Plumbing In Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Sanibel, and Captiva

Backflow Prevention Certification In Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples, Sanibel, and Captiva

Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning is a Florida state certified backflow prevention tester that specializes in testing and service for all types of backflow valve assemblies with a service area covering Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Lee County (excluding Sanibel, who has their own separate backflow certification program). What sets us apart from our competitors — aside, of course, from our extremely competitive rates — is the high level of customer service that we provide. We respond to your calls promptly with same-week service, schedule any necessary test or service at your convenience, handle all of the paper work and required online data entry, and will take care of the necessary record keeping. We take a professional approach to backflow testing and repair and have garnered countless satisfied customers because of our prompt appointments, courteous service, and efficient administration of test results.

Our expertise ensures that keeping your backflow assembly certified and in good working order takes up as little of your time as possible. Our technicians are typically in and out within 30 minutes, with your water shut off for only 10 of those on average. This minimal downtime is something that Southwest Florida businesses have come to appreciate, as this minor inconvenience will help you avoid: – Hefty fines and fees, – Possible liens on your property, – and disconnected service after 30 days of certification expiry. If you are a business or property owner who is in need of backflow preventer certification, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning at 239-542-4421.

What exactly is “backflow” and why worry about it?

The official law of backflow prevention goes back a long way. It was 1973 when the Environmental Protection Agency established the “Safe Drinking Water Act” as a means of protecting public water systems from harmful contaminants and pollutants that may enter the water system through cross-connections, backflow, and back-siphonage. Backflow prevention is important because we assume that when we turn on the water tap, we have safe drinking water. This is a luxury we enjoy, but not without very strong regulations and considerable expenses. Our drinking water is among the safest in the world. Water protection and conservation requires the effort and cooperation of everyone. Because of this, customers who have cross connections are required to have backflow valves in place to prevent contaminants from entering the public water system through their individual plumbing system. Backflow assemblies are devices installed on cross-connections to prevent water from flowing backwards into public water systems. Drinking water normally flows in one direction (from the meter to the house), although under certain circumstances it can flow in the opposite direction or “backflow.” A backflow incident can happen at any time. All that is needed is a water pressure drop in the public water system main line, creating a “vacuum” that pulls the dirty water back into the source of clean water. This is most commonly caused by fire fighting, hydrant flushing, flow testing, a water main break, or an extreme high usage of the water system. Any connection to a non potable water source not protected could be siphoned back into the public water system, which can pollute or contaminate the water system. The most common type of backflow assembly is a double check valve assembly, which consists of two independent check valves, two resilient seated shut off valves and test cocks. To ensure they work correctly, all backflow assemblies must be tested annually (with the exception of atmospheric vacuum breakers) and properly tagged upon passing. In addition to yearly testing, backflow preventer assemblies must also be tested at the time of installation as well as after repairs or relocation. After all, backflow preventers are mechanical devices and, like any mechanical device, they will eventually fail. Because of this, Florida requires that every backflow prevention device must be tested at least yearly to verify its operation. Failure to do so could allow a backflow event to contaminate the public water supply and harm people or animals.

How does backflow certification work?

Every testable backflow device has test ports built into it (typically four) to allow yearly testing. A backflow technician will connect a calibrated differential test kit to the device and perform a variety of tests to verify proper operation of all functions. All water downstream of the backflow device must be shut off to perform the test, and we will work with you to schedule your test for a time convenient to you.

Glossary of Terms

• A cross-connection is the physical connection between the potable water system and an “end-use” where a potential hazard exists. A cross connection is any connection between piping that carries drinking water (also known as potable water) and the piping or fixtures that carry other types of water or substances that are not safe to drink (also known as non-potable). Substances include gases, liquids, or solids such as chemicals, water products, steam, water from other sources, and any matter that may change the color, taste, quality, or odor to water.
• Backflow is the undesired reverse flow of contaminants into the potable water from an “end-use” hazard and is typically driven by common, but unfavorable, hydraulic events in either the public or private water distribution system. Technically, backflow is defined as the “unintentional reversal of the normal direction of flow in a potable (‘clean’) water system that may result in the pollution or contamination of the system by any foreign materials”. Simply put, backflow is any situation where contaminated or unclean water has a chance to mix with potable water.
• Air gaps are the un-obstructed vertical distance between a water outlet and the flood rim level of a potential source of contamination; the air gap shall not be less than twice the diameter of the water outlet and never less than one (1) inch.
• Direct connections are water distribution piping connected, without an air gap, to an “end-use” where a potential source of contamination exist.
• A backflow preventer is a one-way “appurtenance” (an assembly of check valves or a vacuum breaker) that only allows water to flow in the desired direction and physically impedes reverse flow.

Are you experiencing drain and toilet stoppages? Unfortunately, clogged drains are unavoidable. When your drain is clogged, it is always a frustrating and unpleasant experience. Though home improvement stores offer many at-home solutions and products that claim to remedy these issues, these are not always the best or most effective solutions. Some drain stoppages require solutions that call for an experienced professional. Attempting to clean a drain clogged with hair, grease, and other debris without adequate knowledge or supplies can often be a wearisome and unsuccessful endeavor, not to mention messy and using hazardous chemicals. Let us do the dirty work. There are many issues that can cause a drain to clog and the technicians at Avis are trained in proper and safe drain cleaning techniques. If your drain is clogged or you are experiencing toilet stoppages, let a professional fix your issues effectively the first time around. Avis can eliminate the frustration of failed attempts to unplug a drain clogged with debris by providing quality drain cleaning services at an affordable price. Often, people will find that their drain is clogged at the most inconvenient times. With the service that Avis provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this is never an issue. Let the professionals at Avis save you the effort, cost, and mess of many unsuccessful attempts to unplug your drain!

There are many ways to clean a drain line. When traditional snaking or other methods fail to clear clogged pipes, hydro-jetting is often the most inexpensive and successful means of clearing a sewer line of grease, sand, silt, and other pipe build up. Hydro-jetting is a process through which sewer lines are cleaned by high pressure streams of water shooting through the pipes and clearing the lines of any debris or build up. Hydro-jetting is used not only as a method of cleaning your sewer line, but also as a preventative measure, making the hydro jetting cost a worthwhile expense. Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning offers hydro-jetting services for up to a 36” pipe diameter. Our qualified technicians can access your plumbing issues and determine if this is the best and most cost effective option for cleaning your sewer line. Ultimately, what makes hydro jetting cost effective is that its success in clearing debris can often eliminate the need to replace or repair your pipes. Hydro-jetting has the potential to leave your pipes working as if they were brand new! Call Avis today to see if this service is right for you. We can give you a competitive quote on hydro jetting cost for your sewer lines.

There are different reasons that might cause a sewer system to become clogged. Though at first a stopped up sewer line may seem like simply a nuisance, it can quickly become a major problem with costly consequences. An unattended clogged sewer line can often cause the water to backup into the household plumbing. This is why it is important to keep your system free of debris by cleaning sewer lines at the onset of the problem. Some signs that you may have a clogged sewer line include the clogging of multiple plumbing fixtures or these fixtures behaving in unusual ways. If you think you are experiencing signs of clogged sewage pipes, it is important for you to call a professional to determine if cleaning sewer lines might help to solve your problem. Just as there are many causes for clogged sewage pipes, there are also many methods used for cleaning sewer lines. It is important that the person you hire to unclog your sewer system has adequate knowledge and the appropriate equipment to assess your individual needs and successfully clear your sewer line. Trust the skilled and knowledgeable professionals at Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning to help clean your clogged sewer line before you experience any further trouble.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average running toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day! Even if your toilet does not sound like it’s running, a “silent” leak can potentially waste up to 6,000 gallons per month. All of this water waste translates to additional charges on your water bill, which can really add up by the end of the year. By calling Avis to repair a toilet, you can potentially save a significant amount of money on this unnecessary water waste. In addition to a running toilet, the following issues might be an indication that you need to repair a toilet:

• The toilet is clogged.
• There is standing water around the bottom of the toilet.
• Water is leaking from the pipes behind the toilet.

If you need to repair a toilet, call Avis and allow our professional technicians to attend to your toilet troubles. Sometimes maintenance is not enough to repair a toilet, and you will need to replace the unit. With some issues, it becomes more cost effective and less time consuming to replace your toilet rather than attempt to repair it. Avis has you covered! We also offer toilet installation services.

Electric Water Heaters

Has your electric water heater left you in the cold? Do you need to install a water heater due to new construction? The qualified technicians at Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning are experienced with both the installation and maintenance of your electric water heater. A broken water heater can be extremely inconvenient and bothersome. Let the professionals at Avis take away the hassle of dealing with your malfunctioning electric water heater by replacing or repairing your unit. Complete lack of hot water is not always the first indication that your water heater may need some maintenance. Some signs that your electric water heater may be malfunctioning include:

• The water gets warm, but not hot or it starts off very hot, but quickly becomes and stays cold.
• You observe that the water pressure is weak or that water spurts from the tap.
• Your water heater makes banging, cracking, or popping sounds.
• There are signs of leaks, puddle formation, or mold on the walls or floor surrounding the water heater.

Make Avis your first call if you experience any of these initial signs of issues with your electric water heater. We can diagnose the problem and find the best solution to restoring your hot water. Let Avis prevent your next cold shower! Call us today.

Solar Water Heaters

There are many worthwhile benefits of using a solar water heater to heat the water in your home or office. By keeping down energy costs, these units can save the consumer a significant amount of money in the long run. Solar water heaters utilize the sun’s warmth to heat the water, making it a great and cost effective alternative to less natural heating sources. Choosing a solar water heater over other types of water heaters can cut down your energy bills by up to fifty percent. Your solar water heater will also benefit the environment as it reduces the amount of greenhouse emissions compared to other, more conventional heating sources. In the end, these benefits outweigh the initial investment of purchasing the water heater. The qualified technicians at Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning are experienced in the installation and maintenance of solar water heaters. Your solar water heater will be installed in a way that best utilizes the sun’s energy to heat your water. Maintenance for these units is relatively low and your water consumption habits do not need to change. Take advantage of Florida’s sunny climate in more ways than one. Call Avis today and find out if a solar water heater is right for you!

Ask us about available Solar Tax Credits, state solar rebates, and solar incentives offered by the power company! Avis is an “FPL Participatory contractor!”

Gas Water Heaters

There are many advantages to using a gas water heater in your home or office. These units save both money and energy. Using a gas water heater as compared to the conventional electric model can reduce your energy usage by about 30% and lessen your negative impact on the environment by cutting down on greenhouse emissions. This translates to less money on your energy bill. New gas water heater designs continue to increase the efficiency of these units, potentially saving you even more money! When it comes to your new gas water heater, it is important to have the right size and proper installation. If you call Avis today, one of our professional technicians can access your needs, and find and install the right water heater for you at an affordable price. Are you having problems with your current water heater? If you do not have hot water, experience rust colored water, notice a rotten egg odor, hear strange noises comes from your water heater, or spot water leaking from the base of the heater, your gas water heater may be malfunctioning. Avis can also diagnose and repair gas water heaters to get the hot water back to your home or office.

Are you looking to purify your water? Perhaps you want superior water quality to improve the taste of your food. Maybe you just want to diminish the harsh effects your water has had on your skin, clothing, and appliances. The filtration of water through professional equipment and softeners can help to improve your water quality and allow you to get the most out of your water. Why spend money on bottled water when you can have clean, safe, great tasting water right in your own home? Adequate filtration of water helps to improve your quality of life by providing you with the beneficial effects of cleaner, safer water. If you are interested in professional water solutions for your home, Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning can fulfill your water filtration and softener needs. With satisfactory filtration of water, your water quality can improve dramatically. The qualified professionals at Avis will access your individual needs and develop solutions that will provide you with the water quality you desire. Our skilled technicians are fully trained to install water filtration equipment and comply with all local codes. Call Avis today and start experiencing the benefits of healthier, better tasting water.

If you are living outside of town, your water source may be a well, which is unique to your property. Each well has its own independent system that is designed to get the water from the well to your home. Well pumps are at the heart of this system. The two most common types of well pumps are jet pumps and submersible pumps. This pump is an integral part of your well system, and thus, it is important to ensure that it remains in working order so that you can continue to receive uninterrupted water to your home. Well pumps can malfunction in many different ways. If you are experiencing issues with your well water, including sediment in your water or a decline in water levels, your pump may be to blame. Whether you need a well pump installed, replaced, or simply serviced, Avis is ready to respond to your individual needs. We can diagnose the issues and arrive at effective solutions to restore your pump to working order. Well pumps installed and serviced by the experienced technicians at Avis are certain to provide you with excellent water pressure and dependable, continuous service for years to come.

Do you have low water pressure even though the pipes are new? There are several possible causes, but if nothing else works, installing a water pressure booster at the water meter can help. Booster pumps are designed for water supply pressure boosting in residential, commercial and light industrial applications where low or inadequate water pressure exists. A pressure booster pump can be used to increase the pressure of the water coming into the house or business. If you have really low water pressure coming from the city supply or have low pressure because you are on a well, installing a pressure booster pump could be the solution you have been looking for. There are many types of pressure booster pumps, so if you are experiencing low water pressure, you should give Cape Coral plumber Avis Plumbing to find out out which pump is right for your situation. If your water department can’t deliver more pressure to your residence and you have a 3/4-in. or bigger copper or plastic water main coming into your house, consider installing a water pressure booster. It takes the water coming in from the street and increases its pressure by means of an electric pump and a pressure tank. A dial on top adjusts the pressure to an ideal setting of 45 to 55 psi. The tank holds a reserve of pressurized water so that the pump doesn’t have to run every time somebody opens a faucet. It also helps boost flow when the demand for water is high (like when your teenagers are all showering at the same time).