If you are renovating or updating your kitchen, one common kitchen addition you might be interested is a garbage disposal unit. This little unit sits in your sink and allows you to shred food that you would not normally fit down the drain. This can be a handy appliance, however it may introduce the threat of electrocution into the environment, as water and electricity don’t mix well. If you are looking at having a garbage disposal unit installed in your sink, have one installed safely.

The garbage disposal unit is installed into your existing sink pipe. In order to power the unit, you will require a 120-volt GCFI (ground-fault circuit interrupter). This means that you will need an outlet under your sink to plugin into. If one is not available you will need to have it installed. Often, other appliances may already heavily load kitchen circuits, it is important to check the load on that circuit before installing a new electrical outlet. If you are not careful, every time you run your garbage disposal you could cause the breaker to trip and lose power to your toaster, microwave, or refrigerator.

At times disposal units may need maintenance, become clogged, or break down for some other reason. To identify the problem you may need to open up the sink or motor to get to the part that you need access to. Before you begin any work, shut down the circuit that the garbage disposal is on and unplug the unit. This will not only keep your fingers safe from the motor activating unexpectedly, but it will also help you avoid an electrical related accident. If you start to take apart the pipes and water begins leaking there is a big risk of electrical shock. If you are not familiar with the plumbing or electrical work of the garbage disposal, leave it to a professional. You may think it is a simple job, but one mistake can be costly.

Before having a new garbage disposal installed, inspect your sink and pipes for any leaks. If these leaks make contact with exposed electrical wires or outlets there is risk of electrical shock. If you are not familiar with the plumbing or electrical work involved in installing a garbage disposal unit, call an expert. Our licenced electricians can ensure that your kitchen circuit can handle the unit and install a new electrical outlet.

If you are at familiar with the design and operation of a radiant heating system, then you actually have a basic idea of how snow melting systems and de-icing cables work. De-icing cables, which heat up via electric resistance heating, may be installed beneath walkways, driveways, and other paved areas, and the heat that they emanate will help in keeping those surfaces free of ice. This is, obviously, a great advantage in keeping your property safe for pedestrian traffic throughout the winter season, as well as for ensuring good traction when leaving by vehicle. De-icing cables can also be installed in rain gutters, which makes a huge difference in keeping them free of ice. When the sun beats down on your roof, snow and ice can melt. It can then refreeze in your gutters, potentially causing damage via ice dams.

Snow melting systems can also utilize hydronic systems, in which a boiler heats water, and that water is distributed throughout a system of tubing. The end result is the same. The heat radiates through the surface above the tubing, and the snow is cleared away. To learn more about such systems, or to have them installed by trained technicians, give the professional electricians on our staff a call.

As a homeowner, you tend to notice electrical issues like flickers, breaker flips and outages. But keeping an eye on your electrical meter is important too! Without the occasional peek, you could find yourself with higher than average bills, or even a completely unexpected shut off.

The certified electricians at Kolb Electric naturally have spent loads of time with electrical meters, and we’ve got plenty of good information to share this week. Follow along to learn about issues that may arise with your meter, what they mean, and whether or not they indicate a faulty electric meter.

Hard to find a problem if you can’t find the meter, right? Electric meters are most commonly located on an outer wall; usually near where your power line runs. In some homes, particularly older ones, the meter might be found in the basement or a utility closet.

If you live in an apartment, the meter is almost always found near your building (or on it) in a cluster. The cluster houses meters for every unit, and all of them should be clearly labelled with the apartment number on them.

Do be aware that the chances of your meter being outright faulty are fairly low. The machines have exceptionally long lifespans, and are built to endure. It’s more likely you have one of many other electrical concerns, however, it is always best to check with a certified professional electrician if you have any questions or problems. While uncommon, a faulty meter is a pretty big issue, and you don’t want to leave it to chance. Just don’t be surprised if the issue turns out to be something else!

Whether you’re worried about your meter, or you’ve got any number of other electrical problems, the experts at Kolb can help! We provide our consumers with only the absolute best, both in service and skill, and we’re confident in our ability to meet your unique needs. Contact Kolb today to learn more!

If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably looking for ways to save energy and money. There are so many hidden costs involved in home ownership, and if you’re not careful, your electrical consumption can be a big factor in those costs. However, it’s easier than you might think to save on energy if you just follow a few simple tips.