Blog | Plumbing Blog | Plumbing Tips & Tricks

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

Why It’s Not Advised to Attempt to DIY Your HVAC Installation

May 5, 2025

Some homeowners consider attempting a DIY HVAC installation to save money. However, this typically doesn’t save much in the long run. HVAC systems are complex, and minor mistakes during the installation process could lead to much bigger (and more expensive) problems in the future. Learn more about the HVAC installation process and why it’s in your best interest to call a professional rather than attempt this project yourself. Potentially Dangerous Scenario Many components that are part of an HVAC unit can pose a safety risk to someone who isn’t experienced in this trade. This includes things

How Can a Leak Be Detected?

April 2, 2025

There are few things that are more inconvenient than having a serious plumbing leak in your Belgrade, MT home. When this happens, it can cause all sorts of problems, including water damage, mold growth, and costly repair bills. However, if you identify a plumbing leak early, you can have it fixed before it becomes more severe. This can save you quite a bit of money and hassle in the long run. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most common ways that you can detect hidden plumbing leaks in your home. 1. Closely Monitor Your

What is Included in Air Conditioner Maintenance

March 4, 2025

When the summer sun shines on Belgrade, MT, you need a cool home where you can comfortably relax. Preparing your air conditioning system for the season’s heat means scheduling annual maintenance. This makes your system more reliable, efficient, and longer-lasting. Learn about the various tasks we perform during an HVAC tune-up service to understand how we provide this essential service. Visual Inspection Inspecting your cooling system’s parts helps ensure that it is in proper order and prepared for the summer season. We examine the inner workings, such as the hoses, belts, and motors. We check the

Do All Basements Need A Sump Pump?

February 5, 2025

While not every basement requires a sump pump, it’s an essential tool to help protect your basement and home from water damage. There are different sump pumps to choose from, with varying features that can include smart technology to simplify your life. What Is a Sump Pump? A sump pump is a piece of equipment that collects water from a low-lying area and drains it away. A residential sump pump typically takes water that is collected in a pit in your basement and pumps it away through a drainage system. Different Types