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6 Signs It’s Time To Call A Plumber | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By AndreyPopov at istock

Knowing what to watch out for is half the battle when it comes to owning a home. The sooner you can spot a plumbing problem in your home, the sooner you can get it fixed and the less damage it’s going to do. However, most homeowners don’t know the first thing about plumbing, especially as it pertains to discovering and identifying problems. If you want to make sure you’re calling a plumber as soon as possible every time, here are six signs you need to watch out for.

1. A pipe or fixture is leaking

No matter how minor a leak in your home may be, it’s a big problem. Leaks only get worse with time, and they can cost you a lot of money in wasted water and water damage to your home. If you notice any pipes or fixtures leaking, call a plumber right away before you end up with a larger repair bill.

Oftentimes, stopping a leak is as simple as replacing a component of a fixture or replacing a pipe fitting. While these repairs are still going to cost you a bit of money, you’ll save a fortune compared to what you could pay for the water damage leaks can cause.

2. A pipe is frozen

Burst pipes are one of the biggest problems plumbers have to deal with, and it all starts with a pipe freezing. When the water inside a pipe freezes, it expands to the point that it can crack the pipe. If it’s below freezing outside and one of the fixtures in your home isn’t working, chances are you’ve got a frozen pipe.

A professional can help thaw your pipe out before it gets damaged, so it’s important to call the pros right away. The sooner you have somebody check out your frozen pipe, the less likely it is to burst. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in water damage, so preventing frozen pipes from bursting should be a top priority.

3. A pipe is badly clogged

Slow or clogged drains aren’t an uncommon plumbing problem, but they certainly can be. If you can’t get rid of a clog using a liquid drain cleaner and a plunger, that’s a sign that you need to call a professional. Any further drain cleaning needs to be handled by a professional and trying it yourself could result in hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage.

Bad pipe clogs can lead to sewage backups, which introduce dangerous sewage to your home. Drain clogs can also lead to pipe corrosion or flooding, both of which result in costly repairs. These major clogs have to be removed using an auger or snake, which can cause significant pipe damage and even flooding if done wrong. This is why you need to call a plumber if you have a drain clog you can’t take care of on your own.

4. Your water tastes, smells, or looks strange

When you fill a glass with water or turn a faucet on, you can usually tell if there’s something wrong with your water. If you notice the water coming out of a faucet tastes, smells, or looks strange, stop drinking it and have somebody check it out as soon as possible. While some changes in water quality aren’t a huge deal, you could be drinking toxins that can lead to serious health problems. In particular, you want to look out for:

  • Water that has a blue or green color
  • Cloudy or foamy water
  • A chlorine taste in water
  • Dirt and sediment in water
  • Water that smells like sulfur

If you notice any of these water quality issues in your home, call a plumber to have it checked out. The last thing you want to do is put your health at risk by drinking contaminated water.

5. You have no hot water

Every morning when you wake up, you expect to have hot water. Whether you’re washing your hands on a particularly cold day or taking your morning shower, hot water is an essential part of modern life. Unfortunately, there are several water heater problems that can lead to a lack of hot water in your Jacksonville, FL, home.

The best-case scenario is a simple breaker problem. If a breaker is tripped, it can prevent your water heater from heating up. Most of the time, however, you need to replace a heating element or thermostat. And in most cases, it’s the bottom element or thermostat that goes out first, since it does more of the work.

6. Your water bill is significantly higher than it should be

It’s normal for your water bill to fluctuate a bit from month to month, but a sharp increase in your water bill is a sign that you need to call a plumber. It could be that you’ve got a leak, a running toilet or a dripping faucet. In some cases, a high water bill can result from water meter problems.

If you haven’t added members to your household or significantly changed your water use habits lately, you shouldn’t see a massive change in your water bill. If you do, it’s time to call a plumber.

Give Us a Call

Knowing what to watch for is only half the battle when it comes to taking care of your home’s plumbing; you also have to know who to call when you have a problem. If you’re in the Jacksonville, FL, area, the best way to solve your plumbing problems is by calling Bert Norman’s Plumbing. We have a team of experienced plumbers who can help you get leaks, clogs, and other problems fixed in a hurry no matter how severe they are. We can even handle major work like plumbing an addition or remodel and repiping your home. When you need a plumber, give Bert Norman’s Plumbing a call at 904-225-5888.

When A Plumber Should Replace Plumbing System Parts | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By Kritkamol Tanwiboon at Shutterstock

Owning a home comes with a lot of tough responsibilities, but taking care of your plumbing is one of the hardest parts. Not only do you need to educate yourself about the basics of plumbing, but you also need to keep an eye out for problems at your Fernandina, FL, home so you know when it’s time to call a plumber. Simply knowing when parts need to be replaced can go a long way. Here are some basics to help you know when it’s time to replace various plumbing system parts.

Water Lines

Water lines are responsible for carrying fresh water from the city’s water supply (or a well) to all the fixtures in your home. These pipes are generally much smaller than drain lines, plus they’re made of different materials.

In older homes, water lines were typically made of either galvanized steel or copper. Galvanized steel presents several problems, which is why plumbers stopped using it in homes. Copper, on the other hand, is fairly solid but also very expensive. On average, you can expect galvanized pipes to last about 40 to 50 years, while copper water lines can last 70 years or more.

In newer homes, water lines are generally made from a material called PEX. PEX is great for water lines while remaining affordable, making it the top choice for most of today’s plumbers. These PEX water lines may last as long as 100 years, although it’s difficult to say because they haven’t been used for that long.

Drain Lines

Drain lines are the pipes that carry wastewater from your home to the sewers, which is an important job. These drain lines are larger than most water lines, and they face a very different set of problems.

It used to be that drain lines were made of cast iron, which is a sturdy and capable material. However, that cast iron had a lot of problems, including the fact that the inside of these pipes tends to corrode a lot. While cast iron was said to have a 50-year lifespan, it may only last 20 years in some homes.

Nowadays, plumbers use PVC for drain lines because it’s cheaper, easier to work with, and lasts a lot longer than cast iron. Plus, you don’t have to worry about interior corrosion reducing the inside diameter of pipes and leading to more clogs. PVC drain lines are said to have an indefinite lifespan, although they’ve only been in use for about 50 years.

If your drain lines aren’t made of PVC, there’s a good chance it’s time to upgrade them.

Fittings

In order to connect one run of pipe to another, a professional has to use fittings. These fittings can connect two straight pipes, or they can connect two pipes at a 45 or 90 degree angle to change direction. Just like the pipes that they’re attached to, these fittings have a somewhat fixed lifespan.

For the most part, you can expect fittings to last about as long as pipes that are made from the same material. A copper fitting should last about 60 to 70 years, while a PVC fitting has a much longer lifespan since it won’t break down. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

SharkBite fittings are great for connecting copper water lines when they can’t be soldered together, but they aren’t made to last forever. If a plumber used SharkBite fittings for repairs on your home, you should have them replaced with properly soldered copper fittings in the next 25 years.

Fixtures

The plumbing fixtures in your home, which include things like toilets and faucets, also have a somewhat predictable life expectancy. While a fixture failing generally doesn’t cause as severe of a problem like a burst pipe or corroded drain line, it’s still important to keep an eye on your fixtures so you know when to replace them.

Faucets can last between 15 and 20 years depending on the circumstances. If you have hard water in your home or you don’t use a faucet very often, that lifespan could shorten a bit. However, most plumbers will tell you a faucet lasts a couple of decades.

Toilets, on the other hand, are designed to last up to 50 years. This depends on the type of toilet and what kind of treatment it endures, but you can generally expect a toilet to last at least 30 or 40 years before it’s time for a replacement.

Appliances

The appliances that are connected to your plumbing system also need to be replaced occasionally. While you don’t need to have a plumber inspect these appliances, other parts of your plumbing system could determine how often you need to replace appliances.

Whether you’re talking about a water heater, a dishwasher, or a washing machine, hard water is a huge problem for appliances. Hard water is water that contains a lot of minerals, which means it leaves mineral deposits inside water lines and other crucial parts of appliances. You can tell if you’ve got hard water by looking for premature corrosion around fixtures and mineral deposits left behind on appliances.

If you do have hard water that’s affecting your appliances, you can have a plumber install a water softener. This reduces the mineral content of the water, which means the fixtures and appliances in your home last longer.

Get a Little Help

It’s no secret that taking care of a home’s plumbing is a lot of work, but you don’t have to do everything alone. As a matter of fact, the best thing you can do is find a plumber you can count on in the Fernandina, FL, area. Lucky for you, Bert Norman’s Plumbing has your back. If the appliances, fixtures, or pipes in your home are on their last leg, give us a call and we’ll get everything taken care of before you have to deal with a plumbing catastrophe.

Is It Time For A Plumber To Do A Plumbing System Upgrade? | Callahan, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By isak55 at Shutterstock

You might not think about it very often, but all the components in your plumbing system are only designed to last so long. Not only that, but you can also get improved efficiency as well as a host of new features by upgrading. However, there are some upgrades that may not add as much to your Callahan, FL, home. If you’re wondering about having a plumber make some upgrades to your plumbing system, here are the factors you need to consider.

Pipe and Fixture Age

The first and most important thing to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system is how old its components are. Water lines, drain lines and various fixtures all have different expected lifespans, and you don’t want a fixture or pipe holding on by a thread because you were too cheap to make an upgrade.

PVC drain lines are an interesting concept because we still aren’t quite sure how long they’re going to last. Plumbers have only been using PVC for a short time, but most people feel it will last indefinitely if it’s not physically damaged.

Copper water lines also last a very long time. Plus, professionals have used copper for long enough that we know it tends to last about 70 to 80 years, so you know when it’s time for a replacement. PEX water lines last about 40 to 50 years.

Your water heater will typically only last between 8 to 12 years, while a faucet should last 15 to 20 years. Keep the expected lifespan of plumbing components in mind when you’re deciding whether it’s worth it to upgrade your plumbing system.

What’s the Problem?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system because of a problem, you need to consider how bad the problem is and how much it would cost to fix it. Some plumbing problems are a matter of replacing a part of a fixture, while others can’t really be fixed without replacing a fixture or a section of pipe. When you’re deciding whether or not you should upgrade your plumbing system, you should always consider the magnitude of the problems you’re dealing with.

Water heaters are a classic case of needing to be replaced rather than repaired. If a water heater tank is damaged, there’s not much a plumber can do to fix it. Even if a small hole or a bit of corrosion can be patched up, that problem is still going to rear its head at some point in the future. If you’ve got an old, corroded faucet that lacks water flow, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace it.

Efficiency

Efficiency is another thing you have to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system. A lot of older fixtures and appliances use a lot more water than their modern counterparts, which means you can save a lot of money by having a plumber upgrade your home to the most efficient design. However, it’s important to figure out whether or not it’s worth spending the money on an upgrade to save money down the line.

The most important things you can upgrade when it comes to efficiency are faucets and showerheads, your water heater, your washing machine, and your dishwasher. Making these upgrades can save you a significant portion of your monthly water bill.

Features

Another reason you might want to consider upgrading to a newer fixture or appliance is the fact that you can get modern features that you won’t find in older products. For example, you can have a plumber install a faucet with a built-in sprayer so you don’t have to install a separate spray for your kitchen sink.

It’s important to remember that these additional features you may get from a new faucet aren’t necessary, but they are a nice luxury to have. You can also upgrade to a washing machine with a pre-wash basket, or have a plumber install a leak detection system so you don’t have to worry about leaks.

Preparing for the Future

If you have an older plumbing system, now is the perfect time to upgrade to newer components that help you prepare for the future. When it comes to preparing for the future, it’s important to consider efficiency and modern trends that are changing the way water and power are delivered. If you can upgrade to an ENERGY STAR certified water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine to save yourself some money on your energy bill.

You might also want to consider replacing some of the water lines and drain lines in your home if you live in an older home. The older your home is, the greater the chance that your water lines are near failing, so calling a plumber now isn’t a bad idea.

The Final Decision

Ultimately, there are a lot of factors that can help you decide if it’s time to upgrade your plumbing system. As a homeowner, you need to consider how old your current pipes and fixtures are, how efficient your plumbing system is, and whether or not there are any features you want to add to your plumbing system. If you’re not sure whether or not you should upgrade your plumbing system, you can always call a plumber and have them evaluate your home.

Give Us a Call

Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your Callahan, FL, home, which means it’s never a bad idea to make some upgrades. However, it can be tough to decide which repairs are worth it and which are a little more frivolous.

If you’re not sure what kind of upgrades your home needs to take it to the next level, a plumber at Bert Norman’s Plumbing can help you make the call. To find out more about some of the most popular modern plumbing upgrades or schedule an appointment, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at (904) 225-5888.

When Do You Need to Hire a Plumber? | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By BanksPhotos at istock

When you own a home, sometimes it feels like you spend all your time looking for problems and spending money fixing them. If you’re sick of spending too much money on plumbing repairs, you need to educate yourself about plumbing a bit and find someone you can count on to handle all your service needs. If you’re not sure when to hire a plumber for your Fernandina, FL, home, here are some problems you need help with.

Cleaning Your Drains

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve at least taken a shot at cleaning your drains with a liquid drain cleaner. Perhaps you’ve even tried using a plunger to get a stubborn clog out of a toilet or sink. While these are both effective methods of removing clogs at home, any more involved drain cleaning should be left up to your plumber.

Snaking a drain may seem like a simple concept, but doing it wrong can leave you with severe damage that costs a fortune to repair. A professional knows the layout of your drain pipes and can use a snake to effectively remove the clog without there being any worry of pipe damage.

Fixing a Running Toilet

Most people have dealt with a running toilet before, but that can seem like a minor problem if you don’t know what’s really going on. When a toilet continues to run after you’ve flushed it, the tank is continuously filling up with water, which can waste thousands of gallons of water per month. A running toilet that won’t stop is a definite sign that you need to call a plumber.

The good news about running toilets is that they’re generally pretty easy to fix. There are only a few parts inside your toilet tank, and one of those parts is generally what’s causing your toilet to keep running. However, it’s important to call an expert right away to minimize water waste.

Fixing a Leak

Whether you notice a bit of water coming out of your faucet when it’s off or a large wet spot on your wall, you need to call a plumber as soon as possible if you spot a leak. Leaks only get worse with time, especially if they’re in areas where they can cause a lot of damage. Plus, you need a professional to run a new section of pipe or change the fitting that’s causing your leak.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak, a burst pipe or a slab leak, you need to get leaks fixed the right way if you want to prevent damage and save yourself time and money in the future. A professional has the tools and knowledge to fix any type of leak in a hurry.

Plumbing Emergencies

Another good reason to call a plumber is when you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency. While there are plenty of simple plumbing problems you can wait a couple of days to fix, there are also emergencies that can cause severe damage to your home if you don’t get them fixed right away. Make sure you know about some of the most common plumbing emergencies so you can call a professional before too much damage is done.

Burst pipes are probably the most common plumbing emergency, as they can lead to an absurd amount of water waste and water damage. However, you should also call an emergency plumbing company if you have a clogged drain that’s causing a foul odor, as that’s a sign you’re dealing with a sewage backup.

Flooding is another problem that always requires the help of an emergency plumber. Whether your home is flooding as a result of a sewage backup, a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet, you need to call an expert right away to minimize water damage.

Installing New Fixtures

If you ever want to upgrade or replace the fixtures in your home, you’ll need a licensed plumbing company on your side. Installing fixtures the wrong way can lead to expensive leaks and other plumbing problems, so you should always hire a professional if you want your fixtures to work correctly.

Another important reason to hire an expert when installing new fixtures is to make sure you’re making the right choices. A plumber can tell you what kind of fixtures you should upgrade to and help you evaluate all your options. Plus, this is the perfect time to make any changes that need to be made to your plumbing system in order to install new fixtures.

The Importance of Licensed Plumbing

Finding a good plumbing company can be tough, but it’s so important to have somebody you can call when there’s a problem. Whether you’re dealing with a major plumbing problem or simply need to replace a faucet in your home, make sure you’re hiring a licensed professional if you want the best work.

Plumbers are required to be licensed in Florida, but that’s not the only reason you should choose a licensed plumbing company. These plumbers have also gone through training and schooling to prepare them for the job, which means they have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of plumbing. If you hire an amateur, you never know what kind of work you’re going to get.

Call Today

Being a responsible homeowner isn’t easy, but it’s well worth it to have a home you can be proud of. Even better, you only need to have a little knowledge so you know when to call a professional and let them handle the dirty work.

If you want to take better care of your home, you need help from the plumbing experts at Bert Norman’s Plumbing. Our expertise makes it easy to keep your Fernandina, FL, home in better shape year after year. To learn more about common plumbing problems or schedule a service appointment today, give Bert Norman’s Plumbing a call at (904) 225-5888.

How A Plumber Diagnoses Common Plumbing Problems | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By posteriori at istock

Just because you own a home doesn’t mean you know about all the little things that go into owning a home. As a homeowner, it’s your job to keep an eye out for any problems and get them fixed before they become even bigger problems. Unfortunately, that can be a tough task when it comes to preventing plumbing problems in your home. If you’re not sure when you need to call a plumber, here are some of the most common problems you should keep an eye out for.

Leaks

Perhaps the most common plumbing problem is a simple leak. Leaks can happen for tons of different reasons, and they come in lots of different sizes and severities. Common signs of a leak include water spots on walls and ceilings, a mold or mildew odor in your home or a high water bill with no explanation.

The thing about leaks is that even a small one can cause a lot of damage. As soon as you spot a leak in your home, you should call a professional to check it out and get it stopped. If you have a burst pipe or a very bad leak, you should probably call an emergency plumber to make sure you get your leak fixed before you end up with a flooded home.

Clogs

If leaks aren’t the most common home plumbing problem, that’s because clogs are. Drain clogs can be caused by so many different things that just about every homeowner has a clog from time to time. Whether it’s in your bathroom or kitchen, working to prevent clogs and removing them as soon as possible is critical.

Drain clogs are mostly caused by putting solids down drains. You should avoid putting things greases and oils, cigarette butts and makeup products down any drains. Even if the wipes you use are marketed as “flushable,” they don’t break down very well and are likely to cause a clog.

If you do have a minor drain clog, you can get rid of it by running an enzyme-based drain cleaner through the affected drain. Make sure you don’t use a chemical-based drain cleaner such as Drano, as these drain cleaners can lead to further pipe damage and more calls to plumbers.

Frozen Pipes

For homeowners in Jacksonville, FL, frozen pipes aren’t the biggest concern during the winter. However, Texas has shown that even the areas where freezing temperatures aren’t a concern can be affected by winter weather. If temperatures are going to drop to or below freezing, make sure you have a plumber insulate or heat tape the exterior pipes in your home to protect them against freezing. While this is unlikely in Florida, a frozen pipe that bursts can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage depending on how quickly you get it fixed.

Low Water Pressure

When you turn on a faucet, you expect decent water pressure. At the very least, there should be enough pressure to easily rinse soap off of your hands, dishes and body. Unfortunately, there are a handful of problems that can lead to low water pressure, either in a single fixture or throughout your home. If you notice your water pressure suddenly dropping, you should call a plumber to figure out why.

If low water pressure is confined to a single fixture, that’s a sign that there’s something wrong with that fixture but not your plumbing system as a whole. Oftentimes, fixing this problem is as simple as replacing the aerator on a faucet with a clean one.

Low water pressure throughout your home is a sign that you’ve got a bigger problem that’s going to cost a little more to fix. If this is the case, you may need a plumber to run a camera through your pipes to figure out what’s going on.

No Hot Water

There’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning to a hot shower when it comes to starting your day right. Unfortunately, water heater problems leave homeowners with no hot water all the time. While this isn’t a plumbing emergency in the sense that it’s going to cause damage if you don’t get it fixed, you should always call a plumber if you don’t have any hot water.

Most of the time, a hot water problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat or heating element in your water heater. These parts are fairly affordable and easy to replace, which means you can get hot water back on pretty quickly. However, it’s important to remember that there are times when your water heater tank may be the problem, in which case it’s best to spend a little more to replace your water heater.

Water Hammer

If you’ve ever turned a faucet or showerhead on and heard a loud banging noise coming from the wall, you’re familiar with water hammer. Water hammer occurs as a result of changes in pressure in your water lines, which can send air rushing through the lines and cause horrendous noises. The good news is, you can fix a water hammer with a water hammer arrestor as long as you know where it’s coming from. While a water hammer isn’t the biggest concern, you should call a plumber to check yours out if it’s bothering you.

Get Some Help

Understanding the plumbing problems you’re likely to deal with is an important step toward becoming a responsible homeowner. The good news is, there aren’t too many things you have to keep your eyes peeled for when it comes to plumbing.

If you think you may have a plumbing problem in your Jacksonville, FL, home, a licensed plumber from Bert Norman’s Plumbing can help. Thanks to years of experience, we can quickly diagnose and solve your problem with a friendly smile. Next time you need a plumbing professional, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at (904) 225-5888.

How To Find A Plumber | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By itsskin at istock

A plumber is an asset. Households around the area appreciate having a serviceperson they can call day or night. Considering what a pain plumbing problems can be, it’s always best to have someone you can reach whenever you need a helping hand. If you’ve never needed to hire a plumbing professional before, don’t worry. We’ll guide you through the steps it takes to find someone you can trust with the greatest ease.

Where to Find the Best Plumbers in the Area

Plumbers worth hiring in the area put their customers first. They go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure your satisfaction. They take every service request that they receive seriously. That way, they can continue to build their reputation in the community for being reliable, professional, and communicative in every way.

Here is how to find a plumber in Fernandina, FL:

  • Request a referral from the people that you know who have had plumbing work done recently. Among the easiest ways to find a professional worth working with is by asking family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers for advice. The people that you know are a wealth of knowledge. They don’t mind speaking candidly about the experiences they had with a specific company. The people that you ask for advice from will tell you the truth about how they feel about a plumbing expert. You can then decide if you want to hire the professional based on the information they told you.

 

  • Research companies in the area by doing a local web search using your choice of browser. Learn who in the city can assist you. It takes seconds to pull up a list of worthy candidates to choose from today. You can use your computer or smartphone to contact companies that can help you with your plumbing issues. All you need to do is call around until you find one willing to help you right away. You can access the company’s website by clicking on a link or inputting the URL in the search bar. It helps you get to know what services are provided by the professionals.

 

  • Take a look at online review sites and see what people have to say about the company and its plumbers. Customers have no issue with posting their honest opinions of companies online. That’s what makes review sites a valuable resource. You can visit a few and input the companies of your choice in the search fields. You can then start to see what people have to say about the company based on their personal experience hiring them. It’s something we recommend that you do before agreeing to work with a plumbing professional exclusively.

 

  • Read testimonials posted on company websites. When a company receives praise, they almost always include it on their website. It serves as proof that they have many satisfied customers. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the websites of the different companies you’re considering hiring, now is the time to do so. If you’re able to get a feel for how the company treats its customers, you’ll know what to expect of it in terms of customer satisfaction.

 

  • Use the phone book to find a list of names and phone numbers to call. An old-fashioned approach to finding a service provider, this method of researching companies is still highly effective. Flipping to the back of the book and calling a list of names in the directory allows you to understand how different companies operate and treat their customers. You get to ask questions about a plumber and receive the type of responses needed to make an informed decision about hiring one.

 

  • Respond to an advertisement. Many companies choose to advertise using direct mail materials, TV ads, and radio commercials. Pay close attention to the language being used to drive sales. If there are promotions or specials, be sure to inquire about them. You may be able to save yourself a lot of money by going with a company that you’ve never heard of before. It never hurts to learn more about a new service provider in town because they could end up being the company you feel comfortable giving all your business to in the future.

Plumbers in the area have different strengths and ways of running their businesses. Getting to know the various companies you have to choose from today is advantageous. It helps you select the best plumber of the bunch to give your business to immediately. All you need to do is call the company that interests you the most and request a price estimate.

Once you’ve discussed the issue and the professional has come to your home to assess the damage, they’ll be able to give you an idea of what the job will run you cost-wise. You’ll have a good idea of what you’ll pay to get the repair done. It helps you plan the expense in your household budget under the category of fixes/replacements.

The best plumbing professional is one that makes you feel good about your decision to hire them. They take the time to get to know your issue to offer solutions that meet your needs. They make it a point to show respect to you and your family. They also make it easy for you to refer them to the people that you know because of the excellent job they did for you.

Get the Help with Your Plumbing Issues That You’ve Come to Expect

Bert Norman’s Plumbing is here to assist you with your request. Contact us today with your plumbing issue. Call 904-225-5888 to set up a service call with one of our Fernandina, FL plumbers. We’re here to help you with your plumbing problems by fixing them quickly and successfully.

You are our number one priority. If you need to reach us day or night, don’t hesitate to call. We offer emergency plumbing services to meet your needs and to exceed your expectations. That way, you’re never without the assistance you need when you need it the most.

6 Signs Your Commercial Building Needs A Plumber | Callahan, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By A stockphoto at istock

Many businesses call Callahan, FL, home, from auto repair shops to salons to the nearest animal hospital, and what do they all have in common? They all benefit from effective commercial plumbing! Typically, you’d expect the plumbing on commercial premises to be used more often than residential plumbing systems, and you’d be right. There are employee restrooms, public restrooms, and water supplies used for the daily tasks that create revenue to worry about. After all, your local car wash or favorite restaurant can’t very well do without a vast supply of water. It can be far more troublesome for a business owner to suddenly discover their commercial building is experiencing issues that require the attention of a plumber. Some of the signs your commercial building will need a professional’s intervention sooner rather than later are:

1. Your commercial plumbing is getting old.

Both the age and the level of use play a part in when you’re likely to need a plumber to look at repairing issues or replacing the plumbing system altogether. Even though commercial plumbing is often considered to be more robust than residential counterparts, pipes, fixtures, and fittings in your commercial property do still have an average lifespan. If brass supply pipes feed your building, you may need to replace them between 40-70 years after initial installation. Copper pipes last a little less, around 50 years, and galvanized steel pipes usually last between 20-50 years, depending on how well they’ve been looked after. If you think it’s coming towards the time when you’d like to replace commercial plumbing, or you know your plumbing system uses outdated materials, you may want to consider asking a professional to install PVC or cast iron drain lines. Both can last much longer than the plumbing materials we’ve already mentioned.

2. There are complaints of low water pressure.

Low water pressure can be a signifier for various plumbing issues, so if your customers or staff have noticed a drop in water pressure, you might need a plumber to assess what is causing it. If the water flow through your sinks is slower than expected, and drainage is poorer than expected, there may be a clog, leak, or drainage issue to repair. It can also signify a water heater malfunction. Most commonly, a lack of water pressure is caused by a clog or a leak; and with large commercial premises, it may be difficult to isolate where the issue is. A professional with state-of-the-art leak detection equipment can help to identify the location and repair or replace, as necessary, to reinstate the expected water pressure in your building.

3. Noticeably slow drainage in toilets and kitchens.

Many commercial buildings’ plumbing systems struggle with slow drainage at one time or another, whether it’s in the on-site kitchen, employee toilets, or guest toilets. As a business owner, you can’t always control what ends up traveling through your kitchen or toilet plumbing, and it’s inevitable that a clog will occur at some stage. Clogs are the most common cause of slow drainage, and much like pipe leaks that cause low water pressure, they can be hard to locate and resolve. Some clogs might be obvious, e.g., a blocked toilet, but in other cases, clogs can occur further down the drain line or affect multiple fixtures at a time so they can be hard to isolate. Whether it’s an obvious clog or a hidden one, a plumber should be called to remove the clog and examine your drain lines to remove other potential blockages.

4. A lack of hot water.

While not always crucial for day-to-day operations, a lack of hot water can be disgruntling for employees and customers at the very least. In other cases, hot water is vital to operations; you wouldn’t appreciate a cold hair wash at a salon, for example, washing with cold water in a restaurant kitchen won’t have the same effect. A distinct lack of hot water is indicative that you’ll need to call a plumber to look at your premises’ water heater to see if it’s simply calibrated incorrectly, and needs repair or replacement.

5. Water is discolored.

Corroded pipes are the leading cause of discolored water. If water has been contaminated by rust, it will look brown, reddish, or yellowish. Water that has been contaminated in this way is no longer drinkable, and in most cases, recommended as unusable. If this is brought to your attention, a plumber must replace the corroded pipes before business as usual can return. In some cases, excess dirt in your water supply can cause discoloration; even in these cases, you can trust a professional to replace your pipes to resolve the issue once and for all.

6. There are unexpected puddles in and around your building.

Callahan, FL, receives on average 50 inches of rainfall per year, so in a lot of cases, puddles may be an expected part of living in this area. However, if, after heavy rain, it takes an age for the pools to disappear, or you’re starting to see water pooling near indoor appliances, don’t wait for larger puddles to occur. Call a plumber to identify if the water pooling is natural or caused by a leak.

Major commercial plumbing disasters can spell big trouble for your business financially. In the event of a leak, there is the danger that vast amounts of water can flood your building, damage your inventory, and cause irreparable damage to its foundations, in the worst case. Also, unpleasant odors and unsightly stains can turn away potential customers if they’re not dealt with by a professional plumber. If you own or manage a commercial building know that we’re here to help you with every plumbing issue, large or small, to help you create the most comfortable environment for your staff and customers. Our emergency service is available 24/7, and we’ve always got a plumber on-hand to assist with any queries that you might have about how to improve plumbing issues that have been brought to your attention. Call us at Bert Norman’s Plumbing to discuss at any time.

7 Plumber Basics You Need To Know | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By Inozemtsev Konstantin at istock

When you own a home, it’s up to you to do all the little things that help prevent problems. The thing is, homeowners aren’t experts when it comes to things like electricity and plumbing. Fortunately, a bit of plumbing knowledge goes a long way when it comes to preventing plumbing problems in your Jacksonville, FL, home. If you want to avoid calling a plumber as much as you can, here are seven plumbing basics you should know.

1. Shutting off your water

When you have a bad leak or some other plumbing emergency, you have to wait for a plumber to arrive before you can actually fix the problem. As soon as you call an emergency plumbing service, you should head to your main water shutoff valve and turn off the water supply to your home. Turning off water when you have a leak can save you a ton of money in water damage, plus you don’t have to worry about wasting water. If you’re not sure where your main water shutoff valve is, have somebody show you so you know for the future.

2. Running toilets

If you ever hear your toilet running 15 or 20 minutes after you last used the bathroom, make sure you stop it. Toilets run for a few different reasons, but they always cause a spike in your water bill. A running toilet can cost you hundreds monthly, so you don’t want to let your toilet run. You can usually stop a running toilet by jiggling the flusher or straightening out the chain in the tank, but you can always call a plumber if these simple solutions aren’t fixing your problem.

3. Preventing burst pipes

Perhaps the biggest plumbing problem you can have in your home is a burst pipe. Not only do burst pipes cause major damage to your water lines, but they also lead to major water damage and cause a spike in your water bill. The good news is, you can prevent burst pipes with a little bit of work. Burst pipes are a result of water freezing and expanding inside a water line, which means they only happen when it gets very cold outside. You can combat this by having a plumber install insulation around pipes that are located in exterior walls, and you can even use heat tape to keep the pipes warm.

4. Avoiding pipe clogs

You might not think clogs are a big deal, but people spend a lot of money on plumbers as a result of clogged drains. As a homeowner, you should do everything you can to avoid clogging your drains, which means being careful about what you’re putting down your drains. Even if you have a garbage disposal, you should put as much food waste in the trash as you can. You should avoid using flushable wipes and similar products in your toilet, since these products don’t break down in your drains. For more tips on preventing drain clogs, ask a plumber.

5. Using the right drain cleaner

If you’ve never thought about what kind of drain cleaner you’re using, there’s a good chance you’re using the wrong one. Despite its popularity, Drano is a chemical-based drain cleaner that can cause problems with your pipes. The heat created by the chemical reaction that these products cause can corrode and break down pipes, leading to leaks deep in your drains. Instead, you should use an enzyme-based drain cleaner that eats away at clogs without creating any heat or chemical reaction. You can use these drain cleaners regularly to prevent and remove clogs since it’s safe for use in all your drains.

6. Dealing with hard water

One thing that a lot of homeowners don’t know about is hard water. Hard water refers to water with a higher mineral content, and that’s just the way water is for people in certain cities. The thing is, hard water can cause a lot of damage to the plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home. As the minerals from hard water build up in fixtures and appliances, they cause corrosion that ultimately shortens the lifespan of the unit. You can solve this by having a plumber install a water softener in your home to lower the mineral content of the water before it gets to your home. You can also install water softeners for individual fixtures for a more affordable route.

7. What does a sewer odor mean?

For the most part, you shouldn’t smell any foul odors when you’re dealing with your plumbing system. If you flush a toilet, run a faucet or turn your shower and notice a strong sewer odor, that’s a sign that your P trap isn’t working the way it’s supposed to. Each fixture has a trap that’s designed to prevent sewage gases from coming back through the pipe and into your home. When this trap dries up, however, it loses its ability to keep sewer odors out of your home. If you smell a strong sewer odor in your home, call a plumber to have your P traps checked out as soon as possible.

A Helping Hand

The truth is, it’s impossible for the average homeowner to know enough about their plumbing to prevent every problem. Still, it’s good to have a basic understanding of plumbing and what you can do to avoid and solve problems, that way you know when it’s time to call a plumber.

If you’ve got a plumbing problem in your Jacksonville, FL, home, all you have to do is call Bert Norman’s Plumbing. Whether you’ve got a minor leak, a clog or a busted pipe, we can get it fixed so you can return to your normal life. For all your plumbing needs, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at 904-225-5888.

 

4 Signs That You Need To Call A Plumber | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By bgblue at istock

The plumbing system in your Fernandina, FL, home is very complex. With all of the videos online these days that can teach you to do home repairs, more and more homeowners are making home repairs DIY projects. While this is fine for some jobs, if you are having an issue with your plumbing system, you should hire a licensed plumber.

If you are having any of the following issues, you should call a licensed professional as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become.

#1 Multiple Clogged Drains

When just one of the drains in your home is clogged, it can be very frustrating. Just one clogged drain can make daily household tasks difficult. When you have multiple clogged drains in your home, it can make things even more challenging. If you have multiple clogged drains, you should call a licensed plumber immediately. The problem could be due to a large clog located deep in the plumbing system, affecting every drain in the house. This is a major job, and it should not be a DIY project. A plumber might need to send a camera down the drain to figure out exactly where the drain is located so that it can be removed. Until you call a professional, your drains won’t function properly.

#2 Leaking Pipes

If your pipes are leaking, it is an emergency situation, and you should call a licensed professional immediately. In some cases, you will see water dripping from the pipes under the faucet. If the leaking pipe is behind a wall or hidden, you will notice water spots on the ceiling, on the walls, or near the floor. If you don’t call a licensed plumber immediately, you are putting your home at great risk. If you don’t call a professional immediately, your home can sustain serious water damage. If the foundation or load-bearing walls are affected, the safety of your home and family will be at risk. Also, the water leaking from the pipes can promote the growth of mildew and mold. These issues can threaten the health of your family, particularly those with allergies and respiratory issues.

When you call a professional, they will repair the leaking pipe and then evaluate the extent of the water damage.

#3 Leaking Faucets

If there is a leaking faucet in your Fernandina, FL home, it is not something that should be ignored. It is important that you call a licensed plumber right away. Some homeowners will try to repair the problem themselves by tightening the faucet with a wrench. Unfortunately, this is just a temporary fix. A faucet is made up of tiny moving parts. If the faucet is leaking, it means that something inside isn’t functioning properly, and it needs to be repaired by a licensed professional.

Some people will just ignore the problem. After a day or so, you get used to the sound of the dripping water to the point where you don’t even hear it anymore. Ignoring the problem is a costly mistake. A dripping faucet can waste up to five gallons of water each day, which will cause a significant increase in your water bill. If you ignore the issue, you will be paying a lot of money for wasted water.

As soon as you notice that the faucet in your home is leaking, you should call a licensed professional.

#4 Water Heater Issues

If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, you should call a professional right away. There are several signs that your water heater needs to be repaired.

  • No hot water: If you aren’t getting any hot water or if it isn’t getting hot enough, you should call a professional. The problem could be with the thermostat, the heating element, or gas or oil water heaters; there could be a pilot light problem. It would take the experience of a plumber to figure out what is causing the problem and then make the necessary repairs.

 

  • Running out of hot water: If you notice that you can’t even make it through a shower without running out of hot water, the water heater is probably the problem. When sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank, there won’t be as much room for the stored hot water. When there is less room, you will have less hot water, which could be why you are running out so fast. The issue could also be a faulty heating element, and only half of the tank is staying heated.

 

  • Rusty hot water: If the hot and cold water is coming out rusty, you likely have corroded pipes. If just the hot water is coming out rusty, the problem is likely with the water heater and should be checked out by a plumber immediately. The rust is likely due to corrosion or sediment that has built up inside the water tank. Rusty water isn’t safe for bathing, cooking, or drinking; therefore, you should call a professional as soon as you notice the problem.

 

  • Strange sounds coming from the water heater: If your water heater is working properly, you shouldn’t hear anything more than a low-level hum. If you hear a banging or clanging sound coming from the water heater, there is likely sediment knocking around inside. If you don’t call a plumber right away, the sediment can damage the tank, resulting in a flood.

 

  • Moisture or water around the water heater: There should never be water or moisture around the water tank. It could be something simple like a broken or disconnected hose or something more serious like a leaking water heater. Because both issues can cause serious water damage, you should call a plumber right away.

If you are having any issues with the plumbing system in your home, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing Inc. We are a family-owned and operated business and are certified by the state. We have been providing quality plumbing services to residential and business customers in the area since 1985.

We understand that plumbing issues can be serious, and many can put your home and family at risk. Because of this, we offer emergency service 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

If you need the help of a plumber, give us a call today.

Plumber Tips: Efficient Plumbing Fixtures For Homes | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Jamie Ndungu
Photo By BanksPhotos at istock

The average American home utilizes about 300 gallons of water daily, 70 percent of which accounts for indoor water usage. If your plumbing system has defects, it may mean you will have to spend more money on settling your bills since you waste a substantial amount of water. Whenever you realize you are paying for water you are not using, it could mean that your plumbing system has leakages or your appliances do not have water-saving features. If this is you, talk to a plumber to get advice on which plumbing accessories need replacement with water-efficient ones and seek installation services while at it.

Additionally, if you are an environmental enthusiast, turning your plumbing system into an efficient one is one of the ideas you can implement in your home. Homeowners can have a glimpse of multiple water and energy-saving plumbing fixtures and fittings and how great they work to save on utilities, and here are some of them.

Tankless water heaters

Water heaters are considered the second-highest source of energy use in homes, and they account for about 18 percent of the total home energy usage. Some homeowners cannot do without hot water, especially during the cold winter seasons. Imagine the ice-cold water hitting your back during the cold winter season. You will probably not enjoy your shower, and that might prompt you to buy a water heater and seek installation services from a plumber. Well, being the second-highest energy consumers in homes, you might want to be on to look out to avert high energy bills.

It would be wise to seek advice from your local plumber and suppliers regarding tankless water heaters. That is because tankless water heaters are good energy and water savers. Other benefits of these heaters include an instant supply of hot water, eliminated repair and maintenance costs, and tax rebates upon purchase. Choose a tankless water heater for your water heating needs, and get a professional to fix it for you to avoid future malfunctions associated with poor installation.

High-efficiency showerheads

Showering is one of the activities on the daily schedule for home occupants since it contributes significantly towards making people look presentable and clean. In the US, showering accounts for a significant amount of the total water used indoors. Apart from the water factor, these appliances utilize electricity for water heating purposes. If you want to save water and energy resources as well as eliminate high utility bills, consider purchasing the low-flow cum energy-efficient showerheads and have a certified plumber handle the installation.

According to EPA, an average family can save up to 2700 gallons of water and an amount of electricity that can power a home for about 11 days each year if it embraces the high efficient showerheads. Worth noting is that these fixtures have aerators to reduce the amount of water flowing out.

Low flow and touchless faucets

Leaks are a notorious cause of water wastage in multiple homes in Fernandina, FL. Without even knowing it, your home might be wasting hundreds of gallons of water each day. That translates to thousands of dollars in utility bills every year. One of the causes of these leaks is the improper installation of faucets or having faulty ones. A plumber can help you reverse or prevent that problem by replacing the old fixtures with water-efficient faucets that have features such as aerators that minimize the quantity of water flowing out as well as motion sensors that enable the taps to open and close without touch.

Having a professional install energy-efficient bathroom faucets will help you save a sizable amount of water. Upgrade your standard plumbing fixtures to energy-efficient ones, and you will put a smile on your face once your monthly utility bill arrives. And with that, you will contribute to a happy planet by saving the world some trees.

Low and dual flush toilets

In any regular home, the toilet is among the places that water usage is high. And if you have multiple family members, each flush goes down with gallons of water. That is worse for houses with older inefficient toilets that consume quite an amount of water if compared to their efficient counterparts. That implies that a lot of water goes to waste, especially if you use the same amount of water to flush down the liquid and solid waste. Apart from costing you high water bills, these toilets can make you incur additional expenses in terms of getting your sewer emptied due to frequent fillups.

Thanks to modern technology and inventions, manufacturers have come up with low flow and dual flush toilets that have drastically reduced the amount of water to about 1.28 gallons per flush. That is 20 percent less than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush and much lower than the 6 gallons for older, inefficient water closets. With all these satisfying statistics, homeowners can rest with the assurance that the money they use to purchase efficient toilets and seek installation services from a plumber will be worthwhile in the long run due to a reduction in utility costs.

Hot water recirculation kits

Although not popular amongst some homeowners, hot water recirculation kits are essential devices that help minimize water heating and usage bills. They boost the time in which water takes to heat and are a suitable option for water heaters located relatively far from the pipes leading to showerheads and faucets. The devices can circulate water in the pipes back to the water heater for reheating. They are activated through automatic motion sensors or using a switch or button when it is time for releasing hot water in the bathroom or sanitary and kitchen sinks.

These hot water recirculation systems are available in plumbing stores. You can ask a plumber about the quality products and let them handle the installations. Otherwise, you may end up a victim of hot water burns if you decide to try the DIY method and have no one to blame but yourself. Needless to say, there is also the high cost of hospital care!

Get a seasoned plumber 

Bert Norman’s Plumbing handles plumbing issues that homeowners in the area face. Our plumbers are available 24/7 to deliver emergency plumbing service. If you are a homeowner here or in the surrounding areas and need services such as installing energy and water-efficient plumbing accessories, reach us via a phone call, and we will be ready to serve you.

Service Areas

  • Fernandina Beach, FL
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • North Jacksonville, FL
  • University, FL
  • Downtown Jacksonville, FL
  • Oceanway, FL
  • Lakewood, FL
  • Arlington, FL
  • San Mateo, FL
  • Amelia Island, FL
  • Yulee, FL
  • Callahan, FL
  • Imeson, FL
  • Riverside, FL
  • Airport, FL
  • Town Center, FL
  • Regency Square, FL
  • Mayport, FL
  • Atlantic Beach, FL
  • Neptune Beach, FL
  • Jacksonville Beach, FL

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