FAQs

Phillips Plumbing

Have a plumbing repair, repiping, leak, drain cleaning, or water heater-related question? Phillips Plumbing has the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!

  • Why shouldn't I do my own plumbing work in Florida?

    Most homeowners can do simple plumbing work like replacing a faucet, however most major plumbing work requires a permit. Reach out to our plumbing company at Phillips Plumbing for assistance.

  • How often should the water lines in my home be replaced?

    Most water lines in residential homes last anywhere from 20-70 years depending on the material they are made of, according to our experience. Brass lines typically last 40-70 years, copper lines 50 years or more, and galvanized steel lines anywhere from 20-50 years. For more information, give us a call to speak with a plumber from our team.

  • Is there any plumbing work that can be done without a license in Florida?

    Florida law allows unlicensed plumbers to repair broken pipes, unclog your drain, or provide estimates. However, you should not allow an unlicensed plumber to install new pipes or hot water heaters or make septic repairs, as that is against Florida law. Always be sure to work with professional and reliable plumbing contractor services.

  • What are the most common reasons I would need a plumber?

    Common plumbing problems that a licensed plumber can fix for you are leaky faucets. These can cause anything from running toilets, leaking hose bibbs, sump pump failures, and water heater problems to low water pressure and slow or clogged drains. According to WebFX, a toilet that leaks for just one day can waste up to 200 gallons of water. Give us a call if you're unsure whether your plumbing is in its best condition.

  • Do I need to replace piping in my home if I have PVC pipes?

    You should watch for any signs of issues with your PVC pipes. In our experience, they do last anywhere between 25 to 40 years, but things like tree roots and other weather can damage the pipes, causing them to need to be replaced. Call our plumbing company today to schedule an estimate.

  • I have copper pipes in my Florida home. How long do copper pipes typically last?

    We've found that copper piping will typically last around 20-25 years in the Florida climates, depending on the thickness of the pipes that were installed. Reach out to our team today for a pipe or water heater service.

  • Do I need to get a permit for plumbing in the state of Florida?

    Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code states that a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure. The same is required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing components. If you're in need of a plumbing or water heater installation from a team that can pull permits for you, you've come to the right place.

  • Does replacing my water heater require a permit?

    Yes, there is a permit required for a new water heater installation to make sure it's installed in a way that is safe and compliant with Florida Building Codes or City Codes.

  • Can I insure a house with polybutylene plumbing?

    No. Unfortunately, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of replacing polybutylene pipes because they are considered defective and should have been replaced when the home was constructed. Reach out to our plumbers if you have any additional questions. 

  • If I have polybutylene pipes, do I really need to replace them?

    Absolutely. In our plumbing company's experience, we've found that this type of piping only lasts about 10-15 years and, if a repair is done, it will only temporarily fix the issue. It's not going to solve the need to replace the entire system.

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