HVAC and Plumbing FAQs

Low refrigerant and poor airflow are two main reasons your unit may freeze up. Having your HVAC unit serviced regularly and changing your filter helps keep your unit working correctly.

If you’re concerned about your home’s air quality, replace your HVAC system’s air filters or get a professional air quality system installed.

Each HVAC unit has a serial number. Most manufacturers’ websites allow you to access the warranty information for your unit with the serial number.

If the issue occurs suddenly, it may point to problems such as a blocked filter, damaged ductwork or a refrigerant leak. If you have a recurring issue, but your system doesn’t need repair, it may not be configured appropriately for the size of your house.

If you hear a rattling or banging sound inside your unit, the noise could mean a loose part. A hissing noise could indicate leaking refrigerant. Buzzing sounds may indicate an electrical issue. Seek professional advice if your unit isn’t making its normal hum.

A clogged showerhead, valve settings, plumbing leaks or sediment in your hot water tank are all possible reasons for low water pressure in the shower.

The most common reason your faucet leaks water while the shower is on is a problem with the diverter. This valve controls water flow to your faucet or shower head.

If your toilet isn’t flushing properly or you notice sewage backing up into the bowl, you may have a clog in your plumbing system. Check your other toilets and drains. If they are clear, you may have a small, local clog that needs to be fixed. If more than one drain or toilet has sewage, you may have a larger clog blocking your sewer line.

Check for loose bolts, deteriorating wax rings or a loose water supply line. During the summer, your toilet may also produce condensation leading to droplets of water on the base.

First, check your product manual. The manufacturer may have included recommendations like grinding ice with the blades. You can also use baking soda and vinegar or buy products specially made for cleaning disposals.

Keeping your house above 55 degrees in the winter, letting your faucets drip slowly, opening cabinets and vanities, and insulating pipes can prevent your pipes from freezing.

Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are certain foods you should not put in your sink. Rice, pasta, egg shells, coffee grounds, fats and oils will clog your pipes over time.

When more than one drain backs up at once — or you hear gurgling from the toilet when you run the sink — the problem usually isn’t a simple clog. It points to a blockage in your main sewer line, which needs professional diagnosis fast to avoid backups and water damage. Bruni & Campisi offers camera inspections and drain services across Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Fairfield counties. Learn more about our drain services.

We don’t recommend them. Store-bought drain cleaners can corrode older pipes, damage seals, and rarely clear the full clog — meaning the problem comes back. Professional drain cleaning removes the blockage completely and protects your plumbing long-term.