February 2022 - Bert Norman's Plumbing

Plumber Tips: Why Do Your Downspouts Have Problems? | Fernandina, FL

Posted on February 28, 2022March 1, 2022 by Justin Lucas

Photo By Radovan1 at Shutterstock

Downspouts protect your home from the dangers of excess waters like water damage and outdoor floods. They are vertical pipes used for directing the rainwater into the drains when it rains. They are of varying shapes like rectangular, square, and round. A plumber can install downspouts in flats or multi-story buildings to drain water into the underground drain pipes. Although plumbing fixtures and pipes are underground or indoors, the downspouts are installed outside and may be problematic to the foundation of your building or yard.

If you don’t have downspouts in your Fernandina, FL home, the water lands close to your home’s perimeter or its foundation, causing multiple problems that you’d have prevented by enlisting the services of a certified and licensed plumbing professional. Below are some of the downspout problems that might need the attention of a plumbing expert.

Clogged Downspouts

Blocked or clogged downspout is a common issue in many homes. This makes the rainwater overflow over the gutters, pouring out and down, draining into the soil under and around the foundation. The clog is because of the dirt and debris inside the system. Leaves, animal droppings, roofing granules, twigs, and stones are the leading causes of clogged downspouts. Large particles may block or clog the downspouts upon entering the pipes, but smaller particles accumulate first before forming a noticeable blockage.

If you don’t maintain the downspouts regularly with the help of a licensed plumber, it will be a question of when and not if it happens. The clog prevents water from the gutters from entering into the drainage system. What are the signs of a clogged downspout? Below are the ways of telling whether your downspouts are clogged:

Leaks Around the Seams

Leaking near the seams is the first sign of a clogged downspout. If the downspouts are blocked, the rainwater will not pass through the drains and leak at the seams. In addition, water stuck within the downspouts causes disconnection around the seams, causing a leakage. A plumbing professional will fix the seams after unclogging or unblocking the rectangular, round, or square downspout. They might also recommend replacing the downspouts and giving a list of renowned suppliers to prevent seam leakage issues and protect your house’s wooden structures.

Weak Runoffs

The next indicator of a blockage within your downspouts is weak runoff. Have you noticed a minor trickle in your downspouts during moderate rains? This is a good sign of an obstruction within the system that needs the urgent attention of a plumber to clear it out. The plumbing professional will use state-of-the-art knowledge, skills, and tools to identify or pinpoint where the blockage is and remove the objects or dirt causing the obstruction.

Overflowing Gutters

Does the overflowing water pass over your downspouts and not through them? That is a sign that there is a blockage. The water might overflow the entire gutter if the clog is considerably larger. Enlisting the services of a plumber to fix the issue after it rains is vital in protecting your home’s foundation and basement from water damage.

If the overflowing gutter problem is left unaddressed by cleaning the downspout to remove any debris, the wood that supports the gutters will rot. Consequently, you’ll spend more paying for installation and replacements. The plumbing experts may also recommend replacing the shingles, soffits, and shingles.

Leaking Gutter Outlet

The last sign to the lookout is leaks from your home’s gutter outlets, the point where the gutter and the downspouts meet. A skilled plumbing expert will install the outlet by creating a hole in the gutter to ensure the system performs at its peak. Hence, if you spot a leakage on the gutter outlet, it means without a doubt that your downspout has a blockage that requires cleaning. The plumber clears the blockage and suggests the maintenance steps to follow.

Broken or Disconnected Downspouts

Whenever the downspouts are damaged or stressed, you’ll notice the water dripping down the foundation. Wet foundations are prone to causing severe damage to the basement and sweating on the walls. But what would cause the downspouts to break? Aluminum downspouts dent, chip, curl or crack as days progress. Downspouts made from galvanized steel are susceptible to cracking or rusting, causing them to leak to the ground. You’d most likely notice leakage issues when it rains, indicating that you need to replace them in earnest.

Enlisting the services of a professional plumber to repair the downspouts could save you from replacing the downspouts and other issues like damages to your home’s foundation.

Insufficiently Sized Downspout

Do your home’s downspouts have a sufficient size? The downspouts installed at your home by a plumber should have the appropriate size. This ensures that they can handle any amount of rainwater flowing from your Fernandina, FL home’s gutters. If your house has small downspouts, you are likely to have blockage issues because of the objects that have been washed from the roof. The water might also fill your basement because of leaking or overflowing water.

How long are the downspouts? The length matters, too, because short downspouts are inefficient at taking the water directly into the drains without leaking. Hence, enlist the services of a professional plumbing professional to install the underground downspouts that have pop-up units to direct the rainwater efficiently into the drains and away from the foundation of your home. They can also help you avoid soil erosion within your yard that raises soil moisture levels, a threat to your building.

A plumber can also recommend that in the subsequent construction, you protect the foundation by making it waterproof. The underground downspouts also help prevent the water from entering your basement. However, water may enter the basement through the windows or the cracks on the walls to cause a clog.

Instead of undergoing all these problems, why not hire a professional plumbing service like Bert Norman plumbing to install the gutters and regularly maintain them? Through regular maintenance, you can avoid replacements or, worse, damage to your home’s foundation that might prove costly.

Reliable Plumbers in Fernandina, FL

You should ensure that your gutter system comprising the gutters and downspouts is maintained and cleaned at least two times every year by a plumber from a reliable company like Bert Norman’s Plumbing. Our plumbing experts are adequately equipped and highly skilled to handle all your plumbing needs effectively and efficiently. Have you noticed any of the above signs on your downspouts? Call us at peach plumbing today for inspection, repairs, or replacements of your downspouts.

At Home Garbage Disposal Concerns That Need A Plumber | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on February 21, 2022February 22, 2022 by Justin Lucas

Photo By tlc

Essentially, garbage disposal units break down waste and drain it away, ensuring your kitchen is neat at all times. Consequently, they improve your home’s drainage system and help protect your plumbing pipes. Many people hardly notice the garbage disposal appliances in their residence when they’re working efficiently.

However, garbage disposals are routinely exposed to gallons of running water, food scraps, and lime, making them likely to break down. If your unit starts making strange noises, takes forever to crush light waste loads, or emits a nasty smell, then it’s about time you contact your Jacksonville, FL, plumber.

They can help you identify garbage disposal issues early and provide the appropriate solutions to avoid potential drainage system damages. Below are some of the issues that new or old garbage disposals may experience.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

If your home’s garbage disposal unit starts making a humming sound or has problems draining solid refuse, it could be a sign that it’s jammed. You should contact a professional plumber since the humming sound often indicates a poor power supply.

Clogs are a common occurrence in garbage disposal units. They may come about due to objects such as eggshells, fruit peelings, and bones obstructing the disposal blades from spinning. The blockages can also result from draining too much food waste at once or failing to pour hot water into the sink after disposing of cooking grease.

Failure to clean the blades regularly will make them blunt and slow down their crushing speed. Blockages near the top of the unit can be easily cleared. However, if they run deep within the drainage infrastructure, you may need the expertise of a plumbing service.

Slowly Draining Garbage Disposal

If you observe that your home’s garburator is taking more time to drain than expected, it could mean that the disposal or sink pipes may have a blockage. This may happen when you discharge a higher volume of waste than usual, for instance, during home parties.

The interior of your home’s drain pipes will get narrower with time as layers of leftover waste accumulate. The additional waste may end up blocking the pipes. If this problem is left unattended, the resulting damages may cost you a pretty penny to fix.

You may need the assistance of a plumbing professional with troubleshooting and resolving the problem. They can use advanced tools to remove any obstructions in the pipes.

Smelly Garbage Disposal

If you notice your home’s disposal emitting a foul smell, it’s a sign that there may be a problem. It could mean that the motor isn’t chopping food particles efficiently or there are drainage problems.

If your home’s garbage disposal isn’t thoroughly cleaned, food particles can accumulate over time, producing an unpleasant smell as they decompose. If you use home-based remedies to clean the system and the odor still lingers, that’s your cue to call a plumber near Jacksonville, FL, for assistance.

An odor that won’t go away even after cleaning the disposal may mean that it’s time to replace it. An experienced plumbing service may be in a position to deliver lasting solutions based on your needs.

Leaks in the Garbage Disposal Unit

Garbage disposal leaks are likely to happen due to a missing putty sealing around the unit, a non-functional O-ring, and an improper connection to the dishwasher or drainage pipe. A sharp object that finds its way into the disposal may also poke the casing of the disposal system, causing a crack.

These leaks may damage various items in your residence, including carpets and valuables stored under the sink. They may also promote mold and mildew growth and attract bacteria and insects that could create a health hazard in your home.

Luckily, your plumber can resolve the leaks by tightening loose parts or replacing worn-out parts such as the flange gasket or the O-ring. If the leak is due to an issue with the sink flange, your system may need advanced diagnosis and repair services. Some circumstances may warrant replacing the unit altogether.

No Noise When You Turn on the System

If the disposal unit doesn’t respond once you turn it on, an interior plug could be loose, or its reset button may have fallen out. It may also mean that the electrical switch needs replacing or the circuit breaker may have tripped in the electrical service panel due to an overload. Also, the motor could be dead. Your local plumber can help you get to the bottom of the matter quickly to avoid further damage to the unit.

They can check if the unit is on and if the reset button, usually located at the bottom, has popped outwards. They can also check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If the disposal still doesn’t turn on or make any noise, it could be beyond repair. At this point, your plumber may provide a professional opinion regarding the next course of action.

Smoke From the Disposal

If smoke or a burning smell is coming out of your unit, it could be due to a burnt motor capacitor or motor. This could happen if solid waste particles get jammed in the grinding chamber, causing the motor to overheat. A functional safety mechanism will grind the disposer into a halt, and then you’d have to reset it. If the safety button is faulty and the reset button fails to work, this may cause a fire or damage to the garburator.

Contacting a professional plumber helps protect your unit and residential property in such scenarios. Remember, you should never ignore awkward sounds coming from your home’s disposal unit. They may be due to the blades crushing a sharp object or a misplaced part of the unit. Also, they may tell you when something is jammed in the system, allowing you to seek solutions from your plumber before the situation worsens.

Contact a Reliable Plumber in Jacksonville, FL

At Bert Norman’s Plumbing, you are assured to work with experienced plumbers who deliver impactful solutions to all your plumbing problems. Since 1985, we have been at the forefront of addressing the plumbing needs of local residents and throughout Nassau County.

Besides plumbing maintenance and inspections, you can rely on us for garbage disposal installations, repairs, and replacements. Our professional technicians are available 24/7. Reach out to us today.

Homeowners Beware! Major Things To Have A Plumber Check Before Purchasing Your Dream Home | Fernandina, FL

Posted on February 14, 2022February 17, 2022 by Justin Lucas

Photo By kali9 at istock

You’ve finally purchased your ideal home, and everything about it seems fascinating, let alone the neighborhood. Since a house is a significant purchase, nothing should be overlooked when looking for the right home for your family.

Some houses could be having problems, and the seller may hide them from you. For instance, the property could be having a major plumbing issue, but since fixing it means extra cost on the seller’s side, some may decide to keep it a secret. Sounds discouraging, right?

Not to worry, though; you can have a plumber conduct an inspection to identify defects and have them addressed before purchasing the house. Even though everything could be looking fine on the surface, you’ll be surprised what a plumbing inspection could reveal. Therefore, before signing that contract, it’s crucial to request a plumbing inspection that will include:

Toilets, Sinks, and Faucets

For toilets, you should look around their water chambers and the bases to identify any possible leaks. Watch out for any discoloration or warping at the bottom. Check for any rocking toilet. Also, flush every toilet within the house to determine the nature of the drainage system.

Turn on all taps and check if they have rust. It’s normal for a bit of rust to drain out for a house that’s been vacant for a while, but if it was occupied, it might imply the taps are corroded. It would also help to look below the sinks and around the faucets to check for any leakages. If you encounter any of the above plumbing issues, you should request the seller to have them fixed.

Water Supply Pipes

As a home buyer, you may notice water stains on the walls or ceilings of your house. It may seem to be an obvious thing, but it could eventually lead to a bigger problem. Water stains are a good pointer to leaky pipes. Several things can cause pipes to leak, including water pressure or the age of the pipes. A plumbing inspection will establish the age of the pipes and whether they have been replaced or not.

Also, a plumber will check for the type of material the pipes are made of and whether it’s a mix of two or more materials. Steel, as well as cast iron pipes, corrode quickly, unlike copper and plastic pipes.

Primary Sewer Drain

This may be significantly vital if you’re buying an older house. You may be sharing your sewer line with other people in Fernandina, FL. Therefore, it’s necessary to have a certified plumber check the sewer in the neighborhood.

Your primary sewer drain could fail to function if it’s worn out or due to old age. Sometimes tree roots may be growing into it, or it could be corroded or clogged. Getting an expert to run a camera inspection would reveal such issues. Don’t forget that having undiscovered sewer line problems can lead to floods and contaminated water.

Water Heater

It’s no doubt that most homeowners fancy warm showers or may need hot water on a chilly day. What if the water heaters in your newly purchased home aren’t working? Running an inspection before owning that home may save you disappointments that may come afterward.

First, you need to check the age of the heating equipment. Generally, most water heaters have a lifespan of up to 15 years; if it’s more than that, you should probably request the seller or realtor to install a new one before moving in. The plumbing inspection will identify any rust on any part of the tank or weird sounds that indicate a problem with the heater. Leaks at the inlet or outlet valves of the tank are also a red flag, and if sand or muddy fluids are coming out of the hot water tap, a repair may be necessary.

Water Pressure

To determine if there’s enough water pressure in the house, you need to turn on the shower that is farthest away from the water source. Say if a shower in the upstairs works perfectly, then there’s a high chance other appliances work well too. If this isn’t the case, you can request a professional plumber to check the pipes.

Winterized Pipes

Some areas may be prone to snow. If you’re buying a home that is located in a place that experiences extreme weather patterns, you need to ensure it has a plumbing system that can withstand such conditions. If the water pipes are wrapped and insulated, it means they are winterized, and so you’re safe. Otherwise, a plumber should come into play. If the water source is a well, you have to ensure the well is protected from severe cold.

Water Hardness

Buying a new home costs a fortune, at least for most homeowners. Hard water may seem like a common issue, but if it’s left unsolved may cause scale to build up in the pipes leading to clogging and reduced water pressure. Check the outer surface of each pipe, and in case you see any signs of scale build-up, you may inquire from a qualified plumber on what to do.

Water Meter

Most homes in Fernandina, FL, may have water meters, but it doesn’t end there. As a buyer, you need to inspect the water meter to confirm its working condition. Doing this helps identify hidden leaks in the plumbing system.

To check for leaks, you can turn off all taps in your house and have a keen look at the water meter. If it’s still turning, then probably that’s a sign of a faulty plumbing system. Therefore, you should request the realtor or seller to fix it before signing the contract.

Shut-Off Valve

To check if the shut-off valves are functioning properly, close it completely and then turn on all taps in the house. If water drips slowly or gushes out, there’s a higher probability that the valves are defective. In such cases, you can request the seller to replace the valves. Apart from the primary shut-off valve, a plumber will check other valves that control water flow to the toilets or showers.

Septic System

Another critical plumbing part that needs to be checked is the septic system if you buy a residential property that doesn’t use the local sewerage system. An experienced plumber will conduct a video camera inspection to check its condition.

Broken septic pipes are a common problem with septic tanks. Tree roots easily damage them because of their closeness to the surface. Having a septic system in good condition may spare you sewerage nightmares.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing: Your Trusted Plumber

We are a family-owned venture serving Fernandina, FL, since 1985. At Bert Norman’s Plumbing, we value our clients. We’ve endeavored to provide the best plumbing solutions to our customers with unique attention to detail and without compromising quality throughout all our years of service. We respond quickly to emergency calls, and you can call us today for your plumbing needs.

Common Reasons To Call A Residential Plumbing Service | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on February 7, 2022February 7, 2022 by Justin Lucas

Photo By Volodymyr Shtun at istock

The importance of your home’s plumbing system cannot be overstated. It ensures that your house has a reliable constant at a desirable temperature and pressure. It also helps with ensuring that the wastewater from your house is efficiently flushed out to keep your home clean and hygienic. As such, it is hard to imagine how your family would survive without a properly functioning plumbing system.

Unfortunately, although your plumbing system is extremely durable, it can develop several problems that can negatively affect its efficacy. For instance, if your water heater is malfunctioning, you might have to take cold showers and perform other cleaning tasks with ice-cold water. Similarly, if there is a burst pipe within your property, it can effectively cut off your house from the main water supply. But given the complexity and sensitivity of the plumbing system, it is impossible for you to fix most plumbing issues yourself unless you are a professional plumber, meaning that you will need to be in touch with a professional plumbing service you can call when you have a plumbing situation in your Jacksonville, FL house. Below are some plumbing issues that can make it necessary to call a professional plumber.

Blocked Toilet

When you flush your toilet, the wastewater should quickly rush out. However, if your toilet is blocked, this will not happen. Instead, water will fill up the toilet bowl and overflow, creating a mess that you do not want to see. When this happens, it will become virtually impossible for you to stay in your house. Unfortunately, this is not an issue that you can or want to deal with on your own. The good news is that by calling a professional plumbing service, such as Bert Norman’s Plumbing, you can get the issue fixed decisively within the shortest time humanly possible.

Water Heater Issues

Of course, you do not want to do your cleaning chores or take a bath with ice-cold water. The water heater helps with ensuring that your Jacksonville, FL home is adequately supplied with hot water. Therefore, when the water heater has a problem, it can cause inconveniences that can make it necessary for you to urgently call a professional plumbing service. For instance, if your water heater is giving you cold water for some reason, you will need a qualified plumber to diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and come up with the most appropriate solution. Other common water heater problems include leaks and corrosion.

Low Water Pressure

When you turn on a faucet in your house, you expect water to gush out. Therefore, if you realize that water no longer comes out as powerfully as it used to, then you might be having a water pressure issue in your house. Water pressure in your home can drop due to several issues. For instance, if your water pipes are leaking, you can expect a drop in water pressure. Low water pressure can also occur due to the buildup of sediments within your plumbing system. To restore the appropriate water pressure in your house, you need to call a professional plumbing service. Professionals have the necessary skills and tools to diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and ensure that it is fixed accordingly. If the cause of the issue is in your utility company’s supply lines, your plumber will advise you to talk to your utility company.

Clogged Drains

The drainage system is an important part of your home’s plumbing system. It ensures that the wastewater from your home is efficiently discharged. But given the kind of waste that goes down the drains, it is not unusual for drains to get clogged. Unfortunately, a clogged drain can be quite a serious plumbing issue. For instance, a clogged drain can cause your sinks to overflow and the bathroom to get flooded. In other words, a drain clog can render your plumbing system unusable. Therefore, when you notice that the flow of wastewater from your house is slower than it used to be, it is important for you to call a professional plumbing service to ensure that any developing clogs are addressed in their earliest stages of development. In addition to removing the existing clogs, your plumber will also clean your drains to prevent future clogs.

Frozen Pipes

In winter, your water pipes might get frozen. This means that the water in your pipes might freeze. Unfortunately, blocks of ice in your pipes will block the flow of water to the various outlets. This is not a plumbing issue you can fix on your own. Therefore, when you notice that your home’s plumbing system is frozen, it is imperative for you to get in touch with a professional plumbing service to restore the water supply to your house. Professionals have the necessary tools and skills to fix frozen water pipes decisively and efficiently. They will also advise you on what needs to be done to improve pipe insulation to prevent your plumbing system from becoming frozen in the near future.

Leaky Pipes

Your home’s water pipes can leak due to several reasons. For instance, leaks can occur due to improper plumbing installation. If the installation was done correctly, your pipes can become leaky due to corrosion. Whatever the cause might be, leaky pipes can have several serious consequences. For example, leaks can affect the structural integrity of your house by weakening concrete or causing wood to rot. Therefore, when your notice some signs of leaky pipes, you need to ensure that the issue is immediately fixed by a professional plumbing services provider.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, although your plumbing system is fairly durable, many issues can negatively affect its performance. As such, you need to be in touch with a professional plumbing service you can trust to help you handle any plumbing situation in your house. If you are looking for a dependable plumbing services provider in Jacksonville, FL, Bert Norman’s Plumbing is an excellent choice. Feel free to contact us today for more information about our company and services.