January 2023 - Bert Norman's Plumbing

What To Expect When You Hire A Professional Plumber | Fernandina, FL

Posted on January 28, 2023January 25, 2023 by Bert Norman

Overview of services offered

A professional plumber should handle every aspect of a plumbing project – large or small – with the expertise necessary to get the job done right the first time. Services include:

Drain and sewer repairs
Water heater replacements and installations
Water softener installations
Faucet and fixture repairs
Hot water heater installations
Tankless water heater installations
New construction plumbing
Flood and emergency plumbing
And more

Benefits of Choosing Bert Norman’s Plumbing

Bert Norman’s Plumbing has been providing quality plumbing services to Fernandina, FL, and the surrounding area for decades. We provide personalized service at competitive rates and they’re on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emergency repairs. Our highly trained staff provides exceptional customer service and they guarantee all of their work. Whether it’s a simple repair or a large-scale project, we will get the job done right the first time. Here are a few more reasons to choose us for all of your plumber needs:

Licensed and insured: We are fully licensed and insured for your protection.
State-of-the-art equipment: We use only state-of-the-art equipment and tools to ensure the job is done right the first time.
Friendly and professional staff: Our friendly and professional staff will go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service.
Competitive rates: Our competitive rates allow them to serve a wider range of customers.
Years of experience: Our years of experience make us the go-to choice for all your plumbing needs.
Quality Service: Our plumbers provide quality service with a friendly attitude towards all of our customers, whether you’re a homeowner in need of a reliable plumbing company or a commercial business with unique plumbing needs.
Flexible Scheduling: We can work around your schedule to make sure your plumbing issues don’t cause a serious problem for your business.

Why It’s Important to Hire a Professional Plumbing Service

Hiring a plumber is an essential part of any home maintenance program. We are highly skilled professionals who specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of plumbing systems, from water lines and drains to sewer lines and other components. We can help to diagnose problems, solve them quickly, and ensure that your home’s plumbing is functioning as efficiently and safely as possible.

Having us on call can help minimize the risk of major plumbing disasters, such as burst pipes, backed-up drains, and water damage. Our licensed team has the knowledge and experience to identify potential problems and address them before they become serious. They can also provide preventative maintenance services, such as checking the condition of pipes and faucets and replacing worn or damaged parts. We can also help you save money in the long run by installing energy-efficient fixtures and plumbing systems.

We can provide advice on the most cost-effective ways to operate your plumbing system and can help you select fixtures and systems that will best meet your needs and budget. In addition, we can help you find the right parts and supplies when you need to make repairs or upgrades. We also have access to a wide selection of tools, supplies, and products, and can provide advice on the best parts for your project. Our company also provides estimates on the cost of the job and can help to ensure that it is completed correctly and on time.

Friendly Attitude

Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial business, we want to be your go-to plumbers in Fernandina, FL. We want all our customers to feel comfortable with our service and know that we’re here to help when a plumbing issue arises. So if you’re looking for a plumber who is friendly and will get your job done right, give us a call.

Unique Plumbing Needs

No two plumbing systems are the same, so no two plumbing companies should be the same. We know that every plumbing system is unique, so we make sure to take the time needed to fully understand your needs and offer advice when needed. Whether you’re a homeowner in need of a reliable plumbing company or a commercial business with unique plumbing needs, we can help.

The Purpose of Maintenance

We want to make sure that your plumbing system is operating at its best and that it remains in working order. So whether your plumbing system is decades old or brand new, we can help keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

Tips for Homeowners

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help extend the life of your plumbing and avoid frequent calls for a plumber:

Drain cleaning chemicals are not always the best solution: While drain cleaning chemicals can solve some clog issues, they can also damage your pipes if used incorrectly.
Avoid putting grease down your drains: This can cause clogs and other issues.

Call a Dependable Plumbing Company

If you’re looking for a dependable plumbing service in Fernandina, FL, we can help. We want to be your go-to plumbers in your area so that you have a plumber you can trust at any time of day or night. Whether your plumbing system is decades old or brand new, we can help keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Give us a call today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. If you’re in need of plumbing service near you, Bert Norman’s Plumbing is the one to call. With decades of experience, flexible scheduling, and a friendly attitude toward all of our customers, we can help with all kinds of plumbing issues. From drain cleaning to pipe repair and replacement, we have the skills and experience to get the job done right.

Photo By Sergei Chuyko at iStock

5 Reasons You Need A Plumber | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on January 21, 2023January 23, 2023 by Bert Norman

There are some house tasks that you can take care of on your own and some tasks that are better left to the professionals. When it comes to any plumbing issues, it is almost always better to consult first with a plumber. Plumbing tasks come with the added stress of potential water damage, so they are not something that should be taken lightly. Not to mention the cost of wasting water and how quickly a simple leak or running toilet can add up and make your utility bills unexpectedly high.

As mentioned, the problem with plumbing issues in your Jacksonville, FL, home is the risk of flood damage. It doesn’t take too much water to cause dry rot or other issues with your flooring, walls, or ceiling. Even worse, you could have hidden water damage that you cannot see now but is associated with the small leak you just spotted. A plumber knows where there is one leak, there is often another, especially if pressure irregularities or aging are to blame.

That is unfortunately not the end of the story, however, because water causes more than just damage to your home. It also creates the right environment for mildew and mold to form. In fact, it only takes a few drops of water for mildew to start to grow, and if the leak is in a dark, damp environment, as most leaks are since they are under sinks or inside of walls and floors, then you can have a mold outbreak growing under your nose. Not only is mold stinky, but it is a health issue and an allergen for many people, which is just one more reason why you need to call a plumber out to your Jacksonville, FL home if you think that you have a plumbing issue.

With that in mind, the first step is figuring out when you need a plumber, which doesn’t have to be a hard task if you know what you are looking for. The following list is a quick list of the top times you need to call a plumbing company. If you see any of these things occurring in your home, go ahead and call a plumber so you can get it figured out before you end up needing an emergency plumbing service. It is always better to deal with a plumbing issue when it is just a small nuisance versus a much larger one. While it is not a complete list, it does manage to hit some of the biggest issues you will probably hit.

Water Heater Issues (No Hot Water)

The number one way that people figure out their water heater needs attention is because they lose their hot water. 9 out of 10 times, if you don’t have any hot water, it is because your water heater needs to be repaired. You don’t have to wait until your water heater dies, however, note that it could need to be repaired and other signs occur before the water stops heating. For instance, if you notice pressure issues or that the water temperature of your hot water seems to fluctuate on a regular basis, this is a sign that something is going on with your water heater. Usually, it indicates that there is sediment building up, which you will have to address at some point.

Leaks

Another obvious issue that indicates you need to call a plumber if you notice any leak anywhere in your home. You might seek leaks under a faucet, around the toilet, at the water heater, and in dozens of other areas around your home. If water runs through an area, then there is always a risk that there could be a leak there. Regardless of where you note the leak, there is nothing that should be leaking. Ignoring a faucet leak can cost you hundreds of dollars a year, and ignoring a leak under a sink can lead to floor damage. In short, if you see a leak, you always need to call for help.

Clogs in Drains

Another issue that requires immediate attention is a clog in any of your drains, and keep in mind that a toilet clog counts. There are several different reasons why you might have clogs in your drains, from tree roots that obstruct your sewage lines to improper sewage habits like using flushable wipes or dropping water-soluble things down your drain. Whatever the reason, a plumber can get to the bottom of it and get your drains flowing regularly again.

Sewage Smells

There are two reasons why you might smell sewage in your home, and neither are great situations. The first is if you have a partial blockage and the methane gas is coming back up your pipes. This is why some drains may smell like sewage when you walk by. The other is because you actually have a sewage backup in your floor drain, which can be a very unwelcome discovery. In both scenarios, you will need a plumbing company to help resolve the issue.

Appliance Installation

A lot of people don’t think about calling a plumber when they purchase a new appliance, but there are actually a fair amount of appliances that need to be hooked up to your plumbing system. Refrigerators with ice machines, garbage disposals, water heaters, and dishwashers must be hooked to the main plumbing line. Depending on where you place these items, a new plumbing outlet might even need to be established. Therefore, this is a great task to call a plumber for assistance with so you can ensure everything is done correctly and there won’t be a leak hiding behind the installed appliance.

If you are searching for a plumbing company in Jacksonville, FL, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing and we will help you fix any issue promptly.

Photo By: brazzo at iStock

My Toilet Frequently Clogs: Should I Call A Plumbing Service? | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on January 14, 2023January 16, 2023 by Justin Lucas

A clogged toilet often leads to sewage spilling out onto the floor. Besides the unpleasant odor from the spillage, a clogged toilet could harbor harmful germs, which are a health risk to your loved ones. If your toilet frequently clogs, you should call a plumbing service in Jacksonville, FL to diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as possible.

Why Does My Toilet Frequently Clog?

You Have an Older Low Flow Toilet

Investing in a low-flow toilet is a great way to conserve water and save money on your monthly water bill. One type of water-efficient toilet is the dual-flush variant, which flushes less forcefully for liquid wastes but with greater force for solid wastes. Because the flush utilizes less water to force the toilet paper and waste down the toilet trap and into the drainpipe, low-flow toilets, regardless of design, can be prone to clogging issues. Models from the first few generations, inherently less efficient than newer ones, are particularly vulnerable to this issue. If the toilet keeps getting blocked, it’s probably time to replace it, even if it looks fine elsewhere.

This problem can be alleviated by urging people to flush only little amounts of waste and toilet paper at a time. This can be inconvenient, so it’s best to call a plumbing service to install a newer model that saves water without compromising efficiency.

Flushable Wipes

Baby wipes, despite popular belief, should never be disposed of in the toilet. These everyday household items are the leading cause of clogged toilets and can lead to costly repairs if flushed down the toilet. Even though many baby wipes and toilet paper products contain a logo indicating they are safe for flushing, they can cause a major clog, especially if the drain is already slightly blocked, to begin with.

Never flush a wipe, even if it says it’s “flushable.” To keep the toilets from being blocked, please toss them in the garbage instead.

You’re Flushing Foreign Objects

Children love to play with water, and yes, that includes toilet water. They are also fond of enigmatic bodies of water that magically carry things to another dimension. For some reason, the toilet never ceases to fascinate young children. Because of this, one of the most prevalent causes of clogs is children’s toys and other objects that they flush down the toilet. Plenty of things can fit through the bowl but get stuck in the pipes, necessitating a call to a plumbing service.

People also try to flush things like disposable clothes, sanitary goods, napkins, ear swabs, and even hair. Flushing them can cause clogs in the toilet or the plumbing system because they are incompatible with the system.

Remind your family members that the toilet is not a garbage can. Every restroom should have a wastebasket for discarding objects incompatible with the toilet.

An Obstructed Toilet Trap

Plumbing fixtures are equipped with a trap to prevent debris from entering the sewer line and causing backups. It’s easy to spot the P-trap in the sink’s cabinet, but the bowl hides the S-trap in the toilet. Like the sink trap, the toilet trap prevents foreign objects from entering the pipework further.

A blockage in the toilet trap is one of the most prevalent causes of toilet blockages. The trap area becomes clogged when excessive waste is flushed down the toilet. In cases where the trap is only partially blocked, the toilet may flush with slower drainage. But as any homeowner will find out, if the toilet bowl overflows and wastewater spills out onto the bathroom floor, partial clogs almost always escalate to full ones. Don’t wait until this happens. Call a plumbing service immediately if you notice slower drainage in your toilet when you flush.

There Is an Issue with the Plumbing Vents

A home’s plumbing system includes more than simply the pipes transporting water to the various fixtures and the pipes carrying wastewater away from the building. Ventilation pipes are vital to the plumbing system because they maintain consistent pressure throughout the system and stop water from being sucked out of the drain traps and into the house, where it can cause a foul odor and health hazards.

The pressure alone may prevent a full flush if there is a problem with the ventilation line leading to your roof. Sometimes there is a clog in the pipe, like a clump of old leaves, and other times it’s because the vent wasn’t constructed or placed correctly. Contact a plumbing service in Jacksonville, FL to diagnose and fix the issue.

You’re Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Toilet tissue is designed to dissolve as soon as it hits the water. However, not all brands dissolve effectively. Both high-end “luxury” brands and inexpensive toilet paper can fail to disintegrate as expected. Some toilet paper is virtually as strong as newsprint.

The accumulation of toilet paper and other organic matter in the line can cause the toilet not to flush effectively, even when you’re only flushing water. You’ll have to use a plunger; if that fails, call a plumbing service to use a professional-grade snaking tool.

You Have a Hard Water Problem

Florida has a hard water problem. While it’s safe for bathing and drinking, hard water can build up in your pipes and clog your toilets with a calcified, white substance that’s a pain to get out. Mineral deposits in pipes caused by hard water increase the frequency of plumbing issues like clogged toilets.

The easiest fix is to call a plumbing service in to flush out the system with a solution. However, if you are looking for a more permanent fix, you should have a plumber install a water softener to prevent mineral buildup in your toilet.

The Tank Does Not Have Enough Water

If there is an issue with the incoming water supply line to the toilet, the tank may not fill completely. When the tank isn’t filled, flushing the toilet won’t generate enough force to clear the bowl, resulting in a backed-up or clogged toilet. Call a plumbing service to check the water supply line for leaks and to check the supply valve. They’ll have to change the fill valve if neither is the issue.

Call Bert Norman’s Plumbing

Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing immediately if you’re having trouble with a clogged toilet. Having professional plumbers on your side will save you the trouble of dealing with this problem repeatedly. Let us examine your home’s plumbing system to determine the root cause of the toilet’s frequent blockages. When you choose us, you can rest assured that the problem will be fixed. Call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at 904-225-5888 or contact us online if you need plumbing services in Jacksonville, FL. Where your plunger fails, we won’t.

Photo By New Africa at Shutterstock

4 Causes Of Low Water Pressure That Can Be Diagnosed By A Plumber | Callahan, FL

Posted on January 7, 2023January 16, 2023 by Justin Lucas

The water pressure in your home can make or break your entire experience. Not only can your water pressure be too high, but it can also be too low. Ideal residential water pressure is usually between 45 and 55 pounds per square inch. However, it is common for water pressure to be in the range of 45 to 80 pounds per square inch. Low water pressure is generally considered to be below 40 pounds per square inch, and extremely low pressure is anything below 30 pounds per square inch.

If you are dealing with low water pressure, you need to contact a plumber in Callahan, FL for help. A plumber can diagnose the problem, figure out the cause, and help you find a suitable solution. While low water pressure is not likely to damage your plumbing, it can have a negative effect on your overall quality of living. After all, not everyone wants to have to take a shower with just a trickle of water coming from the showerhead.

In this article, we’ll look at 4 of the most common causes of low water pressure. Any of these causes could be responsible for low water pressure in your home. Contact a plumber for more help!

1. A Leak in the Plumbing System

A leak in the plumbing can cause low water pressure because it allows water to escape from the pipes before it reaches its destination. This can reduce the amount of water that is available to be used, leading to a decrease in water pressure. In some cases, a leak may be small and may not be noticeable, but it can still cause the water pressure to drop. In other cases, a leak may be more significant, and the loss of water may be more noticeable.

A plumber in Callahan, FL can use a video camera inspection to not only figure out where the leak is located, but also the severity. From there, the plumber can figure out whether you only need to replace or repair a certain section of the plumbing or whether you may need to repipe the entire home.

2. A Clogged Pipe

A clog in the plumbing can cause low water pressure because it restricts the flow of water through the pipes. This can make it difficult for water to reach its destination, leading to a decrease in water pressure. Clogs can occur in a number of places in the plumbing system, such as in the pipes, in the faucets, or in the shower head.

They can be caused by a variety of things, such as sediment, minerals, or debris. You are much more likely to deal with this problem if you are not mindful of what you toss down the drains and if you don’t get the drains cleaned regularly. In order to restore the water pressure to normal levels, it is necessary for a plumber to remove the clog and restore the flow of water through the pipes.

3. Broken or Malfunctioning Water Pressure Regulator

On the main water line, you’ll find a water pressure regulator. This device is responsible for regulating the water pressure in your entire home. It basically changes the pressure that’s coming from the main water line and into the plumbing. It stabilizes the water pressure in your home by keeping it within the ideal range.

If the water pressure is malfunctioning or broken, the water pressure might be affected, and can become too low. To restore the water pressure to normal levels, it is necessary to find a plumber who can repair or replace the water pressure regulator.

4. Faulty Fixtures

Last but not least, low water pressure in the plumbing can be caused by faulty fixtures. This could be because your showerheads or your faucets are simply too old. If you have low water pressure, it might be time to consult with a plumber to see whether an upgrade is necessary.

We’ll take a look to see whether the fixtures can be repaired or whether you would get more use out of a replacement. There are many different types of replacements that are available out there on the market, and our team will help you find ones that are suited to the specifications of your home. We’ll look over various different designs and styles with you, so you find one that fits the aesthetics of your home.

If you are thinking of upgrading the fixtures in your home, it might be a good idea to consider upgrading all of them at once. There’s a good chance that all of the fixtures were installed at the same time. As a result, they’ll have the same amount of use. If you upgrade everything at once, you’ll often get better value and use out of the upgrade.

Give Us a Call Today!

If you need help with any of your plumbing needs, reach out to Bert Norman’s Plumbing today! We are dedicated to providing superior services and will go out of our way to make sure that every job is done right. You can trust that we have your best interests at heart, and that we’ll go out of our way to implement preventative measures that keep your plumbing in great shape.

If you are looking for a trusted and reliable plumber in Callahan, FL, you can’t go wrong with us. Not only do we offer convenient scheduling and affordable prices, but we also offer flexible financing options with larger projects. We want to make sure that you get the plumbing services that you deserve without breaking the bank. Our team will look at various options with you, so you have a good idea of what’s available out there. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of various options, so you make an informed decision.

To schedule an appointment with Bert Norman’s Plumbing, reach out to us online or by giving us a call at 904-225-5888. We offer 24/7 emergency services!