FAQ
At Patriot, we’re committed to providing you with top-tier plumbing, heating, and air conditioning solutions. We understand that home comfort is a priority, and we’re here to address all your questions and concerns. To assist you better, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Are you open 24 hours?
We provide 24-hour emergency service. Our technicians are on call and can be dispatched after regular business hours.
Can you tell me how my systems work and how to maintain them?
Absolutely. HVAC and Plumbing can be overwhelming. Nobody tells us in school what all the knobs and buttons mean. Call our office and we can send someone out to help you navigate your plumbing or heating and air system.
I can’t get out of work to meet a technician, what are my options?
For many things, we do not need to have a homeowner present to diagnose and repair an issue, we just need access. Some people have friends, family or neighbors willing to meet us. Some will give us keys or door codes. It depends on your level of comfort. We ask that if someone is going to be there, they must be an adult (+18) and if you have any dogs, to make sure they are secure.
Do you schedule appointments for specific times?
We schedule our technicians in 2 hour windows for arrival. We can’t be more specific in arrival times as it is impossible to know for certain how long the call(s) ahead of you are going to take. It is important we have access in the assigned window.
I am late for my appointment window, can the technician wait for me?
Please call our office. Depending on the call volume we may need to reschedule your appointment. If everyone had our technicians wait “just 15 minutes” for them to arrive, we would not be able to help others in a timely fashion.
How do I pay you and what forms of payment do you accept?
Payment is due at the time of service. You can pay our technicians, mail in the payment, pay electronically through our emailed invoice or call our office to have your payment processed over the phone. We accept checks, cash, credit cards and bank transfers. If you want to pay with a credit card, we must add a 3% processing fee to the total.
Do your technicians get paid commission?
No, they do not. You can trust our technicians to not try to sell you parts or services you do not need.
Do you work with any home warranty companies?
We work with American Home Shield on the HVAC side. If you require service and have American Home Shield, please call AHS so they can issue a work order.
What is your warranty period?
Patriot has a 1 year labor and parts warranty for parts provided by and installed by Patriot. Warranty on work done on behalf of 3rd parties, such as home warranty companies, are subject to the warranty provided through that party.
HVAC Questions
How often should I change my filter?
You can never change it too much! A good rule of thumb is one month for every inch of thickness. For instance, if you have a 1” filter, change it every 1 month. If you have a 2” filter, change it every 2 months.
My filter is good for one year or 3 months etc, is that true?
Not necessarily. Conditions may necessitate more frequent changes. If you have pets, live on a dirt road, burn a lot of candles, remodeling- all can lead to needing to change your filter more often. Every home is different.
Water is leaking from my furnace, what do I do?
Turn the system off to help mitigate the damage. Call us and we can send someone out to diagnose and repair your issue.
How often should I get a HVAC system maintenance?
You should have a maintenance done twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Call us to schedule.
Can I run my AC when it’s cold outside?
Depends. AC’s aren’t designed to run when it is below 65* outside. Doing so can cause your system to freeze up, which can be damaging. If you are experiencing this issue, there are options. Call us and we can help.
Plumbing Questions
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
No. The package may state things like personal wipes, baby wipes etc are flushable, but they lie! You should never flush wipes or feminine products.
Water is spraying everywhere! What do I do?
Turn it off. If you do not know where to turn your water off, find where your water meter is and turn the valves off. Call us and we can send a plumber to diagnose and repair your issue.
Do you install dishwashers?
Yes we can replace your dishwasher with one you provide.
Do we repair dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines etc?
We do not repair appliances.
Do water heaters require maintenance?
The answer may surprise you. Yes. You should have your water heater flushed annually and clean your pre-screen. Call us to perform your water heater maintenance.
Are there items I shouldn’t be putting in my garbage disposal?
YES! A small list is as follows: No carbohydrates (rice, pasta, noodles), No eggshells, No citrus of any kind, No coffee grounds. Basically, do not use your garbage disposal as a trash can. Despite the name, it is not designed for this.
Does my sump pump require maintenance?
Yes. You should check it once per year. Call Patriot to schedule a check.
My kitchen sink is plugged, can I run my dishwasher?
No. Your dishwasher drain and your sink drain are connected.
