Smoak’s Blog

Leaky Water Heater: Causes, Solutions, and When to Call a Plumber

If not addressed promptly, a leaky water heater can cause significant damage to your home. From minor drips to major leaks, understanding the issue and seeking professional plumbing services from a trusted plumbing company like Smoak’s Comfort Control in Charleston,...

Why is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

When your air conditioning units stop blowing cold air, it can quickly turn a comfortable home into a stifling space, especially during the heat of summer. This issue can stem from various causes, each needing a specific solution. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll...

What to Check if Your Water Pressure is Low

Consistent water pressure is crucial for daily household activities, from showers to washing dishes and laundry. Low water pressure can disrupt routines and signal underlying plumbing issues. Identifying the cause of low water pressure ensures your home runs smoothly...

What to Set Your Thermostat to in Winter: Guide on How Often You Should Run Heat

When temperatures start dropping, keeping your home warm becomes a priority. But how often should you use heat to maintain comfort while avoiding high energy bills? This question is common among home and business owners looking to balance efficiency and comfort during...

The Hidden Costs of Not Hiring a Plumber in Mt. Pleasant, SC

The temptation to save a few bucks by attempting a DIY fix can be compelling regarding plumbing issues. However, avoiding professional help can lead to much more significant expenses. If you need a plumber in Mt. Pleasant, SC, hiring one sooner rather than later can...

New Refrigerant Changes: What You Need to Know

The HVAC industry is on the brink of another significant change affecting homeowners, businesses, and manufacturers that use refrigerant in their products. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated new, more eco-friendly refrigerants, class A2L...

When to Get a Dehumidifier: Signs Your Home Needs One

Why Dehumidification Matters for Your Home In Charleston, SC, managing indoor humidity is essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. With the area’s hot, humid climate, moisture can quickly accumulate inside homes, leading to various...

How to Extend the Life of My Water Heater

A well-maintained water heater is essential for every Charleston, SC homeowner. Whether you rely on it for a long, relaxing shower or household cleaning, keeping your water heater in excellent condition can save you from unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and high...

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

Dryer vent cleaning is an often-overlooked task that could prevent serious hazards, from fires to reduced energy efficiency. If you’ve noticed your clothes taking longer to dry or your energy bills creeping up, it might be time to give your dryer vent some attention....

How Does Rain Affect My HVAC System?

When it rains in the Charleston area, your HVAC system might not be the first thing on your mind. But can rain damage your HVAC system? While air conditioners and outdoor units, also known as condensing units, are built to handle the weather, you should understand a...
Limit Allergens in the Office With These Simple Steps

Limit Allergens in the Office With These Simple Steps

When people think of workplace hazards, they typically think of coal mining or heavy construction–not office allergies. Office work may not carry as many health risks, but seasonal and environmental allergies can still disrupt productivity and limit morale–and all those coughs and sneezes can spread germs. In fact, allergy symptoms are the second most common cause of missed work.Here are some ways you can reduce allergens in an office building to help employees breathe easier.

What Are Signs That a Sewer Line is Clogged?

What Are Signs That a Sewer Line is Clogged?

Plumbing is not something most people think about unless there’s a problem. When there is a problem, however, it can dramatically alter daily activities such as bathing, cleaning and cooking. A clogged sewer line may manifest itself in a variety of ways. The following are three signs that your sewer line may be clogged.Clogs in a sewer system sometimes sound like water percolating. If a strong, unpleasant odor of raw sewage accompanies these sounds, it’s likely there is a blockage somewhere in the sewer line. Smoak’s Comfort Control recommends avoiding drain cleaners when clearing clogged drains.

Why Does My Furnace Make a Loud Noise When It Turns Off?

Why Does My Furnace Make a Loud Noise When It Turns Off?

Loud noises coming from your furnace can be alarming, but it doesn’t mean there is a huge problem. When you hear a banging noise, the problem can be simple to fix. Whether you need to replace a dirty filter or clean your ductwork, loud noises can be caused by a number of things. If you aren’t comfortable trying to fix the problem on your own, it’s time to call in a professional to service your furnace. Here are some things you can do to try and fix the problem yourself.

Can a Water Leak Cause Pipes to Rattle?

Can a Water Leak Cause Pipes to Rattle?

Ever have a water leak and hear shaking, rattling or roaring? Your house can sound like a plane on a tarmac or one of those AAMCO commercials with the car shaking and all that noise coming from the engine!
In actuality, if you turn on the faucet and there’s a leak, it can cause your pipes to make noise – and the roaring noise can get loud enough to make vibrations, so you may hear whining, squeaking, hissing, banging or rapid machine gun fire sounds. But here’s the thing: each noise is specific to a problem within your pipes. Let’s explore the sounds to help you diagnose the problem.

5 Signs Your Office’s Boiler Needs Service

5 Signs Your Office’s Boiler Needs Service

In office buildings, repairing boilers can be expensive, but waiting can prove costly. Ideally the owner should have the boiler inspected by a qualified contractor every year. This is to avoid any unexpected emergencies. However, it’s usually on the coldest day that the boiler acts up. To avoid this, here are a few tips to see if your boiler needs to be serviced. Signs the boiler may need servicing:

What Do I Do if My System is Not Heating?

What Do I Do if My System is Not Heating?

Your home’s HVAC unit performs many functions such as heating, cooling and ventilation to make your indoor living spaces as comfortable as possible. Breakdown or malfunctioning of the HVAC’s components can lead to poor working of the unit. HVAC systems not heating is a common issue that can be caused by several different issues with your unit.

How do New Water Heater Regulations Impact Me?

How do New Water Heater Regulations Impact Me?

If you are like the vast majority of people in the country, you probably don’t give all that much thought to your water heater until that moment when you suddenly realize that your pantry is ankle deep in water. If plumbing is not your thing, you would normally scramble to the phone to call a trained professional to handle the disaster, but new water heater regulations mean you will need to give some thought as to how you want to replace the damaged unit.