Thanksgiving Blunders: How to Handle Holiday Catastrophes in The Home

With Thanksgiving coming up fast, and Christmas following close behind, it's natural that we're all beginning to look ahead and plan for celebrations with family and friends, even if they might look a little different this year. While we all dream of Thanksgiving dinners or Christmas mornings that go off without a hitch, Murphy's Law would say that if something can go wrong, it will, and unfortunately those mishaps have a way of ruining the day.

But, they don't have to!

We have some easy solutions and helpful hints for these scenarios. Grab a pen, or pull out your phone, and take notes because this is some great information!

You end up with a massive spill right before company arrives.

Whether it's a whole pitcher of sweet tea, or the gravy boat didn't sail all the way to the table, having a spill happen in the midst of preparing a major meal for guests is stressful for anyone. We recommend keeping a bag of inexpensive kitty litter on hand at all times, even if you don't have a feline friend! Cat litter is a great way to quickly and easily absorb much of the liquid from these spills, allowing you to then vacuum it up with a shop vac and get down to the scrubbing and mopping portion faster. Even better, you aren't using all of the paper towels and napkins that are hard to come by right now, and you aren't left with a pile of wet, dirty towels to wash before guests come through the door. Shaving time down when you've got a clock running before guests arrive is helpful and will diffuse the stress of the situation. Note: this is only for spills on HARD flooring. Keep reading to find out about carpet troubles...

A spill hit the carpet. Now what?

Spills on carpet are a little trickier, but not unmanageable! Have a carpet cleaning "toolbox" ready to go on major holidays. A bottle of spray foam for high traffic areas, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide based carpet cleaner, a heavy duty scrub brush, and some blotting towels are all important items to keep handy when spills arise. Wipe up as much excess liquid as possible and, of course, remove any solid food waste. Depending on the type of stain, use the cleaner best suited for the area of the carpet (hydrogen peroxide is best for blood or ink stains, while the foaming cleaners tend to work well on greasy messes) and allow to sit for 5 minutes or as directed on the packaging, Then, gently scrub the area in circular motions with the brush. Once the stain is loosened, use a damp cloth to wipe away as much as possible, and then blot dry using the towels. Repeat as necessary.

The disposal just stopped working.

Your disposal is an important part of the day when you're dealing with feeding large crowds. While not all disposal issues are easy fixes, one of the main culprits for the system entirely shutting off is actually very simple. There is a switch on the outside of some disposal units (under your sink) that gets triggered if a small bit of bone, plastic, or other material jams the unit. That means even if you get the item out, the unit still won't turn on. It's kind of like a circuit breaker being tripped. Popping this switch back in place should get it up and running again if that's the issue. If not, it's time to put in a quick call to Dickens Plumbing!

The dishwasher is full...and it stopped working with a basin full of dirty water!

Again, there isn't always an easy fix for this, but a common scenario we've seen is that someone accidentally disrupted the normal cycle of the unit, causing it to time out incorrectly and end before the load was finished. The way to remedy this is to restart the entire cycle. If the soap dispenser was left closed, you don't need to refill it. However, if the unit stopped working AFTER. the cleaner was distributed, you'll need to add more before restarting. Let the dishwasher run the FULL cycle before opening it or checking on it. If you still have a basin full of water at the end, or if you have any issues with leaking, calling your plumber ASAP is the best way to go.

Dickens Plumbing Inc. is here to help you prepare for the holidays with top quality plumbing services. Winter Haven, Lakeland, and the greater Polk County area trust us first when they need something repaired, replaced, or re-piped in their kitchens or bathrooms. Give us a call for your free 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! 

Plumbing Myths Uncovered: Inside Info from Your Local Plumbing Pro

Life is full of myths, and many find it entertaining to spend time uncovering the truth (or half-truths) within these myths or exposing them as full-on lies. The world of plumbing is no exception and has its own set of myths that commonly get passed around as fact, when in reality, they are pretty far from the truth and can actually cause problems for home and property owners. Dickens Plumbing Inc. considers it a disservice to our customers, and residents in and around our area in general, to let these myths continue to float around unchecked, so we're taking time to uncover the truth for you.

Here are 3 myths that we often hear and the facts that go along with them:

If it says "flushable,” it's safe for my toilet.

NO! This is far from the truth, and it frustrates us to continually see products marketed as "safe" for septic systems and residential plumbing (we're looking at YOU flushable wipes) when we know, from firsthand experience, that they still cause clogs and long-term issues for many homeowners. When it comes to giving items the royal flush, stick to toilet paper only. Everything else belongs in the garbage.

All bathroom cleaning products are safe for keeping the potty pristine.

This is another issue we face routinely. Cleaning products that are aimed at the toilet bowl (literally!) are generally safe, but items that are meant to be flushed and meant to clean out the pipes, tablets that sit in the tank of your toilet for an extended period of time for "ongoing" cleaning, or harsh chemicals that are meant to take care of clogs without having to call a plumber can actually do a lot of damage to your plumbing. For cleaning, quantity actually matters more than quality in this case. Thoroughly cleaning your toilet often, even with gentle cleaners, will make sure your bathroom stays fresh and sanitary. When it comes to clogs, calling the pros in the first place will save you the headache of extended plumbing issues, and will probably end up costing you less money overall!

Garbage disposals can handle ANYTHING that's food.

False, false, false. Your garbage disposal is a great way to take care of food remnants left in the morning's cereal bowls and those bits of oatmeal from your child's high chair tray, but the bones from your steak and chicken dinner? Yeah, those are a big NO. Bone, large chunks of food, food containing hard seeds or pits (think watermelon seeds or cherry pits), etc. are all culprits for disposal issues. Not only can they jam up the blades in your disposal, but they can actually cause internal working parts to break or overheat, which could kill your entire system. That's an expensive repair or replacement to pay when you could have simply taken the garbage out one extra time. Save the disposal for the easy jobs, and rely on your good old garbage pail for the rest.

It's inevitable that people will still have to learn these lessons the hard way, and when that happens, Dickens Plumbing is here! We serve the greater Winter Haven area with top notch plumbing services. As a licensed contractor, we can take care of any and all needs, from the smallest appliance replacement to a full-scale re-pipe job. Give us a call and find out how we can 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!

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.