FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Yes, all our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and undergo regular training to stay updated with the latest industry standards.

Yes, we offer a variety of financing options available for view at www.JohnCFlood.com/financing. You can also call our office at 571-496-8059 for more information.

No, we typically only offer Residential Services however exceptions can be made for small businesses. 

We offer free estimates for Installations & Replacements, and second opinions. For other services, a small diagnostic fee might apply.

John C. Flood has served the DMV for over 120+ years since 1904.

John C. Flood services Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Western Maryland. 

We offer comprehensive plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services for both residential and commercial clients.

There are in fact 2 separate John C. Floods. We used to be one company, but went our own ways decades ago. Now, the two John C. Flood’s operate as individual entities.

So, how can you tell us apart? The other one is called John C. Flood Inc. and is based out of DC; while we have two locations in MD and VA and service DC. Also, we pride ourselves on customer service and providing a positive customer experience. To learn more, read the Tale of The Two John C. Flood’s. 

As with most home improvement, installation or repair related jobs there are wide number of unknown variables that can affect a price one way or the other. This makes it difficult for service providers to quote prices over the phone, since we don’t want to give an estimate that’s too high or too low. For example, if we provide an estimate for a new water heater installation, but as soon as the technician arrives they realize the furnace is in the way, or your old water heater had a unique connection that will not work with a newer model then the quoted estimate will not be accurate. We can ask certain questions over the phone that will help us with determining your needs for a particular job, but with a majority of jobs a technician will need to visit the job site in order to formulate a more accurate quote.

Heating & Cooling

If you tend to feel that the Arctic Sea is probably warmer than the water coming out of your showerhead, most likely, the problem is that water coming into your home is colder in the winter. This water causes a couple of problems. First, the tap water at your faucets is colder and thus requires more hot water mixed in to achieve that perfect “Caribbean Sea” temperature. Because of this, you use more hot water than usual. Second, this colder water takes longer to heat in the hot water tank, which causes recovery time to lengthen. But, if the unfortunate happens and your water heater should fail, we carry high-quality tanks on all our plumbing trucks — for quick and easy installations.

If your system frequently breaks down, operates inefficiently, or is 10-15 years old, it might be time for repairs or replacement. Our technicians can provide a thorough assessment.

With regular maintenance, furnaces typically last 15-20 years, heat pumps 10-15 years, and central air conditioners about 10-15 years.

We recommend a yearly check-up for both heating and cooling systems. Ideally, your cooling system should be checked in the spring and the heating system in the fall.

Regular maintenance, using a programmable thermostat, changing filters frequently, and ensuring your home is well-insulated can all boost system efficiency.

Unusual noises can indicate a problem. It’s best to turn off the system and call us for an assessment.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. A higher SEER means higher energy efficiency.

Refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outside, thus cooling the inside of your home. A correct refrigerant charge ensures efficient operation.

We service a wide range of systems, including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, central air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits.

There could be several reasons, including a dirty filter, low refrigerant, or a malfunctioning component. It’s best to have a technician assess the situation.

Short cycling can be caused by an oversized system, faulty thermostat, or refrigerant issues. This can lead to increased wear on your system and higher energy bills.

Plumbing

If you tend to feel that the Arctic Sea is probably warmer than the water coming out of your showerhead, most likely, the problem is that water coming into your home is colder in the winter. This water causes a couple of problems. First, the tap water at your faucets is colder and thus requires more hot water mixed in to achieve that perfect “Caribbean Sea” temperature. Because of this, you use more hot water than usual. Second, this colder water takes longer to heat in the hot water tank, which causes recovery time to lengthen. But, if the unfortunate happens and your water heater should fail, we carry high-quality tanks on all our plumbing trucks — for quick and easy installations.
Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures inside and outside your home. Do not use sinks, toilets, dishwasher, etc. Next, locate your water meter, and write down the numbers showing beneath the glass cover. Wait 20 minutes without using any water inside or outside your home. Then, check the meter again. If the numbers have changed from the previous reading, you have a leak. The plumbing professionals at John C. Flood will be happy to find the source of, and repair, the leak.

Avoid disposing of grease, hair, and large food particles down the drain. Using strainers and periodic drain cleaning can also help.

Unexplained high water bills, damp spots on walls or floors, mold, or a continuously running water meter even when all taps are off might indicate a hidden leak.

Regular inspections, avoiding harsh chemicals, and being mindful of what goes down the drain can help. We also offer maintenance services for a thorough check.

We recommend a professional plumbing inspection at least once a year to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

First, ensure it’s turned off. Check for any obvious blockages or jams. If it doesn’t reset or if the problem persists, contact us for assistance.

Bad odors from drains can be caused by clogs, trapped debris, or issues with your sewer system. Regular cleaning and inspection can help address this.

A dripping faucet can result from worn-out washers, O-rings, or seals. Age, overuse, or a high water pressure can also cause this issue.

This can be due to issues with the flapper, fill valve, or flush valve. It’s best to have a plumber diagnose and fix the problem.

Electrical

While minor tasks like changing a light bulb are safe, more complex jobs should be left to licensed electricians to ensure safety and compliance with codes.

Besides being unsafe, electric heaters use a lot of power and can easily exceed the capacity of an already loaded circuit. Anything with a motor or fan will use more power when starting up than after it is already running. If the circuit breaker or fuse is tripping when you plug in or turn on the heater, then you may have too many things on that circuit. Look at every electrical device on the circuit and add up the total watts of each one (it’s listed somewhere on each, usually the back or bottom). Divide the total wattage by 120 to get the total amperage needed on that circuit. The fuse or circuit breaker should be rated for at least as many amps needed or it will trip when the total is exceeded. You may have to find another place to plug the heater in or have a circuit added to handle the extra load.

Don’t replace the fuse or circuit breaker with one rated for a higher load; the wiring may not be able to handle it and you could start a fire within the walls or attic. (Using extension cords for heaters in a house is a bad idea because the cord can overheat and start a fire.)

When in doubt, call John C. Flood and ask to speak to an electrician. And by the way, if your home isn’t being heated properly, you may want to contact one of our heating experts, too. 

Consider LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and periodic electrical inspections to keep your system running optimally.

For safety and optimum performance, we recommend a professional electrical inspection every 3-5 years.

Both protect against electrical overloads. While a fuse melts (and needs replacement) when overloaded, a circuit breaker “trips” and can be reset.

Ensure your safety first. Avoid using candles, unplug sensitive electronics, and use flashlights. If you have a generator, ensure it’s properly installed and vented.

This may indicate an overloaded circuit, short circuit, or a faulty appliance. Regular tripping warrants a professional assessment.

Flickering lights can be due to loose bulbs, fluctuating voltage, or issues with the fixture or circuit. If the problem is widespread, consult a professional.

Outlets should never be hot. If they are, it might indicate a potential hazard like an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring. Seek professional help immediately.

We cover a broad spectrum of electrical services, from wiring and panel upgrades to lighting installations, surge protection, and electrical inspections.

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If you are looking for an HVAC Technician, Plumber, or Electrician in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington D.C., trust John C. Flood’s 119 years of service!

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