It’s pretty obvious when your bathroom needs cleaning or your furniture needs dusting, but did you know it is just as important to clean some of the hardest working parts of your kitchen—your garbage disposal, dishwasher, and drains?

Tips to Clean Your Dishwasher

Your high-efficiency dishwasher saves you money by reducing the water used and energy needed to heat it. It deserves a little TLC to make sure it runs at its best.

Check out these three easy steps to clean your dishwasher so it can return the favor:

1. Give the outside of your dishwasher a thorough cleaning: Soap and water will do for dishwashers with plastic fronts. Most manufacturers suggest specialty cleaning products for stainless steel dishwashers.
2. Clean the dishwasher filter: Scraps of food get caught up in the dishwasher filter instead of pushing them through the drain for quieter performance. The filter is usually located on the bed of the dishwasher and can be unscrewed easily and then rinsed using the spray nozzle of your faucet and brushed with a sponge.
3. Run a dish rinse aid or dishwasher cleaning agent: This simple step will remove the odors and discolorations that can build up in your dishwasher over time. Experts recommend doing this monthly.

How to Sanitize the Sink Spray Nozzle

You likely clean your sink basin and faucet handle but neglect your sink sprayer. Over time hard water and the minerals in it can build up on your spraying affecting its ability to work.

You can easily clean your sink sprayer by filling a bowl with white vinegar and warm water. Dip clean micro cloths into the mix and wipe down the nozzle hose. Then, using a clean cloth, dry off the vinegar from the hose and repeat the steps, this time scrubbing the nozzle.

Use a toothbrush to best clean stubborn spots and clogged spray holes. Consider allowing the spray nozzle to soak overnight in a water and vinegar mixture.

Wipe down the components with a clean cloth to finish the job.

How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

You put food waste down the disposal, and it’s out of sight, out of mind, but odors and germs can linger on the blades and other parts of your disposal.

To clean your disposal:

1. Turn off the power to the unit and unplug it if possible.
2. Clean the rubber splash guard using an old toothbrush and dish detergent.
3. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal. After waiting 30 minutes, pour in 1 cup of vinegar and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Rinse with hot water or a pot of boiling water. Restore power to the unit.
4. Run the disposal with cold water to flush through

How to Get Rid of Stinky Smell in Your Kitchen Drain

You’ve finished doing the dishes and run the garbage disposal, but there’s a stink lingering in your kitchen drain. Here’s what you can do:

Combine sliced lemon, a couple of tablespoons of salt, and 2 cups of ice. Dump the mix into the garbage disposal and turn it on until it runs freely. The combination will cut the smell and scrub away any food stuck in the unit.

Turn to Russo Bros. & Co. for Your Appliance Service Needs

Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your house and can sometimes be the dirtiest. Broken garbage disposals and clogged kitchen drains can bring your home to a grinding halt.

The experts at Russo Bros. & Co. for all your Northern New Jersey plumbing service needs, including:

• Drain cleaning
• Garbage disposal repair
• Appliance hookups and repairs of your refrigerator, dishwasher, and ice maker

Request service online or call (973) 887-1334 now to schedule an appointment for your Northern NJ home.

Lawn mowing, mulching, and spring cleaning—your spring to-do list can get pretty long, so it’s no wonder you put off your annual air conditioning maintenance.

Even if temperatures have called your AC into action, it’s not too late for an AC tune-up! Routine service is important no matter when you schedule it.

What is an AC Tune-Up?

Air conditioning maintenance allows your HVAC technician to inspect and diagnose issues before they become inconvenient problems.

Here is some of what’s included in your inspection:

• Cleaning condenser coils
• Inspecting for leaks
• Cleaning out the condensate drain tube
• Recalibrating the thermostat
• Inspecting wires
• Inspecting and recharging refrigerant levels

Why is an AC Tune-Up Important?

Annual air conditioning maintenance will reduce the impact of regular wear and tear on the unit, ensuring it’s functioning efficiently.

Your technician can spot and repair any issue with your AC so it doesn’t cause a greater problem. Small air conditioning repairs found during the inspection can prevent costly repairs and premature AC replacement.

Your system tune-up will also help your AC run more efficiently, so you can save on your energy bills. In some cases, an annual maintenance contract is a requirement of your system’s warranty.

Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance with Russo Bros. & Co.

At Russo Bros. & Co., our technicians can provide the peace of mind that your AC starts the season with a full inspection. We offer no-hassle annual maintenance contracts, maintain a full parts inventory, and service most major air conditioner brands.

We can provide the routine maintenance your system needs, whether it’s the start of the spring season or the heat of the summer. It is never too late for a professional AC tune-up from trusted technicians.

Schedule AC service with Russo Bros. & Co. by calling (973) 887-1334 today.

April showers may bring spring flowers, but they can also test your home’s spring readiness! Are your home’s air conditioning and plumbing systems ready for the change of seasons? Here are some ways to make sure!

HVAC TLC

Make sure an HVAC maintenance check is on your to-do list. You need to be good to your system to ensure your system is good to you!

A professional inspection can identify potential problems or broken components before they become big issues. In some cases, annual maintenance is required to validate your HVAC system warranty.

Your AC tune-up includes preventative cleaning and lubricating of components and replacing dirty air filters.

If your air conditioning system is over 10 years old, it’s a good opportunity for a professional technician to evaluate the projected life span of your unit. It may be time to replace your AC unit with a new modern, more efficient system if your current system:

• Continually requires costly repairs
• Is subject to frequent breakdowns
• Proves to be inefficient

Russo Bros. & Co. can evaluate your unit’s performance to recommend air conditioning repair or replacement.

As a special Spring offer, Russo Bros. customers are eligible for a free furnace with an AC upgrade. Check with your Russo technician to take advantage of this limited offer.

Sump Pump Service

When it comes to rain gear, you rely on your umbrella, and your home relies on its sump pump to stay dry.

Spring storms come in quickly, dumping inches of rain within a short amount of time. This is when your sump pump works its hardest, and it better be ready, or you can face a flood in your basement.

Testing your sump pump is fairly easy, but it’s best to call an experienced professional if it doesn’t run properly.

Our experts at Russo Bros. & Co. can offer same day sump pump repair if you notice your sump pump:

• Fails to turn on
• Makes loud noises
• Runs continuously

Hose Bibb Help

Outdoor spigots are always at risk of freezing if not winterized properly, and older hose bibbs are more susceptible to freezing than newer frost-proof faucets.

In spring, outdoor faucets get called into action to water the garden, clean the car, and wash the dog. Turning back on the outdoor faucet after months of being turned off needs to be done with some care, making sure the bibb hasn’t cracked over the winter.

If your hose bibb leaks, you’ll likely waste a lot of water this spring. You may find water leaking behind your home’s exterior wall, or the leaky spigot might invite mosquitoes and other insects into your home.

Russo Bros. & Co. can help repair your hose bibb or replace it with another one that is functional for your needs. Spring has sprung, and we’re here to make sure no leaks have sprung along with it!

Call our trusted team at (973) 887-1334 to schedule service and complete your spring HVAC and plumbing to-do list.

March may come in like a lion and out like a lamb but complete your HVAC tune-up this month, and you’re smart as a fox!

March can be one of the best months to schedule an air conditioning tune-up. Here’s why:

Book Convenient Appointments

Get your HVAC tune-up request in now, so you don’t have to wait in line for an appointment.

When the temperature heats up, that’s when HVAC systems break down. Get ahead of the curve with a professional HVAC tune-up to prevent future problems and detect current issues.

Removing Seasonal Dirt Buildup

Have you ever smelled a burning or musty smell when your AC unit turns on for the first time of the season? Dust and dirt collect on an air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coils, reducing airflow and insulating the coil, which impedes the coil’s ability to absorb heat. That can make the unit run less efficiently.

Dust, hair, and moisture on an AC filter can also encourage mildew growth and put off a musty smell as air is forced through. Your March AC tune-up should include a change of air filters throughout the home.

Heading Outdoors

Your HVAC outdoor condenser coils likely have a coating of winter’s dirt and debris on them. Foliage and debris can lodge in the coils too. March is a good time to cut back any foliage growth giving your condenser about two feet of clear space for optimal airflow.

An HVAC professional should inspect your outdoor condenser to check for damage from winter’s fallen foliage or icy weather.

Score a Maintenance Deal

Preventative maintenance is always less expensive than emergency repairs. Get on the books for an annual HVAC maintenance plan that can offer you a convenient time and a discount for booking before the HVAC season heats up. Annual maintenance contracts often are a requirement to satisfy your HVAC system warranty.

Schedule Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance with Russo Bros. & Co.

March temperatures might not call for air conditioning to be top of mind, but smart homeowners know the key to a properly functioning AC is an annual tune-up. Our Russo Bros. & Co. technicians can ensure your system is ready for summer.

Contact us online or call (973) 887-1334 today to schedule AC maintenance in Northern New Jersey.

An overflowing toilet triggers immediate action, but a running toilet should get the same attention!

Your toilet shouldn’t keep running after your flush. If it does, this is often caused by a problem with the overflow tube, flush valve, or fill valve.

What To Do to Fix a Running Toilet

1. Check Under the Hood

Lift the toilet tank lid and check the water in the tank to see if it is running into the toilet overflow tube. If it is, the water is too high or the tube is too short.

You can easily adjust the water level to sit about an inch below the top of the overflow tube, but an overflow tube that is too short will need to be replaced.

2. Keep It Afloat

If you need to adjust the water level in the toilet tank, you will need to modify the float rod or float cup. Using a screwdriver, you can adjust the screw that attaches the float rod to the fill valve. Continue to adjust until the water doesn’t flow into the overflow tube.

You may also need to check that your float has not been compromised. A float that leaks will be heavier in the tank and lift your float valve open, allowing water to run. If you remove the float and shake it, you can hear if water is inside. Replace a compromised float.

3. The Pain’s in The Chain

The flapper has a funny name but a big job in the toilet assembly. It is the part that opens and releases the water in the tank to complete the flush.

A chain lifts the flapper. If that chain is too short, the flapper won’t close properly, leading to a running toilet. If the chain is too long, it can get trapped under the flapper, leaving a gap for water to continually flow.

4. Don’t Be Flappergasted

Your toilet’s trap door or flapper is made of rubber and can become warped or worn over time, causing gaps in its seal. If that’s the case, you can try to clean the flapper or replace it entirely.

5. Remove & Replace

If you’ve gone through the first few steps and your toilet is still running, it may mean the flush and fill valve needs to be replaced.

This is a bigger job and requires the toilet to be drained, the water supply turned off, and the assembly removed and replaced.

Call Russo Bros. & Co. for Toilet Repairs

If you hear the sounds of running water in your home, check your toilets. A running toilet doesn’t just sound annoying. It’s also costing you money in wasted water that you’ll pay for on your next water bill.

If your running toilet issues are giving you the run around, Russo Bros. & Co. can help. We can run down that running toilet problem and have your home back on track.

Call (973) 887-1334 or contact us online today to request plumbing services in Northern New Jersey.

Northern New Jersey is in winter’s icy grip, but it’s best to keep that ice outside of your home’s pipes.

Burst pipes can be a costly headache for homeowners, so it is important to know if your pipes are frozen before they burst. Here’s how:

How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Frozen?

1. No water or just a trickle comes out of your open faucet: This could indicate the pipe leading to that faucet is frozen.
2. Bad smells are coming from the drain or faucet: Odors cannot filter out of the frozen pipe and instead are forced back into the home’s faucet.
3. Your ceiling or drywall is damp: This can indicate that there’s not only a frozen pipe but that the pipe may have already cracked.
4. You hear strange sounds: Banging or whistling from pipes or a strange gurgle when you flush the toilet are clear signs of pipe issues.
5. You can see frost on the outside of the water pipe: Take this as a warning that your pipes are too cold and could be freezing.
6. You can see ice seeping out of a bulge or crack in a pipe: This is a clear sign of ice in that line. You need to call a plumber to thaw and repair the damaged pipe to avoid costly damage to your home.

How Do I Prevent My Pipes From Freezing?

Here are some things you can do to minimize the chances of having a frozen pipe:

• Keep your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees, whether day or night or if the home is occupied.
• Make sure to have good insulation on pipes that touch exterior walls.
• Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
• Open cabinets to allow warm air to reach under-cabinet plumbing.
• Disconnect your outdoor hoses and shut off the indoor valves supplying the outdoor spigots.
• Drain water from your outdoor sprinkler system and pool supply lines.
• Allow your faucets to drip cold water when extremely cold temperatures are in the forecast. This keeps water moving ever so slightly in the system.

When Should I Call Russo Bros. & Co.?

If you discover a frozen pipe, you can attempt to thaw the pipe yourself. In some instances, however, it may be difficult to find which pipe is frozen or access the frozen pipe.

At Russo Bros. & Co., our plumbers can respond to your frozen pipe with emergency plumbing repair. Call our live call operators 24/7 at (973) 887-1334 for fast service.

The weather might be frightful outside, but your home should be warm and inviting to guests this holiday season. Here are some ways to ensure your heating system keeps your home cozy and ready for entertaining.

Schedule Heating Maintenance

One of the best ways to ensure your home’s heating system is ready for winter temperatures is to enroll in a maintenance program. Not only does it ensure your manufacturer warranty is valid, but it also identifies issues that could become larger problems.

Regular heating maintenance can also ensure your heating system is more efficient and less likely to fail and leave guests in the cold.

Check for Clean Air Filters

Holiday entertaining can sometimes mean having guests in rooms you use less often. Replace dirty air filters helps to ensure proper airflow to all rooms, so you don’t have uneven temperatures throughout the home.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are a great way to make sure your home is at the desired temperature at the desired time.

You can easily set times to help your home’s heating system be more efficient by lowering the temperature when the holiday fun is at your neighbor’s house and ensuring your home is comfortable when it’s time for you to host.

Seal Drafty Windows & Doors

Most home heat loss comes from doors and windows with broken seals. Don’t let your guests feel a draft at your holiday gathering. There are lots of DIY ways to seal your drafty window or doors.

Perform an Energy Audit

Inadequate insulation in your attic and cracks through structural gaps can lead to air leaks, making your home’s indoor temperature uncomfortable. This could also lead to poor indoor air quality from mold and mildew that can grow inside your compromised areas.

You can find spots where your home is leaking air via a blower door test. You can also hire a professional to measure your insulation levels.

Call Russo Bros. & Co. for Fast Heating Services

Don’t ignore a heating system that is giving you signs it needs some attention this holiday season. Russo Bros. & Co. can help if you have:

• Uneven heating in your home
• Inaccurate thermostat readings
• High energy bills
• Strange noises coming from your heating unit

We offer routine heating maintenance, emergency heating repair, and expert heating replacement throughout Northern New Jersey.

Call our 24-hour operators at (973) 887-1334 or contact us online now to request heating services for your home.