Your home or business plumbing isn’t as complicated as you think. In fact, with a little help, you can spot a problem before it’s too late. You don’t have to be an expert plumber to know the basics of plumbing. Once you understand what actually makes up your plumbing in your home or business, you can take action when an issue occurs and know when to call a plumbing solutions Stuart expert. 

The Three Phases of Plumbing Installation

Believe it or not, it’s important to know how plumbing installation works for commercial and residential properties. Although they may differ, both properties work the same field to provide adequate water, as well as safe and efficient waste removal. You’ll still want a professional to come and assist with the installation. However, it doesn’t hurt to have this knowledge for everyday use. 

Phase One

This phase begins underground and requires your commercial or residential property to have walls that are poured and set for the basement. After the foundation is set, the plumbing installation begins with identifying the system’s connections. The connections are the plumbing lines entering and leaving the structure. Once these plumbing lines are set, the contractor will connect the lines to the water line and install a meter.

Phase Two

Phase 2 is a little more in-depth and requires your contractor to make holes in the walls, ceilings, and flooring if necessary. That means that gas lines must be covered during the installation phase before your contractor can cover the open drywall. After your foundation is set and lines are connected in the appropriate places, your contractor will hook up the other water lines, drains, and vent pipes that make up your home. These connections go directly to your toilets, bathtubs, showers and other drains around your home. 

Phase Three

Phase 3 is the last phase, which is securing your home once everything is installed. This means that your  plumbing contractor will ensure all running fixtures are connected in the appropriate places and attach any other appliances where needed. They also need to check the quality of the plumbing systems and watch for leaks, while checking the water pressure in various parts of your home.

Steps to Plumbing Installation

Residential plumbing will be a mix of these three phases, from start to finish. You will start with drilling through the sills to ensure proper water line installation. Next, you’ll work with the water lines carefully to keep hot and cold lines separate. You’ll also make a rough stub out for the sinks. Then, you’ll put on the crimps before you rough-in the water lines. Crimping joins the pipe to the rough stubbing to keep it secure. 

DIY or Pro?

Major or minor issues can happen at any time, and that is why it is important to consider these three phases of plumbing installation. Some plumbing mishaps can be solved right away, and may even be prevented, but others can occur unexpectedly and throw us for a loop. When it comes to your commercial or residential plumbing, your plumbing solutions Stuart contractor should always handle your installation. While some plumbing needs can be met with a DIY technique, others require the skill and advanced tools of a plumber to make sure the problem doesn’t arise again or create a new problem down the road.

Plumbing installation is no easy task, especially when you’re trying to understand these materials and technical terms. That’s where a plumbing solutions Stuart contractor comes in handy. At Genesis Plumbing Services, these experts handle all of your plumbing installation needs, from tubs to water heaters and even leak detection. With plumbing services you can rely on, call the trusted professionals for your free estimate today.

With any home remodel comes the responsibility of taking care of the small details that make the whole house function properly. Bathroom renovations are more than just new tiles and faucet fixtures. You need to take building permits, codes, and the house or building itself into consideration. Plus, you may not know what lies behind those walls. This is not a DIY you should handle without the help of a professional plumbing service. 

A Few Things to Consider

Before you dive right in, you need to take into account where in the house your bathroom is located and what exactly needs to be moved, among other important considerations.

1. Shower placement needs to be exact. Your shower base will not just be placed directly onto the concrete floor, but must be removed and attached properly. To avoid water deposits throughout your bathroom, proper installation of your shower base must occur.
2. What exactly are you transferring? Your toilet? Sink? Shower? You will need proper ventilation for moisture control, as well as refitting of the pipes if toilet transfer occurs. When you search “plumbing contractors near me”, make sure they refit the pipes accordingly, so as not to disrupt the floor’s foundations.
3. Do you plan on covering your new plumbing lines, or keeping them exposed? Some homeowners like the classic, industrial look of exposed plumbing lines. Whether or not this falls in line with your bathroom renovation, make the decision beforehand; once the job is done, it will be costly and time consuming to change it.
4. Bathroom sinks and drains should always be modified to a larger size. It is easy for scum, waste build-up and clogs to happen in a tiny opening. So, when you’re looking to move the plumbing in your bathroom, keep in mind that you’ll need a larger drain size.

How Hard is it to Move Plumbing in a Bathroom?

Now that you have the basics to prepare you beforehand, how long will this bathroom plumbing repiping take? Should you be present when it’s coming together? Well, this answer all depends on your property and the age of your home or building. Relocating plumbing can be difficult. However, it is perfectly achievable with the right professionals to do the job. Moving a toilet isn’t as easy as you think, and will require turning off the water supply, accessing panels for the toilet, and making sure that the new bathroom layout is compatible with the drainage system you currently have.

You also need to factor in the permits for your remodel project. The bigger the remodel, the more in-depth it gets. For example, changing certain elements of your bathroom may result in a change in the blueprint of your home. Because it may alter slightly, you’ll need to have the right permits in place. If your house is on a slab, it will cost more to move the plumbing in your bathroom. If you plan to move bathroom plumbing to another floor, this will increase the cost. The length of time it takes to move the plumbing depends on your ideas for the bathroom remodel.

Home renovations can be a costly process, even when done correctly. Every room in your home has a specific layout for its use, whether under the foundation or within the walls. When you search “plumbing contractors near me”, you’re on the right track to finding a local plumber that will make this renovation a breeze. Genesis Plumbing Services covers your bathroom plumbing when you’re ready to remodel. Whether it involves moving existing plumbing, installing new plumbing or reconfiguring existing plumbing, they do it all so you can enjoy your new bathroom for years to come. Schedule a service today for more information!

You always notice when there’s a sewage problem, particularly sewage backup. In order to prevent sewage backup from even starting, it’s imperative to take precautions while maintaining a healthy, whole house piping system. Before you need a sewage backup fix Port St Lucie expert, there are ways to be prepared so you can handle it safely until help arrives.

What Causes a Sewage Backup?

There are many reasons a sewage backup can occur, aside from old pipes that gather materials. Old houses, massive rain storms that last for a longer than normal timeframe, and even lack of maintenance can cause sewage backup in your home. Sewage is no joke, and needs to be addressed as soon as the issue occurs. Aside from flushing non-flushable items, there are other elements to why sewage backup happens. Perhaps lateral maintenance is not an ideal situation. As a homeowner, you need to be sure that the lateral in your home that connects to the main city sewer is clear and free of tree roots, and is properly maintained. Someone should assess this regularly. This also leads to unlawful plumbing connections, meaning that you may have your sump pump hooked to your sewer. This will cause a backup in your home. The plumbing fixtures need to be hooked legally, and a professional local plumber will ensure it is done correctly and to code. Other causes are the age and the kind of plumbing system you have. Older properties with historic elements will often have clay pipes or outdated plumbing. These structures are usually susceptible to tree roots, twigs and weeds. Eventually, these natural elements will clog the pipes and cause a sewage backup.

Fixing and Nixing the Problem

While sewage backup can happen to the best of us, when it does, you’ll be sure you don’t want this to happen again. So, you should take the utmost care and prepare yourself and your home before this issue arises. First, find out if your home’s existing pipes are clay, or if they’re just plain old. By replacing your pipes with a plastic piping, tree roots find it difficult to pass through. Flood control systems can also be installed and are a security blanket when it comes to preventing back water. Sewage will go out as it’s intended to, and will stay out! Scheduling an annual whole house plumbing inspection is an excellent preventative for sewage backup. Again, older houses may have older plumbing! So, if you are drawn to buying that older Victorian home with classic charm, hire a plumber to inspect the pipes and replace them if necessary. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending the money for an old home renovation, and then needing a sewage backup Port St Lucie plumber to fix a whole house piping issue. 

So, you’re experiencing sewage backup, but to what degree? It can be a scary issue to face, and it’s not something to just mop up and leave. It’s best you leave the fixing-up to an expert. If you notice black water, steer clear from the area and call a specialist right away. Black water is contaminated with toxic chemicals that are hazardous to your health, and should only be maintenanced by licensed professionals.

When was the last time you had routine plumbing maintenance? Now is the time to get your home plumbing looked at to avoid sewage backup. Genesis Plumbing Services provides the expertise needed for all kinds of plumbing solutions, from whole house repiping to sewer replace and repair. With 24/7 support, these dedicated professionals provide 24-hour emergency services, with upfront pricing and free estimates. To schedule your service, fill out this form and let us know how we can help!

Leaky faucets are a common household problem. When you notice a leak, you should take care of it right away, whether through professional means or by doing it yourself (DIY). Leaky faucets can cause major damage to your home, not to mention they can rack up a pretty hefty utility bill. Spotting a drip is essential, and these helpful tips will keep you informed on how to stop a drip from spilling into your wallet.

Causes of a Leaky Faucet

Disc cartridge faucets have inlet and outlet seals that can become worn over time. You may try to DIY your way to a fixed faucet only to realize you need an expert leaky faucet repair Port St. Lucie plumber. These experts know that when they clean the water sediment from the seals, you’ll have a drip-free faucet. But this is not something a homeowner should do! Always contact a plumber for this type of job.

O-Ring Problems

On the faucet valve, you’ll notice a small rubber ring called an o-ring. Common leak issues arise from faulty o-rings and from use over time. It’s not something you did or didn’t do, it’s just the result of frequent faucet use (yay for clean hands!). If you notice a leak stemming from beneath your faucet’s handle, this is an easy replacement you can do by yourself.

Washer Damage

Damaged or loose seat washers are common reasons for a leaky faucet. If the leak is still present after the faucet is off, this will most likely be the case. This is an easy replacement, but should be looked at by a professional if you are unsure how to do this repair yourself.

Loose or Broken Parts

Faucets can also leak due to an internal problem. Parts can break or corrode, or just loosen with time and age. The packing nuts and adjusting ring can get out of balance and need a good tightening every now and then. Another element can be the washers. The constant friction of using the faucet can cause the washers to wear out completely.

Poorly Installed Parts

If your Uncle Jim is your handyman and offered to help you install your new faucets for free, you’d better have a professional take a look at the installation process. More often than not, poorly installed faucets are the reason that leaks happen. Thankfully, this is an easy fix.

Age

New faucets have all new parts that are designed to fit pretty much any home. However, it’s not uncommon to still have an old faucet in your home. If you’ve never replaced the hardware in your bathroom or kitchen, and you are experiencing a leak, chances are it’s just time for a new faucet! There are plenty of new models that will fit your home’s style and budget, and will last for years to come.

When to Call the Pros

Every homeowner will eventually get to a place in their DIY home where they don’t necessarily know how to fix something, or YouTube tutorials are too confusing! It is strongly suggested that you call the professional plumbers before you even try to tackle any plumbing issues outside of general tightening. If you hear running water and nothing is on, the water pressure is low, the water meter is moving when everything is switched off, or you notice that your utility bill is higher than usual, these are definite signs there is a problem and you need to call a professional!

Leaks happen! It’s important to catch it right away and call a professional to get to the problem before it advances. At Genesis Plumbing, we are the leaky faucet repair Port St. Lucie team who specializes in whole house repiping, toilets, faucets, and even garbage disposals. Call for a free estimate today!

Is It Worth Replacing a Bathtub?

In 2021, 39% of homeowners finally had the means to renovate their bathroom. Bathroom remodels can make or break the return of investments. Depending on what you’re planning to remodel, your choice can significantly affect your home’s value. So what if you spy a new bathtub that suits your fancy? Perhaps you want to trade your current tub for an entire upgrade? Choosing your favorite tub is more than just aesthetics, so consulting with your expert bathtub replacement Port St. Lucie team will make it all worth it in the end. 

Needs or Aesthetics?

Before you determine which tub would look nice in your bathroom, you must consider a few things first. How old are the bathroom and the bathtub? Was it the original bathtub when you bought the house? Moreover, have you had your tub refinished? If not, and your tub is between 20 and 40 years old, it’s probably time to replace your tub. This is not based on aesthetics, but rather the need to have a better working tub. When your tub reaches a certain age, it can be hard to clean or fix. A bathtub replacement Port St. Lucie bathroom contractor can give you an age estimate to determine how old your bathtub is. 

So, consider why you would like a bathtub replacement in the first place. Is it time for an upgrade? Were you inspired by the latest DIY television show and you want something that fits your style? Both needs and aesthetics are great reasons for a bathtub replacement. However, it needs to fit the functionality of your current bathroom setup.

Is It Time to Replace My Tub?

So you’ve determined that your tub needs some kind of attention, whether it’s chipped or cracked in some areas and you’ve had someone fill it in, or the tub color is no longer what it once was. 

To Paint or Not to Paint

You can certainly go over the bathtub with a high finish gloss to refinish the tub surface. However, in order to achieve your desired results, consider the type of paint that you’re using, and if in fact a paint refinish is all that your tub needs. More often than not, homeowners will refinish their tub for financial or time saving reasons, and then months later are faced with a problem that painting and refinishing won’t solve.

Old Hat

Whether you know the tub’s age or not, you can tell just by looking at it if it doesn’t fit the expectations of a functional bathtub setting. You can tell pretty quickly if your bathtub is obsolete. For example: you spend a lot of time and effort on repairs, the color of the tub has faded drastically, or the fixtures on the tub are the original and are no longer manufactured. Old fixtures and constant repairs are a surefire sign that your tub is…old hat.

Home Value

When it comes time to sell your home, a bathroom upgrade can increase your home’s value. There’s nothing like walking into a freshly remodeled bathroom when you buy your new home. The first place in the home that potential buyers look at is the bathroom! So, if you’re selling your home, it might be worth replacing your tub or adding some bath upgrades. Most people are looking for modern features and a trending bathroom design. 

Damage 

If you’re trying to decide between repairing the damage or replacing the tub completely, you must consider the severity of the damage. You may get away with fixing the minor cracks and finishes, but an older bathtub should probably be replaced at some point to prevent future damage. 

Bathtub replacements can be rather expensive and difficult projects to do on your own, so it’s best to hire a bathtub replacement Port St. Lucie contractor to take on this project. Our Genesis Plumbing team specializes in home remodels, whole house repiping, and general plumbing work. Contact us today about your next home remodel project!  

Repiping a house is no small task. This isn’t something you can just research online and feel confident doing yourself. It also isn’t something to be nervous about, either. But when you’re constantly experiencing leaks, there comes a time when fixing faulty pipes just isn’t solving the problem anymore. If you’re making frequent repairs to your piping, maybe it’s time to call a repiping expert in Port St. Lucie. 

What is House Repiping?

House repiping is literally repiping the house’s water supply. This is an upgrade from old damaged pipes. Piping generally occurs if there are too many leaks and damages in the plumbing lines that simply can’t be corrected by general maintenance. Sometimes you just have to repipe the whole house! 

So why would you bother to repipe the house? If you’re constantly fixing plumbing issues in your home, it may be time to repipe your house. When you experience recurring problems, such as strange noises coming from the pipes, foul tasting or smelling water, or frequent leaks in different parts of your home, these are good signs that it’s time to repipe.  Discolored water, rust and low water pressure are also signs of faulty pipes. Another reason you would want to repipe your house is if the plumbing was done with lead pipes. If your home is more than 100 years old, you more than likely have lead pipes. Lead poses serious health risks to you and your family, including birth defects and other serious complications. Galvanized steel pipes are another reason to repipe the home, as well. Back in the 1940s, you would see this type of plumbing used on homes for several years. But after a while, these pipes would start to corrode and build up to restrict the flow of water. These pipes also pose a contaminant risk from the corrosion. Perhaps you simply want to remodel certain parts of your home. Starting with a clean set of pipes throughout your home will avoid issues that would arise if you were to mix the old with the new pipes. So, even if it’s just your bathroom remodel, it may be a worthy investment to repipe the whole house.

What’s Included in Repiping a House?

Whole house repiping will take some time and money. You have to know what you’re doing, and know what you’re looking for. You should first pair up with a skilled contractor to help you determine which pipes need replacing and the depth of the costly investment. And the best place to start is to hire a team that’s skilled in repiping a house in the Port St . Lucie area. This whole house project is an extensive one that entails replacing hot and cold water pipes, wastewater drained pipes, and then some. First thing’s first, get an inspection. You need a qualified plumber to give an estimate for a full repipe. Once you get the estimate from your local plumber, you can start to prepare your home. You’ll want to put a thick tarp of protection over your possessions and your furniture. Although the water in your home will be shut off, you will still want to protect your belongings from anything that could arise. The expert plumbers will have tools to locate the pipes that are behind the walls, exposing the pipes to your furniture and other areas of your home. Depending on the size of your home, a whole house repiping could take anywhere from a few days to a week, but sometimes longer. 

A whole house repiping is serious business. That’s why it’s important to have the right professionals estimate the cost and get the job done right. When you’re looking for a repiping, remember that Genesis plumbing experts are licensed and insured with many years of experience. They’ll ensure a full and detailed estimate of labor and material costs and anything else needed. Contact them today for your free estimate on whole house repiping!

You may know a basic thing or two about the plumbing in your home. Maybe you fixed an overflowing toilet or noticed a leaky faucet and were able to take care of that right away. But did you know around 10,000 gallons of water is wasted each year due to household water leaks? That’s enough water for 11 million households! It’s easy to fix the simple problems, but even in seemingly simple problems, there could be an underlying issue that you’re unaware of. Any one of the following alarming plumbing issues should get you thinking, “I need to call a plumbing contractor near me.” Recognize these emergency signals before it’s too late.

Low Pressure

A tell tale sign of an emergency is if you notice that the water pressure in your home is lower than usual. Most homes actually have pressure regulating valves already installed. The pressure regulating valves regulate between your home and the street but can sometimes fail, which causes the pressure to drop low or rise if there’s a problem. There could be damaged pipes somewhere or a clogged aerator, which tends to only affect one sink. Should the pressure be low in all bathrooms and the kitchen, you may have clogged or damaged pipes elsewhere. The only way to be sure is to let a professional take a look.

Water Leaks

Water leaks are no joke, and they can be extremely costly. Not to mention the health issues which can arise from mold and mildew forming from unnoticed leaks. A water leak is also a fire hazard if it’s close to electrical wiring. Shorted wires and circuits can cause a fire within your home.

Most water leaks aren’t emergency related, but why take that chance? The moment you spot any discoloration on your ceilings or walls, it’s time to think, “I need a plumbing contractor near me.” Soggy walls or ceilings are a telltale sign that you have an emergency plumbing issue.

Piping Issues

Clogged drains and pipes can actually build up to an emergency if not regularly cleaned out. It’s an unavoidable situation; however, it can be prevented with proper disposal of baby wipes, tissues, human hair and other materials that can get lodged and clog the pipes. Believe it or not, tree roots can grow through the pipes to create these blockages. After you’ve eliminated all the possible clogging scenarios and you still find an issue, it’s safe to think, a plumbing contractor near me can inspect my home thoroughly to determine the actual cause.

Unusual Noise

Old homes are known to give off strange sounds. But newer homes with a faulty piping system can also become noisy. When you flush the toilet, turn on the faucet, or take a shower, you may hear unusual noise from behind the walls or sink unit. Gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or shower are a sign that your plumbing system is trying to find air in the pipes. This will eventually lead to a backup of water. Hearing water running from your toilet or through your house in your pipes can also be an indicator of broken or damaged pipes.

While these are the top four emergency signs of plumbing issues in your home, every home is different. When you encounter one of these signs, don’t wait for an emergency before you call a plumber. A trusted and reliable plumber can arrive promptly at your home and be able to diagnose the problem. Our team at Genesis Plumbing provides a wealth of knowledge to better serve you so you can stay comfortable and safe in your home for years to come. Contact our handy team today for an inspection!

For about 50 years between the 1930s and 1980s, houses were fitted with steel pipes to support the indoor plumbing. Around the 1960s, copper was also introduced to the plumbing market. These days, PVC is the pipe material of choice and performs infinitely better than the metal varieties. If you own an older home that still has metal pipes, there’s a good chance you might need to consider whole house repiping. Look for these signals. 

Leaks

If you live in an older home and regularly deal with plumbing leaks, a whole house repiping might be in order. Over time, metal pipes corrode and no longer provide an impermeable barrier to the water and wastewater that they’re carrying through your home. Left unrepaired, plumbing leaks can easily, and quickly, cause $1,000s of damage in your home. 

Water pressure problems

Constant water pressure problems are also another sign that it might be time for new plumbing. The reason this happens is that deposits and buildup of minerals collect in your pipes over time and can create blockages in the pipes. These blockages impact the flow of water which causes less than ideal water pressure. 

Discolored water

If you notice that the water coming from your faucets is no longer clear, it could signal a degradation of the metal piping in your home and point to repiping as the answer. Over time, as metal pipes corrode, they release rust and metal particles into the water. Water with any tint of brown coming out of your faucet is a problem that warrants a call to your trusted plumber.   

Preventative updates

You might also consider a whole house repiping projects well before any problems rear their ugly heads. Replacing old metal pipes is a worthwhile upgrade in your home and will even make it more attractive to prospective buyers if you ever decide to sell. If you’re unsure if this type of plumbing upgrade is right for you and your home, call a knowledgeable plumber and discuss the pros and cons of the project. 

Your sewage can back up for a number of reasons. The buildup of grease in your pipes over time, a growing collection of trapped paper towels, wipes, and personal products, and any number of other situations all can cause a clog. Whatever the cause, a quick fix will always be a necessity. If you ever find yourself dealing with this situation and searching for a sewage backup fix, remember these solutions. 

The quickest sewage backup fix

You can try clearing the clog with this easy sewage backup fix with things you probably already have at home. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and pour down the sewer drain. The vinegar will start to break down the clog in the pipe while the effervescence of the mixture will keep it moving. After an hour, flush the pipe again but this time use very hot water. Test the drain to see if the sewage backup fix worked.

Use a snake tool

If you happen to have a drain snake lying around, it might be just the thing you need to clear your sewer clog. This is often the second line of defense after you’ve tried a plunger to free the clog. Push the snake through the block drained until you feel the cause of the problem. Rotate the tool until it frees the debris and get water moving through the drain again.  

The plumbers sewage backup fix

To bring in the heavy hitters for really tough clogs or active backup situations, you should call a plumber. This will definitely be necessary if the blockage is beyond something you can reach, or if you’ve tried multiple home fixes to no avail. A plumber can use a hydro-jet to push water at an extreme velocity from your home out toward the sewer line. 

Finding the clog by camera

 A professional plumber also has the means to locate and isolate the clogged area with a special camera system. They’ll inspect the system by feeding a thin wire and attached camera through your toilet and through the drain. The camera illuminates the space and allows the plumber to see exactly where the problem might be.

Most homeowners don’t give much through to their sinks until there’s a problem. But these workhorses of bathrooms and kitchens deserve a little more attention because when things go wrong with them, they have the capacity to go really wrong. So, if it’s been a while sink you inspected the health of your sink, or if you never have looked at it closely, here’s a few things to look for that signal it could be time for a sink replacement. 

Cracks signal a sink replacement

If you notice any cracks in the bowl of your sink, you should probably look closely for any signs of leaks in the cabinet or on the floor. A cracked sink definitely signals that it’s time for a sink replacement since crack fixes don’t offer much promise for permanent repair. The good news is that a basic new sink won’t break the bank, and a better sink is possible if you have a little bit more to spend. 

If you’re dealing with constant clogs

Another reason that you might need to consider sink replacement is if you’re dealing with constant clogs. Hair, soap scale, and other organic matter has a tendency to gather in the sink’s piping and build up over time. It’s possible to move the clog and professional plumbers definitely have that skill. But after time, the cost of calling in a plumber will cost way more than the cost of buying a new sink and having it installed. 

Signs of rust or mold call for a sink replacement

Any signs at all of mold growth in or under your sink are a good reason to have your sink replaced. Mold anywhere inside your home presents a hazard to you and your family. If the problem gets out of hand, removing it can get really expensive. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get rid of it at the very first sign. Same as rust, if you have rusty water coming out of your pipes, there’s little that can be done to fix it and the sink should just be replaced instead.  

Your bathroom needs some TLC

Another reason to consider a sink replacement is if your bathroom is looking a bit tired and out-of-date. A bathroom renovation is a great home improvement project that will give homeowners a great return on their investment. And if you’re planning on listing your house soom, putting a little lipstick on your bathrooms with beautiful new sinks is a great way to wow potential buyers.