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What To Look For In A Drain Cleaning Service | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Ranta Images at istock

The drains in your home get overlooked unintentionally. You don’t put much thought into them until you absolutely need to do so. They’re not an issue until they become clogged and back up into your sink, bathtub, or onto your floor. Knowing how to prevent costly plumbing repairs is essential to preserving your household budget.

There are things you can do to keep your drains free from debris. The right plumber explains them to you in detail so that you need plumbing services less frequently. Having routine maintenance done to your drains and pipes helps you avoid costly repairs. It’s a justifiable expense because it prevents future issues with blockages from eating up your emergency savings.

Choosing the Right Drain Cleaning Service Provider to Meet Your Needs

This guide is one you’ll come to rely on regularly. First, it provides advice on how to find the right drain cleaning in the city. Second, it gives you the chance to get to know the various companies offering to clean drains in Jacksonville, FL. By the time you’ve read everything written here, you’ll have a greater understanding of what to expect from the service provider you’ve decided to hire.

Here’s what to look for in drain cleaning service in Jacksonville, FL:

  • A company that takes your service request seriously. There’s nothing more important than getting your call answered quickly, and your service set up immediately. That way, it’s one less thing you’re concerned with throughout the week. When you reach out to a company with a request for service, you expect it to respond accordingly. When you get your drain cleaning scheduled quickly, you know you’ll experience fewer blockages due to your efforts. Companies that get you put into their schedule right away are commendable. The demand for plumbers is often very high. It’s important to have your issue addressed promptly, so it doesn’t become a problem that breaks the bank later on.

 

  • A plumber that knows the ins and outs of drains and pipes. A professional that is proficient at what they do is worth their weight in gold. You know that your home’s plumbing system will be far better than it was before the plumber’s visit. The skilled professional takes the time to get to know what’s causing the issue with your drains so that they can address the problem effectively. Regular cleaning of a house’s drains ensures that no blockages occur easily. The plumber will tell you ways to keep your drains clear, too. They’ll give you pointers on ways to prevent food scraps, soap remnants, and hair from becoming a big problem for you and your household.

 

  • A company that values your business and isn’t afraid to tell you so. When a drain cleaning provider cares about you, it shows. They go out of their way to earn your business and respect. The professional takes the time to thank you for your business and provide you with peace of mind that they’ll be able to assist you long into the future. If you haven’t had a chance to discuss your future drain cleaning needs with a company representative, now is the time to do so because it can save you time and minimize the effort required to complete the task.

 

  • A plumber that works efficiently and remains professional throughout their visit to you. When you work with a plumbing expert, you hold them to the highest of standards. You want to invest in the services of a company that prides itself on a job well done. You can count on that happening when the plumber that comes to your home is polite and professional. They’re also proficient at what they do and go above and beyond to take care of your drains in a way that feels good to you. When you pay for drain cleaning service, you’re confident that the professional has done everything they can to help you and your household.

 

  • A company that ensures your satisfaction by doing everything it can to make you happy. The best companies are all about building relationships with their customers. They know that by doing so, they’re able to earn the long-term business of people. Not only that, but if you’re happy with the service you receive from a plumber, you’re more likely to recommend it to the people that you know throughout the community. You’ll be the first to say, “Hey, try this plumber!”. In addition, you’re able to help the people you know by giving them a reliable professional to work with when they need a helping hand with their drains.

Jacksonville, FL, is where drain cleaning service providers exist in number. It’s also where you can make lifetime connections with companies that take care of your needs year-round. Once you find a company that you enjoy working with, you won’t want to hire another to take its place. Your level of satisfaction remains high with the service provided because you took the time to get to know the drain cleaning service provider before you decided to hire them the first time.

The best drain cleaning service providers take their customers’ unique needs into account. They go the extra mile to ensure the satisfaction of everyone involved in the transaction. The plumbers become a friendly face that you know you can count on physically. With regular drain cleaning service, you face fewer problems with your drains, giving you greater peace of mind overall.

Get Your Drains Cleaned the Way That They Should Be Addressed Today

Ready to have drain cleaning service scheduled? Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing today with your request for assistance. Our number is 904-225-5888. We’re available to answer your call and provide you with fast solutions that meet your immediate needs.

Take advantage of our knowledge and expertise today. We can set you up with regular drain cleaning services so that you’re never in a position where your drains are clogged. In addition, we take the time to educate you about the various things that cause blockages so you can avoid them as much as possible.

The Importance Of Regular Plumbing Maintenance From Your Local Plumber | Callahan, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By JamesBrey at istock

Plumbing is an important component of any home. Plumbing systems are used every day and as a result malfunction from time to time. Common malfunctions are usually products of natural wear and tear on the plumbing systems. The best way to avoid natural wear and tear is by utilizing the services of a professional preventive maintenance plumber. Cultivating a relationship with your local professional has many benefits. Preventive plumbing maintenance will help you save money, prevent plumbing malfunctions, and prevent the need for future repairs. Hiring a preventive maintenance plumber gives that professional more in-depth knowledge of your home’s plumbing system and its unique quirks and features. This will help make repairs easier and faster in the future. If you live in or around the Callahan, FL, area, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing for all of your plumbing system needs.

What Is Preventive Plumbing Maintenance?

Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach to maintaining and repairing machinery or systems in order to prevent malfunctions and other mishaps from occurring. A proactive approach to your residential property care will benefit you by reducing the number of repairs needed, increasing the lifespan of your home’s systems, and preventing system failures. Properly maintaining your plumbing system and caring for it will ensure the cleanliness and efficiency of your plumbing. An efficiently running plumbing system will keep your bills stable and keep your energy efficiency simple.

Preventive plumbing maintenance must be completed by a professional plumber. Professional plumbing maintenance is different from common DIY solutions we use to get rid of pesky plumbing problems. Professional plumbers use special tools along with their specialized knowledge of plumbing systems to ensure your pipes, fixtures, and appliances remain in good working condition for as long as possible. According to statistics, plumbing systems can last an average of 17 – 100 years. This is, of course, dependent on the type of materials your plumbing systems have and how well you have cared for them throughout the years.

Preventive maintenance usually includes the cleansing of your household pipes, the gutters, and the water heater. Other preventive maintenance techniques include checking for leaks, and other common malfunctions.

Benefits of Preventive Plumbing Maintenance

Better Air Quality

Did you know that your plumbing can affect your air quality? Your plumbing system has a series of traps and different fixtures that are meant to prevent certain gasses from escaping and permeating your home’s atmosphere. When these fixtures and pipes are overwhelmed, dirty, or operational, it can lead to foul odors, as well as mold, bacteria, and mildew. Mold and mildew can form in other parts of the home as a result of unseen leaks. Leaks are not always visible right away. There are pipes all throughout a property. The pipes are behind walls, in the floorboards, and sometimes the ceilings. If these leaks are allowed to persist, it can cause mold and mildew to form before the leak can be repaired.

Individuals with existing health conditions such as asthma may experience worsened systems in the presence of dangerous pathogens such as mold and bacteria. Keeping your air clean, means keeping your plumbing system clean and efficient as well.

Less Leakage

The pipes that are strategically placed around your home are full of bends and joints that connect them together. These joints can sometimes become loose and cause leakage. If the leaks go unnoticed the malfunction can become larger and larger. The sooner leaks are repaired, the less damage will occur. Addressing other potential leaks can prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Prevents Plumbing Disasters

Hiring a local plumber to keep up with all of your plumbing needs will help prevent potential plumbing disasters. A local professional will have an understanding of your local area and different best practices used to help ensure your plumbing system is operating correctly. Areas that experience frequent pipe bursting may benefit from pipe insulation or other preventative measures. Ask your local, preventive maintenance plumber what preventative measures you should be taking to prevent plumbing disasters in the future. If you live in or around the area, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs.

Better Water Quality

The maintenance of your plumbing and pipe system directly affects the cleanliness and quality of your water. This is especially true for older or historic homes. When plumbing was first installed in homes, iron piping was used in the water supply system before it was realized that iron rust easily. Now materials like copper and steel are used to supply water. Most homes have been remodeled to account for this mishap. It is important to note that any metal can rust over time, and eventually this can happen to steel and copper. Proper maintenance of these pipes can prevent this or at least catch It before it causes damage.

Your hot water heater is also a direct source of water supply in your home. This appliance must be cared for and maintained properly in order to prevent sediment and other forms of debris from depleting your water quality. Hire a local preventive maintenance plumber to maintain your water supply system and hot water heater. If you live in or around Callahan, FL, area, contact Bert Norma’s Plumbing for preventive plumbing maintenance and emergency repair.

Properly Attuned Plumbing Fixture

Is your water too hot or cold? Is the water pressure too much or not enough? If the answer is yes, you need these features to manage properly. It is suggested that your water heater be set between 114 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit and your water pressure should be between 60 PSI and 80 PSI. This depends on your specific wants and needs. Your preventive maintenance plumber can make sure that these features are attuned to your specific preferences.

Having a preventive maintenance plumber maintain and repair your plumbing systems fixtures, appliances, and pipes, will help increase the lifespan and prevent all sorts of common plumbing failures from occurring. This will give you peace of mind and save you money in the future. If you live in or around the Callahan, FL, area, and are in need of a professional, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing.

3 Common Reasons Your Pipes Are Leaking: A Plumbing Service Can Help | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By posteriori at istock

If you own a home, you know that plumbing leaks happen, but what you may not understand is why they happen. There are a good handful of reasons why they occur, and understanding them may help you prevent them in the future. While you will still need to call a plumber when you notice a leak in your Jacksonville, FL home, your aim should be to prevent future leaks.

Plumbing leaks are an odd thing because sometimes they are hidden behind walls, under sinks, and in the basement. To the untrained eye and everyone but the plumbing service, it can seem like leaks come out of thin air. One day you may be sitting in a dry home and the next day you are sitting in one with a notable leak. This is what makes them so annoying to deal with.

Depending on where the leak may be coming from, it can even seem like its sole purpose is to annoy you. No one likes a dripping faucet or a leak that appears to stop and then come back like you are playing some obnoxious version of tag with your plumbing system. This is why you should always call a plumbing service if you suspect a leak because it will not fix itself on its own.

While you may not want to hear it, almost all pipes will leak eventually because at the end of the day they are just metals that corrode and deteriorate like anything else. While piping is usually made of every strong piping that is much less likely to break, it still has a lifespan attached to it. One way you can lengthen that lifespan is by keeping good plumbing habits and having a plumbing service out for an annual inspection. That said, there are a few things that can impact how long it takes for that leak to pop up. Here are just a few.

Clogs

Any plumbing service in Jacksonville, FL will tell you that clogs are one of the number one reasons why pipes leak before their lifespan is up. Both partial and full clogs prevent water from flowing the way it is supposed to lead to an increased amount of water pressure inside of the pipes. Pipes are not designed to deal with sustained extra pressure over time, and eventually, that pressure takes its toll on the pipe walls and in areas where seals are used to help create one long piping system.

Eventually, that pressure is too much for a pipe or seal to handle and a small leak pops out to relieve some of the pressure. The leak is not always noticeable, as even a small leak can relieve enough pressure that the pipe is then able to take the sustained pressure. This is one reason it is very important to call a plumbing service when you have a clog in your home because while you may only be concerned about breaking the clog up, the plumber will know to look for any other damage that clog may have caused in your plumbing system.

It is also important to remember that a small leak can cause a large amount of damage over time. While you may not immediately notice that a pipe is leaking, when your paint starts to bubble or mold starts to grow you will wish you paid more attention to the signs of a leaking pipe. If you have any indication that there may be a small leak hiding in your home, it is important to call a plumbing service.

Broken Seals

Almost every major home appliance has a seal at the point that water from your home plumbing system connects to them. If you have a washing machine, a refrigerator with an ice maker or water fixture, or a water heater in your basement then you have an appliance that may eventually need some attention from a plumber. The seals that are placed on the connection points are not meant to last forever, because that is virtually an impossible task.

If you have not looked at the joint in years, now is a good time to go inspect the seals on each of your major appliances. After years of use, the seals simply wear out or if there is sustained extra pressure they may break. The end result will be a leak at the connection point. While not immediately a concern, you might see the leak reflected in your water bills or notice that the floor behind an appliance is dry rotting because of sustained water damage. Unfortunately, most people don’t notice this because they don’t often move their washing machines or fridges to look behind them. You can prevent this from occurring by making sure you pull out your machine once a year as part of your spring cleaning to spot check. If you have any reason to suspect a problem, make sure to call a plumbing service that can properly reseal the appliance.

Corrosion

Even the best-kept pipes will rust and corrode eventually at which point you may need a plumbing service to reinstall your plumbing. If there is extremely high water pressure in your home this may happen even faster. There are also other things that can lead to corrosion that can be avoided.

For instance, when you have a clog it is best to contact a plumber versus using chemical drain cleaners. A lot of people think that drain cleaner will save them money versus calling a plumbing service, but actually, the opposite turns out to be true. Drain cleaners can’t differentiate between clogs and the sides of your pipes, so over time, they eat away at your pipe walls leading to much more damage. Regular use can actually lead to your pipes corroding faster than they would have.

If you have noticed a leaking pipe in your home, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing of Jacksonville, FL, and we will happily come out to your home to troubleshoot the problem.

Planning Your Plumbing Service Visits For A More Relaxed Lifestyle | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By GrapeImages at istock

As expert plumbers, at Bert Norman’s Plumbing we’re pretty good at predicting when you might need us. It just takes a brief inspection of your plumbing and a lot of knowledge of local Jacksonville, FL homes to get a feel for what’s down the road. We also provide plumbing services that help avoid trouble, like annual drain cleaning services. Why not put us on your schedule for maintenance and repair visits and take it easy? We also provide emergency plumbing service of course, because plumbing is never totally predictable.

Drain Cleaning Really Makes a Difference

It may be that some people see their drains as an on and off kind of situation: either they’re working or they aren’t. Of course, that major clog is usually something that built up over time, unless of course you know exactly what caused it because you saw it go down. That happens. But generally, a combination of factors such as corrosion making the pipes more clingy, grease and other sticky materials narrowing the drain pipes, and traps and joints gathering material on sharp bends adds up over time. Sometimes the clog even occurs deep in the wall, nowhere near the sink or toilet, and you get strange effects such as waste going down one drain and popping up from another. It’s messy, and well worth avoiding, trust us. One of the biggest challenges of drain and sewer problems that our plumbing service encounters is the sanitary cleanup.

Our drain cleaning plumbing service is an extension of the advanced technology we use on emergency calls to clear stubborn clogs. When the pipes are still flowing, it’s a lot easier to clean them out but we’ll still use techniques such as video inspection and hydro-jetting to make sure everything is cleared out for the year to come. We’ll also check the condition of your drain pipes, and identify any corrosion or damage that may need attention. From the kitchen to the showers, bathrooms, and basement sinks, you’ll know that everything has been cleaned out and is flowing fine.

Sewer Issues Don’t Need to Lead to Emergency Repairs

Down the line from your drains, your sewer has a tendency to build up large clogs, as this is where gravity isn’t doing as much work for you as it does from your upstairs bathroom. Fortunately, when we’re inspecting drains it’s a simple matter to open a sewer cleanout and run a video line inside, taking a look at how things are doing. This is really helpful information for homeowners, and also for potential buyers who are thinking about what major repairs and plumbing service may be needed. The video will show any major blockages from drain material, and may also reveal sewer pipe damage from heavy equipment driving above, shifting soil, tree root intrusions, and decay from the passage of time. Cast iron pipes may be corroding, while clay pipes can degrade. Since you’re getting this information before there’s obvious trouble, you’ve got the power. You can plan your plumbing service needs.

Sewer Repair Options

The old school sewer line repair was quite dramatic, with a full-length trench dug, usually by a backhoe, a replacement pipe swapped in and connected at both the home and the city line. Work at the city sewer line usually involved other services, including city workers, traffic detours and police services to guide them, and repaving the street where the necessary cut was made. Fortunately, a lot of work has been put into reducing the amount of disruption that sewer work involves. In Jacksonville, FL subdivisions built at the same time, with pipes aging at about the same rate, you can imagine there would be years when detours would pop up all over! Now, we have repair techniques that target the specific flaw in the pipe, avoid tearing up your yard, and generally last as long as new pipe. These repairs involve relining the pipe with durable material drawn through from the end, using video technology to target a patch, and other methods that work to perform the repair in place. It’s a lot to take in when you’ve got foul water backing up into your home, but when you’ve got some time to think about it, that can give some peace of mind.

Water Lines and Hot Water Heaters

A couple of other areas where problems tend to creep up rather than burst onto the scene are problems with your incoming water line and with your hot water heater. In both cases, routine inspections and plumbing service maintenance will help you identify things like pipe corrosion, leaks, and water pressure problems on your waterline, and hot water supply or tank corrosion problems on your hot water heater. When our team has eyes on your plumbing on a regular basis, we can help you keep track of what’s coming up next on your planned repair list, and we can even suggest ways to make your plumbing last longer. It might be as simple as making sure that your anode rod in the water heater is replaced as needed to preserve the tank, or adding a water softener to improve your water quality and give your pipes a break. Our plumbing service professionals use their experience to guide you.

Relaxing in Beautiful Jacksonville, FL with Your Plumbing Service Needs Planned and Scheduled

Bert Norman’s Plumbing has been serving area homes since 1985, helping people relax and live with planned repairs rather than unscheduled emergencies. The key to managing both time and costs is information, and our experienced team of professional plumbers has that in abundance, ready to share with our customers. Chances are we’ve experienced similar problems in homes built the same way down the road, with the same kinds of pipes and fixtures. In many cases, we may have been the plumbers that the previous owner of your house relied on. We make life easier for you. Call us and plan ahead.

What To Look For In A Plumbing Service | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By LaylaBird at istock

Plumbing service in Jacksonville, FL, is something that homeowners cannot avoid using. Even if they haven’t needed to hire a plumber to date, they’ll eventually need to do so. When taken care of promptly, plumbing issues are seldom as costly as they could be if left undiscovered for a long time. A small leak can cause significant water damage to the tune of thousands of dollars if not addressed by a professional equipped to handle such a repair.

Your Guide to Hiring the Right Plumber Today

If you’re in the market for plumbing service but don’t know who to call, don’t worry. You’ll find someone in the area that can assist you quickly. All you need to know is where to look for companies that specialize in your necessary plumbing needs. That’s why we created this guide for you to reference whenever you have questions about how the service works. It saves you the time, effort, and frustration of finding a suitable candidate to work on your home’s plumbing.

Here is what to look for in plumbing service providers in Jacksonville, FL:

  • A professional online presence. How a company presents itself online is imperative. You want to know as much as you can about it before you decide to hire the plumber. Having access to a website with important information about plumbing service, hours of operation, emergency services, and billing methods can help you decide to hire a company much easier. You’ll know exactly what type of service you’ll get from the plumber when you do.

 

  • Helpful customer service reps that you can reach by phone. You likely have some questions that you need to ask. That’s where having access to a helpful representative comes in handy. When you call them on the phone, you know that you’ll be taken care of by the tone of their voice and the amount of attention they give your inquiry. If you’ve visited the website and still aren’t sure about things, it’s time to take care of that issue right away with a quick phone call to the company.

 

  • Easy scheduling practices for service calls. Booking the plumbing service that you need most shouldn’t be difficult. With the right company, it isn’t. They’ll take the time to address your needs in the most expedient way possible. You’ll get the problem addressed in record time. The plumbing service that you need to have performed will commence so you can breathe a sigh of relief. You shouldn’t jump through hoops or play phone tag with a company to get your service booked with a plumber.

 

  • Emergency services that you can depend on 24 hours a day. There is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to request help in the middle of the night from a plumber. If emergency plumbing services exist and you need them, go ahead and use them. It’s the best way to tackle the issue without it becoming a bigger problem physically or financially. The longer you wait to fix the plumbing, the worse it can be for you and your family. It’s worth the extra cost to regain peace of mind.

 

  • Plumbers that know their industry well. The best plumbers know plumbing systems inside and out. They’re able to make excellent recommendations based on their knowledge and expertise. They go the extra mile to take care of things so that there isn’t a bigger issue to deal with later on. They’re more than willing to share as much information as possible with you, too, to make sure that you’re able to avoid clogged toilets and burst pipes in the future.

 

  • A company that treats you like a VIP from the moment they first speak to you. You want to feel like a priority as often as you possibly can. That’s why the company you choose to work with should be courteous, professional, and willing to help you come up with resolutions that immediately meet your needs. When you feel cared for and respected, you feel more compelled to give a company your business. You’ll also take the time out of your day to recommend it to the people that you know who need a plumber.

It may be difficult at first to find the right plumbing service company to give your business to today. After all, Jacksonville, FL, is full of options for you to choose from right away. Some companies have been in the community for a long time, while others are new but have great reputations and service records to consider. Knowing what to look for in the best companies in the area makes your job of selecting a single plumber much easier to do.

The best plumbing providers go above and beyond what you expect them to do to ensure your satisfaction. They follow up with you to see if everything is performing the way that it should with your plumbing system. They take the time needed to resolve the issues that you have so that you don’t need to pay for expensive repairs again soon. The companies that deserve your business work hard for it, and it shows how they take good care of you, your home, and your plumbing system with each visit they make to your residence.

Get the Help That You Need from Us Day or Night

Bert Norman’s Plumbing is here to assist you with your request and provide you with prompt and proficient plumbing services. To set up a service call with us, call 904-225-5888. We’re here to make things as easy as possible for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us day or night with your plumbing emergency.

We make ourselves available around the clock as a convenience for our customers. Some plumbing issues cannot wait until regular working hours. We want you to feel comfortable calling us whenever you need a helping hand. We suggest programming our number into your mobile phone so that you can hit send and get a call to us right away.

How Does Water Get To My House? Plumbing Service History | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By AWSeebaran at istock

There are nine general steps that are taken to get drinking water into your home. These nine steps are all critical and your local plumbing service will be able to get you more details on that as well as the unique issues that have arisen in the past in Jacksonville, FL.

Collection

Your municipal water will collect from a local water source, in the case of Jacksonville, FL that is the Floridan aquifer that supplied water to over 10 million people. The water is pumped up from his aquifer and transferred to a water treatment plant via pipelines and pumps. At the water plant, even larger pumps will move the water into the treatment facilities and use gravity as much as possible to reduce costs. Many plants blend groundwater with surface water to improve the final result. Your local plumbing service isn’t equipped to work on those pipes.

Screening & Straining

Much like a plumbing service can install a water filtration service in your home, the water delivered to your home goes through a similar, albeit more complete, process. The water brought to the plant will have imperfections in it like plant and animal matter, trash, pollution, and microorganisms. Some items may be so big that they block up the water pumps at the facility so to prevent that water is screened usually by a large metal screen at the basin of the water intake. These are cleaned regularly to ensure the proper passage of water.

Chemical Addition

Adding chemicals to the retrieved water helps sanitize the water and makes it safe for regular consumption. Sometimes, however, too much or too little of a product makes it up to your house and a plumber could help you test your water and ensure it’s not your pipes. These chemicals help congeal the impurities together making them easy to remove. These congealed particles are gelatinous flocs and come together using coagulants like aluminum sulfate. There are other chemicals that could be used like ferrous sulfate, sodium aluminate, or activate silica. More advanced plants will use manufactured chemicals called cationic polymers, anionic polymers, and nonionic polymers mixed to form a heavier flock.

Coagulation & Flocculation

Up next a rapid mix unit is used where the chosen coagulant is added to the water to provide a quick and thorough mix. This mixing is slowed to allow water to come into contact with the flocs to increase their size. This mixing is gentle so the floc can grow without breaking up but just fast enough to suspend the flocs away from the water. This churning process is called flocculation. Your plumbing service will thankfully never have to really deal with this as these chunks are removed and processed before transportation to your home.

Sedimentation and Clarification

After the flocculation process is finished the water passes over a weir, which is a high level that will keep the sediments below and the cleaned water above it and will go into the part of the water treatment plant called a clarifier or sedimentation basin. It is here that the water is separated from the flocs for the final time and this weir can act as a rake depending on the plant’s construction. As the water circulates the flocs travel until they are stuck. At this point, a large pump will pull the settled flocs that now resemble sludge out of the clarifier and send it to a sedimentation pond. The water then reaches the first stage of true filtration. Clarification happens before the filtration to prevent the overloading of the filters. If you have sediment in your water at your home your plumbing service will be able to use a water filtration system that does this on a much smaller scale.

Filtration

Now that the water has been clarified of large sediment deposits it’s time to enter this clarified water into the filtration pits. Gravity pulls the water through the filters and is collected at the bottom of the unit. Just like your plumbing service can install multiple-stage water filters your municipal water service does the same thing. They’ll run through different types of material, or media, filters. This includes sand and gravel and could also include charcoal or activated carbon. These granules help filter out impurities and also remove items that can leave unpleasant odors or taste in the water.

Disinfection

Now that the water is filtered it’s time to remove the naturally occurring bacteria. If you’ve ever had a water boil advisory you know that this could be a way to disinfect the water but it is highly inefficient on the scale of a full city water system. The common way is chemical-based using chlorination that can include using chlorine gas, chlorine dioxide, bleach, or other chlorine substances. This chlorine kills the rest of the microorganisms that still exist and also neutralizes certain compounds that may still exist. Levels of chlorine must be strictly enforced to ensure that chlorine levels in your house don’t cause a rash on calls for plumbing service to investigate a bleach smell.

Storage

Now that the water is cleaned and disinfected it must be stored in a sterile environment. this can be in underground storage tanks at the facility or at visible storage units around town either at ground level or in towers. Municipalities are required to have a certain amount of water available in case of emergencies like power outages, floods, or water plant failures to ensure the city’s water stays safe.

Distribution

Now that the water is leaving those storage locations it comes to your home through a series of main feed lines and your home’s plumbing. It can also touch items like fire hydrants before it touches your home’s water meter. Once it’s there, your home’s plumbing is the responsible carrier, and calls for issues go to a plumbing service.

 

When you’re having problems with your pipes or water quality you need a plumbing service you can trust. Bert Norman’s Plumbing out of Yulee services the area and is ready to help you.

How A Plumber Diagnoses Common Plumbing Problems | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By posteriori at istock

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

Leaks

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

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

Clogs

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

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

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

Frozen Pipes

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

Low Water Pressure

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

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

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

No Hot Water

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

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

Water Hammer

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

Get Some Help

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

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

Green Plumbing Service Ideas For Homes | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Cunaplus_M.Faba at istock

Green plumbing involves utilizing eco-friendly plumbing systems and appliances to conserve water. In the United States, each person uses approximately 88 gallons of water daily at home. If you get a plumbing service provider to install fixtures and appliances with water-saving features in your home, the consumption amounts may reduce by 20 percent.

Additionally, some plumbing fixtures require energy to run, and having a greener version of them installed in your home will save up a substantial amount of the utility bills you pay annually. Apart from being a utility bill-saving option for homeowners, green plumbing utilizes the natural resources generously, meaning future generations will have something for their survival.

Also, homeowners may receive tax rebates for purchasing green plumbing products. For homeowners who want to save on their utility bills and are enthusiasts of environment conservation, having a plumbing service technician install green plumbing fixtures in your home is a great deal. Discussed below are some of the great green plumbing products for families.

Eco-friendly faucets

For water to reach various rooms of your home, be it bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, faucets are needed. This means if you have water-wasting taps in your house, the utility bills may be expensive. You may use water sparingly, but still, you may be wasting the water unknowingly, for instance, through tap leaks. One good thing with eco-friendly taps is that they have low-pressure delivery systems and aerators to regulate the speed and amount of water flowing out.

Also, the faucets have leak detecting features to help homeowners track leakage issues immediately and seek repair services from a plumbing professional. If you have standard taps in your home, look for a plumbing expert to take you through the wide range of eco-friendly faucets available in the market, help you select the best that suits your house, and handle the installation.

Water Harvesting Systems

Homeowners living in Jacksonville, FL, work hard to get the money required to settle utility bills for products such as water every month. This sounds funny given there is free water from the rain that falls all year round. Some homeowners have the perception that rainwater consumes a lot of time and resources to install. The idea can be right. You’ll only incur initial installation expenses comprised of plumbing service costs and purchasing the products needed to install the system.

From there on, you will never have to pay for anything else apart from either maintenance or repairs. If you have been struggling to pay your monthly water bills, have a large landscape that needs a lot of irrigation water, or the area you live in Jacksonville, FL, has water supply issues, this is the best option for you. Talk to a plumbing service provider to advise you on the best options for your home and afterward conduct the installation.

Dual Flush Toilets

Toilets are also one of the biggest water-using and wasting appliances in homes. Thanks to plumbing technology experts who have invented dual flush toilets to resolve standard toilets’ water-wasting issues. The dual flush toilets have two flush buttons, one triggers the average amount of water to flush down the solid waste, and another has features of using a smaller amount for flushing liquid waste. This is one of the coolest energy-efficient features you should have in your house since it’s convenient and saves water.

Homeowners with standard toilets looking to protect the environment and their finances should go for dual flush toilets. They only need to seek a plumbing specialist who is well-versed with eco-friendly plumbing products.

Low Flow Shower Heads

Showering is one of the core reasons homeowners need water in their homes, and it accounts for almost 17 percent of the total residential water use. This adds up to approximately 40 gallons of water per day.

Low flow showerheads are fitted with aerators and can mix air with water to produce a misty spray, making them water-saving appliances. If you have laminar flow showerheads in your home, you can talk to a plumbing service provider to replace them with water-saving ones. If you plan to build a new eco-friendly home, a plumbing provider will help you purchase quality low-flow showerheads and install them in your home.

Tankless And Solar Water Heaters

Water heating accounts for approximately 18 percent of the total energy consumption of United States’ homes. Also called demand-type water heaters, tankless water heaters function to provide hot water only when a user needs it. When the hot water tap opens, cold water from the supply pipe travels to the unit and is heated by a gas burner or an electric coil. In the next step, the tankless system delivers the hot water out through the tap continuously.

Water heaters save up to about 25 to 70 percent of the total energy consumed, saving homeowners on their energy costs in the long run. Also, homeowners who choose solar water heaters only incur the initial charge of installation and forget about paying monthly water heating bills. If you own a standard water heating system and want to increase convenience and reduce water heating expenses, talk to a plumbing service provider to deliver replacement services. It’s worth the investment!

Whole House Water Filtration Systems

Apart from saving you from water and electricity bills, green plumbing makes your home a healthy place courtesy of products such as water filtration systems. These systems eliminate toxins and chemicals from the water that could either arise from erosion of the interior walls of plumbing pipes or defects from the water supplier’s side.

They also extend the life cycle of the water heaters making homeowners cut down replacement costs. If you’ve been getting low-quality water in your home, it’s high time you look for a plumbing provider to install a whole house water filtration system. This will help you escape from the high cost of healthcare in the US.

Get Green Plumbing Services Today

Bert Norman’s Plumbing has proficient plumbing experts who serve homeowners with plumbing services. Some of its services include installing and repairing eco-friendly and standard water heaters, faucets, toilets, repiping plumbing systems, and drain cleaning. If you’re a homeowner and need plumbing services, we are the company you are looking for. Just make a phone call anytime, and one of our professionals will serve you appropriately.

7 Plumber Basics You Need To Know | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Inozemtsev Konstantin at istock

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

1. Shutting off your water

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

2. Running toilets

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

3. Preventing burst pipes

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

4. Avoiding pipe clogs

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

5. Using the right drain cleaner

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

6. Dealing with hard water

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

7. What does a sewer odor mean?

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

A Helping Hand

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

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

 

How To Remove And Prevent Limescale With Plumbing Service | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Bert Norman
Photo By Iuliia Mikhalitskaia at istock

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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