Title: The Top 3 Reasons to Hire a Professional Plumber

When it comes to plumbing issues, many homeowners may be tempted to grab a wrench and try to tackle the problem themselves. While some minor plumbing tasks can be handled with DIY solutions, there are compelling reasons to enlist the expertise of a professional plumber. Here are three key points highlighting the advantages of hiring a seasoned plumbing professional:

1. Expertise and Experience: One of the primary reasons to hire a professional plumber is the wealth of expertise they bring to the table. Professional plumbers undergo extensive training and apprenticeships, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to tackle a wide range of plumbing issues. Whether it's repairing a leaky faucet, installing new fixtures, or diagnosing complex piping problems, a professional plumber has the experience to assess the situation accurately and implement effective solutions. Their depth of knowledge ensures that the job is done right the first time, saving you from potential headaches and costly mistakes.

2. Time and Cost Efficiency: Time is of the essence when it comes to plumbing problems, and attempting to fix issues without the right skills can lead to prolonged downtime and frustration. Hiring a professional plumber can significantly reduce the time it takes to address and resolve plumbing issues. Moreover, while it might seem cost-effective to tackle plumbing repairs independently, a professional plumber can save you money in the long run. They have access to the right tools and materials, can quickly identify the root cause of a problem, and implement cost-effective solutions that prevent future issues. By investing in a professional plumber upfront, you're making a wise choice that can spare you from more significant expenses down the line.

3. Code Compliance and Quality Assurance: Plumbing systems are subject to local building codes and regulations. Professional plumbers are well-versed in these codes, ensuring that any repairs or installations adhere to legal requirements. Hiring a professional not only guarantees compliance but also provides peace of mind knowing that the work meets industry standards. Additionally, many professional plumbers offer warranties on their services, providing an extra layer of protection. This commitment to quality assurance ensures that your plumbing system operates efficiently and effectively, reducing the likelihood of future issues and extending the lifespan of your plumbing infrastructure.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to take a DIY approach to plumbing problems, the expertise, efficiency, and quality assurance offered by professional plumbers make them an invaluable investment for homeowners. When facing plumbing challenges, enlisting the services of a qualified professional is a smart decision that pays off in terms of time, cost, and the overall health of your home's plumbing system. Trust the team at Dickens Plumbing Inc. to provide you with the very best in plumbing services of all kinds. We’re proud to serve the greater Polk County area of Central Florida.

Time to Pick Up The Phone! 3 Signs You Need to Call Your Plumber ASAP

We've all been there. You notice that your sink is draining a little more slowly than usual, or the kitchen faucet has a drip that won't stop. Does that really warrant a call to the plumber? While we would say yes, you definitely have time to decide as these situations aren't plumbing emergencies in most cases. However, a true plumbing emergency isn't always obvious, but it can be catastrophic for your home or business. 

Grab your phone and call your plumber immediately if you notice...

No water at all!

If you wake up and all the faucets (and toilets) are running dry, that's a big problem! Your first step should be to call your city (if you're on city or county water) to make sure it isn't an area outage. If it's only your home though, you need to call the professionals immediately. No water coming into your home means something has gone horribly wrong, and if it's in the pipes that lead from the main line to your house, you could be leaking hundreds of gallons of water into the ground around your home. Water damage, flooding, and lots of wasted money are all consequences you don't want to face, so get on the phone with your plumber!

The toilet won't turn off. 

A toilet that keeps running following a flush is a sign that something is wrong with the components inside the tank. While running for a few minutes following a regular flush is normal, anything longer than that indicates that you need to call your plumber to take a look. Not only are you wasting water (and money!), but it could be putting unnecessary wear on other parts of the system, and that could lead to the need for a toilet replacement if not addressed. 

Your water heater is "sweating."

Yes, in Florida, it seems like everything sweats. Your water heater, however, should NOT. If you notice excess water puddled in the drain pan around your water heater, or if there's rust/corrosion on your water heater's components, you could have a slow leak. Don't let it turn into a BIG problem! Call your local plumber for an assessment and make any needed repairs (or replace your water heater) before you end up with the potential for major water damage to your home.

Dickens Plumbing is proud to provide top quality plumbing services to the greater Polk County community of Central Florida. From toilet repairs to fixture replacements, we do it all! No job is too big or too small for our team. Call us at the first sign of trouble in your home or business! 

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?