March 2021 - Bert Norman's Plumbing

How Does Water Get To My House? Plumbing Service History | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on March 28, 2021March 31, 2021 by Justin Lucas

Photo By AWSeebaran at istock

There are nine general steps that are taken to get drinking water into your home. These nine steps are all critical and your local plumbing service will be able to get you more details on that as well as the unique issues that have arisen in the past in Jacksonville, FL.

Collection

Your municipal water will collect from a local water source, in the case of Jacksonville, FL that is the Floridan aquifer that supplied water to over 10 million people. The water is pumped up from his aquifer and transferred to a water treatment plant via pipelines and pumps. At the water plant, even larger pumps will move the water into the treatment facilities and use gravity as much as possible to reduce costs. Many plants blend groundwater with surface water to improve the final result. Your local plumbing service isn’t equipped to work on those pipes.

Screening & Straining

Much like a plumbing service can install a water filtration service in your home, the water delivered to your home goes through a similar, albeit more complete, process. The water brought to the plant will have imperfections in it like plant and animal matter, trash, pollution, and microorganisms. Some items may be so big that they block up the water pumps at the facility so to prevent that water is screened usually by a large metal screen at the basin of the water intake. These are cleaned regularly to ensure the proper passage of water.

Chemical Addition

Adding chemicals to the retrieved water helps sanitize the water and makes it safe for regular consumption. Sometimes, however, too much or too little of a product makes it up to your house and a plumber could help you test your water and ensure it’s not your pipes. These chemicals help congeal the impurities together making them easy to remove. These congealed particles are gelatinous flocs and come together using coagulants like aluminum sulfate. There are other chemicals that could be used like ferrous sulfate, sodium aluminate, or activate silica. More advanced plants will use manufactured chemicals called cationic polymers, anionic polymers, and nonionic polymers mixed to form a heavier flock.

Coagulation & Flocculation

Up next a rapid mix unit is used where the chosen coagulant is added to the water to provide a quick and thorough mix. This mixing is slowed to allow water to come into contact with the flocs to increase their size. This mixing is gentle so the floc can grow without breaking up but just fast enough to suspend the flocs away from the water. This churning process is called flocculation. Your plumbing service will thankfully never have to really deal with this as these chunks are removed and processed before transportation to your home.

Sedimentation and Clarification

After the flocculation process is finished the water passes over a weir, which is a high level that will keep the sediments below and the cleaned water above it and will go into the part of the water treatment plant called a clarifier or sedimentation basin. It is here that the water is separated from the flocs for the final time and this weir can act as a rake depending on the plant’s construction. As the water circulates the flocs travel until they are stuck. At this point, a large pump will pull the settled flocs that now resemble sludge out of the clarifier and send it to a sedimentation pond. The water then reaches the first stage of true filtration. Clarification happens before the filtration to prevent the overloading of the filters. If you have sediment in your water at your home your plumbing service will be able to use a water filtration system that does this on a much smaller scale.

Filtration

Now that the water has been clarified of large sediment deposits it’s time to enter this clarified water into the filtration pits. Gravity pulls the water through the filters and is collected at the bottom of the unit. Just like your plumbing service can install multiple-stage water filters your municipal water service does the same thing. They’ll run through different types of material, or media, filters. This includes sand and gravel and could also include charcoal or activated carbon. These granules help filter out impurities and also remove items that can leave unpleasant odors or taste in the water.

Disinfection

Now that the water is filtered it’s time to remove the naturally occurring bacteria. If you’ve ever had a water boil advisory you know that this could be a way to disinfect the water but it is highly inefficient on the scale of a full city water system. The common way is chemical-based using chlorination that can include using chlorine gas, chlorine dioxide, bleach, or other chlorine substances. This chlorine kills the rest of the microorganisms that still exist and also neutralizes certain compounds that may still exist. Levels of chlorine must be strictly enforced to ensure that chlorine levels in your house don’t cause a rash on calls for plumbing service to investigate a bleach smell.

Storage

Now that the water is cleaned and disinfected it must be stored in a sterile environment. this can be in underground storage tanks at the facility or at visible storage units around town either at ground level or in towers. Municipalities are required to have a certain amount of water available in case of emergencies like power outages, floods, or water plant failures to ensure the city’s water stays safe.

Distribution

Now that the water is leaving those storage locations it comes to your home through a series of main feed lines and your home’s plumbing. It can also touch items like fire hydrants before it touches your home’s water meter. Once it’s there, your home’s plumbing is the responsible carrier, and calls for issues go to a plumbing service.

When you’re having problems with your pipes or water quality you need a plumbing service you can trust. Bert Norman’s Plumbing out of Yulee services the area and is ready to help you.

Is It Time For A Plumber To Do A Plumbing System Upgrade? | Callahan, FL

Posted on March 21, 2021March 26, 2021 by Justin Lucas

Photo By isak55 at Shutterstock

You might not think about it very often, but all the components in your plumbing system are only designed to last so long. Not only that, but you can also get improved efficiency as well as a host of new features by upgrading. However, there are some upgrades that may not add as much to your Callahan, FL, home. If you’re wondering about having a plumber make some upgrades to your plumbing system, here are the factors you need to consider.

Pipe and Fixture Age

The first and most important thing to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system is how old its components are. Water lines, drain lines and various fixtures all have different expected lifespans, and you don’t want a fixture or pipe holding on by a thread because you were too cheap to make an upgrade.

PVC drain lines are an interesting concept because we still aren’t quite sure how long they’re going to last. Plumbers have only been using PVC for a short time, but most people feel it will last indefinitely if it’s not physically damaged.

Copper water lines also last a very long time. Plus, professionals have used copper for long enough that we know it tends to last about 70 to 80 years, so you know when it’s time for a replacement. PEX water lines last about 40 to 50 years.

Your water heater will typically only last between 8 to 12 years, while a faucet should last 15 to 20 years. Keep the expected lifespan of plumbing components in mind when you’re deciding whether it’s worth it to upgrade your plumbing system.

What’s the Problem?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system because of a problem, you need to consider how bad the problem is and how much it would cost to fix it. Some plumbing problems are a matter of replacing a part of a fixture, while others can’t really be fixed without replacing a fixture or a section of pipe. When you’re deciding whether or not you should upgrade your plumbing system, you should always consider the magnitude of the problems you’re dealing with.

Water heaters are a classic case of needing to be replaced rather than repaired. If a water heater tank is damaged, there’s not much a plumber can do to fix it. Even if a small hole or a bit of corrosion can be patched up, that problem is still going to rear its head at some point in the future. If you’ve got an old, corroded faucet that lacks water flow, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace it.

Efficiency

Efficiency is another thing you have to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system. A lot of older fixtures and appliances use a lot more water than their modern counterparts, which means you can save a lot of money by having a plumber upgrade your home to the most efficient design. However, it’s important to figure out whether or not it’s worth spending the money on an upgrade to save money down the line.

The most important things you can upgrade when it comes to efficiency are faucets and showerheads, your water heater, your washing machine, and your dishwasher. Making these upgrades can save you a significant portion of your monthly water bill.

Features

Another reason you might want to consider upgrading to a newer fixture or appliance is the fact that you can get modern features that you won’t find in older products. For example, you can have a plumber install a faucet with a built-in sprayer so you don’t have to install a separate spray for your kitchen sink.

It’s important to remember that these additional features you may get from a new faucet aren’t necessary, but they are a nice luxury to have. You can also upgrade to a washing machine with a pre-wash basket, or have a plumber install a leak detection system so you don’t have to worry about leaks.

Preparing for the Future

If you have an older plumbing system, now is the perfect time to upgrade to newer components that help you prepare for the future. When it comes to preparing for the future, it’s important to consider efficiency and modern trends that are changing the way water and power are delivered. If you can upgrade to an ENERGY STAR certified water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine to save yourself some money on your energy bill.

You might also want to consider replacing some of the water lines and drain lines in your home if you live in an older home. The older your home is, the greater the chance that your water lines are near failing, so calling a plumber now isn’t a bad idea.

The Final Decision

Ultimately, there are a lot of factors that can help you decide if it’s time to upgrade your plumbing system. As a homeowner, you need to consider how old your current pipes and fixtures are, how efficient your plumbing system is, and whether or not there are any features you want to add to your plumbing system. If you’re not sure whether or not you should upgrade your plumbing system, you can always call a plumber and have them evaluate your home.

Give Us a Call

Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your Callahan, FL, home, which means it’s never a bad idea to make some upgrades. However, it can be tough to decide which repairs are worth it and which are a little more frivolous.

If you’re not sure what kind of upgrades your home needs to take it to the next level, a plumber at Bert Norman’s Plumbing can help you make the call. To find out more about some of the most popular modern plumbing upgrades or schedule an appointment, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at (904) 225-5888.

When Do You Need to Hire a Plumber? | Fernandina, FL

Posted on March 14, 2021March 15, 2021 by Justin Lucas

Photo By BanksPhotos at istock

When you own a home, sometimes it feels like you spend all your time looking for problems and spending money fixing them. If you’re sick of spending too much money on plumbing repairs, you need to educate yourself about plumbing a bit and find someone you can count on to handle all your service needs. If you’re not sure when to hire a plumber for your Fernandina, FL, home, here are some problems you need help with.

Cleaning Your Drains

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve at least taken a shot at cleaning your drains with a liquid drain cleaner. Perhaps you’ve even tried using a plunger to get a stubborn clog out of a toilet or sink. While these are both effective methods of removing clogs at home, any more involved drain cleaning should be left up to your plumber.

Snaking a drain may seem like a simple concept, but doing it wrong can leave you with severe damage that costs a fortune to repair. A professional knows the layout of your drain pipes and can use a snake to effectively remove the clog without there being any worry of pipe damage.

Fixing a Running Toilet

Most people have dealt with a running toilet before, but that can seem like a minor problem if you don’t know what’s really going on. When a toilet continues to run after you’ve flushed it, the tank is continuously filling up with water, which can waste thousands of gallons of water per month. A running toilet that won’t stop is a definite sign that you need to call a plumber.

The good news about running toilets is that they’re generally pretty easy to fix. There are only a few parts inside your toilet tank, and one of those parts is generally what’s causing your toilet to keep running. However, it’s important to call an expert right away to minimize water waste.

Fixing a Leak

Whether you notice a bit of water coming out of your faucet when it’s off or a large wet spot on your wall, you need to call a plumber as soon as possible if you spot a leak. Leaks only get worse with time, especially if they’re in areas where they can cause a lot of damage. Plus, you need a professional to run a new section of pipe or change the fitting that’s causing your leak.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak, a burst pipe or a slab leak, you need to get leaks fixed the right way if you want to prevent damage and save yourself time and money in the future. A professional has the tools and knowledge to fix any type of leak in a hurry.

Plumbing Emergencies

Another good reason to call a plumber is when you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency. While there are plenty of simple plumbing problems you can wait a couple of days to fix, there are also emergencies that can cause severe damage to your home if you don’t get them fixed right away. Make sure you know about some of the most common plumbing emergencies so you can call a professional before too much damage is done.

Burst pipes are probably the most common plumbing emergency, as they can lead to an absurd amount of water waste and water damage. However, you should also call an emergency plumbing company if you have a clogged drain that’s causing a foul odor, as that’s a sign you’re dealing with a sewage backup.

Flooding is another problem that always requires the help of an emergency plumber. Whether your home is flooding as a result of a sewage backup, a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet, you need to call an expert right away to minimize water damage.

Installing New Fixtures

If you ever want to upgrade or replace the fixtures in your home, you’ll need a licensed plumbing company on your side. Installing fixtures the wrong way can lead to expensive leaks and other plumbing problems, so you should always hire a professional if you want your fixtures to work correctly.

Another important reason to hire an expert when installing new fixtures is to make sure you’re making the right choices. A plumber can tell you what kind of fixtures you should upgrade to and help you evaluate all your options. Plus, this is the perfect time to make any changes that need to be made to your plumbing system in order to install new fixtures.

The Importance of Licensed Plumbing

Finding a good plumbing company can be tough, but it’s so important to have somebody you can call when there’s a problem. Whether you’re dealing with a major plumbing problem or simply need to replace a faucet in your home, make sure you’re hiring a licensed professional if you want the best work.

Plumbers are required to be licensed in Florida, but that’s not the only reason you should choose a licensed plumbing company. These plumbers have also gone through training and schooling to prepare them for the job, which means they have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of plumbing. If you hire an amateur, you never know what kind of work you’re going to get.

Call Today

Being a responsible homeowner isn’t easy, but it’s well worth it to have a home you can be proud of. Even better, you only need to have a little knowledge so you know when to call a professional and let them handle the dirty work.

If you want to take better care of your home, you need help from the plumbing experts at Bert Norman’s Plumbing. Our expertise makes it easy to keep your Fernandina, FL, home in better shape year after year. To learn more about common plumbing problems or schedule a service appointment today, give Bert Norman’s Plumbing a call at (904) 225-5888.

How A Plumber Diagnoses Common Plumbing Problems | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on March 7, 2021March 9, 2021 by Justin Lucas

Photo By posteriori at istock

Just because you own a home doesn’t mean you know about all the little things that go into owning a home. As a homeowner, it’s your job to keep an eye out for any problems and get them fixed before they become even bigger problems. Unfortunately, that can be a tough task when it comes to preventing plumbing problems in your home. If you’re not sure when you need to call a plumber, here are some of the most common problems you should keep an eye out for.

Leaks

Perhaps the most common plumbing problem is a simple leak. Leaks can happen for tons of different reasons, and they come in lots of different sizes and severities. Common signs of a leak include water spots on walls and ceilings, a mold or mildew odor in your home or a high water bill with no explanation.

The thing about leaks is that even a small one can cause a lot of damage. As soon as you spot a leak in your home, you should call a professional to check it out and get it stopped. If you have a burst pipe or a very bad leak, you should probably call an emergency plumber to make sure you get your leak fixed before you end up with a flooded home.

Clogs

If leaks aren’t the most common home plumbing problem, that’s because clogs are. Drain clogs can be caused by so many different things that just about every homeowner has a clog from time to time. Whether it’s in your bathroom or kitchen, working to prevent clogs and removing them as soon as possible is critical.

Drain clogs are mostly caused by putting solids down drains. You should avoid putting things greases and oils, cigarette butts and makeup products down any drains. Even if the wipes you use are marketed as “flushable,” they don’t break down very well and are likely to cause a clog.

If you do have a minor drain clog, you can get rid of it by running an enzyme-based drain cleaner through the affected drain. Make sure you don’t use a chemical-based drain cleaner such as Drano, as these drain cleaners can lead to further pipe damage and more calls to plumbers.

Frozen Pipes

For homeowners in Jacksonville, FL, frozen pipes aren’t the biggest concern during the winter. However, Texas has shown that even the areas where freezing temperatures aren’t a concern can be affected by winter weather. If temperatures are going to drop to or below freezing, make sure you have a plumber insulate or heat tape the exterior pipes in your home to protect them against freezing. While this is unlikely in Florida, a frozen pipe that bursts can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage depending on how quickly you get it fixed.

Low Water Pressure

When you turn on a faucet, you expect decent water pressure. At the very least, there should be enough pressure to easily rinse soap off of your hands, dishes and body. Unfortunately, there are a handful of problems that can lead to low water pressure, either in a single fixture or throughout your home. If you notice your water pressure suddenly dropping, you should call a plumber to figure out why.

If low water pressure is confined to a single fixture, that’s a sign that there’s something wrong with that fixture but not your plumbing system as a whole. Oftentimes, fixing this problem is as simple as replacing the aerator on a faucet with a clean one.

Low water pressure throughout your home is a sign that you’ve got a bigger problem that’s going to cost a little more to fix. If this is the case, you may need a plumber to run a camera through your pipes to figure out what’s going on.

No Hot Water

There’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning to a hot shower when it comes to starting your day right. Unfortunately, water heater problems leave homeowners with no hot water all the time. While this isn’t a plumbing emergency in the sense that it’s going to cause damage if you don’t get it fixed, you should always call a plumber if you don’t have any hot water.

Most of the time, a hot water problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat or heating element in your water heater. These parts are fairly affordable and easy to replace, which means you can get hot water back on pretty quickly. However, it’s important to remember that there are times when your water heater tank may be the problem, in which case it’s best to spend a little more to replace your water heater.

Water Hammer

If you’ve ever turned a faucet or showerhead on and heard a loud banging noise coming from the wall, you’re familiar with water hammer. Water hammer occurs as a result of changes in pressure in your water lines, which can send air rushing through the lines and cause horrendous noises. The good news is, you can fix a water hammer with a water hammer arrestor as long as you know where it’s coming from. While a water hammer isn’t the biggest concern, you should call a plumber to check yours out if it’s bothering you.

Get Some Help

Understanding the plumbing problems you’re likely to deal with is an important step toward becoming a responsible homeowner. The good news is, there aren’t too many things you have to keep your eyes peeled for when it comes to plumbing.

If you think you may have a plumbing problem in your Jacksonville, FL, home, a licensed plumber from Bert Norman’s Plumbing can help. Thanks to years of experience, we can quickly diagnose and solve your problem with a friendly smile. Next time you need a plumbing professional, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at (904) 225-5888.