioner noises are still bothering you, attempt to locate them and identify what kind of noise they are so you can explain them when you call an expert for repair.

5. Bad Smell Coming From the Air Conditioner

For the simple fact that they occasionally don’t originate from the AC itself, central air smells can be very misleading. Instead, the HVAC ductwork is circulating odors throughout your house. Examples include the “rotten egg” smell caused by a gas leak or the smell of cigarettes from someone smoking inside.

There are different odors that can result from an air conditioner issue, such as burning, coolant, or exhaust.

SOLUTION: You may quickly eliminate a cigarette odor by smoking outside. However, the majority of other air conditioner odors indicate a serious issue. Turn off the system and call for immediate HVAC repair.

6. Not Cooling Air Conditioning

When your central air is undoubtedly operating (you can hear the motor), but it isn’t providing you with a wonderful cold break from the heat, it can be very aggravating. There are several causes for this, ranging from simple solutions to more difficult ones.

SOLUTION: Systematically go through each potential cause one at a time. First, make sure the thermostat is set to COOL rather than just ON. Next, make sure that every window and door in your house is locked and that the vents are open but not covered by any objects like furniture or drapes. After that, if the filter is clogged with dirt, replace it. Finally, clean the exterior condenser unit of debris and, if necessary, lightly wash the fins.

You’ve already tried all the do-it-yourself solutions. Has the AC stopped cooling yet? It can need mechanical work done, or it might have a refrigerant leak that has to be fixed. Other options include hiring a professional to inspect the ductwork (the ducts may be leaking cooled air) or, in the worst case situation, replacing the air conditioner.

7. Warm Air Blowing From Air Conditioner

It is bothersome and uncomfortable when an air conditioner blows warm air. Warm breezes blowing through your rooms right now are the absolute last thing you want!

SOLUTION: Check to make sure your thermostat is not set to ON or even HEAT as mentioned above. The setting must be COOL. To ensure a sufficient airflow, replace the filter. Examine your condenser’s circuit breaker next; if it has tripped, your air handler will continue to operate but will only blow warm air until the breaker has been reset.

Still no luck? Hire an HVAC professional to clean the system and fix any refrigerant leaks.

8. The Air Conditioner Freezes

In the summer, you want your central air conditioning to be comfortable cool—not icy! Often, an air conditioner freezing is not a major issue. But if you ignore it, your AC system might eventually sustain costly harm.

SOLUTION: Replace the air filter. Additionally, increase the temperature by a few degrees, especially before you go for work or before you go to bed at night.

Have an AC repair expert check for a broken fan, clogged drainage, or a refrigerant leak if DIY solutions are ineffective.

9. The Size Of The Air Conditioner Is Incorrect

Unfortunately, your air conditioner might not be the right size for your house. Why does this matter? A system that is too large will cycle too quickly to dehumidify your home correctly while a system that is too small will never get your house cold enough.

What is the cause of this issue? Salespeople for air conditioners who are unable or unwilling to determine the precise size your home requires.

SOLUTION: Before purchasing your new air conditioning unit, make sure to consult with professionals and conduct research. Spend some time making the precise calculations required for a good fit.

10. Circuit Breaker for Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping

Because central air conditioners consume a lot of energy, your electrical system must be capable of handling the load. If your air conditioner frequently trips the circuit breaker, it is drawing a lot more amps than the breaker is designed to handle. As a result, the breaker is tripping to safeguard your house from an electrical overcurrent fire threat.

SOLUTION: DON’T just keep trying to reset the breaker while ignoring the problem. Do your due diligence first by replacing the filter and cleaning the outdoor condenser. The source of this issue, however, is most likely a refrigerant leak or a broken part, such as a motor, compressor, capacitor, or wiring. A skilled AC specialist will be required for repair.

11. Regular Maintenance Is Not Being Done On The Air Conditioner

The ancient adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” definitely applies to your air conditioner. Although routine AC maintenance might cost a few bucks, it ultimately saves you money. Consider the advantages that keeping your air conditioner maintained will bring:

Increases energy efficiency, which lowers electricity costs and safeguards the environment.
Reduces the likelihood of an expensive and uncomfortable breakdown.
Increases air quality and home comfort.
Keep your warranty in effect.
Prolongs the life of your AC so that you won’t need to replace it as frequently.

Why not schedule air conditioner maintenance right away with all those positive factors working in its favor?

We’ll fix any issues with your air conditioner.

Do you have a central air conditioning issue? Make a call right away! Our amiable team of professionals is here to provide you with quick, accurate diagnosis and repair.

Ten Plumbing Tasks to Complete Before a Vacation

January 22, 2025 by Ori Eilon

Summertime is when many individuals take their vacations! If you want to avoid returning home to a plumbing emergency, there are a few things you should do before leaving on vacation, whether you’re traveling abroad or staying close to home in California. Since you’re not utilizing your plumbing, it doesn’t follow that nothing could go wrong.

Planning a trip involves making reservations for lodging, transportation, and entertainment, but you need also have your home plumbing ready. Here are some plumbing hints and recommendations to assist make sure everything is in working order when you get home from your trip.

1. Turn Off the Water

Turn off the water at the main valve if you won’t be utilizing it while your house is being occupied. This could stop leaks or burst pipes, preventing you from coming home to a flooded or water-damaged house.

2. Sprinkler System Should Be Drained

You should drain your sprinkler system and turn it off completely if you won’t be gone for an extended period of time and won’t need to water the yard while you’re gone. Who wants to face a large water bill after an expensive vacation? Small drips or leaks can pile up.

3. Check Your Gutters

Rainwater from your roof should be released through gutters at least 6 feet from the house’s foundation. Sadly, leaves and other debris can clog them, resulting in a foundation or roof that is flooded. Make sure your gutters are clean before you go for your trip so you can trust them to withstand summer rains while you’re away.

4. Check the Sump Pump

Although California homes don’t often have basements, they are growing in popularity. If your gutters fail and you have a basement with a sump pump to avoid flooding, test the pump by adding water to the sump pit to raise the water level. You’re good to go if the sump pump discharges the water as it should. If it doesn’t, make a plumbing check appointment before leaving.

5. Drain Your Appliances

Still water in washing machines and dishwashers can result in mildew, mold, and foul odors. Who wants that when they go home? Therefore, think about draining them before you go on vacation.

6. Turn Off the Water Heater

In addition to preventing floods, turning off your water heater will keep your energy costs down while you’re away.

7. Clean Your Drains

While you’re away, clean up your drains, toilet, garbage disposal, and anything else that could emit a bad stench. Instead of utilizing hazardous and caustic chemical cleansers, we advise employing certain DIY remedies, such as baking soda and vinegar mixtures.

8. Run Your Pool Pump

If you are fortunate enough to have a pool at your residence, you might decide that it makes sense to turn off the pump while you are gone. However, other issues such as algae buildup may result from this. Instead of entirely turning off the pool pump if you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, just set it to the best setting so that it keeps running while you’re away.

9. Check For Leakage

Before you leave on vacation, it’s crucial to conduct a quick sweep of your plumbing to check for leaks. Check for corrosion on appliances or humidity around appliances. Have a plumber perform an inspection if you think there may be a leak before you go on vacation.

10. Contact Your Family or Friends.

Ask family or friends to check on your house while you’re away if you know you’ll be gone for a while. You’ll feel more at ease knowing that they can also get your mail and turn on and off the lights as needed.

Need Help With Your Plumbing?

Every now and again, we all need to get away from it all to recharge our batteries. Plumbing is, however, the last thing you should be concerned about while you are away. Consequently, remember to inspect your plumbing while you prepare your trip! You may avoid a lot of stress (and money) when you return from your trip by taking care of these 10 items before leaving on vacation.

Consider fixing a plumbing issue you may have before departing. Make an appointment with Galaxy Plumbing and Services.

Blog

Signs You May Have a Slab Leak

How to Test for a Slab Leak

​Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

​​Extend Your HVAC System’s Lifespan

​Achieve Better Quality Sleep

​Reduced energy costs

​​​How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Air Filters?

​​Call Galaxy Plumbing & Solar Systems, Inc. for AC Repair and All of Your HVAC Needs

​Give Us a Call

​Frozen AC Coils Indicators

​What to do if your AC coils are frozen.

​​How to prevent frozen AC coils with a preventative maintenance plan.

​Give Us a Call

​1. Running the Air Conditioning Unit Nonstop

​2. Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak

​3. A Leak in the WaterTop 5 Reasons Why AC Coils Freeze Condenser

​4. Loud Noises from the Air Conditioner

​5. Bad Smell Coming From the Air Conditioner

​6. Not Cooling Air Conditioning

​7. Warm Air Blowing From Air Conditioner

​8. The Air Conditioner Freezes

​9. The Size Of The Air Conditioner Is Incorrect

​10. Circuit Breaker for Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping

​11. Regular Maintenance Is Not Being Done On The Air Conditioner

​We’ll fix any issues with your air conditioner.

​1. Turn Off the Water

​2. Sprinkler System Should Be Drained

​3. Check Your Gutters

​4. Check the Sump Pump

​5. Drain Your Appliances

​6. Turn Off the Water Heater

​7. Clean Your Drains

​8. Run Your Pool Pump

​9. Check For Leakage

​10. Contact Your Family or Friends.

​Need Help With Your Plumbing?

Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Extend Your HVAC System’s Lifespan

Achieve Better Quality Sleep

Reduced energy costs

How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Air Filters?

Call Galaxy Plumbing & Solar Systems, Inc. for AC Repair and All of Your HVAC Needs

Give Us a Call

Frozen AC Coils Indicators

What to do if your AC coils are frozen.

How to prevent frozen AC coils with a preventative maintenance plan.

Give Us a Call

1. Running the Air Conditioning Unit Nonstop

2. Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak

3. A Leak in the WaterTop 5 Reasons Why AC Coils Freeze Condenser

4. Loud Noises from the Air Conditioner

5. Bad Smell Coming From the Air Conditioner

6. Not Cooling Air Conditioning

7. Warm Air Blowing From Air Conditioner

8. The Air Conditioner Freezes

9. The Size Of The Air Conditioner Is Incorrect

10. Circuit Breaker for Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping

11. Regular Maintenance Is Not Being Done On The Air Conditioner

We’ll fix any issues with your air conditioner.

1. Turn Off the Water

2. Sprinkler System Should Be Drained

3. Check Your Gutters

4. Check the Sump Pump

5. Drain Your Appliances

6. Turn Off the Water Heater

7. Clean Your Drains

8. Run Your Pool Pump

9. Check For Leakage

10. Contact Your Family or Friends.

Need Help With Your Plumbing?