Veterans Plumbing South Florida Summer Solution

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Hello South Florida,  Summer is on the way!

Soon Memorial Day, July the 4th and Labor Day will be upon us. Family fun and cook-outs will abound. Families will also be pack up for extended vacation time away.

As usual, prior planning can help prevent some possible costly repairs and damage to property.

 

Here are some tips to help you avoid some common problems.

#1. Check your garbage disposal for function. When’s the last time you had your kitchen drain cleaned? A stack cleaning now can prevent flooding later. Remember do no put egg shells, coffee grounds or fibrous vegetables. Any kind especially raw onions. Garbage disposals were made for small kitchen scraps.Also, when making pre-cooked food that produces a large amount of grease. Take the grease, put it in a can or empty coffee container and dispose of it in the trash. Do not pour it down the drain.

#2. Avoid flooding damage while away. Every house should have a Positive Shut Off valve. Shut the water off before leaving. If you don’t know where your existing valve is, or it is in poor condition, call us and we will install a low lead ball valve that is easy to use.

#3. In conjunction with shutting your water off, locate your water heater breaker and turn the electricity to you water heater off. Most modern water heaters have very good recovery and you won’t have to wait more than an hour to take a shower when you return.

#4. A good tip for savings and prevention is to have your toilets checked for function. A toilet leak can be very expensive. An unexpected water bill that could be Thousands of dollars can be caused by a leaking toilet especially over an extended time…. Like a vacation.

#5. If you have Tenant, property preventive maintenance is essential. Put in new emergency shut offs and don’t forget those toilets.

 

To all our customers, we at Veterans Plumbing wish you a Happy and Safe Summer!

 

Veterans Plumbing offers 24-hour service all days of the week for Emergencies. Regular Business Hours are 8:00 – 4:00 for various plumbing issues for homeowners or commercial business in Broward County, FL. Call 954-497-2300 or e-mail [email protected] for your plumbing needs. Also visit our website www.vetsplumbing247.com. We are located at 3020 NW 23rd Avenue, Oakland Park, FL, 33311.

 

7 Common Questions Homeowners Ask Plumbers in Fort Lauderdale

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Common Causes for Stoppage Problems

Plumbing can be an elusive and intimidating subject for many homeowners. By learning a few basic tricks, you can begin to feel less in-the-dark about your home plumbing system, increasing the likelihood of catching issues before they get out of hand, knowing when to call a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale, incorporating water conservation practices, and saving money in the long run.

 

Here are the most common questions asked of plumbers in Fort Lauderdale:

 

#1 – Advice from a plumber in Fort Lauderdale: “How do I know if my toilet is leaking?”

If you suspect a leaky toilet, you’ll want to test it sooner rather than later. You definitely have a leak if your toilet makes a running noise when it’s not in use. However, if jiggling the handle stops the running, the flapper valve or chain connecting the valve to the flush handle may just need an adjustment.

One of the simplest methods of testing is adding a few drops of food dye to your tank and waiting 15-20 minutes. If color seeps from the tank into your toilet bowl, there is a leak.

An experienced residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale would tell you that if water is above the overflow pipe, there may be an issue with your fill valve. If the inside of your toilet bowl has water trickling down the sides, you probably have a leak.

If these methods render questionable results, shut the water off to your toilet before going to bed. Come morning, if only an inch of water remains in the tank, at least one of your tank parts is behind the leak.

 

#2 – What would a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale say causes a bad smell to come from the shower?

To determine the cause of a smelly shower, the first step is to identify what kind of smell is coming from your drain.

If the smell resembles rotten eggs or sewage, you are likely dealing with either a layer of “biofilm” from a drain that’s dirty (or clogged) or gases escaping from cracked sewer drainage pipes. A musty smell is often caused by mold growing in the drain itself or a leaking shower pan. Sewer flies or cockroaches are an indication of cracked piping.

 

#3 – “Why does my drain get clogged?” A skillful plumber from Fort Lauderdale would point out the obvious culprit.

Whether they are bathroom or kitchen drains, the reason any drain gets clogged correlates to what we put down them. Hair, shampoos and oil residue from soaps are the main culprits for bathroom drains clogging. With kitchen drains, people tend to be less careful about what goes down them. It’s best to stick with putting only soft, porous, biodegradable foods down the disposal. Also, can and throw away cooked grease.

Have your kitchen drain cleaned every two years.

 

#4 – What would an expert plumber in Fort Lauderdale tell you if you want to know how to fix a leaky faucet?

Many new faucets come with a single cartridge. Brands like Moen have extensive warranties, save yourself time and trouble and treat yourself to a new faucet or valve.

 

#5 – What would a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale would tell you to do if your sink is stopped up?

Use a plumber. If that doesn’t work call a plumber. Do not put caustic and potentially hazardous cleaners in toilets or sinks.

 

#6 – How a plumber in Fort Lauderdale would identify if your pipes are leaking:

 

There are several signs indicating you have leaky pipes:

1) Your water bill is outrageously high.

2) Taking a read from your water meter (check here for more info).

3) You see mold or mildew on non-shower walls.

4) Walls, flooring and/or ceilings show signs of sagging, stain, or damage.

5) You notice a musty smell.

 

# 7 – Have you ever asked a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale why you run out of hot water so quickly?

If you have an electric water heater, either your top or bottom heating element may have stopped working. If there is no hot water, the top element may have gone out. If only a portion of water is heated, the bottom element has likely gone out. Otherwise, the reset button may have been tripped, indicating there is a problem.

These basic tips are a great starting place for homeowners in Fort Lauderdale, but keep in mind that finding a plumber in Fort Lauderdale may be your best course of action if you are experiencing plumbing issues.

 

Emergency Plumbing Services in Ft. Lauderdale

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Plumber Fort Lauderdale Residential

Need a Plumber in the Ft. Lauderdale Area?

Plumbing Services in Ft. Lauderdale. Living in a large city like Ft. Lauderdale can be a stressful experience for a person.  The last thing anyone needs to have in their lives is the stress that may come if you don’t have a reliable plumber in the case of an emergency.

In a state like Florida having a good plumber on call is probably more of a necessity than a luxury.  Plumbingcan be competitive, and sometimes it can be hard to pick out the best plumber in the Ft. Lauderdale.  Look no further than this article to see the facts that show that the staff at Veterans Plumbing in Ft. Lauderdale are some of the best, and experienced in the area.  With over 25 years of experience under their belts they’ve seen just about every plumbing emergency you can think of.

 

Veterans Plumbers Provide Better Service!

Veterans Plumbing prides itself on providing top notch service to their clients.  On their website’s home page, they boast quick response times and 24 hours a day and 7 days a week service.  It’s nice to know there will always be quality plumbing services to Ft. Lauderdale no matter the time of day.  Call Veterans Plumbing for your next plumbing emergency in Ft. Lauderdale.  And receive top of the line service throughout the entire experience.  This quote from their website sums up their service in a couple of sentences.  “In a nutshell, if it leaks, drips or clogs, needs repair or replacement!  One call does it all!”

 

 

 

 

Emergency Plumbing Services Blog!

 Veterans Plumbing not only provides physical plumbing services for the people of the Ft. Lauderdale area, they also have a blog that can help you determine what course of action you need to take when something goes amiss in your home, condo, or business.  From articles telling you about the services provided to tips about clogged appliances.  If you’ve got a basic question you will likely find it here.  With articles dating back all the way to October 2015, there are no shortages on the resources provided with the blog.  So, next time you’re unsure about something going on with your plumbing check out the blog at http://emergencyplumbingfortlauderdale.com/category/blog/.

Residential Plumbing Services!

Trustworthy residential plumbers can be hard to find.  Luckily, Veterans Plumbing provides amazing residential plumbing to the Ft. Lauderdale area.  Their workers are trustworthy meaning you can trust them in your home.  If there’s a leak in your kitchen or bathroom Veterans knows how to fix it.  The Veterans staff are reliable and work fast.  They will fix your plumbing emergency as soon as possible and be out of your hair.

Veterans plumbers pride themselves on their ability to adapt to any situation, and when you work in residential plumbing you have to be able to adapt or you won’t succeed.  The fact that Veterans has been providing plumbing services to Ft. Lauderdale for more than 25 years shows that they know what they are doing.

Commercial Plumbing Services!

Veterans doesn’t stop its services at just residential plumbing.  Does your business need a leak looked at?  Do you need to upgrade your pipe system?  Veterans can provide any service you might need to make sure that the plumbing in your business will meet the expectations of the customers that walk through your door.

Be sure to check out some of the articles on Veterans Plumbing’s blog at their website.  They have very specific information about commercial plumbing that you may need to know.  Like when it’s time to replace your pipes, and how to make sure you are providing the cleanest water possible to your employees and to your customers.  Visit their blog today at http://emergencyplumbingfortlauderdale.com/category/blog/!

Veterans will put your customers on the same level of importance as you do.  This ensures that not only you, but your customers will be happy with the results of working with Veterans Plumbing!  If you have a commercial plumbing emergency don’t hesitate to call Veterans Plumbing today!

 

Plumbing Services Provided by Veterans!

Veterans Plumbing provide a huge amount of plumbing services to the Ft. Lauderdalearea.  From simple water leaks to full sewage stoppages they have you covered!  Following are some of the basic services they provide:

 

Clogged Drains – If you are starting to notice your sink or shower not draining water quite as fast as it used and you’re not quite sure where the stoppage is coming from.  Veterans will send out a plumber your location as soon as possible and find and fix the problem for you.  You can never be too careful with a plumbing situation.  If you catch it early enough it may save you from having to fork out the big bucks down the road.

Leaks–Nothing can be more jarring than finding a water stain leaking through your ceiling and growing.  You have no idea where the leak is coming from, and you need to prevent any major damage if you can.  Not to worry!  Since Veterans provides around the clock emergency plumbing for Ft.

Leaks can happen not only in a residential setting, but also in a commercial one.  If your business starts to form a leak Veterans knows how to handle it quickly and professionally to make sure that you can get customers flowing back through your door as soon as possible.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling – Have you been thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom to a more modern look?  Veterans Plumbing can help you with every step of the journey.  Let them tap into the more than 25 years of experience to help you change your kitchen or bathroom from an outdated room to one of your favorite places to be in your home!  Need upgrades to your commercial business’ bathroom as well?  Veterans Pluming can help you with this as well!

Fiber Optics Inspections – Have you just brought a new home or business?  Need your pipes inspected to make sure they are clean or meet standard codes?  Veterans can provide these inspections for you!  With this method, you will be able to know all of the work that you may need on your pipes in one visit rather than having to have multiple visits out to your location.

Install Customer Supplied Fixtures – Did you just get a brand new sink faucet or toilet handle, but don’t know how to install it?  Veterans Plumbing can provide reliable and fast work needed to add the new additions.  Finding a plumber in Ft. Lauderdale has never been easier when you work with Veterans!

Water Heater (Installation and Repair) –Does your water heater not quite give those nice steamy showers like it used to?  Call Veterans today to see if you need to repair or replace it.  The last thing anyone wants to come home to is a cold shower, so get Veterans out to your place before that happens!

These are just a few off of the long list of services that Veterans Plumbing provide.  One thing that always goes hand in hand with working with Veterans Plumbing is excellent customer service.  People have been extremely satisfied with the work they have done for them.  Go to their website to see the entire list,http://emergencyplumbingfortlauderdale.com/services/.  For your next plumbing emergency in Ft. Lauderdale call Veterans Plumbing.

 

Finding the Best Plumbers in Ft. Lauderdale

If you have had a plumbing emergency happen in your life you know that the amount of stress that comes with them can be overwhelming.  Veterans Plumbing knows this.  They know when you call them you’re a person asking for help, not just another numbered customer.  Other chain plumbing companies don’t have the same care for the community than local ones, like Veterans, do.  They want nothing more than to help the community they are located in.  They show this time and time again not only through their great customer service, but also from the fact that they provide a blog full of advice to the community.  By providing such a great tool to their local community it shows that they are there for the community first and foremost, and that you can rely on the company for all of your pluming needs!

“We welcome the opportunity to serve you!”  This line is scattered all over the Veterans Plumbing website.  They are a company that will put you, as their customer, first.  Your needs will be met one way or another when working with them.  This is what sets Veterans apart from the rest of the plumbing companies in the Ft. Lauderdale area.  Their willingness to be available to you 24/7 in case of an emergency shows that Veterans Plumbing not only has a professional attitude, but they have a respect for the community they serve.

When you need a plumber in Ft. Lauderdale you want one that will be with you every step of the way.  One that you can trust.  That’s what Veterans Plumbing represents, next time you have a plumbing emergency go to Veterans Plumbing’s website at http://emergencyplumbingfortlauderdale.com, or call at (954) 497-2300.  Remember, Veterans provides 24 hour a day service!  So, if it’s an emergency don’t hesitate to call!

 

 

Understanding the Need for Residential Plumbers With Your Clogged Condo Drain

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Indoor plumbing is something that we take for granted. That is, until it stops working properly. Then we wonder how our ancestors lived without indoor plumbing as we attempt to do so ourselves.

If you live in a condo, you might be surprised to learn that condo plumbing systems are more complex than that of detached homes or businesses. Because they are more complex, these plumbing systems present their own very specific issues. This is because of all the tasks they must handle; condo plumbing pipes are designated as public and tenant-owned, providing different services for different tasks.

Hire US Veterans who are plumbers to help with your clogged condo drain.

In your individual unit, condo plumbing systems provide you and your family potable water, bringing fresh water into the building from the city’s municipal water supply through lines made from copper, PVC, CPVC, or PEX pipes. A professional residential plumber will be familiar with each type, and he or she will know how to best address any problem that your specific type of pipe might have.

Additionally, condos have waste and air stacks. Waste stacks allow dirty water and air to flow in and out of the drain lines, while vent stacks allow air to flow into and out of the drain lines. This balances the plumbing system, and it ensures that the waste water flows properly to the main sewer line. These vents should be maintained by a professional.

To keep your plumbing in working order you may need to hire a skilled residential plumber.

When it comes to keeping your condo’s plumbing system in good working order, prevention is key. To avoid plumbing issues that might disrupt your condo’s system, you must dispose of materials properly. Cooking oil, grease, and hair can wreak havoc on your drains. Food can, too, if you put it down a sink that does not have a garbage disposal. Also, flushing kitty litter down the toilet can cause significant damage to your plumbing system. Common condo plumbing issues include clogged drain lines, corroded potable water pipes, and sewage backups. These issues can range from moderately annoying to potentially hazardous to your health.

If you put something down the drain that you shouldn’t have, you should call a professional residential plumber, who might have to spend hours flushing the system.

Even if you are careful about how you treat your drains—you don’t pour cooking oil down your sink and you would never flush Fluffy’s used litter down the toilet—you might still encounter plumbing issues. When this happens, you should call a professional residential plumber. We recommend that you hire US veterans who are plumbers when you need plumbing help. This is a good way to support veterans who will help your home. Many companies are owned by or employ veterans. Individuals who have served our country are highly skilled and ready to help you with your residential plumbing needs.

Plumbing Leaks Cost Fort Lauderdale Residents a Fortune!

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Fort Lauderdale residents rarely think about a plumber until there’s a clog; but, plumbing leaks and running water can cost hundreds of dollars more in a year than cracked or clogged drains.

Water leaks account for approximately 12% of all water use in the average American home, and the toilet is one of the most likely places to find them. Sometimes it is easy to tell that your toilet is leaking—  you hear the sound of running, hissing or trickling water— but many times, water flows through the tank silently, which is why these leaks are often overlooked.  If you don’t think leaky toilets are reason enough to call a plumber, think again.

Typically, running water in your toilet wastes about 25 times more water than a shower leak and about 4 times as much as a simple faucet leak. Since there aren’t many visual signs that your toilet is leaking, plumbing problems in Fort Lauderdale can persist for months without detection. How much water are we talking about? For every 30 seconds that a toilet leaks a gallon of water is wasted; which can mean thousands of gallons of water in a single month. If you’re water bill seems too high, call one of Fort Lauderdale’s favorite emergency plumbers, Veterans Plumbing.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption. Older, inefficient toilets that use as much as 6 gallons per flush also happen to be a major source of wasted water in many homes. Factor in toilet leaks, and it’s not only a plumbing emergency for Fort Lauderdale residents, but a financial emergency as well.

A moderate toilet leak will generally waste about 6,000 gallons of water per month and can cost South Florida residents an additional $1,000 per year. With minor toilet leaks, your water bill won’t be as high; however any wasted water is wasted money. And it’s not just the cost of water you need to consider before calling a plumber, it’s also the cost of repairs to walls, ceilings and floors. With 28 years of experience, Veterans Plumbing has become one of Fort Lauderdale’s most trusted sources for plumbers. They can address your emergency plumbing problem in Fort Lauderdale 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A simple way to see if Fort Lauderdale residents have a leaky toilet is to remove the toilet tank lid, put 10 drops of food coloring into the tank, put the lid back on— Do Not Flush— wait at least 10-15 minutes, and then look in the toilet bowl. If you see colored water, there’s a toilet leak. Veterans Plumbing can fix or replace the plumbing or toilet, thereby avoiding an even bigger emergency plumbing problem in the future.

But plumbing leaks aren’t limited to toilets; a slow faucet drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons of water per day and a 1/16 – inch faucet leak will waste 100 gallons of water in 24 hours! A shower head that leaks 10 drips every minute loses almost 2 gallons of water every day. Now, that might not seem like a lot, but it adds up in the long run. If a shower head drips for an entire year, it wastes than 1,000 gallons of water. A plumber from Veteran’s Plumbing in Fort Lauderdale is the top choice to address your emergency plumbing needs and can help you save money, beginning today!

It’s always best to hire a professional plumber, but do-it-yourselfers sometimes like to check for leaks themselves. To do so, make sure no water is running inside or outside the home (all faucets and outside are turned off) and the washing machine and dishwasher are not running, then check to see if your outside, water flow indicator is moving. Most water meter faces in Fort Lauderdale have a flow indicator with a small triangular shaped red or black indicator. If it’s moving, there is a leak inside your home or in the pipe leading to your home. This is an emergency plumbing situation, and reason to call Fort Lauderdale’s favorite plumber, Veterans Plumbing, immediately!

The plumbers at Veterans Plumbing are here for all of your emergency plumbing needs. Call us today!

Veteran Plumber Fort Lauderdale

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veteran plumber fort lauderdale

 

There’s no one better trained to deal with emergencies than a Veteran. Thankfully, most of the emergencies in the Fort Lauderdale area are residential issues… like plumbing.

It stands to reason that a veteran, who is also a professional plumber, would be the best choice for plumbing emergencies.

 

 

Why a veteran, in Fort Lauderdale?

Veterans have the proven ability to quickly adapt skills, create solutions and lead by example and delegation. Veterans are tremendously accountable and respect rules and procedures. Furthermore, they are sincere and trustworthy, and have the proven ability to overcome challenges and obstacles through strength and determination.

As with any industry, plumbing professionals in the Fort Lauderdale area may specialize in certain areas. For example, a plumber may be an expert in installing new pipes in new construction while another specializes in fixing existing pipes in older homes. Plumbers can also expand their skill set to include installing natural gas lines to appliances or maintaining sprinkler systems.

Emergency Plumbers, in the residential sector of Fort Lauderdale, need a broad skill set to deal with a number of plumbing emergencies such as: Backflow, Water Leaks, Leak Detection, Stoppages, Sewer Issues, Fiber Optic Inspections, Water Heater Repair, Garbage Disposal Problems, Broken Water Purifiers, Clogged Toilets/Sinks/Showers, and Broken or Leaking Faucets.

In some cases, plumbing emergencies in Fort Lauderdale homes are caused by the occupants. Sinks clog when dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain pipes. Clogged toilets happen when happen when items that are flushed do not dissolve or break apart in water. Kitchen sink drains clog when cooking grease or oil cake onto drain pipe walls. Add detergent soap scum and un-dissolved food particles (such as rice which expands in water), and you’ve got a stubborn clog.

But some plumbing emergencies are caused by external conditions. For example, tree roots, earthquakes and poorly aimed shovels can cause underground water lines to break. This can water quality and no or very low water pressure. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause exposed pipes to burst. Backed up sewer systems can cause major damage. Signs of a sewer system backup include multiple drain clogs, bad sewage odors coming from the drains, gurgling toilets, and water pooling around the basement floor drain.

Other plumbing emergencies can be related to appliance malfunctions. If there’s no hot water, it could be due to a water heater malfunction, electrical issue or plumbing leak. Then again, it could be a utility company issue. Washing machine’s can leak, causing major damage. When damaged, water purifiers can result in harmful drinking water. When water softeners malfunction, everything from personal hygiene to glassware and plumbing are affected.

 

Bottom line: If you need to hire a veteran plumber in the Fort Lauderdale area, look no further than Veteran’s Plumbing, for all of your plumbing needs. We provide our customers with:

  • Quality Service
  • A Quick Response Time
  • An Honest Diagnosis
  • Reliable Service
  • 24 Hours a Day & Days a Week
  • Discounts to Seniors and Veterans

 

Visit us on line at: http://emergencyplumbingfortlauderdale.com/

 

 

Clogged Appliance Advice

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Clogged Appliance

 

Clogged Appliance Advice for Condo Buildings

Past articles have discussed the items that typically cause clogs in drain pipes; today we’ll be covering clogged plumbing in specific major appliances: air conditioners, water heaters and garbage disposals.

 

Air Conditioners

Air conditioning leaks can be frustrating. Not only are they messy, but they can cause significant water damage to your condo and adjacent units.

 

Common Causes:

-A clogged condensate drain pipe can be due to dirt, rust, algae and other debris.

-Improperly installed drain pipe fittings may not be secure. Over time, they can loosen, causing the drain pipe to disconnect from the AC unit allowing condensation to drain through the ceiling or onto the floor.

-A malfunctioning or dirty condensate pump can also cause water leakage from your AC system, resulting in the flooding of your attic or basement. Due to the continual presence of water, mold and mildew can grow inside the unit, causing it to clog.

-Less frequent causes of AC clogs are: dirty air filters, low refrigerant, cracked condensate drain pan, no p-trap and air vent in the drain line, condensate, buildup in un-insulated ductwork.

 

Water heaters

A blocked gas water heater vent can be a serious problem. Gas hot water heaters burn fossil fuels that generate, carbon monoxide, a dangerous and deadly gas.

Before you assume that your vent is blocked, make sure you check the vent draft. Any sign of a poor draft may mean an obstruction. There are a couple of things you can do to try and figure out if you have a blockage. Some or all of them may not work in every situation.

Before you can check the vent, you need to shut down the water heater.  Remove the screws that hold the flue pipe together. Remove enough of the pipe to see the full length and check for blockages. Remove the blockage using a piece of stiff wire. The vent pipe needs to be completely free of obstructions the full length of the pipe.

No blockage, then your problem is else where and it’s best to call a reliable plumber.

If your electric water heater won’t drain, it’s likely a clogged water heater drain valve. This is generally caused by excessive sediment build up inside the tank.

 

As water is heated, the minerals in the water separate and settle at the bottom of the water heater. If the tank is not drained routinely, the sediment will not only reduce the efficiency of the unit, but can also clog the drain valve to the point that you are no longer able to drain the water heater.

The severity of your clog can vary from a minor inconvenience to a major issue, and left unattended, will ultimately result in the need to purchase a new water heater. This is because the sediment will break down the inside of your tank and create an irreparable leak.

 

Garbage Disposals

Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposal repair can be a costly proposition. The most important thing to remember is that a garbage disposal is not a trash can; it’s for food scraps only. Non food items, such as cigarette butts, paper products, glass, plastic and metal can damage both the blades and the motor.

There are some consumable products that should be avoided— Grease and oil, corn husks, celery stalks, onion skins, artichokes, potato peels, pasta and rice, animal bones and coffee grounds— they can clog the plumbing or tangle, stick and jam the blades.

 

Some additional tips:

-Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste, it will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate and drains to clog.

-Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first, then let water run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles.

-Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.

– Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates in garbage disposals.

In short, major appliances that clog in Condo buildings can have major financial consequence. Be sure to call in a professional as soon as problem begins.

 

Provide the Best Commercial Plumbing for Your Business

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Provide the Best Commercial Plumbing for Your Business

 

Provide the Best Commercial Plumbing for Your Business: Fort Lauderdale

Though commercial plumbing is designed to withstand frequent use, all plumbing systems still wear out over time. Maintaining high functioning plumbing may be the difference between running your business as usual or shutting down for days of repairs.

 

What causes wear and tear on commercial building plumbing?

The higher the number of employees; the more frequently the bathrooms are visited.

If your business is a public place, your bathrooms are used with even more frequency than an office space or a personal residence.

If your business requires large and regular water flow, your plumbing is constantly in use and, therefore, stressing whatever plumbing system is in place.

 

 

Signs Your Commercial Plumbing Needs an Upgrade

 

Here are a few simple warning signs that a professional is needed to evaluate your plumbing:

Stains

If you see unsightly stains on the walls and under pipes, you may have located a leak and the pipe will require repair or replacement.

 

Pipe and tubing damage

You may need to repair or replace pipes or tubing if you spot any dents, dimpling, flaking, or discoloration on your hardware.

 

Water color

Brown or yellow water coming from your pipes may be signs of pipe corrosion. This is of course unsanitary and your pipes will require immediate replacement.

 

How to Prevent Commercial Plumbing Problems

Prevention is essential to keep your business up and running. Here is a list of what to do to catch potential issues before they shut you down.

  • Ask a plumbing professional to map out your pipe and drain network to guide you beyond the obvious sites of sinks and toilets. A plumbing system includes piping hidden out of sight, under the floor, and/or in the walls.
  • Regularly inspect your faucets, commodes, and pipes for leaks. Finding little pools of water on the floor near the pipes or discovering warping of wallboards or paneling may lead you directly to the source of a pipe leak.
  • Test your faucets periodically for water escaping through the handles or at connections to water supply pipes. Observe any water drips following the shutting off of the faucets. Your water bill will reflect even the smallest of leaks.
  • Inspect the proper function of your drains by running water and observing its flow into the pipes. If you see bubbles, hear a gurgling sound, or notice slow-moving drainage, these signs may indicate problems in your pipes.
  • Look for green, yellow, or orange stains around pipes and fittings. This kind of pipe discoloration is an indicator for internal pipe corrosion which requires immediate professional attention.
  • Gently force your fixtures (toilets, sinks, etc.) back and forth to verify solid attachments to the floor or wall. If connections are loose, seals may break with frequent agitation and potentially cause water damage to your facility.
  • Toilets are sometimes the source of otherwise unseen water leaks in your building. Check the flushing mechanism periodically as well as the internal components for degradation.
  • Verify your water pressure for early detection of leaks or clogs. Remove related components to clean out sediment from faucet spouts or shower heads.
  • Other features in your building worth inspecting for potential water damage include floor and wall tiles as well as caulking. Cracked tiles and broken seals sometimes make way for various plumbing problems.

 

Common Household Plumbing Problems

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Common Household Plumbing Problems: Fort Lauderdale, Residential Plumbers

How do you know if you should call a plumber? If you are experiencing one of the ten common household plumbing problems outlined in this blog, here are some tips to help you know what you can do on your own which will help you decide whether or not you would like a professional to evaluate your problem.

 

10 Common Plumbing Problems

 

  • Dripping faucets

Over time, the washers on your faucet wear out resulting in a drippy faucet. The best fix is prevention. You can extend the life of your faucet washers by turning your faucet off gently rather than with force.

 

  • Running toilets

When your toilet starts regularly emitting a watery humming sound minutes after flushing, there may be a problem with a part inside the tank. A common, easily addressed culprit is the flapper. If the flapper is falling apart where it hooks to the base of the tank or along the edges where it seals up the hole, it is a cheap, easy part to replace.

 

  • Clogged drains

When water takes longer to go down any drain, there is typically a clog in the drain. Prevent drain clogs with awareness of what you wash down the sink (avoid oil, hair, and excess toilet paper going down the related drain pipes). Maintain appropriately sized plungers for toilets, sinks, and tubs to dislodge minor blockages.

 

  • Lack of hot water

If you have a gas water heater, verify your pilot light is still lit and verify temperature settings on the water heater are set high enough. Ensure you have a large enough water heater for your specific needs indicating you will require a replacement.

 

  • Leaking water heaters

Rusting on the bottom or the walls of the water storage tank indicate leaks in your water heater. The most efficient way to handle this issue is through replacement of the water heater.

 

  • Leaking pipes

One of the most damaging plumbing problems in the home is leaky pipes. This issue may cause visible damage to floors, walls, and your possessions. Check pipes periodically for white lime deposits or rust and any stains along the pipe system behind the walls as these are the first visual indicators of a leak.

 

  • Leaking toilets

If your toilet is leaking, you could add an unwanted increase to your annual water bill of up to $100. It can also lead to mold growth. Sometimes jiggling the flush handle will fix your issue, but, to get to the source, call your plumbing professionals to help you.

 

  • Low water pressure

Low water pressure is an insidious issue as this is often caused by one of the other problems previously mentioned. Pipe blockages and leaks may be the cause of your lower water pressure. This problem is best addressed by a professional plumber to determine the source (which may be your neighbors’ plumbing or your regulator needing to be replaced).

 

  • Jammed or clogged garbage disposal

When you break up scraps in the garbage disposal, make sure you use cool water. If your disposal does not appear to be turning, turn off the disposal and feel around for any large items (i.e. spoons, large pits, etc). You can also press the reset button on the unit beneath your sink to attempt to clear any electrical errors. You may also agitate the hexagon screw beneath the disposal with a quarter inch key tool to manually move any large debris caught in the gears.

 

  • New installations

Whenever you decide to buy a new sink or toilet, make sure the installation is made by a professional to avoid amateur errors and possibly damaging your home.

 

Common Causes for Stoppage Problems

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Common Causes for Stoppage Problems

 

Common Causes for Stoppage Problems: Fort Lauderdale, Residential Plumbers

If your sink, toilet, or bathtub is backing up on you, it may be helpful for you to know some of the common causes for stoppage in your home plumbing. Awareness of what goes does the drain will help you protect your plumbing for years to come. Share your knowledge with your whole family and work as a team to maintain free-flowing water.

 

Different Types of Stoppages and How to Prevent Reoccurrence

 

Kitchen Sink

How it happens: Rinsing oil and fat down the sink is the best way to clog it up. Even if you have a garbage disposal, sitting oil eventually hardens up and coats the inside of your pipes.

How to prevent it: Take the time to wipe off food scraps (especially meat products which are among the hardest to break down) and excess oils from your plate into the garbage can before rinsing it off in the sink. Install a drain filter to catch bits of debris.

 

Bathroom Drains

How it happens: Showering off oils, creams, and hair clumps up in your pipes. These forms of waste are all slow to break down.

How to prevent it: Install a drain filter and make a habit of cleaning the filter out into your bathroom trashcan after every shower or bath.

 

Toilet

How it happens: Too much paper and other wastes not designed to flush down the toilet (i.e. wipes, sanitary pads, small toys, dead fish, etc.) will eventually cause drain stoppage.

How to prevent it: Only flush bodily waste and toilet paper. Use good judgment when you need to separate what goes in your toilet in more than one flush.

 

Outside Causes for Stoppage Problems

 

Tree Roots

Large enough tree roots may creep into your drains and, sometimes, even break them. A build up of outside contaminants (i.e. mould, dirt, twigs, leaves, etc.) can also stop up your drains.

 

Copper or Steel Pipes

If your pipes were made from copper or galvanized steel, these materials degrade over time. Aside from the accumulation of particles of degrading pipes, any event of overflow may create a health hazard for you and, potentially, your neighbors.

 

Sewer System Back Up

This is the worst! Sometimes the whole sewer system clogs up through the collective efforts from your whole neighborhood. You know you’re dealing with a sewage issue when you have multiple drain stoppages and bad odors billowing up from drain openings.

 

Should you use drain cleaner for your stoppage problems?

The problem with using over-the-counter drain cleaners is the effect it has on the longevity of your pipes. These cleaners are often highly caustic and they contaminate water supplies while eating away at your pipes. These cleaners are limited in their ability to break down hair build up in your bathroom tub.

For minor blockages, you may be able to use a plunger. While you may be familiar with plunger use for minor toilet clogging, plungers may also help in the sink and the bathtub. Make sure you cover the overflow hole near the ridge of your sink bowl to avoid squirting water everywhere while you plunge.

Call the Veteran plumbers in Fort Lauderdale to assist with major stoppage problems. Plumbers have the appropriate drain snakes and environmentally safe cleaners to thoroughly assess and clear your pipes.