Plumbing Services in Melbourne, FL

When you’ve got water gushing where it shouldn’t, it’s easy to feel frazzled and unsure of what to do first. But a few simple steps can minimize damage and hassle while pros are en route. Here’s a quick game plan for handling those plumbing emergencies:

Find the Main Shutoff

The first thing you need to do is to stop that water at the source. Every home has a main shutoff valve that cuts water to the whole house, usually located near the street/meter or where pipes enter the foundation. Give it a clockwise twist to the closed position.

Isolate the Problem Area

If it’s an appliance or fixture like the water heater or toilet causing issues, you can also shut off the individual supply line running to it. Look for a local valve, usually located behind or underneath, and turn it all the way clockwise.

Mop Up Excess H2O

With the flows stopped, grab some old towels and a mop to soak up any standing water. This prevents it from spreading further and damaging floors, walls and belongings while you wait for the plumbing cavalry.

Call for Backup

As soon as you’ve got a handle on the situation, ring up Snyder’s emergency plumbing hotline. We’ll have a truck rolling in no time, 24/7, to get that issue diagnosed and repaired quickly.

Stay Safe

Plumbing floods are no fun, but try to keep your cool. Avoid any areas with active water flows that could create electrical hazards. Keep kids and pets safely away until our crew contains the situation.

With some quick thinking, you can turn that plumbing nightmare into just a temporary headache. Snyder’s team will be there before you know it to get things flowing smoothly again!

Few things are more annoying around the house than dealing with a slow-draining sink or tub. Those clogs can quickly turn a simple task like washing dishes into a shallow wading pool situation. But with some simple maintenance habits, you can keep those drains flowing like a dream and avoid many headaches:

Use Drain Covers/Catchers

Whether it’s the shower, tub or kitchen sink, make use of drain covers or strainers that catch hair, food particles and other debris before they go down the pipes. Just give them a periodic cleaning.

Be Garbage Disposal Savvy

Your disposal is a workhorse, but it can’t grind up everything. Avoid putting fibrous foods, bones, pits, and other tough items down there that can get stuck and cause clogs.

Treat Drains Monthly

Once a month, pour a solution of baking soda and vinegar down each drain, followed by hot water. This natural combo helps dissolve buildup without harsh chemicals.

Go Enzyme Eco-Friendly

For tough clogs, skip the Drano! Invest in an enzyme-based, bio-clean drain product that uses beneficial bacteria to eat away gunk and grease over time.

Let Hot Water Run

Make it a habit to run hot water for 30-60 seconds before using a drain. That heat helps remelt any grease or soap scum that could start congealing.

Bring in a Pro Annually

Despite your best efforts, drains will still slowly accumulate buildup. Opt for annual professional drain cleaning to thoroughly flush out any potential obstructions.

A few simple adjustments to your drain habits can save you tons of time, money and headaches in the long run. But if you do run into a stubborn clog, never hesitate to call in the Snyder plumbing pros!

How can you tell when it’s time to start shopping for a new water heater? Here are some telltale signs:

It’s Going on Golden Years

Most tank-style water heaters have a life expectancy of around 8-12 years. If yours is celebrating its 10th birthday and showing other issues, it’s on borrowed time. Tankless units tend to last a bit longer at 15-20 years.

Rusty Water

If you’re getting rusty, discolored hot water from faucets, it likely means the tank is corroding from the inside out. That sediment buildup can really impact efficiency too.

Strange Noises

Is your water heater making whining, popping, or rumbling sounds as it operates? That’s a sign of excessive sediment buildup putting stress on the unit as it ages.

Leaks

Water pooling around the base of the tank is a surefire indicator that the tank is failing and needs replacement ASAP before a serious flood occurs.

Rising Energy Bills

If you’ve noticed a spike in energy costs but no change in usage habits, your aging water heater may be working overtime to compensate for sediment and loss of efficiency.

Inconsistent Temperatures

Going from a scalding shower to an ice bath with no warning? Those wildly fluctuating temperatures are a bad sign the unit can’t properly regulate anymore.

If you’re experiencing any of those red flags, it’s time to start exploring replacement options with the Snyder team. We’ll assess your hot water needs to recommend the most cost-effective, energy-efficient solution – whether that’s upgrading to a tankless model or sticking with a traditional tank unit.

There’s nothing more frustrating than opening up that water bill to find an unexpectedly sky-high number. If your usage hasn’t changed but those costs have gone through the roof, there’s a good chance you’ve sprung a plumbing leak somewhere. Here are some of the common culprits that lead to excessive water waste:

Running Toilets

That seemingly innocent phantom flush can waste hundreds of gallons per day. A deteriorated flapper or fill valve lets water constantly trickle down the bowl and out to the sewer line. Check for a hissing sound that’s a dead giveaway.

Leaky Faucets/Showerheads

A slow drip you’ve learned to ignore can guzzle gallons over time. Whether it’s a faucet fixture or showerhead, those leaks add up quickly. A single drip per second equals 5 gallons per day down the drain.

Hidden Water Line Leaks

Underground or behind-the-wall pipe leaks are silent and invisible, allowing them to persist for months on end before being detected. By then, you could be talking thousands of gallons wasted.

Irrigation System Glitches

If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, any broken lines or faulty sprinkler heads can spew hundreds of gallons into the landscape between watering cycles.

Appliance Failures

From dishwashers to washing machines, any water supply line leak or drain trap failure can lead to major leakage and excessive bills until repaired.

The first step is having a plumber conduct a thorough leak detection inspection to find the source. Once located, they can make the repair to get that water waste and spiking bill back under control. If all else fails, installing a whole-home water meter is an easy way to monitor for abnormalities.

You may want to consider going tankless for your home’s next water heater upgrade. These innovative units are changing the hot water game with some awesome perks:

Energy Superstars

With a traditional tank, you’re constantly paying to keep all those gallons of water at temperature whether you’re using it or not. Such a waste! Tankless models only fire up to heat water when you actually need it. Most homeowners see 25-35% drops in energy costs.

Never-Ending Supply

How many times have you had to cut a shower short or space out showers because the hot water ran out? With a tankless system continually heating on demand, you get unlimited hot water as long as that tap is running. No more family feuds!

Compact Space Savers

Those big ol’ tank heaters are such space hogs. Tankless units are compact wall-mounted boxes that can be tucked away in a closet or corner to free up valuable square footage.

Long-Lasting Performers

While tank models usually conk out after 10-12 years of hard labor, tankless units are marathon runners. With proper care, they can keep supplying hot water for 20 years or more before needing replacement.

Eco-Friendly Standouts

By only heating water when needed and eliminating those energy-guzzling storage tanks, tankless systems leave a much smaller environmental footprint. They’re a total win for green living!

Safety-Conscious

With no huge tank of scalding hot water being stored and pressurized, tankless heaters virtually eliminate risks of leaks, bursts or scalding injuries.

The upfront costs are higher initially, but with their longevity and energy savings, tankless units can pay for themselves in just a few years. If you’re over constantly running out of hot water and want to save some green, it’s definitely time to make the switch!

Water leaks like staying out of sight and causing all sorts of expensive issues before you even realize there’s a problem. From enabling mold growth to running up utility costs, those concealed moisture sources are nothing but bad news if left unchecked. But here are some tipoffs to keep an eye out for:

Unexplained Dampness

Whether it’s a water-stained patch on the drywall, a bubbling painted surface, or damp carpet with no visible spill, any areas of unexplained moisture are a major red flag that something’s amiss. Don’t ignore them!

Funky Smells

Mold and mildew have a very distinct, musty odor that’s a dead giveaway moisture is building up out of sight. If you start noticing any earthy, damp smells in certain rooms, start sleuthing for the source.

Rising Water Bills

Taken a look at your monthly usage charges lately? If those costs have crept up significantly with no change in your water habits, chances are you’ve sprung a leak somewhere.

Visible Damage

Hairline cracks in walls or ceilings, along with any discolored yellowish staining, can signal water intrusion from leaky pipes within. Warped, bowed or buckling surfaces are another telltale sign.

Mold Colonies

Mold only needs a few days of persistent dampness to start growing. Any visible mold patches mean there’s an ongoing moisture issue that needs to be addressed ASAP.

Outside Issues

If you notice areas of your yard or foundation that always seem wet or have settled cracks, it could point to plumbing leaks underground that need attention.

While those signs may indicate a leak, actually locating the source often requires specialized tools and training. That’s where experienced plumbers with leak detection equipment like thermal imaging and line tracing come in. They can accurately pinpoint the leak’s location so it can be quickly accessed and repaired.

Just like anything else, plumbing requires routine maintenance and TLC to keep those pipes and fixtures operating smoothly. A few simple habits go a long way:

Go With the Flow

Make a habit of periodically checking all faucets, toilets, and appliances for any slow leaks or drips. Those minor issues can turn into major headaches if ignored long enough.

Drain Duty

Show your drains some love by avoiding putting grease, hair, food particles and other gunk in them. Use drain covers and give them a monthly flush with baking soda and vinegar.

Leak Patrol

Inspect visible pipes under sinks and in basements for any moisture, stains or mineral buildup that could indicate a slow leak. Catching them early prevents serious damage.

Shut It Down

If heading out of town, shut off the main water supply to your home. This prevents any leaks from turning into floods while you’re away.

Insulate Protection

Make sure exposed pipes in attics, crawlspaces and exterior walls are properly insulated to prevent freezing during winter cold snaps.

While those basic steps are a good start, the best approach is investing in routine professional plumbing inspections and maintenance. Having skilled techs thoroughly inspect and flush out your whole system annually catches little issues before they escalate. They can make minor repairs and adjustments to keep everything flowing smoothly.

A little proactive effort goes a long way in avoiding those nightmare plumbing emergencies. Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in an overflowing toilet or busted pipe to give your system some TLC!

Few household headaches are as maddening as a toilet that just won’t stop running long after the flush. That constant trickling water sound is enough to drive anyone batty! If you find yourself holding that handle down to prevent a perpetual cycle, chances are one of these common culprits is to blame:

Flapper Failure

This rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank controls whether water flows into the bowl or not. If it’s cracked, worn out or not creating a tight seal, water will continuously leak through into the overflow tube.

Chain Chaos

The chain connecting the toilet handle to the flapper can get twisted, kinked or improperly adjusted. This prevents the flapper from closing all the way after flushing.

Float Foul Play

The float ball and rod that regulate the tank’s water level may be set too high. This causes water to continuously enter the overflow tube as the fill valve tries to top it off.

Sediment Buildup

Over time, hard water can leave mineral deposits around the flush valve and drain holes. This gunk prevents proper sealing for the flapper to create that vacuum seal.

Fill Valve Fail

If the rubber gaskets or seals inside the toilet’s fill valve mechanism start deteriorating with age, it can no longer regulate flow properly to prevent running.

While some of those issues can be DIY-ed with a toilet repair kit, they often get trickier with older, corroded equipment. That’s where the Snyder team comes in! Our plumbers can quickly diagnose the root cause and make that surgical repair or replacement to finally silence your running john once and for all. No more wasted water or sleepless nights!

Whether it’s funky tastes, staining, or health concerns, there are plenty of reasons Melbourne homeowners seek out water filtration systems. But with so many options out there, how do you know which type of system best fits your needs? Here’s a quick guide to making that choice:

If You Have Hard Water…

Those mineral deposits and scaling are a pain, but a salt-based water softener is the ideal solution. It removes calcium and magnesium through ion exchange to prevent buildup.

For Chlorine Odors/Tastes…

Can’t stand that swimming pool smell and flavor from municipal disinfectants? Look for filters with activated carbon that excels at removing chlorine.

Dealing With Sediment…

If your water has a reddish tint or sandy particles, a sediment filter is key for trapping larger particulates before they reach fixtures.

Eliminating Contaminants…

For concerning contaminants like lead, volatile organic compounds or heavy metals, a reverse osmosis (RO) system is the gold standard for purification.

Fresher, Cleaner Drinking Water…

Just looking to improve tastes and odors for better drinking? Point-of-use carbon filters on taps or pitchers are an easy, affordable solution.

Worried About Everything…

For total peace of mind about any impurities, a whole-home system combining sediment, carbon, and RO filters provides comprehensive treatment.

The Snyder team can test your home’s water quality to identify any specific issues. From there, we’ll size and configure the perfect filtration setup to deliver clean, great-tasting water from every tap and appliance. Fresher drinking water, spotless dishes, and no more buildup around fixtures!

We’ve all dealt with that dreadful clogged drain. But did you know routine professional drain cleaning can help prevent those headaches from happening in the first place? Just like any other home maintenance task, some simple preventative measures go a long way when it comes to your plumbing.

So how often should you get on the calendar for drain cleaning service? It really depends on the size of your household and overall usage:

Smaller Households

If it’s just a couple of adults in the home, an annual drain cleaning is usually sufficient to keep things flowing smoothly. You just don’t have the same volume of hair, soap scum, and food debris going down the pipes.

Families with Kids

Once you add a couple of little ones into the mix, you’ll want to bump that up to every 6 months. Kids are basically tiny drain-clogging machines between all the bathtub hair, dirt, and anything else they try flushing!

Larger Households

For homes with 5 or more occupants, quarterly drain cleaning (every 3 months) is recommended. All those extra people using showers, sinks, and kitchen appliances daily leads to much faster buildup.

Frequent Entertaining

If you love hosting and have constant streams of guests using your bathrooms and kitchen, you may want to consider bi-annual cleaning to stay ahead of potential clogs.

Older Homes

Properties over 25-30 years old often have older plumbing that’s prone to buildup from aging pipes and tree root intrusions. More frequent cleaning helps maximize life.

A regular drain cleaning schedule helps keep everything flowing like a dream. But if you do run into any slow drains or backups between appointments, don’t hesitate to call Snyder right away! We’ll get you unclogged and back on track in no time.