1. Call Ideal – we’ll troubleshoot and identify the problem(s) with the gas system 619-583-7963
2. Ideal will make the appropriate repairs, bring the gas system up to current code and safety standards, as required by local code enforcement.
3. A permit must be obtained (by Ideal or by homeowner).
4. Under most situations, an emergency inspection can be requested to facilitate a priority inspection. A responsible party other than Ideal, usually the homeowner, must be waiting on-site for the inspector to arrive. No exact time will be given – only the specified day and the hours between 9am and 3pm.
5. Once the inspection has passed, the City Inspector needs to call SDG&E to release the meter. Ideal also needs to be contacted, and we’ll reconnect the gas meter and gas-fired appliances.
   Please Note: be sure to have the City Building Inspector contact SDG&E to release the meter when he/she is on site, or you will not get your gas turned back on that day.
6. SDG&E will unlock the meter and restore gas, light pilots, and provide additional confirmation of gas system’s integrity. Occupant must wait for SDG&E to arrive to perform service.

According to California Plumbing Code, a pressure regulator (also known as a pressure reducing valve [PRV]) is required on your property if the pressure in your area is more than 80 pounds per square inch. Regulators are the responsibility of the property owner. If you already have a pressure regulator, and you are experiencing high water pressure, your regulator may be faulty, or need an adjustment. Call Ideal for an evaluation 619-583-7963

• Standard water heater pan
• New main water shut off
• New gas shut off
• New gas supply line
• All brass unions
• All of our pipes are welded together - we do not use flexible connectors on the water lines, many times the flexible connectors leak down the road, causing water damage
• Blocking and strapping of water heater. The blocking goes between the water heater and the wall, making it more secure.
• We recycle your old water heater, and do not dispose of it in the dumpster.
• We use non-combustible water heater stands, where applicable.
• We check for proper water pressure and if there is a concern, we check for any “Thermal Expansion Conditions.”

Water heaters generating a glow or spark or flame capable of igniting flammable vapors may be installed in a garage, provided the pilots and burners or heating elements and switches are at least eighteen inches (18”) above the floor level in residential garages, or eight feet (8’) above the floor in a commercial garage. Deteriorated or water damaged platforms must be repaired before Ideal can install a new water heater. Electric water heaters are not required to have a stand.

It is possible you have a leak. For a thorough inspection, call Ideal Plumbing. Another way to check for leaks around your home is to check your water meter. The City of San Diego recommends:

“For leak detection, turn all water-using appliances off so that no water is being used anywhere in the house. Then check the position of the meter dial and wait. If after 15 minutes, the dials haven't moved, congratulations! You have a relatively water-tight home. But, if the dials have moved, start checking hose connections, faucets and the toilets for water leaks. If you have everything turned off and are sure the toilets and connections aren't leaking and yet the dials are still turning, you may have a hidden leak in an underground pipe. If you believe this is the case, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.”

If your equipment is more than 15 years old, or not properly heating or cooling your home, it could be time to replace your system. If your energy bills are high, you may also consider investing in a new, high-efficiency heating and cooling system.

Routine maintenance keeps your heating and cooling system running at peak performance. You can also install a programmable thermostat, seal your ducts, and change your filter regularly. If your energy bills are high, and your heating and cooling equipment is outdated, it may be time to upgrade to high-efficiency equipment.

Generally it is recommended that you service your equipment twice a year – once in the Fall/Winter, and once in the Spring/Summer. A filter change may be required more often during heavy use months. Regularly scheduled maintenance helps prevent costly downtime and repairs that could have been prevented. Please note that recommendations may vary by equipment brand and type.

Manual J is a protocol developed by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Our HVAC Project Manager will use the Manual J calculation to determine the proper size HVAC equipment for your home. You also need a Manual J calculation performed to qualify for the Energy Upgrade California cash rebate on your new HVAC system installation. It is also a requirement for permitting a job. Ideal will perform the Manual J calculation after acceptance of the HVAC installation contract.

Contractors and homeowners must now comply with state energy codes and Title 24. The 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards require testing of ducts after a central air conditioning or heating system is installed or replaced in most existing homes. The work of contractors is checked by third-party field verifiers (referred to as Home Energy Rating System [HERS] raters) who must be certified by the State of California and hold a certificate from CHEERS or Cal Certs. They will verify that:

1. The equipment installed is the same as on the Manual J report.
2. Duct leakage is less than, or equal to 10 %, per building code.
3. Refrigerant charge test is required to ensure maximum performance of your new or repaired air conditioning system.

In the last few years, LED light prices have significantly decreased. The initial investment of LED lights is usually balanced out by the longevity of the bulbs, as they can last 15 times longer than traditional, incandescent bulbs. That, combined with decreased energy cost, makes LEDs a smart choice. The quality and ability to produce “warm” light has even improved in recent years, making LED lights even more desirable.

Generally fuses and circuit breakers should not trip. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are the exception, as they are susceptible to moisture or weather conditions. If this happens frequently, your electrical service panel may not be able to handle the electrical load demand of your home. You can check to see if certain appliances are plugged in that may be causing the problem. Frequent fuse or circuit breaker tripping may mean it’s time to upgrade your electrical service panel. Call Ideal for your free estimate.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets have been required in new homes over 30 years. A GFCI constantly monitors an electrical circuit and protects us from receiving serious electrical shocks from faults in the electrical devices we use in our home. They should be installed in outlets near or subject to moisture, such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, garage, or outdoors.

If you have fluorescent lights, flickering may be a sign that the bulb or ballast will soon fail, or that the bulb is installed improperly. They may also flicker when your electrical service panel cannot handle the load of your appliances. Often times it is old or improperly installed wiring that is the cause of flickering lights in the home. This can be a fire hazard. Call Ideal Electrical services to troubleshoot your flickering lights 619-583-7963.

This is common when large air conditioning compressors/motors start. There is a small, brief drop in voltage as the unit kicks on. This should not cause any negative effects on your home’s electrical system.

The short answer is – it depends. On average, a bathroom remodel takes six to eight weeks. The best way to get an accurate timeline is to have our Remodel Project Manager visit your home and discuss your needs. From there, he’ll review the scope of work, and then provide you with a timeline. Several factors will determine the length of your remodel, such as bathroom size, plumbing and electrical needs, and tiling choice.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to have it all figured out before getting an estimate. Our seasoned Remodel Project Manager can give you different ideas and options that will best fit your needs. Of course, if you’re the type that knows exactly what you want – we’re happy to take your ideas and make them a reality!

Although not required, we recommend a bathroom exhaust fan in most bathrooms. They allow fresher air to enter the bathroom and are the most effective method of dealing with moisture and steam. We’ll make sure the exhaust fan is properly sized for your bathroom space to allow it to work optimally.

It is required to have two dedicated electrical circuits in your kitchen, although, we typically recommend three. If possible, it’s best to have your refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave on separate circuits. Near countertops, it is required to have GFCI protected outlets every 48 inches.

We offer a variety of countertop options. Tell your Remodel Project Manager about the look you’re going for, and he’ll work with you to find an option that fits your style, needs, and budget.