Press Releases Archive - Andy Frattin Plumbing

Complete Guide to Professional Drain Cleaning Services

What Homeowners Need to Know About Drain Cleaning

A clogged drain can disrupt daily life and cause significant inconvenience for households. While homeowners might be tempted to remove the blocks themselves, persistent or severe clogs often require professional intervention.

Professional drain cleaning effectively removes stubborn clogs, prevents damage to the plumbing system, and restores optimal water flow.

In this post, Ormond Beach, FL, plumbers reveal what homeowners need to know about drain cleaning services, including the symptoms to watch for and the differences between drain snaking and hydro jetting.

When to Schedule Drain Cleaning Services

Ignoring drain problems like clogged sewer lines can lead to more significant plumbing issues in a house. To avoid having problems, homeowners should watch for these warning signs indicating the need for professional drain cleaning:

Slow drains: If water drains slower than usual, typically sinks or showers.
Gurgling noises: If households hear unusual sounds coming from drains.
Multiple clogs: If there are recurrent blockages in different drains.
Foul odors: If unpleasant smells are coming from drains.
Sewer backups: If sewage backs into tubs, showers, or sinks.

If property owners experience any of these issues, they should contact a professional plumber to restore proper water flow and prevent further damage.

What Happens During Drain Snaking

When dealing with a stubborn clog at home, professional plumbers may use techniques with specialized tools to restore proper water flow.

One of the most common methods plumbers use is called a drain snake or auger. This process includes inserting a plumber’s snake or a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like tip to break up and remove obstructions. While effective for many clogs, drain snaking may not reach deep-rooted blockages.

By understanding these methods, homeowners can better communicate their needs to a plumber and ensure the most effective solution for their clogged drain.

When You Need Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is often used for more severe clogs or to clean the entire pipe. This high-pressure water jetting method removes grease, hair, soap scum, and other debris, leaving pipes clean and free-flowing. Homeowners might need this service if they experience the following issues in their house:

Recurring clogs: Repeated blockages despite traditional methods.
Multiple drains affected: Clogs in various drains throughout the home.
Tree root infiltration: Roots penetrating pipes and causing blockages.
Grease buildup: Heavy grease accumulation leads to slow drainage.
Sewer line clogs: Blockages affecting multiple plumbing fixtures.

Hydro jetting effectively removes these obstructions and can prevent future clogs. However, it’s essential to consult a professional plumber to determine the most suitable method for their plumbing issue.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

The team at Andy Frattin Plumbing is your trusted local plumbing expert in Daytona Beach. They offer flat-rate prices, on-time services, and guaranteed satisfaction. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Ormond Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working With Simple Maintenance Tasks

Easy Tips to Keep Garbage Disposals Functioning

When homeowners need to quickly and efficiently remove food scraps while cooking or clearing dinner plates, they rely on their garbage disposals. These appliances grind down food scraps to eliminate food and odors.

If these units malfunction, they can clog and emit foul smells. Fortunately, homeowners can avoid these issues and strive for a clean garbage disposal by performing maintenance tasks.

Ormond Beach, FL, plumbers provide tips on how to keep garbage disposals working fine. These include putting the right types of food down the disposal, running cold water while using the disposal, and putting only a little food down at a time.

Avoid Clogs by Only Putting the Right Foods Down the Disposal

Garbage disposals can be useful systems for households as long as the right types of food are placed in them.

Generally, plumbers deem most soft foods safe to dispose of in the garbage disposal. This includes citrus fruit rinds, vegetable scraps (except fibrous ones and potato peels), small chopped-up meat, ice, and other similar items.

Some foods that households should avoid putting down the disposal are:

Fruit pits
Bones
Cooking oils, fats, and grease
Starchy foods
Fibrous foods
Stringy vegetables

If homeowners are still determining specific foods that can go down the garbage disposal, they should, by the rule of thumb, toss them in the waste basket instead of putting them down the unit.

Run Cold Water to Keep Disposals Working

A dumping hack many homeowners might not know about is running cold water down the garbage disposal.

Running cold water while the unit is running—and for a short time after turning it off—helps food run through the system and prevents clogs. Cold water also prevents garbage disposals from overheating. Food can be baked onto the blades if the appliances get too hot while grinding, causing foul odors.

Homeowners should also put ice cubes down the garbage disposal, which can help sharpen the blades and remove food particles.

Don’t Put Large Amounts of Food Down the Disposal

Another way for homeowners to keep their garbage disposals working correctly is to limit the amount of food they put down the system one at a time. Putting too much food down the disposal can lead to blockages.

Plumbers recommend that homeowners cut larger food scraps into smaller pieces to avoid putting too much food down the device.

Property owners should also pay attention to signs that indicate their garbage disposal needs to be repaired or replaced. If it starts to make humming noises or stops properly grinding food, it should be turned off immediately, and the homeowners should schedule professional services. During an inspection, the plumber will likely try using the garbage disposal reset button to determine if repairs or replacements are needed.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

Distribution Links +

Bathroom Remodeling Options To Create a Spa-Like Experience

Bathroom Renovation Tips To Transform Spaces

When households need to upgrade their bathrooms to either create more space or update them to add modern fixtures and conveniences, there are key steps they can take to renovate their space.

In this post, plumbers from Ormond Beach, FL, explain how creating a new layout, adding new vanities and countertops, and installing a modern shower or bathtub can improve a bathroom.

Create Modern Bathroom Layouts and Flooring

With a modernized bathroom, homeowners can start their day with a spa-like retreat instead of boring basic routines. One key to making their bathroom more luxurious is to update the layout and the flooring options.

Improved Layouts: By rearranging the space, homeowners can give their bathroom a new style and vibe. Instead of their standard design, they can transform the space by moving the toilet, adding or removing a closet, or changing the shower location. The possibilities are endless when homeowners create and work with experienced bathroom remodelers.
Step Up the Flooring: New bathroom flooring can dramatically transform the look and feel of a bathroom. Homeowners can indulge in luxuries like heated tiles or vinyl planks to add more comfort and aesthetics to their bathroom.

Upgrade Vanities and Countertops

Homeowners need to replace key components of their bathrooms to give them a new look and feel. Two of the main areas to upgrade are their vanities and countertops. Here are some options:

Functional vanities: If households need more storage space in their bathroom, they can add a new bathroom vanity with more drawers and cupboards to store items. If they have a large bathroom, they can also add a double vanity to the space to allow for double bathroom sinks and extra storage.
Stylish vanities: Some households might opt for a more stylish vanity with sleek designs over extra storage. Homeowners might opt for smaller vanities with more modern designs.
New countertops: Adding a new countertop can quickly transform a bathroom. From luxurious granite to stunning quartz or even warm butcher block, homeowners can choose from numerous materials to meet their style and create a bathroom they’ll love.

Relaxing Shower & Bathtub Installations

Homeowners can schedule bathtub or shower installations to make their bathroom more relaxing and luxurious. This can quickly modernize their space and turn it into a spa-like oasis.

Relaxing showers: Homeowners can install new bathroom faucets and showerheads, like rainfall showerheads that mimic downpours, to instantly relax. If they feel tense, they can upgrade to a massaging jet showerhead. Households can also add a built-in bench for added comfort while shaving or showering.
Modern tubs: Households can relax at home with a modern, deep soaking or whirlpool tub. Homeowners with an existing tub can create a spa-like feel by replacing outdated shower doors or bathtub liners.

Homeowners can achieve their dream bathroom by updating their layout, flooring, vanities, countertops, showers, and bathtubs.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

The team at Andy Frattin Plumbing provides quality plumbing services to the Daytona Beach area. They offer on-time services, flat-rate pricing, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call them today for bathroom remodeling services in Ormond Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

Why Should You Get Plumbing Maintenance?

Benefits of Plumbing Maintenance

Households rely on their plumbing systems to run correctly to perform numerous tasks around their homes – from personal hygiene to cooking, cleaning, and more. To ensure their plumbing fixtures and appliances work as expected, homeowners must schedule routine system maintenance.

By performing routine plumbing maintenance on their systems, homeowners can prevent problems, extend the life of the plumbing, and keep their bills low.

Keep Systems Running Smoothly, Safely

The goal of plumbing maintenance is to stop plumbing problems before they start. While many homeowners might try to perform some maintenance tasks to keep their appliances working correctly, they might do more harm than good. Scheduling professional plumbing maintenance allows homeowners to let the experts handle these tasks so they can relax and enjoy the benefits.

Most plumbers start plumbing maintenance with routine drain cleaning. These tasks make the chances of a clogged drain or sewer backup near zero. Plumbers perform safety checks following drain maintenance to ensure the system is safe. They will check the water pressure and inspect the system for gas leaks. These tasks allow plumbers to protect homes from costly and dangerous disasters.

Extend the Life of Plumbing Fixtures

While the long list of plumbing maintenance tasks plumbers perform keeps systems running correctly, there are also other benefits, including expanding the lifespan of plumbing fixtures and appliances. Over time, plumbing endures a lot of wear and tear. During plumbing maintenance services, plumbers help reduce a system’s deterioration.

Performing routine services on water heaters can extend their lifespan to up to five years. This helps homeowners save money by preventing premature system replacement.

Lower Bills

Performing routine maintenance on plumbing systems also helps homeowners save money. Paying for plumbing repairs and replacing appliances can add up, and poor-performing plumbing systems can also result in higher utility bills.

Homeowners might first notice their water bills are higher than usual. This can indicate a leak in their system, which is wasting water. Plumbers can detect and repair these leaks during routine services.

Poor plumbing maintenance can also raise electric and gas bills. For example, if water heater maintenance has not been performed, the system can run inefficiently, causing energy bills to rise.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

Andy Frattin Plumbing is a local trusted plumbing company in Daytona Beach. They offer on-time services, flat-rate pricing, and satisfaction guaranteed on all services. Call today for plumbing services in Ormond Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

How Backflow Testing Can Protect Households

What Homeowners Need To Know About Backflow

Backflow is a severe threat to households’ safety and health. Homeowners need to quickly identify signs of backflow and treat it as soon as possible. Untreated, backflow can contaminate water and cause households to fall seriously ill.

In this post, Daytona Beach plumbers break down the dangers of backflow, the backflow testing process, and the importance of backflow testing.

How Backflow Is Risky to Households

If backflow occurs in a household, it can quickly put the entire family at risk. To avoid serious issues, homeowners first need to understand what backflow is and how it occurs.

Backflow occurs when water reverses flow in a plumbing system. Instead of wastewater, bacteria, and contaminants leaving a house through the plumbing, they reverse and enter the home’s plumbing system. This can cause water contamination and can make homeowners seriously ill. Avoid these dangerous risks by scheduling backflow testing.

What Happens During Backflow Testing

When homeowners hire plumbers to perform backflow testing, they will perform numerous tasks to ensure defects are located and repaired to eliminate health concerns.

During backflow testing, technicians will perform several tests and check the system. One of the first tasks experts will perform is to locate the backflow prevention device. After locating it, they will test it to ensure the backflow preventer works correctly.

Then, the backflow tester will shut off the downstream and add the test kit hoses. Next, They will clean the check valve and test it to ensure the system works as expected.

Plumbers recommend scheduling backflow testing on their devices at least once a year to prevent backflow.

Advantages of Performing Backflow Testing

There are many advantages to performing backflow testing on plumbing systems. One of the biggest reasons to schedule services is to keep households safe. Preventing backflow from occurring can help homeowners keep sewage out of their water. This is essential, as it can cause E. Coli, salmonella, hepatitis, and other illnesses. Other symptoms include eye, nose, throat, and ear infections, ulcers, and vomiting.

Plumbers can prevent these problems through inspections. During backflow prevention appointments, technicians will check the backwater valve to ensure it works correctly. Backflow testing can protect public health by keeping backflow out of the city water supply.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

The experienced staff at Andy Frattin Plumbing provides quality plumbing services to the Daytona Beach area. They offer on-time services, flat-rate pricing, and satisfaction guaranteed. Call them today for backflow testing services in Ormond Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

Tankless Water Heaters Make Households More Energy-Efficient

Daytona Beach Homeowners Go Green With Tankless Water Heaters

There are key ways property owners can reduce their energy bills, including installing a tankless water heater. These systems allow households to operate greener and save money on energy bills.

On-demand water heaters offer homeowners many options, including instant hot water and reduced energy and bills. Ormond Beach, FL plumbers explain how these units work and differ from water heater tanks.

Signs Water Heater Replacements Are Needed

Before Daytona Beach homeowners can decide whether to install a tankless water heater, they first have to determine whether they need to replace their existing hot water tank. Numerous symptoms property owners should watch for can indicate that a water heater installation is needed.

If a homeowner steps into the shower expecting hot water and is greeted by cold water, it’s a sure sign of an issue with the water heater. There are also other symptoms property owners should watch for, including:

The system has needed frequent repairs, or it needs a large, expensive fix
The unit is leaking, or there is moisture pooling around it
Loud noises are coming from the system
The system is producing rusty-colored water
The unit is showing signs of aging and is nearing the end of its lifespan

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

Tankless water heaters accurately and efficiently provide hot water to households. They do this by heating water as needed and providing hot water on demand. When a family member turns on the faucet, the on-demand water heater heats it and sends it to the plumbing fixture. The system will keep running until the faucet is turned off. This differs from traditional units, which heat a whole water tank. Heating the entire tank of water requires more energy than tankless units.

Tankless Water Heater Benefits

Scheduling a tankless water heater installation can have many benefits for homeowners. One of the top advantages is lower utility bills and energy savings, but there are also other benefits. Tankless water heaters are smaller than tanked water heaters, giving property owners more flexibility when installing them. These units also provide on-demand hot water, reducing the risk of running out of hot water.

Point-of-use water heaters also last longer than traditional units and require less routine maintenance than tanked units. They are also safer than traditional systems as water doesn’t sit in a tank and is at risk of contamination.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

The experts at Andy Frattin Plumbing offer top-rated plumbing services to Daytona Beach. They offer flat-rate prices, on-time services, and satisfaction guaranteed. Call them today for tankless water heater repairs, installations, or other services in Ormond Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

Key Signs You Need Sewer Line Repairs or Replacements

Symptoms That Indicate Sewer Line Repairs Are Needed

Many plumbing issues in homes require immediate repairs – but arguably, nothing is as pressing as a problem with the sewer line. An issue with a sewer line can lead to messy and risky problems, including water damage and health threats if sewage is present in a house.

There are ways homeowners can protect their property from sewer line problems. Ormond Beach, FL plumbers recommend that households schedule sewer line repairs or replacements if they encounter recurring blockages, foul odors, or patches of lush grass on their property.

Slow Draining Plumbing Fixtures

Many symptoms can alert property owners to potential issues with their sewer line. One of the biggest indications is slowly draining plumbing fixtures and recurring sewer line clogs.

It can be normal for homes to experience clogged sewer lines, so homeowners might not immediately associate clogs with sewer line defects. However, there are key signs that can indicate the problem is bigger than a routine clog.

Plumbers suggest that homeowners call to schedule sewer line repairs if numerous plumbing fixtures or appliances are draining slowly or show signs of clogs simultaneously. That can indicate it’s more than a clogged drain – it’s the line. Property owners should also watch for blockages that happen soon after drain cleaning services are performed at a house and sewage backups in toilets or sinks. Households should also pay attention to gurgling sounds coming from the drains.

Homeowners should schedule sewer line repairs as soon as they notice these symptoms of blockages to prevent further damage to their houses.

Sewage Odors Throughout the House

Property owners should also schedule sewer line inspections if they notice foul odors – or sewage smells – in their houses. Households should not smell sewage in their home. If this happens, it can indicate a defect in the sewer line, including a blockage or a leak.

Property owners should schedule services quickly to limit the damage to their house and quickly repair the problem.

Soggy Spots in the Grass

A sign many homeowners might not connect to being a sewer line issue is lush spots in their yard. If they notice a patch of their lawn is greener than the rest, or maybe even soggy, it can indicate they have a broken sewer line.

If sewage leaks out of a crack in a pipe, it can fertilize the area, making the grass greener and lusher. When this happens, it can also make the area soggy as moisture seeps into the ground. While these signs can be troublesome, they help plumbers determine where the sewer line leak is located, as they can target their inspection of the areas around the lush grass.

When homeowners notice these possible symptoms of a sewer line defect, they need to schedule prompt repairs with a trusted plumber. The faster problems are addressed, the better the chance property owners have of limiting the damage.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

For over two decades, Andy Frattin Plumbing has provided quality plumbing services to their neighbors. They offer on-time services, flat-rate prices, and satisfaction guaranteed. Call them today for sewer line repair and replacement services in Ormond Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

Backed-Up Toilets: Crucial Tips for Homeowners

Repair Backed-Up Toilets Quickly To Avoid Risks

Backed-up toilets can pose major threats to households. Between foul odors, water damage, health hazards, and even contaminated water, these backups can lead to numerous unwanted risks. When these occur, scheduling services with a trusted local plumber to repair the backed-up toilet quickly and accurately is essential.

To understand the risks of backed-up toilets, Ormond Beach, FL plumbers explain what causes toilet backups, the methods plumbers use to repair the issues, and ways homeowners can avoid backed-up toilets.

Common Causes of Toilet Backups

Toilet backups can occur for various issues – and at any time. When plumbers are called to investigate these problems, they will inspect the sewer line for common defects.

One of the most common causes of backed-up toilets is clogged sewer lines. These can be caused by debris in the line, grease, or other buildups. In some cases, tree roots can infiltrate the lines and cause blockages. Experts will also look for problems like cracks, corrosion, sagging lines, or collapsed sewer lines.

Specialized Methods Plumbers Use to Repair Backed-Up Toilets

Homeowners need to schedule services with a plumber when a backed-up toilet occurs. Experts are trained in specialized methods that can accurately repair backups and restore safety and comfort to the house.

Sometimes, small sewer line clogs can be removed or broken up using an auger, snake, or plunger. If these don’t work, or if there is a large blockage like a tree root, then plumbers might opt for hydrojetting. This technique uses a highly pressurized stream of water to dislodge buildups.

If a crack is causing issues in the sewer line, plumbers might need trenchless sewer line services to perform sewer line repairs or replacements. If trenchless methods can’t be used, traditional services will be performed. To determine the issue with the sewer line and its severity and location, plumbers might use sewer video inspections to perform a complete inspection of the line.

Ways Households Can Avoid Backed-Up Toilets

While toilet backups can be messy, dangerous, and disruptive to households, fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent them from occurring. First, property owners must schedule regular drain and sewer line cleaning services. These routine appointments will remove minor clogs and residue to prevent larger clogs from forming.

Another easy tip for households is to avoid putting the wrong items down the drain or toilet. Plumbers remind homeowners that only waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed. They should put a wastebasket in the bathroom to prevent common items like cotton balls, paper towels, Q-tips, and feminine hygiene products from being flushed.

Other tips for homeowners are to install screens over their drains and block their tree roots from intruding on the sewer line. Screens can catch hair and debris from going down the drain. Experts should also check tree roots regularly to ensure they are not growing into sewer lines. Root barriers can be installed to prevent them from growing into the pipes.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

The dedicated team at Andy Frattin Plumbing offers quality plumbing services to the Daytona Beach area. They provide on-time services, and flat-rate prices, and also guarantee satisfaction with all services. Call them today for toilet repair services in Ormond Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Functioning With These Key Tips

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working Well Over the Holidays

While holiday traditions are different for every household, there is typically one common denominator: lots of cooking and baking! This can be exciting as households entertain and host large dinners or gatherings, but it can also put homes at risk of clogs and garbage disposal problems.

With more cooking and food scraps, there is an increased risk of putting the wrong items down the disposal and creating a blockage or issue. This post gives tips on how households can avoid clogs and keep their disposal working correctly.

Food You Should Never Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

Putting the wrong type of food down the garbage disposal can lead to clogs, blockages, and problems for the garbage disposal. Fortunately, that can be easily prevented by not putting certain foods down the garbage disposal, including items like:

Never put grease or cooking oils down the disposal. These can solidify and form clogs. Instead, these should be disposed of in the trash.
Avoid putting stringy vegetables like celery or asparagus. Strands of these can get caught around the blades.
Don’t put starchy food like pasta or rice down the disposal. If these absorb water, they can expand.
Never put hard food items like bones or peach pits down the disposal, as these can wreck the blades.
Avoid putting eggshells or coffee grounds down the disposal as these can get stuck in the system.

Why You Should Run Cold Water When Using Garbage Disposal

When using the garbage disposal, plumbers suggest running cold water during and after. Doing this will help keep food moving through the drain and prevent it from clogging the garbage disposal. It will also help the blades grind down the food, help clean garbage disposals, and even prevent foul odors from the drain. Running cool water will also help cool the motor and prevent overheating.

In addition to running cold water, plumbers also suggest not putting too much of any type of food down the disposal at once to prevent clogs and problems with the disposal. Homeowners can also put ice cubes down the disposal to keep the blades sharp and dislodge food scraps to avoid clogs.

Garbage Disposal Problems? Call a Plumber

When garbage disposals malfunction, hiring a professional to perform repair or replacement is essential. It can be tempting for homeowners to watch a DIY video and try to do the work themselves, but this can be risky. A trained expert can quickly and accurately make the garbage disposal repair, ensuring the work is done safely.

Some signs of garbage disposal problems indicating a plumber should be called include things such as bad smells from the disposal, strange noises like humming or leaking, if the disposal has trouble grinding down food or doesn’t turn on, and the garbage disposal reset button has to be used too often.

About Andy Frattin Plumbing

Andy Frattin Plumbing is a family-owned company that has been serving Ormond Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2000. They provide flat rate prices, on-time service, and the latest technology. Call them today for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Ormond Beach, FL.