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24 Aug 2018

Affordable Plumber in Tampa

Finding an affordable plumber in Tampa can be tricky. I don’t know whether it’s just by virtue that it is in Florida and so prices are automatically hiked or what. It can get really frustrating when you need some work done but to even get a quotation, you have to part with some money beforehand.

Picture This:

One day you are doing the general cleaning of your house, cleaning behind the sofa that you rarely move when you notice that the paint on the wall has started peeling off and there’s a water stain barely visible behind it.

If you don’t have the money to deal with such a problem you just ignore it. A couple months down the line, you start to notice that your water bill is steadily rising month after month without a valid reason. You have not had any new occupants in your house nor has your family used water more than usual.

This particular month, you realize that your water bill is higher than it has ever been and is now causing a serious dent in your bank account. When you call the water company, they tell you that there is no mistake with your bill and ask you to have a plumber check for any leaks.

As soon as you hear this, you remember that little water stain you saw a few months back and decide to check on it. When you do, you are shocked to realize that what was once a Fist-sized stain now covers most of the lower part of your wall, with mold growing and the paint job looking horrible.

You immediately call a plumber only to be given the heartbreaking news that you will have to spend a lot of money to fix the leak in your wall.

Matt’s Plumbing services are considered one of the most – if not the most – affordable plumbing services provider in the Tampa Bay area. We are a family-owned business with a small team of experts working for us. This means that our overhead costs are not very high and we do not have to charge our clients an arm and a leg in order to cover these costs. At Matt’s Plumbing Services, you can expect quality workmanship tailored to your unique home with a fair upfront pricing before any work is done.

Other plumbing companies charge to even give you a quotation, we offer free estimates on large repairs and replacements giving you a chance to view our rates before signing on with us. We believe that our fair pricing and excellent workmanship is what makes our clients stick with us throughout the years, even when they move into a new home.

Tips you can use to decrease your Plumbing bills

  • As soon as you realize that there’s a problem with your plumbing, immediately call Matt’s Plumbing Services – Most times, when the problem is just beginning, say a water pipe leak or a clog in the drain pipes it is much easier – and cheaper to fix it then. Leaving plumbing issues to fester over long periods of time not only degrades the plumbing system further but also increases the amount of money you will spend to fix it.
  • Get advice from a plumber – Before you buy any plumbing fixtures, such as a toilet, speak to us. At Matt’s Plumbing Services, we want to ensure that our clients have all the information they need before they purchase anything and we will give our recommendations. In the example of buying a toilet, not all toilets are equal. Some use up more water than others making you spend more on your water bill.
  • Regular maintenance – It’s always better to be sure than sorry. If you are not sure whether your plumbing is okay, it doesn’t hurt to call us just to check on it. Just the way you visit your dentist on a regular basis for a checkup so does your house need a regular checkup. This will be way cheaper in the long run because as Matt’s Plumbing Services, we will be able to identify any problems from the start and fix them.
  • Use one trusted Plumber – Matt’s Plumbing Services is known for its exceptional work, professionalism, and affordability. If you read reviews from any of our clients, you will be able to prove this. By employing us your plumbing solutions provider, we will ensure that you get the best rates in the market and if you are a returning client, you can enjoy a host of discounts that we offer.
  • Take advantage of deals – At Matt’s Plumbing Services, we offer very enticing deals at certain times of the year. Taking advantage of these deals will have you spending way less money on plumbing services than you normally would. One such deal offered is a 25% off for plumbing jobs in the first quarter of the year.
  • If you need to purchase any equipment, ask your plumber to do it for you – With Matt’s Plumbing services, you should know that we have our client’s best interests at hand. If equipment, say a water heater needs to be purchased, we will find you the best deal in the market. Also, because we are in touch with the suppliers directly, we can get it at wholesale cost, making it much cheaper than buying it at retail.
  • Fix small repairs by yourself – Sometimes, the repairs needed, say a toilet leak a be easily repaired by you. As long as you purchase the required item that needs replacing, say a ball cork, you can try fixing it on your own. If you are not a do-it-yourself kind of person, don’t worry, we will gladly come and repair the fault for you at a very affordable price.

With the above tips, you can ensure that you are are dealing with the right affordable plumber in Tampa.

20 Jul 2018

Tampa Toilet Repair And Replacement

The toilet is perhaps one of the most important and most used amenities in your house. Everyone uses it on a daily basis and when it is not working properly, it can cause a lot of anxiety. You, therefore, need to ensure that you maintain a healthy environment by having a toilet that works properly.

Imagine this scenario: Your husband invites some of his friends over to watch the game and they come over with their wives and children. You have been noticing that whenever you flush the toilet, the water slightly rises but then drains, albeit slower than usual. Because your husband is serving drinks with the delicious food you have cooked, the number of toilet visits increase. Your toilet, therefore, gives in and just when one of the wives flushes it, the water levels rise as usual but this time, it doesn’t drain.

Dirty water starts flowing out of the toilet bowl onto the floor and suddenly, there is a huge pool of water seeping from under the bathroom door. What do you do? Well, first off, if you are in the Tampa area, you should immediately call Matt’s Plumbing services to fix the issue immediately. However, the embarrassment this will probably bring will be huge and the situation will probably bring the party to a stop because of hygiene concerns.

First off, whenever you notice a persistent problem with your toilet that a plunger can’t seem to fix, you should call on Matt’s plumbing Services immediately. A small problem can easily escalate into a bigger one in the worst of moments. With years of experience under our belt, Matt’s Plumbing has seen virtually everything there is to see when it comes to plumbing problems. We know when and how to replace or repair your plumbing system after evaluating the problem.

In the US alone, there are about 350 million toilets and toilet repair are one of the most common plumbing repairs done in homes. Matt’s Plumbing has repaired a vast number of toilets within the Tampa area and we, therefore, know where to get all the equipment needed and how to do the job. We have also done countless installations of toilets, either in new houses, when an owner decides to upgrade their toilets with more efficient owes or simply if a toilet is damaged beyond repair.

How a toilet works

Before going into how to repair a toilet, it would benefit to understand how a toilet works. Most homes in the US, including Tampa Bay Area, have what is referred to as a Flush Toilet. These toilets have an exact amount of water which is released when the toilet is flushed. If the level in the cistern (where the water is stored) is low, the trap in the toilet will not be cleared. Toilets are filled by an automatic valve which detects when the water level is low and allows the release of water back into the tank making it ready for the next flush. Since the ballcock (valve) is mechanical, it will most certainly wear out over time, therefore requiring replacement. Toilets also have a flapper seal made of rubber at the bottom of the cistern that keeps the water in the tank until the toilet is flushed. This seal deteriorates over time allowing water to escape into the toilet bowl, thus reducing the amount of water in the tank available for a flush. It also has the disadvantage of increasing your water bill due to wastage of water.

Repair Of Your Tampa Toilet

From the above description of the working of a toilet, you can see that it is made up of several mechanical parts which, with time, undergo wear and tear and may need to be replaced. Some homeowners have taken it upon themselves to figure out how to replace these parts but many do not know how to do it or cannot do it well. This is where Matt’s Plumbing would come into play. When in doubt, always give us a call and we will fix any of your plumbing problems with the correct tools and years of expertise. We will usually have these parts on hand – considering this is a very common problem – so you don’t have to worry about purchasing them on your own. Remember, not everyone is born with the Do It Yourself spirit in them and most times, it’s just easier to call the experts to handle the problem quickly and efficiently.

Replacing your toilet

Sometimes, your toilet may be damaged beyond repair and you may have to replace it. Either that or the toilet currently installed in your house is not ideal. Not all toilets are equal and buying the wrong toilet can cost you much more in the long term than if you had purchased the correct toilet in the first place. Do your research on the types of toilets available in the market. Look for one that not only works well but saves on water, therefore lowering your otherwise high-water bills. If you are not sure what kind of toilet you should purchase, don’t worry about it, just give us a call and we will advise you on the best toilet model for your home.

Why us?

We certainly are not the only company offering Plumbing services in the Tampa area but we are your best bet. We have several years of experience under our belt and all our employees are thoroughly vetted and certified ensuring that they do their work with utmost skill and professionalism. Your satisfaction as a client matters to us and we strive to ensure that our work lives up to and even surpasses your standards. We also offer several promotions a year so check out our pages to discover our newest offer. You can reach us through our contact form or through (813)269-7370 and we will be at your premises before you know it to your plumbing problems.

26 Jun 2018
Plumber under sink

Tampa Leak Detection

The water piping system in your home is probably the most necessary plumbing system you have. The reason for this is because it carries both cold and hot water to different fixtures throughout your home. This facilitates your showers, dishwashing, flushing the toilet, laundry and even just washing your hands in the bathroom sink. You may easily take it for granted but without it, your life would be very different. Without the right Tampa leak detection services to keep your home running smoothly, you may soon be facing large scale plumbing problems. Running water is essential to ensure that hygiene standards are met in the home. It would be very different if you are living in the wild where rivers and rainwater are the main sources of water but in the city, we heavily rely on the piping system in our houses.

Painful Pipe Problems – Tampa Leak Detection

Water pipe leaks can be quite the headache. If you are a homeowner, chances are you know that a leaking water pipe in your home can be a serious problem, especially if you have experienced it before. A leaking water pipe can easily result in health problems for yourself and your family as well as water damage to your property if you do not attend to it fast enough. Water damage should be taken care of within the first 24 hours to prevent further damage from occurring, preventing a small problem from becoming a big one. If you do experience a water leak in Tampa, call Matt’s Plumbing Services right away and we will come to your premises to solve the problem before it gets out of hand.

Water Pipe Types

Tampa is home to both new and old houses, some dating back over a hundred years. Therefore, the water piping systems in these houses depending on when they were built and the particular material is chosen means that there is a wide range of water piping types used. Some of the popular materials you can find include Copper, Polybutene, CPVC, Galvanized, PEX, Brass or Schedule 80. All of these have their different properties, uses, and life spans. Therefore, before you buy a house in the Tampa area or even if you are building your own conduct your own research into exactly what pipes have been used and which are the best for this area. The water piping system must be made suitable for your home and should always be up to code.

Signs of a Water Pipe Leak

Water leaks will quickly show signs when they do occur. The trick is that immediately you see these signs or even suspect that you may have a pipe leak, you should call Matt’s Plumbing Services immediately. We offer a variety of Tampa leak detection services to help you determine if you have a big problem on your hands. Even before contacting us, there are some signs you can look out for that indicate a water pipe leak include:

  • Sudden increase in your water bill – If you have had a rather regular usage of your water and you receive a bill with a high reading, chances are that water is leaking somewhere.
  • Presence of moisture and formation of mildew under flooring, carpets and on walls – This is probably the most common of signs that will let you know you have a water leak. You will notice slight bumps on the wall that can leave stains or chip the pain, if it’s a slab leak, you will notice that the slabs are suddenly uneven or they are warping.
  • The sound of running water even when all water sources are turned off. – If you have a water pipe leak in your house, you may think that your house has been invaded by ghosts at night. It is not uncommon for people to wake up thinking that one of the fossettes is open only to discover that they are all closed.
  • Low water pressure – If you begin to realize that the pressure of water in your house is starting to drop, you may have a leak. Leaks cause an interruption in the flow of water to the outlets therefore decreasing water pressure.

Why Do I Need Tampa Leak Detection?

There can be a number of reasons as to why your pipes are leaking.

Here are a few of them:

  • With the soil found in Tampa Bay, the foundation of your house shifts naturally and can lead to cracks and breaks in water pipes when joints loosen or completely separate.
  • Deterioration – just as everything physical, water pipes experience wear and tear over time that can cause them to leak.
  • Temperature change – During winter especially, some pipes freeze and contract. When water flows through them, they expand causing crevices to form which may in time lead to leaks.
  • Unregulated water pressure – Caused by the bad design of pipes when installing them.
  • Clogs – Caused by any blockage, whether it is accumulated hair in the drain or a toy stuck in a pipe, clogs can cause pipe leakages by creating constrictions to the flow of water.

All plumbers are responsible for making sure that all your water fixtures are supplied with clean water at a decent pressure level. At Matt’s Plumbing Services, we ensure that all our work is done to be best possible and our clients are safe and happy. We take pride in the work we do and our customers have great reviews to give about us. We use only the best equipment to detect leaks in your home and repair them without having to completely destroy your walls and floors. Our high-tech equipment ensures this.

Our services are affordable and we aim to create a working relationship with our clients such that if they have any problems in future, we are the first ones they call. Matt’s Plumbing staff is equipped with the skills needed to do an excellent work, having been well trained and licensed.

We aim to fix any issues you may have from the first time we set foot in your premises ensuring that you not only save time but also money. Remember, there may be different ways to fix a pipe, but the only way we know is the Right way.

23 Jun 2018

Why You Should Always Hire A Licensed Plumber

So, you just moved to Tampa just a couple years back, bought a house and have been living there happily with your family. Suddenly, you realize that your beautiful house has some fixing-up to be done. It can be that whenever you shower, water collates until your ankles and takes time to drain indicating a blockage or that your heating system isn’t working as efficiently as it was or that you have noticed a stain on the slabs indicating a pipe leak.

What do you do?

Well, the first thing you should definitely do is look to hire a licensed plumber to fix any issues your house may have. Lucky for you, Matt’s Plumbing Services is just the right company for the job! Whether you think that the plumbing work you need is minimal or not, you should always make sure that you hire a licensed plumber.

Plumbing is a skill that is needed by every building that has a water system in it. In order to work as a plumber, one is required to meet certain criteria and apply for a license. In Florida, a plumber may be allowed to be locally registered or licensed by the state.

Some of the requirements for applying for a plumbing license include:

  • One is aged 18 or older
  • One should have up to 3 years of proven experience as a plumber and at least 1 year as a foreman
  • One must pass a criminal background check
  • One will be able to prove that they are financially stable using bank statements and, in some cases, a proof of bond may be required
  • One must possess both public liability insurance and property damage insurance and provide workers ‘compensation insurance for every single one of your employees

What are the benefits of hiring a licensed plumber?

As tempting as it can be to hire the local handyman to fix your plumbing issues for you at half the cost everyone else has quoted, and as much as he reassures you of his skill in plumbing, you should always work with a licensed plumber. As much as his offer may be enticing, an unlicensed plumber would cost you much more in the long term than a licensed plumber would.

Having a license shows that the said plumber is willing to comply with all the current laws, regulations and recommended safety measures even when traditional or potentially harmful methods may be easier to use. It also shows a level of professionalism of the plumber who is dedicated to his field and not just trying to earn a few extra dollars on the side.

Here is an outline of the benefits of hiring a licensed plumber:

  • A licensed plumber has the experience to repair, install, upgrade and detect any issues in your plumbing – Plumbers go through hours of training and before they are licensed, they are required to have experience. An experienced plumber will know how to fix even the most persistent of plumbing issues because chances are, he has handled something similar before. Sometimes, you may find an unlicensed plumber who is skilled at one thing but not the other. For example, it may be rather easy for him to unclog a drain but if you were to ask his advice on the best water heater to purchase, he may not know. Hiring a licensed plumber ensures that you are getting all the skill under one roof.
  • Save your warranty – When you buy some plumbing equipment to install in your home, the warranty on that equipment may stipulate that it only be installed by a licensed technician otherwise it is null and void. This may or may not be posted in the appliance literature. If something goes wrong with the appliance, the manufacturer may have refused to honor the warranty on the premise that it was not professionally installed and therefore the fault lies squarely on you. This may actually cost you a lot of money in replacing the appliance by basically buying it at full price again.
  • Compliance to building code – When a licensed plumber starts working on plumbing installations in your home, one of the first things he will do is go through the building codes to ensure that his work complies with them. An unlicensed plumber may be unfamiliar with the building codes which may make you risk not having your plumbing up to code, possibly resulting in fines and penalties should something go wrong. Even worse, your insurance may deny your claim after a flood because your plumbing system was improperly installed.
  • Safety – A licensed plumber ensures that your appliances and plumbing are safe. Your property can be damaged, or even worse, your family harmed by an incorrectly installed water heater system.
  • Peace of mind – There is something about having professionals taking care of your work that gives you peace of mind. You don’t have to constantly micro-manage or get stressed because frankly, they know what they are doing and have the skills and expertise required for the job.

By hiring a licensed plumber like Matt’s Plumbing services, you are ensured that your property is in good hands and that whatever problem your plumbing is facing will be fixed by certified professionals who have the required skills and experience. Also, Matt’s Plumbing systems have the latest and best technology used for plumbing purposes because we want our clients to be satisfied with our work. It is our wish to surpass any expectations you may have on a job well done and have you comfortably back in your routine as quickly as possible.

Our biggest regret is seeing homeowners who have suffered in the hands of unlicensed plumbers who did not even solve the issue at hand but instead made it even worse. The homeowner ends up paying double for what could easily be resolved with a simple phone call.

We strive to ease the stress of finding a trustworthy, licensed company. Give us a call at (813) 513-7691 or fill out our contact form to hire a licensed plumber today.

27 May 2018

Trusted Drain Cleaning Services in Lutz FL

We take our house’s plumbing system for granted until we’re getting ready for the biggest event of our life—job interview, wedding, party—then the sink’s drain overflows, or the toilet overflows. Drains are one of the most necessary structures of modern living, but they can also cause the greatest stressors too. Do you have clogged drains or need drain cleaning in Lutz Florida? We’re here to help.

Why You Need to Hire a Professional

It’s important to hire trusted professional plumbers to handle your clogged drains or to provide regular drain cleaning services. Even if you think you’ve fixed a clog, it may come back much worse next week.

Professional plumbers will focus on customer service first. We’ll listen to what you need, and provide an up-front quote so there are no surprises. Our plumbers are licensed and bonded to deliver the best professional plumbing solutions. We assume the problems of your plumbing issues so that you can stop worrying and go watch TV or read a book while we tackle the worst tasks.

Drain Cleaning Services

If your drains are clogged then you need to hire the best drain cleaning company in Lutz, Florida. Drain repairs may need to be done in your bathroom or kitchen. Clogged drains are considered a plumbing emergency. We provide trench-less drain repairs, drain lining, and drain replacement services. This will quickly get your kitchen or bathroom operational again.

If the problem is not readily apparent, we’ll use a special drain camera inspection system to inspect your drains in high-definition color. This will tell us where there may be a bad hair clog, or perhaps where roots may be invading your drains and damaging them. This is the first step so we can figure out what repairs will be necessary.

A clogged drain can be cleaned with drain snaking. Today’s drain snakes are motorized and can have drills on the end to break through a bad clog.

Other Drain Cleaning Services & Repairs

The drainage system of your home can be complex. We provide a wide range of drain and cleaning services. We can do sanitary drain inspection, main line sewer back-up protection, and other preventative inspection and maintenance. Please also give us a call if you need emergency drain repair services, or have problems with drain back flow.

Many homeowners try to fix plumbing issues themselves, not realizing that there is a special expertise required. Plus, our services are 100% guaranteed. Did you know that insurance companies also require fully licensed and bonded plumbers to tackle a bad plumbing issue? They may not provide coverage if you do it yourself, particularly if your home repairs have only exacerbated the issue.

Please give Matt’s Plumbing Services a call, so we can visit your house quickly, and get that clogged drain fixed before it turns into a major issue.

14 May 2018

Plumbing Tips to Save Water and Money

One of the largest utility expenses in your home can be your water consumption. Yet it’s also one of the most essential services for your family. Did you know that if you have leaking faucets or running water that it can substantially add to the costs of your water bill? Here are a few plumbing tips to save water and money.

Check for Plumbing Leaks

You may already know you have leaky faucets or running water in your toilet. It’s important to call in a plumber and have these fixed immediately. Not only do leaks cost you money, but they can substantially worsen over time, causing you more extensive repairs, and they can also cause damage to the structure of your home. You should not only check your pipes but also your faucets, toilets, showerheads, and even your outdoor faucets.

Turn Off the Tap When Not in Use

Most of us are guilty of this at one time or another. We leave the tap running from the moment we enter the bathroom, to just before we leave. You should turn on the tap when you need water, then turn it off when you’re brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. There is a plug in the sink that has a purpose. It’s estimated that families can save up to eight gallons of water per day if they turn off the tap when brushing their teeth.

Replace the Showerheads & Aerators

If your showerhead and aerator are really old, or you can’t remember the last time you replaced them, it’s time to buy new ones. This is one of the simplest ways to reduce water consumption in your home. The older showerheads use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute, while a low-flow showerhead uses 2.0 GPM or less. Simply changing your showerhead can save you up to 3000 gallons per year of water.

Buy a New Toilet

This may be a difficult change, but the toilet is responsible for a major portion of your water bill. A new toilet can be the best way to see an immediate improvement in your utility bills. According to plumbers, the toilets in a home can be the main source of water usage, up to 30 percent. If your toilet has a leaking flapper that is causing running water, it could be costing you extra. There are new federal standards for toilets that say they must use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, but there are actually new toilets that use even less than half that. Buying a new toilet can save you up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.

Once you start making plumbing improvements, such as fixing leaking faucets in your home, then you’ll soon see the cost savings on your next water bill. Multiply that by 12 times and you’ll see substantial savings over the next year. Not only is that good for the environment, but we’re certain you’ll have a good use for that extra cash!

10 May 2018
tampa sign

Plumbing Services in Tampa FL

Are you searching for Plumbing services in Tampa FL? We offer professional plumbing services, repairs, and installation for all homes. It may be something that you don’t regularly think about. Often we take it for granted that a bathroom or kitchen sink will work when needed, and that the toilet will flush when we’re done. But one day, there’s a bad leak, flood, or worse—no water runs at all. This is the time that you need to call our Tampa Bay plumbers to get it fixed.

We Provide Free Estimates on Large Jobs

We’ll quickly stop that gushing water, then take the time to provide you with a free on-site estimate. Each of our plumbers is licensed, insured, and bonded to work in Florida. You can also feel confident that all of our services, including the parts and materials we use, are backed up by a workmanship and parts guarantee. We  have many plumbers on standby, just waiting for your plumbing emergency.

Please give us a call today if you’re ready to replace some of the plumbing in your home, or you’re tired of leaky taps or a constantly running toilet. Perhaps you need an estimate for a new sink or toilet installation.

Professional Plumbing Services in Tampa Fl

We also do more than provide emergency Tampa Bay plumbing services. We can also provide estimates for home renovations, or new home installations. Do you need a new kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or toilet installed? Our team has the expertise to help you renovate your old house and update to new water-conserving components.

Before any installation we’ll first inspect your plumbing structure to ensure that it will be adequate for your new appliances and fixtures. Plumbing upgrades may need to be done first. These will ensure that your wonderful gourmet kitchen or your spa bathroom will be fully functional. You’ll feel confident in knowing that you’ll have a worry-free home for many years ahead.

Plumbing Inspection Services

Even a home that’s had reliable plumbing over the past decade may be in need of repairs or replacement. Plumbing isn’t like leaving your fridge until it’s on its last legs before replacement. A failing plumbing system can cause extensive damage to the structure of your home. The sooner leaks and drips are found, the sooner they can be fixed. Repairs to your home will be minimal.

Do you have parts of your yard or garden that seem spongy even though it’s during the dry heat of summer? Does it seem like there’s mold or mildew in your bathroom, despite your best cleaning efforts? Do you hear dripping, but don’t know where it’s coming from? Perhaps you’ve had a look at your water bill and your consumption has gone up for no reason.

Please book an inspection appointment with Matt’s Plumbing Services so we can find plumbing issues before they cause damage to your home.

Hiring professional plumbing services in Tampa Fl will ensure that your home stays hygienic and comfortable. Please give us a call today to book an appointment.

07 May 2018

How to Keep Your Water Heater Running Perfectly

You may take hot water for granted until the hot water heater fails, then you experience the shock of an early morning cold shower. Calling a plumber for water heater repairs is an emergency situation that most people like to avoid. The most important part of owning a house is to keep up with water heater maintenance. While your favorite local plumber can be booked for water heater maintenance, you should also be aware of what needs to be done.

Check the Pressure Valve

Whether you own a gas or an electric water heater, they have a safety device that’s responsible for temperature and pressure relief. This is also called a T&P valve. If the tank becomes over-pressurized, this relief valve will open up and release pressure. But if it malfunctions, it can cause the tank to over-pressurize and explode. Your plumber will wear special protective gear and inspect this pressure valve carefully.

Flushing the Tank

Even though the city water department filters the water before it heads to your home, there can still be sediment, minerals, and debris in it. Over time, this can cause sediment buildup in your tank. This can affect your water heater’s efficiency, and clog your water lines. Each time the pressure relief valve is checked should also be a time when the water tank is fully flushed.

Check the Pilot Light

Only gas water tanks have pilot lights. One of the most common problems for a hot water tank is that the pilot light can go off. When the gas valve is set to the ON position, and the control knob set to PILOT, then you can press the knob and push the igniter button. The light will start blinking when it has successfully lit. You should see a small flame through the view panel. The temperature should be set to 120 degrees F. If your pilot light keeps going out, you may need water heater repair.

Check for Leaks and Drips

Just like with other appliances that utilize water, your water heater can also experience leaks and drips too. The most common problem is a faulty water supply connection. The supply should be inspected at regular intervals. One of the other regions that should be inspected include at the T&P, also known as the temperature and relief valve.

Electric Water Heater Problems

If your power has gone out for any length of time, it’s important to ensure that the water heater is completely filled, before turning the water heater power back on. Otherwise, the upper heating element will burn out, and you’ll need to hire a plumber to come in and replace it.

If you don’t feel confident in doing your own water heater maintenance or inspection, call Matt’s Plumbing Services to assist you. It’s important to do water heater repairs before a major tank issue occurs, like in the cold of winter, or when you have guests over. We look forward to meeting you soon.

26 Apr 2018

How to Detect a Slab Leak

You may have heard friends discussing a slab leak that’s occurred in their house but not understood what it is. This is perhaps one of the most serious plumbing issues you can have. Slab leaks are common in those parts of the country that suffer earthquakes, but they can happen anywhere, even in Florida. The slab of your home is actually the concrete foundation that your house sits on. Beneath this surface is a network of copper pipes. These pipes can fail over time in hot or cold water lines, or in drain lines from any household appliance that requires water or draining.

Slab leaks utilize a specific leak detection process. Even if your house is new, it can still benefit from leak detection so that you can quickly have damage fixed.

Why Is a Slab Leak a Concern?

A slab leak affects the copper water lines that run beneath the concrete foundation of your house. When leaks occur above ground, in the walls or the ceilings of your home, they are known as pinhole leaks. Both types of leaks can be caused by long-term corrosion of copper pipes. Leaks can damage the structure of your home over time. While anything can be repaired, failing to fix slab leaks in a timely manner can be extremely expensive. If you fail to detect slab leaks over time, your foundation can collapse.

Where Do Slab Leaks Cause Problems?

Slab leak detection devices will check on the pressure side or the drainage side of your house’s foundation. If the leak is discovered on the pressure side of your drains, then it can be fixed before it causes a lot of damage. When leaks are on the drainage side they can be considerably harder to detect. Since they’re trickier to spot, the untrained person may miss them. These leaks can happen for years, even without any external indicators.

Why Do Slab Leaks Occur?

Besides the regular corrosion of pipes, some of the damage may have been caused during installation in your home. They may also have been incorrectly installed, which can cause issues when the entire house is sitting on them.

Over time, the ground and the foundation can shift. This places pressure on your pipes. If they’re high quality, then they can withstand a lot of pressure. If pipes don’t have enough room for expansion, then they can rub against each other, or the gravel or concrete, and wear down over time.

What Is the Best Preventative?

These types of leaks are not visible. Often they can develop and worsen over time. Besides the potential for foundation collapse, termites can move into your house, or molds can develop and damage your house.

To prevent damage to your foundation, which can lead to your house collapsing, it’s important to hire plumbers who have experience with leak detection. Whether you suspect you have a slab leak in your home, or your house is over thirty years old, please book a slab leak detection visit with us today.

23 Apr 2018

Best Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades to Improve Your Home’s Value

Best Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades to Improve Your Home’s Value

There are no guarantees in the real estate market. That house down the street may sell quickly, while yours remains unsold. Renovations and home improvements are the best way to increase the value of your home. But if you want your house on the market soon, then you likely only have time for a few bathroom improvements or kitchen upgrades. Just what should you do first so that your house is desirable for the new home buyer?

Best Bathroom Improvements

A WaterSense toilet model can help families to save money on water consumption, and they are also good for the environment. These toilets also look sleek and attractive, and will freshen up an older bathroom.

Having the sink and cabinet replaced will give your bathroom a modern look. Replacing the mirror and lighting will also help. Take a look at your bathtub to see if it’ll fit with your new sink and toilet. Often all that’s needed is a good scrubbing and cleaning of the tiles, particularly if the tub color is already your basic white to match sink and toilet.

Best Kitchen Upgrades

Eco-friendly appliances are trendy today. Not only are they best for the environment, but their lower water and energy consumption can save you money. Your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater are the big water consumers, while your washing machine, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, stove, and fans are going to be concerns for energy costs.

You may not have time to do a full kitchen gutting. Instead of removing the cabinets, you can have their doors refinished, and install new hardware.

New kitchen sink faucets and sprayers will be the quickest way to update your counter space.

The look of the kitchen can also be updated quickly with a brand new light. If your kitchen has old fluorescent lighting, this should be removed. Newer and more eco-friendly lighting is available in LED lighting fixtures.

Piping Replacement

If you have grey or blue poly pipes in your home, they can be at risk for leaks. This can send a red flag to new home buyers who don’t want to deal with this expense. If you’re planning on doing more extensive remodelling in your bathroom or kitchen, you may wish to have your plumber replace these pipes during the process.

Plumbing upgrades can substantially increase the value of your home. It’s also important to fix any leaks and do repairs. Plumbing issues are usually the number one concern that a new home buyer has, as water can significantly damage the structure of a home if leaks aren’t dealt with quickly.

Bathroom improvements and kitchen upgrades are going to be the best ways to increase the value of your home. Most of the other rooms will only need a good carpet cleaning and some fresh paint on the walls. Be sure to tackle any smaller repairs too. If you need plumbing repairs, then please give Matt’s Plumbing Services a call to book an appointment today.