FAQs

When You Likely Need Just a Drain Cleaning

These are signs of localized, manageable clogs:

• One slow drain (e.g., just the kitchen sink or one bathroom tub)
• Minor or occasional clogs
• No foul smells or backups elsewhere
• No water backing up into other drains
• You haven’t had your drains cleaned in over a year — maintenance cleaning can prevent worse issues

Try this first unless you suspect something more serious.

When You Might Need a Camera Inspection

Camera inspections are used to look inside your drain or sewer lines. Consider one if you have:

• Recurring or Persistent Clogs: You’ve cleaned the drain before, but the problem keeps coming back. Drain snaking or plunging only provides temporary relief.
• Multiple Drains Affected: If several drains (e.g., kitchen + tub + toilet) are slow or backing up, there may be a main sewer line issue.
• Sewage Smells or Water Backups: Foul odors from multiple drains or water/sewage backing up suggest a deeper blockage or damage in the sewer line.
• Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds: Gurgling from one fixture when using another (e.g., toilet bubbles when you shower) suggests venting issues or main line blockage.
• Old Pipes or Large Trees Near Your Home: Homes with clay or cast iron pipes, or large trees nearby, are at higher risk of root intrusion or pipe damage — best verified with a camera.
• You’re Buying or Selling a Home: A sewer scope is often recommended to check the health of the underground sewer line, which can cost thousands to repair if missed.

Types of Water Heater:

• Lifespan (Years) Tank (Electric)
• 8 – 12 years Tank (Gas) 8 – 12 years Tankless (On-Demand)
• 15 – 20+ years Heat Pump (Hybrid)
• 13 – 15 years

Extends Lifespan:

• Annual flushing: Removes sediment buildup from the tank bottom. Replacing the anode rod every 3–5 years (in tank models).
• Water softeners: Reduce mineral buildup in hard water areas.
• Regular maintenance: Catch small issues before they become major.
• Shortens Lifespan: Hard water: Leads to sediment buildup and corrosion.
• Poor installation: Can lead to leaks or overheating.
• Lack of maintenance: Neglecting annual flushing or inspections.

Signs Your Water Heater Is Nearing the End Rusty or discolored water:

• Rumbling or popping noises
• Leaks around the base
• Reduced hot water or longer recovery time
• Rising energy bills

The right method depends on the severity and type of blockage. For light clogs caused by soap residue or minor buildup, flushing the drain with hot water or using a baking soda and vinegar mixture can help. However, chemical drain cleaners from the store are not recommended—they can corrode your pipes and cause long-term damage.

For tougher clogs, professional drain cleaning is the most effective solution. At Florida Plumbing Plus, Inc., our technicians use advanced equipment such as hydro jetting and drain snakes to safely clear blockages without harming your pipes. These methods not only restore proper flow but also help prevent future clogs by thoroughly removing buildup inside the line.

Whole-house water filtration systems require professional installation to ensure effectiveness and reliability. While it may be tempting to attempt a DIY install, these systems connect directly to your home’s main water supply line. Improper installation can cause leaks, reduced water pressure, or even contamination of your drinking water.

Our technicians are trained to evaluate your home’s specific water quality needs, recommend the right filtration system, and install it correctly. This ensures that your entire household enjoys safe, clean water from every tap without risking costly mistakes. A professional installation also helps protect your manufacturer’s warranty.

Yes, sewer pipe relining is often a smart and cost-effective investment compared to full replacement. This trenchless repair method involves inserting a durable epoxy liner inside your existing sewer pipe, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one.

The benefits are significant:

• Less disruption: No need to dig up your yard, driveway, or landscaping.
• Time savings: Most relining jobs can be completed in a day or two.
• Durability: Relined pipes can last 50 years or more.
• Cost savings: Avoids the higher costs of excavation and property restoration.

Sewer pipe relining is particularly worthwhile for homeowners looking to extend the life of their system without the hassle and expense of full replacement.

In most cases, standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover sewer line replacement unless the damage is caused by a sudden, accidental event—such as damage from a vehicle accident or fire. Gradual wear and tear, root intrusion, or corrosion are generally considered maintenance issues and are excluded from coverage.

That said, some insurance companies offer additional coverage or “sewer and drain endorsements” that can help offset these costs. We recommend reviewing your policy closely and contacting your provider for details. At Florida Plumbing Plus, Inc., we also offer financing options to help homeowners manage the cost of major repairs when insurance isn’t available.

A whole-home repipe involves replacing all the water supply pipes in your house with new, modern piping. This service is often necessary in older homes where pipes are made from outdated materials such as galvanized steel or polybutylene, which are prone to leaks, corrosion, and reduced water pressure.

Repiping provides several benefits:

• Improved water pressure: Eliminates old, corroded pipes that restrict flow.
• Cleaner water: Prevents rust and contaminants from entering your water supply.
• Fewer leaks: Reduces the risk of costly water damage from failing pipes.
• Peace of mind: Provides a long-term solution that can last for decades.

Our team specializes in repiping projects, completing them with minimal disruption to your daily routine while ensuring your home’s plumbing system is reliable for years to come.

Yes. At Florida Plumbing Plus, Inc., we’ve partnered with Wisetack to make plumbing services more affordable. Financing allows you to spread the cost of large projects—such as repiping, water heater replacement, or sewer repairs—into manageable monthly payments.

With Wisetack, you can:

• Prequalify in minutes without affecting your credit score.
• Choose from multiple payment plans that fit your budget.
• Get the services you need right away, without delaying critical repairs.

Apply for Financing with Wisetack