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Water Heater Maintenance

Unexpected water damage can occur when a water heater develops a leak. Depending upon where the water heater is located, the wear and tear will vary. For instance, a water heater situated in a basement may be exposed to damp, moist surroundings. If the basement has insulation the only problem may be lack of heat causing higher costs in the electric bill to keep the water in the tank hot. When the water heater is located in a closet, when water leaks happen it can be a real expensive experience.

Water Heater Maintenance Eliminates Disasters.

Check the life expectancy of the water heater and choose one that will provide enough hot water for bathing and laundry or dish washing. Eventually a water heater will need to be replaced if it is not located in a protected area. Protected means dry, insulated and warm areas. If in a cold or damp, moist environment the metal tank will begin to rust so regular checks for water pipe leaks will prevent a disaster from happening.

Just like an automobile, a water tank also requires regular maintenance to keep it operating at maximum savings. The best time of the year to examine the water tank would be both Spring and before the Winter months. Excess heat or excessive cold can cause damages to the water tank. Sometimes a water tank wiring may need to be replaced.

Many plumbing companies have special maintenance plans for home or building owners and can take the worry from the owner for a minimal monthly or yearly charge. For the busy individual the maintenance saves the owner time and money. The benefit of a service maintenance plan will also be the fact that an experienced technician will be examining the water tank.

Preventive maintenance will prolong the life expectancy of your water heater too. Call and find out just how affordable a service maintenance plan can be for you. There will be choices for you to decide which service maintenance best suits your needs. With our busy ‘go go’ lives, it helps to remove as many worries as possible to make our lives easier. A home owner or building owner has better and more fun things that can be done with their time and money.

Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond will like to remind you that by scheduling maintenance visits, you could avoid costly repairs and extend the life and performance of your heater . Contact us today at  (407) 968-1801. 

How to find a good plumber in the Lake Mary area.

If you need a plumber in the Lake Mary area, you will want to find one that is licensed and bonded. The plumber should carry insurance and have the proper education and training to handle all major plumbing problems.

Does this plumber have any type of guarantee on his work? This is important to know if the water heater goes out within a few weeks after the plumber worked on it. It is also important to have a detailed estimate with a finish date. No one wants to wait weeks for the work to be done.

Most plumbers will be more then happy to supply a list of references. This is very important and should not be overlooked. The plumber might have a website that has testimonies of recent customers. 

In today’s world, all plumbers should have a web site. It is important to look it over closely because it is often possible to get an understanding of the type of work this plumber does.

Most plumbers are available 24 hours a day. They know that plumbing problems often happen at the most inopportune time. Holidays are a good example. Often someone stuffs the garbage disposal full of potato peels. Just a few will cause the sink to back up. If ever someone needs a plumber it is at this point. A house full of people and a backed up kitchen sink. There are plumbers who will be willing to come out and fix the clog. That is the kind of plumber to look for.

This is a service job. It is important that the plumber can communicate clearly about what he is going to do. He should be willing to answer questions and clean up after himself.

Some people like to have a plumber come out every year to walk through the home and make sure everything is working. Dripping faucets, running toilets and slow draining sinks are things to show him. He will make sure all the small things are taken care of. Then if the water heater goes out on a cold morning, this is the plumber to call. Remember never wait. Find a good plumber before an emergency comes up. It will make life a lot easier

We will Gladly attend to  all of your questions and concerns. Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond provides the highest level of service for all of your plumbing needs. Call us today at  (407) 968-1801!

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

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

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?

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. 

5 Questions You Should Take the Time to Ask Your Emergency Plumber

Accidents happen, and when something goes wrong with your plumbing unexpectedly you will want it fixed immediately. However, failing to choose the right plumber could mean more problems instead of the solution you had expected. Asking your emergency plumber a few questions first will help you decide whether to hire the plumber you’re considering or keep searching for someone more qualified.

Possibly the most important question is whether or not they are a licensed plumber. This ensures the plumber will follow state regulations on how the work is done as well as follow local safety and building codes. Licensed plumbers are also more likely to have insurance. If your state doesn’t have licensed plumbers, try a licensed plumbing contractor.

While the plumber you speak to may be qualified, their staff may not be. Ask who will be working on your plumbing and what their qualifications are as well. The licensed plumber might be planning on sending over their much less qualified assistant to do the work.

If your plumber is knowledgeable, they most likely will have other customers who would be more than happy to vouch for the quality of their services. Ask your emergency plumber if they have references. However, keep in mind that new plumbers may be well qualified and lack references.

Of course it is important to make sure you can afford the plumber and what work needs to be done before hiring them. Ask for an estimate of the total cost, then ask for a price breakdown. Find out how much they charge for any parts needed and the cost of labor. This helps prevent surprise costs when the job is done.

Lastly, ask your plumber how long the project is expected to take. While your plumber may run into unexpected problems, a general estimate should be fairly accurate. This is especially important if your plumber charges by the hour for emergency calls.

It is impossible to know when you’ll need an emergency plumber, but don’t be completely unprepared. Always ask your plumber these important questions as well as any other questions you have before hiring.

We will Gladly answer all of your questions. Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond provides the highest level of service for all of your plumbing needs. Call us today at (407) 968-1801.

Prevent Drain Clogs

Drain clogs are one of the household inconveniences every homeowner faces from time to time. A good plumber can usually clear the clog easily in one visit, but there are ways to prevent clogs from happening. By taking a few preventive measures one can keep pipes flowing properly and prevent clogs from occurring.

A drain screen is the first logical step in working to maintain clog free drains. In bathrooms they prevent soap scum and hair, two major clog culprits, from accumulating. In the kitchen they work to catch food debris and other particles that are not meant to wash down pipes. Grease should never be poured down the drain. Clearing out drain screens and kitchen stoppers regularly also aids with maintaining a clear drain.

Although many homes make use of garbage disposals do not treat a disposal as a trash can. Any large food items that can go in the can should be tossed there first, and this includes coffee grinds. A garbage disposal is best used to clear out food items that may have accidentally gone down the drain, or for mostly liquid items such as soup that would create a mess in a trash can. Garbage disposals can be used in maintaining a clear drain by freezing half vinegar and half water in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, toss the vinegar ice down the drain with the disposal on for a great cleaning.

There are other preventive measures that should be incorporated into the household chore rotation. Pouring boiling water down the drains once a week clears out scum and buildup before it can create a clog. Drains rarely go from free flowing to completely clogged at once, so pay attention to how drains are working during everyday use. If sinks or tubs are draining noticeably slower try baking soda, vinegar, or a store bought drain cleaner to get rid of the clog before it becomes a problem.

Drain clogs can be quite problematic, so working to prevent clogs is critical. It keeps pipes in the best shape, while also eliminating the cost of a clog removal.

Call us at (407) 968-1801 and find out how we can help you today. We proudly service Orlando in Central Florida and its surrounding areas.