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Sarasota & Manatee County, FL

Author: Kevin

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Save Your Terrazzo Floors With Trenchless Technology

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Drain and Sewer, Pipe Bursting, Plumber in Sarasota, Plumbing, Sarasota Plumber.

Save Your Terrazzo Floors With Trenchless Technology

Save your terrazzo floors with trenchless pipe repair in Sarasota, FL and the surrounding areas. This method will replace your old plumbing waste lines under your terrazzo floors, without disturbing your terrazzo.  If you are having plumbing stoppages in Sarasota or Bradenton, and your pipes that are old and corroded, then we have the solution if you want to save your floors.

Saving your terrazzo floors with trenchless pipe repair in Sarasota, is very beneficial.  This method of replacing plumbing waste lines is also known as “pipe bursting”.  We find that quite a large number of people in the Sarasota/Bradenton area have older homes with terrazzo floors.  These same homes usually have the original cast iron drain lines under the floor.

Over time these cast iron drain lines rust, corrode and scale.  This will cause paper to catch and build up, thus causing a plumbing stoppage.  There are various methods a Sarasota plumbing expert can go about taking care of your stoppage.  An honest plumber will give you options and explain the pros and cons of each option.

At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we are the leading authority on trenchless pipe repair in Sarasota, FL and other forms of trenchless plumbing technology.  We also offer Hydro-Jetting. video camera waste line inspections and of course the old stand by, snaking or rodding out lines to clear plumbing stoppages.  Rest assured, for the last forty three years, the Sarasota plumbing company, Wimpy’s, has always given honest evaluations of our customers plumbing needs.  We use the latest technology to benefit you the customer, so you can make the right choice for yourself.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is so true when you can see inside your pipes and know what caused your plumbing stoppage.

The team of Sarasota plumbing experts from Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is here to serve you, the customer. Just call or schedule online! Find out why our customers Love Their Plumber.

burst pipe leak

What Cast Iron Corrosion Means for Your Plumbing System

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

What Cast Iron Corrosion Means for Your Sarasota Plumbing System

These days, materials such as copper and various plastics are commonly used for residential piping. In years and decades past, though, many materials were used that have fallen out of favor in more modern times. Chief among these materials is cast iron.

Now, cast iron certainly has its uses. However, it’s time as a go-to for Sarasota plumbing applications has come and gone. This is due largely to its susceptibility to corrosion. We have fairly corrosive water in our area anyway, so cast iron pipes can be of particular concern. Here are some tips for determining if your plumbing in Sarasota, FL is at risk due to cast iron corrosion.

Cast iron used to be used in a number of applications, including both for main water lines as well as for sewer lines. While rust and corrosion may certainly develop on any pipe, sewer lines do tend to suffer from the issue more frequently due to the nature of the waste flowing through them, as opposed to that of the water coming in through your main water line. It is important to note, though, that every little sign of rust is not an indicator that your pipe is about to burst.

Some external rust is quite common on these cast iron pipes. If the rusted area is not deeply pitted, it is likely — not certain, mind you — that your pipe is still okay. This is due to the fact that pipes generally fail due to corrosion beginning from within, not on their outer surfaces.

A visible crack in the pipe, though, should definitely raise a red flag. Even if it is a tiny crack, with only a little evidence of corrosion around it, you should be dialing for our Sarasota plumbing experts. Keep in mind that you are only going to be able to see a small section of these pipes, if anything at all. The crack you see may look “minor,” but those that you cannot see may be more serious.

Another situation in which to take corrosion very seriously is if you have corroded bumps on the underside of the pipe. This indicates that water is making its way through a leak, and that the pipe is essentially resealing the hole as the iron rusts and expands. These blobs of rust are a sure sign that you pipe is in trouble.

When you need a reliable Sarasota plumber, call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air instead at 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

Faucet handle doesn’t turn hot in the shower.

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Bradenton Plumber, Plumber in Sarasota, Plumbing, Uncategorized, Water Heaters.

Faucet handle doesn’t turn hot in the shower.

The faucet handle in your shower that controls hot and cold water coming out of your shower head, has been a popular complaint lately.  Customers call up our office and say that when they turn the faucet handle to hot, it does not get hot.  Is this happening to you?

Our team of plumbers can either explain to you how to fix it yourself or we would be able to send a professional plumber to your home to fix the faucet handle that doesn’t turn hot in your shower.

With the newer style positemp cartridges or the thermostatic mixing,tub/shower cartridges that the manufacturers are using in their tub and shower valve bodies, there is far greater chance of them getting calcified from hard water and not function properly.  When the cartridge gets calcified, it can cause the valve not to work properly, thus the problem of the faucet handle doesn’t turn hot.

This calcification is a slow process and one day, it’s the straw that breaks the camels’ back, so to speak.  When this happens, you will not get hot water out of your shower valve.  This is where maintaining your plumbing system comes in.

The water in Sarasota,Florida comes from our aquifer.  It contains calcium and magnesium.  These minerals make the water hard.  The best thing you can do for your plumbing is to not have these minerals stick to any parts of your plumbing or appliances.  To do this, you can either soften the water or condition the water.  The professionals at Wimpy’s Plumbing will be able to explain which would be better for your specific conditions.

Whether you are on your own private well or you have city or county central water, you should be concerned with your water quality.  You would see a lot less of your plumber since your faucet handle would get hot water a whole lot longer before it needed repair, if you had conditioned or softened water.

Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, is the Plumbing Company that will test your water at no charge and give you an honest evaluation to address your specific needs.

Call today,941-322-1911 or schedule on line at www.LoveYourPlumber.com.

slow drain

Why Do My Drains Smell So Bad?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Drain and Sewer.

Why Do My Drains Smell So Bad?

There are a number of different issues that homeowners may encounter with their plumbing systems, many of which we’ve covered before. It’s not all about leaks and a lack of hot water, though. Other issues, like foul smelling drains, may not sound quite as serious, but can be indicative of real trouble to come.

If you notice that your drains are emitting a foul odor, you need to call the professional plumbers on our team right away. There are various causes of this particular problem. Only skilled, experienced plumbers in Sarasota, FL, can diagnose the problem accurately and resolve it entirely.

There is a bent pipe beneath your drains, and that bend is called the drain trap (or p-trap). This trap serves a few purposes, such as helping to trap debris that makes it down the drain. Perhaps most importantly, though, is the way in which it traps water within the bend. Why is this so important? Well, the trapped water creates an effective barrier that prevents odorous sewer gases from coming up through your drains and into the living space. If this pipe runs dry, that is the sort of trouble that you can expect.

Foul smells coming from drains can also be the result of a poorly designed or implemented, or even missing, drain vent system. Your drain lines need to be able to vent these sewer gases in a planned out manner. If not, the pressure in the drainage system can be offset, resulting in issues with water flow. It can also get so bad that the sewer gases will force themselves past the point of the water blockage in the trap, as well.

Finally, keep in mind that this odor could also be the result of damage to your sewer line itself. If this is the case, you obviously need to have the problem resolved as soon as possible. You cannot afford to risk serious, unhygienic, and costly situations developing due to a damaged sewer line.

Call Wimpy’s Dependable Plumbing at 941-322-1911 today and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

What Are Copper Pinhole Leaks?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

What Are Copper Pinhole Leaks?

For a long time, materials such as cast iron and galvanized steel were common in pipes and plumbing systems. These days, such materials are looked upon as being rather outdated. Alternatives, such as various polymers and plastics are far preferred. So too are copper pipes. Despite their great reputation, though, you’d be mistaken in believing that copper pipes are problem free, let alone that they’ll last forever.

Copper pinhole leaks are a relatively common issue, and can cause a whole lot of trouble for homeowners. Fortunately for you, our exceptional plumbers are never more than a phone call away. If you encounter any plumbing problems, such as these leaks, you can count on us for great plumbing repairs in Bradenton, FL.

Copper Pinhole Leaks Are Serious Business

Copper pipes did not just stumble into the level of use that they enjoy today. They are famed for their long lifespan, for their ease of use/fitting/cutting, and their resistance to corrosion. However, due to changes in water chemistry in certain areas, copper pipes may sometimes suffer from copper pinhole leaks. These are leaks that basically work from the inside of a pipe outwards. Pitting corrosion develops on the interior wall of the pipe, with a pinhole leak being the final outcome. Of course, because the issue develops within the pipe, it can be tough to spot before leaks begin.

These leaks may not result in a flooded basement, of course, as they are rather small. They can easily go unnoticed over time, though, and before long they can do serious damage to your home, including walls, floors, ceilings, electrical system, etc. It can also result in mold growth, especially in our climate. Depending upon the chemistry and quality of your water, using a water treatment system may be able to reduce the risk of encountering such problems on your property. Contact us to have your copper pinhole leaks repaired, and to discuss further preventative options.

Call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today at 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

 

3 Potential Causes of Low Water Pressure

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

3 Potential Causes of Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure may not strike many homeowners as being a serious emergency, but it can actually be indicative of some pretty big problems with one’s plumbing system in Sarasota, FL. Plus, there are few things quite as aggravating as struggling to get the shampoo out of your hair as water trickles down upon it. If you have low water pressure in your home, we can help!

When you work with us, you’re working with some of the finest plumbers in the industry. Whatever the problem may be, we’ll diagnose it accurately and resolve it entirely. Call today if the water pressure in your home has fallen.

Sediment/Mineral Buildup

When there is a lot of sediment built up in your pipes, the area through which water can travel is restricted. The same thing happens when pipes narrow as limescale and other minerals build up within, potentially due to having hard water in your home. This can result in low water pressure at the fixtures and appliances that you use, as well as high/unbalanced pressure throughout other points of the system. Having the affected pipes cleaned and/or using a water softener may be advisable.

Corroded/Leaking Pipes

If your pipes are heavily corroded, the flaking material within the pipe could block it up as well. Not to mention, that corrosion can eventually lead to leaks, as can many other problems with your plumbing system. If your pipes are leaking enough, you not only risk serious water damage to your home; you may also encounter low water pressure. There could even be a leak in the main water line.

Municipal Supply Problems

There is a bit of good news to consider, as well. The issue leading to your low water pressure may be related to the municipal supply itself. If you don’t think that there is anything wrong with your home plumbing system, but you experience a sudden drop in water pressure, you may want to check with the municipality for help in determining if there is an issue.

Call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today at 941-322-1911, and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

 

Why Does My Water Taste Bad?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

Why Does My Water Taste Bad?

When you are ready for a drink of water, do you head to the refrigerator in order to retrieve a bottle of overpriced “spring” or “artisanal” water? If so, what is it that is preventing you from getting a drink of water straight from the faucet in your kitchen? There are a lot of reasons why homeowners may choose not to drink their tap water, but if an off taste is the only thing holding you back from doing so, we’ve got the solutions you need. Our Sarasota plumbers offer a number of great water treatment systems in Sarasota that can help you to enjoy better tasting water in your home.

Common Causes of Foul Tasting Water

As we mentioned above, we have plenty of solutions for improving your water quality. These include advanced water treatment systems, such as the Halo 5 water treatment system. We’ll make sure that you have the appropriate system in place for your needs. Why, though, might tap water taste bad to begin with? There are a number of different causes.

  • Chlorine may be present in your water, and that can give it an odd taste. This is a tricky situation, because chlorine is not actually harmful in any way–quite the opposite, actually. Chlorine is important to public health and helps to kill germs and bacteria in the water supply. Still, some people are simply more sensitive to its taste than others.
  • Soil properties can also have an impact on the taste of your water, and may lead to a musty or earthy taste. Again, this is not a concern for your health, but it may dissuade you from drinking your readily available tap water. Using the right water treatment system can make a huge difference.
  • Rubber or plastic flavors are certainly not welcome in water. These could be the result of the very plumbing materials used to distribute water throughout your home. Different plumbed appliances may have washers, gaskets, and hoses that can aggravate the issue. We can resolve the problem successfully.

Our Sarasota Water Treatment Solutions

Our team offers a wide variety of water treatment solutions in Sarasota, FL. We can help you repair, maintain, or install systems for:

Call for Water Treatment in Sarasota Today!

Stop settling for low water quality in your home. Rely on our team from Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air to help you improve your water quality in Sarasota now. We will get to you fast and then we’ll work with you to make sure we find out what is causing your water issues and take care of it ASAP. Call now and we will be there soon.

plumber repairing leaky bathroom sink

Leak On Floor When Bathroom Sink Runs

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Bradenton Plumber, Drain and Sewer, leak on floor, Plumber in Sarasota, Plumbing, Sarasota Plumber, Uncategorized.

Leak On Floor When Bathroom Sink Runs

Water on the bathroom floor or on the floor of the wall behind the bathroom, maybe the kitchen?  We had this happen to a good customer the other day.  They had just gotten back into town and turned on their bathroom sink faucet.  The husband noticed water on the floor coming out from under the refrigerator.  They had just gotten a new refrigerator and thought maybe the ice maker line connection was leaking.  He pulled the refrigerator out and checked the ice maker line, that was fine.   But there was still water on the floor.  That’s when he called a professional.  Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, sprang into action and within a hour of the phone call, we were at the home in Sarasota with the plumbing problem, investigating the cause of the water on the floor.

When we arrived we found that the original plumbing waste line serving the lavatory, had finally worn out.

After cutting the mud tiled wall, behind the vanity using our Hilti Dustless Technology cutting equipment to eliminate all the dust from cutting concrete, we were able to show our customer the problem (“See in Action“).  The original inspection tag was still on the copper lavatory waste arm that was leaking from the holes in it. The tag was dated February 2, 1955!  How’s that for getting some life out of your plumbing system!

Plumbing problems like this, is very similar to having surgery done on your body by a surgeon.  First, they diagnose, then prep the area, perform the surgery, clean up and follow up.  So, Plumbers are just like Doctors.  Would you want your surgery performed by someone other than a licensed surgeon?  Would you want the heart of your home, the plumbing system, to have a band aid put on the plumbing ailment, or have the proper surgery done to ensure longevity?

Rest assured, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air will always to what is your best interest.  We are the surgeons in the Plumbing Industry.  We don’t put on band aids.  We are the Real Thing.

For immediate assistance with your plumbing emergencies, call 941-322-1911 or schedule on line, www.LoveYourPlumber.com.  How does that motel commercial say it, we’ll leave the light on for ya!

Some Common Toilet Problems

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

Some Common Toilet Problems

When you think of the plumbing in your home, you may first and foremost think of the bathroom, where there are many different fixtures ready for use. When you think specifically of your bathroom plumbing system, the toilet in your home is likely what first springs to mind. The idea of living without a toilet in one’s home is pretty much unfathomable in this day and age, after all. That is exactly why encountering operational problems of any kind with one’s toilet is such an alarming situation. The moment that you suspect that there is a problem with the toilet in your bathroom, give our professional plumbers a call. We have the training, tools, and experience necessary to handle any bathroom plumbing services in Sarasota, FL that you may need.

Excessive Running

Sometimes, homeowners will convince themselves that a problem is to “minor” to prioritize. Sure, you may think, my toilet is running, but it’s just a minor annoyance. This is not really the case, though. Yes, you may be able to listen to a running toilet without it driving you nuts. You are also ignoring the issue of substantial water waste, though. If your toilet keeps running, that means that you are paying for water that you are not actually using.

Leaks

Have you noticed that there is water on the floor surrounding your toilet? It could be the result of a leak, most likely at the point of some connection. You’d probably notice if there was a big crack in the porcelain, so a damaged wax ring or even a cracked gasket at the tank bolt could be to blame. If it is hot and humid, of course, it could just be the result of water condensation dripping off of your tank. You don’t want to risk damaging your floors, though, so let a professional take a look.

Partial Flushing

Is your toilet not flushing powerfully or completely? It could be due to a low water level in the tank, or simply there being too much slack in the lift chain. There could also be an improper model of a component, such as the flapper, mistakenly installed in the tank. We’ll definitely get to the bottom of the problem.

Be sure to work with Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, and you’ll see firsthand why  our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

 

plumber fixing leaking kitchen

Leaking Pipe Under House When Using Kitchen

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Drain and Sewer, Plumber in Sarasota, Plumbing, Uncategorized.

Leaking Pipe Under House When Using Kitchen

Leaking pipe under house when using kitchen plumbing in Sarasota, was what a customer called with yesterday.  She said that when she runs the kitchen sink, she sees water under her house.  Her house had a crawl space underneath it so she could see the water puddling up.

Now if this is something you are experiencing also, then there is is good chance that you will need to call a Professional Plumber to make the needed repair.  You want to beware of calling a handyman to fix your plumbing drain line under the house.  Depending on the condition of the waste piping under your home, a handyman may cause more pipes to break, because he doesn’t realize how brittle the old lines can become.

Call in a Sarasota Plumbing Company who has the necessary expertise and years of knowledge in dealing with old kitchen plumbing in Sarasota and the wisdom to give you right choice in repairing your plumbing  waste lines.

Some of the handymen who call themselves Plumbers or who say they can fix it, will probably just put a “bandaid” on it, instead of making a proper repair.  This will only cause you to have to pay again when the bandaid doesn’t work.

Kitchen plumbing in Sarasota homes that were built before 1980, will have cast iron waste and vent lines.  Generally, cast iron pipes will need attention after being used for forty years.  The seventy and eighties don’t seem like a long time ago, but do the math.  It is 2016 now, and the cast iron is just getting older.  Nothing lasts forever.

You need a Plumbing Company in Sarasota, who knows cast iron plumbing.  We put a lot of it in, back in the day.  Everything from a lead and oakum connection, to the no-hub band connection.  Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is Sarasota’s expert old plumbing repair specialist.  You can count on us to give you an honest estimate of the repairs needed to fix the leak under your house when you run your kitchen sink.

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