FAQ

Knob-and-tube wiring, used in homes built before the 1950s, has no ground wire and uses insulation that degrades over decades. Many insurance companies now refuse to insure homes with active knob-and-tube wiring, and it is not compatible with modern grounded outlets or GFCI protection. In attics, knob-and-tube wiring is often in direct contact with blown-in insulation, which is a fire hazard because it prevents the wiring from dissipating heat.

Above + Beyond replaces knob-and-tube wiring with modern grounded wiring, bringing the home up to current electrical code and making it insurable.

Yes. Aluminum wiring was used in many homes built between 1965 and 1973 as a substitute for copper when copper prices spiked. Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more than copper, causing connections to loosen over time. Loose connections arc and generate heat, which is a leading cause of house fires. Homes with aluminum wiring require either full rewiring with copper, pigtailing each connection with approved connectors (COPALUM crimps or AlumiConn), or a combination approach.

Above + Beyond’s licensed electricians inspect aluminum wiring systems and recommend the safest, most cost-effective remediation approach for your home.

Whole-home rewiring typically takes 3 to 7 days depending on the size of the home, the number of circuits, and access to the walls and attic. Older homes with plaster walls or limited access points take longer. The home's electrical service is usually shut off during active work but restored each evening so the family can sleep there.

Above + Beyond provides a clear timeline for rewiring projects during the estimate phase and coordinates the work to minimize disruption to your household.

Full home rewiring costs depend on the size of the home, the number of circuits, and the extent of existing wiring issues. A typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft home rewire ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. Partial rewiring for specific areas or problem circuits can range from $1,500 to $5,000. Permit costs and panel upgrades, if needed, add to the total.

Above + Beyond provides detailed written estimates for rewiring projects. We explain the scope of work, required permits, and timeline before any work begins.

Warning signs that a home needs rewiring include: frequently tripping breakers or blown fuses, flickering or dimming lights, outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch, burning smell with no visible source, discolored outlets or switch plates, two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout, aluminum wiring (common in 1960s–70s homes), or knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1950 homes). If your home is over 40 years old and has never been rewired, an inspection is recommended.

Above + Beyond's licensed electricians perform thorough electrical inspections and identify any safety issues that require immediate attention or planned upgrades.

No. Above + Beyond does not charge trip fees or overtime premiums for after-hours, weekend, or holiday emergency calls. Our emergency pricing is the same as our standard service pricing — you pay for the repair, not a penalty for needing help at night or on a weekend.

We believe emergency pricing surcharges punish homeowners at their most vulnerable moment. Our policy is straightforward: same fair pricing, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

If you smell gas: do not operate any electrical switches, outlets, or appliances, do not use your phone inside the building, leave the building immediately leaving doors open as you go, call your gas utility’s emergency line from outside or a neighbor’s phone, and do not re-enter until the utility has inspected and cleared the building. Gas leaks near water heaters or stoves require immediate action.

After the utility clears the property, Above + Beyond’s licensed plumbers can locate and repair the gas line leak and restore service safely.

If sewage backs up into your home: stop using all water immediately (every flush and drain adds more sewage), avoid contact with sewage water (it contains harmful bacteria and pathogens), keep children and pets out of affected areas, and call a licensed plumber immediately. Do not use chemical drain cleaners — they are ineffective for sewage backups and can damage pipes.

Above + Beyond responds to sewage backup emergencies 24/7. We clear the blockage, assess the drain line with a camera, and advise on any permanent fixes needed to prevent recurrence.

If a pipe bursts: immediately shut off the main water supply to stop flooding, turn off electricity to any areas where water is present to prevent shock risk, open faucets to drain remaining water from the pipes, document the damage with photos for insurance purposes, and call a licensed plumber immediately. Do not attempt to use any electrical outlets or appliances in water-affected areas.

Above + Beyond responds to burst pipe emergencies 24/7. Call our emergency line immediately and our licensed plumber will be dispatched to your location.

Above + Beyond does not charge trip fees or overtime premiums for emergency calls. You pay for the repair itself, priced the same regardless of when you call. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins so there are no surprise charges after the emergency is resolved.

Emergency repair costs vary depending on what needs to be fixed — a burst pipe repair has a different cost than a water heater replacement. Our technician diagnoses the problem and presents the price before starting work.

Above + Beyond dispatches licensed plumbers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For true emergencies — active flooding, sewage backup, or no water service — we prioritize dispatch to arrive as quickly as possible. Our trucks are stocked with common parts to resolve most emergencies on the first visit.

Response time varies by location and current call volume, but our 24/7 dispatch ensures a licensed plumber is always available, including holidays and weekends.

Plumbing emergencies that require immediate attention include: burst pipes or active flooding, complete loss of water service, sewage backup into the building, gas line leaks (call the gas company first, then a plumber), water heater failure causing flooding, and any leak near electrical equipment. These situations cannot wait for regular business hours.

Above + Beyond provides 24/7 emergency plumbing response for both residential and commercial customers. Call our emergency line and a licensed plumber will be dispatched immediately.

Commercial water heaters include: large-storage tank units (high capacity for consistent demand), tankless commercial units (on-demand, space-efficient), heat pump commercial heaters (highly efficient), and commercial boiler systems for large facilities. Sizing is based on peak demand calculations — a restaurant has very different needs than an office building.

Above + Beyond specifies, supplies, and installs commercial water heating systems of all types and sizes, with proper permitting and code compliance throughout.

Yes. Most commercial properties are required by local codes to have backflow prevention devices on their water service connections, particularly for fire suppression systems, irrigation, cooling towers, and any equipment connected to a chemical supply. Annual testing and certification by a licensed tester is also typically required.

Above + Beyond's certified plumbers install, test, and certify commercial backflow prevention devices and provide all required documentation to your water utility and local authority.

A grease trap (or grease interceptor) captures fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the sewer system, preventing blockages and code violations. Restaurants and food service operations are typically required to have them. Grease traps should be pumped and cleaned every 1–3 months depending on usage volume — local codes often specify minimum cleaning frequencies.

Above + Beyond installs, inspects, and services commercial grease traps and interceptors and provides the service documentation required by municipal health departments.

Commercial drain cleaning frequency depends on the type of business. Restaurant kitchen drains should be professionally cleaned every 1–3 months due to heavy grease production. Office and retail drains typically need cleaning annually. High-traffic restroom facilities may need quarterly service. Regular drain maintenance prevents emergency blockages that shut down operations.

Above + Beyond offers scheduled commercial drain maintenance programs so you never face an unexpected blockage during business hours.

Above + Beyond provides comprehensive commercial plumbing services including: installation and repair of commercial fixtures, grease trap installation and maintenance, backflow prevention testing and certification, commercial water heater service, drain and sewer cleaning, pipe repair and replacement, and emergency plumbing response. We work with offices, restaurants, retail spaces, and multi-unit residential properties.

Our licensed plumbers understand commercial code requirements and work efficiently to minimize disruption to your business operations.

Sump pump sizing is measured in horsepower and gallons per hour (GPH) capacity. For most residential applications, a 1/3 HP pump (2,000–2,500 GPH) is adequate. Homes with high water tables, larger basements, or history of heavy water intrusion may need a 1/2 HP or larger unit. The discharge head (vertical rise of the pipe) also affects how much capacity you need.

Above + Beyond sizes sump pumps based on your basement’s historical water volume and the discharge pipe configuration, not just a standard recommendation.

Sump pump installation in an existing pit typically costs $400–$800 including the pump and labor. If a new pit needs to be excavated and a discharge line installed, costs are higher. Battery backup system addition runs $300–$600 more. Above + Beyond provides upfront pricing after assessing your basement drainage situation and existing infrastructure.

Yes, a malfunctioning gas furnace with a cracked heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide into your home. If your CO detector sounds an alarm, evacuate immediately and call 911. Then call Above + Beyond for emergency furnace inspection and repair.

Above + Beyond's technicians perform a thorough carbon monoxide safety check as part of every furnace emergency call. Your family's safety is our top priority, and we will not leave until the system is operating safely.