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Homeowners Beware! Major Things To Have A Plumber Check Before Purchasing Your Dream Home | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By kali9 at istock

You’ve finally purchased your ideal home, and everything about it seems fascinating, let alone the neighborhood. Since a house is a significant purchase, nothing should be overlooked when looking for the right home for your family.

Some houses could be having problems, and the seller may hide them from you. For instance, the property could be having a major plumbing issue, but since fixing it means extra cost on the seller’s side, some may decide to keep it a secret. Sounds discouraging, right?

Not to worry, though; you can have a plumber conduct an inspection to identify defects and have them addressed before purchasing the house. Even though everything could be looking fine on the surface, you’ll be surprised what a plumbing inspection could reveal. Therefore, before signing that contract, it’s crucial to request a plumbing inspection that will include:

Toilets, Sinks, and Faucets

For toilets, you should look around their water chambers and the bases to identify any possible leaks. Watch out for any discoloration or warping at the bottom. Check for any rocking toilet. Also, flush every toilet within the house to determine the nature of the drainage system.

Turn on all taps and check if they have rust. It’s normal for a bit of rust to drain out for a house that’s been vacant for a while, but if it was occupied, it might imply the taps are corroded. It would also help to look below the sinks and around the faucets to check for any leakages. If you encounter any of the above plumbing issues, you should request the seller to have them fixed.

Water Supply Pipes

As a home buyer, you may notice water stains on the walls or ceilings of your house. It may seem to be an obvious thing, but it could eventually lead to a bigger problem. Water stains are a good pointer to leaky pipes. Several things can cause pipes to leak, including water pressure or the age of the pipes. A plumbing inspection will establish the age of the pipes and whether they have been replaced or not.

Also, a plumber will check for the type of material the pipes are made of and whether it’s a mix of two or more materials. Steel, as well as cast iron pipes, corrode quickly, unlike copper and plastic pipes.

Primary Sewer Drain

This may be significantly vital if you’re buying an older house. You may be sharing your sewer line with other people in Fernandina, FL. Therefore, it’s necessary to have a certified plumber check the sewer in the neighborhood.

Your primary sewer drain could fail to function if it’s worn out or due to old age. Sometimes tree roots may be growing into it, or it could be corroded or clogged. Getting an expert to run a camera inspection would reveal such issues. Don’t forget that having undiscovered sewer line problems can lead to floods and contaminated water.

Water Heater

It’s no doubt that most homeowners fancy warm showers or may need hot water on a chilly day. What if the water heaters in your newly purchased home aren’t working? Running an inspection before owning that home may save you disappointments that may come afterward.

First, you need to check the age of the heating equipment. Generally, most water heaters have a lifespan of up to 15 years; if it’s more than that, you should probably request the seller or realtor to install a new one before moving in. The plumbing inspection will identify any rust on any part of the tank or weird sounds that indicate a problem with the heater. Leaks at the inlet or outlet valves of the tank are also a red flag, and if sand or muddy fluids are coming out of the hot water tap, a repair may be necessary.

Water Pressure

To determine if there’s enough water pressure in the house, you need to turn on the shower that is farthest away from the water source. Say if a shower in the upstairs works perfectly, then there’s a high chance other appliances work well too. If this isn’t the case, you can request a professional plumber to check the pipes.

Winterized Pipes

Some areas may be prone to snow. If you’re buying a home that is located in a place that experiences extreme weather patterns, you need to ensure it has a plumbing system that can withstand such conditions. If the water pipes are wrapped and insulated, it means they are winterized, and so you’re safe. Otherwise, a plumber should come into play. If the water source is a well, you have to ensure the well is protected from severe cold.

Water Hardness

Buying a new home costs a fortune, at least for most homeowners. Hard water may seem like a common issue, but if it’s left unsolved may cause scale to build up in the pipes leading to clogging and reduced water pressure. Check the outer surface of each pipe, and in case you see any signs of scale build-up, you may inquire from a qualified plumber on what to do.

Water Meter

Most homes in Fernandina, FL, may have water meters, but it doesn’t end there. As a buyer, you need to inspect the water meter to confirm its working condition. Doing this helps identify hidden leaks in the plumbing system.

To check for leaks, you can turn off all taps in your house and have a keen look at the water meter. If it’s still turning, then probably that’s a sign of a faulty plumbing system. Therefore, you should request the realtor or seller to fix it before signing the contract.

Shut-Off Valve

To check if the shut-off valves are functioning properly, close it completely and then turn on all taps in the house. If water drips slowly or gushes out, there’s a higher probability that the valves are defective. In such cases, you can request the seller to replace the valves. Apart from the primary shut-off valve, a plumber will check other valves that control water flow to the toilets or showers.

Septic System

Another critical plumbing part that needs to be checked is the septic system if you buy a residential property that doesn’t use the local sewerage system. An experienced plumber will conduct a video camera inspection to check its condition.

Broken septic pipes are a common problem with septic tanks. Tree roots easily damage them because of their closeness to the surface. Having a septic system in good condition may spare you sewerage nightmares.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing: Your Trusted Plumber 

We are a family-owned venture serving Fernandina, FL, since 1985. At Bert Norman’s Plumbing, we value our clients. We’ve endeavored to provide the best plumbing solutions to our customers with unique attention to detail and without compromising quality throughout all our years of service. We respond quickly to emergency calls, and you can call us today for your plumbing needs.

Common Reasons To Call A Residential Plumbing Service | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Volodymyr Shtun at istock

The importance of your home’s plumbing system cannot be overstated. It ensures that your house has a reliable constant at a desirable temperature and pressure. It also helps with ensuring that the wastewater from your house is efficiently flushed out to keep your home clean and hygienic. As such, it is hard to imagine how your family would survive without a properly functioning plumbing system.

Unfortunately, although your plumbing system is extremely durable, it can develop several problems that can negatively affect its efficacy. For instance, if your water heater is malfunctioning, you might have to take cold showers and perform other cleaning tasks with ice-cold water. Similarly, if there is a burst pipe within your property, it can effectively cut off your house from the main water supply. But given the complexity and sensitivity of the plumbing system, it is impossible for you to fix most plumbing issues yourself unless you are a professional plumber, meaning that you will need to be in touch with a professional plumbing service you can call when you have a plumbing situation in your Jacksonville, FL house. Below are some plumbing issues that can make it necessary to call a professional plumber.

Blocked Toilet

When you flush your toilet, the wastewater should quickly rush out. However, if your toilet is blocked, this will not happen. Instead, water will fill up the toilet bowl and overflow, creating a mess that you do not want to see. When this happens, it will become virtually impossible for you to stay in your house. Unfortunately, this is not an issue that you can or want to deal with on your own. The good news is that by calling a professional plumbing service, such as Bert Norman’s Plumbing, you can get the issue fixed decisively within the shortest time humanly possible.

Water Heater Issues

Of course, you do not want to do your cleaning chores or take a bath with ice-cold water. The water heater helps with ensuring that your Jacksonville, FL home is adequately supplied with hot water. Therefore, when the water heater has a problem, it can cause inconveniences that can make it necessary for you to urgently call a professional plumbing service. For instance, if your water heater is giving you cold water for some reason, you will need a qualified plumber to diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and come up with the most appropriate solution. Other common water heater problems include leaks and corrosion.

Low Water Pressure

When you turn on a faucet in your house, you expect water to gush out. Therefore, if you realize that water no longer comes out as powerfully as it used to, then you might be having a water pressure issue in your house. Water pressure in your home can drop due to several issues. For instance, if your water pipes are leaking, you can expect a drop in water pressure. Low water pressure can also occur due to the buildup of sediments within your plumbing system. To restore the appropriate water pressure in your house, you need to call a professional plumbing service. Professionals have the necessary skills and tools to diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and ensure that it is fixed accordingly. If the cause of the issue is in your utility company’s supply lines, your plumber will advise you to talk to your utility company.

Clogged Drains

The drainage system is an important part of your home’s plumbing system. It ensures that the wastewater from your home is efficiently discharged. But given the kind of waste that goes down the drains, it is not unusual for drains to get clogged. Unfortunately, a clogged drain can be quite a serious plumbing issue. For instance, a clogged drain can cause your sinks to overflow and the bathroom to get flooded. In other words, a drain clog can render your plumbing system unusable. Therefore, when you notice that the flow of wastewater from your house is slower than it used to be, it is important for you to call a professional plumbing service to ensure that any developing clogs are addressed in their earliest stages of development. In addition to removing the existing clogs, your plumber will also clean your drains to prevent future clogs.

Frozen Pipes

In winter, your water pipes might get frozen. This means that the water in your pipes might freeze. Unfortunately, blocks of ice in your pipes will block the flow of water to the various outlets. This is not a plumbing issue you can fix on your own. Therefore, when you notice that your home’s plumbing system is frozen, it is imperative for you to get in touch with a professional plumbing service to restore the water supply to your house. Professionals have the necessary tools and skills to fix frozen water pipes decisively and efficiently. They will also advise you on what needs to be done to improve pipe insulation to prevent your plumbing system from becoming frozen in the near future.

Leaky Pipes

Your home’s water pipes can leak due to several reasons. For instance, leaks can occur due to improper plumbing installation. If the installation was done correctly, your pipes can become leaky due to corrosion. Whatever the cause might be, leaky pipes can have several serious consequences. For example, leaks can affect the structural integrity of your house by weakening concrete or causing wood to rot. Therefore, when your notice some signs of leaky pipes, you need to ensure that the issue is immediately fixed by a professional plumbing services provider.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, although your plumbing system is fairly durable, many issues can negatively affect its performance. As such, you need to be in touch with a professional plumbing service you can trust to help you handle any plumbing situation in your house. If you are looking for a dependable plumbing services provider in Jacksonville, FL, Bert Norman’s Plumbing is an excellent choice. Feel free to contact us today for more information about our company and services.

Plumbing Service Is An Essential Component of Public Health | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By SUKJAI PHOTO at Shutterstock

Clean water is an absolutely essential aspect of health. We expect to see clean water flowing from our faucets and fixtures every time we turn on the tap. This is usually what happens, but a steady supply of clean water doesn’t happen automatically. Public infrastructure and plumbing systems inside individual residences have to function properly to keep providing the clean, fresh water we rely on.

Backflow

Backflow is an issue that plumbing service deals with more often than you might think. The used, dirty water from toilets, sinks, washing machines, and other appliances is supposed to be carried away by drain pipes and diverted into the sewer system. Fresh, clean water enters the house through a separate set of pipes. This is a very important aspect of plumbing service. Problems in this system may lead to unsafe water that could make your family sick.

Back siphonage is a common backflow issue. It occurs when drops in pressure forces water to flow backward. A water main break is a potential cause of back-siphonage. Your garden hose is more likely than any other aspect of your home’s plumbing to cause a back-siphonage issue. A problem can let water used in the garden flow back into the home’s clean water supply. Back-pressure is caused by increased water pressure. Potential causes of back-pressure include clogs, boiler pressure fluctuations, and pump malfunctions.

Backflow preventers are vital components that prevent contamination of clean water in your home’s plumbing system. However, many people are completely unaware of these devices and can’t identify them. This is a very good reason to employ professional plumbing services.

An air gap, or AG, and reduced pressure valve assembly, or RPZ, are the two main types of backflow preventers. RPZ preventers are designed with valves that open only when water flows forward. Air gap preventers create air gaps between the water supply and fixtures or components meant to receive flowing water.

Backflow testing is a relatively simple plumbing service. It includes an inspection of your home’s plumbing infrastructure to investigate potential flow-related issues and examine preventers. A plumber may open and close valves to make sure they’re working correctly and check valves to look for leaks or improper gauge movements. Backflow testing is extremely important because it’s a safety measure that can help prevent illness. All sorts of pathogens can be carried in dirty water, such as dysentery, salmonella, and typhoid. We don’t hear about some of these illnesses very often in Jacksonville, FL, because we have clean water and excellent plumbing that keeps us safe.

Septic Tanks

Some homes in Jacksonville, FL, aren’t connected to public sewer systems. They have septic tanks instead. While there are many benefits to having a septic system, it’s also a big responsibility for homeowners. A septic tank that’s too full can create plumbing problems no one wants to deal with. Watch for signs that it’s time to call a plumbing service to have your septic tank pumped.

Keep track of septic tank maintenance, including pumping. Mark dates on your calendar to remind you when the next appointment should be. If you haven’t been keeping track and can’t remember the last time your tank was pumped, it’s probably overdue and should be done immediately.

An overflowing septic tank can produce pooling water in your yard above the tank. Although an overflowing tank is a common cause of pooling water, the drainage system in your yard is important too. Offensive odors with or without pooling water are also a bad sign. Septic tanks should be contained systems, so you shouldn’t be able to smell the bacteria breaking down waste. An odor means waste is escaping from the tank. Leaking wastewater can contaminate the home’s clean water supply, so don’t hesitate to obtain plumbing services to address septic tank problems.

Sump Pumps

Some homes rely on sump pumps to keep their homes clean and dry. Sump pumps are frequently located in basements and crawl spaces to remove water from heavy rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems. Basements without adequate waterproofing are especially vulnerable.

Households with basements usually place sump pumps at the lowest point. Placement is important to catch groundwater that flows inside. Make a checklist and schedule to track sump pump maintenance and keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. A pump failure during severe weather can leave your home unprotected and vulnerable to water damage. Flooding can also contaminate clean water in certain situations. Your local plumbing service can provide maintenance and even help you replace or install a sump pump.

A malfunctioning sump pump may run continuously when there is no water to remove. The pump shouldn’t run if the pit is dry. This means something is wrong, and the constant overwork leads to your pump wearing out prematurely. The problem may be a faulty switch or a broken valve. Sump pumps and drainage systems should work together, so the problem could be incorrect installation or clogged drainage. In some cases, the pump is actually reacting to constant low-level flooding that homeowners aren’t aware of. A plumbing service can help you pin down and fix the cause of sump pump woes.

Sump pumps without lids are open to dirt and debris that may clog moving parts and jam switches. Consult professional plumbing services to fix the pump then invest in a new airtight lid to reduce the risk of similar problems in the future. Noisy pumps can also be a sign of problems. All sump pumps make some amount of noise during operation, but pay attention to unusually loud or startling sounds such as thuds, rattling, gurgling or grinding noises. These sounds may indicate a problem with the motor.

Give Bert Norman’s Plumbing a call to schedule an appointment for routine maintenance or to address a specific plumbing issue. These licensed and highly trained professional plumbers have been helping customers in Jacksonville, FL, with their plumbing needs since 1985.

Reasons To Call A Plumbing Service Right Away | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By DIGIcal at istock

Whether you’re a new homeowner in Jacksonville, FL or you’ve owned your home in Duval County for years, it’s important to know what to do when a repair issue happens at your house. Knowing who to call and how quickly to call them can be the difference between solving the problem before it has a chance to get worse and having to shell out thousands of dollars to repair the damage caused by not fixing the issue in time.

For many plumbing-related issues, calling a plumbing service is something that you need to do sooner rather than later. There are certainly a few plumbing concerns that you can solve on your own schedule, but for the majority of your plumbing work, you need to call someone over right away to keep things from getting worse. If you spot any of these problems, there’s no time to waste; you need a plumber at your home immediately!

Sulfur Smell

In a situation like this, a plumber should actually be the second call that you make. Your first call if you smell sulfur coming from your faucet is to call your water supplier to find out if there’s a problem with the groundwater or elsewhere in their system. That’s because sometimes after storms, sulfur can mix into the groundwater and produce that unpleasant smell. The good news is that if this is the case, you’ll usually be fine with just flushing the water through your faucets in your home.

But if your water supplier tells you that everything is fine, then you need to call a plumbing service as soon as possible, because that’s a sign that there’s something really wrong with your water. You might have an issue with your hot water heater if you only smell sulfur from the hot water tap, or the problem could be with the water softener. In either case, you need to bring in a plumbing expert as soon as possible to examine your system and determine potential problems. Whenever there’s a weird smell coming from your water, that’s not the time to waste time waiting on contacting a plumber for help.

Discolored Water

Depending on the color of the water, the discoloration can be a sign that you’ve got a serious problem with your water and shouldn’t drink it at all, or it can be a sign that you need a plumbing service right away, but your water is still safe to drink. Red or orange water might not be attractive to look at, but they actually won’t cause any health problems if you choose to drink them. That’s because these colors are caused by rust buildup in your water, which is harmless to our bodies. However, you’ll still want to call for a plumbing expert right away, because rust-colored water can stain your clothes in the laundry. If your water is pink, that’s also not a reason to panic, as this is a sign of a harmless organism in your water. You’ll need to call for assistance, but you can still drink your water until help arrives.

The time that you need to both call a plumbing service immediately and avoid your water is when your water is blue, blue-green, or black. Blue water is a sign of your toilet water mixing into your drinking water supply, which can be incredibly harmful. Black water brings its own problems, as this happens when you have mold in your water supply. Blue-green water can also cause gastrointestinal issues, as it occurs when you have corroding copper pipes in your plumbing system. In all cases, do not drink the water at your Jacksonville, FL home until a plumbing service can make repairs.

Stains on the Walls

Your walls hide much of your plumbing system, so if you’ve got a stain slowly appearing on your walls, that’s a sign that something is seriously wrong with your plumbing. Specifically, that’s a sign that you’ve got a tear in your pipes somewhere, and as soon as this sign appears, you’ve got to call a plumbing service right away.

Allowing water to pool in your walls can cause major damage to the drywall, resulting in water pouring onto your floors, carpet, and more. In this case, you’ve got two choices: wait for this to happen once the walls burst or get a plumbing expert on the job immediately to get inside your wall and replace the old pipes. Bringing in a plumber can allow an expert to break into your walls and repair the pipe before the accumulation of water can cause serious damage to the rest of your home. However, this is a situation where time is of the essence; once the wall breaks, you’re going to need emergency plumbing services in your home as well as some major reconstruction to your house.

Leaking Pipes

When it comes to your plumbing system, there is no such thing as a small leak. Any visible leak, even one that’s only a couple of drips, needs to be repaired right away to prevent future damage to your pipes. When your pipes start leaking, they become much more susceptible to breaking or coming apart, which can cause a serious emergency in a matter of minutes.

Even if your pipes hold together until a plumbing service arrives, you don’t want to wait too long to call for an expert’s help. Small leaks can still cause water damage to your home, so as soon as you notice a drip, it’s important to call for help right away.

Whether it’s leaking pipes, a strange smell in your water or another serious issue with your plumbing, Bert Norman’s Plumbing is here to get things back on track. When something is off with the plumbing in your Jacksonville, FL home, our plumbing service will make full repairs and prevent further damage to your home. Give us a call today to have our team get to work on your home’s plumbing system!

How To Get The Most Out Of Plumbing Service Providers | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Monkey Business Images at Shutterstock

Plumbing service providers in Jacksonville, FL, are outstanding in every way. You can easily benefit from their services if you know what to look for in a company for hire. Even if you’re not familiar with the process of hiring a plumber, you’ll benefit from having one available for those times where things go wrong with your plumbing system. This guide helps you navigate unfamiliar territory as you try to locate plumbing providers worthy of giving your business to that day.

Plumbing providers can be found online easily. You can also ask the people that you speak to regularly for suggestions. They may be able to recommend a good plumber because of who they hired in the past. Hearing their reasoning for giving their business to one company instead of another can help you find the perfect plumber to work with when you need help.

Get the Help That You Deserve By a Qualified and Skilled Plumber

Plumbers can get to the root of a problem and fix the issue successfully. When you discover a problem that you know needs professional assistance, the first thing you should do is contact the plumber of your choice. The sooner that you get a service call scheduled, the faster you’ll have things back in order.

Here’s how to get the most out of plumbing service providers in Jacksonville, FL:

  • Ask questions. The best way to know what plumbing service providers in the area have to offer you is to ask questions and lots of them. When you learn what a company has in mind when it comes to repairs and pricing, you’re able to prepare for the cost of the service more effectively. You know exactly why you’re paying what the company charges you, and you know how long the repair takes to complete. It doesn’t hurt you any to inquire about things. It helps you gain a clearer perspective of what takes place when you hire plumbing service providers to do work for you in the home.

 

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials. Getting to know what makes plumbing service providers qualified to assist you is imperative. It helps you decide which company is the best to give your business to today. It makes it possible for you to choose a provider that will do their best to get the problem taken care of quickly so that you and your family don’t feel inconvenienced for long. A plumbing problem can be a big hassle. With the help of a good company, however, it won’t be as big a deal because you can attest to the high-quality services provided by the plumber.

 

  • Read online reviews. It’s a way to get to know a company that you haven’t heard much about before. If you don’t have anyone you can ask for a referral, one of the best things you can do is read online reviews. It’s free to do and very enlightening. You’ll learn about the strengths of a company quickly. You’ll know what to expect from the plumbing service providers you’re interested in learning more about. You can see how they respond to the feedback left for them by customers. If a company has an active presence online and wants to make things right, you can count on it being the type of plumbing service provider that won’t quit until you’re 100 percent satisfied with the work you’re having done.

 

  • Schedule maintenance services, so you need fewer repairs. When you’re cautious about your plumbing system, you see value in hiring a plumber to maintain it. You hire a professional to clean the drains, tighten loose hardware, and check to ensure your sump pump is operating correctly. Preventative maintenance keeps you from paying far more money than you would if you have a sudden emergency emerge.

 

  • Listen to the advice the plumber gives you. It can save you a lot of money. If you listen to what the professional says, you can avoid many of the common plumbing problems people experience. You can easily tackle minor issues without having them grow in size and cost you a fortune to have repaired. You’ll know the signs to look for and who to call when you need help. You can save yourself a lot of stress by being aware of the things that cause common plumbing issues and doing what you can to avoid them.

You can get your money’s worth out of the services you pay for by following the advice listed above. Being selective as to who you spend your money on hiring makes all the difference. You need to reach out to a professional just as soon as you’ve discovered a problem with your plumbing. Doing so ensures that you’ll get your issue remedied in a way that’s prompt and affordable.

The right plumbing service providers are committed to resolving your problem quickly. They go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction by being the type of company you can count on day and night. When you need assistance with something going on with your plumbing, you don’t hesitate to reach out to them for help. You know you’ll get the assistance you need from a company ready and able to help you unclog a drain or fix a leaky faucet.

Hire a Company You Know

Bert Norman’s Plumbing of Jacksonville, FL, provides expedient services day and night. We’re there in an emergency when other companies are not. All you need to do is reach out to us with your request, and we’ll take care of it quickly for you. Getting to your home and inspecting your plumbing is the first step in remedying the issue effectively.

Call 904-225-5888 for more information about our company. We want to be your number one choice in plumbing service providers. If you have something that needs addressing, let us know. It’s our goal to make you feel as comfortable as possible about our plumbing service processes.

Booking A Plumber Inspection When Buying A New Home | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By MartinPrescott at istock

When buying a home in Jacksonville, FL you’ll typically book a general home inspector to investigate the property condition. While they may take a cursory look at the plumbing, it’s much better to book a dedicated plumber inspection. It takes numerous years to be qualified in the plumbing trade and know what to look for during inspections, and a general home inspector may not understand the nuances of home plumbing. For example, you may discover after you move in that a drain line has improper installation or issues with the water heater that the general home inspection didn’t identify before the sale. You’d consider booking electrical inspections, roof inspections, and even checking the insulation, so it’s essential to consider plumbing inspections too.

One of the reasons it’s crucial to book a plumber to inspect your potential property is because you’ll find some investors are buying FL properties and fixing them up on the cheap to maximize profit during a sale. If the home was a foreclosure or no one has been living in it for a long time, areas such as drain lines and sewer lines may be suffering from neglect. Getting a plumbing inspection could also lower the cost of buying your property. If a plumbing inspector highlights an issue and you feel comfortable going ahead with the house purchase, you can use it to negotiate a lower price. Before the sale, it’s the seller’s responsibility to pay for fixing any plumbing issues. Once you’ve completed the buying process, then the costs will fall squarely on your shoulders.

Thankfully, a plumber can utilize a wide range of modern technology to scout out problem areas in a potential home purchase. Even within the last fifty years, plumbing technology has vastly improved. Many plumbing tasks that were once time-consuming and costly are now much quicker and cheaper to resolve. Fifty years ago, if a drain or sewer line clogged up, an ordinary solution was to dig up the pipe and then fix or unclog it by hand. Now, with the widespread use of fiber optics, CCTV, and flexible, waterproof cameras, a plumbing company can inspect the inside of pipes without any digging.

Types of Home Plumbing Inspections

You can book a wide variety of plumber inspections, including:

  • Full home inspections
  • Drain inspections
  • Drain line inspections
  • Main line inspections
  • Kitchen inspections
  • Bathroom inspections

You can book an inspection to focus on specific sections of the house. However, if you’re buying a Jacksonville, FL, home, you will benefit most from a complete home inspection. Homes in Florida are often expensive, which means you could also be facing expensive repairs if you don’t highlight issues ASAP. To avoid potentially being stuck with unexpected costly repairs soon after a house purchase, book a plumbing company to do a whole house inspection and highlight any issues beforehand so you can be fully prepared.

What’s Included in a Plumbing Inspection

Once you’ve decided to book a home plumbing inspection, it’s time to tick off what investigations will cover. One of the first, likely obvious, components of a home plumbing inspection is to check for leaks. Some leaks are so small that average homebuyers may not be able to identify them at a glance. A plumbing company can use specialist tools, such as listening discs, ground microphones, fiber-optic video inspection equipment, thermal imaging, and soil probes. These tools are an unnecessary expense for a homebuyer making a single purchase, but a professional will often have all of these tools readily available.

Visual inspections are par for the course when you book a plumbing company to investigate your home’s plumbing. Not only will leaks be detected, but plumbers will search and identify dampness, mold growth, and other problematic symptoms of water damage. The professional doing your home plumbing inspection can advise what’s causing it, as well as its severity and how to fix the issue. Leak inspections don’t just apply to the interior either. Sewer pipe inspections and main water line inspections can help warn homeowners of potentially hazardous leaks in the future.

Plumbing professionals can also check water pressure during a home inspection. Low water pressure can be an indicator of internal corrosion and pipes that may need replacing. High water pressure could lead to spontaneous holes, and the sooner a plumbing company identifies incorrect water pressure, the quicker you can address the issue. Plumbing professionals will check pressure relief valves linked to water heaters to ensure they’re installed correctly and are the correct type. Without the correct valve, a water heater can burst. Luckily, plumbers will inspect all forms of water heaters, including conventional storage tank heaters, on-demand tankless water heaters, hybrid water heaters, and more.

In the bathroom, all fixtures and fittings are checked for broken or deteriorating parts. In particular, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs receive special attention as these can cause extreme damage when broken. Generally speaking, a traditional home inspector surveying real estate up for sale will only check if water runs from taps, drains run clear, and toilets flush. However, bathrooms often require technical knowledge to know if the plumbing is up to code.

During any dedicated plumbing inspection, a plumbing professional will thoroughly investigate your home’s plumbing. Professionals will also look at shut-off valves, sump pumps and discharge, kitchen and laundry room drainage and venting, traps under each sink, and all above-ground plumbing.

How to Book a Plumber Inspection with Bert Norman

Bert Norman’s Plumbing is family-owned, state-certified plumbing business established in 1985. Through years of experience, our plumbers have learned to utilize modern plumbing inspection techniques, meet all safety protocols, and help you identify, resolve, and avoid a variety of plumbing issues that might crop up in your new home.

Even if you’ve already recently purchased your home, it’s not too late to book a plumbing inspection. Bert Norman specializes in fast, friendly plumbing inspections for all Jacksonville, FL communities, including Riverside, downtown, north Jacksonville, and the surrounding areas. Request a professional plumbing inspection by calling at any time or submit a request online. Plumbers at Bert Norman are available 24/7/365.

Benefits Of Preventive Plumbing Maintenance From Your Local Plumber That Everyone Should Enjoy | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Krzysztof Winnik at istock

The home you live in is an investment. As an investment, it is only worth as much as you put in. To protect your investment, it is important you maintain it and prevent damage from occurring. Damages and faults in the home could diminish its value and make living there less than comfortable. The home is more than a shell, it has many moving parts and systems within that afford us the necessary comforts to function in society today. Preventive plumbing maintenance can be very beneficial, whereas plumbing system neglect has the opposite effect. According to collected data, it has been determined that plumbing systems can last anywhere from 17 to 100 years. This vast difference is highly dependent on how well you care for this system. If you live in or around the Jacksonville, FL, area, contact the staff at Bert Norman’s Plumbing to schedule preventive maintenance plumbing service today.

Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Services

There are many benefits to preventive maintenance plumbing. In order to enjoy these benefits, it is imperative you remain consistent with your plumbing system care. To do so, experts suggest you schedule a preventive maintenance plumber at least once or twice a year for regular service.

Preventive plumbing maintenance includes a variety of services. You may have to discuss specific services with your plumbing service provider to ensure all aspects of your plumbing system care are covered. Most preventive plumbing maintenances services include drain cleaning, appliance inspection, water heater flushing, and repair where needed.

Not many people are aware of just how complex and fragile the home’s plumbing system can be. Due to the many points of connection in the plumbing system, one issue can easily spiral into another component of the plumbing system, making small issues more serious and damaging. This is why it is important to prevent these issues from occurring. To do so, you will need to hire a knowledgeable and reputable plumbing company. If you live in the Jacksonville, FL, area, and are in need of a professional plumber for regular plumbing maintenance services, contact the staff at Bert Norman’s Plumbing today.

The Benefits of Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Say Good-Bye to Plumbing Malfunctions

The best and most noticeable benefit of plumbing maintenance is fewer plumbing malfunctions. Clogged drains, broken garbage disposals, leaking water heaters, and other plumbing malfunctions are less likely to happen with the help of reoccurring, professional plumbing maintenance. These issues may still occur, due to regular wear and tear or other unforeseen circumstances, however, a professional can prevent these faults from causing damage by repairing them before they get out of control. Professional plumbing system maintenance from a reputable and experienced plumber will reduce or prevent these mishaps from occurring altogether.

No More Wasting Money

You may wonder if regular plumbing maintenance is even worth it. The answer is yes! Plumbing maintenance can actually help you save money in many ways. A reduction in plumbing system malfunctions and an increase in efficiency will unnecessarily prevent money loss.

How many times has your drain clogged? This can actually lead to a huge loss in money in a myriad of ways. Unclogging the drain isn’t expensive but it can be if it does not receive professional repair. Over-the-counter drain cleaners can damage the pipe system and speed up the erosion process leading to costly leaks and other issues. Clogs can also become so stubborn that regular unclogging methods won’t work. Removing a stubborn clog such as this can also end up costing upwards of $500. The best way to save money on these malfunctions is by preventing them from happening in the first place.

Longer Lasting Appliances

Part of plumbing maintenance is inspection. A professional inspection of these appliances can prevent disasters from occurring. Appliances such as the water heater, boiler, and other plumbing apparatuses must be inspected regularly to ensure efficiency and the absence of fault. Small faults can be repaired before serious damage occurs. This can save your appliance from having to be replaced completely.

Regular maintenance services also help protect your appliances and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. For example, water heaters last 9 to 12 years on average. Water heaters may even last longer with the help of a preventive maintenance plumber. Water heater tanks get a buildup of sediment due to the minerals present in the water. Over time, the sediment will become harder and harder. Eventually, the sediment ends up causing breaks or cracks in the tank, which leads to a total obsoletion of your water heater tank. Water heater tank replacement can be costly. Premature water heater replacement can be avoided by properly maintaining your plumbing system appliances.

Protects Your Property

Plumbing is an essential part of the home. It is built into the structure of a property. If your plumbing system malfunctions, it will affect other aspects of your property. The damage can sometimes be catastrophic and expensive to repair. The plumbing system’s main duty is to direct and remove water. Plumbing systems also include gas. Both gas and water can be destructive elements if they are not properly contained. To ensure these elements are always properly contained, professional plumbing system inspection is required on a regular basis.

The home’s plumbing system is made out of metals, sometimes plastic, and other degradable components. These components were built to last for a long time, but can’t last forever without some help from a professional plumbing system maintenance provider.

Choosing the Right Plumber

The plumbing system is complex, DIY plumbing can cause more issues to occur. Hiring a professional and licensed plumber to maintain your plumbing system will help ensure efficiency and proper operation. Hiring a licensed and reputable plumbing company to care for your plumbing system will also protect you from liability pertaining to this work. Hiring unlicensed plumbers will not protect you from liability and therefore puts you in a dangerous legal position. Last but not least choosing the right plumber will prevent loss or waste of money. Licensed plumbers have proven that they have acquired the knowledge to accurately and safely work on your plumbing system. This is important due to the potential risk a faulty plumbing system poses to the owner and inhabitants of a home. If you need a reputable plumber in the Jacksonville, FL, area, contact the staff at Bert Norman’s Plumbing to schedule plumbing service today.

How To Get The Most Use Out Of Your Favorite Plumbing Service | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Hispanolistic at istock

Everyone has their favorites, and you’re no different. As a homeowner, you have the task of finding reliable service providers to work with routinely. A plumbing service and its plumbers are some of the most important professionals that you have on your side. In the event of an emergency, they provide expedient service that resolves your issue in no time flat.

This guide helps you get the most out of the plumbing service you invest in as a local resident. It provides you with outstanding results year-round. When you have a plumber you trust at your disposal, you get things done quickly and effectively. You’re able to resolve the worst of issues without incident.

Make Better Use Out of Your Plumber Today

The right plumber makes your life easier in every way. When you have their number in your phone, you have access to a professional that can alleviate some of the stress that you’re feeling. You can also contact them around the clock for assistance, making it possible to restore order to a chaotic home before everyone wakes up and needs to shower the next morning.

Here is how to get the most use out of your favorite plumbing service in Jacksonville, FL:

  • Ask for advice on ways to prevent blockages, leaks, and breaks in pipes. One of the best resources you have access to is a plumbing professional. When you take the time to listen to what they have to say, you’re able to keep your plumbing system in excellent working order. You experience fewer problems which means that there’s less stress and delays in your household schedule. You can focus your energy on the things that matter rather than the ones that don’t. By the time you’ve finished tapping into the knowledge base of the plumber, you’ll feel incredibly informed by what they’ve told you. You’re able to resolve the simplest plumbing issues before they have a chance to manifest.

 

  • Get the help that you need before a problem grows in size and price. If you want to avoid paying a small fortune for plumbing services, consider calling a plumber right away after discovering an issue. Doing so prevents the problem from getting bigger and causing damage to your home. It’s not just inconvenient to experience a leak. It can destroy the flooring in your home. That can lead to thousands of dollars in repair work that your insurance company may not cover. If you want to keep your house in excellent condition, don’t let a drip or leak go undetected for long. Investing in leak detection makes things much easier for you. You’ll know instantly if there’s a problem that requires a plumber. You can then schedule the plumbing service provider of your choice to take care of the problem.

 

  • Take time to get to know the different things your plumber can do for you. Plumbers are highly skilled professionals. They provide a wide range of services for you to choose from today. They give you excellent customer service all hours of the day and night. They can keep your drains clean and your faucets nice and tight so that you won’t experience blockages and leaks that compromise the quality of your home. Plumbing service professionals can take care of your needs quickly and affordably. Speaking to a professional about what your home requires is imperative.

 

  • Keep the plumber’s phone number on speed dial for emergencies. You can access their services faster that way. When you need a good plumber, you don’t need to waste valuable time searching the internet for a professional. Instead, you have the right option for you because you already spent time trying to find the perfect company to give your business to that day.

Jacksonville, FL, has plenty of plumbing service providers to assist you with your request for assistance. Locating one that goes above and beyond what you expect of it is essential. It makes your life as a homeowner much easier to deal with regularly. You experience fewer plumbing problems and can keep your home comfortable and orderly daily.

Developing a professional relationship with a company that can assist you with the plumbing service you need most is imperative. It allows you to fix a problem long before it has a chance to worsen. It provides you with advice that keeps your plumbing in good working order long-term.

What to Look for in a Good Plumber

The best plumbers keep your interests in mind. They go above and beyond to get things done for you on time and within your budget for their services. They treat you and your family with the utmost respect. They care about you and your household’s well-being.

When you find a plumbing service provider in Jacksonville, FL that can go out of their way to assist you, hire them. Give them the business you’d give a company that doesn’t do as good of a job. Instead, hire the best plumber in the industry and see what a difference it makes in your life. You can get the help that you deserve expediently.

Adding to your professional service provider team involves finding the best plumber to help you with your request. You can ask people that you know for a referral or search the web on your own. Either way, you can find a good professional to give your business to long-term.

Get the Assistance You Need Without Delay by Contacting Us Today

Bert Norman’s Plumbing takes every request that we receive from our customers seriously. We give your call priority status. It doesn’t matter if it’s an emergency or not. We want to tackle the issue that you’re experiencing quickly to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

Call us at 904-225-5888. We’re here for you whenever you have questions or need something cleared up before booking our services. Feel free to reach out to us day or night. We make things easier for you by getting the job done right and on time.

Finding A Good Plumber Near Me | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By PeopleImages at istock

Even the best-maintained home in Jacksonville, FL, has a plumbing emergency at some point and will need a good plumber to fix the problem. But where can you find that “Plumber Near Me” who will help you at any time of the day or night and not charge a fortune? Unless you know a good plumber, they are not always easy to find. You could go on the internet and type in “Plumber near me”, but you are going to get many results. But which one do you pick? Is that “Plumber near me” any good, do they have a proven track record, and are they reliable?

You do not want to take potluck and a good idea is to use a trusted review site, you want somebody with many positive reviews and recommendations. In Jacksonville, FL. area the top quality “plumber near me“, the one with the many top reviews should be Bert Norman’s Plumbing.

We are top for a reason; we offer only the highest standards of work for affordable prices. That is why we are very selective of our plumbers; each has many years of experience and is up to date with all the necessary skills to deliver a professional plumbing service.

Services Offered

We offer a full of plumbing services which include:

  • Emergency Plumbing Service
  • Drain Cleaning
  • Water Heater Repair and Replacement
  • Toilet Repairs and Replacements
  • Sump Pumps and many other quality services.

Emergency Plumbing Service

Who knows when that plumbing emergency will strike, and you need that “Plumber near me”? You can always count on us at any time. We really do have a “Plumber near me” on call 24/7, ready to help you deal quickly with any plumbing emergency that has befallen you. Whether it be a blocked toilet, burst pipe, or broken-down water heater, let Bert Norman’s Plumbing take the stress out of the situation and fix your problem.

Drain Cleaning

Do not leave drain cleaning until your sink or bathtub is completely blocked. If you notice that it is taking longer and longer for water to drain away, then call us straight away. It will be easier and less messy to deal with smaller clogs than a completely blocked pipe. You can help avoid clogs starting or building in the first place by being careful what you pour down your sink. Grease, food, and coffee grinds are best placed in the compost, bin or if you have one a garbage disposal. These materials will stick to the inside of the drainpipes and cause a clog to grow. Ignoring the problem will only allow the clogs to completely block the pipes. At this point, you are going to need that “plumber near me” to do a professional drain cleaning service.

Water Heater Repair and Replacement

Irrespective of the type of water heater that you have, Bert Norman’s Plumbing advises you to have it regularly maintained with one of our maintenance packages. Regular maintenance will ensure your water heater safe operation, and make it more energy-efficient, reducing those energy bills. As the average cost of a water heater repair is over $500, regular maintenance makes good sense and gives you peace of mind. Do not wait, call for that “plumber near me” from Bert Norman’s plumbing to schedule that regular maintenance.

Even the best-maintained water heater will break down eventually. If your water heater is over ten years old, it may be time to replace it. We appreciate that a new heater is a major investment, but it will pay for itself in the long term. A new water heater will be more energy-efficient and reduce your energy bills. It will also be less likely to break down and will be simpler to maintain.

You also want to make sure that the new heater is fit for purpose. It needs to have the right capacity to deal with all those water appliances and new additions to your growing family. Trust Bert Norman’s to help you select the best model for your needs.

Toilet Repairs and Replacements

If you keep flushing anything other than water, human waste, toilet paper, and some gentle toilet cleaners down a toilet you are going to end up causing a blockage. A blockage is caused by items like wet wipes, sanitary products, and tissue paper being unable to dissolve quickly in water. If they are not flushed away properly, they will start to build up and cause a blockage.

If you have a blockage, we advise you do not repeatedly flush the toilet to clear it. The most likely outcome is that you will cause an overflow. This will be an unpleasant mess to have to clear up and is a job best left to a technician from Bert Norman’s who has the right protective clothing.

If you think it is time to have the toilet replaced, we can help you select and redesign your whole bathroom, to give you the look you want.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are essential pieces of equipment in low-lying areas or ones prone to flooding. A sump pump removes any excess water that collects in your basement and so prevents any flooding. The pump sits in a pit dug in the lowest part of your basement. They are simple devices but can go wrong occasionally. We recommend that you pour a bucket of water in the pit periodically to make sure the pump begins automatically and that the water empties quickly once running. If you have any problems, it is best to call Bert Norman’s now, rather than wait until a major rainstorm hits and find out the sump pump does not work.

Who Are You Going to Call? Bert Norman’s Plumbing That Is Who!

We take pride in serving our Jacksonville, FL community. If you want a “Plumber near me” we are the people to call. We have an amazing team, who are ready to take your call 24/7. Whatever your problem, you can rest assured that your safety Is our main concern. Whatever the job, we will ensure that your water supply is safe and that your plumbing system works properly.

Modern Plumbing Fixtures You Should Have A Plumber Install In Your Home | Fernandina, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Photographee.eu at Shutterstock

With rising trends in increasing the curb appeal of home interiors, manufacturers of plumbing fixtures and fittings have developed innovative designs to satisfy customer needs. The newly designed fixtures blend with the eloquent furniture, wall art, chandeliers, and mouth-opening flooring of homes. The manufacturers ensure they produce a wide range of designs that homeowners all over the US, including Fernandina, FL, can opt for.

You may be wondering why it’s that important to have such appliances in your home. They come with multiple benefits including, water-saving and convenience features, increased curb appeal of your home’s interior, and improved home value. You can talk to a plumber to help you out while planning to upgrade your ugly-looking plumbing fixtures and fittings into eye-catching ones. Mentioned are some of the modern plumbing products available in the Fernandina, FL, market.

Wall Mount Faucets

Some homeowners have opted for wall-mounted faucets to improve the decor of their homes. These fixtures come in various sizes, colors, and shapes to fit the desired needs of customers. They have vintage feels and eye-catching features that make them ideal for bathroom and kitchen sinks.

You can look for a plumber and an interior designer and ask them to help you decide on the best fittings that blend with the decor in your home. These faucets come with multiple advantages including, a display of a clean look, they free up counter space in small bathrooms, it’s easier to wash big pots and pans, and are flexible to match any decor design. Having known the benefits of wall mount faucets, look for a plumbing professional today to do installations the right way and enjoy the beautiful view of your home’s interior.

LED Water Faucets

LED water faucets are a great option for homes with lighting-oriented decor. If you like lighting up your living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms with colors that change often, you’re on the right track. Just imagine seeing water come out of the faucet in different colors? It is a very cool feature that can make your kids make frequent visits to wash their hands on the sink to experience the amazing color changes in water.

You may wonder how these taps display different colors while operating. Well, the LED light in these appliances operates depending on the water pressure levels of the faucet. When you open the faucet, the light will sense the magnitude of pressure and produce different colors.

As the pressure changes the colors differ, and when the water pressure goes down to a certain level, the tap automatically turns off. To experience this surprising feature, all you need to do is visit a modern plumbing appliance store and request the best quality. Afterward, look for a plumbing company that’s well versed with modern fixtures to install them correctly on the sinks of your home.

Hidden Tank Toilet

You’ve probably walked into a high-end building’s toilet and found these wowing plumbing features. Well, if you like the idea, why not invest in it? A skilled plumber can suggest the best brand and do installation perfectly to match your demands. The tanks of these toilets are concealed inside the wall, and a flushing button is mounted on the wall. This plumbing fixture is a perfect option if you’re a lover of space inside your home or if your bathroom has small size dimensions.

The sleek look will blend perfectly with the modern design of your bathroom. If you love the idea you can rush to the nearest reliable and reputable store and grab a hidden tank toilet for your home. The next step is to look for a skilled modern plumbing company to install the appliance with care without damaging the wall structure of your home.

Automatic Faucets

Automatic faucets are a cool feature for your home. Apart from being convenient, they increase the health standards within your home since they are touchless. Standard faucets require you turn them on and off while using them, which makes you leave bacteria accumulated on the faucet’s lever and handle. These appliances come in two different types: foot-activated faucets and motion sensor faucets.

A foot-activated faucet works when you tap on the sensor installed under your cabinet using your foot. A motion sensor faucet runs water immediately after sensing a body part moving close to the sink. It could be your hands, a container, or even a cooking pot. To save yourself from the struggles of switching on and off your taps often, you can look for a professional plumber to install either of these amazing faucet types in your home. The plumber can also recommend the best selling and the topmost quality for your home.

Low Flow Showerheads

Showering scoops a whopping 17 percent of the total amount of indoor water consumed in homes in the US per day. Have you been perplexed by the high amount of water bills you pay every month? Don’t look further because having low flow showerheads is the solution while seeking to bring down the high utility bills. Low flow showerheads use about 1.5 gallons of water per minute.

On the other hand, standard ones use approximately 2.5 gallons of water every minute. The installation process is quite simple, but you don’t want to do it yourself and mess anything up. Look for the right person for the job, the plumber. The experienced plumbing professional will unscrew the old showerhead and screw the low flow showerhead. It’s a great option for you if you have a sizable family and multiple bathrooms in your home.

Get a Reliable Plumber Today!

Bert Norman’s Plumbing has proficient plumbers with years of experience in installing traditional and modern plumbing fixtures. If you wish to upgrade plumbing fixtures in your Fernandina, FL, home, you can rely on us for reliable and state-of-the-art solutions.

We are well versed in all services, including helping you pick a design and quality that suits your budget and installation and final inspection.

Call us today if you need to increase water efficiency and the beauty of your home. A plumber from our company can also handle repairs for your modern plumbing fixtures and appliances.

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