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Call a Plumber for a Spring Inspection | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

Spring is the best season to give your home a little brush up. The cold weather slowly fades out. The sun, hot temperatures, a light breeze are some of the joys that come with this season of the year. Call-a-Plumber-for-a-Spring-Inspection-_-Jacksonville,-FLBefore you start planning out for the summer vacations, you should think what repairs are necessary for your property. The harsh weather of the winter and the elements of nature tend to wear out the exterior of the property. Leaves block the storm drains, pipes are stressed from icing, and waste tanks reach their capacity. By calling a plumber to run a check in your house’s plumbing system, you ensure that during the summer season you won’t have to deal with unexpected breakdowns and emergency plumbing. House owners are already preparing their house for the hot weather of the summer. As with every other household, you will notice that during the hotter seasons of the year you use more water. Pool pumps, garden sprinklers and water cooling systems are all connected to your house plumbing system. If your house is not in a proper shape, you may find yourself in the middle of a water outage, which can ruin your retreat plans during the summer. In this post, you will find out what are the top reasons to call for a plumber.

Valves and Hoses

A usual reason for having a flood or a severe leak is due to valves and hoses that are in poor operating shape and are malfunctioning. A lot of households call for emergency plumbing due to a fault with the drain hose of the washing machine, which can cause the facility room to flood with water. Plumbers also have to deal with serious leaks caused by a wrongly installed stopping valve. As the name suggests, the stopping valve is used to block a pipe that is no longer needed. If those valves are not regularly inspected by a qualified technician, you may end up with a leak. A deficiency in your house’s plumbing system can inflate your utility bills.

Pipe Replacement

Pipes are an essential part of the house’s plumbing as it allows water to flow in and out of your property. Pipes are usually hidden away below the floor and inside the walls in order to protect them from accidental damage. It is easy to miss a check in your property’s pipes as they will work normally until there is a problem. The catch with this is that when there is a problem, you may notice a disruption and some of your plumbing facilities may cease to work completely. If you suspect that one or more of the house pipes are wearing out or there is a leak, you should check with your local professional on what is the best way to sort the problem out. Once an initial inspection is completed, the technician will advise on whether the pipelines are in good condition or a repiping is required. Since the majority of the pipes are located in places that are difficult to access, your plumber will remove the defective pipe and install a brand-new one. Once this is completed, the technician will make a couple of leak checks to find out whether the pipe is correctly installed.

Drain Cleaning Service

Keeping the drains clean of obstructions is absolutely vital. Wastewater uses large sewage pipes to flow out of the house. If your house is using the sewage network, it is worth calling a plumber on a regular basis to unclog the pipes. Clogging can build up in every part of your plumbing network. From a plumber’s view, clogs are almost unavoidable as grease, hair, food, particles and foreign objects can enter the system and contaminate the network. A pro can easily clear those blockages by using specific tools. Although there are chemicals available for cleaning the drain, you may end up corroding your pipelines if you don’t use the right type of drain cleaner.

Septic Tank Cleaning

If your house is equipped with a septic tank, it is important to keep up with regular cleaning and inspection services. A septic tank offers great benefits as it is independent of the sewage network and helps you keep the utility bills in check. However, if the septic tank is not regularly cleaned, it may cause a sewage leak which can ruin your garden for weeks. The tank is buried in the outer part of the house’s garden in a place called drainfield. You should ensure that you don’t place any heavy objects directly above the field as it may stress the sewage system below which can rapture. It is also a good idea to regularly clean the drainfield from any foreign objects such as leaves, tree cloves and soil which can accidentally contaminate your septic tank. Should you notice a puddle of water inside the drainfield or any foul smell emanating from the drain pipes, seek the advice of your plumber.

Storm Drains

Next time you invite the plumber around for maintenance, make sure that you have the storm drains inspected. Despite being a passive part of the plumbing system, external drains are very important and ensure that any rain water is safely driven away from your property. Drains in Jacksonville, FL, can be difficult to spot on your own as they are located in inaccessible parts of the house. During a storm, it is essential to have working drains, otherwise, the rain water may form a puddle in an unwanted area.

Stay Dry This Season

The only place that needs to be flooded this summer is your pool. By planning your plumbing maintenance in advance, you make sure that all the problems caused during the winter will be repaired before the summer starts. If you need the advice of a qualified plumber about your house, get in touch today with Bert Norman’s Plumbing, Jacksonville, FL, and sort your maintenance out.

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Plumbing Service: Comparing Floor Drains to Sump Pumps | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

When it rains in Jacksonville, FL you probably look at the amount of rain coming down and wonder if you will have water come into your house. Plumbing-Service--Comparing-Floor-Drains-to-Sump-Pumps-_-Jacksonville,-FL-If you have water coming into your house you will need to call for plumbing service. There are differences to how floor drains and sump pumps work and the advantages and disadvantages to each. They’ll have different effects on your house and the drainage table in general. In fact there are many meteorological, climate, and neighborhood differences that will affect how rainwater will come into or go around your house, affecting your decision to call for services.

What causes the water coming into my house?

The most common answer here is storms and flooding, but just because you have a storm doesn’t mean you’ll get water every time. The higher the rate of rainfall per hour is the higher the likelihood that water will enter your house. If your neighborhood is on a hill and you’re on the bottom of it you’re going to increase the odds of your house becoming flooded. If you live near a drainage canal or creek you also increase the likelihood of water coming into your house. All of that damage can cause you to call for plumbing service.

As for your house itself you can get water in your house from not only rain but from broken and leaking pipes in your house. These issues will require a call for plumbing service and a wait to get your system repaired. But when a sump pump fails, or a drain pipe backs up there will be differing reasons for why each one fails or causes backups.

Houses with Drain Pipes

If you have a house with only drain pipes you may want a plumbing service to come check your drains. They are linked directly to your local sewer drain system and can back up if the drains are over taxed. These drains are extremely low maintenance and have a low cost. However they do have multiple drawbacks. If you aren’t near the end of a sewer drain run you will increase the likelihood that it will back up into your home. Also, if you live in an area developed along a hill having a house with a drain pipe along the bottom of the hill will also increase the chances of it backing up into the house.

In most newer homes or in most of the area locally you won’t have drain pipes because of the low elevation of Florida in general and the fact that we have the St. John’s River and the closely linked bodies and water will not be in many homes. With all the rain that falls, and the fact that we are so low to sea level there is a pretty good chance that they would back up on a normal basis. Every time they back up you will be calling for plumbing service to get your house back in working order. If you have a house with just a slab or a shallow depth like a crawlspace this will affect you less and your home will have some sort of slope or allowance for some water.

Houses with Sump Pumps

Sump Pumps are systems that are installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace that help push moisture into the sewers or outside the house and keeps it from staying under your house. These are convenient and common to see in the area and help keep water, mold, and mildew, and plumbing service away. They have been something that has been required in many homes built after 1987 and have been retroactively added to many older homes as flooding issues have come up.

To install there is a pit hat has to be dug under your home, usually about two feet deep and about a foot and a half in diameter. In that pit you’ll notice ground water start to fill up. After a certain point the pump, which will be installed over the pit there is a sensor that will suck the water up from the pit that has been collected and push it up and out of the tank through a pipe that is connected to the outside of the house. In many neighborhoods that have direct water system drainage alongside wastewater treatment you can actually have a sump set up to drain directly into the sewer for water source discharge. However, if your sewer system is hooked up to a treatment plant you will likely have your pipe just buried in the back of your lot and it will discharge into your lawn.

Your plumbing service representative will tell you what is best for your house to keep your sump running. Sump pumps will last about a decade for your house and your plumbing service professional should be able to tell you if you need a replacement. Sump pumps are fairly inexpensive to replace but if you don’t do it quickly you will have water coming up into your basement or crawlspace. Many people who have sump pumps also have back ups installed so that when one fails another can keep running until you can buy a new main unit. Without that you will end up having water come into your house and damaging your belongings.

When you’re ready to call for plumbing service in the greater Jacksonville, FL area give a call to Bert Norman’s Plumbing out of Yulee. They have the experience and expertise to give you top quality service and will ensure your job is done right the first time. If you need service for your sump pumps or drainage pipes or have questions about how each option will affect your house during a storm give them a call. The experts at Bert Norman’s Plumbing can also help you with drain cleaning, water heater questions, new plumbing systems or toilet and faucet repair.

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Plumber Tips: Be Careful About What You Put Down Your Drains | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

You Have Influence Over Whether Your Drains Get Clogged Or Not

Fernandina, FL residents have a fair amount of influence over whether their drains get clogged or not. Plumber-Tips--Be-Careful-About-What-You-Put-Down-Your-Drains-_-Fernandina,-FL-Yes, there are some contributing factors that are beyond their control. However, there are plenty of other contributing factors that are not. For instance, local residents are the ones who control what they put down their drains, which can have a very real effect on whether they will need to call in a plumber or not in the future.

What Are Some Things That You Shouldn’t Put Down Your Drains?

Here are some examples of things that Fernandina, FL residents should avoid putting down their drains if they want to avoid having to call in the plumber:

Oil and Grease

Both oil and grease are substances that interested individuals should never put down their drains if they want to avoid having to call in a plumber as much as possible. This is because both oil and grease can congeal under colder temperatures, meaning that they can congeal on the inside of pipes. On their own, this would be bad enough. However, what is particularly unpleasant about congealed oil and grease is that they are sticky substances. Thanks to that, both of them can cause other flushed items to get stuck inside the pipes, with the result that what started out as a minor issue can turn into a serious blockage much sooner than what interested individuals might expect.

Rice and Noodles

Speaking of which, rice and noodles also shouldn’t be flushed down the drains. In their case, it is because they can swell up when they absorb water, thus causing them to take up a much bigger space in the pipes than what their initial appearance would indicate. Granted, both rice and noodles will break down with sufficient passage of time, but they will still be more than capable of creating a problem bad enough for a plumber to have to be called in before then.

Egg Shells

Food waste should never go down the drains. Yes, certain forms of food waste can break down on their own, but they are still big enough and solid enough to block the pipes. Having said that, there are some forms of food waste that are even worse, with an excellent example being egg shells. The main issue with egg shells and other hard substances is that they won’t be breaking down anytime soon. Thanks to that, if they get stuck in the pipes, they are going to be stuck there for a very long time to come.

Flushable Wipes

Flushable wipes can come as a surprise to a lot of interested individuals. After all, their very name says that they can be put down the drains, meaning that this comes as a challenge to that claim. However, the fact of the matter is that flushable wipes should be considered an edge case, meaning that people should be careful when flushing them.

In short, the issue is that while flushable wipes will break down, they won’t break down as fast as toilet paper. As a result, it is very much possible for flushable wipes to get stuck in the pipes where they will obstruct the free flow of water as well as other substances. Even worse, flushable wipes can get tangled up with other flushed items such as cotton swabs, sanitary pads, and paper towels to create what is called ragging, which can be even more frustrating to say the least.

Paper Products

On a related note, people shouldn’t be flushing most paper products. They can flush toilet paper without having to call in the plumber. However, that is because toilet paper is meant to be flushed down the drains. Unfortunately, other paper products are not, meaning that they can contribute to blockages as well. In particular, interested individuals should watch out for water-absorbent paper towels because those paper products can swell up by soaking up the water flowing through the pipes, thus making them even more threatening as potential causes of clogs.

Household Fluids

Household fluids shouldn’t be flushed down the drains. Generally speaking, they aren’t going to cause clogs and other plumbing-related issues that will need to be resolved by a professional. However, they can be hazardous, meaning that it is a bad idea to send them into the water supply. On top of that, while most household fluids won’t be causing plumbing-related issues bad enough to warrant a plumber’s attention, that is by no means a universal rule. There are some household fluids that can cause serious damage to the material of the pipes in the plumbing system,

Medications

The flushing of medications won’t force people to call for the plumber. However, it is nonetheless a serious problem, meaning that it should be avoided as much as possible. There was a point in time when people were recommended to flush their unused medications rather than leave them sitting around, but that turned out to be a serious mistake when that resulted in a wide range of undesirable chemicals being introduced to the water supply. Nowadays, people should know better, meaning that the flushing of medications is very much something to be avoided even if it won’t result in the need for a plumber.

Contact Us

Curious about how to minimize the need for plumbing services? The best solution is to speak with a skilled and experienced plumber who can put their expertise and experience at the disposal of interested individuals. Plumbing maintenance plus other plumbing services can do a great deal to minimize the chances of serious plumbing problems popping up, meaning that they can save people a lot of time, effort, and even money in the long run. To learn more about this as well as other plumbing-related issues, please contact us at Bert Norman’s Plumbing as soon as time permits. Our representatives are happy to help, meaning that interested individuals shouldn’t hesitate to consult them.

Signs You Need a Plumber | Callahan, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

Are you thinking about calling a plumber but you’re not sure if that’s really what you need? Maybe you don’t know if a plumber is really going to take care of things for you. Signs-You-Need-a-Plumber-_-Callahan,-FL-Or maybe you think that you can take care of things for yourself. Well, the best thing that you can do is definitely to call a professional if you find yourself in any of the situations that we’re going to talk about below. Your Callahan, FL house definitely deserves someone who knows what they’re doing.

You Have a Leak

If you notice a leak then you should absolutely be calling in a professional. You may notice something that seems minor. For example, you could have a faucet that drips occasionally. That may not seem like a problem or it could seem like a problem that you can take care of yourself. The truth is, it could be a bigger problem than you think. A small leak can actually cost you a whole lot over the long run. Even just a little drip could add up to a whole lot more than you might think.

And if you try to take care of these problems yourself, without calling in a plumber, you could end up with a bigger mess. That’s because the pipes in your home are a whole lot more delicate than you might think. It’s really easy to break something or strip the pipes or a number of other things that could mean an even more expensive interaction with a plumber. You want to make sure that you’re calling a professional to get everything handled quickly and right.

You Have a Clog

Many people think that they can just use a drain cleaner if they have a clog. When it comes down to it, however, you could actually cause more problems than you might think. You want to make sure that you get rid of that clog because it could be causing damage to the inside of the pipes. But if you put a drain cleaner in you may actually be doing more harm than good. That drain cleaner itself may not actually clear the clog. It may just push it down further, where it’s harder to remove. And even if it does help temporarily, that’s going to mean more problems going forward.

Plus, that drain cleaner is made with chemicals and chemicals are bad to have in your home and to put into your drains. If your family gets into them it could be extremely dangerous. If you just pour them down the drain you could corrode your pipes, kill the necessary bacteria in your septic field and definitely cause pollution into the environment. Those chemicals get into the ground and they get into the water and that is all going to cause you a whole lot of problems in the long run. You want to make sure you’re avoiding them and calling a professional plumber instead.

You Want to Change Something

If you have any kind of plumbing needs that you want to change it’s essential that you do something about it the right way. You don’t want to change out faucets and other essentials without getting a professional plumber to help you. They know what they’re doing and how they can help you get things done right. They have a better understanding of how all of those plumbing fixtures actually work and that’s going to be extremely important when it comes to fixing things around your home.

If you want to change something in your home it may seem like it’s not a big deal, but the truth is you could be setting yourself up for some big problems if you don’t call the professionals. After all, they’ve done the training that it takes to really understand the problem. They know how to make sure that the fixtures you swap out are really going to work in your home and how to make sure that they’re set up the right way. On the other hand, you could find yourself with a whole lot of serious problems if you try to do something and make a mistake.

You Don’t Know What’s Wrong

It’s entirely possible that you don’t even know what’s going on with your plumbing. Maybe you’ve noticed that something is different but you’re not really even sure what it is. Well then, calling a plumber can help you figure out the problem. It could be a strange smell, drains that seem to take just a little longer than normal to clear, a gurgling sound when they do drain or anything else at all. All of these are signs that something is wrong and that you need a professional to take care of it.

Keep in mind that a change in water pressure could also be a sign that something is happening. In fact, it could mean that you have a leak somewhere that you don’t even know about. Those kinds of leaks can be the worst and they’re even more important to talk with a plumber about because you’re going to have a bigger mess if they’re left alone. The longer a leak is left to go in your home the worse it’s going to be because it’s going to cause more damage. But a professional can take care of it before you even realize there’s a problem.

If you need a professional plumber to come out to your Callahan, FL home then you need to call Bert Norman’s Plumbing. Our team can come to your home whenever you need us and we can make sure that you’re going to have everything you need taken care of. Whether you’re looking to get your home looked over or you know that there’s a problem already, we can help you. Our team is ready to go and ready to schedule your appointment at any time. Just give us a call and we’ll help you figure out what to do.

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What Should You Look for in a Plumber? Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

Finding the best Jacksonville, FL plumber for your job doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. What-Should-You-Look-for-in-a-Plumber--Jacksonville,-FL-There are a few things you can consider that will make the job easier, though. If you’re not sure what kind of plumbing contractor you need, or who you can trust with the work that has to get done, understanding what you’re looking for is the first step toward choosing the best person for the job. Consider the plumbing work that needs done, so you can match it with the right contractor and services.

There are a lot of plumbers available who can handle the work you’ll have for them, but they aren’t all going to give you the same value and level of quality. You might also want to look for one who specializes in the type of work you need. For example, while nearly every plumber will do both big and small jobs, you might want to choose one that has a specialty in the area you need help. That could be emergency service, bathroom or kitchen remodels, new construction, maintenance of older systems, or nearly anything else. Here are a few other issues to think about.

Proper Experience Matters for Good Quality

When you choose a plumber, you want to choose one that can offer you great service and the quality you expect and deserve. When plumbers and their apprentices are trained properly and have the right level of education and experience, they’ll be better able to handle any work that comes their way. Sometimes plumbing jobs can be challenging, depending on the type of work, how much there is of it, and the specific situation. Older homes, for example, can be more difficult to work on due to the older plumbing and designs that make accessing pipes more difficult. It’s good to have someone who understands this, so they can take proper care of your home’s systems and you won’t need to worry about damage or additional problems.

When plumbing professionals have experience in their profession, you can feel comfortable with their ability to handle nearly any kind of job. Whether you need someone on a weekend to fix a broken pipe, or you’re building a home from the ground up, having experienced professionals do the work can mean a quality job, fewer problems, and a lot more peace of mind. There’s nothing wrong with asking how long a company has been in business, and how long the particular plumbers who are going to do the job have been working in that industry. Being an informed consumer is important.

Knowing the Area Means Making the Right Choices

The Jacksonville, FL area has a lot to offer, but it also has its share of issues. High levels of heat and humidity, along with hurricanes and other violent storms, are simply a part of life there. Knowing and understanding the climate is important for any plumber you hire. There may be problems with plumbing systems that wouldn’t necessarily happen in other locations or climates, and a professional that’s familiar with the area will be better able to handle those concerns. That means a faster fix that will last longer.

Tree roots, high water tables, and other kinds of issues related to water and dampness are all a part of life in the Jacksonville area. Plumbers who work there know to look for these things, and adjust for them in ways that allow plumbing systems to function the way they should. If you hire a company that’s new to the area, they may not be aware of some of the problems that could occur. Choosing an established FL company is a way to be sure you’re getting the kind of plumbing help that’s really needed.

Part of Being Safe Means Being Licensed and Insured

There are a lot of responsibilities to being a plumbing contractor. One of those is following all the necessary laws and guidelines for the state and the industry. When you hire a plumber who’s licensed and insured, you get a quality professional who’s focused on following the law and doing things right. They also see the value in protecting themselves and their customers, which is what their insurance policy is for. You can feel good about a contractor who takes these things seriously, because they take regulations seriously.

Don’t be afraid to ask for their license number so you can verify it, and ask them about their insurance coverage, as well. If anything seems out of place, check it out further so you don’t end up hiring someone who might not give you the quality and value you’re looking for. By verifying their information and checking their references, you can get a very clear picture of everything a specific plumbing contractor has to offer. Then you can proceed to hiring them if they’re a good fit for you.

Quality and Value in a Trusted Plumbing Contractor

When you find the right plumbing professional for your needs and your project, you’ll know it. They’ll meet all the criteria, and they’ll be people you feel comfortable with and can trust to do things the right way. If you’re going to have people in your home or place of business, you want to choose people who don’t make you feel uncomfortable or out of place. Experience, professionalism, knowledge, and politeness are all very important, and can help you select the professionals who are going to do the job right for you, the first time.

At Bert Norman’s Plumbing you can get all the help and support you need for your plumbing project from trained and experienced professionals. Whether you’re looking for a remodel, a build from the ground up, a simple repair, or an emergency fix, you want to hire someone you can trust. We’re here to help you get the plumbing services you need, so you can get back to living your life. Let us handle your plumbing repairs, problems, and questions today.

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Cleansing the Go: An Inside Look at Septic Tank Pumping | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

Sump pumps are the way to cleanse your septic tank. Cleansing-the-Go--An-Inside-Look-at-Septic-Tank-Pumping-_-Jacksonville,-FL-In fact, they are the only way to take care of your septic tank pumping issues, as they are not items that you can readily ignore. That said, what are the telltale signs that your septic tank is clogged to the point of a deadly sewage backup?

One sign to look for is basement or floor flooding. If it only occurs near your water heater, then it’s only a water heater issue. But if the water is murky, dirty, or emits a foul odor, then you know you have a serious problem that extends well beyond the confines of a water heater. Other obvious signs are drainfield clogs, which can make your yard look like a swamp.

The most dangerous results of a septic tank problem includes cracks in your home’s foundation, which can erode it, resulting in the loss of the value of your home or business due to extensive water damage. Factor in mold and termites and things can really go awry in just a matter of time. Plumbing problems come to light, and once the damage is done, the cost becomes astronomical to homeowners.

The purpose of the sump pump is to direct the used and dirty water away from your residence and into the septic tank so that there will be more room for fresh, clean water at your fingertips. This prevents so many problems with backup-related plumbing problems, thus making it easier for the water to travel down the pipes and into the septic tank for delivery to the sewers. That way, it makes its way to the treatment plant for future use.

Those living in Jacksonville, FL know just who they can call when the going gets tough on their septic system: Bert Norman’s Plumbing. In fact, sump pump and septic tank pumping are two of the many services offered at Bert Norman’s, and they can pump your system and get it back and running efficiently in no time.

Septic tank pumping and clean up are an essential part of the plumbing experience, and for those residing in remote areas, they are definitely a high necessity. For those who live in the area, they know just who they can turn to for this and other needs: Bert Norman’s Plumbing.

Residents in Jacksonville, FL and beyond should know that septic tank pumping needs to be done on a regular basis to prevent the possibility of a stinky mess. In fact, any plumbing professional across the board will gladly tell you that a schedule should be completed according to the number of people living in your home and the amount of water, in gallons, that are used on average. Failure to do so can result in drainage failure and cause your sewage to back water into your yard. The heavier the use, the more frequently you need to have your septic pumped, and some will need to be pumped in as little as 1 to 1.3 year’s time. This is largely due to the heavy impact of solids that go directly into your septic system, thus leading to the eventual clogging and sewage backup that will eventually occur.

There are some states that have laws which govern the minimum size of your septic tank. This goes according to the size of your home and the amount of occupants in it; however, what has the potential to go wrong can and will at any time. A toy can be accidentally flushed down the toilet by a careless child, or too much toilet paper may go down as well. That warrants a call for professional septic tank cleaning as soon as possible.

Those looking to buy a new home should consider at least a preliminary inspection prior to moving in and setting up residence.

Although it’s never a bad idea to have your septic tank professionally cleaned on a routine basis, there are some significant dangers the often result from pumping that’s done far too frequently. The single, most dangerous effect is the amount of water that can go to waste immediately if done too often. That’s why any sensible professional will recommend a preliminary inspection to check the inside walls for scum and solid particles prior to any service.

There may be some effective guidelines for when you should seek septic tank pumping service from a professional, but there are no hard time lines. Bert Norman’s understands that there are other major factors involved when it comes down to your pumping service. And that’s a very good reason to call for an inspection today. Sometimes, the prior tenants of any residence may fail to perform septic tank pumping, and as a new resident, you know you want to move in hassle-free.

Some residents may believe that septic tank pumping will automatically fix a drainfield that’s already been backed up, but that’s not the case. All it does is serve to prevent the possibility of clogging. Plus, it merely extends the life of your septic tank system in the years to come.

There are certain household appliances that can contribute to the need for more frequent septic tank pumping, and garbage disposals are one prime example. Being that your garbage disposal typically grinds up vast amounts of food particles for their easy transport, this increases the amount of time that your septic tank needs to be pumped. Smaller tanks run the risk of becoming clogged all the more frequently, and that only increases the amount of times you may need to call on a professional plumber for your septic tank pumping needs.

With Bert Norman’s Plumbing, there are services that help with your septic tank needs. Each professional comes armed with the supreme knowledge of how to perform a thorough inspection, the type of service that is needed, and the costs and fees involved. Those are the very items that the plumber will go over with you in your service agreement. There are no gimmicks, just friendly, prompt, and affordable service. Call or visit their website to schedule an appointment today.

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Common Plumbing Problems and How You Can Solve Them with Plumbing Service | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

Did you know that in 2018, more than a quarter-million gallons of human waste were spilled in Jacksonville, FL? Common-Plumbing-Problems-and-How-You-Can-Solve-Them-with-Plumbing-Service-_-Jacksonville,-FL-The incidence was attributed to equipment failure and massive summer rains witnessed in the city. It is always important for you to take good care of your home’s drainage system, and luckily, here are a few tips to help you out.

Clogged Drainage Systems

Before getting to know what you could do to reverse or rehabilitate a clogged drainage system, you should know what causes it in the first place and how it may affect your homestead. You may have clogged drainage because of harmful garbage disposal practices such as flushing down synthetic fibers, including wet wipes, diapers, and cotton wool. Also, your drainage may naturally clog due to the presence of hair, oil, dirt, and soap residues, as well as accumulated grease, large food particles, and hot wax.

A clogged drainage system may have detrimental cost implications, and it generally devalues your home. For starters, you may begin noticing foul smells coming from your bathroom or experience occasional and sometimes frequent running toilets.

Possible Solutions

Solving drainage problems will take more than removing hair that’s stuck in your bathroom sink or bathtubs. However, the fact is that you’d need a plumbing service provider to help extract any synthetic fiber wastes that may have been flushed down the toilet. One way to ensure your drainage system remains unclogged is by hiring the services of a professional plumber to do frequent maintenance checks on all your pipes. They may also be able to help out with complicated plumbing issues that may occur as a result of HVAC system failure and even external drainage.

Broken Water Lines

Low-pressure water flow, especially from your showerhead, is something that should get you worried. It’s usually a telltale sign that you may have broken water lines. Other indications may be wet soil patches or even puddles in your backyard when the damage is substantial. Also, you may be getting frequent visits from plumbing service providers. If left unchecked, this could lead to a spike in your water utility bills. It may happen due to soil particles gradually settling on top of the underlying water piping system over time, thus creating pressure and eventual stress that could break the pipes.

Other factors that could increase the chances of your water lines breaking include faulty or sub-standard initial installations, damage from rodents and pests, dysfunctional tuning of pressure systems, and wear and tear.

Possible Solutions

You may call a plumbing service company the moment you spot the telltale signs mentioned above for a quick diagnosis of the problematic areas. Also, you could always ensure that when having the water systems installed, you choose a trusted professional and equally quality piping systems with favorable warranty policies, which are not susceptible to invasion by pests and rodents. The cost may be high but not higher than what you will spend on repairing a broken water line.

Backed-up Sewer Systems

Sewer backups are costly to repair, especially when they happen on a large scale. The mainly caused by clogged drainage pipes that block the outlet of waste products. The sewer system is also subject to wear and tear, hence old drainage pipes may soon malfunction and inconvenience you, your neighbors, and at other times the whole neighborhood or township.

A sewer backup is quite easy to spot. First, the repulsive smell coming from the diseased sewer line is anything but exigent. You may also notice a gurgling sound emanating from your drains and water backing up in the bathtub or shower when you flush the toilet. This does not require a plumbing service provider.

Possible Solutions

A clogged sewer is avoidable through regular cleaning of the drainage systems in-bound the sewer line, a job that any qualified plumbing service provider in Jacksonville, FL, would be willing to provide. Also, plumbers advise that people should be careful of what they flush down the toilet as it ends up in the sewer system, which may be serving more than one neighborhood. Plumbing service providers remind homeowners that replacing the system could not only be destructive but also financially draining.

How do you know that you may have a mold or mildew crisis on your hands? You may notice fuzzy white patches on your basement floors or orange films forming around your kitchen and bathroom drains. These are known as molds and can be quite problematic if left unchecked. Molds and mildew grow from accumulated spores growing on moist grounds that range from household furniture to the walls. Mold spores are quite harmless before they have found fertile ground to grow on after which they can be quite dangerous to your health. Mold and mildew infestations may result in allergies and asthma among people with compromised immunities due to other liver infections, HIV, or old age. As such, it is important to determine how they come about and consequently figure out effective plumbing maintenance measures that could prevent their occurrence, as well as, ways through which you can root out the plants after they have grown.

Molds and mildew growth depend on a few factors, including past flooding in your home. If you live in flood-prone areas, you are at a greater risk of having molds and mildew growing in your household. It may also grow due to the presence of stagnant water around your bathroom, kitchen sink, or drainage gutters. Additionally, if you have any clogged drainage or sewer systems around your homestead, you might want to get that fixed as molds and mildew thrive in such environments.

Possible Solutions

Plumbing services providers claim that molds and mildews require vigilance to prevent a full-blown infestation. The basic steps towards mitigating the growth of molds and mildew include installing dehumidifiers, ensuring that you leave your bathroom door open after a shower, and having proper ventilation in the basement if your house gets rather humid. Nevertheless, you should have a trusted plumbing service provider on speed dial for regular checks.

Get In Touch

Homeowners can take advantage of Bert Norman’s Plumbing that provides workable solutions for plumbing problems experienced in Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, and Yulee, FL. The company’s plumbers are always there for you, during after-hours in case of plumbing emergencies. Additionally, they offer plumbing services, including faucet repairs, installation of sump pumps, and water softening systems as well as plumbing inspections.

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Effective Maintenance Tips from a Plumber Every Homeowner Should Know | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

It’s estimated that 10 million homes across Florida have water service lines and some residents may not be familiar with maintenance about these service lines. Effective-Maintenance-Tips-from-a-Plumber-Every-Homeowner-Should-Know-_-Fernandina,-FL--Most homeowners in Fernandina, FL, experience plumbing problems, such as faucet leakages, busted water heaters, broken pipes, or clogged toilets, and end up spending hundreds of dollars in keeping up with replacements or repairs. Whether you’re a first time or long time homeowner, there are some essential tips that you should know about plumbing. Below are some important tips that homeowners should keep in mind all year-long.

Check Your Drainage

Your drainage system is an integral part of your homestead and clogging of the systems may cause damage to your home. Plumbing service providers advise homeowners to conduct external drainage inspections or reach out to plumbing companies to perform these assessments every three months. Also, every homeowner should look out for puddles that last longer than 24 hours, as they may be an indicator of a hitch in your drainage system.

The Outside Matters

Professional plumbers also advise that you should regularly check the weep holes to ensure that the walls and windows don’t retain water during rainy seasons. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) should also be checked at this regularity by tripping and resetting the circuit interrupters. If the circuits do not trip or reset, that is just the right moment to contact any Florida-based plumber who will diligently come to the rescue. Moreover, all exterior air vents should be cleaned and lubricated to ensure that air flows freely and small animals don’t enter your house. You may go a step further and adjust the timers on your sprinklers according to the season such that there won’t be too much or too little water per station.

Your Showerheads and Faucets Are Important

The bathroom of your home is a very intriguing part of your household because even though it is small, minor problems such as leaky showerheads and faucets can spur a lot of trouble in other plumbing aspects of your house. Therefore, you should have a plumber check on the quality and condition of your showerheads and faucets from time to time. It is during these checks that the plumber looks for any dripping by ensuring no water droplets are available when the handle is in the off position. Leaking faucets may seem harmless due to the minute size, although they have serious consequences, especially on your water utility bill.

Look Out for the Pipes

The piping connectivity of your home plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of other aspects of your plumbing system. For you to identify a problematic issue in your pipes, you may observe patches and even puddles on the ground or notice that the water pressure is very low yet you pay very high water bills. These give a clear indication that something is leaky inwardly. Problems with the piping system are quite hard to diagnose and repair hence the need to conduct frequent checks to avoid inconvenience. Also, whenever you spot a wet patch on the soil or a long-lasting puddle on your lawn, make sure that you contact a plumber so he could quickly identify the problematic region and fix it. However, if you ever require the service, homeowners can fix these problems by reaching out to professional plumbing companies based in the area.

The toilet is just as important as the kitchen, and as such, maintaining it is imperative. Common household problems associated with a poorly maintained toilet include a foul smell across the whole compound, and poor hygienic conditions that can ultimately lead to ailments. To avoid this, you can contact a plumber who may effectively handle your toilet plumbing maintenance issues, since ensuring that your toilet is clean and teaching your children how to use the toilet correctly may not be enough. Moreover, the one thing that they know can guarantee minimal problems with your toilet, is to avoid dumping anything that isn’t human waste down the toilet.

Water heaters are also important aspects of your plumbing system that need constant monitoring. Some plumbing professionals claim that the water heaters can typically serve you for more than a decade without even a standard check. However, experts in the plumbing industry advise that homeowners should empty their water heaters at least every six months, with the flushing happening more often for homes located in regions with hard water. If you fail to do this, you might have a real problem on your hands. This is because the tank continues to accumulate unwanted sediments that may lead to a pipe bursting, loss of water pressure, and eventual break-down of the tank.

The septic system is often overlooked, yet it is an essential aspect of any modern residential property. A good number of plumbing issues originate from the septic system that consists of a pipe that connects directly to the house, septic tank, drain field, and the soil. It serves as a garbage disposal unit thus making its maintenance all the more important, lest you will find your home drowning in filth. Professional plumbers primarily advise all homeowners to observe the limit stipulated for the tank, information you may receive through consulting with one. Also, you are warned against using facilities such as the toilet as a garbage disposal unit and emptying hot tubs into the septic system. The septic system’s operations are dependent on the volume of water inside the tank, thus it is important to regulate these levels.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing is a trusted plumbing service provider with quality plumbing tools and plumbers with unrivaled experience and expertise in serving the residents of Fernandina, FL, and surrounding areas. Its plumbers provide effective solutions to a myriad of plumbing issues, including drainage cleaning, faucet repair, and plumbing inspections.

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Plumbing Beyond Necessity: Working with a Plumber to Add an Aesthetic Touch | Callahan, FL

Posted on by bertnorman
Photo By kurhan at Shutterstock

A plumber in Callahan, FL is never hard to find, and with Bert Norman’s Plumbing, your plumbing needs will always be met be they large or small. Plumbing-Beyond-Necessity--Working-with-a-Plumber-to-Add-an-Aesthetic-Touch-_-Callahan,-FL-From simple faucet leaks to total water heater burnouts, you will always have a plumber right at your fingertips.

For those residing in the Callahan, FL area, anything that can go wrong with plumbing eventually will. Drain clogs that lead to dirty water and sewage backups can make a person feel sickened at the sight and smell, plus can add headache and hassle. Bathroom fixtures, much like your kitchen area, share the same drain, and when a line blockage happens, one can back straight into the other. So it’s no wonder that when your kitchen sink is clogged with grease or bits of food that it can back up into your dishwasher, or that your dishwasher can back right up into the sink, both in an attempt to dispose of dirty water waste.

Proper drain cleaning service is a must in these hard times, and they can be done in more ways than one. If your drain is clogged due to hair build up, then a professional can clean it using a mechanical snake to pull it all out. The same goes for valuables that are lost down a drain, such as earrings or necklaces, for example. The only major drawback is that a snake will only be able to tackle the very surface of your problem, as it cannot clean out the other build up that accumulates over time. As an added feature, the professionals at Bert Norman’s will take extra care to safeguard your belongings so that they will be safe from the potential damage of this and any other major plumbing project.

Other services provided by Bert Norman’s of Callahan, FL can provide an inspection of your drains and pipes prior to performing a given service. With rapid advances in technology, it is now much easier for a plumber to use a small camera to go inside your drain to search for the root of your problem and conquer it. Cameras that go inside the drain can easily detect the source of a leak or a clog without hours upon hours of massive digging, thus saving you much time and money and protecting you from the headache of a sewer-like mess.

One of the most common problems you could face is a backed-up toilet, which is one of the most personal yet widely used plumbing fixtures within your home. For peripheral problems, such as clogs due to toilet tissue or waste build up, you may be able to get by with the use of an industrial plumber, and that’s fine. But when a plunger fails to cure the clog, then its time for you to call a professional to fix your woes. Whether it’s a clogged or leaky toilet, the professionals are there 24/7 to fix it.

And if you end up flushing the toilet three times just to get the debris down, it could mean something as simple as replacing the flusher component. A running toilet is a sign that the flapper valve inside the tank is worn and needs to be replaced.

Other common household plumbing problems can be addressed by a professional plumber within no time, such as leaky faucets, for example. Parts that are worn over time and use can result in a small leak that can manifest into something so large that water damage around the area can result, as well as a rate hike in your monthly water bill. Replacing small parts may be one thing, but when major damage occurs, it could be time for a faucet upgrade. A faucet upgrade requires that an entire faucet be replaced at the hands of a licensed plumber. The latest models are available, with two examples being Kohler and Delta. Not only does the plumber have the expertise on the latest aesthetic trends for your plumbing fixture needs, but they come fully equipped with the parts and the labor to get the entire job done in very little time.

Other plumbing issues will crop up from time to time, and it pays to hire a plumber who knows exactly what they’re doing when fixing your problem. But it’s not just fixing problems that Bert Norman’s can do. They also hold specialties in doing complete bathroom remodeling projects tailored to suit your style when it comes to upgrading and decorating.

With the bathroom being the most intimate part of your home, as well as the most widely used, adding an artistic touch to your personal experience can become the central focus of a major remodeling project.

Anyone who walks into any bathroom will most likely see the tub or shower first thing, as it is often the biggest centerpiece of any restroom. With brand new faucets and a newly decorated tub, guests and residents alike can enjoy a poetic view, whether or not they soak in the tub. It can resemble the central part of a masterpiece, along with other decorative features.

There are a variety of styles from which to choose, and a qualified plumber can help you navigate from a list of options in bathroom decor. Since each plumber knows how to install vanities and bathroom cabinets, they also have a vast knowledge of aesthetic styles, from contemporary to country to antique, and they can get a run-down as to what colors you may wish to choose to suit your unique style. Those with a flair for the old can choose off blues or pinks, while those who love country may choose colors involving simple plaids, light yellow, or even have a fireplace installed. More modern fixtures can involve simple grays or possible darker reds, along with a mirror made of geometrically cut glass for a more exact finish.

Plumbing is a lot more than just a necessity, and a qualified professional can help you with your style as well as your immediate need. Bert Norman’s Plumbing can work within your budget either way. All that is needed is for you to call or visit their website and speak to a professional.

Plumber in the Panhandle: The Options at Bert Norman’s | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

Jacksonville, FL has its fair share of plumbing needs, both great and small, and the demand for a reliable plumber remains steady and constant all the time. Plumber-in-the-Panhandle--The-Options-at-Bert-Norman's-_-Jacksonville,-FL-In fact, all plumbing service requires the use of a qualified plumber to meet your needs. And with Bert Norman’s Plumbing of Jacksonville, FL, you can never go wrong.

Perhaps what distinguishes Bert Norman’s is their overall willingness to offer the best in plumbing services all year round. In fact, each professional at Bert Norman’s is qualified and trained to provide service and repairs 24/7. So, with that in mind, you will always have a friendly and professional plumber at your side no matter what.

Drain cleaning is one of the many services offered at Bert Norman’s. Whether its for your sewer, sink, tub or toilet, each plumber at Bert Norman’s comes equipped with the knowledge and expertise to fix your woes.

A line blockage can affect all the fixtures which share the same drain, which typically requires the use of a mechanical snake to be placed inside the drain just to remove any peripheral debris within. This is most common with bathroom fixtures where the toilet, sink and tub all share the same drain. In kitchen setups, this typically happens when the dishwasher and sink unload into each other, with one causing a water backup with the other. Grease, hair, food, and even valuable items like jewelry can contribute to a line blockage or other type of plumbing clog, thus necessitating the need for the professional services of a plumber.

Leaks involving broken or corrupted shower pans pose unique challenges for homeowners in that the leak may start off so small that it becomes virtually undetectable until it builds over time. Even the tiniest of leaks can cause mold and mildew damage, not to mention that it could turn your bathroom into a breeding ground for termites and other damaging pests. Whether your shower pan is floor based, tiled, or composed of fiberglass or other material does not matter. What’s broken can be fixed, and a professional plumber from Bert Norman’s is always willing to locate the leak and fix it right away. They can even install a brand new shower pan as needed. All that is needed is for you to make that call and schedule an appointment.

All indoor plumbing fixtures are comprised of faucets and faucet parts that can experience signs of wear and tear over a course of time, thus resulting in faucet leaks. In fact, you should never underestimate the type of damage that can be done as a result of a faucet leak, as this could result in the loss of massive amounts of water and can therefore run up your monthly water bill. Even monumental water damage can result, especially as the leak expands itself both on top of and under your counter, and can lead to mold and wood or plaster damage in little time.

With faucets that are not installed correctly, a leak can result. Leaks also occur as faucet parts begin to wear down. Sometimes, it may be a simple matter of fixing a broken part, but, in most cases, it pays to call on a plumber to replace your faucets with brand new ones. Whether it’s shower, sink, or water faucets, a plumber from Bert Norman’s can help. They can even replace an entire faucet fixture at a cost that’s reasonable to you.

There may be times that call for a faucet upgrade, which can put an end to your leaking woes for many years to come. The professionals at Bert Norman’s have vast knowledge in all types of brand-new models, and they will gladly answer any and all questions that you may have regarding their installation and use. In fact, they work with two distinct distributors, Kohler and Delta, to give you the best satisfaction for your money.

Those living in Jacksonville, FL and other surrounding areas are just like any other normal resident in that they understand the value that hot water brings for their home. Without it, there would be no hot showers, warm tubs in which to soak and relax in, nor would there be any clean and sanitized dishes to eat off of. Plus, you wouldn’t have clean laundry or be able to do simple tasks like washing your hands clean. And that’s why it’s so important to make sure that your water heater is clean and in working order, as it is your water system’s “central processing unit” which brings the hot water straight to the surface.

When your water heater malfunctions to the point of breaking down completely, it can serve as a major hassle and inconvenience. Just imagine that icky feeling that comes from not being able to take a hot shower or bath, or the disgust you may feel at the idea of eating with utensils that have not experienced the cleansing sanitation that is normally provided when they are washed in hot water.

With water heaters aged ten and over, it is highly recommended that they be replaced, as odds are greater that they can malfunction due to a decade’s worth of wear and tear. Signs of a potential breakdown include drastic fluctuations of cold or hot water, which is nothing that should be ignored. A qualified plumber can replace your water heater with a newer model that is much more energy efficient. With all kinds of water heaters on the market, there is so much more from which to choose, and the options are endless. There are tankless Rinnai models, electric brands, and regular gas heaters, just to name a few. With an electric brand, the main drawback is that when your power goes out, so does your hot water, which would not be the case for a gas-powered heater. The plumber will help you to explore each option and make the choice that’s right for you and your budget.

Whatever your plumbing woes, the professionals at Bert Norman’s Plumbing are there to help. All you need to do is call or visit them online to schedule an appointment. It’s that simple.

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