Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

Keep These Sump Pump Tips in Mind!

Wednesday, March 14th, 2018

sump-pumpWhile hot weather and intense sunshine are certainly not in short supply around here, Floridians know that the weather is not always agreeable. Our location means that we sometimes have to put up with very serious storms, and in addition to high winds we also often face very heavy rainfall. Preventing that rainfall from flooding your home is a top priority.

What is the best way to do so? Well, tight sealing and good construction are only going to take you so far. If water wants to get into your home, it will do so by any means possible. That is why one of the best pieces of advice that our professional plumbers can give you is to invest in a good sump pump. Leave your sump pump services in Brooksville, FL to our team.

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Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working Properly

Wednesday, February 14th, 2018

doing-dishesA garbage disposal is not the type of appliance that every home absolutely must have. It may not play quite as integral a role in your life as your water heater, for instance, does. That being said, those of us that have experienced the conveniences offered by a garbage disposal are very unlikely to go back to life without one in place. At least, we would not choose to do so intentionally.

Unfortunately, some homeowners wind up missing out on these conveniences because they fail to use their garbage disposals properly. We have a few tips to help you avoid any such problems in today’s post. Keep the following information in mind, and remember that you can always count on the professional plumbers on our team for a job well done.

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What Is a Slab Leak? And What’s the Big Deal?

Monday, January 29th, 2018

broken-pipeAn unfortunate truth is that no plumbing system is perfect. Scheduling your plumbing services with trained professionals will help to keep your system as reliable as possible. Even so, however, you are likely going to run into trouble with your system at some point. In some instances, such trouble may be relatively minor—something like a leaky faucet or a slow-moving drain. In others, the issue may be much more serious and could lead to very real property damage. This is the case with a slab leak in Brooksville, FL.

What is it that makes a slab leak such a formidable force in the world of plumbing problems? After all, there are leaks of all kind, right? What sets the slab leak apart? That is the topic that we’ll be exploring in today’s post—as well as some tips for helping you to spot the signs of a slab leak so that you can take prompt action if and when you encounter one in your home. Contact us with any concerns that you may have. 

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Tank or Tankless: Which Water Heater Is Right for Me?

Monday, January 15th, 2018

baby-in-tubHeating water is something that you don’t really think much about. It’s not as if you need to do so in a pot on top of the range these days, right? Of course not! That’s what your water heater is there for. In fact, it is the sole purpose that this appliance serves. While you may not find yourself thinking about your water heater all that much on any given day, it is very important that you think about it very carefully when the time comes to invest in a new system.

If you need a brand new water heater in Brooksville, FL for a brand new property, or if the time has come to replace your old water heater with a new model, then we’re the company to work with. Before you schedule your installation, of course, you’ll need to determine which water heater is right for you. You don’t need to stick with what you’ve always known, after all. Today, we’ll be discussing some pros and cons of both tank and tankless water heaters.

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Drain Cleaning: Why Hire a Professional?

Monday, November 6th, 2017

pipe-blockageCertain problems that you may encounter with your residential plumbing system can definitely be considered true emergencies. A damaged water well, for instance,  or a burst pipe that is drenching your home or your surrounding property with water would certainly constitute emergencies.  Then there are those problems that are not emergencies, but which you should nonetheless have resolved as soon as possible. Just because they don’t threaten you with imminent disaster does not mean that they are not serious.

Slow-moving, backed-up, or completely blocked drains fall into this latter category. When many people think of plumbing problems, they think of water flooding their floors. However, the drainage side of the plumbing system is just as important as the supply, and you really cannot ignore any signs of trouble with your drains. That is why you should schedule professional drain cleaning in Brooksville, FL. Our plumbers have the skill and expertise that they need to see to the successful cleaning of the drains in your home. 

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Don’t Get Caught in the Dark: What to Do in an Electrical Emergency

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

Power outages are a fact of life, especially in Florida with the ever-present threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. So when your power does inevitably go out, make sure you’ve taking the proper precautions and made preparations to make it as small an inconvenience as possible.

Keep a supply of candles, matches, and a couple flashlights with fresh batteries on hand and in a place easily accessible to everyone in the household. When the lights go out, the last thing you want is to be rummaging around in the dark looking for these things.

Be aware of food safety issues. If the power outage is less than four hours, your food should be safe to eat. For outages that last longer than four hours, follow these guidelines for safety: a half-filled freezer will typically keep food safe for up to 24 hours and a tightly packed freezer up to 48 hours. If possible, pack refrigerated items that could spoil, like milk and eggs, in a cooler packed with ice. Also, try to minimize opening the refrigerator and freezer as much as possible to keep food cooler longer.

Water purification systems may not function properly during a power outage, so make sure to keep a supply of bottled water on hand for drinking, cooking, and/or personal hygiene. If you are caught in a power outage without access to bottled water, bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute will kill most organisms.

Consider purchasing an emergency generator. When you have an extended power outage, an emergency generator can be your best friend. You can typically purchase a basic generator that will power lights and appliances for less than $700. This article from ConsumerReports.org is a great resource for choosing the right emergency generator for you.

If you want to alleviate the power outage risk entirely, Bayonet can install a standby generator! With natural gas or LP tank access, the stand-by generator system can power essential electricity to your home for weeks at a time, provided fuel is accessible. Generators are available in multiple sizes to suit your needs. Then, your lights, water, and refrigerator will always stay on! For more, see our upcoming blogs or contact a representative today.

Power outages are certainly a nuisance, but if you plan ahead with these relatively simple preparations you can weather the storm without too much of a headache.

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Re-Designing Your Bathroom? Check Out These 3 Luxurious Plumbing Components!

Wednesday, June 4th, 2014

The latest trend in bathrooms? Indulgence. Obviously, the price tag on extravagance can be high, but a wide array of fixtures and updates can give a bathroom renovation with even the most meager of budgets a hefty boost of luxury.

From heated towel racks to stand-up steam showers, today’s bathrooms trend toward the spa experience by embracing that little something special that sets it apart, elevating the bathroom from the practical to the spectacular.

Besides vessel sinks and electronic faucets that are hands-free and promote efficient water usage, shower head fixtures have undergone a virtual revolution in their extravagant designs and placement. Typical single-head spray showerheads are being abandoned for those providing a “rain shower” effect and have a stylish look and a gentler flow rate. Used alone or paired with dual and multiple showerheads and body spray jets, these can be mounted in several arrangements for the ultimate shower experience.

Steam showers are the rage for the ultimate home spa treatment. An existing stand-up shower can be retrofitted by using an adjacent closet to accommodate the generator. The shower stall is moisture-sealed and equipped with controls to adjust the clouds of soothing and cleansing steam. Additions like ambient lighting, sound systems, and oil and lotion dispensers will easily transform the bath suite into a bath retreat.

Roman tubs are also a deluxe addition to your master bath. They offer the customization in size, shape, and style unavailable in preformed tubs. When outfitted with water and air jets you can have a deluxe soaking tub you’ll absolutely fall in love with.

Whether you’re on a budget or want to break the bank in the name of luxury, indulgent options abound to turn your bathroom into your own private relaxation sanctuary.

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Looking to Buy a Home? What You Need to Look for in Plumbing

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Spring and summer are the most popular times of year to purchase a new home. The weather is better for moving, homes show better with lots of natural light, and a summer move won’t disrupt a child’s school schedule.

Buying a new home is exciting but it can also be an extremely stressful process. Not only are you making a large financial investment, but you also don’t know the ins and outs of a home simply by looking at it from the outside. One of the most often overlooked items is the plumbing of a home. Plumbing is often an afterthought and if things aren’t immediately wrong during the inspection, you probably won’t see a problem until a crisis occurs.

We want to prepare our readers who may be looking to purchase a new home with a quick checklist of things to look for as you house hunt.

  1. Check the Water Heater. Things to look for include the size (a family of four requires about a 40 gallon tank), the age, the condition, and the location. Look for mineral deposits, rust, and corrosion. Note any issues and bring them up to your inspector/realtor.
  2. Lead Pipes. If you have children, you should avoid homes with lead pipes. Any home built prior to 1998 is at risk for lead pipes. Be sure to check and make a conscious decision regarding the risks associated with lead pipes.
  3. Waste Management. How and where does the waste from your plumping go? Is it to a sewer? A septic tank? If it’s a septic tank, ask the following: where is it located, how often has it been serviced, and how old is it?
  4. Test the Waters. Does the main shut off valve work? Test that when you shut it off, no water sources work. Make sure that there are no major leaks.

None of these necessarily mean that the house is not suitable for purchase –just be prepared and negotiate accordingly. If you need help with estimates or inspections, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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No Fooling! There’s a huge value to your Plumbing Service Agreement!

Monday, April 1st, 2013

Many homeowners have become very educated on the value of a regular air conditioning maintenance. Bayonet Plumbing & AC is one of a few companies that specializes in both the AC and Plumbing services. It’s not an April Fool’s joke: your plumbing system needs maintenance too!

The reason for an ac maintenance is based on surface area, really. Dust and dirt collect on those copper coils and keep air from coming into contact with the metal. That makes the system have to work harder when the coils are dirty. There are coils in your indoor AND outdoor unit that use that same air transfer to perform their roles for your comfort. So we all do our part to keep them clean. But, are you neglecting your plumbing?

There is an important appliance that also relies on transferring heat through copper coils: your water heater! IT doesn’t get dirty, right?

Wrong!

The water in our area is very hard. Your water heater came equipped with an anode rod that keep those minerals from caking onto your water heater coils. The rods disintegrate with use. Typically, manufacturer’s recommend replacement of those rods every 18 months. When was the last time you replaced yours? You haven’t? Well, you’re not alone. For this reason, draining and flushing that water heater is vital! All of that sediment and hardness is accumulating around the coil and making your heater work harder than it should to provide your hot water!

Don’t skimp when you could save! Look into a plumbing MVP contract today. In addition to TLC for your water heater, all of your fixtures are checked for leaks, and much more. You will be glad you opted into the program!

Remember: all of out MVP members enjoy discounted rates on repairs, accessories, equipment and priority scheduling on service calls.

 

 

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Water Heater Maintenance…Tips and Tricks

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

A water heater is an appliance that your family uses every day.  When it fails to provide adequate hot water, clothing starts coming out of the wash looking dingy, dishes just aren’t as sparkly as they once were, showers aren’t long or comfortable enough and  it’s noticeable to all!  Know how to recognize the warning signs and know what to do when your water heater is not making the grade.

Some of the thing to keep an eye out for are:

  • Running out of hot water quicker than normal
    • This could indicate that you’re a victim of sedimentation, which is a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank. Sometimes, your water heater isn’t failing, the sediment  is the reason for running out of water too soon.  Sediment collects in the bottom of the water heater creating sludge that replaces water.  As a result the volume of water gets reduced and yout water heater has to work harder. Part of out MVP inspection is the draining and flushing of sediment from your water heater. It is the most overlooked task around a home, and we have some of the most sediment heavy water in the country!
  • Water suddenly looks rusty and smells bad
    • Rusty water can mean there is corrosion inside your water heater.  If this is the case, the tank and anode rods need to be checked, so we can determine which is the culprit and repair or replace the part if possible.
    • Bad odor in water.  This is also caused by sediment.  Over time sediment breeds bacteria.  A decaying anode gives off hydrogen gas, which nourishes the bacteria; these bacteria produce a nasty smell, like rotten eggs.  Get rid of the sediment to get rid of the smell.
  • Water heater makes noises
    • If your water heater is making noises, that may mean the water is overheating.  This again is attributed to the sediment buildup.  The noise is produced when the water in the tank begins to boil.
  • Water heater is leaking
    • If you have a puddle underneath your water heater, check it out.  This can be due to gaskets or fittings or nearby pipes.
    • The temperature pressure valve (TPR) can also create a puddle, make sure the TPR is closing correctly.   Sometimes the TPR is defective and will need to be replaced.  A non-functioning TPR valve is very serious and can even cause your tank to explode.  Have a professional plumber replace defective TPR valves immediately.
    • If you notice rusty water around the bottom of your water heater chances are the bottom has rusted out and it is leaking.  The only solution at this point is to replace your water heater.

 

One of the most important ways to prevent these common problems is to make sure you are following a regular maintenance plan with your water heater.  It is very important to drain your water heater annually.  This rids the tank of sediment buildup, which left unchecked causes a multitude of problems.

 

You can save money in the long run by avoiding breakdowns and extending the life of your appliance with regular water heater maintenance. So don’t sweat, call Bayonet, and you’ll be protected with 5 year warranties on any repair we make for as long as you’re an MVP member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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