Blog | Plumbing Blog | Plumbing Tips & Tricks

Radiant vs. Forced Air: Which Heating System Costs More to Run Each Year?

March 4, 2026

Heating costs shape your winter budget more than most other household expenses, especially in a region with long, cold seasons. If you are weighing radiant heating against a forced-air system, the upfront installation cost is only part of the equation. Annual operating expenses tell a more complete story about what you will live with each year. Let’s explore how to choose a system that meets both comfort goals and energy expectations. How Radiant and Forced Air Systems Deliver Heat The way a system delivers heat directly affects how much energy you use. Radiant heating typically

Cold Weather Sump Pump Problems: How to Prevent a Frozen Discharge Line

February 5, 2026

A sump pump can work perfectly and still leave you with a flooded basement if the discharge line freezes. When water is not able to exit the pipe, it backs up quickly, overfills the sump pit, and creates water damage during the worst winter weather. Many people focus on the pump itself, but in cold climates, the discharge line becomes the real failure point. Basic insulation helps, but reliable freeze prevention requires better drainage and smarter pipe design. Why Discharge Lines Freeze So Easily Discharge lines freeze because water gets trapped in the pipe after the

Boiler Rumbling and Knocking: What Kettling Means for Your System

January 12, 2026

That rumbling, popping sound from your boiler can feel like it came out of nowhere, especially when the house needs steady heat. Kettling often starts as a mild noise, then gets louder as mineral buildup and heat stress create tiny “flash boil” pockets inside the system. The sooner you take it seriously, the easier it is to stop the noise and prevent wear on parts that help your boiler run safely. At PJ's Plumbing & Heating, in Belgrade, MT, we help you sort out what that rumble is telling you before it turns into a bigger repair. What “Kettling” Sounds Like and

Furnace Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

December 6, 2025

When temperatures drop in Bozeman, MT, you depend on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable. Like any hardworking system, however, it can develop problems over time. Knowing how to spot early warning signs can help you take action before a small issue turns into an expensive breakdown. Furnace troubleshooting isn’t about making repairs yourself, and we never recommend DIY fixes. Instead, it’s about recognizing symptoms, gathering helpful details, and knowing when to call a professional for repair. At PJ's Plumbing & Heating, we believe that the more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to

How Often Do Heat Pumps Need Maintenance?

November 5, 2025

Heat pumps can be amazingly efficient at cooling and heating a home. Even in colder winters, when a heat pump may require a secondary heat source for a boost, the system remains efficient to operate. Compared to a home that relies solely on gas or oil furnaces for heat, for example, a heat pump combined with a secondary source of heat can still be very effective while operating at a lower cost. But heat pumps are appliances, just like other heating and cooling systems. Ensuring it remains in good condition is crucial to maintaining that efficient operation. How Often

What Does Furnace Maintenance Include?

October 14, 2025

Preparing your West Yellowstone, MT furnace for the upcoming winter season means scheduling maintenance service with our trusted experts at PJ's Plumbing & Heating. With the brutal cold of winter across the region, it’s critical to have a healthy and strong heating system. During this annual service, we make sure your system is ready for winter and in optimal condition to give you the best home comfort, efficiency, and reliability. Read on to learn about the different things we cover during fall furnace maintenance, then schedule your service with us before the cold creeps in. Visual Inspection Our technicians

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That Won’t Spin

September 10, 2025

While garbage disposals are helpful, they aren’t without their faults. One issue you may occasionally encounter is your garbage disposal turning on but not spinning. While this can sometimes indicate that the unit’s motor is worn out, it usually happens because one of the spinning impellers is jammed. Jams most commonly occur because you put something into the disposal that’s too hard for it to grind up and ends up getting trapped between the impeller and the stationary grinding ring. This is why you should never put anything like bones, fruit pits or stones, nut shells,

End of Summer HVAC Tips

August 5, 2025

As the summer heat starts to wind down in Belgrade, MT, you should ensure that your HVAC system is ready for cooler weather. This will allow you to efficiently heat your home through the winter and protect your equipment from unnecessary wear. This can reduce the need for repairs and lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system. Following some simple end-of-summer HVAC tips is essential. Changing Your Air Filter Your HVAC system’s filter should be changed once every 30 to 90 days. If you haven’t changed your filter since the start of summer, swap it

AC Acting Up? Here’s How to Figure Out What’s Wrong

July 3, 2025

When your air conditioner isn’t doing its job, things heat up fast, inside your home and in your head. Before you assume the worst, there are a few things you can check for yourself. At PJ's Plumbing & Heating in Belgrade, MT, we help homeowners get to the bottom of cooling issues quickly and safely. A careful look now might save you from a sweaty afternoon or an emergency HVAC repair call later. Start With the Thermostat If your AC isn’t kicking on or your house feels warmer than it should, the first place

Tankless Water Heaters and Electrical Consumption

June 3, 2025

Tankless water heaters can be an excellent investment for your Belgrade, MT home. This is an energy-efficient method of heating water, eliminating the need for maintaining water temperature inside a tank or keeping up with costly utility bills. This leads people to wonder how much electricity a tankless water heater uses to operate on an on-demand basis. The answer varies, with tankless water heaters using anywhere from 4,500 to 30,000 watts to function. Factors such as unit size and interior components will determine the actual amount of electricity used. Heating Water On-Demand A traditional water