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Month: November 2020

Warning Signs Your Home’s Water Pressure Is Too High: Perception From Your Expert Plumber | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By RedlineVector at Shutterstock

As a homeowner, the first thing that may come to mind regarding water pressure is its low form. There is nothing as frustrating as showering or washing dishes with slow water flowing from fixtures since you might end up wasting a lot of time. However, high water pressure should also be a cause of worry. It can destroy your appliances and cause water wastage, and subsequently, high repair and utility bills. A plumber can help you with this.

Worst of all, high water pressure may go undetected, and you might end up noticing when the damage is too much. It tends to shorten the lifespan of fixtures and appliances such as dishwashers, ice makers, and washing machines. Below are some of the easy-to-spot signs that your water pressure is too high.

Banging noises in the pipes

After using your taps or flushing your toilets, strange noises should not accompany the closing of the faucets or end of the flush cycle. The presence of a loud bang means the water pressure is too high and that the pipes are trying to adjust to the high pressure when you turn off the water. That may end up damaging the pipes and even the walls since the loud noises may dislocate them. If the location of the pipes is behind the walls, you may start to notice some cracks that result from the pipes banging on the walls.

The pipes can end up being weak over time and may become looser, preventing the water from flowing seamlessly. In case you hear shuddering noises inside the walls, contact your local plumber to test the water pressure. The professional can use a water gauge to measure the pressure and later install a pressure-regulating valve. Also, they can fix an automatic water shut-off valve in your crawl space or basement to shut down the water supply whenever the pressure is too high.

Noisy appliances

Home appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines should not make weird noises while in use. Another warning sign is your bathtub producing a loud whine. High water pressure may cause the shower diverter to wear out and affect its function of controlling the flow and temperature of the water.

In case you notice loud bangs while using your appliances or fixtures, it may be an indication of high water pressure. The high water pressure causes the mechanical pieces and seals of the appliances to wear out and become loose over time. The loose parts end up making lots of noise while the fixtures are in use. If you do not fix them promptly, they will end up breaking down, and replacing them may cost you thousands of dollars. Therefore, you may have to contact your plumber right away to get a quick fix. Ensure that the technician monitors your pressure-regulating valve regularly to maintain the right water pressure.

Low hot water supply

Running out of hot water often can be an indication of high water pressure. Normally, your water heater is designed to take in the water at a set rate to not only compensate for the water that is in use but also maintain a consistent temperature until the tank is empty. In cases where the water pressure is too high, the water will refill the tank too quickly and make the cold water more than the hot water. That causes you to run out of hot water whenever you need it.

Your water heater will have to work twice as hard to heat water and will end up malfunctioning after a short period. The water tank may also end up wearing out and more likely to spring a leak. A certified plumber in Fernandina, FL, can conduct a thorough inspection and ensure you have access to hot water at all times.

High utility bills

If your water bills are unusually high for no reason, it is wise to have a plumber check the water pressure. High water pressure makes faucets to produce more water, and you may not notice. You may end up using more water at the end of the day, month, and even year. Your septic tank will also fill up more quickly, meaning that you have to pump out the waste frequently. As a homeowner, you might end up spending extra cash on water bills and getting a sewage company to collect the waste.

Your water heater will also work longer since there is more water to heat, and this translates to a higher electrical bill. Why not get a certified plumber to fix the water pressure issue and lower your utility bills in the long run?

Leakages

One of the most common signs of high water pressure is leaking pipes and faucets. When the water pressure is too high, your toilet and taps keep running, even when they are not in use. The pipes may end up busting while trying to adjust to the high pressure. Busted pipes can damage your walls and floors that end up absorbing the excess moisture. Ultimately, you may find yourself with a mold and mildew infestation problem that can be dangerous to your health and a big reason to call a plumber. 

Since the pipes are mostly hidden behind the walls and beneath the floors, it is only a certified plumber who can detect any underlying leakage issues. Undetected leakage ends up corroding the pipes since they are not built to handle excess pressure. The sinks and toilets are prone to rotting when they come in contact with excess water, especially if they are made out of wood. To increase the lifespan of your fixtures and appliances, get regular maintenance services from a professional plumber.

Expert plumbing company

Bert Norman’s Plumbing serves the Fernandina, FL, area, and beyond. We provide quality plumbing solutions, incorporating state-of-the-art materials, tools, and techniques to meet all your plumbing needs. We have certified plumbing specialists who guarantee satisfaction and excellence. Give us a call whenever you face a plumbing problem, even during emergencies, and we will be sure to send a professional right to your doorstep.

Why You Need Plumbing Inspection Services Before Purchasing A Home: Insight From Your Plumber | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By By kurhan at Shutterstock

Multiple people find purchasing a residential property as a good investment. However, potential home buyers might fail to conduct a thorough inspection of the things that make the home run efficiently, including the plumbing. A full-scale plumbing inspection is a primary aspect of the home that a buyer should be keen on before sealing the deal. Hiring a professional plumber to handle future repairs may be expensive in the long run, and you may end up getting frustrated.

It’s quite common for a plumbing contractor to make mistakes when connecting the sewer systems, which can be quite stressful when you move in. Why not get a seasoned plumber to check every fixture in your home and ensure they are operational to avoid plumbing headaches in the future? Below are the reasons you need a plumbing inspection before purchasing a house.

Identify the presence of water leaks

Before moving into your new home it’s advisable to be on the lookout for any water leaks. Water leaks are a nuisance since they involve water wastage, which in turn increases your utility bills. Leaks can also destroy your walls and cause mold growth that can be harmful to your health. They often fill the sewer system faster than expected, causing an entire problem that needs an urgent fix.

A certified plumber can conduct a thorough inspection of the sewage waste system and freshwater supply pipes to ensure there is no leakage. In-slab and sewer leaks can cost you thousands of dollars to repair if you do not detect issues at an early stage. Don’t forget to have a professional inspect the bathroom flooring since it is easier to identify any leakage by checking the texture and condition of the floors.

Additionally, you can check on the kitchen cabinets to see if there is a sign of moisture or mold. Open the faucets to ensure the water is not discolored or smelly. And if any problems need fixing, your seller can work on them, or you can negotiate a lower purchase price to fix the issues on your own. That will go a long way in preserving the coziness of your future home.

Check the condition of the water heater

Water heaters are a lifesaver, especially when it is time to take a hot bath or shower after a long day of work. Having your local Jacksonville, FL, plumber inspect the condition of your water heater should be top of the list before buying a new home. They can scrutinize the appliance for any evidence of corrosion on the exterior of the pipes. Be on the lookout for a manufacturer’s sticker on the heater so you can have an idea of when it was manufactured and assembled. A heater that is more than ten years old may need replacement sooner since it may not be in perfect condition.

You should also check the size of the water heater and whether it can satisfy the hot water needs of your household. A seasoned technician can guide you on the process. Additionally, ask your local professional to check for the presence of a drain pan or flood stop that prevents serious damage in case of a leak.

Examine the state of the sewer

The sewage system is a crucial aspect of any home since it collects all the household waste. A poorly maintained sewage system can lead to leaks, which can be detrimental to your family’s health. It can also cause your new home to have a foul smell since the waste is not passing through the pipes correctly. A seasoned plumber should be able to diagnose any clogs in the pipes and leakages from the septic tank. They can also ensure that the septic tank is in the right position and in the right size to handle all your household waste.

With expert help, you should be on the lookout for any broken pipes, damaged sump pump, and poor installation of the sewage system that can cause a backup. Also, you should ensure that no trees or plants are growing close to the sewage system since the roots may end up damaging the underlying pipes. A certified professional can come up with a detailed plumbing inspection report that will help you decide if the system is in perfect condition.

Check the water pressure

Low water pressure can be annoying, especially if you have a large family that requires the use of water quite often. It might make your daily activities such as doing laundry and showering frustrating and time-consuming. Low water pressure may be hard to detect at first, and only a thorough plumbing inspection can identify any underlying problems. There could be debris and mineral build-up in the pipes, which end up creating a blockage in your home’s plumbing and subsequently low flow of water. Also, leakages may lower the water pressure since it’s being channeled in the wrong direction.

It’s only through a thorough inspection of plumbing pipes that you can detect clogs. Tagging your plumber along during the inspection can help you identify water supply problems, including any underlying leakage from the pipes. There may also be an issue with the municipal water supply in the area, causing the water to have minimum pressure. A professional plumber will help you pinpoint the exact cause of your woes and provide a lasting solution. You wouldn’t want to be stuck with a new home whose taps cannot provide enough water, will you?

Scrutinize the foundation of the sinks and toilets

It is vital to inspect the toilets and sinks since you probably use them more than any other fixtures in the house. A clogged toilet or sink can give you sleepless nights since they may have a foul odor. During an open house, most sellers tend to clean up the property, so it might be difficult to know if there is an underlying issue.

A clogged toilet or sink can be due to poor installation or maintenance, blocked pipes, or damage to the fixtures. Water leakage may also destroy the quality of the sink or toilet, causing it to rot with time. A plumbing inspection from a certified plumber will help you know if there is an issue with the toilets or sink. You can then request for the sellers to fix the problems or bargain a fair home purchase price that caters to the repair costs.

Trust the experts; we are one call away

Founded in 1985, Bert Norman’s Plumbing is a state-certified and family-owned business that provides quality plumbing services to residents in and around Jacksonville, FL. We have professional and experienced plumbers who are keen on delivering top-notch services, without compromising the personalized and detailed attention you require. We can work on a detailed inspection of your water supply and disposal system to prevent serious problems like leakages or stoppages. Be sure to give us a call, and we will strive to satisfy your needs.

Plumber Tips: Smart Plumbing Technologies Homeowners Should Know | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By SGr at Shutterstock

Having smart plumbing fixtures, fittings, and appliances in your home can yield lots of benefits, including improved aesthetics, enhanced quality of health, and convenience of advanced usage. These pros of going smart with plumbing made some homeowners shift from traditional plumbing systems to modern ones. If you’re not already using the technology, you ought to seek help from a professional plumber. It will certainly be a great deal that you will not regret investing in!

How many times have you purchased a home appliance or fixture and realized it does not work the way you pictured? Or how many times have you tried the DIY methods and messed up with the installation of new fittings in your home? Some homeowners have fallen victim to such circumstances.

To avoid the scenarios, you can contact a professional plumber to not only get insight into smart plumbing appliances but also get quality installation services. Here’s a look at some of the smart fixtures you should have in your Fernandina, FL, home.

Leak detectors

Leakage has been one of the biggest plumbing problems in homes that cost homeowners high water bills. An eighth-inch crack on your plumbing pipe can leak up to about 250 gallons of water per day. Now imagine having several small cracks on your pipes. You will spend a lot on utility bills for sure. But thanks to inventors in the plumbing industry, you can stay ahead of the problem by having a plumber install leak detectors.

Leak detectors alert homeowners of leaks in real-time via communication gadgets such as smartphones or tablets. They give a heads up to the exact location of the problem. Apart from saving you from huge costs such as water damage restoration and high repair bills, you will certainly not have to pay a technician for leakage troubleshooting services.

To benefit from the smart appliance, why not talk to a professional plumber to get the best product brand ideas and installation services?

Smart toilets

Toilets are among the biggest consumers of water in any home. A traditional inefficient toilet can use up to about six gallons of water per flush. Imagine having a family of over five people living under one roof. You might end up incurring expensive water bills just for the toilet! Worry not, though. Technologists have come up with newer toilet models modified to consume as low water per flush as possible.

Smart toilets have multiple features tailored to meet the specific needs of consumers. If you are keen on hygiene, you can purchase a toilet with features such as self deodorization, automatic flush, self-cleaning, overflow protection, and emergency flushing during power outages. And if your idea is getting ultimate comfort, you can get those with characteristics such as heated seats, Bluetooth capabilities, and automatic closing lids. A plumber can help you find the perfect options.

Homeowners who are environmental enthusiasts and those who are keen on saving money can go for toilets with built-in sensors to detect leakages and those with specific water quantities for solid and liquid waste. If you find that any of these features suit your needs, then it is time to go smart with your toilet. Talk to a certified plumber to get advice on the most effective brand and installation services.

Smart showers and Bluetooth showerheads

Showers account for about 17 percent of water use in a single home. Having water-saving smart showers in your house means you will save lots of water and cash. Additionally, there are models tailored to meet the luxurious and convenience needs of homeowners. For instance, you can use a mobile app or a digital panel linked with the shower to control heated water temperatures. You can also adjust the water pressure by a simple tap on your mobile phone.

Bluetooth enabled showerheads are available to cater to the needs of music lovers. A Bluetooth showerhead has a Bluetooth speaker that allows you to connect your smartphone and enjoy your best playlist while taking a warm shower. Sounds like a good comfy deal, right?

If these showerheads interest you, you should consider seeking purchasing advice and installation services from a seasoned plumber. That way, you will not only get the best deals in the market but also get to enjoy shower time for a long while.

Smart irrigation

Water used for residential irrigation in the US accounts for nearly a third of the total water consumed in homes, amounting to about nine billion gallons of water use daily. With smart irrigation, you will reduce your outdoor water consumption rate by preventing water wastage. It involves a digital device that connects to an app, enabling the homeowner to oversee the scheduling of irrigation for the garden or lawn.

You can turn your sprinklers off and on using your mobile phone, tablet, or computer that’s connected to the digital control device. Also, you can set smart timers to determine which garden section to water and at what time. Automatic scheduling is another tool that lets your smart irrigation system adjust automatically depending on weather forecasts from the National Weather Service.

Smart water heaters

Smart water heaters come with advanced features that are lacking in traditional ones. Their smart thermostat allows you to set temperatures that are favorable to you. The energy smart mode feature studies the user patterns of heated water and adjusts the water temperature to help save electricity. That, in turn, will help in reducing utility bills.

Smart water heaters also have diagnostic screens that make it easier to identify any defects, after which you can call a plumber promptly to fix the issue before it worsens. If you are stuck with a traditional water heater that has endless problems, it is time to switch to the smart option. Contact a professional plumber to get suggestions on the best model to purchase.

Get expert plumbing help today!

Bert Norman’s Plumbing offers a plethora of plumbing services, including water heater repair and replacement, drain cleaning, and installation of plumbing fixtures and appliances. We serve the Fernandina, FL, area, and beyond, with our professionals available even during emergencies. Do not hesitate to call us whenever you need quality plumbing services for your home.

Plumber Tips: Seven Warning Signs Of A Clogged Pipe | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By da-kuk at istock

Among the most common plumbing problems in homes is a clogged pipe that may arise due to various reasons. A blocked drain can distract the normal functionality of the plumbing system. The clogging mostly results from the buildup of materials such as hair, soap, hygiene products, and food in sinks, showers, and toilets. Clogged drains prevent the smooth drainage of wastewater, and eventually, the pipes may burst or cause a backup.

Some signs of a clogged drain are obvious, while others are subtle. A keen eye and little self-diagnosing knowledge can go a long way in saving your plumbing since you can hire a plumber on time. Read on to identify some common signs of a clogged pipe and save yourself from possible future problems.

Changes in water pressure

The most noticeable and immediate sign of a clogged pipe is a fluctuation in your home’s water pressure, in particular the decrease in water flow. A build-up of materials in the pipes results in blockage, causing water to concentrate in one area of the pipe, rather than flowing to the disposal system. Additionally, cracked or broken pipes (resulting from intense clogging) can cause changes in water pressure.

If you are a homeowner in Jacksonville, FL, and notice changes in the force with which water flows in the drains, there is a high chance some pipes are clogged. Because this build-up can occur in any pipe, it is advisable to seek professional help to avert future pipe bursts. An expert plumber will identify the clogged pipe, diagnose the causes, and fix the whole system.

Debris emanating from fixtures

Another common sign of clogged pipes is frequent debris coming out of your faucets when you turn on the tap. That could be stringy foods, gunk, grease, or paper products. It can occur due to poor drain care and waste disposal habits, leading to contaminated water that can cause health complications such as diarrhea and skin irritation.

Particles such as silt or sand can also damage your home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. If you notice any unwanted particle coming out from your tap, it is advisable to contact your local plumber to unclog the pipes. Also, homeowners should adopt proper waste disposal habits to prevent future clogs.

Dampness and wet spots

Although dampness mostly accrues from water penetration and condensation, it can also result from a clogged pipe. Some common signs of dumpiness include peeling wallpaper, discolored walls, and mold infestation, especially on floors and walls. When water accumulates in one place, it tends to leak through the walls hence the wet spots.

The situation can cause your property to lose value due to structural damages that can be quite expensive to repair. If you notice wet spots in your home or suspect the pipes are not functioning well, it is vital to call a plumber to check your pipes and fix any underlying issue.

Bad odor

An unattractive smell will not only make your home uncomfortable but also pose health hazards. When food, dust, and other debris accumulate in your pipes, they can generate weird smells when they start to decompose. The smell could also emerge from a dead rodent that was trying to access your home via the plumbing system. The odor might then spread through the pipe openings into your entire house.

If you notice a disgusting smell stemming from your shower, kitchen sink, or tap, it is time to seek drain cleaning services. A professional plumber will have the expertise and tools necessary to drain off the materials, and they can also give maintenance tips to prevent future clogs.

Strange noises

Another noticeable sign of a blocked pipe is a frequent gurgling sound around the plumbing fixtures. After a long day, you would look forward to going home to a peaceful and quiet environment where you can relax and meditate. However, with a clogged pipe, that will not be the case. A noisy plumbing system is not only annoying and can cause larger problems if left unrepaired.

When water does not flow freely in the pipes, and you flush down the waste, the air moves forward and creates a vacuum behind it. The air then struggles to flow right in, hence the gurgling sound. Therefore, seek professional help from plumbing maestros to get to the root cause of the problem and restore your serene home environment.

The unusual green patch in your yard

Some homeowners may experience unexplained puddles of water around their yards. An oddly lush green patch indicates the possibility of a pipe clog, often caused by tree roots finding their way down to your piping system. A clogged pipe can eventually cause the pipes beneath your yard to break and leak. When that happens, the green vegetation in your yard absorbs excess water underground, making it greener than the rest.

Also, flooding and concentration of water in one place in your yard or foul odors originating from your irrigation system could be a sign of a clogged pipe. If you notice any of the mentioned signs, contact your local plumber right away and get expert help.

Slow drains

A well-functioning plumbing system should be able to drain water quickly and efficiently. For instance, when you flush a toilet or a bathtub, a continuous whirlpool motion occurs, causing the water to flow freely and fast. Hair or soap scum build-up can hinder the easy flow of water. If the water takes longer to drain than expected, it indicates a blockage is starting to accumulate. Therefore, you should seek assistance from a professional plumber. Ignoring the sign or trying to fix the problem on your own can lead to more damage or a misdiagnosis of the problem.

To avoid future damages resulting from clogged pipes, homeowners should often hire a plumber to clean the system, detect any problem, and repair the stubborn clogs before they become a serious matter. Additionally, it is wise to dispose of waste materials correctly to avoid clogging eventualities.

Contact the plumbing aficionados!

Bert Norman’s Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company that offers plumbing installations, repair, and maintenance services. With plumbing works, you should trust a local company that will be within reach whenever you face a problem. If you reside in Jacksonville, FL, we are the company to contact. Our plumbers are well-trained in handling multiple plumbing system problems, restoring your home to its optimum functionality. Give us a call or visit our office for a consultation and appointment scheduling.

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