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Sarasota & Manatee County, FL

Author: Kevin

Gurgling Toilets, Bubbling Toilets, Wimpy’s Has The Answer!

Gurgling Toilets, Bubbling Toilets, Wimpy’s Has The Answer!

Gurgling toilets, Girgling toilets, Bubbling toilets, Siphoning toilets.  No matter how you spell it or what you call it, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air has the answer!  Just the other day a customer in Sarasota, Fl. called and said that their toilet was losing water in the bowl, all by itself.  When one of our Florida State Certified licensed plumbers arrived, he determined the problem to be blocked vent lines.  Blocked vent lines will create a negative pressure on the plumbing system and cause siphonage of the traps that protect your home from harmful sewer gas.  Blocked vent lines will also cause your toilets not to flush.  And it usually starts with that gurgling noise!

Usually you will need a Professional Plumber to fix this problem.  At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we want to make sure that this problem doesn’t happen to you again.  So we go the extra mile and find out why your drain lines stopped up and caused the gurgling in your toilet.  We use the latest technology to look inside your drain lines with our state of the art, sewer cameras.  We can without a doubt, tell you exactly what caused your problem and give you options to make sure it doesn’t happen again.  Because who wants backed up toilets?

A Professional Plumber knows how a properly vented plumbing system is laid out and how it should work.  He should be able to quickly determine the cause of the gurgling noise that you called him about.  Do you really want to pay a company that sends out a warm body/technician, who doesn’t have a clue of how a plumbing system is supposed to work?  When you call us to fix your gurgling toilet, rest assured that we will send only professional, Florida State Certified licensed plumbers to quickly assess your plumbing problems and take care of it promptly.

Join the rest of our loyal clients who say, I Love my Plumber!  In fact, go to our website, www.Loveyourplumber.com, to read the reviews people send in.  If you are in the Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch areas, you owe it to yourself to call an honest, family owned Plumbing Company. We have been serving the community for 42 years.

Ants in a Pressure Switch

Ants in a Pressure Switch

Many people have to call a Sarasota plumber to come to their house, because they are on a well and have no water.

If you are one of those people, how many times in a year have you woken up to no water in your beautiful country home?  Many times it is a trade-off to have acreage and seclusion.  It’s your quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle of town.   You see wildlife, your secluded, but sometimes your pump quits working and you have no water.

Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air has found while servicing the Sarasota, Bradenton and Myakka City areas, that the pressure switch is usually the culprit of the infamous, ” I have no water ,” service call.  Ants in a pressure switch is a very common problem.  When it rains a lot, especially like it has been raining in Sarasota and Bradenton, ants seek out high ground.  When I say high ground, it is really the next level up from the area that retains water.  Usually this is the pad the pump sits on.  The ants will seek out this higher ground and make a home right inside your pressure switch. It’s warm and shady inside the pressure switch.  As the ants crawl around inside your pressure switch, and make themselves a comfy little home, they get between the points that make contact when the pump calls for water.  When they are caught between the points and the points close, they get squashed and die.  This leaves their remnants there on the contacts of the points.  The next time the pump calls for water, the pressure switch closes, but cannot make proper contact, due to the ant remnants on the face of the contacts.  That’s when you have no water.

Your dependable plumber in Sarasota has found the best way to prevent ants in a pressure switch, is to mount the switch as high as possible.  Sometimes the height is determined by the length of the wire going to the pressure switch or where the pump was originally placed.

Also, good house keeping around your pump and pressure switch will help too.  Keep the area clean of dirt, debri, and weeds.  A well with a pump and pressure switch is an important item to maintain.  Don’t just take it for granted.

If you need help with understanding your well, your pump, your pressure switch or any plumbing related questions, just call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air at 941-322-1911.  Our Sarasota plumbers will be happy educate you on your well system, especially if it is all new to you.

Don’t waste time searching for “plumbers near me.” If you have no water, you can call or schedule online with Wimpy’s.  We want to be your Plumber!

Toilets, The Good, The Bad , The Ugly.

Toilets, The Good, The Bad , The Ugly.

Toilets, the good, the bad, the ugly.  Years ago, there was a television commercial about tires.  A man named Stanley, would yell out, tires ain’t pretty, to get you to come to his tire store to buy tires.  Some toilets aren’t pretty either.  Toilets are a necessity, but why can’t they be modern looking and flush well too?

I was vacationing with my wife this summer and since toilets are a necessity, we were using the ones in the house we had rented.  Wow, these toilets were not pretty, nor did they flush well.  Not to mention they were water hogs.  Being a Plumbing Contractor in the Sarasota/ Bradenton area, I see a large variety of toilets.  As I flushed the toilets in this house, I first noticed that the handle squeaked when I pushed it.  Second, the toilet sounded like a dying man sucking air for his last breath.  Then it just kinda swirled around and around using a bunch of water.  I had to stand there and wonder if I was going to have to mop up water, if and when, this toilet overflowed.  Also, it was a round front bowl toilet.  For men, the elongated bowl of a toilet is a much better solution.  Also with comfort height toilets readily available, these toilets seemed and were very antiquated. As my wife mentioned to me, they were ugly too.  That made me think of the tire salesman from years ago on television.

Are you thinking, hey he’s describing my toilet?  If so, you should call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air.  We will talk toilets to you.  As a professional Plumbing Contractor we know the difference  between the good, the bad and the ugly.  Toilets don’t last forever.  Find out how to save money every time you flush your toilet.  Let us help you bring your bathroom up to the 21st century.

Toilets can be pretty, modern looking, flush well and save you money.  Call 941-322-1911 and let us help you pick out the toilet that is right for you!  Or schedule on line at www.Loveyourplumber.com for an estimate.

How to find a cheap, affordable plumber in Sarasota or Bradenton?

How to find a cheap, affordable plumber in Sarasota or Bradenton?

Yes, is the answer to that question.  In a perfect world people want plumbing to be cheap and affordable.  However, the cheapest guy could end up costing you the most.  It could be the handyman who thinks he knows how to do plumbing because he replaced  flapper in his toilet.  Did you know that with toilets today , there are more than 30 different flappers for all the different toilets that are being made?  No longer does one flapper fit all.  Also. some toilet tank parts have become very intricate, requiring a professional who knows how they work and can properly diagnosis the problem.

Plumbing requires a license.  To get a license one has to go through an apprenticeship training, take a test and prove themselves to the State of Florida.  Without the proper training, one cannot totally understand the purpose of vents, venting, proper pitch of waste piping, fixture load on a system, why traps are necessary and what the proper distance is to run different pipe sizes.

The first requirement of a plumber is to protect the health of the nation.  The “wanna be” guy, who set a vanity for you or the handy man fella you called because he said he could fix your plumbing, probably doesn’t know the plumbing code, so he doesn’t know if what he did is legal and not to mention safe, because remember, the plumbers job is to protect the health of the nation. Professional plumbers take this very seriously.  Handyman, not so much.  Who do you really want working on your plumbing system?  Plumbing is the heart of the home.  Without plumbing, can you imagine the sanitation nightmare.  How about clean water?  Plumbers, you need a real one.  Also, you need an honest plumber.  Someone who can explain your options when you need a repair done and recommend what is safe and in your budget.

Nobody wants to call a doctor, but when you need one you want the best, not the cheapest.  Same with a plumber.  You want their professional expertise. You may need their specialized tools, their fully stocked truck and their undivided attention.  You also may want your doctor to have insurance in case something unexpected happens.  Wouldn’t you want the same of your plumber in Bradenton FL?

Shopping for the cheapest plumber, may just cost you more money in the end.  Do yourself a favor, save yourself some headaches and hire a professional licensed plumber.

Call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, Inc. for all of your plumbing needs.  941-322-1911.  www.Love Your Plumber.com

Home Inspection By a Plumber.

Home Inspection By a Plumber.

Don’t let your dream home you want to buy, become an unexpected money pit. Let Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air in Sarasota, give you a free evaluation of the plumbing system. Here is an example of a house we inspected for our client in Bradenton last week.

Summary of findings:

Upon inspection, we found original plumbing waste and water lines through-out the entire three bathroom house.  The home was built in 1957.  This makes all of the plumbing 58 years old.  The waste and vent lines are cast iron pipe and the water lines are copper.  Both of which have exceeded their life span.

None of the plumbing fixtures have been updated, except for the lavatory valves and water heater.

We attempted to run a sewer camera down the 3” cast iron stack to view the condition of the waste lines.  The cast iron was so full of sludge, rust, scale and corrosion that the camera would not go through it.

The water pressure is slightly restricted, when opening more than one faucet at a time.  This may be due to a corroded main water line from the meter to the house, which would need to be replaced.

We saw evidence of at least one repair of a pin hole leak on the copper line at the water heater.  The water heater needs to have a pan drain installed to the outside as per code.

We highly recommend all new pvc waste, vent and sewer lines for the entire house, due to age.
Also, the copper water lines need to be replaced through-out, due to age.
All plumbing fixtures and valves need replaced, due to age.

The approximate cost to install new plumbing is approximately $30,000.00, plus owners choice of fixtures and valves.

If you are not prepared for this type of expense before you buy, this type of plumbing expense can be quite a burden and put a huge damper on the joy of owning a home.  We want you to love your new home and Love Your Plumber!  Let Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air help make the right decision for you.

Camera the waste lines before you buy!

Call 941-322-1911 or schedule online at www.Loveyourplumber.com.

Sewer Line Stoppage, Do I Need To Replace the Sewer Line?

Sewer Line Stoppage, Do I Need To Replace the Sewer Line?

Sewer line stoppages are not supposed to occur if everything is working properly.  Do you need to replace the sewer line?  This is where getting an honest, professional Plumber in Sarasota, can save you money.

So many different variables can take place that will cause your sewer line to back up.  Different types of pipe material over the years, that back when they were installed was the best thing ever and people thought that they would never fail.  We now know that with the test of time and different environments that the pipe is in, makes a huge difference concerning the life span of different pipe.

Today, with the sewer cameras Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air uses, we can not only tell you why your sewer line stopped up, but also show you where you are having sewer line blockages.  Because Wimpy’s is one of the most honest Plumbers in Sarasota, we can then give you several options on how to make sure a stoppage won’t happen again.

Your options could be to snake out the line to clear the blockage with different size sewer cables and a variety of sewer cleaning heads that we have, or you could have the line hydro-jetted with our Mongoose Hydro-jetter or dig up the old line and put in new pipe.

If you are having stoppages in Sarasota, you should call Wimpy’s.  We have all of the technology, state of the art equipment and all the different types of digging equipment from tiny excavators to large backhoes and Bobcats. We even still have and still use shovels.

Your stoppage could be very minor and you can trust us to tell you that.  Ask your neighbor if they love their Plumber.  Chances are they have used us and will tell you yes, they love their Plumber.  Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air.  941-322-1911 or schedule on line, www.Loveyourplumber.com.  A family Plumbing business, established 1973 in Sarasota, Fl.  That’s over 42 years of treating people like we want to be treated.  Call us today for an estimate.

Well Water, No Water, Wimpy’s Does Well Water Work.

Well Water, No Water, Wimpy’s Does Well Water Work.

Well water, no water, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air in Sarasota works on getting your well water back on.  If you are on a well, chances are you have woken up or went to bed with no water.  So many things can happen to a well system that can cause the, I have no water service call.  Sometimes we can walk you through the problem over the phone.  Other times, you might need a professional Plumber from Sarasota to repair your well or pump problem.

Wimpy’s Plumbing, stocks their trucks with everything you might need to get your water back on.  We can also answer all of your questions on how to make sure that your water stays on.  Sometimes it is a minor issue.  You can depend on us and trust that we have your best interest at heart.

Wells, above ground pumps, submersible pumps, areators, softner systems, pressure switches, pressure gauges are all things that need maintenance.  A little bit of care and cleaning can prevent system failures.    No one likes it when they have no water.  If you have animals or livestock, the situation of no water is affecting them also.  Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air realizes the severity of this and will come to your rescue.

If you find yourself with no water in the Sarasota area, call the Plumber who truly cares and is dependable. Call Wimpy’s.  After all, Dependable is our middle name.  941-322-1911, or schedule on line at Loveyourplumber.com.

Water Heater Leak or AC Leak, How do You Know?

Water Heater Leak or AC Leak, How do You Know?

Sometimes we will get a call from a customer and they tell us that their water heater is leaking. So we come prepared to change out the leaking water heater.  Upon arrival and a close inspection we find that it is not the water heater leaking, but the AC condensate line from the air conditioner that is sitting above the water heater and requiring AC repair in Sarasota – not water heater repair!

This is one of the reasons why you want an honest, professional Sarasota plumber that can properly diagnosis your water leak. It is better to use a company with people that care about fixing your problem and taking the necessary time to make sure that they are taking care of the issue that is causing your Sarasota water leak or plumbing problem.

To some folks, keeping things in working order is just a way of life to them. Others don’t understand the benefits and cost savings of proper care for their home. And when something doesn’t work, they find out it could of been prevented with a little care. Your home and everything in it needs to be cared for like your car.

When you buy a new car, the owner’s manual  tells you when and what needs to be done to keep your investment running smoothly. By doing these things you prevent major, costly problems.

The same with your house, only no one gives you an owners manual!  Imagine that. Probably the largest purchase you make and no one tells you how to take care of it.  Take time to ask questions of the service companies that may come to your house. If you feel that they don’t have time to answer all of your questions, or don’t know the answer, you need to find a company that cares about you. One that will inform you of ways to care for your home, so you don’t have major issues or surprises.

Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, is a company that cares about its’ customers. We want to answer your questions, take the time to inform you and be there when you need us.  We want you to Love your Plumber!

Call today to get your questions answered or schedule your next Sarasota plumbing or AC service.

Why Do Toilets Overflow?

Why Do Toilets Overflow?

Why do toilets overflow?  When people search the internet for Loveyourplumber.com, they find Wimpy’s website.  This will get them to the Plumber in Sarasota that will find out why their toilet overflows.

There are numerous reasons for toilets to overflow and what a mess it becomes when it does happen.  So let me help you nip this problem in the bud.  Below are some reasons why toilets overflow.

1)  There is not enough water in the tank, to create the proper siphon action in the bowl.

2) The refill tube is not properly positioned in the overflow tube. This will cause the bowl not to fill.

3) The tank does not fill fast enough between flushes.

4) The trap way of the bowl is calcified and catching paper and causing bowl stoppages.

5) A guest using way to much paper.

6) A change in medication, creating hard stool.

7) A poorly designed toilet. Not all toilets are the same.  Some flush a whole lot better than others.

8) Older homes with cast iron waste lines could be the cause due to rust, scale and sediment build up.

9) Roots can infiltrate the waste piping system, searching for water.

10) Newer homes will have pvc waste piping, but are still stopping up and causing the toilets to overflow.

11) We find the lack of the proper pitch or bellies in the pipe, causing paper to build up and toilets to overflow.

12) An extremely long run of waste piping, with very little fall.

13) Toilets today, are all water savers, this does not mean that they will carry the waste from point A to point B without a problem.

If you are having are having problems with your toilets overflowing, call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air. We are Sarasota’s expert Plumbing Company, that will find the source of your toilets overflowing.

We give estimates and second opinions.

Log on today at Loveyourplumber.com and schedule an appointment on line.  Or call 941-322-1911 to speak to the friendliest person on the phone, who can schedule one of our professional plumbers to take care of your toilet that is overflowing.

Cheap Plumber, Cheap Plumbing Is It The Right Choice?

Cheap Plumber, Cheap Plumbing Is It The Right Choice?

Cheap Plumber, Cheap plumbing, is it the right choice?  Just the other day I was working on a house that was eight years old.  The new owner had just bought a new washing machine, and wanted Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air to hook it up, along with a few other repairs.

When our Plumber went to turn off the washing machine valves, the stem assembly broke in his hand and water started flooding out from the washing machine valve.

Feeling like the kid with his finger in the hole in the dike, the owner was able to shut -off the main house valve to prevent water damage.  What if his main house valve didn’t work or he couldn’t find it?  Do you know where your main house valve is? And does it work?  Could your wife or daughter turn it off?

Upon inspection of what actually broke, it was the valve stem assembly that was made, you may of guessed it, in Taiwan.

Now when this house was built and the plumbing was put in, the plumber had a choice to buy a good set of washing machine valves or save a few cents and buy the cheaper ones.  There is always a reason the same item costs more.  And the difference is usually the material that it is made from.

Cheap ain’t good and good ain’t cheap, is the motto of a plumber in the Sarasota area.

Why see how cheap you can build something?  Why not see how good you can build something instead?  Plumbing used to last without even having to think about it.  It is the heart of your home.  Now, to save a few dollars, builders and plumbers don’t even give you a choice of quality.

Not Wimpy’s.  We will show you and explain the difference in plumbing fixtures and plumbing valves.  We want you to be informed.  We want your plumbing to last like it did years ago.

Call us if you want  a Plumber that cares about quality.  Quality doesn’t cost, it pays!

Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, a family business serving Sarasota for over forty two years.  941-322-1911, or schedule on line, www.Loveyourplumber.com.

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