FAQs

Southwest Florida Homeowners' Complete Plumbing & Drains FAQ

Southwest Florida homes deal with plumbing conditions that are different from other parts of the country. Hard water, beach sand, aging cast iron pipes, and heavy seasonal rain all affect plumbing systems over time. Aztec Plumbing & Drains compiled these answers to explain common plumbing, drain, and sewer questions and help property owners understand what is happening inside their homes.

General Plumbing

Why is my water bill suddenly so high when I haven't changed my habits?

A hidden leak is one of the most common causes of a sudden increase in your water bill. Check for running toilets, dripping fixtures, or signs of water around your home, then schedule a professional inspection if nothing obvious is found.

Why are there hard white crusty spots all over my showerhead and faucets?

Those white deposits are mineral buildup from Southwest Florida's hard water. Cleaning the fixtures removes the buildup temporarily, but a water treatment system addresses the source of the problem.

How do I turn off the water to my whole house in an emergency?

Locate your home's main water shutoff valve before an emergency happens. It is commonly found near the water meter, where the main water line enters the home, or inside the garage.

Why does my tap water taste like pool water or chlorine?

Public water systems use chlorine to disinfect drinking water. If the taste becomes unusually strong or suddenly changes, contact your local water provider or have your home's water tested.

I got a letter from the city about a backflow preventer, what is that?

A backflow preventer keeps contaminated water from flowing back into the public water supply. Some homes require periodic testing to verify the device is working correctly.

Water Heaters

Do I really need to flush my water heater once a year?

Yes. Flushing removes mineral sediment that settles inside the tank, helping maintain heating efficiency and extending the life of the water heater.

Why is my water heater making a loud popping or rumbling noise?

Mineral deposits collect on the bottom of the tank and trap water beneath them. As the water heats, the trapped moisture creates popping or rumbling sounds.

How long do water heaters actually last in Florida?

Traditional tank water heaters generally last around 8 to 12 years, while tankless systems frequently last longer with regular maintenance. Water quality and routine care both affect service life.

Why am I running out of hot water so much faster than I used to?

Sediment inside the tank reduces the amount of available hot water and worn heating components also affect performance. A professional inspection can determine if maintenance or replacement is the right solution.

Is it really worth the money to switch to a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand and takes up less space than a storage tank. The right choice depends on your household's hot water use, budget, and long-term plans.

Drains

Why is my toilet bubbling or gurgling when I run the shower?

Bubbling or gurgling usually points to a blockage or venting problem within the drain system. Ignoring the problem allows the blockage to grow until wastewater backs up.

Is it safe to pour Drano down a slow drain?

Chemical drain cleaners can damage some pipes and create hazards during future repairs. A mechanical drain cleaning removes the blockage without exposing your plumbing to harsh chemicals.

What is the best way to get beach sand out of a shower drain?

Brush off as much sand as possible before showering to keep it out of the drain. If sand has already built up inside the plumbing, professional cleaning removes the accumulation safely.

Why does my garbage disposal just hum when I flip the switch?

A humming disposal usually has a jammed grinding plate or a seized motor. Turn the power off before attempting any inspection or reset.

Why does my bathroom sink smell like a sewer?

Soap residue, hair, and bacteria inside the drain commonly create unpleasant odors. A dry drain trap or vent problem also allows sewer gases to enter the home.

Sewer Lines & Underground Piping

How do I know if I have a water leak under my concrete slab floor?

Warm spots on the floor, unexplained increases in your water bill, reduced water pressure, or the sound of running water with everything turned off are common warning signs. Leak detection equipment can pinpoint the source without unnecessary demolition.

Why does my house smell like sewage after a heavy summer rain?

Heavy rainfall places additional demand on sewer systems and exposes existing drain or vent problems. Persistent sewer odors should be inspected to identify the source before damage becomes worse.

Do you have to break my tile floor or driveway to fix a broken sewer pipe?

Not always. Modern inspection equipment and trenchless repair methods allow some sewer problems to be repaired with far less digging than traditional excavation.

How do tree roots keep getting into my plumbing pipes?

Tree roots naturally grow toward moisture and enter pipes through small cracks or loose joints. Once inside, the roots continue growing and restrict wastewater flow.

If the sewer line is broken in my front yard, is the city responsible for fixing it?

Responsibility depends on where the damage is located. In most areas, homeowners maintain the sewer line from the home to the connection with the public sewer system.

Appointments & What to Expect

Do you charge extra for emergency plumbing calls on nights or weekends?

Emergency service availability and pricing are explained before your appointment is scheduled. You'll know what to expect before work begins.

Will you give me a flat price before you actually start the repair?

Yes. Aztec Plumbing & Drains explains the recommended repair and provides upfront pricing before any work begins, allowing you to approve the job first.

Do I need to be home the entire time the plumber is working?

Someone 18 or older should be present when the technician arrives and when the work is reviewed at completion. Your technician will explain any access requirements before starting.

Do you pull the required permits for water heater or sewer line replacements?

Yes. Aztec Plumbing & Drains obtains required permits when local codes call for them and completes work according to applicable regulations.

Will your plumbers clean up the mess after a major pipe repair?

Yes. Aztec Plumbing & Drains cleans the work area, removes job-related debris, and reviews the completed repair with you before leaving.