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Sarasota & Manatee County, FL

Author: Kevin

How Often Do You Need Drain Cleaning?

Drain cleaning in Bird Key

How Often Do You Need Drain Cleaning?

It can be hard to say how often one should have drain cleaning done in Sarasota. Some people go a long time without drain problems while others have older plumbing and deal with issues more often. There are times when you need a pro to work on your drains, and it depends on the severity of the issue. If you have been having problems for a while, call your local plumbers now!

Call us as soon as you notice the following problems to schedule your professional drain cleaning in Sarasota soon!

Your Water Won’t Drain

There’s a big difference between a slow drain and one that won’t drain at all. If you notice standing water anywhere in your home and it doesn’t move over a period of several hours, it’s time to call in the professional Sarasota plumbers from Wimpy’s. We’ll find out where your drain is blocked and remove the blockage so your water and waste can flow freely once again!

Your Toilets Overflow

Everyone experiences an overflowing toilet now and then but you shouldn’t be facing these problems regularly. If your toilets are overflowing often (once a week or more), give us a call. Our plumbers will get to the bottom of the problem and make sure there’s not a larger drain issue going on somewhere.

Unusual Smells

Your drains should not smell. Every once in awhile, you may get some rotting hair or food waste that causes problems. However, really raunchy smells usually mean there’s a significant clog somewhere. If it smells like sewage, that’s an even bigger sign that you need a professional drain or sewer cleaning in Sarasota fast!

Frequent Clogs

Clogs happen, but they shouldn’t happen that often. If you have one every day, or even one every week, call in a plumber to get to the bottom of the problem. If you have several drains clogging at once, especially across your home, call ASAP. This can indicate a sewer clog that needs to be removed via hydro jetting before you get sewage backing up into your home.

Water Where You Don’t Expect It

Spills happen but backups shouldn’t. If you end up with standing water in your home or in your yard, call your Sarasota plumbers at Wimpy’s right away. You also shouldn’t have unusual water patterns, like a shower that gets water in it whenever your washing machine drains. If this is happening, you need professional drain cleaning now!

Call our Sarasota plumbing company at the first sign of a problem and we’ll fix your drains fast. It’s our specialty here at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air so we have the expertise you need!

How To Save Money On Sarasota Air Conditioning Bills

How To Save Money On Sarasota Air Conditioning Bills

Do you want to be able to rely on your Sarasota air conditioning all summer long? Of course you do! There are a few things you can do to make sure your AC is ready for those long, hot Florida days.

save money on ac bills

When you check on your AC system before the summer season, you lower your chances of a pricey AC repair in Sarasota during the hottest days and of having to spend money on repairs, or even a replacement unit.

Follow these friendly tips from Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air to have your air conditioning system working in the most efficient and cost effective way whenever you need it!

Test Out Your Air Conditioning Unit

The easiest way to see if your Sarasota AC is in good shape is to simply turn it on and test it out! As previously mentioned, we recommend doing this before the real heat kicks in so you have plenty of time should you need a repair or replacement. Check to see:

  • That your air conditioner turns on
  • That your air conditioner stays on
  • That your air conditioner cools your home to the temperature on the thermostat
  • That your air conditioner doesn’t make unusual noises
  • That your air conditioner seems to be running the way you remember it running last year

If there are any problems, turn off the power right away and give us a call at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air for air conditioning repair in Sarasota County as soon as possible.

Yearly AC Service in Sarasota FL

Call in our team of AC specialists annually to for Sarasota air conditioning maintenance and check it out before the summer. We’ll come to your home and:

  • Visually inspect your entire HVAC system
  • Test each part of your air conditioner
  • Change the AC filter
  • Clean out your air conditioner

You can learn more about the many benefits of AC maintenance here!

Your Sarasota Air Conditioning Company

By checking on your air conditioning and having a professional attend to it each year, you can save time and money by making your AC run efficiently and finding problems before they become catastrophic. The Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air team can help you get the cool air you need and want this summer. Call us for assistance today!

Call Now to Save Money on Your AC Bills!

Benefits Of Air Conditioning Maintenance

Benefits Of Air Conditioning Maintenance

Did you know that getting an air conditioning system tune-up can help you in a variety of ways?

Many homeowners don’t think about getting air conditioning maintenance done or they aren’t sure if the service really offers them any benefits.

Read on to learn why Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air suggests an AC tune-up at least once every year!

Get Even Cooler at Home

You want to stay as cool as possible at home, and AC maintenance will help you do that. We’ll make sure your AC unit is running as efficiently as possible so it can effectively cool your whole home. If you have certain rooms that never get cool, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Get more comfortable at home than you’ve ever been before!

Avoid Air Conditioner Wear & Tear

When your air conditioner is running inefficiently, it has to work harder to keep you cool. Working hard and straining can cause wear and tear, which can mean that you need more frequent AC repairs or that you have to replace your AC sooner than you might have expected to. Save yourself these hassles by getting an air conditioning tune-up each year.

Save Energy

When we clean out your air conditioner during an AC tune-up, we remove dust and debris that hamper the efficiency of your unit. When this is gone, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to effectively cool the interior of the property. You can stay cool while using less energy when you get regular AC maintenance.

Save Money

When your AC works efficiently, you’re using less energy and therefore your utility bills will be lower! A well-maintained system also lasts longer, so you will get more years out of the AC before having to spend money on a new one. Save money and add years to the life of your air conditioner by calling for an AC unit tune-up today!

Air Conditioning Experts in Sarasota and Beyond

Contact us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air with any questions you might have about air conditioning maintenance, or to schedule yours today. We’ll get to you soon and make sure your AC system is running well so it can keep you cool this summer!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Maintenance!

When Should You Tune-Up Your AC?

When Should You Tune-Up Your AC?

We know that you need to count on your air conditioner all summer long to stay cool. Did you know that air conditioner maintenance can help keep your AC running efficiently the entire year? A simple tune-up can help to avoid problems and troubleshoot issues before your air conditioner stops working altogether.

Here are a few signs that it’s time to give Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air a call and have your AC tuned up.

ac tune up sarasota fl - Asian family eating dinner

If it’s been 1+ year since the last tune-up

Air conditioning maintenance should be done once a year. If you can’t remember the last time a technician looked at your AC, or you know it was quite some time ago, it’s time for a tune-up. We can take a look at the AC unit, let you know if anything is not working right, and perform regular cleaning, so your unit will run strong all summer long.

If your AC never turns off

Ideally, your air conditioner should run for a while, then turn off when the property reaches the desired temperature. If your unit just continuously runs all the time, then it isn’t operating as efficiently as it should. Give us a call, and we’ll come figure out what has gone wrong. It’s quite possible that some simple, routine air conditioning maintenance will get things going again soon.

If your AC blows lukewarm air

Is the air your unit blows warm, or not as cold as you would like? This means it needs some love and care from a technician. Our staff will come out, perform the required maintenance and cleaning, and see if that takes care of the problem. Many times, all you need is a clean filter or to have the system cleaned out to get the air colder again.

If your AC is over 10 years old

Older air conditioners should receive more regular maintenance to help them stay running well. Cleaning them up and making sure everything is up to the manufacturer’s standards can help the system to cool your space better help it last longer. This is because AC tune-ups minimize wear and tear and catch problems before they become catastrophic.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Specialists

When you’re ready to tune-up your AC, give us a call at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air. Our team will come out at a convenient time, take a look at your system, and perform any required maintenance to make sure you stay cool!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Help!

How to Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer

How to Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer

woman making sure air conditioner is ready for summer

You want to be able to rely on your air conditioner in Sarasota all summer long, if not all year long! There are a few things you can do to make sure your AC unit will work well whenever you go to use it during the hotter months of the year.
By doing a few simple steps to check out your air conditioner, you can lower your chances of a breakdown during the hottest days when you need it most.

Test Out Your Air Conditioner

Before summer officially starts, test your AC system to make sure everything is working. Specifically, check to see:

  • That it turns on
  • That it stays on
  • That it cools your property to the temperature on the thermostat
  • That it doesn’t make unusual noises
  • That it seems to be running as normal

If there are any problems, reach out to an air conditioning professional like those on the Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air team. We can come out and figure out what is wrong, then get your air conditioning repairs done as soon as possible, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

AC Maintenance IS KEY

One way to ensure that your air conditioning system is going to operate optimally is to have an HVAC expert perform yearly air conditioning maintenance. Call in our team of cooling specialists to tune up your air conditioner and check it out before the start of the summer. We’ll come to your property and:

  • Test each part of your air conditioner
  • Change your A/C filter
  • Clean out your air conditioner
  • Visually inspect your entire HVAC system

Make Sure Your AC Stays Working!

Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is here to help you stay cool and comfortable at your property in Sarasota and beyond. Follow our tips to prepare your air conditioner for the summer months, and if you need any extra assistance, the Wimpy’s team is here to help!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Help!

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

how to improve indoor air quality in sarsota

Do you worry about indoor air pollution in Sarasota or the surrounding area? Do you want to improve the indoor air quality in your home but you’re not sure how? Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air has you covered!

We’ve compiled a list of a few ways you can quickly make sure the air you are breathing is not dangerous or putting you at risk. Read on, or give us a call for more information about how to improve your indoor air quality!

Minimize Pollution Sources

If there are sources of indoor air pollution in your home, block them off to mitigate their effect on your air quality. If you know there’s asbestos in your house, seal that area up or close it off completely until you can remove the problem. If you have a gas stove or a fireplace, turn them down as far as they go to minimize their effects.

Clean Your HVAC System

Keeping as much dust and debris out of your HVAC system as possible will also keep that dust and debris out of your home. Get a professional to do the job to make sure you access all possible sources of indoor air pollution and remove them.

Use A HEPA Air Filter

A HEPA air filter will remove more pollutants from the air than a regular one. Use the highest-rated filter your system can handle. If you’re not sure what that is, one of our experts can examine the system and tell you which kind will keep your HVAC system running well.

UV Light Air Filtration

A UV light filtration system will kill any viruses, bacteria, or mold spores that might get into your HVAC system. All of the air that comes in will pass through this filter, so it will improve your indoor air quality significantly.

Call Us For More Sarasota Air Quality Help

If you have a specific type of indoor air pollution that you’re concerned about eliminating or you’re not sure how to improve air quality on your own, call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today. We’ll work with you to get you the best solutions for your home!

Call Now to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality!

Common Water Heater Problems & How to Prevent Them

plumber repairing common water heater problems

Common Water Heater Problems & How to Prevent Them

Are you worried about the condition of your hot water heater? Maybe it’s getting old or just not working the way you need it to. Below are some common water heater problems our Sarasota plumbers see that mean your unit needs some TLC, professional water heater repair or it might need to be replaced with a newer, more reliable unit.

1) No Hot Water

Are you running out of hot water more quickly than you were before? It could be because you’re spending more time at home, have more people in your household, or some other reason, but chances are, your hot water heater is the source of the problem. If you have less hot water than you used to, it’s likely time to replace your water heater.

2) Water is too cold

If your water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, or as hot as you need it to, there’s a problem with your water heater. Before calling a plumber, check to make sure that the temperature control switch on the front of the heating unit didn’t get turned down. Sometimes just bumping the heater can throw things off and make your water colder. If that’s not the issue, we recommend calling in a water heater expert, like the ones you can find at Wimpy’s! 

3) water heater is leaking

If you notice dried water marks or puddles of water around your water heater, you have a leak and it needs to be addressed right away. Call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air and we’ll get to you ASAP.

How to Take Care of Your Hot Water Heater

Regular water heater maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your appliance. Spending just several minutes on your water heater a few times per year can mean the difference between having your hot water heater last for a long time and replacing it more frequently.

Here are some simple things you can do to maintain your water heater and keep it running as efficiently as possible:

  • Maintain clearance: Most water heaters need about 2 feet of clearance on all sides, unless otherwise indicated in your owner’s manual.
  • Check the temperature settings: 120 is the recommended setting, and you’ll save about 5% in heating costs for every 10 degrees that you turn it down. As mentioned above, it’s possible for this to get bumped so make sure it’s where you want it! 
  • Test the temperature release valve: Discharge it 3-5 times, then keep an eye out for leaks in and around it. If it’s leaking, call a plumber!
  • Drain your water heater: You only need to drain ¼-⅓ of the tank a few times a year to remove any sediment or other debris. Read our How to Drain a Water Heater post for a full walkthrough!

Sarasota Water Heater Help

If you’re experiencing any of those common water heater problems we outline above or need help maintaining your water heater in Sarasota or the surrounding area, reach out to us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air. We’d be happy to show you what needs to be done or perform the water heater maintenance for you. Give us a call today!

Call Now for Water Heater Help!

How to Drain a Water Heater

How to Drain a Water Heater

Maintenance plays an essential role in making sure that your plumbing system is working well and is running as efficiently as possible. Your hot water heater is an important piece of this puzzle. Regular water heater maintenance, like flushing the appliance, can also help increase the longevity of your system. This means you’ll require fewer repairs and go longer without having to replace anything.

plumber demonstrating how to drain a water heater in sarasota fl

We’ve already talked about what you need to know about draining your water heater, and in this post, we’ll go over exactly how to do it. It’s a fairly simple process that is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Follow our guidelines below to learn how to drain a hot water heater properly!

1. Flush Out the Water Heater

Connect a hose to the appliance’s drain valve, then open it and let the water heater flush out. If there is a good deal of sediment coming from it, repeat this process again.

2. Turn Off the Water Heater

Turn off the water heater by flipping the breaker or switching the gas to “Pilot”, and turn off the water supply too.

3. Open Up the Drain Valve

Place the hose over a bucket or a floor drain. Open the valve and twist the hot water pipe that is located at the top of the tank until water comes out.

4. Drain the Tank

Flip the water flow back on and allow it to run for about 10 to 20 seconds. Now, open the drain valve again and let that water flush out of the tank. Continue doing this step until there is no more sediment in the water that’s draining.

5. Refill the Water Heater

Close the drain valve and take the hose off of it. Turn on the water supply to the water heater. Turn on a hot water tap somewhere in the property, and as soon as the air is out and water starts flowing, turn it off.

6. Turn the Water Heater Back On

Turn on the pilot light, gas, or electricity again. Give the water heater about an hour to heat back up fully.

7. Test the Drain Valve

Make sure there are not any leaks around the drain valve. If there are, make sure that the valve is closed fully. If that doesn’t fix the leaking, try capping the valve or having it replaced.

Wimpy’s is Here to Help Drain Your Water Heater

Make sure that you stay on top of the maintenance for your property’s water heater. It is an easy process that will provide you with plenty of peace of mind. If you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, give the team at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air a call. We can also answer any questions you may have about water heaters!

Call Now for Water Heater Help!

Why Won’t My Toilet Flush Solids Out?

Why Won’t My Toilet Flush Solids Out?

why won't my toilet flush solids out

Many years ago, toilets, water closets or hoppers as they were called way back when, used 7.5 gallons of water.  Most people never had a problem with their toilet not flushing out all the solids.  Today, with the federal water conservation act, toilets are mandated to use 1.6 gallons or less to do the same job.  Unfortunately, some of these newer toilets don’t work as well as the old 7.5 gallon water closets. Keep reading to learn more about this from your Sarasota plumbing experts!

IF YOUR TOILET WON’T FLUSH, IT COULD BE ANY OF THESE ISSUES

  • The tank is too small. Everyone is trying to save water and so toilet tanks are getting smaller and smaller. If yours is too small, your toilet won’t flush or won’t always flush, no matter what you do. If you need a new toilet installation in Sarasota, Wimpy’s can help!
  • You have water flow issues. If there’s not enough water getting into your toilet’s tank or if the tank is leaking, it won’t have the water it needs to flush well. From water treatment in Sarasota, to drain cleaning or repiping, our plumbers can help with water flow problems in your home.
  • Your jet hole got plugged. This is the small hole under the front of your toilet. It can get plugged with hard water deposits or objects.
  • Your septic system isn’t working. Many septic problems can cause issues with toilet flushing. You may need a new outlet filter for your tank or a new drainfield. Don’t try to fix your septic system yourself.

Toilet Flushing Help

Some important things to check that your Sarasota plumber would tell would be:

  • Lift off the tank lid and make sure the water level is up to the factory water mark line. This is usually one inch or less below the overflow tube in your toilet tank. Raise the water level if it’s lower than that, because this makes a huge difference in how toilets flush.
  • Check the jet hole in the front of the bowl under the water. This hole should be clear and you should feel the water jetting out of it when you flush it. If the jet hole appears to be clogged up, it is usually from hard water deposits such as calcium and lime.
    • I know a plumber in Sarasota that will use the special tool, part # 446108-A, commonly known as a bent clothes hanger, to poke in the jet hole to break away the deposits. This will work quite well along with a small screwdriver.
  • Check the valves. If water is leaking, replace them.
  • Check the incoming water lines. If they are bent, clogged, or broken, they will need to be replaced.
  • Call for help. At Wimpy’s, our Sarasota toilet repair experts know how to fix a toilet flush, how to get a toilet to flush, and how to fix a slow flushing toilet. We’ll find the problem and fix it as fast as we can so you get your house back to normal ASAP.

SEPTIC SYSTEM CARE SUGGESTIONS BY SARASOTA PLUMBERS

Septic systems do need care, and could be the cause of your flushing problems.  Here are some things you should avoid doing:

  • Don’t drive over your tank and drainfield or compact the soil in any way.
  • Don’t dig around the tank or drainfield, or build anything over it, and don’t cover it with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt.
  • Don’t plant anything over or near the drainfield except grass.  Roots from nearby trees and shrubs may clog and damage the drain lines.
  • Don’t use your garbage disposal like a goat.  Limit its usage.  Disposals increase solids loading by about 50%
  • Don’t use your toilet as a trash can or poison your system with harmful chemicals.  Chemicals kill bacteria that help purify the wastewater.
  • Don’t waste money on septic tank additives.  The bacteria needed to treat wastewater is naturally present in sewage.  Additives can re-suspend solids causing your drainfield to clog.  Additives do not eliminate the need for routine pumping of your tank.
  • Never enter a septic tank — toxic gases from the tank can kill.

Tips When Your Toilet Won’t Flush from Wimpy’s Plumbers

Now, if you were used to larger volume holding tanks on your old toilet and a plumber installed a new water closet for you, and you are having trouble with your new toilet not flushing out all the solids, try flushing more frequently. Also, if you use less paper this may help.  Holding the trip lever down until all the water empties the tank will usually help clear the bowl so the solids flush out completely.

The water closet Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air recommends, is the Gerber Avalanche water closet, in an elongated,  comfort height model.  This particular model has a large water spot in the bowl, which is more sanitary.  Also, it does a very good job of flushing out the solids with the first flush. Learn more about why we recommend the Gerber Avalanche here.

Sarasota Plumbing Experts

Need help with your toilet not flushing all the solids out or some other residential plumbing problem?  Stop searching for “plumbers near me” and trust the Sarasota plumbing experts at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air!

Call Now for Toilet Help!

Is it Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Is it Time to Replace My Water Heater?

water heater replacement near me sarasota fl

Are you struggling to get the hot water that you and your family need to live normally at home? Do you know that your water heater is getting older but you’re not sure if you need to replace it yet?

Here is everything you need to know to decide when to replace your water heater, straight from the mouths of our experts.

Factors Affecting Water Heater Lifespan

There are a few factors that help determine how often your water heater needs to be replaced.

  • How often do you perform water heater maintenance? Regular maintenance will help your heater last longer.
  • How long do you wait before calling for water heater repair? If you call for repair as soon as you notice a problem, your water heater experiences less wear and tear.
  • How high is your water quality? If you don’t have hard water or you have installed a whole-house water softener or water conditioning system, your water heater should last longer.

Signs You Need a New Water Heater

If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, call us at Wimpy’s right away. The following issues sometimes (but not always) indicate that you need a new water heater.

  • Your water heater makes unusual sounds. This can indicate sediment buildup in the system, which usually means you need a new water heater.
  • Your water heater only works intermittently. We’ll find out why you don’t have hot water all the time and help you decide if you should fix your current water heater or replace it.
  • There’s a puddle of water under your water heater. Call us right away as water heater leaks can quickly become catastrophic and do major damage to your home.
  • You don’t have as much hot water as you used to have. One of the tanks inside your water heater may not be working or the heater may not be able to effectively heat as much water as it used to.
  • Your water is tinted red. This comes from rust and often means that one or more of the metal parts inside your water heater have rusted and corroded.

Water Heater Replacement Pros

Contact us at Wimpy’s today to talk about getting a new water heater. We’ll match you with the perfect water heater for all of your needs, then get it installed for you quickly and efficiently. Rely on our team whenever you need to replace your water heater.

Call Now for Water Heater Help!

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