Summer means fun, free time, and vacation for many Floridians. But going on vacation also means there’s a load of things to stay caught up on, especially if you’re a homeowner.

Between the frenzied last-minute packing, loading up the car, and checking for anything left behind, make sure you also ensure that your home is prepared in case any plumbing issues arise while you’re gone.

Here’s a quick guide to ensuring that you can avoid plumbing emergencies while you’re out of town, and if you do have any issues arise at your home located in Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, and nearby communities, Curtis Plumbing is ready to help.

Check for Leaks & Other Issues in Your Pipes

Before you head out of town, make sure there aren’t any visible leaks in your pipes or faucets. No one wants to come home to find a pipe has burst and flooded their home. Another place you will want to check is the hoses on your washing machine. These can ...

Older homes often have aging pipes. Mainline backups and leaks are common with such older systems. After the condition deteriorates to a certain point, pipes will need to be replaced.

In more serious cases, calcium deposits can break loose and work their way into your glass of water. Here, we will discuss when it’s time for complete replacement.

Low Water Pressure, Visible Rust, & Leaks Are Key Signs

The water in Florida often leads to a lime buildup in pipe systems. The clogging becomes so severe that there is not enough room for water to properly flow. In the Tampa Bay Area, it’s common for older homes to have cast iron pipes or copper pipes. Hard water can cause buildups and deposits can form, leading to impossible clogs. Eventually, the system’s pressure back builds and can cause leaks.

Another key sign is the presence of rust colored water. When rust is showing in the water itself, it’s usually a sign that corrosion is occurring...

There are so many things to do around your household, when it comes to cleaning, that some items slip through the cracks and do not get touched. One of the most forgotten items in households is the toilet tank. This area of your bathroom, if left unclean, can lead to the buildup of bacteria, mold, and odors that can have your bathroom consistently smelling unpleasant, as well as pose a health risk.

You should take the time at least twice per year to clean out your toilet tank. And, It only takes a few minutes to do!

Constantly Flushing Unclean Water Leads to Staining & Odors

Your toilet tank and toilet bowl are part of the same mechanism, so the same water affects them. If the water in your tank is unclean, then you are constantly flushing unclean water into your toilet bowl, which can lead to staining and odors.

Rarely Used Bathrooms Could Have Bacteria in Their Toilet Tanks

If you have a basement or guest bathroom that is rarely used, or you leave your...

There are a number of signs that point towards needing a water filtration system installed. Contaminants found in the water of Riverview and Brandon can come from different sources and can result from:

• The location of the water source
• How the water is disinfected
• The condition of your city's delivery pipes
• The condition of your home's pipes

Be wary of these six signs that your water quality may not be up to par.

1. The water has a distinct odor.

Pure water should have no odor to it at all. If you detect an odor like rotten eggs, for example, or some other strange smell coming from your water, something could be wrong.

2. The water tastes bad.

If your water is clean, then it should have no distinct or strong taste to it. Water that is hard to drink due to the taste may have contaminants in it.

3. Your water is not clear.

Water should be clear straight out of the tap, with no cloudiness to it at all. If your water is cloudy or has ...

It goes without saying, a single toilet malfunction is a dreaded situation. What could be worse? How about consistent toilet malfunctions! Keep an eye out for several indications that your toilet is better off being replaced than repaired. Here are some telltale signs that replacement is in your future!

1. You are noticing cracks in the porcelain.

The first indication that cracks may be present in your toilet is the pooling of water at the base of the toilet. If you notice any leaks, check the toilet for cracks. While you may not see any visible cracks, there may be some in the bowl or tank.

Cracks in your toilet can cause serious damage to your flooring and be a waste of water! Wet floors can also cause additional problems with water damage, mold, and mildew. If you notice any of these issues, and they are due to cracks, replacing your commode may be the best course of action!

2. You have been spending a lot of time calling in repairs.

Of course, a properly working...