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Water is life, it is said. To a great extent, this assertion holds. Every home or establishment needs clear, clean, safe water. Whether a Callahan, FL, home, school, office, or whichever establishment, water is critical for those that work, eat, or even live there. However, one particular issue that affects a good percentage of homeowners is the hardness of the water. Hard water refers to water with a high percentage of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. This makes cleaning an issue while it makes your sinks and other shiny plumbing fixtures appear white and chalky. It also could spell doom for plumbing appliances such as the water heater. Fortunately, you can have a plumber install a water softener to address the issue of water hardness. However, installation is one of many things that you should do. Some homeowners make several mistakes, such as not giving the softener the required maintenance, resulting in other issues. Below are the common money-wasting water softener mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

Purchasing a System First

Yes, you want to swiftly soften your water, for you have first-hand experience with the effects of hard water. You quickly get to a store, purchase a system, and have some handyman install it. This will be the beginning of some very costly issues. Before purchasing any plumbing fixture, leave alone the water softener, you should consult your plumbers. With the many types of water-softening systems available today, getting lost or confused about which will suit your Callahan, FL, home is very easy. Additionally, some unscrupulous salespersons capitalize on your ignorance to charge you more.

Getting advice from a plumber means that you will know the type of system that is durable, the price range, and even its functionality. Some of the systems don’t just soften the water. They also condition the water, removing dangerous substances such as dissolved chlorine. You’ll need guidance on whether to get a tap-based (also known as a “point of usage”) system or a whole-home (or “point of entrance”) system. Next, you should decide what kind of system you need.

The person you’re working with should send samples of your water to the laboratory for testing depending on the water source because the quality of your water will, in part, determine the ideal system for you. An excellent place to start is online research.

Several licensed plumbers guide from years of experience setting up various systems on their blogs. When contacting a professional, you’ll be prepared with the right inquiries and a better knowledge of the answers.

Not Having a Professional Install Your System

There is no secret that water treatment technologies are complex and must be integrated with your current plumbing system. Unfortunately, some homeowners want to cut costs by hiring a handyman to install the water softener. Remember, cheap might one day prove expensive. Failure to hire a professional plumber means the handyman installing your water softener might see any warranty voided. Additionally, the installation might need to be revised, meaning that you will soon be looking for a professional to repair the water softener or even reinstall it. They also could damage the existing system.

Plumbers, on the other hand, have the required training and experience to properly install the water softener, identify any installation issues, and correct them. When they finish the installation, you can rest assured that it will serve you for many years. Although there may be a little price difference, the difference in peace of mind?

Purchasing a Non-Certified System

The other mistake is purchasing a non-certified water softener. This means that the system might not have passed the requisite standards of water softening or met the performance and health-based standards. Purchasing a non-certified water softener means you’ll not know whether the claims made by the appliance manufacturer have been independently verified. This might not only waste your money but also potentially affect your health.

When purchasing a water softening system, look for the “ANSI/NSF” standard for whatever type that you are purchasing. You should know that there are different standards for water softening systems, including distillation systems, drinking water treatment systems, ultraviolet systems, and reverse osmosis systems. After choosing one, ask your plumber about the merits and demerits of installing it at your Callahan, FL, home before you make a purchase.

Knowing the standard will help you purchase the right system for your personal needs. For instance, The ANSI/NSF Standard 42 offers “aesthetic effects” only, things like taste, smell, and color. If a water softener or other device is ANSI/NSF 53, it has been tested for compliance with the health effects its manufacturer has claimed. Hence, getting a plumber’s professional opinion is critical.

Ignoring the Water Softener After Installation

Set-it Forget-it is the largest money waster, especially for the water softeners and other plumbing appliances installed in hard-to-reach areas. Like other parts of your plumbing system, like the drains, the water treatment systems also need maintenance to ensure they continue working properly and efficiently. Failure to perform regular maintenance means the appliance will develop protracted issues, rendering it useless.

Every system should include an instruction manual detailing the routine tasks that must be carried out. You can perform some of these procedures, like changing a UV system’s bulb. Others require professional assistance, such as lab testing, to verify that your water treatment system successfully removes dangerous substances. Others, including repairing membranes, maintaining and cleaning storage tanks, and backwashing systems, take time to understand and execute. Though you could do these yourself, you may have to hire a plumber.

Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Do you have a water softener installed? Or are you planning to purchase and install a water softener? Then you should know to avoid making the mistakes above. Making them will only result in the deterioration of your new unit. Contact us at Bert Norman’s Plumbing for a proper installation or advice when purchasing a water softener.

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If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll know how problematic limescale can be. Limescale can stop your appliances from working efficiently and give your water a nasty taste.

If you live in Jacksonville, FL, or the surrounding area and are looking for a plumbing service, don’t hesitate to contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing. The company is available for all types of plumbing jobs, including leak detection, drain cleaning, and plumbing installation.

It’s essential to take steps to remove limescale if you live in a hard water area. This article will look at how to remove and prevent limescale. Plumbing employees are often asked questions about hard water and limescale removal.

What is limescale?

Limescale is present when there is a build-up of minerals in the water. It naturally occurs when the water is hard. Hard water contains concentrates of calcium and magnesium. The water leaves behind mineral deposits as it evaporates. If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll notice a white or slightly green crust that is deposited on your plumbing appliances. This is limescale, and it is commonly found around the faucets, in kettles, or other household appliances.

Many homes across America are affected by hard water and the effects of limescale. Where limescale is present, homeowners have to have their appliances serviced or even replaced regularly. Limescale can affect how well appliances such as dishwashers, showers, and washing machines function.

Why should you remove limescale?

There are many reasons that homeowners should try to remove limescale from their appliances. The main reason is that a build-up of limescale can be expensive; if you have to pay to maintain appliances or even replace them, this will be costly. It’s, therefore, beneficial to take steps to reduce limescale.

Over time limescale will reduce the functioning of your appliances and also reduce their life span. You may find yourself frequently replacing items such as showerheads, which can quickly become clogged. Limescale build-up can also lead to reduced water pressure in your shower.

A shower head blockage will be costly as there will be an increase in the amount of energy that’s needed to provide the right heat and pressure. Over time this will cause an increase in your utility bills.

Limescale can also damage the seals around faucets, and over time, this will cause leaks. You’ll then have to call in a plumbing service to fix the issue.

In the worst cases, limescale will devalue your property by ruining the appearance of plumbing fixtures. You may find that you end up with irreversible damage to faucets and other chrome fittings. Limescale can cause the chrome to peel away.

How to remove limescale

It’s essential to take steps to remove limescale as soon as you notice a problem. The longer limescale is left to build up, the more damage it will cause, and the harder it will be to remove. There are a few different things that you can do to remove limescale and prevent it from building up.

If you have noticed any plumbing issues such as leaks that have been caused by limescale, you can call your local plumbing service for help and advice.

Invest in a water softener

The hardness of water can change over time, but if you live in an area where the water is permanently hard, you may like to consider having a water softener installed. This will help to reduce the build-up of limescale.

Water softeners are filters that can be installed under your sink to soften the water as it comes into your home. They use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals from the water. This helps to transform hard water into soft water. Water softeners use polymer resin beads that are negatively charged to attract calcium and magnesium in the water and turn them into sodium ions.

If you’re interested in having a water softener installed in your home, you can contact your local plumber to find out more. A plumber will be able to test the hardness of your water and advise you about the right type of water softener for your home.

Regularly clean your appliances

It’s also a good idea to perfect your cleaning skills in order to remove limescale and avoid build-up. There are several ways you can clean your appliances.

A plumbing company will often recommend wiping all your wet fittings and appliances after every use. This will dry up the water before it has a chance to evaporate and will stop limescale deposits from forming. You can pay particular attention to areas around faucets and showers as this is often where water pools.

Create a natural limescale remover

Limescale that has built up over time can be tricky to remove. You can create a natural cleaning solution using lemon juice or white wine vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. This mixture can be applied to areas of limescale, leave it to soak in for ten minutes, and then scrub the area with an old toothbrush.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing, Plumbing Service

If you live in Jacksonville, FL or the surrounding area and are looking for a plumbing service, contact Bert Norman’s plumbing service. The company is available for all types of plumbing jobs, including leak detection, drain cleaning, and plumbing installation. If you have hard water, you may also like to consider having a water softener installed.

Bert Norman’s plumbing service is a family-owned and operated business that has been in operation since 1985. They have a reputation for providing good quality workmanship at a reasonable price. The team is also available for 24/7 emergency call out.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing service is a BBB accredited business and has achieved an A+ rating. Call Bert Norman’s Plumbing service today on 904-225-5888.

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Making the decision to sell your home is never an easy one. It’s a very emotional experience, and over one-third of Americans who sell their home will cry during the process. Naturally, for some place that you’ve called home for so long, you definitely want to get the best offer possible.

There are so many things that you can do to improve the resale value of your home. Most homeowners will repaint some of their walls or even hire professional cleaners. What many people don’t realize is that they could greatly improve their resale value by opting for some simple plumbing services. While the results of these services may not necessarily be very obvious to the average person, it is something that many realtors will include in their report. These little things can easily improve the attractiveness of a potential home.

So, let’s get right to it and look at some of the plumbing services that you can get in Jacksonville, FL to improve the resale value of your home.

#1. Patch Up All of the Leaks

One of the easiest things that you can do is to patch up all of the leaks that are in your plumbing. Make sure that the plumbing is as good as new. Potential homebuyers are going to be really attracted to a place that they know it won’t come with plumbing issues in the near future.

To patch up all of the leaks, you’re going to need to get a camera inspection from the plumbing service. The camera inspection will also provide homebuyers with some information on the condition of the plumbing. The plumbers can talk about where the leaks were found and also how they were patched up. They can also provide information on how durable the patches are expected to be.

Some plumbing services may even offer some type of warranty or guarantee for their service. For example, if the new homebuyers find that the leaks reappear within a certain timeframe, they can call the plumbing service and the licensed plumbers will come fix up the issue without charging them a dime.

#2. Get Your Drains Cleaned

Drain cleaning services are usually part of regular home maintenance. Most experts recommend that homeowners get their drains cleaned every year in order to keep the plumbing in tiptop shape.

If you plan on selling your home later on in the year, you might want to get the drains cleaned as well. Some homebuyers are going to really appreciate the fact that the drains are going to be in tiptop condition in shape. The drain cleaning service comes with a video inspection. This inspection will also provide potential homebuyers with more information about the plumbing.

You can also take this opportunity to look at whether there are any plumbing issues that need to be addressed. For example, you might notice that some of the joints are a bit loose or you might notice that a section of the plumbing may appear to be rusted or in worse condition than the rest. You can make the changes and fixes that you need before you put the home up on the market.

#3. Upgrade Your Plumbing Appliances

Do you still have the same faucets from two decades ago? Does your bathtub look outdated? Or, have you simply not upgraded your water heater in a very long time and have noticed that it’s not as effective as it is before?

You can make some pretty simple upgrades to improve the market value of your home. These plumbing upgrades do not necessarily have to be expensive at all. For example, upgrading your faucet to a new model can be quite affordable. However, you can completely transform the look of your home. It can make it look a lot more modern and stylish.

When choosing which plumbing appliances to upgrade, there are several factors that you want to consider. For one, you’re going to want to consider whether the plumbing appliance is going to improve the energy efficiency of the home. Smart appliances can be very attractive to potential homebuyers, as they can spend less on energy bills. Second, you’re going to want to consider the aesthetics of the appliance. The key is to create a home that potential buyers can see themselves living in.

When choosing which plumbing appliances to upgrade, you’re going to want to consider the amount of money that you’re going to have to invest into the property compared to the amount of money that you’re going to get out of the upgrade. You might want to talk to a plumbing service or a realtor ahead of time to know what their recommendations may be.

Call Bert Norman’s Plumbing for Plumbing Services 

Simple plumbing services can make a huge difference to the amount of attention that your home gets. Potential homebuyers are more likely to put in a more attractive offer for a home that they feel like they can’t pass down. This is usually a home that they not only see themselves living in, but also a home that is going to come with minimal headaches and issues.

Getting the right plumbing services before you put your home on the market is especially important for older homes. These homes are notorious for having plumbing issues down the road, and the condition of your plumbing is going to be something that homeowners will consider. If the plumbing is in poor shape, some homeowners may ask that you fix it up before they finalize the transaction. Or, they might offer a lower price.

Regardless of what services are upgrades that you’re looking for, Bert Norman’s Plumbing in Jacksonville, FL can help. Our plumbers are licensed, insured and extremely knowledgeable about the different types of plumbing upgrades and services that can help improve the value of your home. We can help you assess your home to see what type of plumbing needs are present.

We all do things without thinking at times. Daily habits form and we repeat our actions automatically. Some of these habits can damage plumbing infrastructure and result in a great deal of frustration. Most people in Callahan, FL, have experienced a sudden, unexpected need for a plumber. No one can prevent every possible problem, but we can be aware of our actions and avoid seemingly insignificant actions that become more serious over time.

Damaging Hidden Pipes

Screwing or hammering a nail into the wall to hang a picture is fairly innocuous. That little nail or screw can lead to a very aggravating problem if it punctures a pipe within the wall. You’ll probably notice the problem as soon as water runs through that particular pipe because the water will end up spraying drywall or eventually soaking through the wall entirely. This scenario may even require an emergency call to your local plumber.

Drain Cleaner

Reaching for a bottle of drain cleaner on a store shelf is almost an automatic reaction to inconvenient toilet clogs. Some products are even advertised as clog prevention. The instructions claim the product will prevent future clogs. Drain cleaning solutions are extremely caustic and corrode pipes and fixtures. These products probably won’t cause too much damage with sporadic use, but heavy or constant use of drain cleaners can destroy plumbing. Call a professional for stubborn clogs and ask how you can avoid clogging in the future.

Joining Different Pipe Materials

Attempting DIY plumbing repairs can always have unintended consequences, but one surprisingly common mistake may not be obvious. You should never join two different metals. An example would be connecting a steel pipe to a copper pipe. The two metals corrode at different rates and in response to different things. This is true for any pipe material, and joining dissimilar metals may lead to accelerated corrosion and leaks. Call a plumber when repairs are necessary to save yourself time and frustration in the future.

Food Waste

Its tempting to assume anything in liquid form can be conveniently dumped down the drain. Unfortunately, grease is only a liquid until it cools. Many calls to plumbers have originated in a goopy, sticky mass of fat clogging pipes. Pour used grease in an empty beverage bottle and dispose of it with other solid trash.

Rinsing food waste down a kitchen drain is also an ideal strategy for clogging pipes. Finely chopped pieces or foods with very soft consistencies may go down the drain, but your plumber may need to remove it later if this is done on a regular basis. Some food gets stuck in pipes before reaching a septic tank or sewer mains. Clogs can start out with just a few tiny pieces that rapidly accumulate additional mass from catching subsequent food items traveling through the pipe.

Outdoor Hoses

The mild winters of Callahan, FL, are the envy of people in other snow-covered parts of the country. Local residents know snow is possible. Freezing temperatures can also occur, even though cold snaps don’t usually last long. Leaving outside hoses attached when a cold snap occurs generally leads to buying a replacement hose. Worst case scenario is a frozen faucet and damaged pipes in the home’s interior that need urgent attention from a plumber.

Plumbing Vents

Plumbing vents supply air to interior drains. The vents facilitate drainage by preventing suction and let sewer gases escape. Some homeowners forget what these vents are for and use them to run cables between rooms or mistakenly block vents completely. Obstructed vents interfere with drainage and may let gases build up in your home.

Hair and Hygiene Products

Toilets are the source of many plumbing problems. People tend to flush a plethora of items and substances that shouldn’t be swirling down a toilet drain. Hair is a very common offender. Don’t be fooled by the lack of mass in hair clippings or balls of hair pulled from a comb or brush.

Hair does not dissolve in water or oil. Its actually a rather durable substance, and it easily tangles around fixtures or bends and dips in pipes. Products, such as hair spray, gel, or serums, can solidify tangles and magnify the problem. These tangles grow every time more hair is flushed and the hair mass attracts other substances. Large clogs with significant hair content aren’t easy to dislodge, so a call to your plumber is almost always necessary.

Surprisingly, common hygiene products aren’t actually safe for toilets. Dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, and soap can damage the rubber seals in your cistern. Never flush shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, body wash, and lotions either. These products contain all sorts of oils, fats, and soap. Cosmetics and exfoliators may contain plastic, beeswax. mica, sugar, or salt. None of these ingredients is good for your plumbing, and they all contribute to clogged toilets.

Indiscriminate Flushing

Cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes are commonly flushed items that will clog your plumbing. It may not seem like a big deal to just flush such items once in a while, but even sporadic occurrences increase risk of clogs. Try not to flush biodegradable feminine products, wipes, or other hygiene items bearing ‘flushable’ labels.

None of these products decompose quickly and they could easily lead to hiring a plumber to pump a septic tank. Households connected to city water and sewer services may end up with clogged underground mains. Items that make it through into public infrastructure can create a mess for everyone. Public service workers have manually removed plenty of clogs made up of items that shouldn’t have been flushed in the first place.

Call Bert Norman’s Plumbing for any plumbing problems, regardless of their cause. Calling a professional plumber is almost always a better choice than trying to deal with problems alone.

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When you think about making your house better, a great place to start is your plumbing system. How-Your-Plumber-Can-Upgrade-Your-Home-_-Callahan,-FLWith a few changes to your bathrooms and kitchens, you and your family can enjoy better performance from your plumbing. And, even better, most plumbing upgrades actually add value to your home.

In Callahan, FL, Bert Norman’s Plumbing offers experienced, licensed, professional plumbers and a full array of installation, repair, and replacement services for your home or office. Talk to our team of specialists today about what changes would add the most convenience and value to your property.

It can be difficult to single out just one upgrade, so be sure to talk to your i before you make any decisions. Your professional plumber can make sure your remodel goes quickly and gives you the beautiful results you expect and deserve. To get you started, here are a few bathroom upgrades that your plumber can add to your home.

Add Another Bathroom

No matter how big or small your family is, there always seems to be someone in the bathroom when you need it. The best way to get around this is to have your plumber in Callahan, FL add an extra bathroom to your house. The only problem you will have is deciding where to put it.

You could give your kids a bathroom of their own or add one to your master bedroom. This can not only keep the bathroom free more often, it adds an element of privacy that can keep the guest bathroom clear and looking good.

Or you could decide to treat your guests to their own bathroom. Add a half or whole bathroom to your guest room for a touch of elegance and convenience that will make your home worth more.

With the popularity of outdoor buildings on the rise, you could give your playroom, office, or man cave a half bathroom for the ultimate convenience. No more running back and forth into the house to use the bathroom.

Switch to Low Flow Shower Heads and Faucets

New low flow faucets and shower heads are an inexpensive way to lower your water usage and save money on your water bills. By just switching to a low flow shower head, you can save a substantial amount of both.

A regular shower head used 2.5 gallons of water per minute. When you make the switch to a low flow model, you will only need 2.0 gallons of water per minute or less. If you have more than one shower, your savings can add up quickly.

Add to that the savings from your bathroom and kitchen faucets when you change to low flow models. You will be doing your part to conserve our natural resources while saving big on your annual water bill.

Even better, you will not have to sacrifice your enjoyable shower when you change to low flow shower heads. You will still get the same pleasant shower experience, even though you won’t need nearly as much water.

Update Your Pipes

If you live in an older home, the first upgrade you should consider is modernizing your plumbing system. Your plumber can help you identify which areas are in the most need of change, so you can start there.

The most dangerous areas of your plumbing system are the old pipes that are no longer in use. Materials like galvanized steel are no longer approved for use because of their corrosive tendency. Not only do they break down more often, they can be adding rust and metal debris to your water supply.

Your plumber can make sure that your entire plumbing system is composed of copper and PVC piping, which is non-corrosive and a much healthier choice for your family members. Even though no one will be able to see this remodel, they will all enjoy the benefits of the new pipes.

Install Dual Flush Toilets

Your old toilets are the biggest water wasters in your house. And the older they are, the more water and money they are wasting.

If you have toilets in your house that were made before 1982, you should replace these immediately. These old models use between five and seven gallons of water with every flush.

Toilets made after 1982 are required to use just 1.6 gallons of water per flush, in an effort to conserve water. Just by updating your toilets, you could save a bundle.

One option you have now is a dual flush toilet. In these models, you have two choices of flush strength to get rid of the waste. There is a low force option for liquid waste only and a stronger option for solid waste. Most flushes are for expelling liquid waste, so the saving in water will add up quickly.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

For many decades, water heaters have looked pretty much the same. They all had a big metal tank to hold the water, which is only the start of the design problems. Eventually, these tanks can corrode with rust and develop a leak. But there is a new water heater on the market that is taking the plumbing world by storm.

Tankless water heaters are just what they sound like. There is no tank to corrode and run out of hot water. That means there will be fewer repair problems and no shortage of hot water when you need it.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water just when you need it by super-heating the water in a looping pipe system. You will never run out of hot water, no matter how many showers have been taken. And, you won’t have to wait for the water in the tank to heat up after it has been emptied.

Contact the licensed professional plumbers at Bert Norman’s Plumbing today for more information about how we can help you improve your home. Our qualified team is waiting to serve you. Let our plumbers make your house the dream home you’ve always wanted!

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The outbreak of coronavirus throughout the world has changed the way we live and created the need for a new normal. 12-Ways-to-Stay-On-Top-of-Energy-Bills-with-Plumbing-Service-While-Sheltering-in-Place-_-Jacksonville,-FLUntil COVID-19 is entirely under control — most likely when a vaccine is introduced — we’ll likely be following social distancing measures. One of the most annoying consequences of spending more time within the home is the increase in energy bills. You’ll be using utilities more than usual and therefore spending more money while potentially earning less.

In some cases, you may require assistance from a plumbing service like Bert Norman’s Plumbing to help make your home as energy-efficient as possible. If you’re in Jacksonville, FL, call us today at 904-686-8611.

1. Turn Off the Faucet When Washing Hands

It’s one of those things that most people are aware that they should do, but rarely remember to. As far as energy saving, most people aren’t washing their hands correctly. If you’re following the guidelines from the CDC to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, well done! It’s helping to slow the spread of the virus, taking some strain off the health service and saving lives. However, always remember that water is a precious resource.

When washing your hands, the water should only flow twice. Once at the beginning, to build up the lather, and once at the end to rinse. If you wash your hands eight to 10 times per day, you alone could be wasting up to six gallons of water every day. And remember, that’s six gallons for each member of your household! You’ll instantly notice a significant reduction in your energy bills if you make this simple change — and you don’t even need to call in the help of a service!

2. Unplug Electronics When You’re Not Using Them

Most electronic devices use electricity even when they’re not switched on, especially if they have a standby feature. Chargers, stereos, TVs, computers and consoles are trickling your money down the drain every time you leave them plugged into the outlet. You might think it’s such a small amount that it doesn’t matter, but over time and across the extensive range of devices we all have now, it seriously adds up.

Always check around the house for things that are plugged in but not in use — from computers to lamps, there are probably more savings to be made that you realized!

3. Never Boil More Water Than You Need

It’s another one that seems obvious but sees loads of water, and therefore money, go down the drain every day. Each time you fill the kettle for a coffee or tea, make sure you’re only boiling what you need. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself with a pot full of limescale and sky-high energy bills.

4. Only Wash a Full Load of Dirty Clothes

You can cut water consumption significantly by only using the washing machine when you can make sure it’s at capacity. Even if your machine has a half load function, it uses considerably more than half the amount of water of a full wash. Again, it’s a change that seems minor but over time, adds up to equal serious savings. If your washing machine isn’t functioning properly, call in the help of a reputable plumbing service to assess the problem and fix it.

5. Use a Dishwasher or Bowl to Wash Dishes

If you live in a single household, we recommend using a bowl full of water to wash the dishes in. Using free-flowing water for this job is a surefire way to spend more than you should on water. Larger households will save money by investing in a dishwasher. You may require a plumbing service to install a new dishwasher or repair the old one to ensure it’s as energy-efficient as possible.

6. Time Your Showers

Technically, a shower uses less water than a bath — but only if you don’t stand under it for inordinate amounts of time!

7. Never Use the Toilet as a Trash Can

Remember, the toilet isn’t a trash can! There are only three things that should go down the toilet: water, toilet paper and human waste. Toilet paper dissolves almost instantly when immersed in water, unlike any other type of paper. Additionally, on top of being a nuisance to the environment, you’ll spend more money on the extra water used to flush foreign objects down the bowl. If your toilet in Jacksonville, FL, needs unblocking, you might need a plumbing service to come and help you out.

8. Fix All Leaking Taps

You know that tap that drips every 30 seconds, and it’s okay because you’re used to it now? Call in a plumbing service to fix it immediately! It might look like a tiny amount of water because it’s leaking so slowly, but over days, weeks and months, it adds up to gallons and puts a strain on your pocket.

11. Look for Leaks

While it’s not the most glamorous way to spend your time, lockdown presents you with an opportunity to scope out any leaks in your plumbing. Hairline fractures on your pipes could lead to even more water waste than leaking taps, and you can’t see or hear those. One of the most cost-effective things you can do in the current situation is to find those leaks and get them fixed by a skilled plumbing service.

12. Flush Less

The average toilet flush uses more than three gallons of water every single time! Armed with this knowledge, you might consider flushing the toilet as often as you have been. You can get flushers installed that let you control how much water you use each time. Speak to a plumbing service about getting this type of flush for your toilet.

Plumbing Services

If you think your home requires the help of a plumbing service to make sure you’re spending as little on your energy bills as possible, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing today at 904-686-8611.

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Unwanted leaks and drips could contribute to about 10% of your water bills if not immediately attended to by a professional plumber. If not repaired or replaced, they could even cost you more money.

Plumber-Tips--10-Effective-Ways-to-Save-on-Water-Bill-_-Fernandina,-FLOther plumbing-related issues such as having an inefficient washer or showerheads also contribute to your bills as they use a great amount of water. Thankfully, you can fix these by either replacing them or installing new ones. Always call a professional when you need help; do not attempt to do them on your own.

When a plumbing problem is fixed, you don’t get skyrocketing water bills and you can save money. Below are other ways to effectively conserve water at home and save on your utility bills.

1. Buy Energy Efficient Appliances

When acquiring a new washing machine, find out the amount of water it uses per load. If possible, look for the Energy Star seals on the label or WaterSense. These types of machines usually use 50% less water per load. They are a bit more expensive than the regular washers but it should give you massive savings in the long run.

When washing, do make sure that you have a full load. And you may want to skip an additional rinse to save up to 5 gallons of water. To avoid more rinses, just use less detergent powder.

2. Repair Leaks

A professional plumber in Fernandina, FL should be able to help you fix these leaks. You can have regular maintenance with a plumber so they can check the pipes for leaks and other problems that might contribute to water loss. Another option would be to do the inspection yourself. Call a plumber right away if you think there is a problem.

You may think that a small leak isn’t really much — this is not true. Leaks on a running toilet could cost you gallons of water down the drain. So call a plumber if you suspect that you have a plumbing problem.

3. Load Up the Dishwasher

As much as possible, use the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded to conserve more water. If you do not have a dishwasher, buy a basin for washing the dishes. You can conserve more with a basin than washing the dishes while the tap is running.

4. Turn Off Shower

Make it a daily habit to turn on the shower only when you are actually using the water for rinsing. If you are trying to shampoo or condition your hair, always turn it off. Switch it on only when you are ready to rinse your hair. If everyone in your family does this simple habit, you could save on your water bill.

Another option would be to reduce the number of minutes that you use the shower. Instead of taking a shower for 15 minutes, perhaps you could reduce it to 10 minutes.

Do the same while brushing your teeth. Turn off the faucet and use a rinsing glass instead.

5. Install Low-flush Toilets and Showerheads

Low toilets are a little expensive but they can greatly reduce your water usage. As opposed to the full flush toilets, low-flow use less water per flush. This can result in bigger savings in your water bills.

A low-flow showerhead can also reduce the amount of water by about 50%. Call a plumber to assist you with the best options for your toilets and showerheads.

6. Add Aerators to the Faucets

If you do not know what an aerator is or how to add this to the faucet, call a plumber in the area to assist you with this.

Aerators are usually attached to the faucet to reduce the amount of water that comes out. At the same time, it also increases water pressure.

7. Install a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless heater is a little more expensive but it’s efficient. It only heats water when you need it and it heats faster. Definitely one of the best options to save on your water bills.

8. Install a Smaller Bathtub or Skip it

An average bathtub needs about 35 gallons of water. Expect skyrocketing water bills if you keep using this every time you take a bath. Your options would be to install a smaller bathtub and use it only a few times a month, or completely skip using it and take the shower instead.

9. Replace Toilet Flapper Once a Year

Call a plumber to help you out with this. A newer flapper could help you save a lot on your water bill. Another option would be to replace it with an adjustable flapper so you can control the amount of water that you use for flushing.

10. Collect Rainwater

Save bills by collecting rainwater and use it for either cleaning the cars or watering the plants. You can also use this for cleaning the driveway or the outer area of your homes.

Follow our tips for saving water to see significant changes in your bills. Remember that small changes will add up to massive savings in a year.

Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing, Inc in Fernandina, FL

If you need a plumber to assist you with repairing leaks, installing a tankless water heater, or any plumbing-related problem, get in touch with Bert Norman’s Plumbing, Inc. They are available 24/7! They have been in the industry for several years and all are highly competent to carry out the job. Every appointment matters to them — they always overdeliver!

A few services they offer include unclogging your drains, garbage disposal, shower pans and faucet replacements, water heater installation, repipes, plumbing inspections, bathroom remodeling, and other plumbing services. They will be happy to assist you with whatever plumbing-related dilemma that you have.

Your exceptional plumbing service is just a call away. Contact them today for an appointment!

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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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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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Plumbers are the undeniable doctors when it comes to water supply and drainage systems. Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Hiring-a-Plumbing-Service-_-Nassau-County,-FLWith years of intensive training in plumbing, they apply both academic and technical skills to provide solutions to all plumbing problems. Skills and experience are always the representation of a passionate company in delivering exceptional plumbing service. At Bert Norman’s Plumbing of Nassau County, FL, plumbing technicians have what it takes to ensure areas served receive plumbing service that meets set standards.

All competent plumbers should deliver service to both residential and commercial buildings while incorporating repairs, replacements, maintenance, and installation of different systems. Besides, the plumber should cut across various piping equipment such as in gas lines, sewer lines, and kitchen piping. For the provision of tremendous results, there are factors to consider when hiring professional plumbing technicians.

Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Professional Plumbing Service Technician

  • Qualifications

Like other professions, a professional plumbing staff must undergo vigorous training in academics and practicality while passing defined exams. After fulfilling all the requirements, they then apply for a practicing license, which puts them in the field. Plumbing technicians are then subjected to a vetting process, including background checks and reputation before being offered with a certification. Before hiring a plumber, check for the contractor’s license as well you can prove their legibility from the company.

  • Reputation

Reputation is a significant factor when hiring a professional plumber, especially in the delivery of quality services. Today, technology has simplified the process where you can readily perform background searches and learn from reviews of the plumbing service company you wish to hire. There are several websites on the internet consisting of critics and reviews of one or more plumbing companies within your area. You can also write a review after receiving the services for other potential customers.

  • Legal Compliance

Delivery of quality and unquestionable plumbing service are indicated by a contractor who fulfills all legal and regulatory conditions of the contract. Legal compliance is an essential factor to put in place to scrutinize the plumbing service company in terms of certification, insurance, license, and bound to the terms of work offered. Similar to learning the reputation of a plumber, also vet the plumbing company by using the state’s regulatory board.

  • Competence

Professional service delivery is the primary focus when hiring a plumbing service company in Nassau County, FL. The same is indicated by the expertise of the plumbing staff determined by technical proficiency, team management efficiency, experience, and quality of equipment used. Consider previous plumbing projects and clients the company has worked for before hiring them for your project. Also, check the mission and vision as they indicate the business value in the plumbing sector.

  • Contractual Terms of Operations

Plumbers should always have terms of work that include payments of the services they offer. Great plumbing service contractors should have flexible and straightforward payment programs while completing the work within the anticipated timeline. Other than fees and completion schedules, the company should have a solid communication strategy, often serving residents on a 24/7 basis. Others include warranties, operation policies, and quality consistency.

When to Hire a Plumbing Contractor

  • Low Water Pressure

When you open your shower, you expect to have moderate water pressure for a relaxing bath after a long day at work. However, it becomes disappointing when you find water pressure being low and not only in the shower but throughout the house. The problem can result from different factors such as blockages from debris or poor designs in the waterline. This, therefore, calls for a professional plumber to inspect the system and to provide in-depth analysis to determine the problem.

  • Too Hot or Cold Water

Water heaters are vital in homes for different purposes; therefore, the need to keep them well maintained. Unless there is a leakage, it is difficult to know the cause. Some of the common faults arising from electric heaters include problems in thermostats, blown fuses, or damages on overloaded switches. In this case, you may need the services of a plumbing team to repair or replace the system to keep it functioning correctly.

  • Blockages in Sewer Lines

This is one of the most delicate parts to make repairs in case of further damage when performed by an amateur. If a sewer line fails to back up, then it signifies a bad plug in the system. Tree roots are the most causes of this problem, and failure to seek professional assistance may lead to a total stoppage over time. It is advisable never to try do-it-yourself methods as you may induce more damages to the sewer line and the entire drainage system. It is, therefore, the best time to hire a plumber who can handle emerging issues if further damages are experienced.

  • Extensive Water Line Damages

Cold seasons often cause bursts and cracks on pipes for the resident of Nassau County, FL, and other areas. Such a problem may become wide-ranging and affect the entire line of water hence affecting water supply to your home or business. Some may choose to replace them by themselves, which consume more time and lead to the re-emergence of the problem within no time. This calls for a professional plumber to take care of the issue because the technician has a broader range of skills and experience in handling the problem with a guarantee of exceptional plumbing service.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Plumbing Technicians

As mentioned, professional plumbing technical guarantee delivery of quality services as they have years of experience in the industry and guarantee of work done. Also, plumbers understand the business and willing to utilize their knowledge and skills when working on piping problems. Before working, they provide insights into the problem, strategies to use, and solutions to their clients. Besides, this is their professional career and henceforth understands the ins and outs of plumbing.

Plumbing companies have up-to-date tools specialized for different uses both in residential and commercial buildings. The services rendered are of professional standards that follow all ethical codes to solve all your piping problems. Diagnosis and inspection of water and sewer lines are also among the benefits of hiring a Bert Normans Plumbing in Nassau County, FL, for the determination of problems from the source.

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