Does A New Potty Mean A Call to The Pros?

If you're working on updating a bathroom, or if you're facing the need to replace one (or more) of your toilets, you might be standing in the hardware store asking yourself, "Do I really need to call a plumber to install this?" While installing a new toilet seems easy, and most YouTube DIYers would tell you it is, the average person should be wary before embarking on tackling the task themselves.

Why?

Toilet installations have several steps, and each one carries the risk of leaking, water damage, and/or damage to your new toilet. The very first step is removing the old toilet, and that starts with shutting off the water at the wall. If you go to shut off the water and the valve snaps or won't turn (which is actually common with very old toilets that haven't been worked on in a long time), you could cause a catastrophic leak if the pipe itself gets damaged. When installing a new toilet, many plumbers recommend replacing the valve at the same time, in addition to the water lines. This ensures that everything is fresh, functioning well, and will support the new toilet. After you've removed the old toilet, you have to worry about securing the new toilet (and leveling it) using the flange and bolts. If your toilet is incompatible with the existing flange, or if that flange is damaged, you'll have to replace it. Depending on the age of your home, you could be facing some major complications with this step. A metal flange could have to be cut away, and that's a job for the professionals. Finally, installing the new toilet requires getting a complete seal using a wax ring. If you misalign this or don't do this step correctly on the first try, you could be left with leaks every time you flush.

Why take the risk? Installing a toilet is a quick and easy process with Dickens Plumbing Inc. The best part? We'll remove your old toilet and take it away, no questions asked! You'll be left with a new toilet, a clean space, and a bathroom that's ready to use. Call us for your free estimate! We serve cities throughout the Polk County area of Central Florida with superior plumbing repairs. How can we help you?

What's The Deal? Are These Common "Specials" Really Worth The Money?

When it comes to home purchases, everyone wants to find the best possible deal. After all, who wants to pay more for something than they have to?? Unfortunately, this chase of the lowest price tag could leave you with poor quality work or materials that will wear out quickly, costing you more money in replacements over time. Dickens Plumbing Inc. believes in doing honest, quality work at an affordable price, and we want our clients to know when they're truly getting a good deal. Do you know what to watch for when you see advertisements for something new in 2022?

Here are some tips to help!

Free Installation Isn't Always Free

Many big box stores offer "free" installation on carpet, lighting, or appliances. Unfortunately, that "savings" is often rolled into the item, inflating the cost and leaving you paying more for lower quality. What's more, they often require expensive (and unnecessary) "accessory" packages for installation of appliances, knocking the cost up even more. Instead of falling for free installation, visit some of your local outlet stores or nearby showrooms. You can often get a lower price on better-quality items. Then, contact a local contractor (like Dickens Plumbing) to take care of installation and provide you with peace of mind, bonding, and insurance on the work done!

Be Wary of The Scratch and Dent Section

Some items in the scratch and dent section of your local stores truly are a gem find, but others? Not so much. Refrigerators and freezers specifically warrant an extra close examination before you say yes. These items can become easily damaged if turned sideways or upside down too long, or if jostled too much during shipping and handling. Since the items in these areas are often returned, they've been taken to (and from) someone's home, and that travel comes with risks. Be sure to get a good, hands-on look before you buy, and always feel free to ask questions of your sales associate. If they hesitate to answer, you're usually better to walk away.

Don't Assume That Cheaper Means Better

Many companies are advertising heavily at the beginning of a new year. While these new pop-up businesses might have fancy postcards or free refrigerator magnets, do they have the experience and reputation backing up their name? These companies might offer cheaper pricing on plumbing, paint, or roofing, but if they don't have the necessary skills, equipment, or insurance, you could end up holding a BIG bill with nothing to show for it. Instead, get at least 3 quotes from local companies before you hire anyone to do a job in your home. Look for years of experience and insurance options, ask for references, and don't always settle for the cheapest price up front.

If you need home plumbing services, look no further than Dickens Plumbing Inc. We provide a wide variety of services for residences in and around the greater Winter Haven area. No job is too big or too small. Call for your FREE estimate!

Feast Under Construction: Building the Perfect Holiday Meal

We've almost made it to the big week! Thanksgiving is coming up this Thursday and we are excited to spend time with family and friends, celebrating the many things we have to be thankful for this year. Of course, no Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a delicious meal, and that can get tricky, especially if you aren't a culinary wizard in the kitchen. At Dickens Plumbing, we are no stranger to hands-on projects, and we like to think of a Thanksgiving dinner as another assignment. With the right tools, the right materials, and a few handy tips, you can whip up a holiday feast like a pro!

Make Your List, Check It Twice

Lists might not be your thing on an everyday basis, but for making a Thanksgiving feast, they will be your best friend. We never head to a home or job site without going over everything we need, including the tools we'll use to get the job done. It's no different in your kitchen. Decide what you'll be making, determine all the ingredients you'll need and tools required to complete the dish, and then take inventory of what you already have. Anything you don't have on hand will need to be purchased. When you head to the store with your list in hand, you'll know exactly what you need and come home prepared!

Plan Ahead

If you were to peek inside a workspace of Dickens Plumbing, you would probably see more than a few blueprints and plans lying around. Just like we use blueprints to lay out a plan and design for our projects, it's a good idea for you to put together a basic outline and plan for your Thanksgiving meal. Determine seating for all guests, decide what can be made ahead of time to save you stress on the big day, and do as much prep work as possible in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. For example: consider washing all place settings, table cloths, etc. at the beginning of the week and keeping them in a safe (clean) spot until you need them. Also consider making any dishes that can be frozen in the days ahead, and then just pull them out and bake them on the morning of Thanksgiving!

Shortcuts

No, we don't take shortcuts that will sacrifice quality in our jobs, and we aren't asking you to either! The team at Dickens Plumbing believes in giving our clients the highest quality work possible, and will offer nothing short of outstanding results on repair and remodel jobs. However, when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, a shortcut or two could save you a lot of time and stress, and make the whole day more enjoyable for everyone. Think about the parts of the dinner that stress you out the most, and then figure out how to make them a little easier. Does the thought of baking pies from scratch give you a headache before you even pull out the flour? Don't let it! There are plenty of delicious pie options at many local grocery stores and bakeries that are cost effective, beautiful, and will taste as good (or better!) than homemade. Your guests don't even have to know! Just place the pie on your own serving plate and it can be your secret! Other shortcuts include having family contribute by bringing some of the dishes needed for the meal, purchasing a few high-quality, pre-made options (you can even buy delicious pre-made mashed potatoes!) or even purchasing your turkey already cooked!

Finishing Touches

When the big day arrives, finishing touches can be what sets your Thanksgiving dinner apart as a raving success from just being "good". Do you love a warm, cozy atmosphere? Add some candles, some background music, and offer a laid-back environment for your guests. If you want something with a more sophisticated flair, have appetizers and cocktails ready to serve as guests arrive. They can mingle and enjoy the meal from the very start, before they ever get to the dining room!

We hope that you can pull some of these tips to make your holiday cooking endeavors more successful (and less stressful)! Just follow your plan as much as you can, have fun, and enjoy your family and friends this holiday season. If you notice that bringing in all those extra mouths to feed overwhelmed the plumbing, we’re here to help! Call us to schedule and estimate, and be ready to make next year's holiday dinners better than ever before.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to you!

Double Duty: Why You Should Choose A Contractor That Is Licensed AND Experienced

When it's time to hire a contractor for your home, the options are plentiful in Polk County. From the local handyman down the street, to the commercialized, big-box store contracted "professionals", you can find people willing to hop over to your home and install appliances, repair water damage, fix pipes, replace flooring, or offer a full renovation of a space in your home...but does that mean they're the best choice?

Obviously, there are factors to be considered when hiring a contractor that can greatly impact the job at hand. While we understand that cost is a big factor for you as the homeowner, going with the cheapest guy available and opting for the lowest quote usually means you'll end up with sub-par work, potential insurance issues down the road when that repair or replacement starts leaking, and likely, a bad experience all the way around. However, the most expensive contractor isn't always the top choice either. The balance is actually in the middle, and more than cost, there are two big requirements to look at when you hire a contractor to work on your home: licensure and experience.

A licensed contractor is one you can trust, since they have been made to pass a myriad of different criteria before acquiring that licensure. Additionally, they are usually insured (licensure and insurance typically go hand in hand) which protects you and your home from damages and/or injuries of the contractor and his team. Licensure alone though doesn't necessarily guarantee a great outcome. A newly licensed handyman can receive his official numbers, but if you have a particularly tough issue to tackle or are requesting a complex renovation, he might be a little off put by it and have a hard time coming up with the best solution. That's where experience comes in. An experienced contractor has a wide variety of clients backing him or her up, and can offer you a list of references from previous clients. These references not only give you a glimpse of the customer service provided by the contractor, but also give you an idea of what types of jobs he or she has handled in the past. The more experience, the better.

Dickens Plumbing Inc. is both licensed AND experienced, providing service for homeowners throughout Polk County and the surrounding areas. We specialize in plumbing repair, appliance installation, bathroom and kitchen work, and a variety of other "handyman" tasks that you want a professional contractor to handle. We provide a long list of references for your specific type of job, and our goal is to make you feel as confident as possible in your choice to use us for your project, before we ever pick up the tools to begin. Call us to schedule your estimate!

No Luck: Why You Shouldn't Trust Luck when Choosing a Plumber

St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, and we were wondering...are you feeling lucky?? Do you often rely on luck to get you through when it comes to making decisions? That might work fine with choices like where to go for dinner, where to vacation, or even what color shirt to wear (just pull one out of the dryer, right?), but when you need a service provider, luck just isn't good enough. Choosing someone to work on your home's most important parts like the plumbing, the roof, or the HVAC system is a big deal, and making the wrong decision could have disastrous and long-lasting consequences.

So, how should you go about choosing the best person or company for the job when a need arises? Well, there are three main factors to look for:

License

Insurance

References

Why? Well, if a contractor or business is licensed, that means they've met a set of required standards in their field, and they actually are trained and qualified to handle your job. Opting for an unlicensed individual or a "business" you found through a homemade yard sign at the street corner could leave you with someone who learned all of their skills from YouTube and has no legitimate education or experience. That could leave you holding the bill for poor work and damages to your home. Which leads to the second factor you need to consider: insurance.

Insurance matters for you AND for the service provider. An insured contractor or company is not only protecting you from accidents or faulty work, but they're also protecting themselves in case they get injured on your property and your coverage won't assist them in the recovery or damages. A provider who doesn't carry insurance obviously doesn't care about you or about themselves, and that's a risk you just don't want to take.

Finally, you have the right to look for, and ask for, references before you make a decision. Any quality company will have previous clients who can offer insight into the quality of work, the customer service experience, the strengths/weaknesses of the particular business, and more. If a business owner or individual can't or won't give you any references and the ability to contact them, and if you have a hard time finding any legitimate reviews about the service, it's a good indicator that you need to keep searching. If they're proud of their work and have satisfied clients, they'll want to show them off!

Dickens Plumbing Inc. is proud to be licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can feel confident when you choose us to handle your household plumbing needs. We offer a full list of plumbing services and can handle jobs of all sizes so you always know who to call. Quality materials, an honest approach, and reliable service are why residents in and around Polk County call us again and again.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Are Vacation Rentals Still A Lucrative Investment After COVID-19? We Say Yes.

COVID-19 has impacted, literally, almost every area of our lives here in the US and around the world. The tragedy of lost lives and lost livelihoods isn't lost on us, and our thoughts are with everyone touched by this pandemic. As the world begins to stretch and come back out into the sun though, questions about what life will look like in our "new normal" are starting to come up, and the conversation about travel, vacations, and rental properties are definitely included in those discussions. For a long time, investment properties were a huge money-maker for people of all walks, and companies like AirBNB and HomeAway offered an easy way for people who owned extra space to rent it out and make cash, while offering affordable getaways for people wanting to travel. Following the recent health crisis and shutdowns though, most properties were closed and those companies ceased to operate. They are beginning to come forward though and help their hosts figure out the next steps to opening once again (you can read more about that here https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/t/coronavirus-updates-34) and as they do, we feel that it's a good time to share some information about rental properties and what it could mean for you. 

When you choose to rent out a space, whether it's an apartment, or a full house, some preparation needs to be made if you want to actually make money off of the investment. People are attracted to homes that actually feel like a vacation, and that could require some upgrades and changes on your part before listing your property. With everyone home right now, and few people traveling, it's the perfect time to make those changes so you won't be losing out on potential income by doing it when vacationing begins once more. Our tips below can help you make sure you're ready for opening day. 

First, you need to focus on your bathroom space. Few things will make a space feel luxurious like a renovated bathroom. By re-doing a bathroom to accommodate renters and/or vacationers, you can up the value of your rental space by a significant amount. Aim for plenty of natural light and clean, crisp colors to make the space feel contemporary and fresh. Have matching linens (towels, washcloths, floor mats, etc.) to make things feel posh, and consider additional options like upscale toiletry items left out for guests, or bathrobes that can be used and then laundered with the other bathroom linens. Small touches can have a huge impact! In the circumstance that the bathroom will be shared by residents in the home and renters (as you would have when renting out a single bedroom in your home), the same rules apply, but you can leave the linens and toiletry items in a nice basket or container in the bedroom space for your renters to find when they arrive. 

You also need to keep guests in mind when it comes to the sleeping space. Have plenty of storage for them, and again use clean colors that will open up the space and make things feel bright. Use natural light when you can, but have plenty of additional light sources like overhead lights (and fans!) and attractive lamps placed strategically. If possible have both a sleeping and sitting area in the bedroom, especially if you are only renting out that single, small zone. This will let your guest have some privacy for using their computer, reading, talking on the phone, etc. without sitting in bed the entire time. Additionally, consider having a paper left out for your renter on the bed with important information (like key channels on the television, the WI-Fi password, etc.) so they don't feel awkward having to hunt down this info at an inopportune time. 

If you are renovating a large area (like an over-garage apartment for example) to rent out for vacationers, you will also need to keep them in mind for kitchen and dining areas, and even for outdoor patios and porches. If you are on vacation, you want everything to feel like a luxury, not a chore, so kitchens should have as many convenience options as you can afford. At the very least, opt for good-quality appliances (including a dishwasher!) and try to stock your cabinets with the basics in cooking equipment (like a good set of pots and pans, several place settings for dining, etc.). This will go a long way in getting good reviews from renters and will help you make more money! For your outdoor areas, think about the overall experience of being in and around your home. If you have a good view, maximize it with a sitting area and perhaps a fire pit. Have a pool? Add some tropical plants in corners or around the perimeter to offer some shade/privacy, have plenty of outdoor seating nearby, and have pool towels ready to go in an attractive storage solution. These touches are a huge hit with guests! 

Dickens Plumbing Inc. is here to help you with any and all plumbing upgrades you want to make, whether it's for a rental property or for your very own home. We can handle any project, no matter the size, from installing a new dishwasher in your kitchen to installing new fixtures throughout all bathroom spaces. We are proud to serve the greater Polk County area so give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Time for Change: 4 Signs That It's Time to Replace Your Toilet

As a plumbing service provider, toilets are a significant part of our work day. From routine clogs to some pretty unique and interesting issues, we've seen it all when it comes to the potty, and because of that, we've learned a lot of valuable information that we like to pass on to you. One of the questions we hear a lot relates to when, not why, or how, you need to replace a potty. Obviously, toilet replacements happen for a number of reasons, not the least of which is simply an aesthetic update to your bathroom, but if your current toilet still fits with the theme of the space (or you simply don't care about looks) some other factors need to be considered so you know when it's time for something new. 

Here are 4 signs to watch out for when deciding if you need a replacement potty: 

Rocking. If your toilet rocks every time someone has a seat, it could be a simple need for a bolt re-tigthening. However, if the rocking continues and it's not related to the mounting hardware, it might be time for a new unit. A rocking toilet means there is movement going on around the pipe, and that can lead to leaks and other issues down the road. 

Inefficient flushing. If you notice that a single flush is no longer...er...doing its job 100%...it might not be related to the plumbing. The toilet unit itself is responsible for some of the action that takes place during each flush, and if the mechanics are worn out, you're going to end up with evidence left behind. No one wants that! Of course, before you replace the potty, it's worth a call to your plumber to get an inspection done. It might be something as simple as something clogging the drain pipe. If you do need a new toilet, they can verify that and help you find the best fit for the space. 

Leaking. A leaking toilet is a surefire way to know it's time for a replacement. While even a brand new toilet can leak if installed incorrectly (not level, tank not tightened down enough, etc.), a toilet that has worked fine for many years that suddenly starts leaking could be a warning sign. Seals can go bad over time, and if that's the case, a new unit might be the best solution to the problem. 

Cracking. This is perhaps the most obvious reason to replace your toilet. If you have any chips or cracks in the porcelain itself, it's time for something new. Cracks will worsen over time, and can not only be dangerous if sharp edges are left exposed, but can eventually lead to leaks and water damage in your bathroom. While small, aesthetic nicks and scratches can often be repaired, a full crack or break in the tank or bowl warrants a full replacement. 

If you suspect it's time to plan for a new potty, give us a call! We can inspect your current bathroom, determine if you do in fact need a new unit, and then help you find the best options available to you. Even better? We can install the new toilet and haul the old one away, so you can settle right back into normal life with one less worry on your mind. We are Polk County's favorite plumbing service, and we are ready and waiting to help you! 

Time to Sell: 3 Tips to Get Your House Market Ready

With the current real estate market booming, people are quickly realizing that now is the perfect time to get top dollar for their home. While it is a seller's market, if you truly want to get maximum value for your house, making sure it's at its best is key. Hopeful home buyers will be looking for specific points when doing walk-throughs of potential options, and if your house isn't up to the standard, you'll end up getting passed by over and over again. Thus is the downside of a booming market!

However, there are things you can do to make your home the most appealing choice on the block. Here are three simple upgrades you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers and get your house under contract ASAP!

1. Improve your curb appeal. Potential buyers are big on first impressions, and if they drive up to a home covered in overgrown shrubs and trees, an unkept lawn, and peeling paint, they might not even come inside. Upping your curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive! A power wash of the driveway and walkways, a fresh coat of exterior paint, and keeping all shrubs and grasses trimmed and neat go a long way in making the house look care for. If you want to take it another step, adding some well placed flowers and foliage, and maybe even adding a fun pop of color to the front door give the home some personality from the street and draw people in.

2. Staging matters. Home staging is a big deal in today's market, and it really does go a long way in making your house appealing to potential buyers. Can't afford a professional stager? You can do it yourself! Clear all clutter from surfaces, make rooms look inviting by adding a folded throw over a chair, trendy couch pillows, generic artwork (instead of personalized family photos) and a warm-scented candle (vanilla is a favorite). In kitchens, consider adding fresh flowers or a nice piece of tabletop decor, have kitchen towels folded neatly, make sure all surfaces are clean and clear, etc. For bathrooms, again, clear all clutter from the countertops. Try to match shower curtains, hanging towels, and any accessories so the room looks put together and cohesive. These small touches make the home look warm and inviting, but keep it generic so the buyer can see themselves living there instead of seeing you and your family everywhere.

3. Don't underestimate function. While visual appeal is important in a home, a fresh coat of paint and some pillows can't cover up malfunctioning pipes, electrical hookups, or appliances. If you know your home has issues with leaking faucets, faulty outlets, or a dying fridge, taking care of these items makes your home not only appealing, but also a solid purchase, and means you're more likely to quickly and easily pass inspection and sell your home. Taking care of the functional portions of your home is the first step in making your move happen.

When you're ready to sell, Dickens Plumbing offers all of your plumbing services in one place! From repairing and replacing pipes and appliances, to giving you a new all new fixtures, we can make your home its very best before you list it and prepare to sell. We serve in and around the Polk County area, and Central Florida trusts us to provide the very best in quality work and customer service. Give us a call for your quote!

Something New for 2019: 3 Simple Home Upgrades That Anyone Can Do

It’s the New Year, and we’re hoping you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and are ready to take on this year and make it the best yet. We’re already heading into the second week of 2019…have you made your resolutions yet? It’s not too late! There’s never a bad time to set goals for yourself, and whether your goals are health and wellness related, or based on relationships with others, we believe that resolutions are a great way to stay on track and make sure you end the year feeling accomplished. Many people like to talk about a “fresh start” with each New Year, and that can roll over to your home, but what if you can’t afford (or aren’t ready to invest time in) a full-home renovation, or making over an entire space in your house?

No need to worry! You can still enjoy the feeling of something “fresh” with these 3 simple, relatively inexpensive home upgrades that anyone can do during this coming year:

1. Change up your paint color. If you’ve been living with the same olive green on your walls since your house was built in the 70s, you’re a little overdue for a change of pace. In 2019, clean, bright colors are much preferred, with shades of grey being a popular choice. Basically, you want your space to feel airy, open, and full of light. If you think painting is a huge undertaking, don’t take on your whole house at once! Pick one room that you spend a lot of time in, and start there. Even this small change can make a big impact in your space this coming year.

2. Trade out hardware. Tired of the builder-grade brass knobs you’ve been living with since you moved in? Hardware makes a big statement in the rooms of your home, even though it’s a seemingly subtle accent. Simply trading out doorknobs, drawer pulls, hinges, etc. with something clean-lined and modern will freshen a space and make it feel upgraded. Want to take it a step farther? Trade out faucets, towel bars, etc. to match. This will also assist in making a space feel newer, without a lot of time or money invested in the upgrade.

3. Buy new textiles. Rugs, blankets, throw pillows, and even bedding make a big difference in a space. Find pieces that are modern and fresh, but still coordinate with your existing color palette to avoid having to buy EVERYTHING brand new. New fabrics in interesting colors and textures will make your space seem fresh, and is a great option for renters who can’t change out their paint colors, flooring ,etc.

These simple, affordable changes can give you a taste of “renovation” in 2019. Want to finally get rid of those awful fixtures that have been hanging around since the 90s? Dickens Plumbing should be first on your call list! Polk County residents trust us with all of their plumbing needs and know we provide only the very best in quality work and materials. Give us a call and get a quote to make your plumbing upgrade resolutions happen this year.

Is Your Kitchen Ready for Thanksgiving? Turkey Day Prep from the Kitchen Experts

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and families will be gathering throughout the greater Polk County area for feasts and festivities with the ones they hold dear. While it's a day to give thanks for our many blessings, it has also come to be known as a day when we EAT, and the majority of the holiday revolves around the delicious smells and tastes coming from the kitchen. As the hostess (or host) you likely will be prepping for the big day by meal planning, making lists, labeling dishes, counting up guests, and doing a cleanup of your entire home. While you probably will clean your kitchen, does that mean it's truly prepped for Turkey Day?

There are a few key elements in your kitchen that, if they go on the fritz right before or during the holiday, could prove disastrous. Issues we most commonly see are...

Dishwasher Troubles. Dishwashers can have all kinds of issues, from failing to properly clean dishes, to not even turning on at all. Here's the thing: anything less than perfect function from your dishwasher won't be good enough when you are throwing a full 12-piece place setting in there, followed by a wave of pots, pans, and utensils. You need the absolute best performance from your dishwasher on holidays, so if you notice even the slightest problem, call in your repairman or plumber to take a look and see what's going on before you're left hand-washing dishes until Christmas.

Ice, Ice...Maybe? If your fridge and freezer are working fine, but the ice maker is hit or miss, you could have a water line issue. Nothing is worse than realizing you have no suitable ice before 25 people show up at your house for dinner and drinks, and trying to store that many bags of ice from the store in your regular freezer just isn't preferable. If you notice any issues with your ice maker and/or water lines in your fridge and freezer, have someone come in and take a look ASAP.

Back It Up. Sinks and disposals are perhaps one of the most common, and most difficult, issues we see each year on and around Thanksgiving. With all the dirty dishes and their lunch remnants left on the plates being throw into your sink, it's no wonder that you might end up with a clog, or worse, a backed up disposal. Disposal jams are common too, since bone fragments from turkey, a rogue fork or spoon, or even hard pieces of uncooked veggies can prevent the blade from turning and cause the system to freeze up. If your sink is a little slow to drain, or your disposal is sounding a little "grumpier" than usual, calling a plumber in before the big holiday hits is the best way to make sure you're not left trying to clean dishes in the bathroom sink.

We hope that your holiday plans go smoothly and are enjoyed by all. As you prepare, if you need a helping hand with the issues mentioned above, or even if you need assistance with something more extensive (like a quick vanity replacement in the guest bath, or a toilet repair in the downstairs powder room), Dickens Plumbing is your one stop shop. We are proud to serve the greater Winter Haven area with top quality contracting and plumbing services. No job is too big or too small!

Sometimes Fact Is Stranger Than Fiction: 3 Things You Don't Expect from Your Plumbing

In life, myth versus reality is a common topic for a variety of subject matter, and often, myths are far-fetched, unlikely, and downright silly. However, occasionally the facts are even stranger than the myths and when that happens, you can be left scratching your head and feeling a little worried. Not convinced? These 3 facts about your plumbing are 100% fact, and will leave you more than a little surprised...

Goodbye goldie. Flushing your deceased goldfish has long since been thought of as an easy and efficient disposal method, and that is usually fine (as long as the fish is small in size). The key to this is making sure the fish is actually D-E-A-D though. Flushing a live fish has resulted in damage to the ecosystem, as these fish can keep living and thrive in the water systems after being flushed, growing to enormous sizes and reproducing at an a-typical rate. Be responsible. If you no longer want your fish, donate him or her to a local pet store, a friend, or even post an ad online, but never send Goldie for a swim in the toilet bowl unless she's truly passed on. The pipes are safe...right? Assume that your modern plumbing and pipework are safe from invasions of creatures? WRONG. Snakes and rats particularly are skilled at maneuvering their way through plumbing systems, and actually can make it into your home via your toilets and drains. While not a normal or regular occurrence by any means, it is possible. Probably a good idea to leave that nightlight on in the bathroom for middle of the night trips! Your mom was right! Remember your mom warning against taking a shower during a thunderstorm? Turns out, it wasn't just to get you to go to bed sooner. Lighting can, and does, travel through the metal pipes that make up plumbing systems, and that, combined with the metals found in most tap water, can conduct electricity right into your home (and you if you're in the way). To be on the safe side, it's probably best to hold off on that shower until the storm has passed.

One thing that isn't a myth? The fact that people throughout the Polk County area trust Dickens Plumbing with all of their plumbing and home renovation needs. We handle jobs of all types and sizes, and are licensed and insured so you can be confident in hiring us. We service multiple areas in Central Florida including Winter Haven, Lakeland, Lake Wales, Auburndale, and more. Give us a call when you're ready to make your house the best it can be.