Published on
July 17th, 2023Avoid These Common NYC Heat Complaints and Water Problems with Proper Pump Maintenance
Heat and water are essential components of residential life and building operations. Property owners are responsible for all essential systems, including plumbing, to ensure the building is safe and operational.
In meeting this obligation, apartment buildings must deal with numerous and common NYC heat complaints and water issues. Many heating and water problems stem from poor pump and system maintenance. Discover the most common complaints, their connection to pumps, and their repair and maintenance needs.
NYC Heat Complaints and Plumbing Issues Stemming From Faulty Pumps
Low or No Water Pressure
If an apartment does not have water pressure, meaning no water, a landlord must determine the cause quickly to limit liability concerns. The obvious issues stem from direct shut-offs, unpaid utilities, or major blockages in supply lines. Also, the property may have a problem with its main water distribution pump or booster pump.
New York City has a gravity-fed water system, requiring booster pumps in most high-rise buildings. Many buildings have multiple booster pumps and water tanks to ensure adequate pressure throughout the property.
Depending on the age of the pumps in the system, any number of things could go wrong and interfere with the water pressure in apartments: clogs, worn impellers, faulty suction, dirty filters, etc. A disruption or problem with a distribution or booster pump will likely affect several apartments, not just one.
If several tenants complain about the water pressure in the building, contact Antler Pumps to examine the pump station and boiler room. As the building owner, you can sign an annual service contract with Antler to ensure your pumps remain in tip-top shape and the water pressure remains strong.
To get to the bottom of NYC heat complaints or water problems, property owners and staff can perform straightforward visual inspections to look for leaks or apparent breaks but should leave in-depth assessments to professionals. Also, because of the delicate, intricate, and complex nature of pump designs, leave repairs to licensed technicians.
No Hot Water
Depending on the hot water system in your building, a faulty or damaged pump may affect an apartment’s hot water supply. A typical heat pump system relies on the suction of warm air to help regulate the water temperature in the system. If the heat pump is faulty or the impellers are not operating as intended, the system may produce cooler water supplies.
Additionally, a recirculating system depends on a circulation pump to carry or push water through the system. Recirculation pumps are preferred over other methods because they provide a continual and instant hot water supply. Unfortunately, the pump is susceptible to typical issues, such as clogs and impeller problems, which can cause a drop in water temperature and delay the hot water supply.
Property owners can limit NYC heat complaints and water problems with an annual service contract with Antler Pumps. Routine pump and system maintenance can limit occurrences of disruptions and keep your tenants supplied with on-demand hot water.
If you want to increase renter interest in your property, consider upgrading your building’s existing hot water supply with recirculating pumps. Instant hot water is a valuable selling feature. The pumps can also reduce water waste because tenants get hot water immediately rather than having to wait with running faucets.
Heating Problems
Depending on your property’s system, heating problems may stem from a heat or boiler pump. Many buildings in NYC use boilers to produce heat. The boiler pushes hot water through the building into radiators and circulates it to maintain consistent temperatures. Newer HVAC systems use heat pumps and electricity to cycle hot air throughout the property.
When a pump is faulty or damaged, it can cause NYC heat complaints. Clogs in the air filter can disrupt the flow of water or air into the system. Also, depending on the age of the pump or its initial design, a worn-out or faulty impeller can weaken and interrupt the flow of air or water. If the pump motor and components are out of sync, excessive vibration can also affect performance or damage critical components.
Vibrations can also loosen connection points and seals or cause air or fluid leaks, affecting the pressure within the system. The leaks mean all areas of the building are not receiving sufficient air flow or water pressure, resulting in poor heating.
Quick visual inspections can alert a building owner to system leaks and excessive noise or vibrations. Contact Antler Pumps immediately to get to the bottom of pump-related heating problems.
Leaks and HVAC or Boiler Disruptions
One of the worst NYC heat complaints is either a lack of heat or leaks stemming from the HVAC system. Boilers and HVAC systems contain condensate pumps, which collect and disperse excess condensation from the heating or cooling system.
A malfunction in the pump or system can result in an overflow of condensate or water, which leaks from the unit. Depending on the placement of the unit and pump, the problem may cause an interior leak in the apartment. Most modern systems eliminate the risk of a leak by including various safety features, like an automatic shut-off.
If a newer boiler or HVAC system will not turn on, contact Antler Pumps to inspect the condensate pump and other related components. As with other water and heat problems, do not attempt to fix the issue alone. Pumps are integral to building operations and require skilled and licensed hands for maintenance and repair.
Professional Assistance for NYC Heat Complaints and Plumbing Issues
Antler Pumps to the Rescue
Heating and plumbing issues often involve pumps, which are integral to many systems. Like any mechanical device, pumps require regular maintenance and inspections. Too many properties utilize neglected or outdated systems, resulting in frequent service interruptions and resident complaints.
You can limit NYC heat complaints and other issues on your property by signing an annual service agreement to ensure all system pumps receive proper maintenance and timely repairs. Contact Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500 to discuss service agreements and maintenance schedules. The team will send a licensed technician to review your system and its components.