Orlando Plumber - Jeff's Kitchen Bath & Beyond Plumbing

Determine if your Home Needs Repiping

Posted on February 12, 2013September 28, 2021 by chad siemer

Having your home repiped is a big deal. It can be done all at once or in sections, room by room. Sometimes it will only be a bathroom or a kitchen that needs to be done. The most certain way to determine what needs done, is to have a plumber come and inspect. But this can cost money you may not need to spend. Here is a short list of things to look for, before you contact your local plumber.

1. Lack of temperature control – When you get scalding water through your shower head if somebody turns on the dishwasher, you might need new pipes. The problem here is differential pressure between hot and cold lines, and can be caused by worn, blocked, or leaking pipes.

2. Discolored water – If your water has taken on a rusty hue, your pipes may be corroding, rusting, or allowing contaminants into your water supply. Rusty, muddy, or metallic flakes are common indicators.

3. Reduced water pressure – Blocked or leaky pipes reduce water pressure. Even if you have always had low water pressure, this could have been the cause all along. Plumbing that supplies water needs to be a closed system to maintain proper pressure. Obviously, a clogged or blocked water supply will have reduced pressure, simply because there is a lack of unimpeded flow.

4. Age of the building – Older buildings may still have lead pipes, which can be a health hazard in themselves. Older copper water lines may have been joined with lead based solder. Older PVC lines may have slow leaks in the joints from a lack of preventive care. If your home is older, it really is necessary to have the pipes checked by a plumber, and not just a general contractor.

All of these problems are signs of rusty, blocked, leaky or corroding pipes. The only way to know for certain what the underlying cause is, and if you need repiping, is to contact your local plumber. As with any expense in home repair and improvement, you should try to get at least two opinions and estimates. The best Orlando, FL plumber for the job is Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond. Call us today at (407) 968-1801 for an affordable home plumbing evaluation and for the most competitive prices on home repiping.

How to Optimize Your Water Heater Performance

Posted on February 6, 2013September 28, 2021 by chad siemer

Most people do not give much thought to their water heater. This device quietly sits in a closet or basement corner doing its job. Water heaters do not receive and do not require much interaction. Even though water heaters are fairly hands-off devices, a few things can help keep water heaters running at peak efficiency. Water heaters are designed to provide hot water as needed. In order to perform this function, water heaters keep a certain amount of hot water at all times.

No matter how well designed a water heater is, at least some portion of this heat escapes. This lost heat means that a water heater has to work harder than necessary to maintain its supply of hot water. Water heater blankets are an easy solution – they insulate water heaters, allowing them maintain more of the interior heat. Less energy loss means less time spent heating water. Water heater blankets are made of special materials designed for insulation tasks. Ordinary blankets do not perform the same function as water heater blankets.

Corrosion is one of the major problems that water heaters face. Corrosion can affect the taste and appearance of water as well as reduce the overall performance of a water heater. Periodic inspections help to prevent corrosion problems.

Regular professional maintenance also helps to keep water heaters running optimally. Qualified professionals perform a number of tasks to ensure that water heaters are working in a safe and effective manner. These tasks include sediment removal, valve inspection and pressure testing.

Water heaters are a significant household expense. The average water heater lasts for about 13 years if maintained properly. Do not wait for your heater to show you it is having troubles. A proactive homeowner should contact a local plumber to assess and maintain their water heater at least once a year. Save money in the long run by taking the precautions early. Water heater repairs will cost more than any maintenance.

For water heater repairs and maintenance in Orlando, FL call Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond. Our expertise will ensure your investments last. Call us at (407) 968-1801 or schedule online for 10% off!

How to Prevent Burst Pipes in Orlando

Posted on January 2, 2013 by chad siemer

Though Orlando rarely gets bitterly cold in the winter, burst pipes can be a risk even if the temperature dips into the 50s. The risk of the pipes bursting is even greater if the home is a vacation home that isn’t used year round. However, a plumber can easily help a homeowner winter proof their home.

The first thing the plumber would do is turn off the water at the meter, or even have the local water company turn off the water to the house. Then, starting at the top of the house, the plumber should open up every single faucet, even the ones that the household doesn’t use very often. This would include an underground sprinkler system or an outdoor spigot. The plumber will then switch off and drain the water heater. In the end, the entire plumbing system will be drained in order to prevent a burst pipe.

The plumber will then go through the house, take out all of the clean out plugs in the sinks, take out the bathroom traps, then empty and replace them. He’ll need to siphon the water from the washing machine and the dishwasher. Then, he’ll pour an antifreeze and water mixture down the drains. He’ll flush the toilets, pour the antifreeze into the toilet bowls, then flush them again. The plumber will then pour full strength antifreeze down the bathtubs. However, he won’t pour antifreeze into the fresh water pipes.

When it comes to refilling the system again, the plumber will turn off all the faucets, then have the water restored to the house if it was cut off by the local water company. Then, the plumber will slowly open the main water supply valve.

The plumber has several options to choose from if the pipes do freeze. The first thing he’ll do is open the faucet the pipe serves to allow whatever steam to escape, for the steam itself can cause the pipe to burst. He can wrap layers of cloth around the pipe and pour hot water over it or use a heat lamp, electric heat tape wrapped around the pipe or even a blow drier. He might even tell the homeowner that the best thing to do is turn on the heat in the house and simply wait. In Orlando, it shouldn’t take long for a pipe to thaw.

Just experienced a burst pipe? do not sit around and wait! By assessing the problem quickly you can avoid unnecessary costly repairs! Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond are your Orlando Plumbing burst pipe repair specialist! call us today at (407) 968-1801.

Top Five Reasons You Should Have Your Plumber Install Your Garbage Disposal

Posted on November 25, 2012September 28, 2021 by chad siemer

Many people want the convenience of a garbage disposal unit. Some very handy lay persons can install the appliance themselves. However, it’s better to have a professional licensed plumber install the garbage disposal. Here are five reasons why:

1. The installation requires some knowledge of electrical systems. A homeowner who’s never had a garbage disposal before will need to have a 20 amp, 120 volt outlet dedicated to the disposal unit. This outlet will be located under the sink. If there isn’t an outlet there, one will have to be installed. This is a job that really s shouldn’t be done by a lay person.

2. Removing an old garbage disposal unit can be very involved. It can also be messy, as the trap waste line will need to be disconnected and allowed to drain. A certain amount of equipment is necessary, including screwdrivers, buckets, wrenches or adjustable pliers, hacksaws and other implements. Again, it’s best left to a plumber.

3. Installing a garbage disposal is even more involved than removing one, especially if a different type of unit is going to replace the old one. Many steps are involved as rings, gaskets and sleeves have to put in place. If the steps aren’t followed precisely, it’s possible that the disposal unit won’t function. A good plumber knows how to follow all the steps of installation to the letter.

4. There’s always the risk of injury. The unit itself can be rather unwieldy and heavy and the motor in the unit is made, after all, to run chopping blades. A homeowner who forgets to unplug the unit before working on it, or who plugs it in too early risks a grievous injury. A good plumber would know how to avoid these pitfalls. Moreover, a good plumber is not only licensed, but insured, just in case an accident does happen.

5. A good plumber will always guarantee his work. If for some reason the garbage disposal malfunctions after he’s installed it, he should return to repair it at no extra cost to his customer.

Thinking on getting a garbage disposal for your home? Is your Garbage Disposal in need of a tune up? Call Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond your trusted Oviedo plumber! call us today at (407) 968-1801.

What Are the Best Pipes to Use in Orlando

Posted on November 19, 2012September 28, 2021 by chad siemer

Replacing the pipes in your Orlando home, or building, is a big undertaking that needs to be done by a qualified professionals in order to ensure that your entire home system functions efficiently. It is important that you use the best quality pipes whether you are replacing a large amount of pipes in a building or just a small part of the overall system. Choosing something that will last years and hold up to the constant flow and pressure is important both to the maintenance of the building and the cost of maintenance and repair over the years.

If you have found yourself in need of new pipes for your Orlando building, there are some types of pipes that are better than others so make sure you look at all of your option. A quality system can last you from 25 years to 40 in most cases with only minimum maintenance needed. Orlando has the reputation of a less than spectacular quality of water that needs extra treatment, so the best quality pipes are necessary in every case.

Copper piping has long been used in the home and can withstand years and years of use before breaking down and forming any leaks. PVC piping has been a popular choice in the past, but many companies and plumber have noticed its downfalls and have returned to using copper. Because copper is a natural metal it is able to contain the material it passes without becoming permeable to outside contaminants. Copper is also able to deter the growth of bacteria while remaining environmentally friendly because of the lack of chemicals needed to clean the walls of the piping.

When it comes to the maintenance of the best piping, copper is able to withstand heat and freezing temperatures better than other material because it is a metal with conductive properties. This leads to lower maintenance fees as time passes because there is no need to constantly replace sections of pipe and close off leaks that develop. Overall, it is obvious that copper is the best choice for your system, health and budget.

Still debating which type of pipes is right for you? The Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond Adept staff will help you make the right decision for all of your plumbing needs. Contact us today at (407) 968-1801.

Does My House Need to be Repiped?

Posted on November 12, 2012September 28, 2021 by chad siemer

The plumbing fixtures in any house will gradually wear out after several years of use. Eventually the house will need to be repiped, which is a complex job that is best left to a professional plumbing company.

Among the signs that homeowners need to watch out for are leaky pipes. No matter how small a leak, it will leave water stains that could gradually seep into the floor. Since most pipes are out of sight, these tiny leaks are easy to miss. A leak could mean that only the leaking pipe needs to be replaced and nothing more. An inspection by an experienced plumber may uncover other leaking pipes.

Another suspicious sign that pipes are wearing out is a rusty color in the water when the faucet is turned on. Usually the water becomes clear after a couple of seconds, but this is a sign that pipes will need to be replaced soon. If a visual inspection reveals rust on pipes even if they are functioning properly, it’s time to make plans for a repiping job.

A lack of proper water pressure usually means that pipes are worn out. If there is minimal water pressure when the faucet is completely open, this is a sure sign that pipes are in need of replacement. If someone taking a shower suddenly gets extremely hot water when a faucet is opened somewhere in the house, this is a sure sign of pipe problems that will only get worse.

Homeowners should always have all their pipes checked, particularly those that are difficult to see and reach. The best way to do this is by hiring a local plumbing contractor to do a yearly inspection. Some people may be tempted to save some money by doing this themselves, but this is a job best left to an experienced professional.

Thinking you may have a pipe leaking? do not sit around and wait! By assessing the problem quickly you can avoid unnecessary costly repairs! Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond are your Oviedo Plumbing repiping specialist! call us today at (407) 968-1801.