Frequently Asked Questions
My water heater seems to corrode or fail faster here than up north. Why?
It’s the hard water. North Port and SWFL have very high mineral content in the municipal and well water. This builds up sediment in your tank much faster than in other parts of the country, eating away at the heating elements. We recommend flushing your heater once a year—a service we perform regularly to extend the life of your unit.
What exactly is a "Slab Leak," and why are they so common in Florida?
Unlike homes with basements, most Florida homes are built on a concrete "slab" directly over sand. Over time, that sand shifts, or chemical reactions occur between the pipes and the concrete (especially in homes built between the 70s and 90s). A slab leak is when a pipe fails under your floor. If you feel a "hot spot" on your floor or hear water running when everything is off, call us immediately. We have specialized listening equipment to find these leaks without tearing up your whole house.
I’ve heard about "Polybutylene" pipes in Florida homes. Should I be worried?
If your home was built between the late 70s and mid-90s, this is a major concern. "Poly" pipes deteriorate from the inside out due to the chlorine in Florida’s public water supply. As locals, we know exactly which neighborhoods in North Port typically use these pipes. We can perform a quick inspection and, if needed, provide a repiping solution that replaces them with durable, modern materials.
Still Have Questions?
Call us at (941) 769-1527 or send us an email.
Do I need to do anything to my plumbing before a Hurricane?
es. We always recommend turning off your main water valve if you are evacuating or if a major storm is imminent. This prevents contaminated water from entering your home’s lines if the municipal system loses pressure, and it stops massive flooding if a pipe bursts inside your home during the storm.
Why are my drains slow after a heavy rain?
This is often an issue for homes on septic systems. Florida has a very high water table. When we get heavy summer rains, the ground becomes saturated, and your drain field can’t absorb water as quickly. If you are noticing backups specifically during rainy season, your septic tank likely needs pumping.
If it's not rainy season or your tank was recently pumped, give us a call! It could be tree root intrusion.
Do you use a call center or local dispatch?
We are 100% local. When you call us at 2 AM, you aren’t getting a call center in another state; you are reaching a team right here in Southwest Florida. We don’t need a GPS to find your neighborhood because we’ve likely been driving these streets our whole lives.
What constitutes a "Plumbing Emergency"?
If water is causing damage right now and you can’t stop it, it’s an emergency. This includes burst pipes, sewage backing up into your tub/shower, or a complete lack of water service. If you aren't sure, call us. We can often walk you through how to shut off the water over the phone to save you money until we arrive.
I’m heading back North for the summer. What should I do with my plumbing?
This is the most common question we get from seasonal residents. In Florida, leaving a house stagnant for 6 months in high heat/humidity carries risks. We recommend turning off your main water valve to prevent flooding if a hose bursts while you are gone. Also, ask us about "exercising" your valves or setting up a house-check schedule. As locals, we know that if P-traps (the U-shaped pipes under sinks) dry out from evaporation, sewer gas and bugs (specifically roaches/Palmetto bugs) can enter your home.
I just returned to Florida and my water smells stagnant or stale. Is it safe?
When water sits in CPVC or copper pipes in a hot Florida house for months, it loses its chlorine residual and can develop a stale taste or odor. This is usually easily fixed. We recommend running all cold water faucets for about 5-10 minutes to flush the "dead water" out of the lines and bring in fresh water from the municipal main. If the smell persists after flushing, give us a call—it could be a sign of bacteria buildup in the water heater.
I have large Oak or Palm trees in my yard. Can they hurt my plumbing?
Absolutely. In Southwest Florida’s sandy soil, tree roots travel fast and far seeking moisture. Large Banyan, Oak, and even certain Palm roots are notorious for crushing or invading sewer lines. If you notice your drains slowing down or hear "gurgling" sounds in the toilet, it’s often a root intrusion. We have cameras we can send down the line to spot the intrusion and cutters to clear it without digging up your beautiful landscaping unless absolutely necessary.
I’ve never owned a home with a Septic System before. What do I need to know?
Welcome to North Port! Many homes here rely on septic rather than city sewer. The golden rule: If it isn't toilet paper or water, don't flush it. Avoid "flushable" wipes (they aren't actually flushable), grease, and harsh chemical drain cleaners like Drano, as these kill the healthy bacteria your tank needs to break down waste. Since Florida has a high water table, we also recommend spacing out laundry loads during heavy rainstorms to avoid overwhelming your drain field.