Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about plumbing, drains and sewers, heating, cooling, indoor air quality, electrical services, and commercial services from the experts at Gillece Services.

General FAQs

• What should I do while I wait for your team to arrive?
  Before doing anything else, ensure your safety. Take proper measures to avoid health risks caused by potential gas leaks, extreme temperatures, or electrical faults. You may also want to turn off the water, gas, or power, if applicable.
• Do you offer emergency repair services?
  Yes, we offer emergency services every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. We're ready to help you with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical emergencies whenever you need us. Some restrictions apply. Contact us for further details.
• How often should I schedule maintenance or an inspection?
  Any time you notice abnormal activity, it’s best to contact us for an inspection. Otherwise, it depends on the appliance or system in question. In most cases, at least once a year is a good rule of thumb. High-use appliances, such as your heater or air conditioner may require semi-annual maintenance.
• Should I attempt repairs by myself?
  Depending on the situation, we may recommend doing some troubleshooting on your own. Some electrical, plumbing and HVAC issues can be solved relatively easily with no risk to your safety, such as a tripped breaker. No matter the issue, feel free to call us. We're happy to help you evaluate if your problem would be better handled by one of our professionals. We never recommend attempting more in-depth repairs on your own.
• Does Gillece offer services for both homes and businesses?
  Yes. Gillece provides residential and commercial plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services to owners throughout the Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania area. Commercial services are designed to address the unique needs of businesses and other commercial properties.

Plumbing FAQs

• How do I know if I have a plumbing leak?
  Signs of a plumbing leak can include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots, water stains, low water pressure, musty odors, or the sound of running water when your fixtures are turned off. Some leaks can occur behind walls or beneath floors, so professional leak detection may be necessary when the source isn't obvious.
• When should I replace my water heater instead of repairing it?
  The right choice depends on the age and condition of the water heater, the cost of repairs, and whether the unit is experiencing repeated problems. A leaking tank, frequent breakdowns, or declining performance may indicate that replacement is a better long-term option. A Gillece technician can evaluate the system and explain your repair and replacement options.
• Why does my water pressure keep changing?
  Inconsistent water pressure can have several causes, including plumbing leaks, clogged pipes, problems with a pressure-regulating valve, or issues with the home's water supply. If your water pressure suddenly changes or remains unusually low, a professional inspection can help identify the cause.
• Is a backed-up toilet an emergency?
  A clogged toilet can quickly become an emergency if it begins overflowing or causes sewage to back up into your home. Acting quickly can help prevent water damage and unsanitary conditions. To help prevent toilet clogs, only flush toilet paper and human waste. Never flush, disposable or “flushable” wipes, paper towels or tissues, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton swabs or cotton balls, and other household or personal-care products.
  
  Keep a wastebasket near the toilet for anything that doesn’t belong down the drain.
• How can I prevent plumbing problems in my home?
  Regular maintenance can help catch leaks, worn components, water pressure issues, and other problems before they become emergencies. Avoid flushing items that can cause clogs, know where your main water shutoff valve is located, and address leaks or unusual plumbing behavior promptly.

Drain & Sewer FAQs

• Why does my drain keep getting clogged?
  Recurring clogs can be caused by buildup inside the pipe, grease, hair, foreign objects, tree roots, or a damaged sewer or drain line. If a drain repeatedly becomes clogged after being cleared, the underlying cause should be investigated rather than simply treating the symptom.
• When should I have my sewer line inspected?
  Consider a sewer inspection if you experience recurring backups, slow drains throughout the home, foul odors, unusual sounds from your plumbing, or other signs of a sewer-line problem. A video inspection can help identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and other issues inside the pipe.
• What is hydro jetting, and when is it needed?
  Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean buildup and debris from the inside of a drain or sewer pipe. It can be useful when conventional drain cleaning isn't enough or when significant buildup needs to be removed from the pipe.
• How do I know if I have a sewer line problem?
  Warning signs include multiple slow drains, recurring backups, foul odors, gurgling sounds, sewage coming back through drains, or problems that continue after a drain has been cleaned. Multiple affected fixtures can be a sign that the issue is farther down the main sewer line.
• What is trenchless sewer repair?
  Trenchless sewer repair is a method of repairing or replacing certain underground pipes without excavating a traditional trench across the entire repair area. Depending on the condition and location of the sewer line, trenchless methods may provide a less disruptive alternative to conventional excavation.

Heating FAQs

• How often should I have my furnace serviced?
  Annual maintenance is generally recommended to help keep your heating system operating safely and efficiently. Regular service can also help identify worn components or developing problems before they result in an unexpected breakdown.
• Why is my furnace running but my house isn't getting warm?
  Several issues can cause this, including a dirty filter, thermostat problems, restricted airflow, ductwork issues, or a malfunctioning furnace component. If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, a professional should inspect the system.
• How do I know if my furnace needs to be replaced?
  Frequent repairs, increasing energy costs, inconsistent heating, unusual noises, and an aging system can all be signs that replacement should be considered. A technician can evaluate the condition and efficiency of your system and help you compare repair versus replacement.
• What are the signs that my heating system needs repair?
  Common warning signs include unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, frequent cycling, weak airflow, unusual odors, higher-than-normal energy bills, or a system that struggles to maintain the temperature.
• Can Gillece repair and service boilers?
  Yes. Boiler repair is among Gillece's heating services. A technician can diagnose issues with your boiler and determine whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is appropriate.

Cooling FAQs

• Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling my home?
  A variety of problems can cause an AC system to run without adequately cooling the home. These can include restricted airflow, thermostat problems, dirty components, refrigerant issues, or mechanical problems. A professional inspection can determine the cause.
• How often should I have my air conditioner serviced?
  Annual maintenance can help keep your cooling system operating efficiently and give technicians an opportunity to identify potential problems before the cooling season. Scheduling maintenance before heavy summer use can also help reduce the likelihood of an unexpected breakdown.
• How do I know if my AC is low on refrigerant?
  Poor cooling performance, longer run times, ice on the system, or other unusual behavior can indicate a refrigerant problem. Refrigerant issues should be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified HVAC professional rather than simply adding refrigerant without identifying the cause.
• Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
  The decision depends on factors such as the system's age, condition, repair history, efficiency, and the cost of the needed repair. A professional evaluation can help you understand whether repairing your current system or replacing it makes more sense.
• Why does my AC keep turning on and off?
  Frequent cycling can be caused by thermostat problems, airflow restrictions, an improperly sized system, or other mechanical issues. If your air conditioner repeatedly turns on and off without maintaining a comfortable temperature, it should be inspected.

Air Quality FAQs

• What is indoor air quality?
  Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside your home or building. It can be affected by particles, pollutants, humidity levels, ventilation, and the condition of your HVAC system and ductwork.
• How can I improve the air quality in my home?
  Improving indoor air quality may involve better filtration, ductwork improvements, humidity control, air purification, or other HVAC solutions. The right approach depends on the specific conditions in your home.
• What does an air purifier do?
  An air purification system is designed to help reduce certain airborne particles and contaminants in your indoor environment. The appropriate system depends on your home's HVAC setup and your indoor air quality concerns.
• Should I install a humidifier or dehumidifier?
  It depends on your home's humidity levels. Excessively dry air may benefit from humidity control, while excessive moisture may require dehumidification. A professional can evaluate your home's conditions and recommend an appropriate solution.
• How often should I change my HVAC air filter?
  Filter replacement frequency varies depending on the filter type, HVAC system, home conditions, and household usage. Homes with pets, construction dust, or other sources of airborne particles may require more frequent replacement. Follow the filter manufacturer's recommendations and replace it sooner if it becomes visibly dirty.

Electrical FAQs

• When should I call an electrician?
  You should contact a professional for problems such as frequently tripped breakers, burning smells, sparking outlets, flickering lights, damaged wiring, electrical shocks, or circuits that cannot safely handle your home's electrical demands.
• Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?
  A breaker may trip because a circuit is overloaded, an appliance is malfunctioning, there is a short circuit, or another electrical problem is present. If a breaker repeatedly trips after being reset, don't continue resetting it, have the issue professionally inspected.
• When should I upgrade my electrical panel?
  Panel upgrades may be appropriate when your existing electrical system can't safely support your home's current electrical demands, you're adding major equipment, or the panel is outdated or showing signs of damage. An electrician can evaluate your panel and determine whether an upgrade is necessary.
• Can Gillece install an electric vehicle charging station?
  Yes. EV charging station installation is one of Gillece's electrical services. An electrician can evaluate your home's electrical system and determine what is needed for a safe installation.
• What are my options for indoor and outdoor lighting?

  When deciding on which lighting options are right for your home, there are multiple choices. The following are some of the most common options in Pittsburgh:

  • Motion Sensor Lighting: These allow your lights to turn on and off in response to a change in the environment. Lights on motion sensors are useful for areas you only want to be lit in specific instances.
  • Dimmers: Dimmable lighting allows you to reduce the wattage and output of your lights for lower light levels. Indoor lights are usually manually controlled by a knob or switch, while outdoor lights use timers to provide appropriate light levels depending on the time of day.
  • LED lights: Light-emitting diode light bulbs are compatible with multiple other options, including certain dimmer switches.

Commercial FAQs

• What commercial services does Gillece provide?
  Gillece provides commercial plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services. Depending on the property and system, services can include repairs, maintenance, installations, and other solutions designed to keep commercial facilities operating safely and reliably.
• Can Gillece provide emergency service for commercial properties?
  Yes. Gillece provides emergency services for urgent plumbing, HVAC, and electrical problems. For a business, addressing a major failure quickly can help minimize downtime, property damage, and disruption to customers or employees.
• How can regular commercial maintenance help my business?
  Preventive maintenance can help identify developing problems before they turn into major failures. Regular inspections can also help businesses plan repairs, improve system reliability, and reduce unexpected downtime.
• Does Gillece service commercial HVAC systems?
  Yes. Commercial HVAC is one of Gillece's commercial service categories. Businesses can contact Gillece for help with heating and cooling systems and related HVAC needs.
• Can Gillece handle commercial plumbing and electrical work?
  Yes. Gillece offers both commercial plumbing and commercial electrical services in addition to commercial HVAC. This allows businesses to work with one service provider for multiple building-system needs.

For the highest quality commercial and home services in Pittsburgh, call 412-387-2070. Our team at Gillece Services can solve all your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical problems.