Tokens of appreciation like these letters from our friends at VFW Post 3233 really help put us in the Holiday Spirit!

Thank you Remi and Peter for the kind words and we look forward to providing top-notch plumbing services for years to come!

Call The Professionals!

Microplastics and “Forever Chemicals” in Florida Drinking Water

In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) which authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set health-protective standards for more than 90 contaminants found in tap water.

The problem is that the list of regulated chemicals has not been updated since the act was last amended in 1996 and the acceptable levels for many of the contaminants that are regulated are higher than what scientific studies conducted in the intervening years have found to be safe.

Short for “per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances”, PFAS, the family of fluorinated chemicals that sprang from Teflon, includes thousands of commonly used nonstick, stain-repellent, and waterproof compounds found in everyday items including popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, and single-use food containers. These highly toxic compounds have come to be known as “forever chemicals” because they build up in our bodies and never breakdown in the environment.

A study conducted by scientists at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and published in 2020 estimated that more than 200 million Americans may be drinking PFAS-tainted water and the number of communities confirmed to be contaminated continues to grow. Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases.

Another Contaminant of Emerging Concern (CECs) is microplastics (tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter). Barely visible to the naked eye, these tiny particles (which also include PFAS) come from water bottles, fishing gear, plastic bags, synthetic clothing or any other plastic-containing item that ends up in the ocean, breaks down into smaller pieces, and lodges into our seafood.

A recent study from USF St. Petersburg and Eckerd College (https://www.usf.edu/magazine/2019-winter/university/) estimates that the waters of Tampa Bay contain four billion particles of microplastics. Since particles are similar in size to plankton, filter feeders such as oysters, clams, many fish and some birds ingest microplastics, allowing them to enter the food chain.

With the ability to filter particles as small as 0.001 microns, reverse osmosis filters like the Halo RO 5 are the most effective for removing microplastics. This 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis (RO) System Plus PH Balancer removes Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Copper, Fluoride, Hexavalent Chromium, Lead, Radium 226/228, Selenium, Trivalent Chromium, Turbidity, PFO, PFA and TDS.

If you are concerned about your drinking water, and you should be, call the professionals at 941-355-5400. Professional Plumbing & Design carries only the best Water Filtration Systems from top manufacturers like Halo Water Systems, Aqua-Pure®, Everpure®, Watts®, Cuno®, 3M, and Nuvo H2O™.

If you think this doesn’t apply to you, visit ewg.org/tapwater (click “Continue to site”, if you don’t want to receive a copy of their Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals) then enter your zip code and click on your water utility to see which contaminants exceed current health guidelines and by how much.

This screen capture of the contaminants detected in the utility that services the area where Professional Plumbing & Design is located will hit close to home with readers in the Sarasota area.

1^st Sign: Your Water Heater Is Too Old

And how old is too old you ask? You really should replace electric water heaters after 10 years and gas water heaters after 8. But what if you don’t know how old your water heater is? Well, the year and month of production is on the serial number, but it’s not always obvious.

In the case of Bradford White Water Heaters, one of our favorites, the first two characters of the serial number represent the year and month of manufacture, but it’s coded as follows. Other brands, use different codes, but a quick online search will help you solve the puzzle.

2^nd Sign: The Tank is Rusted

If hot water comes out of the faucet rusty or you see rust around the water inlet or pressure relief valve on the water heater, there’s a good chance the inside of the tank is rusted. Rusty water, in and of itself, isn’t great, it’s also a harbinger of leaks which means you’ll need to replace your water heater soon.

3^rd Sign: The Water Heater is Making Noise

Like rust, noise is never a great sign. More often than not, the cause of the noise is sediment buildup. With continued use, sediment collects at the bottom of the tank. If you are not flushing the tank regularly (at least once a year), the sediment will harden, making the water heater inefficient.

Water heaters with sediment buildup have to work harder to heat the same amount of water so they consume more energy and the increased wear and tear will inevitably shorten its lifespan. If the water heater is still making noise after it’s flushed, you probably need a new water heater.

4^th Sign: There’s Water Around the Water Heater

Over time, your water heater goes through thousands of heating cycles. The constant expansion and contraction of the metal will eventually compromise the integrity of the tank. Leaks can also be caused by problems with the connectors and fittings or the pressure relief valve.

Even a small amount of water can damage floors, subfloors and walls, and it can quickly turn into a much bigger problem like flooding or mold. If your water heater is leaking, turn off the water and the electric or gas that power it, and call your plumber as soon as possible.

5^th Sign: The Water Heater Isn’t Heating Water

If your water isn’t getting hot enough (or if it’s getting too hot), you may need to adjust the thermostat (the thermostat should be set somewhere between 120 and 140 degrees) – this one isn’t a big deal.

If you’re not getting any hot water, you could have a broken heating element. You’ll need a plumber for this one, but you probably don’t need a new water heater, unless it’s an older unit.

If your family has grown or your demands for hot water have increased recently– you probably need a water heater that is better suited for your current needs.

Professional Plumbing & Design has been offering residential and commercial plumbing services to customers in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, and Venice, since 1985.

Our Pro Club members get front-of-the-line service, 10% discounts & 2-year guarantees on all repairs and replacements, and FREE annual safety inspections so we catch small plumbing issues before they become big problems. Best of all, their monthly investment of just $4.95 is accrued and can be applied to any future service so it’s basically FREE to join the club.

To schedule service or for more information about our Pro Club, Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400.

Ever been told you shouldn’t shower during a lightning storm?

You probably figured it was just and old wives’ tale like the one about chewing gum staying in your stomach for 7 years if you swallow it or the one about waiting 30 minutes after eating before jumping in the pool, but it turns out that you probably should avoid a lot of water-related activities (indoors or out) during a lightning storm.

Most of us will automatically head indoors during a lightning storm. The National Weather Service has even coined the phrase “When thunder roars, go indoors.”, but did you know that, roughly, one third of all lightning-strike injuries occur indoors?

To protect yourself indoors, avoid lying on or leaning against concrete floors and walls as lightning can travel through metal wires or bars in concrete, avoid plugged in electronics or corded phones (cordless and mobile phones are fine), and avoid contact with water as lightning can travel through plumbing.

In fact, the CDC’s Lighting Safety page warns us not to “bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm” and, in a recent story out of Oklahoma, we learn that we should probably add “using the toilet” to the list of water-related activities to avoid.

According to the Okmulgee Fire Department in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, a toilet bowl was destroyed when a lightning bolt struck the roof of an apartment complex and traveled inside. Thankfully, the unit was vacant, but it was set to be rented out the very next day!

The odds of being struck by lightning are less than 1 in a million, but it does strike about 300 people per year in the United States and about 10% of those who are struck die, so don’t increase your chances, especially if you live in Florida, the “lightning capital” of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.

Honored to once again sponsor the Friendliest Catch and maintain the tradition set by Professional Plumbing & Design co-founder, Ted Wittman, who up until the last tournament volunteered his time and boat to take special needs children and adults out on Sarasota Bay for a day of fishing followed by a picnic and awards ceremony at the Sarasota Outboard Club.

Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at the Boats On The Block Party Downtown Sarasota! Click https://bit.ly/2UbfBCt to see all the pictures from Friday night and stay tuned for pictures of tomorrow's Friendliest Catch catch and release tournament!

Join us for the return of the Suncoast Summer Fest Boats On The Block Downtown Sarasota Block Party on Friday June 25 from 6:00 to 10:00.

See our powerboat (again) at the Van Wezel Pits Fanzone on Saturday June 26 from 10:00 to 5:00, and watch us race on Sunday June 27 at 1:00 (Race 3 #Superstock). Visit https://p1offshore.com/race-schedule/86543 for the full schedule of events!

Professional Plumbing & Design is proud to be the GOLD SPONSOR for JAMFEST FOR VETERANS benefiting Heroes Welcome Home, a home ownership and housing assistance charity serving U.S. Veterans throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Join us for live music performed by local bands, food trucks and vendors, biker events and prizes, and much more.

Local bands rocking together for a cause:

3:00 PM - Black Thorn Rose

4:00 PM - Part Time Genius

5:00 PM - Nobody’s Fool

6:00 PM - Otis on Top

7:00 PM - Jack’d Up

8:00 PM - The Collective

General Admission: $10.00

VIP Tickets: $75.00

Visit https://bit.ly/2Nuhd7t for tickets.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for plumbing companies to pay their technicians a commission.

Some companies even set sales goals or minimum bill requirements their technicians must meet - even if it means selling you products and services you don’t need.

At Professional Plumbing & Design, we understand that commissions incentivize technicians to upsell customers, rendering their professional advice, shall we say, less than trustworthy…

Let’s face it, the average homeowner doesn’t know very much about plumbing, so they rely on the plumber (or whatever contractor they hire) to provide honest advice. If your plumber’s paycheck depends on the size of your invoice, you can be sure they’re going to try to upsell you.

Professional Plumbing & Design has been family owned and operated since 1985.

We are not a franchise and our plumbers, many of whom carry Master Plumber and Journeyman Plumber licenses, are not on commission. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured, we offer upfront pricing, and we stand behind every job with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Professional Plumbing & Design has stood the test of time because we are committed to providing best service, at the best price, with the utmost fairness and honesty - every customer, every time!
That is what our customers expect from us and that is what we expect from everyone in the company.

If you’re in need of a plumbing contractor in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto or Venice – Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400.

By: Matt Wittman, President of Professional Plumbing & Design, Inc.

From the Tips & Tricks Issue (September 2020) of Community Magazine,
The Official Journal Of Community Associations Institute West Florida Chapter

Maintaining water heaters, pipes and water supplies helps avoid costly flood damage. Units with cast iron drains should be on a regular cleaning schedule.

Inside homes and condominium units, make sure all water supplies to fixtures, faucets and appliances (dishwasher, ice maker, washing machine, toilets and faucets) are of the braided stainless-steel type with metal connections. Replace all non-braided stainless-steel supplies with metal connections; even braided supplies with plastic connections have shown to be possible leak or flood points. These supplies are under constant water pressure day and night and can fail at any time.

Water heaters should be replaced at least every 10 years unless they have a longer warranty. Most associations require this replacement to avoid flooding damage to other units. There can also be flood stop-valves installed at the water heater that will shut off the water to the water heater if it leaks. Taking leak detection a step further, there are whole house I unit leak detection systems that will shut the water off to the entire house I unit if any leak is detected.

When it comes to multi-story or single-story units with cast iron drains, they should be maintained by regular cleaning (cable cleaning, high speed milling and jet cleaning). In multi-story buildings, the kitchen stacks and the underground drains should be cleaned at least every five years to remove grease and other build up. Single-story units should also clean the underground drains according to the same schedule.

If your multi-story building is older and the cast iron drains have already begun to crack, break and leak, then it would not be worth spending the money to clean pipes that need to be replaced or lined. This also applies for underground cast iron drains in multi-story or single-story units. The old cast iron drains under the slab can be in just as bad shape as the ones above the slab, but you don't see them leaking. As a rule of thumb, replace pipes you can easily get to (behind drywall walls and ceilings) and line pipes you can't easily get to (under concrete slabs and in block walls).

Summer is officially here and that means the beaches are full, boats are on the water, and summer plumbing woes are in full bloom, but these easy-to-follow tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches because – you just don’t need another problem right now…

Clogged Garbage Disposals

With so many of us doing a lot more cooking these days, garbage disposals are working overtime. To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, be sure to run cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before AND after, and check out our recent blog to learn what NOT to put down the garbage disposal. 

Washing Machine Issues

With more outdoor activities like hiking, going to the beach and, let’s face it, sweating - summertime is laundry time. Avoid washing machine issues by making sure the washing machine is at least 4” from the wall so the hoses don't get kinked, replace the hoses every 3 years, and check them at least once a year to ensure they aren't leaking, cracking or bulging.

Leaky Faucets

All faucets eventually wear out and, with all the extra hand washing, this already common problem is sure to be particularly pertinent this year. Don’t ignore the drip, drip, drip - just one leaky faucet, leaking once every 2 seconds, is equal to 2.85 gallons of wasted water per day!

Clogged Toilets

With kids home from school since mid-March, this summer classic made an early appearance for many this year. The best way to avoid toilet clogs is to not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Keeping a wastebasket in every bathroom will help you avoid the temptation.

Sewer Line Backups

Summer storms and heavy rains can lead to sewer backups and invading roots from summer growth can crack pipes. If your plumbing smells, it could be a sign that sewer gas is leaking into your home. Our video inspection equipment can save you time & money by identifying the source of the problem, without unnecessary digging, so we can fix it without delay.

One surefire way to protect yourself from these or any plumbing problem is to join our Pro Club.

Pro Club members get front-of-the-line service, yearly safety inspections, 10% discounts and 2-year guarantees on all repairs and replacements and, best of all, it's all free!

Front of the Line Service

Pro Club members go to the top of our appointment list whenever they need services.

Yearly Safety Inspections

Once a year, one of our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect your plumbing system to ensure that everything is working properly and there are no potential plumbing hazards and, if you have any service done at the time of your inspection, you don’t pay a trip charge.

Discounts and Extended Guarantees

Pro Club members get 10% off plus a 2-year guarantee on all repairs and replacements.

Free Membership

Your monthly investment of just $4.95 accrues until you’re ready to use it so the front-of-the-line services, safety inspections, 10% discount, and 2-year guarantees are all free and, if you pay in advance, you lock in the low monthly price you got when you became a Pro Club member.

Let’s say you have a safety inspection this year and everything is A-OK. Next year, you’re still looking really good. On year 3, we discover that your garbage disposal is leaking or you’re ready to upgrade your toilet, but you have a $178.20 credit on your account so there is little or no out-of-pocket cost for your new garbage disposal or toilet. You can use your $59.40 credit every year or you can accrue it until you’re ready to use it, but the money is always yours - you just can't lose!

Click here to download the Pro-Club Application. Or call the us at 941-355-5400

Professional Plumbing & Design has been offering Residential and Commercial Plumbing services to Sarasota and the surrounding areas including Bradenton, Palmetto, and Venice since 1985.
If you need a plumbing contractor, or if you have any questions, call the professionals at 941-355-5400.

Angie’s List offers “FREE access to ‘top-rated pros’, exclusive online deals and more than 12 million verified reviews from real people” so how can you go wrong with a recommendation from Angie’s List?

Well, for starters, only advertisers are described as “top-rated pros” and they’re listed ahead of other contractors. They’re also given special treatment when it comes to negative reviews and, when a consumer asks for a recommendation – they’re only given the names of advertisers.

In fact, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) warns “If you use Angie’s List, ignore their recommended companies.” CFA recommends that “When possible, consumers should rely on nonprofit organizations that evaluate businesses and are not funded by the companies they are evaluating.”, but Angie’s List isn’t a great deal for advertisers either…

When consumers are sent 4 or 5 recommendations, they tend to choose the lowest priced option. On top of that, advertisers are encouraged to offer discounted prices and onsite search results seem to favor businesses that offer coupons. For this reason, established contractors who are unwilling to sacrifice quality in order to offer bargain prices avoid Angie’s List.

Angie’s List started out as a subscription-based service in 1995. In 2017, IAC bought the company, merged it with Home Advisor, and switched it to an advertising-based model that gives preference to their “top-rated pros”, otherwise known as their advertisers. Since the merger, Angie’s List has been flooded with Better Business Bureau complaints from their customers – again, their advertisers.

IAC owns over 150 brands and operates Vimeo and Dotdash, among others. They have majority ownership of Match Group, which includes Tinder, Match, PlentyOfFish, OkCupid and Hinge, as well as ANGI Homeservices, which includes HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List and Handy.

Read the Forbes article on Angie's List

If you need a Plumber, these simple guidelines will help you find the best contractor for the job:

1. Consider only licensed plumbers who carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
2. Find out how long the company has been in business. When it comes to plumbers, the longer they’ve been around the better…
3. Is it a drug-free workplace and do all employees go through high-level background checks?
4. Does the company have an excellent reputation in town?
5. Check the companies reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp and other referral sites.
6. Ask friends, family and neighbors for their recommendation.

Or, if you’re lucky enough to be in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto or Venice, you can just Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400.

The holidays are upon us and, for many of us, that means BIG family meals…

When it’s working properly, a garbage disposal reduces the amount of waste your family generates and it makes kitchen cleanup faster and easier, but how do you keep it from breaking or backing up when you have a house full of people and it’s working overtime?

Running cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before AND after you run the disposal will help flush the waste into the main sewer and prevent backups, but the most important thing to know is what NOT to put down the garbage disposal.

First of all, NEVER, ever put grease or cooking oils down the garbage disposal (or any drain). Once cooled, pour most of the grease into a container that you can recycle and blot the remaining grease with paper towels before washing the pan in the sink.

Other items to avoid putting down the garbage disposal are:

• Stringy or Fibrous Fruits & Vegetables - Corn husks, banana peels, potato peels, pumpkin guts, asparagus and celery stalks can all wrap around the blades of your disposal.
• Egg Shells & Onion Skins – The thin membrane on the inside of egg shells and onion skins can also wrap around the garbage disposal blades.
• Pasta, Rice & Oatmeal – These items expand when they come in contact with water and they can create a very stubborn clog.
• Fruit Pits – Keep peach pits, cherry pits, avocado pits, and any other pit out of the garbage disposal.
• Nuts – A few nuts won’t kill your disposal, but handfuls will line your blades with a nut-buttery mess that everything else will stick to.
• Coffee Grounds – Over time, coffee grounds accumulate and clog your drain.
• Bones & Shells – Bones, especially big ones, can cause irreparable damage to your disposal. The same goes for oyster, crab, lobster shells, and the like. Conversely, shrimp shells can catch in the drain so don’t put those down the garbage disposal either.
• Harsh Chemicals or Paint – Don’t put any harsh chemicals that can harm your drains down the disposal and paint can cling to the disposal or pipes.

If you’re looking to sharpen your garbage disposal blades, putting ice down the disposal is a great way.

And, if you’re looking to make everything smell great, put some orange or lemon peels down the drain – lime peels are more fibrous so you should avoid putting those down the drain too.

If you do run into trouble with your disposal, or you have any other plumbing problems, don’t let them ruin your holiday, just Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400.

Our favorite time of year is almost here! Mark your calendars for the 35th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix on Sunday July 7 and don't miss the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular on the 4th & the Downtown Block Party on the 5th.

https://youtu.be/DhRxuRjOnvI

Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400 to find out how the Enviro Water Products Pro-Combo Whole-House Water Filtration & Salt-Free Water Softening system can protect your family, your home, and the environment!

Meet Flo by Moen™

Say hello to smarter plumbing with this all-in-one security system for your water and protect your entire home from water damage & leaks – guaranteed!

Flo learns your home’s water use and detects leaks anywhere in your house, no matter how small, even behind walls. Flo even checks for stuff that can lead to leaks, like high water pressure, so you can stop leaks before they happen. And, if a pipe bursts while you’re away, Flo detects it and automatically shuts off the water, preventing catastrophic water damage.

https://youtu.be/YTFKKNzCvkY

Call The Professionals at 941-355-5400 and start saving on your water consumption and your homeowners insurance with Flo by Moen.

Almost every drop of water you use goes through your water heater.

It sits there while it’s getting hot then it flows out when summoned.

Because unfiltered water is almost never perfectly clean, sediment tends to build up at the bottom of your water heater, reducing its efficiency.

Your water heater is an essential part of your home’s plumbing system, protect it by clearing all filters and flushing out these sediments once or twice per year.

Chemical drain cleaners are not great for your pipes, especially when dealing with older plumbing or if you’re not sure what material your pipes are made of. Rather than pouring potentially damaging chemicals down your drain, stock up on some good old-fashioned white vinegar. Vinegar can be used to break up mineral deposits caused by hard water which can lead to clogs and it can be used clear aerator on faucets or shower nozzles thereby improving water pressure.

Polybutylene is an inexpensive, flexible plastic that was used for residential piping from 1978 to 1995.

It was found to be extremely vulnerable to ruptures, which led to a class-action settlement and the material is no longer accepted by U.S. building codes.

Polybutylene pipes can be blue, black, white or gray, but they always have the letters “PB” on a printed label on the pipe. The easiest way to determine whether you have polybutylene pipes is to check the pipes near the water heater, the sink connections or at the main shut-off valve or water meter.

If you have polybutylene piping, we highly recommend that you replace it as soon as possible.

Professional Plumbing & Design has the experience and equipment needed to repipe water lines and drain lines under mobile homes, in crawlspace homes, overhead in slab home attics, and under the floors of multiple floor homes and condominiums.

It’s easy to forget about your pipes – after all, they’re hidden under floors and between walls, but pipes don’t last forever.

They can corrode and burst, causing you all kinds of headaches, which can be avoided, if you catch the problem early enough.

The most obvious sign that your pipes have become compromised is a pipe leak, but leaks, especially small leaks, aren’t always so obvious. If your water pressure is lower than normal or your water bills are higher than normal, and you haven’t increased your usage, or you see evidence of mold or mildew in your home, you might want to have a plumber check things out.

Here in Florida, copper piping is especially vulnerable to pinhole leaks caused by corrosion that breaks through the surface of the piping, so keep an eye out for blue-green corrosion on copper pipes.

If your home was built over 40 years ago, and your pipes are not made of PVC, there’s a good chance your pipes have begun corroding.

The rule-of-thumb lifespan for different piping materials is:

•   Brass: 40 to 70 years
•   Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years
•   Cast iron: 25 to 30 years
•   Copper: 10 to 20 years
•   PVC: indefinitely

If you have steel or iron piping, and you see rust-colored water in your water appliances, it could be time to replace your pipes. If rust-colored water comes out of your hot and cold-water taps, your pipes are probably corroded. If only the hot water is rust colored, the problem could be a rusty water heater—not your pipes. That problem should be addressed as soon as possible too.

To determine whether the rust is coming from your pipes or the municipal water supply, have a professional inspect your home’s plumbing.

Professional Plumbing & Design has the experience and equipment needed to repipe water lines and drain lines under mobile homes, in crawlspace homes, overhead in slab home attics, and under the floors of multiple floor homes and condominiums.