Plumbing is one of those things homeowners in Southwest Florida often feel tempted to tackle themselves. Some DIY projects are simple enough with a little patience and the right tools. Others can quickly spiral into bigger repairs that cost more than if you had called a professional from the start.
At Aztec Plumbing & Drains, we want our neighbors in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and Port Charlotte to feel confident about what they can handle on their own and know when it’s smarter to call in a licensed plumber.
DIY Do’s: Simple Fixes a Homeowner Can Take On
There are a few easy plumbing fixes that most homeowners can handle without risk of making the problem worse.
- Unclogging a slow drain with a plunger or small snake
- Cleaning a faucet aerator to remove mineral buildup and improve flow
- Tightening loose pipe connections with a gentle turn of a wrench
- Locating and using your shut-off valve in case of a leak
- Resetting a garbage disposal with the button underneath
These fixes are quick and safe. But once the job starts looking bigger than expected, it’s a sign to call Aztec Plumbing & Drains at (239) 932-2959 for professional plumbing help in Fort Myers and surrounding areas.
DIY Don’ts: When to Call Aztec Plumbing & Drains
Some projects are not meant for DIY, no matter how many tutorials you watch.
- Faucets and fixtures. Mistakes here can cause hidden leaks.
- Exterior hose connections. Cracks and leaks often need professional repair.
- Garbage disposals. DIY attempts often lead to costlier fixes.
- Water heaters. Installation requires plumbing, electrical, and sometimes gas work.
- Running toilets. A quick jiggle rarely solves the problem for good.
Seem like the task is too big to DIY? Call Aztec Plumbing & Drains at (239) 932-2959 today. Our technicians handle everything from leaking pipe repair in Naples to emergency plumbing in Fort Myers.
What a DIY Mistake Could Cost You: Why a Professional Plumber is Worth It
DIY attempts often seem like a money-saver, but they can end up costing more in the long run. A misaligned faucet install can leak inside a cabinet. A poorly connected water heater can flood a room. Even a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water every week.
Working with a professional plumber protects your home and saves you money down the road. Aztec Plumbing & Drains is fully licensed and insured, and our plumbers know how to get the job done right the first time.
Your Trusted Partners in DIY
We respect homeowners who want to be hands-on with maintenance. That’s why we provide resources on common water heater issues you can try before calling us:
These guides are a good starting point, but if your DIY attempt doesn’t solve the problem, our team is just a call away.
Why Fort Myers Chooses Aztec Plumbing & Drains
Homeowners across Southwest Florida trust Aztec Plumbing & Drains because we bring more than just tools to the job:
- Licensed and certified plumbers with decades of experience
- Local knowledge of hard water, sewer systems, and coastal plumbing challenges
- Financing options available for larger projects
- A customer-focused approach built on trust and reliability
When you need plumbing repair in Cape Coral, plumbing help in Fort Myers, or professional service in Naples and Port Charlotte, Aztec Plumbing & Drains is ready to help.
For Jobs That Need a Pro, Contact Your Fort Myers Plumbing Experts
Aztec Plumbing & Drains is proud to serve homeowners in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and Port Charlotte with honest advice and reliable plumbing service. Whether you’re looking for DIY plumbing fixes or need emergency plumbing help, our team is here to make sure your home stays safe and comfortable. Contact us directly or give us a call at (239) 932-2959 today.
Florida homeowners know that hurricane season brings heavy rains, flooding, and high winds, all of which can strain plumbing systems. Prepare in advance by conducting your own hurricane plumbing inspection to help prevent water damage, sewer backups, and plumbing failures.
At Aztec Plumbing, we specialize in plumbing repair and replacement. If you find issues in your plumbing while conducting a hurricane plumbing inspection, contact us ASAP! Our expert team can fix issues that you find in your pipes, drains, sump pumps, and water systems. We’ll help you be storm-ready before a hurricane and fully functional after it passes.
Why Hurricane Plumbing Inspections Matter Before & After the Storm
Hurricanes can overwhelm plumbing systems, causing water pressure fluctuations, leaks, and blockages. A hurricane plumbing inspection helps homeowners:
- Identify potential weaknesses before a storm
- Prevent costly water damage and flooding
- Ensure proper drainage and sewer function
- Restore plumbing systems quickly after the storm
By conducting a plumbing inspection, homeowners can protect their property and avoid major repairs.
Key Plumbing Issues to Check Before a Storm
A hurricane can put significant strain on your home’s plumbing system, increasing the risk of leaks, backups, and water damage. Checking key components before severe weather hits ensures your system is prepared to handle heavy rainfall, flooding, and pressure changes.
Leak Detection & Repairs
Even minor leaks can worsen during a hurricane, leading to water damage and mold growth. Detecting and repairing them in advance prevents costly repairs and structural issues.
Sump Pump Inspection & Maintenance
A properly functioning sump pump is essential for protecting basements and crawl spaces from flooding. Inspecting and testing the system ensures it will operate when needed.
Backflow Prevention Testing
Storm surges and heavy winds can reverse water flow, potentially contaminating your home’s water supply. Testing backflow prevention devices ensures clean, safe drinking water.
Water Heater & Pipe Security
Water heaters and pipes are vulnerable to high winds and flooding. Securing them before a storm helps prevent ruptures, leaks, and costly water damage.
Drainage & Sewer Line Readiness
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drains and sewer lines, leading to backups and water damage. A storm sewer inspection ensures your system can handle excess water.
Hurricane Preparedness Plumbing Checklist
Before hurricane season, homeowners should take the following steps to ensure their plumbing system is ready:
- Check for leaks in pipes, faucets, and water heaters
- Inspect and test sump pumps to confirm they are operational
- Clean gutters and storm drains to prevent backups
- Shut off outdoor faucets and secure exposed plumbing
- Ensure backflow prevention systems are functioning
- Locate and test the emergency shut-off valve for quick water control
Taking preventive measures reduces the risk of storm-related plumbing damage. Check out our hurricane preparedness guide for an even more in depth checklist.
Post Storm Plumbing Assessment & Repairs
After a hurricane, plumbing systems may be affected by flooding, debris, and pressure changes. You can conduct a post-storm hurricane plumbing inspection to identify hidden issues before they cause long-term damage.
Identifying Storm-Related Pipe Damage
Hurricane winds and flooding can shift soil, causing underground pipes to crack or disconnect.
Clearing Clogged Drains & Sewers
Debris from storms can clog drains and sewer lines, leading to backups. Clearing clogged drains and sewer lines helps restore proper flow.
Checking Water Pressure & Leaks
Changes in water pressure may indicate pipe damage. Inspecting for leaks and testing water pressure ensures system stability.
Evaluating Sump Pump & Flood Protection Systems
If flooding occurs, sump pumps must work efficiently. Checking power connections and drainage performance prevents post-storm water damage.
Restoring Water Quality & Filtration Systems
Flooding can introduce contaminants into water systems. A post-storm plumbing damage assessment ensures drinking water remains safe.
Emergency Shut Off & Water Conservation Tips
During a hurricane, homeowners may need to shut off water supply lines to prevent damage. Knowing where and how to turn off the main water valve is critical.
Additional water conservation tips include:
- Filling bathtubs and containers with clean water before the storm
- Turning off irrigation systems to prevent unnecessary flooding
- Using stored water wisely in case of post-storm supply disruptions
How Aztec Plumbing Helps Protect & Restore Your Home
Aztec Plumbing provides plumbing preparation services to help Florida homeowners stay ahead of storm damage. Our team offers:
With our expertise, homeowners can feel confident that their plumbing is hurricane ready and protected year-round. We've also channeled our expertise into a full Hurricane Preparedness Guide, if you're looking for more in-depth information.
Contact Aztec Plumbing for Plumbing in Fort Meyers and Surrounding Areas
Hurricane season brings unpredictable challenges, but with the right hurricane plumbing preparation, homeowners can prevent costly plumbing failures.
Aztec Plumbing provides plumbing services in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, and more! Call today at (239) 932-2959 or schedule online!
Do you plan on leaving your home for a considerable amount of time? Make sure you know how to properly prepare your home before you depart. A very important item to consider upon leaving is your plumbing and how to make sure it is shut down so you do not come home to any leaks or worse surprises!
Following the steps below can help you better prepare your home and prevent any unwanted water damage while you are away:
- Before shutting off your water, flush the farthest toilet from your water shut off valve a few times to clear main sewer. Before you do this make sure you have properly located your water shut off valve. This will make sure the line is completely flushed, getting all of the water out of your home.
- Next you will want to shut off your water. You will want to go to where the shut off valve is and turn the valve right (clockwise). Check to make sure the water is off by running a faucet or shower. Click here to learn how to shut off your water.
- Put a teaspoon of vegetable oil down the garbage disposal and run for couple seconds. This will prevent your disposal from rusting and damaging the blades in your disposal while you are away.
- Shut off power to water heater. Now you shut off your water heater you will want to make sure all your water is turned off, which you performed in previous steps. Once all the water is off you will want to drain your water heater. How to drain your water heater is simply explained in our previous blog here. After your water heater is properly drained, you can now open the relief valve so it is sticking straight up.
Turning off your water heater and taking the extra steps to be sure that your water heater is truly off can save you a lot of stress in the long run. Not only will you not come home to any surprises but you can also save money. A true win-win!
If you have any issues with shutting off your water, Aztec Plumbing & Drains is always here to help! Aztec Plumbing has got you covered from A to Z!
