4 Home Plumbing Practices You Should Do Regularly

Your home’s plumbing system is a work horse, so to speak. After all, you use it multiple times every single day. And just like anything that you want to work properly for a long time to come, you should check up on it regularly to keep your plumbing system functioning properly. This will save you a lot of money by keeping the plumber at bay.

So here are 4 best practices to put in place for the benefit of your plumbing system.

1. Check for leaks: We all notice leaks when they make themselves present as they all drip where we can see them. However, in order to stop a problem before it becomes one, it’s a good idea to check for leaks regularly. This is especially so in those spots that get a lot of use. Get in to the habit of regularly checking your pipes for leaks, or signs of a leak, and you could save yourself a lot of money.

2. Insulate your external pipes: Faucets and pipes should all be properly drained and then insulated before the winter season sets in. This will protect you from nasty surprises or breaks in the springtime when the warmer weather starts to set in again. It is easy to add into your schedule as fall clean up and it will save you a lot of headaches later.

3. Keep your indoor pipes warm: You don’t want to have to deal with a frozen pipe, but it’s easier than you would think, even with your internal pipes. Focus on keeping your pipes insulated and warm so that you don’t get a blockage or have to deal with a frozen pipe that ends up bursting and costing a lot of money, time and stress to fix. You can use tape and other insulating materials to help you stay on top of it with both internal pipes and any other pipes that are otherwise exposed in your home’s system.

4. Sign up for regular maintenance of your pipes: You can sign up for regular maintenance of your pipes. This can really help you to get an expert view on your entire plumbing system so that they can spot and fix any weaknesses or other trouble areas that they would know to look for in your plumbing system. It can really help take a weight off of your mind, too, because an expert opinion is always great with issues like these.

Protecting and maintaining your home’s plumbing system will help you to make sure that it works all the time, on all seasons. Whether you knew some of these tips or not, you’ll find that these practices can really make a difference to the health of your plumbing system as a whole. When it comes to best protecting your budget and saving you from plumbing-related issues, it’s best to be proactive instead of doing things when problems occur.

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Top 4 Ways To Maintain Your Plumbing System

Your plumbing system is a critical part of your home. Without it, you can find yourself without any water to do your ordinary household activities, such as cleaning, flushing or even eating.

But how should you maintain your plumbing so that it continues to work well for a long time to come?

Here are the top 4 ways to maintain your plumbing system:

1. Take care of any leaks: Carefully check any and all places where there might be water flow, such as faucets, drains, and other water entryways. On top of this, it’s important to also check places where there might be a build-up of moisture, such as on or near dryers or other appliances. Keeping on top of this at least once a year to reduce risk of flooding, structural damage, and even mold, which can be quite the headache to fix!

2. Check your water pressure: One of the first signs that your plumbing system may need a checkup is by checking the water pressure. Checking the water pressure regularly will help stop many problems in its tracks, saving your money and hassle in the long run.

3. Check on your septic tank: One of the biggest damages that your house can suffer from is a septic tank burst, costing you a fortune in repairs. One of the biggest causes of this is from natural disasters, like earthquakes, tornados, or hurricanes. In order to battle this, it’s critical to install a “battery-powered backup sump pump”, which will help keep your septic tank running even during an emergency. When it comes to the inspection, it’s important to have a professional plumber do it, at least a few times a year, as repairs can be very costly. Plus, finding a small problem early on that’s easy to fix from an inspection can, save you a great deal of money in the long run.

4. Check on your water and gas shut-off valves: Every homeowner needs to know where their water and gas shut-off valves are. If you don’t know where these things are, it can be difficult to act in case of an emergency, such as a gas leak, which can be extremely hazardous if not taken care of properly. Also, in the event of shutting off your water valve, it’s important to remember to shut off your water heater as well, as to prevent any damage to it.

Checking all of these 4 routine maintenance tips will be the key to making sure your home’s plumbing system remains in good working condition for a long time.

Plumbing repairs can cost thousands to fix, and some can cause injuries, like a pool of water on a slippery floor from a leaking pipe. That’s why it’s important to keep on top of your plumbing systems to make sure any issues detected can be fixed.

Looking a professional plumber in the Sarasota area who is licensed and insured, with years of experience? Call or Text us @ 941-504-3578

Call or Text us @941-504-3578 for any plumbing issues in your home or office.

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source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/top-4-ways-to-maintain-your-plumbing-system/

5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Plumber

When you have issues with your plumbing, and you need to hire a plumber, you’ll find that there are a lot of options available to hire. So it’s important to choose the right plumber that will get the job done properly at a reasonable and affordable cost.

Unfortunately, this is where a lot of people make mistakes because they sort of take the plumbing of their home for granted and feel just about any plumber can get the problem fixed.

So here are 5 common mistakes to avoid when hiring a plumber:

1. Making your choice based on price alone: A lot of people make the mistake of hiring based on the price and while the price is important considering the fact that you get what you pay for, you should also get to know if the value of the service is directly proportional to the cost. This can be done by checking out the reviews online as well as the guarantees offered by such an individual or company.

2. Hiring an unlicensed plumber: This is another common hiring mistake because an unlicensed plumber could cost you less but the work they do might not be efficient which could end up costing you more money later in the process. So only look for plumbers that are licensed and insured.

3. Hiring a plumber without experience: A lot of plumbers might try to impress people with how many tools they have and the knowledge they have in their head, but then how well can the plumber make use of those tools? Does he even have any experience with your particular problem? Because truth is, if you hire an inexperienced plumber, they could create additional problems for your plumbing system. Your best option is to hire a certified plumber with years of experience.

4. Failing to read their reviews: Usually, in an emergency where a plumber is needed, it is quite easy to go with the first plumber you find but resist that temptation and instead, spend a few extra minutes online to check out their reviews on Google, social media, or on local directory sites. Plumbers that do an excellent job will have plenty of reviews from happy clients that will make you feel confident to choose them.

5. Poor communication: This is another mistake people make by assuming that the plumber should know what to do in every situation. It’s very important that you communicate everything that you notice that is wrong with your plumbing, so they have all the information they need to make informed decisions about what to do.

So those are 5 common mistakes to avoid when deciding which plumber to hire. And speaking of choosing the right one, at Next Level Plumbing, we are confident we would be the right choice for you if you reside in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

We have over 18+ years of experience, with multiple 5 star reviews online, and we provide free estimates. We would be happy to chat with you about any plumbing problem you may have. Call or text us at: 941-504-3578.

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3 Tips To Quickly Find A Reliable Plumber

There’s nothing worse than dealing with a plumbing issue when you are in the middle of your week. It means that you need to quickly find a reliable plumber and, of course, make yourself available for the plumber to come in and do the work for you.

It’s important to make sure that you understand that the right plumber can make all the difference. Not only do you need to make sure you’ll get the repair done right, you also want to be charged a decent price for the repair, not ripped off by someone who is just in it for the money.

If you’ve ever been burned with a bad plumber, you know even more that the right one is going to make all of the difference. So here’s how you can quickly find a reliable plumber.

1. Check with your neighbors for a shortlist: Since the people who live around you are going to be the most realistic options in terms of getting honest thoughts and opinions, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friendly neighbors and get their opinion on who to trust for dependable plumbing services. It might be helpful to check with a few of your neighbors and write down the names that you get. The names that overlap could give you a good idea of who to trust the most.

2. Research online: When you have a shortlist of who you think may be the right match for you, take those names and look around online to see what’s out there on the companies. You can cross-reference the names that your neighbors gave with any online reviews. This can help you refine your search a bit more and give you an idea of who does consistently good work.

3. Take a look at the general options online: If you can’t check with your neighbors, or you feel that they aren’t giving you enough information to feel confident in your choice, take a look online generally. Websites such as Yelp can be great for helping you to see what’s out there. Most of these local-based sites are also good for ranking them in terms of their overall quality so that you’ll see the highest-reviewed companies first.

Finding a reliable plumber can take some effort, especially if you’ve been burned before with untrustworthy companies. However, you don’t need to resign yourself to sticking with those not-so-good options.

There are many options available, but you can be confident that picking Next Level Plumbing as your plumber, you will find that a local, family owned company that’s on time, professional, with many 5 star online reviews, as many of our customers speak highly of our service quality. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any plumbing issue you have.

You can call or text us at our phone number: 941-504-3578 for a free quote.

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source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/3-tips-to-quickly-find-a-reliable-plumber/

Top 5 Money Saving Plumbing Tips

Plumbing issues are something that every homeowner will have to deal with at some point, because we all use plumbing in our houses.

Whether it is a busted pipe, a clogged drain, or just simply low water pressure, dealing with plumbing issues is no fun at all, In fact, it can be a real drain psychologically and financially, especially if its a big issue

Luckily for you, we have a few solutions to the problem of expensive plumbing problems that we think you should consider.

So here are 5 top money saving plumbing tips that you will wonder how you lived without:

1. Do Regular Prevention and Maintenance
   This might seem like common sense but you’d be amazed at just how uncommon that can be. Preventing problems before they happen is a no-brainer. Prevention can include things like stopping leaks from becoming bigger, paying attention to the sounds your plumbing is making, and simply being proactive in taking care of anything that might be a problem. As far as maintenance goes, you can contract local plumbers to have regular maintenance tasks performed on your plumbing system without you ever having to worry about it again. This is often the best option for many homeowners that want to keep their homes in the best condition possible.

2. Replace Older Parts
   One thing that will save you a ton of money over the life of your plumbing system is to simply replace things as they wear out – and immediately. Don’t wait for something to fail entirely: Consult with your plumbing expert and find a solution to your problem now while it’s relatively inexpensive.

3. Ask For Plumbing Referrals
   Another tip for saving money is to consult with friends and family members about who they have used as a plumber. This is how you truly separate the pros from the people that just claim to be part of the profession. Plumbing, like any job, is a skill and an art – don’t waste your money on someone who doesn’t know what they are doing.

4. Compare Plumbers and Prices
   One part of gathering referrals is to also compare and contrast who and what is out there in terms of plumbers and plumbing services. Not all companies and professionals are created equal and you need to find not only the best option for you but the best option overall. You can only do this through comparisons and, in this regard, the Internet can be very useful but should never be your only tool of research.

5. Know Exactly What Your Plumbing Needs Are
   Whenever you are facing a plumbing issue, try to itemize what your needs are and go from there. This will give you a roadmap to consult to make sure that, not only is the problem handled, but also that it is done in the most efficient way possible.

So make sure you pay attention to these 5 top money saving plumbing tips as they could save you a lot of money, and a lot of stress.

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source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/top-5-money-saving-plumbing-tips/

9 Plumbing Myths Debunked

Plumbing is a critical part of any house. When its not working properly, it interferes with enjoying your everyday life. That system of pipes and drains that keeps clean water flowing through and waste moving out is complex.

And as with all things complex, there are certain myths and misconceptions about plumbing that we would like to discuss and debunk in this post. This can also help you prevent problems, or spot them before they become bigger and more expensive to fix

1. All foods go in the garbage disposal
   There is a popular misconception that anything and everything can go down your garbage disposal. Actually, no. For example, you should not put things like coffee grinds, chicken bones, egg shells, pastas and soft foods, grease, or oil down the disposal – all of them can clog it up and destroy it over time, leading to costly repairs and headaches on your part.
   
2. Citrus fruits are great cleaning agents
   Any kind of citrus fruit has a level of acidity that will damage your plumbing system. It might smell good, but it is not a good idea. Use garbage disposal cleaners and fresheners that you can buy at a Walmart, Lowes, or Home Depot.
   
3. Occasional low water pressure is normal
   Any well-functioning plumbing system should operate without a hitch. If there is any loss of water pressure, that’s a sign that there could be a leak in your system.
   
4. You don’t need to check your plumbing unless there are issues
   Like everything else out there, your house’s plumbing system requires regular maintenance and routine checkup.
   
5. Chemical drain cleaners work miracles
   You should leave any kind of chemical drain cleaning system up to the professionals. We know that there are a lot of “solutions” out there, but its better to hire professional plumbers who know what they are doing.
   
6. In-tank toilet cleaners are all you need
   This is not the case – you also need to clean your toilet with other methods from time to time such as with cleaners and a brush.
   
7. It is difficult to prevent clogs
   Apart from being a silly idea, preventing clogs is as easy as taking preventative measures and eliminating habits that lead to them. There’s really nothing more to it.
   
8. Plumbing is a do-it-yourself skill
   Well, not really because professional plumbers have to certified, with that comes education and knowledge on the job about what works best. Because on the other hand, you could end up spending a fortune to fix an issue when hiring a master plumber would have been the better choice in the first place, instead of trying to do it yourself.
   
9. All plumbers are the same
   No, no, no! Sure, some plumbers are better and more experienced than others and you should find out who is the best in your area and settle for nothing less. The good news is that Next Level Plumbing is considered among the best in our local area. We know this because our customers keep talking about high quality services online, when they leave their testimonials.

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source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/9-plumbing-myths-debunked/

6 Possible Ways To Unclog Your Drains

A drains is a critical part of your plumbing system that can create a disaster if one happens to become clogged. Hence, necessitating the need to call a professional and licensed plumber.

Sometimes, you can just solve the problem at home by using some of the do-it-yourself techniques mentioned below:

So here are 6 possible ways for you to unclog your drain(s) without too much hassle.

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
   This is a simple solution that can solve a lot of simple clogs. First run hot water down the drain you want to unclog for about a minute. Then take a tablespoon of baking soda and pour that down the drain, then add some vinegar. Wait until the reaction has stopped then wash the drain down with water.
2. A Bent Wire Coat Hanger
   If you know something larger has collected in your drain that is not shifting using baking soda and vinegar then you can use a wire coat hanger to poke it clear. Simply take a cheap wire coat hanger and bend it so it forms into something like a fishing rod. From there you can fish out whatever is clogging your drains.
3. Boiled Water
   Simply boil as much water as your kettle will hold and pour the contents periodically over the drain in question. Make sure you wait a few seconds between each pour as this will make sure the boiling water can take effect properly. Boiling water does a great job of dissolving dirt and grime which build up in drains.
4. Detergent
   This is another method using simple, at home products. Grab your detergent of choice and mix it with as much boiling water as your kettle can boil. This will create a very hot foaming mixture that is ideal for washing away greasy deposits that have accumulated on the sides of your pipes. Pour the mixture down the drain, waiting a few seconds in between each pour.
5. Salt and Baking Soda
   This is another baking soda themed fix and is one that is very effective. Mix a tablespoon of both salt and baking soda together and pour the mixture down the drain. Leave the drain for around 15 minutes before gently pouring boiled water down the drain. This will start a chemical reaction that will rid your drains of much of the grease and grime that cause your blockages.
6. A Classic Plunger
   Almost every family has one and every family should use one. Simply place the plunger over the drain in question and pump away. These are simple ways you can easily unclog your drains. In most cases these will do the job. But if they don’t work, then you might need to call a plumber before it becomes a bigger issue.

The post 6 Possible Ways To Unclog Your Drains appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/6-possible-ways-to-unclog-your-drains/

5 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

Big or small, plumbing problems can really set you back money wise and, especially when its unexpected.

Part of prevention is maintenance, because maintenance is one thing that can prevent a small issue from becoming a big financial disaster. Another huge part of avoiding these massive costs is knowing what can happen and how it comes about.

So here are five common residential plumbing emergencies and how they happen. This should not only help you head them off but also keep you on your toes about the conditions that lead to them forming.

1. Burst Pipes
   Probably the biggest issue with a burst pipe is shutting off the water in time to avoid serious water damage to other parts of your house. Burst pipes can happen for a number of reasons – too many to list here – but the important thing is to act quickly and have the number of a local, trusted plumber saved in case you may need a professional plumber to come to your rescue in an emergency.
   
2. Frozen Pipes
   Frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes but the main difference is that you can better predict when this is going to occur. This is mostly common in colder climates (very rare in Florida) where temperatures can drop significantly. When that happens you need to keep the water flowing through your pipes to prevent them from freezing which can lead to burst pipes.
   
3. Leaky Plumbing
   This happens often especially in houses with old, worn out piping. Leaks can also occur because of clogs which causes blockage in the pipes. You can unclog it yourself or have a pro come and take care of the problem for you. There are causes of leaky pipes, but they do happen to everyone. So have the contact info of a good local plumber saved in an easy to get place.
   
4. Clogged Drains
   Along with leaky plumbing, seriously clogged drains can be a nightmare. Why? Imagine a clogged toilet that is overflowing. Nasty, right? Aside from creating a potentially health issue, you also have the potential of a big financial hit. That’s why at Next Level Plumbing, we try to arrive at our stoppage calls as soon as we can.
   
5. Gas Leaks
   The telltale sign of a gas leak is the smell of gas. If you notice/detect the smell of gas, that’s an indication that there might be a problem. You should snuff out any open flames, like scent candles that in the same room or vicinity. Then open the windows to let the gas out and bring in fresh air. Then call the gas company if its a major emergency and is not something you can handle yourself. Call the gas company and let them know what the situation is and they’ll take it from there.
   
   These are 5 of the most common residential plumbing emergencies. Get on top of them, and you could save yourself a lot of money and stress. Contact us today for free quote!

The post 5 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/5-most-common-plumbing-emergencies/

4 Reasons Why You Have Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a very common problem in homes. At times it can feel like a problem that never goes away. However, many pressure related problems boil down to a just a few factors.

Here are top 4 reasons why you have low water pressure in your house:

1. Leaky pipes
   A very common problem, especially for older houses, They often go unnoticed and the problem builds and builds and builds until low water pressure is the least of your problems. Be sure to check your pipes regularly and see if there are any places inside or outside where there might be moisture or pools of water that shouldn’t be there. If there are, you might have found a leak.
   
2. A leaky faucet or shower head
   Another very common problem is a leaky faucet or shower head. Just because of general wear and tear, faucets and shower heads will tend to leak over time. The good news is you can almost always do these repairs yourself. To fix a leaky shower head or tap, just head down to your local hardware store and pick out a new one, and replace the old with the new.
   
3. The water meter valve is not fully on
   There are two main valves that control water flow, and therefore water pressure to your entire house. One of these valves is usually only turned when work is being done near, or on your water meter. If you’ve had work done in the past, it’s possible the water company forgot to fully open the valve after the work had been completed. You can check to see if its fully open or not. If not, then open it. If this was the cause of your low pressure problem, then you would see an instant improvement in water pressure.
   
4. A Faulty Pressure-Reducing Valve
   Sounds technical but its really not. A pressure-reducing valve is a valve that regulates the water pressure inside pipes to stop any damage being done to your pipes. If you know this valve hasn’t been replaced recently and you are experiencing water pressure issues, then there is a good chance that your pressure-reducing valve is working too well and is limiting water pressure a bit much. You will need a professional plumber to fix this problem, and once it’s fixed your water pressure should improve rapidly.
   
   Typically for any water pressure issues, the problem often lies in the piping and/or water supply. Most times you can fix these issues yourself (if you know how). But if you don’t know, or you don’t want to deal with the hassle yourself, then call us today.
   
   Often, its much cheaper to have a professional and licensed plumber fix your plumbing issues in the first place, rather than having them come to fix an issue that has only gotten worse after you attempted to fix it yourself.

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source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/4-reasons-why-you-have-low-water-pressure/

Next Level Travel Tips!

Have you ever been to a hotel, friends house, or Airbnb and not been able to figure out how to work the plumbing in the bathroom? 

Don’t feel bad, this is not as uncommon as you might think. It is actually very common. In this blog series we will go over some travel tips for different types of plumbing that may throw you for a loop while you’re traveling.

Series 1: Shower Faucets

Most of us are accustomed to a couple different styles of faucets and when we are confronted with a new style it can throw us.

So what can you do to avoid having to call a friend or the front desk to figure out how to operate the shower? 

In most situations shower faucets are going to operate in one of four ways.

1. Pull on, push off.
This is just like it sounds. You grab the handle and pull it. For this style the water turns on, then usually you turn the handle right or left for hot and cold. When you are done you push the handle till it stops and the water turns off.

2. Turn to turn on.
Again, not too complicated. Turn the handle, often counterclockwise. This turns on the water. The further you turn it the hotter it gets. When you are done, turn it back to the starting point and the water turns off. Note: Sometimes the original plumbing installer makes a mistake and switches the hot and cold pipes. The faucet still works, but hot and cold is backwards. Just keep turning the faucet handle till you find the right temperature.

3. Temperature controlled valves with two handles or knobs.
These are usually the ones that get people. Usually there are two levers, or knobs. One turns both knobs together, and one turns just the one.
In this case one handle is for temperature, the other is for volume, or on/off. For this style, once you turn it on, if you find the temperature you like just leave it there. Then when you shower next just turn it on and don’t touch the second knob or lever. It will automatically adjust to the same temperature you left it at.

4. Two handle style. (Or more)
This is often a luxury bathroom. Each handle does something different. One does the on/off, another usually does the temperature adjustment, and then if there are more they usually divert water from the shower head to the handheld, or to the body sprays, or the rain head.
In this case, find out the on/off by turning it (usually centered and lower), set the temperature, and then turn the other handles and see what functions turn on or off. If there is a handle in a shower it is ok to turn it, that’s what it is designed for.

We hope these bits of wisdom help you during your travels, whenever and wherever you go!

Interested? Curious to know more? Let us know! You can continue to read more of our blogs by clicking the links below.

Next Level Tips: Choose Your Contractor Wisely

Ask Your Plumber: Plumbing Upgrades & Remodels

Understanding Your Plumbing Technology

Hope you enjoy!
As always, if you are looking for a plumber to help you out with a maintenance call or plumbing emergency, feel free to give us a call or text at (941)504-3578, check out our website, or email us at nextlevelplumbinginc@gmail.com. We’d be happy to schedule a free estimate for you and provide you with all the professional help you need!

The post Next Level Travel Tips! appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/next-level-travel-tips/

Next Level Tips: Choose Your Contractor Wisely

Maybe you’ve never had a bad experience working with a contractor, maybe you’ve only heard of bad experiences from others, and want to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. What should you do to go the safe route?

When choosing a Plumbing Contractor, or any contractor for that matter, always do your research first. Look them up and check their reviews online. See how many they have, how recent the reviews are, and if there are bad ones, what they say.

Usually you can tell from a bad review if it is legitimate or just someone complaining. If you see a lot of great reviews and the ones complaining are saying the price is too high, then you know you are likely looking at a very good company, but they aren’t cheap. 

If you see a company that seems decent, but the major complaint is that they are not on time, then they are probably a cheaper option, however you’re sacrificing reliability for that. That might be a deal breaker, and it is for most people, but maybe that doesn’t bother you.

If you see a lot of good reviews overall, but complaints about a specific technician, there might be a bad apple in an otherwise good company. 

If there are several complaints and the topic varies, they might just be a subpar company overall. Best to stay away from them.

If there are a lot of good and somewhat recent reviews, and very few bad reviews, you can be reasonably sure it is a good company to work with.

Another thing to consider when researching (besides reviews) is to check into sunbiz.org and make sure they have a license for the work they will be doing. It will show if they have the license or not. If they do not, do NOT use them. They would be doing work illegally and that is not the best way to find a good Plumbing Contractor to work with.

The third big thing to check is if they have insurance.

Never hire a company that does not have proper insurance. Ask them to make sure they do. If you suspect they are lying to you, ask them for proof. If they have it, they can give it to you.

There are two reasons to look for insurance.

1. If they do not have liability insurance and something happens like a flood from the work they did, your insurance will have to cover it.

2. If they do not have insurance and a tech gets injured on the job, the tech can actually legally go after you since they got injured on your property. Because of the amount of medical bills that can quickly add up, this is a huge reason to hire only professionals that are insured.

Finally, we all like to do work with people we like and trust. And that is a good thing. After answering all of the above questions, choose the company that you trust the most. Whether you call out one company or 3 for the original quote, make sure you trust the person selling the job.

While this advice is not going to guarantee that you will not have any problems, it will go a long way to weed out the problem companies. 

Interested? Curious to know more? Let us know! You can continue to read more of our blogs by clicking the links below.

PSA: Look Under Your Sinks!

PSA (Plumbing Service Announcement) Part 1: Water Heaters

Next Level Plumbing Upgrades: Toilets!

Hope you enjoy!
As always, if you are looking for a plumber to help you out with a maintenance call or plumbing emergency, feel free to give us a call or text at (941)504-3578, check out our website, or email us at nextlevelplumbinginc@gmail.com. We’d be happy to schedule a free estimate for you and provide you with all the professional help you need!

The post Next Level Tips: Choose Your Contractor Wisely appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/next-level-tips-choose-your-contractor-wisely/

Have Contractor Concerns???

What to do when the contractor disappears from the job, and how to choose a good contractor.

(Advice courtesy of Next Level Plumbing’s owner and master plumber, Byron Thomson.)

You have been looking at your old, out of style bathroom and have been thinking about changing things up for several years now. You finally decide to pull the trigger, you choose the look you want, and you get a couple of prices because this will be a complete change up it is not cheap. 
You call 7 different plumbing contractors, and only 4 of them actually show up to give you a quote. Of those 4 only 2 actually give you a price. You make your decision and sign the contract with the plumbing company you selected and make the down payment. They arrive to begin work but then run into unforeseen problems. They leave, saying they’ll come back the next day, but you never see them again. 

This story, although made up, is parts of stories I have heard over and over as a plumbing contractor in the state of Florida. Unfortunately this is not as uncommon as it should be. Florida is notorious for its share of crappy contractors. 

So what happens if this happens to you?

First of all find out if they got a permit for the work they were doing. If they did, the permit should be changed to reflect the correct company working on the job. This is important to know and tell the plumber who is coming out to take over the job.

When I have taken over jobs in the past I always have a lot of questions. I want to know what exactly I’m walking into. From my end, I don’t want to get caught in a situation where both the homeowner and the contractor are suing each other over a breach of contract leaving me unsure exactly who is liable for what or I might not get paid, or if I might have to write up documents and prove things as a plumbing contractor about the job for the courts. This is why I want to know what I am getting myself into before bidding the job.

Once I understand the situation I can offer the solution. It could be as simple as us completing the job for X amount. Or it could involve working with the county or city to resolve the permit, giving proof of what was done when I started to the lawyers, or even in some cases telling you that you need a General Contractor and I can do the work subcontracted through them.

Regardless of what extent I have to go to for the job, it is always best to be up front and honest with the plumber coming to correct the original issues. If you hide things from them, that can make things go poorly.

We hope these tips help you to be more prepared!

Concerned about your home and plumbing? Give us a call!
Did you enjoy today’s Next Level blog? If you did, go ahead and check out these other blogs!

Understanding Your Plumbing Technology

Ask Your Plumber: Plumbing Upgrades & Remodels

PSA: Look Under Your Sinks!

Hope you enjoy!

As always, if you are looking for a plumber to help you out with a maintenance call or plumbing emergency, feel free to give us a call or text at (941)504-3578, check out our website, or email us at nextlevelplumbinginc@gmail.com. We’d be happy to schedule a free estimate for you and provide you with all the professional help you need!

The post Have Contractor Concerns??? appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/have-contractor-concerns/

Benefits of Bidets -Part 2-

When talking about bidets it is important to note the two main differences. There are bidets that are their own separate unit that are installed next to the toilet, and there are bidet seats that are installed on toilets.

For the purposes of this post we will be referring to the bidet seats as that is the main bidet we deal with in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice areas.

There are many types of bidet seats available on the market. So which one is the best choice for you?

One of the biggest factors to decide on when choosing a bidet seat is whether it will require an electrical outlet or not. For the ones that do you will need an outlet close to the toilet to plug the seat in.

Look at the features and decide if it is worth the extra price of a bidet seat that plugs in verses a bidet seat that is fully manual. Also keep in mind that an electrician can install an outlet for you, it is all just a matter of what you want to pay for the features you would like.

The simple types of bidet seats that have two dials on the side of the toilet, one is on/off for one of the two sprayers, and the other dial for water pressure. These do not require an outlet and will be among the least expensive options around.

After that you start to get more fancy when you add the ability to plug the bidet seat in. You have a remote to turn on the bidet, adjust the angle and pressure of the spray, turn on a seat warmer, etc. They can automatically raise the seat when you walk over to the toilet, and close it when you are done.

There are a lot of options on the market, once you have determined your price range, features you want, and found out about the electrical, then its just finding the one you want!

Did you enjoy today’s Next Level blog? If you did, go ahead and check out these other blogs!

The Benefits of Bidets -Part 1-

Ask Your Plumber: Plumbing Upgrades & Remodels

Understanding Your Plumbing Technology

Hope you enjoy!

As always, if you are looking for a plumber to help you out with a maintenance call or plumbing emergency, feel free to give us a call or text at (941)504-3578, check out our website, or email us at nextlevelplumbinginc@gmail.com. We’d be happy to schedule a free estimate for you and provide you with all the professional help you need!

The post Benefits of Bidets -Part 2- appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/benefits-of-bidets-part-2/

The Benefits of Bidets -Part 1-

Ever since the great toilet paper shortage of 2020 there has been an increased interest in bidets.

And why not?

Bidets have been increasing in popularity for years now for good reason. Let’s explore some of the reasons…

Easy to Use & Helpful-

One reason people will chose bidets is that they are easier to use than a toilet, especially when you need to clean yourself after a surgery or injury that reduces core flexibility.

A bidet is able to help you avoid the twists and turns that can be so difficult in those situations.

Less Toilet Paper–

The second reason is a rather obvious one, they use less toilet paper.

This is very hand for people who have failing septic tanks and failing plumbing drains in general. For them, reducing the amount of solids that can potentially cause a stoppage is a very good thing.

Comfort-

While some people have absolutely no interest in a bidet, we find that a large number of people who try them find out they like them. So comfort is a big deal as well.

Come back on Friday for Part 2 of “The Benefits of Bidets” and see what else we have to share!

Did you enjoy today’s Next Level blog? If you did, go ahead and check out these other blogs!

Ask Your Plumber: Plumbing Upgrades & Remodels

PSA: Look Under Your Sinks!

Next Level COVID Safety: Part 2

Hope you enjoy!

As always, if you are looking for a plumber to help you out with a maintenance call or plumbing emergency, feel free to give us a call or text at (941)504-3578, check out our website, or email us at nextlevelplumbinginc@gmail.com. We’d be happy to schedule a free estimate for you and provide you with all the professional help you need!

The post The Benefits of Bidets -Part 1- appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/the-benefits-of-bidets-part-1/

Understanding Your Plumbing Technology

Here are some technician tips specially selected to help you understand your plumbing!

These are both technology & technician tips provided to help you understand & minimize your plumbing problems!

Technology tips:

It isn’t hard to simply google a problem you have, and in today’s world that is usually the first thing we do when a problem or question comes up! But Google has so much info that sometimes it gets tricky knowing what to take away from its endless pages! Here are some technology tips that can simplify your questions or concerns about the plumbing in your home!

Tip 1: Looking for info on your water heater or a plumbing fixture in your home???

Many manufacturers provide detailed information on their products, including where and how to find out the age of your water heater, or whether that shower faucet needs a repair or to be replaced! Most websites also have a contact page that allows you to send a request or find a number to call with questions or concerns as well!

Tip 2: Narrow down the online search by being as specific as you can with your search!

If you are looking for a company to come drain your septic tank, make sure you find a business that does that in your area, don’t just call the first plumbing company you think of! Many businesses specialize in specific things, and will list those areas of expertise on their website. For example, Next Level Plumbing specializes in residential plumbing repairs and remodel work. If you have further questions, never hesitate to call the business and ask before setting up an appointment!

Tip 3: Read the reviews!

Whether this is for a product or a plumbing company, checking to see how they’ve been reviewed always helps! This gives you a better understanding of their product and/or service helping you to make an informed decision about what’s best for you!

Technician tips:

When you call a plumbing company and they send a technician to your home, it can be expected that you want someone knowledgeable in that service area to arrive and fix the problem at hand… but have you ever had an experience that you reflect on with a thought similar to this?

“I don’t think that technician was very experienced or knowledgeable…”

We all have the same perspective when it comes to this type of situation. We’re paying for quality work and a knowledgeable person to do it! So here are a few tips to better understand your plumbing, courtesy of NLP’s owner & master plumber, Byron.

Tip 1: Check up on the plumbing company you use!

If you start to see a trend of plumbers not doing their job as well as they should be, you might consider trying a new company or checking to make sure you’re working with a quality business! Florida law only requires one plumbing license on the whole company which means that it is up to the company to make sure their plumbers are qualified to do their jobs!

Tip 2: Keep track of any warranties you purchase!

Some plumbing companies provide very specific warranties on work they do, and various manufacturers often have warranties that other companies or plumbers are not able to work with. The same goes for home warranty companies so make sure to do your research in regards to any and all warranties!

Tip 3: Sometimes it’s best to let the professionals handle it!

You may be an exceptional do-it-yourself-er, but occasionally it’s best to let the plumber do the plumbing! Many times a customer will order or buy a part online and expect everything to work out perfectly for the install, however, that’s quite often not the case. If you’re even the least bit unsure about a plumbing concern in your home, give us a call or text at Next Level Plumbing! We can go out and assess the problem and provide with you a free quote and discuss your best options, this allows the best option to be chosen on the first try! No frustration or confusion necessary!

Did you enjoy today’s Next Level blog? If you did, go ahead and check out these other blogs!

Ask Your Plumber: Plumbing Upgrades & Remodels

PSA: Tips for Renters

PSA: Tips for Renters

Hope you enjoy!

As always, if you are looking for a plumber to help you out with a maintenance call or plumbing emergency, feel free to give us a call or text at (941)504-3578, check out our website, or email us at nextlevelplumbinginc@gmail.com. We’d be happy to schedule a free estimate for you and provide you with all the professional help you need!

The post Understanding Your Plumbing Technology appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.

source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/understanding-your-plumbing-technology/