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Sarasota & Manatee County, FL

Author: Kevin

How to Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

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

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Uncategorized.

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

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Water Heaters.

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

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Water Heaters.

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?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Lakewood Ranch Plumber, Plumber in Sarasota, Sarasota Plumber.

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!

water heater replacement near me sarasota fl

Is it Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Water Heaters.

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!

tank vs tankless water heater

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which One is Right For You?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Water Heaters.

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which One is Right For You?

tank vs tankless water heaters

When you’re looking for a new water heater, it’s important to find the one that is right for you and your home. With so many water heaters out there these days, it’s easy to feel confused or frustrated because you don’t know what to buy. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your family.

The Pros and Cons of a Conventional Water Heater

Conventional, or tanked water heaters are less expensive to buy and install, and repairs are also usually cheaper. However, you have to replace these water heaters more often, so the costs may balance out depending on your system and your home’s setup.

Conventional water heaters are also more expensive to use. Since you’re heating water and keeping it hot, you have a nearly-constant drain on energy, which you pay for every month.

These water heaters only hold so much water. If you need more water than the tank holds, you have to wait for it to fill up and heat again.

The Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater is more expensive to purchase, install, and repair, but it costs less in energy costs and you don’t have to replace the unit as often. If you choose one of these, you may also have to pay some initial costs to move pipes around so it will work with your system.

The tankless hot water heater is smaller than the conventional version, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have a lot of space. If you have a conventional setup, though, you may end up with extra space that you can’t really use.

A tankless water heater can provide you with as much hot water as you need because it heats as you use water. If you frequently run out of hot water at home, this may be the best option for you.

Sarasota Water Heater Pros

If you would like help choosing between a conventional water heater and a tankless water heater, or need any other kind of water heater service in Sarasota, contact us at Wimpy’s today. Our experts will make sure you get the best water heater for your needs.

Call Now for Water Heater Help!

Sarasota Air Conditioner Problems & How to Fix Them

Common Air Conditioner Problems & How to Fix Them

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

Common Air Conditioner Problems & How to Fix Them

Sarasota Air Conditioner Problems & How to Fix Them

In our last post, our Sarasota air conditioning experts talked about some of the most common things that can go wrong with an air conditioner and cause you to ask “Why Is My AC Working But Not Cooling the House?“. While those are the most common issues, we wanted to let you know about a few more. That way, you may be able to figure out why your air conditioner is not working on your own. This can alleviate your anxiety and help you feel better about your Sarasota air conditioning situation. Of course, if you still need some help with your AC unit, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is just a phone call away!

Leak in AC Unit – Liquid on the Outside

If your Sarasota air conditioning unit is leaking water outside on a hot day when it has been running a lot, it may not be broken at all. It’s also normal for units to leak when it has been cool out and then warmed up again as they can freeze inside and then thaw.

If, however, your air conditioner is not working and it’s leaking, it’s time to figure out why. Check your air filter first and change it if it’s dirty. You can also check for a blocked drain pipe and a cracked condensate pan. If these are fully functional, call in a professional to check your coolant levels and make sure the AC unit is installed properly. Remember, Wimpy’s provides Sarasota air conditioning installation.

Thermostat Stops Working

If your Sarasota air conditioning unit is working but not cooling, you may have a thermostat problem instead of a broken air conditioner. Try turning down your thermostat to see if that kicks on a cooling cycle. If it still doesn’t work, look for the manual to your thermostat or pull it up online. These can be tricky to set properly and you may need instructions on how to do it right.

You can also use the manual to recalibrate your thermostat. This can fix a myriad of problems that you’d otherwise call in a professional to address.

Frost on Outdoor AC Unit

If you’re wondering, “Why is my AC not working?” start by checking the outdoor unit. If you see a layer of ice or frost or you can feel that part of the unit seems to be freezing cold, turn it off and call a professional for inspection and a likely AC repair in Sarasota. You have a frozen evaporator coil and you’ll need a pro to find out why it froze and resolve the issue.

AC Repair Sarasota

Here at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we are always here for you, regardless of the issue you’re having with your AC system. Call our Sarasota air conditioning company whenever your air conditioner isn’t working and we’ll be there soon to provide expert AC repair!

air conditioner not working sarasota fl

Why Is My AC Not Cooling the House?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

Why Is My AC Not Cooling the House?

air conditioner not working sarasota fl

When your Sarasota air conditioner is not working, it’s easy to feel frustrated, angry, and anxious. But Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is here to tell you that you don’t need to feel this way!

AC problems are fairly common and some of them are even easy to fix yourself, however, if you need AC repair in Sarasota, call our team right away!

Below, we’ve listed some common air conditioning problems and what you can do to fix them.

AC Won’t Turn On

If your air conditioner won’t turn on at all, start with the basics. Make sure that it is plugged in. Then, check your furnace room and make sure that your furnace fan is switched on, too. This switch usually looks like a light switch and is easy to turn off by accident.

If this doesn’t help, check your circuit breaker or fuse box. Make sure that the relevant circuits or fuses are functioning properly. Finally, check your thermostat to ensure that it is set properly. You may want to try turning it down 5 to 10 degrees to see if that helps.

If your AC still won’t turn on, it’s time to call in a pro for AC inspection in Sarasota.

AC On But Not Cooling

If your air conditioner is working but not cooling, make sure that the outside unit has adequate air circulation. You may need to remove the cover to clean off the condenser coils inside. You can learn more about how to clean an air conditioner here.

You’ll also want to check your filter. If you pull it out and can’t see light through it, it’s time to change it. This may give your air conditioner the cooling power it needs.

If it’s still not cooling by this point, give us a call and ask about our air conditioning repair service!

AC is Making Sound (Gurgling, Hissing, Whooshing, Etc)

Regular AC tune ups in Sarasota can help keep your unit running efficiently and prevent it from making strange noises. If your AC unit has started to make an unusual noise, it can indicate a specific underlying issue. Try to determine which kind of sound you are hearing:

  • The fan motor or the compressor will make a screeching noise.
  • Thumping, banging, rattling, and other related noises usually indicate a problem with the blower or the motor.
  • Hissing usually means a refrigerant leak.
  • Bad electrical components will make a buzzing sound.

If you’re not comfortable diagnosing the problem and fixing it yourself, call in professionals to perform AC repair in Sarasota.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Company

When you need a professional to help with your air conditioning problems or if you read this and you still wonder, “Why is my air conditioner not working?” call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today. We’ll have an expert to your home fast to find out what has gone wrong with your A/C and to get it fixed right away. Rely on us whenever your air conditioner is not working!

types of air conditioning units

Choosing an Air Conditioning System for Your Home

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

Choosing a Sarasota Air Conditioning System for Your Home

When the time comes to get a new AC installation in Sarasota, do you know which kind to choose? It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the many options available on the market today, especially if you are unsure what the differences are between them all.

types of air conditioning units

Our Sarasota air conditioning company has put together a little guide to explain the features and benefits of each type of air conditioning system, so you can feel like you are making an informed decision when investing in a new AC unit.

TYPES OF SARASOTA AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

At Wimpy’s, we’re experts at installation, maintenance, and AC repair in Sarasota on all the following systems:

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING

This type of Sarasota air conditioner is great for efficiently cooling large properties, because it takes air from inside of the building, runs it through a series of ducts to cool it, and then sends it back into the space.

DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT AC

If your property does not have professional ductwork, a mini split in Sarasota is a great option for cooling it down. With an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor unit (or multiple) attached to the wall, they can easily bring down the temperature in individual rooms.

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER

This kind of air conditioning system sits in a window and cools a particular space by sucking warm air to the outside and sending cool air in. It is a very efficient way to selectively cool certain rooms of your property. If you’re considering this type of AC unit for your home, make sure you install it the right way.

PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER

Portable AC units are similar to window units and work in the same way. These are designed to be easy to move from one space to another, which is convenient on warm days and helps keep energy bills down because you only need to cool the area that you are occupying.

HYBRID/HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

Heat pumps in Sarasota work to cool properties by using a mixture of fuel and electricity. It is designed to practically influence the temperature of a space by adding or removing warm air when necessary.

PICKING THE RIGHT AC IN SARASOTA

There is a lot to consider when you need air conditoning installation in Sarasota County. Our staff is committed to helping you find something that keeps you comfortable and is great for your wallet, needs, and specific situation. We will discuss your budget, property size, typical energy usage, and temperature preferences to find the perfect air conditioner for you.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Experts

For more help deciding on a new AC unit in Sarasota, FL, reach out to the team at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air for expert assistance!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Help!

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