Question 1

How do I keep my garbage disposal running smoothly?

Accepted Answer

To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, run cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after using the disposal. This will help flush the waste into the main sewer and prevent backups from occurring.

Question 2

What can I put down the garbage disposal?

Accepted Answer

Most food waste is fair game, but don’t put grease, cooking oils, harsh chemicals or paint down the drain - ever and avoid stringy or fibrous foods, egg shells, onion skins, pasta, rice, oatmeal, fruit pits, nuts, coffee grounds, bones, and shells.

Question 3

How do I avoid clogged toilets?

Accepted Answer

The best way to avoid toilet clogs is to not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Keeping a wastebasket in every bathroom will help you avoid the temptation.

Question 4

Why does my toilet keep running?

Accepted Answer

More often than not, it means the flapper isn’t closing all the way. If jiggling the handle doesn’t fix the issue, it may be time for a new flapper.

Question 5

Should I install a water softener?

Accepted Answer

Installing a water softener can help you prevent clogs and extend the life of your pipes and appliances. Soft water also makes your clothes last longer, your hair and skin feel softer, and your water taste better.

Question 6

Is hard water bad for you?

Accepted Answer

Hard water isn’t unsafe, but it does shorten the lifespan of your pipes and appliances, it increases the likelihood of clogs, it’s terrible for your hair and skin, and it causes you to use considerably more dish soap, laundry detergent, and electricity.

Question 7

What is soft water?

Accepted Answer

Soft water has fewer ions, like calcium and magnesium, which can lead to build up in your pipes and increase the likelihood of clogs. Soft water is also easier on your pipes and appliances, hair and skin, clothing and more.

Question 8

How often should I flush my water heater?

Accepted Answer

Because unfiltered water is almost never perfectly clean, sediment tends to build up at the bottom of your water heater. Protect your water filter by clearing all filters and flushing out these sediments once or twice per year.

Question 9

What temperature should I set my water heater to?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Energy recommends you set your water heater to 120 degrees; the default factory setting is typically 140 degrees. Turning down the temperature can save you anywhere from $12 to $30 for every 10 degrees and it can help prevent scalding.

Question 10

Why do I keep running out of hot water?

Accepted Answer

It really depends on the type, age, and capacity of your water heater. Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400, we’ll help you figure out the problem and the solution.

Question 11

Should I replace my water heater if it still works?

Accepted Answer

If your water heater is more than 15 years old, replacing it could significantly reduce your electric bill and add value to your home.

Question 12

What is the lifespan of a water heater?

Accepted Answer

If your water heater is more than 15 years old, you’re probably on borrowed time. Clearing all filters and flushing out the sediments once or twice per year will keep your water heater running at peak efficiency and prevent its untimely demise.

Question 13

What is the best water heater for my home?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a new water heater. Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400, we’ll help guide you through the selection process.

Question 14

Should I install a hybrid water heater?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a new water heater. Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400, we’ll help guide you through the selection process.

Question 15

How can I lower my electric bill?

Accepted Answer

In a typical home, the water heater is second only to the HVAC system in energy consumption. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, replacing it could significantly reduce your electric bill and add value to your home.

Question 16

How can I locate the source of a leak?

Accepted Answer

If it is not obvious, your best bet is to just Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400. Professional Plumbing has video inspection equipment that can save you time & money by identifying the source of the problem without unnecessary digging around.

Question 17

Do I have a sewer gas leak?

Accepted Answer

A sewer gas leak is not the most likely cause of the bad odor emanating from your pipes. That said, if you think you have a sewer gas leak, Call The Professionals, we'll test your system to determine where the leak is and repair it as soon as possible.

Question 18

Why does my plumbing smell?

Accepted Answer

The most likely culprit is some stinky build up, otherwise known as gunk or, if the drain hasn’t been used in a while, it could be a dry p-trap. Run a little water down infrequently used sinks or showers once a month to prevent odors.

Question 19

How can I unclog a drain?

Accepted Answer

Start with a plunger, but don’t put too much muscle into it. If your drain doesn't unclog right away, move on to another method, like a chemical drain opener or a snake, because too much pressure from a plunger can damage your drain or pipes.

Question 20

Are chemical drain cleaner safe?

Accepted Answer

Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes so you should avoid their use and definitely don’t make them a habit. If you’re experiencing frequent clogs, Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400.

Question 21

Do you sell faucets?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing carries all major brands of lavatory faucets, kitchen sink faucets, bar sink faucets, shower faucets, bidet faucets, and Roman tub faucets including Moen, Grohe, Delta, Gerber, Premier, Wolverine Brass, and Toto.

Question 22

Do you offer drainpipe lining?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing is a Certified Perma-Liner Industries installer.

Question 23

Do you do kitchen remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Our remodeling division can handle any project, large or small.

Question 24

Do you do bathroom remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Our remodeling division can handle any project, large or small.

Question 25

Can I save money by switching to natural gas appliances?

Accepted Answer

You can save you money by switching you to energy-efficient natural gas appliances and, as a Gas Advantage Dealer, Professional Plumbing can offer you many conservation rebates available through TECO Peoples Gas.

Question 26

What is a backflow preventer?

Accepted Answer

Sarasota County requires commercial water customers to install a backflow preventer at the service connection or at a location approved by the county’s Utilities Department in order to protect drinking water from becoming contaminated.

Question 27

Do you offer residential plumbing service in Sarasota?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing has been providing plumbing services and repair to residential customers throughout Sarasota County since 1985.

Question 28

Do you offer residential plumbing service in Bradenton?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing has been providing plumbing services and repair to residential customers throughout Manatee County since 1985.

Question 29

Do you offer commercial plumbing service in Sarasota?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing has been providing plumbing services and repair to commercial customers throughout Sarasota County since 1985.

Question 30

Do you offer commercial plumbing service in Bradenton?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing has been providing plumbing services and repair to commercial customers throughout Manatee County since 1985.

Question 31

Do you offer emergency service in Sarasota?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency service throughout Sarasota County.

Question 32

Do you offer emergency service in Bradenton?

Accepted Answer

Professional Plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency service throughout Manatee County.

Question 33

What is Ask The Seal?

Accepted Answer

The Seal performs nationwide criminal background and sex offender checks on the employees that interact with your property or family and it issues photo IDs confirming that these checks have taken place so you know who you’re letting into your home.

Question 34

How do I know if a contractor is licensed?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that you are working with a licensed contractor, visit www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr and click the "verify a license" button at the bottom of the page.

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