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Sarasota & Manatee County, FL

Sarasota backflow testing - Wimpy's Plumbing & Air

Sarasota County Backflow Preventer Installation Mandate: What to Know

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

Sarasota backflow testing - Wimpy's Plumbing & Air

If you’ve heard about the recent Sarasota backflow testing mandate, you may not know where to go from here. Although it’s become a critical issue for residents due to recent enforcement, it doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. If you’ve recently received a notification about installing or testing a backflow preventer, the team at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is here to help. Our Sarasota plumbers will break down everything you need to know about the regulations, responsibilities and processes that can help you stay compliant and protect the public water supply for a healthier community.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is a public water issue that can occur when a change in water pressure allows contaminants to flow backwards into the potable water supply. Potable water is also the same thing as drinking water and goes through treatment to meet quality standards for human consumption. Without a backflow preventer, everything from fertilizers to pesticides and untreated pond water can enter the public water supply and pose a health risk to the community.

Sarasota County’s latest mandate requires backflow preventers and cross-connections to make sure local drinking water is safe. A cross-connection could be the connection between two pipes or anywhere our public drinking water supply comes into contact with a nonpotable source. Our local utilities department enforces these mandates with programs like the Cross-Connection Control Program. 

Sarasota County’s Backflower Preventer Mandate

Sarasota County requires residents, particularly those with auxiliary water systems, including irrigation that utilize reclaimed water, to install or upgrade backflow preventers. The mandate was formed by more sweeping state statutes that are designed to prevent water contamination. 

For example, residents in Venice and Sarasota County were notified they’re required to install backflow prevention devices after finding that pond water was being used for irrigation purposes. If residents are found to be non-compliant, they risk their water service being shut off until installation requirements are met.

Have You Been Notified About Backflow Prevention in Sarasota?

If you’ve already received a notice about Sarasota backflow testing, or you’re concerned about next steps, here’s what to know:

Residential Customers: Sarasota County homeowners are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining approved backflow preventers. They must also respond to utility notifications and keep records of any maintenance or testing.

Licensed Plumbers: Only a certified, licensed plumber in Sarasota and professionals are allowed to install and test backflow preventers to stay compliant with local codes and keep local drinking water safe. The team at Wimpy’s holds certifications in backflow preventer installation and testing, ensuring that every job adheres to the latest regulatory standards.

Utilities: Sarasota County utilities will oversee the Cross-Connection Control Program to enforce compliance and keep customers notified and updated about any requirements. 

Permits: It’s important to know that you can’t simply install a backflow preventer on its own, due to the safety of everyone’s drinking water. You need a permit from the county that may be required before installation and a certified plumber or professional to do the job.

Installation Standards: Residents are required to place backflow preventers at the service connection, which is the water meter, or in line with local codes and regulations.

Installation is just the first step in protecting the public’s drinking water. Testing backflow devices is also required during installation and then every two years thereafter. Regular backflow testing in Sarasota makes sure everything is functioning properly and free of contamination. 

Call Wimpy’s for Sarasota County Backflow Prevention Installation and Testing

If you live in Sarasota County, you may need an installation for your backflow preventer and testing to stay compliant with local codes while keeping public drinking water safe. The good news is you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The team at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is certified and experienced at dealing with all of your backflow preventer installation and testing needs! We’re also here to answer all of your questions. From backflow preventer installation to drain cleaning in Sarasota, schedule your appointment today!

slab leak detection sarasota sl

Slab Leaks in Sarasota: Causes & Solutions

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

Slab Leaks in Sarasota: Causes & Solutions

Have you been told that you need slab leak detection in Sarasota but have never heard of a slab leak or aren’t familiar with what that means?

Have no fear, because your Sarasota plumbers from Wimpy’s are here! We can answer all of your slab leak questions and help you find the solutions you need.

What is a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks in Sarasota are fairly common. A slab is another name for the concrete platform reinforced with rebar that sits under your house. It provides the foundation for your home and keeps it from sinking into the ground.

Most of the time, the pipes that bring fresh water into your home sit under the slab or are buried inside it. When they leak, they can be hard to access because of the concrete, and they can cause major problems for the foundation of your home.

What Causes Slab Leaks in Sarasota?

Most slab leaks in Sarasota are caused by shifting soil under your home. If the soil moves or gets compacted, it can put pressure on the pipes. Over time, this pressure can cause them to crack and break, or it can cause the slab to crack and break, which damages the pipes.

This usually means that you end up with water pooling or running under your home. Over time, this can cause erosion, which can cause even more cracking, breaking, and leaking pipes.

If you think you might have a slab leak, call our Sarasota plumbers from Wimpy’s Plumbing right away. We can help you fix the problem before the damage gets any worse. If you suspect a leak in your home, you’re overdue for slab leak detection in Sarasota.

Options for Slab Leak Repair in Sarasota

When you call us, we’ll come out and perform slab leak detection in Sarasota. This process helps us find your leak and determine where in your slab it is located.

Once we know that, we can start your slab leak repair in Sarasota. We may choose to break through your slab, tunnel under it, or try to access the pipe and repair it without digging a trench in your yard. The method we choose depends on the extent of the leak and its location, as well as whether you need to have other work done to fix the foundation of the home.

Get Sarasota Slab Leak Detection and Repair Today!

If you suspect a slab leak in Sarasota, call us at Wimpy’s Dependable Plumbing right away. We’ll work with you to find it and provide slab leak repair in Sarasota ASAP, so you can feel safe and comfortable at home again soon.

Common Plumbing Repairs in Bird Key

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

Common Plumbing Repairs in Bird Key

Our team has seen it all as a top plumber in Bird Key, FL. We know which problems are common and which ones are unusual, as well as what commonly causes plumbing issues around here.

Keep in mind that, if you are experiencing any of these problems, you can always call us at Wimpy’s Dependable Plumbing for any plumbing repair in Bird Key that needs to be done. We’ll be there soon and fix it ASAP!

Tourism Problems

Tourists can cause many problems, and many places in Bird Key experience tourism traffic year-round. Tourism means heavy use of sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, and more. All of this can add up, taking a toll on plumbing that isn’t properly maintained. We can help you keep your system in good shape, as well as help with any urgent plumbing repairs in Bird Key.

Tree Root Problems

Oak trees, cypress trees, and more are lovely and common in Florida. Unfortunately, their roots can wreak havoc with the plumbing. They can clog pipes, causing the need for frequent drain cleaning in Bird Key, FL. Careful, planned planting can help avoid these problems, but sometimes they pop up anyway.

They can also grow into the slab that is the foundation of your home and the pipes that bring fresh water to your house. If you suspect you have a slab leak in Bird Key, call ASAP to get help fast.

Rain & Hurricane Problems

Florida is known for heavy rains and hurricanes. When a lot of water falls from the sky, the sewer system can get overwhelmed and flood. This can cause all sorts of problems, from backups to sewage in the streets. If you notice these problems, call us for drain cleaning in Bird Key, FL (or other services) fast!

Sediment Buildup Problems

Limescale buildup is a kind of mineral buildup that is common in Florida. It can cause your pipes to narrow or cause hard water problems. If you see white deposits on your faucets or showerheads, call us right away. We can help you get rid of the problem and install a water softener so it doesn’t happen again.

Call Wimpy’s For PLumbing Repair in Bird Key, FL

If you’re experiencing these problems, call on your plumber in Bird Key, FL from Wimpy’s. We’ll be there soon and we’ll fix the problem fast because we’ve fixed it so many times before. Make your appointment today!

water softeners sarasota fl

Should I Get A Water Softener For My Florida Home?

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

water softeners sarasota fl

Should I Get A Water Softener in Sarasota?

If you’re having trouble with your water hardness or water quality reach out to the local plumbing experts in Sarasota! Our water treatment experts can help you decide if installing water softeners in Sarasota is the right choice for your home. Contact us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today for water treatment services in Sarasota and get the clean water you need ASAP!

Water Quality Problems

Water can be of poor quality because of the water supply itself, or because of something that is going wrong within your plumbing system. If you have any of the following problems, reach out to the water treatment experts at Wimpy’s to take a look at your plumbing system. Our water treatment experts can test your water quality, then suggest the best options to improve the quality of your water.

Discolored, Smelly, and Low pH Water

If your water is discolored, it usually means that something else is mixed into the water or suspended in it. Often, discolored water is cloudy, though it can also have a slight brown, green, blue, or orange tinge to it. This can happen when your water has high silt levels, or when metals are oxidizing and changing the water’s color. While this isn’t usually dangerous, it can definitely be an indication of a plumbing problem.

If your water smells bad, it probably has sulfides in it. This most commonly causes a rotten egg smell.

If your water leaves blue or green stains on your plumbing fixtures, it indicates the presence of corrosive materials in your water and/or that your water has a low PH level.

Hard Water Signs

Finally, if your water leaves gray or white film or buildup on your plumbing fixtures, as well as on any glass items that you wash in the water, your water is probably hard. This means that it has a lot of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that are left over when the water dries out. At Wimpy’s, we can figure out the best solution to your hard water woes with our water treatment services in Sarasota to help protect your sinks, faucets, and plumbing.

Treating Water Quality Problems

When water gets corrosive, we usually suggest adding acid neutralizing agents to your water. This can be done through a water treatment system, too. Hard water is one of the most common water problems, and we have found that installing water softeners in Sarasota, FL offers the best solution.

Most of them are long-lasting and make a huge difference in the quality of your water. These work by removing chemicals like calcium and magnesium that can make water hard. Since the levels of these minerals can vary quite a bit even within the same town or county, it’s important to get your water hardness level evaluated before you decide how to treat it.

Every water softener is set based on the results of tests done on your particular water, in your particular house. Most water softeners in Sarasota, FL use salt in the regeneration cycle, and so will have that mineral present in the softener head. If you ever feel like your water softener is using too much salt, you may need to reevaluate the amount and presence of minerals in your water. The best softeners allow you to change the salt levels easily, though you may want to reach out to your local plumber experts in Sarasota to get the right amount of salt.

Get a Water Softener in Sarasota

If you are having trouble with your water quality or would like to test for the presence of hard water, call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air to schedule an appointment for the installation of a water softener in Sarasota today. We would be happy to come out, diagnose your water quality problems, and give you a free estimate for fixing them. If you decide to use our services, our water treatment experts can go ahead and get started installing your water softeners in Sarasota, FL on the spot!

slab leak detection sarasota sl

What To Know About Slab Leaks

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

What To Know About Slab Leaks in Sarasota

slab leak detection sarasota sl

Is your basement or lower level flooding? Is there water seeping through the foundation of your basement, either on the inside of your home or on the outside? Do you find puddles of water around your yard that look like they may be coming from your home? If this sounds familiar and there’s no explanation for all this water, chances are good that you have a slab leak in Sarasota.

Many homeowners don’t even know what a slab leak is before they have to deal with one in their homes. These leaks can cause a lot of costly problems in your house. If you suspect that you may have a slab leak, especially if it’s a concrete slab leak, call your local plumbing company for slab leak detection in Sarasota fast!

What is a Slab Leak?

Most of the pipes that bring water to your home are actually embedded in your foundation. This is the cheapest, most effective way to handle all of the plumbing needs in your house. However, if one of these pipes breaks, bursts, or gets corroded, it means a massive leak under your home.

The vast majority of slab leaks occur in older homes with pipes that are made out of older materials or that haven’t been kept up well. These pipes corrode and, eventually, leaks like tiny pin holes were poked in their sides. All of these small leaks build-up, and when it’s too much for your home’s foundation it cracks and creates a big problem!

Older homes can also have concrete foundations that settle. If these move too much or if one part moves without the rest, it can put too much stress on your pipes and cause them to burst, hence a concrete slab leak. This usually creates a situation where you have a lot of water coming into your house very fast.

How to Know if You Have a Slab Leak

There are several things to watch out for if you think your home may be in danger of a concrete slab leak. Call us as soon as you notice these issues and we’ll help you get the problem taken care of before it becomes a lot bigger.

  • Puddles on the floor. Do you have puddles that appear on your floor suddenly? Most of the time, these will get bigger and bigger but they can also appear, dry up, then come back. They’ll usually be located close to your plumbing, like in kitchens or bathrooms. You may also have puddles that appear outside and never go away.
  • Warm floors. Water heats up concrete, so if you notice that your floors are consistently warmer than normal, you may have a slab leak.
  • Low water pressure. The lines in your slab bring water to your house from the street. If they aren’t doing that, you’ll have lower water pressure inside.
  • High water bills. If your water bill is going up and there’s no other explanation, consider looking into whether or not you have a slab leak.
  • Odd sounds. If you can hear water running when there shouldn’t be water running, it very well may be water flowing in your foundation.
  • Cracking floors. If your floors are cracking, it’s time to call in a pro. This can be a sign of a significant slab leak that has already done a good bit of damage.

Leak Detection Sarasota

The best case scenario for a slab leak involves finding the leak as early as possible. This limits the damage to your home and keeps it from becoming a sloshing wet mess. At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we can send out an expert plumber for leak detection in Sarasota, FL.

Slab Leak Repair Sarasota

Call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air for slab leak repair in Sarasota if you notice any of these signs, or if it’s just too late and you’re sloshing through your basement. We’ll have a master plumber come out for your slab leak repair in Sarasota and help you get the water back where it belongs, under your home! Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call today for leak detection and slab leak repair in Sarasota.

hydro jetting sarasota fl

Is Hydro Jetting Safe?

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

Is Hydro Jetting Safe?

Have you heard of hydro jetting in Sarasota but you’re not sure that it will work for your property? Has someone actually suggested hydro jetting to you but didn’t explain what that meant? If you find yourself wondering what hydro jetting is and if it is right for you, then you’ve come to the right place!

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

hydro jetting sarasota fl

Hydro jetting is also known as “high-pressure jet cleaning,” which is a much more apt description of the process. When we hydro jet, we aim a highly-concentrated stream of water into a pipe. We can control the concentration of the water and where it gets aimed. Hydro jetting works as a drain cleaning method to remove nearly all types of clogs, as well as to clean out drains. If we use hydro jetting in Sarasota, FL on your pipes, they will look like they are brand new when we’re done!

Is Hydro Jetting Safe?

Hydro jetting is safe for your pipes. It has been tested on all the major types of piping to make sure that it won’t harm them. If you suspect leaks or holes in your pipes, get a camera inspection before you choose high-pressure jet cleaning. This will make sure that the pipe is not already damaged. If holes or cracks exist, you may want to choose another cleanout method now, though you will need to fix those problems soon!

When Do We Use Hydro Jetting in Sarasota?

There are several situations your expert plumber in Sarasota may prefer hydro jetting to get the job done.

Kitchen Pipes

If you have a kitchen clog that is almost certainly made up of grease, then you need drain cleaning in Florida. Hydro jetting may be the best way to get rid of all the gunk and the most stubborn clogs from your kitchen plumbing in Sarasota. Since it will also clean off your pipes, it will help you avoid more clogs in the future.

Sewer Lines

Hydro jetting in Sarasota allows us to clean out your sewer line without having to dig up your yard. It can remove all of the most common types of sewer line clogs, including scale buildup and invasive tree roots.

Cleaning Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains have to handle a lot more than indoor drains, like stormwater and runoff, all of which can carry dirt and other debris into the drain. Some plumbing snakes require electricity, so no one really wants to stick one down an outside drain. Sarasota hydro jetting can be the most effective method to clean for drain cleaning in Florida.

Call for Hydro Jetting in Sarasota, FL

Call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air if you need hydro jetting in Sarasota, FL. We’ll help you clean your drains or provide other sewer cleaning services in Sarasota out fast!

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!

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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