Plumbing News & Articles

Repiping Orlando

When Should You Repipe Your Home?

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Orlando Plumbing Sometimes Requires Repiping

Sometimes the plumbing problem in a home demands more than a simple repair. Repiping your entire house may seem like a major expense, but pipes can suffer from long term wear and tear that eventually costs you more money than any repiping project will. If your water has become unmanageable, with constant leaking, inadequate flow, and unpleasant discoloration and taste, it may be time to consider all new pipes. Constant plumbing problems may be a sign of the overall poor condition of your pipes. Here are some important factors to consider if you are getting exasperated with frequent calls to your Orlando plumber.

Pipes Age, Warp, and Burst 

Especially in older houses, your pipework may have been made with inferior materials. Galvanized metal and copper piping that was commonly used by Orlando plumbers in previous years are prone to cracking over time. Polybutylene pipes once considered the best material on the market, turned out to be ones that quickly deteriorated and required replacing. Metals shrink and expand as temperatures rise and fall, causing joints to become dislodged and cracks to develop. Eventually, the occasional leak will grow into several, and at the worst possible time, the pipe will burst completely.

Modern pipes are made from a more resilient material, less prone to deterioration over the years. Using the first opportunity to replace out of date Orlando plumbing with higher quality materials can save untold amounts in time and money. A burst pipe and the extensive water damage that can follow is a costly repair. If your home is more than a few years old, have a professional inspect the condition of your pipes.

A Minor Problem or a Major Expense?

Slow leaks in your piping can contribute to a steadily rising water bill. What seems minor at first can eventually become thousands of dollars in wasted water every year. Homeowners that make the decision for professional repiping are often immediately pleased by the noticeable savings of efficiently running Orlando plumbing.

Water damage in your walls and under your sink are just as costly and detrimental as the damaged pipes. Slowly accumulating stagnant water will grow moldy and cause deterioration. You can spend months on constant repairs, temporary fixes, and upkeep while new leaks continue to appear, or have a qualified Orlando plumber completely renovate the problem. Those constant leaks and drips are probably already costing you more than repiping and will only get worse over time.

Safer Drinking with Better Orlando Plumbing

Sludge and dirt commonly accumulate in pipes over time, causing clogs and other difficulties. Mineral deposits from hard water are not only hard on pipes but also taint a water supply, potentially making it unpleasant for drinking. Discoloration and a low water pressure will make bathing and cleaning an increasingly arduous task.

Clogs and water treatment are available in multiple remedies but, like leaks can become a constant and costly burden. Why spend the added expense on water treatment if damaged pipes will quickly undo much of the effect? Any knowledgeable plumber in Orlando will check for faulty pipes to ensure clean, safe drinking water.

Long Term Reassurance

We use flow guard flex piping with a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty, as well as our personal 10-year warranty on all labor. You should never be  forced to cope with an exasperating problem, throwing endless amounts of money on countless repairs when a full extensive fix from a dependable Orlando plumber can fix the problem for good. Leaks, clogs, and damaged pipes occur for a number of reasons, but if maintenance seems like an ongoing battle in your home it may be time to check on the condition of your pipes. 

     

residential toilet

Common Residential Plumbing Issues

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Most Common Issues with Residential Plumbing Systems

The average American calls a professional plumber to their house once every three years. Does this number sound high or low for you? If you are wondering if you can save yourself the cost of a few visits, here are the most common plumbing problems for homeowners and how to handle them.

The Drippy Faucet

The water flow that starts and stops when you turn the faucet is held back with rubber washers or ceramic discs that seal the pipe shut until you are ready to use it. It is common over time for these washers to harden and require replacement. Many people tend to ignore these subtle drips, unaware that every drop is another unnecessary cent on your water bill. Fortunately, this repair is quite easy. Whether you take a trip to the hardware store yourself or call for the help of a trusty Orlando plumber, the service will be a breeze and well worth the savings.

The Leaky Pipe

Due to the presence of growing stains and tepid pools of unwanted water, most people tend to move faster towards fixing leaks than that pricey dripping faucet. Unfortunately, the wrong choice of remedy could prove more costly than intended. Most pipes leak at the joints where age and general wear have caused misshapen connectors and allowed water to leak through. Joint fillers are available at any local hardware store, but may only provide a temporary fix. Do not be afraid to consult professional Orlando plumbing if the problem persists. It may be a sign of a more serious repair need.

The Dopey Drain

Clogged or slow drains are an inevitable part of any household. Hair especially, and other dirt will slowly block the drains over time and require removal. Fortunately, most clogs are easy to remedy with plunging or drain cleaner or a drain snake. Simple fixes for opening up the drains yourself do not require a lot of technical skill, but if the job just seems too messy do not hesitate to call in a professional.

The Flushy Flapper

Are you constantly jiggling the handle of the toilet to silence that constant water running noise? It may seem like only a minor inconvenience, but a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day, adding a major chunk to your water bill. In the best cases, this can be an easy do it yourself fix. Check under the tank to see if the chain or the stopper are properly connected or need replacement. An easy determining test is to place a few drops of food coloring in the tank, then check the bowl for color. If a little is leaking through, you have a leak in your tank that needs immediate attention. Have an Orlando plumber check things out before your water bill gets worse. 

The Trickly Tap

If you are suddenly disappointed by a sad trickle of water when you turn the faucet, something in your pipes is causing low water pressure. If you are lucky, it is only a little-clogged debris in the aerator which can be quickly unscrewed, cleaned, and replaced.   However, low water pressure can sometimes be a sign of damaged pipes. Years of mineral-laden hard water leaves increasingly large deposits inside pipes that eventually interrupt the flow. Repiping your house is thoroughly effective, but can be costly if you are unprepared. Use a water softener in advance to increase the lifespan of your pipes.

The Choppy Chopper

Your garbage disposal can become lodged on any number of foreign contaminants, especially if you get a little reckless with the Thanksgiving dishes. When difficult foods like potato skins are stopping the blades, use an Allen key to manually open the blades underneath. However, if a piece of metal or hard debris causes one of the blades to bend or break, you will need the help of a professional Orlando plumber to fix the pieces. A smart preventative is to keep a drain cover over the sink and scrape unfinished food into the trash before carelessly dropping plates in the sink. A little caution can easily spare you the expense of repair. 

The Nippy Shower

With yearly maintenance, your water heater should live about 8 to 12 years. Eventually, though, it is likely you will hop in the shower one morning and experience an unexpected chill. It is strongly discouraged to attempt working on a water heater without a trained professional. Most water heaters use a gas line, making it extremely dangerous. Call your favorite professional plumber in Orlando and discuss options for having a newer model installed. Newer models tend to be more efficient and save on energy costs, anyway, and will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

5 Do It Yourself Tips to Unclogging a Drain

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An untimely clog can be an unfortunate disaster. You may not have time to call a professional plumber in Orlando if an important guest is on the way or you are coping with a hectic schedule. In your sink or your shower, no one likes the pool of stagnant water that collects around a slow drain, and a stopped toilet will quickly disrupt a busy household. Luckily, most clogs are less difficult to fix than they seem, and with typical everyday items and minimal technical skills you can unclog a drain in no time at all. Here are a few quick tips to opening a blocked pipe.

DIY Drain Cleaner Orlando

Many homeowners are reluctant to use chemical drain cleaners on their Orlando plumbing for fear of damage to plastic pipes and risk of inhalation or skin irritation. Fortunately, equally potent results can be achieved using basic household ingredients. Start with a pot of boiling water down the drain. Then add a half a cup of baking soda followed by two cups vinegar and hot water.  Cover, and in the next few minutes the resulting chemical reaction and pressure build will quickly break away blockage and effectively dislodge clogs that can now be rinsed away with another pot of boiling water. Similar recipes like this and formulas for homemade “toilet bombs” are easily found online, including recommendations with dish detergent or salt or other common household items. Of course, even chemical drain cleaners can yield results with minimal cost and effort. Most clogs are formed from the continual build up of hair and dirt that will easily be broken apart and washed away with the right cleaner. 

DIY Drain Snake Orlando

A drain snake is a long coil designed to remove and retrieve blockage found deep in your pipes. These are easy to use, inexpensive, and found at most hardware stores. Every plumber in Orlando owns one of these, as well as most knowledgeable homeowners. However, even if you do not keep one handy, a makeshift one can be used in its place. Bend a wire coat hanger in much the same fashion to quickly dig out a clog when you are in a bind. Wear gloves; the debris you can pull back up can sometimes be an unpleasant surprise.

DIY Plumber Orlando

Beneath your sink is a U-shaped pipe where most clogs are commonly formed. Fortunately, this blockage is simple to remedy. You can spare yourself the step of hiring an Orlando plumber if you are willing to a little handiwork yourself. Place a bucket underneath to catch what spills out, and then unscrew and remove the U-shaped pipe. Use this opportunity to thoroughly clean out this piece of pipe where you will more than likely find the clog. This piece is as easy to put back as it is to remove, and often takes only a minute to inspect. Be sure to tightly screw the pieces back on to avoid leaks.

PIY, or Plunge It Yourself Orlando

Do not be afraid to fix things with just a good old fashioned plunger. In most cases, the air pressure alone is more than enough to fix the most stubborn and unexpected clogs. If you truly wish to avoid the work out of an Orlando plumber, try loosening the clog first with hot water or one of the home recipes mentioned above. Many hardware stores sell mini plungers that deliver powerful suction with minimal effort. 

Suck It Up…Literally

A wet/dry shop vac will act as a powerfully effective plunger if you really want serious results. Be certain that you are using the right type of vacuum, though. Many different types are available, but you want to be certain that you pick one that is best suited for the job. 

If a foul odor seems to be emanating from your sinks, there may be trouble with the septic tank. Routine septic checks are recommended at least once every two to three years, and will help avoid problems with a nauseating aroma and faulty plumbing. Being mindful of your drains can always help with avoiding clogs in the first place. Any trusted Orlando plumber can refer what items are safe for the garbage disposal or toilet. Use a drain cover to avoid pouring damaging foods like coffee grounds or potato skins down the sink, anything that tends to build up and get backed up in pipes. If your plumbing in Orlando is still a continual problem, with clogs or bad odors, you may need to seek help from a professional.