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Sarasota & Manatee County, FL

Author: Kevin

window ac units in sarasota fl

How to Install a Window AC Unit the Right Way

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

Window AC Installation in Sarasota, the Right Way

Do you find yourself searching “how to install a window AC in Sarasota”? While the installation is straightforward, it’s important to do it correctly so you get maximal cooling and a minimum of problems. Here’s how to install a window AC unit the right way, from our experts in AC installation in Sarasota!

Measure Carefully

Even if you already have your window AC, measure it before you start installing it. Make absolutely sure that it fits in the window frame you’ve chosen. Check height as well as width to ensure that the unit will fit all the way around.

Check Your Window

For most window AC units, the window needs to open vertically, not horizontally, or with a crank or a lever. The window should be shaded at least part of the day so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work any harder than is absolutely necessary. It should also be free of rot and should be completely sturdy before you trust it with an air conditioning unit.

Install a Bracket

If possible, get a bracket to bear part of the weight of the AC unit so it’s not all resting on your window. This can also help you adjust the angle of the air conditioner to keep it working well. Install the bracket according to the instructions on the packaging as each one will be a little different.

Place the AC Unit

Get a helper to aid you in placing the air conditioner in your window. Even if you are strong, having another person allows you to make precise corrections. Make sure you check the AC’s packaging for specific placement instructions.

Finish the Job

Close the window down on top of the air conditioner with proper placement of the AC’s flange. Install an L-shaped bracket to make sure the window won’t get opened accidentally, as well as any other screws or brackets to hold it in place. Extend the accordion panels from each side of the unit toward the wall and secure them. Use a foam insulating strip to fill in any gaps.

Test Your New Air Conditioner

Turn on your new air conditioner and make sure it is cooling effectively. If it isn’t, contact the manufacturer to get some help. Once your new unit is installed, make sure you maintain it and know how to clean your air conditioner to keep it functioning its best.

Expert AC Installation Sarasota, FL

At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we are your Sarasota air conditioning experts, and can help you install your new window air conditioner if you’re not comfortable doing it alone. But, beyond your window AC, keep in mind that our Florida cooling experts can help equip you with a Sarasota HVAC system that suits your needs, year round. If you’re tired of hauling your window units out each summer, it might be time for an upgrade.Call for an appointment today!

ac maintenance near me sarasota fl

Is AC Maintenance Really Necessary?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

Is Sarasota Air Conditioning Maintenance Really Necessary?

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably thought about air conditioning maintenance in Sarasota or the surrounding areas and whether it is a good option for you.

ac maintenance near me sarasota fl

At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we are a Sarasota air conditioning company that has serviced a lot of air conditioners and we talk to a lot of people about AC service. We find that many of them don’t understand the importance of air conditioning maintenance, how it can help you avoid air conditioner repair in Sarasota, or how it could help them live better this summer.

Read on to find out what you stand to gain if you sign up for AC unit maintenance today!

Improve Energy Efficiency

When we do maintenance work on your air conditioner, our number one goal is to make sure your AC unit is working efficiently. We’ll remove the layers of dust and debris that can make its job so much harder. When it has to work harder, it uses a lot more energy. Do something good for the planet when you sign up for Sarasota air conditioning maintenance today.

Save Money

When you’re using less energy, your bills will be lower each month. Many of our customers find that they save significantly when they invest in Sarasota air conditioning maintenance. The amount that you can save will depend on a number of factors, including the quantity of dust and debris that we find in your system and the age of your ductwork. Our experts can tell you what to expect after they inspect your AC system. Not to mention, when your AC system is properly maintained and looked after, it can help you avoid or be proactive about air conditioner repairs in Sarasota!

Increase Your Sarasota Indoor Air Quality

When we get rid of the dust and debris in your system, there’s no chance that it will get into your ductwork and, therefore, into the air that you’re breathing. Air conditioning maintenance can help you and your loved ones breathe easier at home and improve Sarasota indoor air quality. You may even see an improvement in allergy and asthma symptoms inside your house.

Stay Cooler at Home

Sarasota air conditoning unit maintenance may help you achieve even lower temperatures inside your house. If your AC is having trouble cooling as effectively as you need it to, contact us and we’ll see if cleaning it out will help it run better. You may be able to get even cooler at home this summer.

If, during the course of an AC maintenance visit, we find any problems with your unit, we’ll let you know, then arrange to fix them fast via our air conditioner repair in Sarasota so you can rely on your air conditioner again soon. Call your reliable Sarasota air conditioning company at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air to schedule your air conditioning maintenance or to find out more about how it could help you live better this summer.

Call Now for AC Help!

outdoor air conditioner in sarasota fl

How to Clean an Air Conditioner

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning.

How to Clean an Air Conditioner

Did you know that cleaning your Sarasota air conditioning can make a huge difference when it comes to AC efficiency, energy costs, cooling power, and more? It’s true! It’s an important part of AC maintenance in Sarasota and something you should be doing on at least an annual basis.

outdoor air conditioner in sarasota fl

Not sure how to clean an air conditioner? Don’t worry! Below, you’ll find what you need to know to get started. You can also call our Sarasota air conditioning company, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air; our technicians would be more than happy to get it done for you!

How to Clean an Outdoor Air Conditioner

Remove the Cover

Turn off your AC unit. Flip the breaker to be sure that it’s not getting any power at all.

Take off the cover of your outdoor AC unit. You will probably need to use a screwdriver and you may need help prying it off the rest of the unit. Be sure to keep the screws you take off somewhere safe. They may be a proprietary size and, therefore, hard to replace.

Clean the Coils

Not sure how to clean Sarasota air conditioning coils? No problem!

Wear gloves when you clean your AC coils because there are sharp parts that can cause deep cuts. Remove any large debris or chunks of matter that have built up inside your unit. Get out your vacuum cleaner and use the brush attachment to gently get dust and debris off the coils.

Use an AC condenser cleaner to make them spotless. Follow the directions on the bottle. Usually, you spray it on and leave it there for 10-15 minutes, then gently wash it off with a garden hose. It should take that deep-down debris away with it.

Once you’ve finished this, put the cover back on your AC unit.

Changing the Filter

People ask us all the time how to clean an air conditioner filter. Most of these are not made to be cleaned but, instead, are designed to be replaced every 1-6 months, depending on the type of filter, how often you use your AC unit, and a few other factors.

There is a different set of steps to follow to change the filter depending on the type of air conditioner you have. Our pros can tell you how to do it or you can look up your model online and follow the instructions there.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Experts

When you know how to clean an air conditioning unit, you can clean your own unit every year before you use it. You can also call our Sarasota air conditoning experts for AC maintenance and let a Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air professional do the job for you! We’ll also tackle any AC repair in Sarasota your air conditioning unit may need.

Call Now for AC Help!

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Plumber

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Sarasota Plumber.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Plumber

Before you hire a plumber, there are a few things you should ask. These help ensure that you choose a great plumber who can take care of your home and get you the solutions you need. If you choose to call us at Wimpy’s, we’d be happy to answer these and any other questions you might have.

hire a plumber

1) Are You Licensed and Insured?

Your plumber should have whatever licenses are required by your state or local area. He should also have insurance to cover any damage to your home or injuries that occur to him and his team while they are in your home. If he doesn’t have this coverage, you may be held financially responsible if someone gets hurt.

2) Do You Have Experience Working on Projects Like Mine?

You want to hire a plumber who has done projects like yours before. You may even want to find one that specializes in them. That way, you’ll know that each decision they make is backed up by years of experience.

3) Do You Have People Who Recommend Your Work?

Ask for recommendations, referrals, and more. Make sure that you hire someone whose work is entirely endorsed by other people. You may find a few negative reviews online but don’t let these scare you off if you get a good feeling about a person or a company. Some people just like to complain!

4) Do You Clean Up After Yourself?

Many plumbers do but some do not. If you’re having major demo work done, you’ll want to make sure your plumber will clean up the mess afterward.

5) What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?

Make sure your plumber has a standard way of dealing with problems. Whether they find more damage than they had originally thought or a repair goes wrong, you want to make sure you hire a plumber who can keep a cool head and work through it.

6) Are you taking any extra precautions during COVID-19 quarantine?

Essential businesses need to be taking whatever precautions they can during this unprecedented time to keep both their customers and employees safe. Ask your plumber what kind of physical distancing and cleaning measures they’re taking (Do they offer payments by phone? How often are they disinfecting their tools and equipment?). Make sure they’re doing their part to help prevent the spread of this coronavirus.

Working with Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air

At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we’d love to work with you no matter what your plumbing needs are. Call us today to ask your questions and get the answers you need! Then make an appointment with one of our skilled plumbers.

Call Now to Hire an Expert Plumber!

Top 5 Things You Shouldn’t Flush Down the Toilet…Ever!

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Drain and Sewer, Plumbing, Plumbing Tips.

Top 5 Things You Shouldn’t Flush Down the Toilet…Ever!

As the toilet paper shortage has gotten worse, we have seen more and more clogs. People are using toilet paper substitutes and putting them down the toilet rather than throwing them away. Unfortunately, these are a major cause of clogs and can cause significant problems for your plumbing. Here’s what you need to now to avoid these!

things you shouldn't flush down the toilet

1) Wipes

Avoid putting any and all wipes down your toilet. This includes wet wipes, cosmetic wipes, and baby wipes. They just don’t disintegrate the way that toilet paper does. Because they don’t fall apart as easily, they will just sit in your lines if they get stuck, rather than slowly coming apart and continuing on down the line. Eventually, they can trap other debris and cause major clogs.

2) Paper Towels & Napkins

These also don’t disintegrate as well as toilet paper does, even though they are still made out of paper! In addition, they can absorb water that comes down your line and cause problems when flushing other items, too. Throw them away if you use them. If they smell, bag them, tie the bag, and put it in your outside trash. It’s a pain but it’s less of a hassle than calling a plumber!

3) Dental Floss

If you’ve ever wanted to make a spider’s web in your pipes, putting dental floss into your plumbing is the perfect way to do that. All it needs to do is get stuck in one place. Slowly, it can create a web that traps other debris and, eventually, makes a sizeable clog in your pipes.

4) Hair

Hair acts similarly to floss. While it will break eventually, it can create massive clogs when you put clumps of hair down the pipes all at once. Strands stick to each other and they can stick to any grease on the sides of your pipes, too. If you want to avoid a smelly, gross mess in your pipes, put your hair in the trash instead!

5) Feminine Products

These not only won’t disintegrate, but they also expand when they get wet. This allows them to catch other debris in your pipes and fill the entire pipe with their bulk. Throw them in the trash where they belong!

Bonus: Medication

While it won’t cause clogs, medication can contaminate the water supply. Keep it out of your pipes and dispose of it properly, instead.

Call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air if you end up with a plumbing emergency (like a clogged drain or toilet!) in Sarasota, FL or the surrounding area! We’ll get it out fast!

Call Now for Plumbing Help!

common plumbing problems

The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Them

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing, Plumbing Tips.

The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Them

Are you struggling with your plumbing? If you’re facing one of the problems below, you’re not alone. In fact, these are the most common plumbing problems we see, along with the solutions we use to get everything back to normal for you.

common plumbing problems

1) Dripping Faucets

That constant dripping isn’t just frustrating, it could be costing you quite a bit of money, too! Give us a call and we’ll figure out whether you need a new O-ring or a whole new faucet. Fix it and save money on your water bill today!

2) Clogged Drains

Pesky clogs can end up causing major water damage if you can’t get them to move. Our team will get rid of that clog and help you get everything flowing normally once again. We might use hydro jetting, a plumbing snake, or chemical solvents to make that clog disappear!

3) Leaky Pipes

A small leak can be a major problem! Whether you can find the leak or not, we can fix it for you. Our team will get you the repair or pipe replacement that you need so you can use your water normally once again. We use the latest in leak detection technology so we don’t have to waste extra time finding your leak.

4) Running Toilets

If your toilet is running, you’d better give us a call quick! We’ll find out why it keeps running like that and get a fix in place ASAP so you can use it normally again. We may replace your stopper or fix the float so the problem will go away. Stop wasting money and water when you invest in a repair today!

5) Broken Water Heater

Being out of hot water is miserable. It’s also problematic when you don’t have enough hot water for your whole house or when your water won’t get hot enough. Call us to find the right solution for you. We’ll fix the water heater when we can. If that’s too expensive or the problem is too extensive, we’ll get you a new water heater that will work for you.

Contact Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air for all of your plumbing service needs. Whether you have one of these problems or something else is going on, we’ll fix it and make sure you’re completely satisfied before we leave. We’ll do whatever it takes to get your plumbing working well again fast!

Call Now for Plumbing Help!

Sewer Blockage

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Drain and Sewer.

Sewer Blockages & Sewer Cleaning in Sarasota

black stuff coming out of shower

Did you wake up to a beautiful fall morning and find your shower full of black, ugly looking water? Did you flush your toilet only to see it didn’t flush? If your toilet is stopped up and your shower is backing up also, you have a clog that needs professional sewer cleaning in Sarasota.

Somewhere in your main line there is something causing a sewer blockage. Plumbers in Sarasota, Florida, call it a stoppage.

If you have a home built before the 1980’s, in Sarasota or Bradenton, your plumber can be sure that you have a cast iron drainage system under the floors of your home. Cast iron piping causes a lot of drain lines to stop up. The reason, is that over time, cast iron pipe deteriorates, by rusting out (learn more about cast iron corrosion in this great blog from your Sarasota plumbing company!). This leaves behind rust, scale, sediment and ledging in the pipe that will catch paper causing the sewer line to stop up. As the cast iron pipe gets choked off by all this rusting and ledging, it slowly reduces the inside diameter of the sewer line. So instead of being 4″ in diameter as most residential waste lines are, it sometimes gets closed off completely. This causes your clogged drain that now requires sewer cleaning in Sarasota.

Cast iron piping will generally last 40-50 years before causing clogged drains. Professional and reputable plumbers in Sarasota, such as Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air have sewer cameras on all of their plumbing trucks to aid in locating and finding the cause of your clogged drain. With sewer pipe inspection in Sarasota they can see with their sewer camera exactly what is causing the problem and where it is. This enables them to give you the best option to fix your drain problem so you can flush with peace of mind.

When your cast iron drain lines start stopping up on you and causing your toilets to back up, there are several ways to get a permanent solution. Just cabling out, or as some plumbers in Sarasota call it, rodding out your drain, will only last a short time.

Wimpy’s has all of the proper tools and equipment, such as hydrojetters, Picote High Speed Milling Machines and Permaliner cured in place piping, also known as CIPP.

If you have original Terrazzo floors or freshly laid, wood or marble floors that you don’t want to disturb, we can rehabilitate your pipes without disturbing your floors.

Learn more about saving Terrazzo floors with trenchless sewer services here!

With that being said, there is no substitute for all new pipe. However, all new pipe involves more time and cutting up your floors. Plus the cost to repour concrete, lay new flooring and possibly installing new cabinets.

Rest assured, the plumbers at Wimpy’s can offer you the best solution, based on your needs and budget. Our highly skilled Sarasota plumbers will always treat your home with great respect.

running a camera in the sewer

Whole Home Water Filtration

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Whole Home Water Filtration

What is it?

As the name suggests, whole home water filtration involves installing a system that filters every drop of water that comes through any faucet in your home. While pitcher filters and point of use filters are available, they don’t protect your family’s health or plumbing system the way a whole home filtration system can.

What does it filter out?

Before your water ever makes it to your home, it’s treated with chlorine by your local municipality to kill any bacteria and microorganisms. While that helps keep the water drinkable, that chlorine makes its way from the filtration plant all the way to your house. And while the chlorine levels in our drinking water are deemed safe by the government, more and more families are deciding that they deserve better than the minimum safety level.

In Florida, our ground water is also packed with packed with minerals. Those minerals don’t necessarily pose a threat to our health, but they build up in your plumbing system over time, and put undue stress on your pipes. With enough build up, your pipes will start to crack and leak, which can result in water damage and even flooding.

A whole home water filtration system takes care of both of these problems. It filters out all minerals and chemicals that are in our water, whether they were put their on purpose or not. This means your family is drinking, bathing, and brushing their teeth with water that is as clean as possible.

Why choose a whole home filtration system?

As stated above, there are other solutions like pitcher filters and point of use tap filters. However, these pose two problems. First, they don’t protect your plumbing system like the whole home filter does. Remember, all those minerals in our ground water travel all the way through your pipes before hitting the point of use filter. That means that while your drinking water may be cleaner, you’re still putting your plumbing system at risk of stress caused from mineral buildup.

Second, because they only purify water at one location, you’re still bathing and brushing your teeth with water that’s been laced with chemicals (some of which have even been linked to cancer.) Your family will still be showering in water rife with chlorine and rock, which is still jeopardizing their health.

Peace of Mind

If your family is still bathing and drinking hard, chemically infused water, a whole home water filtration system will help give you and your family some peace of mind. Wimpy’s Plumbing and Air has been building relationships with family’s in the Sarasota area since 1973, and our team of experts are always happy to help your family with any of their plumbing needs. Our team of experts can install, repair, and maintain your whole home water filtration system, and will help educate you every step of the way.

Call us today at 941-322-1911 and we’ll send out one of our highly trained, background check, and drug tested service experts to you for an in home water filtration consultation.

Common Causes of Poor Tasting Water

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

Common Causes of Poor Tasting Water

Some people have water coolers in their home that they keep stocked with large bottles via a delivery service. Others depend upon the faucet in the kitchen for their drinking water. Even if you are not exclusively using your faucets for drinking water, you really should not just put up with bad tasting water in your home.

If you are really struggling with foul tasting water in your home, just give your dependable plumber in Sarasota a call. We have a number of solutions that may help, from basic water filtration systems to more advanced water treatment systems in Sarasota, FL.

Does Your Water Have a Sulfuric Odor?

If so, the water traveling to your home may be absorbing hydrogen sulfide in its travels through the ground. This gas has a rotten egg odor, not unlike that of natural gas. When you turn on the faucet, you are basically venting that gas from the tap water.

This problem can be solved by oxidizing the water and then removing the particles from that water. When the gas is turned into elemental sulfur during the oxidation process, the filter can get it out of your drinking water easily.

Does Your Water Taste Like Metal?

This problem could be caused by a few different issues. Copper and iron are likely culprits, and they are not harmful (though they can turn your water an alarming color in high enough quantities). Metals like lead, however, can prove to be dangerous. Regardless of whether or not the metallic taste suggests a health risk, you should be drinking clean water that tastes great! We’ll help you to do so.

Does Your Water Taste Bitter or Salty?

While water coming from the municipal supply is treated and filter, it is possible for dissolved solids to remain. The best way to ensure that your water tastes as great as possible is to treat it right when it is entering your home. From salty flavors to noxious odors, the plumbers at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air will find the solutions that you need to enjoy water of a higher quality.

Call 941-322-1911 today and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

Why Choose the Gerber Avalanche Toilet?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

Why Choose the Gerber Avalanche Toilet?

Wimpys Team Plumbers in Bradenton

In our previous blog post, we talked about how a toilet that won’t flush is most definitely a bona fide plumbing emergency. Now that we’ve covered one of the most common problems that you may encounter with your toilet, we want to talk about one of the most common misconceptions that homeowners have about toilets in general. Chiefly, we want to dispel the myth that all toilets are more or less the same.

You use your toilet each and every day, right? With that in mind, it stands to reason that you want the best of the best when it comes to this particularly vital plumbing fixture. We could debate about what the best toilet on the market is all day, but we’d rather talk about a product that is certainly on the shortlist: the Gerber Avalanche Toilet.

Gerber really is a preferred brand among every professional plumber in Sarasota, and for one key reason. They make products of the highest quality, and they’ve been doing so for over 80 years. The Gerber Avalanche Toilet is certainly no exception.

Make no mistake about it. The Gerber Avalanche is appropriately named. This toilet offers the most powerful and effective gravity flush on the market.

The Gerber Avalanche has an average MaP rating of 1,000 grams. This is the highest rating available. The toilet features a taller, slimmer tank design that helps to boost the pressure with which it flushes. With water feeding through the flush valve faster, the toilet is able to flush with incredible reliability.

The avalanche uses a large 3″ flush valve in order to accommodate this water flow. The well area has been specifically designed to allow for fast evacuation, and an extra large, dual fed siphon jet forces water through with maximum power.

We understand that you may not have as much interest in toilet design as the professional plumbers on our team. However, that is just more reason for you to take advantage of our knowledge and advice. When it comes to your toilet in Sarasota, FL, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air will not steer you wrong.

Call 941-322-1911 today and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

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