Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Plumbing
An emergency plumbing repair includes burst pipes, overflowing toilets, major leaks, sewer backups, or no running water that needs immediate attention. These issues can cause serious water damage within hours, so emergency plumbers typically respond the same day or within a few hours to stop damage and restore safe water use.
Most emergency plumbers arrive within a few hours of your call, depending on your location and time of day. Local plumbing companies often offer 24/7 emergency services, meaning you can get help nights, weekends, and holidays to quickly resolve urgent issues like leaks or backups.
Emergency plumbing repair costs depend on the issue, but most homeowners pay more than standard service rates due to after-hours labor and urgency. Common emergency jobs include burst pipe repair, severe leaks, or clogged main lines, which require immediate tools, parts, and technician availability.
Before your plumber arrives, shut off the main water supply to stop further damage and remove valuables from the affected area. If safe, turn off electricity near water leaks. Taking these steps helps reduce water damage and allows the emergency plumber to start repairs immediately upon arrival.
Yes, most professional plumbing companies offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent issues anytime. Whether it’s a burst pipe at midnight or a sewer backup on a weekend, licensed plumbers are typically available to respond quickly and prevent costly property damage.
Drain Cleaning
You need professional drain cleaning if you notice slow drains, recurring clogs, foul odors, or gurgling sounds. These signs often indicate buildup deep in the pipes that DIY solutions can’t remove, requiring professional tools to fully clear the blockage.
Most professional drain cleaning services take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the severity of the clog and pipe condition. Simple sink or tub clogs are faster, while deeper blockages in main lines may take longer to fully clear.
Yes, professional drain cleaning is more effective because it removes the entire blockage instead of partially dissolving it. Store-bought chemicals can damage pipes over time, while professional methods safely clear buildup and help prevent future clogs.
Most homeowners should schedule professional drain cleaning once every 12 to 24 months to prevent buildup. Homes with heavy usage, older plumbing, or frequent clogs may benefit from more frequent service to maintain proper flow and avoid emergencies.
Yes, regular drain cleaning helps prevent major plumbing issues by removing grease, debris, and buildup before they cause blockages. Preventative maintenance reduces the risk of backups, pipe damage, and costly emergency repairs.
Sewer Line Repair
Common signs include sewage backups, foul odors, slow drains throughout the home, and soggy spots in your yard. These issues often indicate cracks, blockages, or root intrusion in the sewer line that requires professional repair.
Plumbers typically use a sewer camera inspection to locate the exact issue inside the pipe. This allows them to identify cracks, clogs, or root damage without digging, making the diagnosis accurate and efficient.
Most sewer line repairs can be completed within a day, depending on the severity and location of the issue. Minor repairs are quicker, while more complex problems may require additional time.
Yes, many sewer line repairs can be completed using trenchless methods that avoid major digging. These modern techniques repair pipes from the inside, minimizing disruption to your yard and landscaping.
Sewer line repair is sometimes covered if the damage is sudden and accidental, but not typically for wear and tear. It’s best to review your policy or speak with your provider to understand your specific coverage.
Sewer Line Replacement
You need a sewer line replacement when the pipe is severely damaged, collapsed, or repeatedly failing repairs. Frequent backups, extensive corrosion, or aging pipes are common reasons for full replacement.
Most sewer line replacements are completed within 1 to 3 days, depending on pipe length and installation method. Trenchless replacements are typically faster and less disruptive than traditional excavation.
Trenchless sewer line replacement is a method that installs a new pipe without digging large trenches. It uses existing access points to replace the line, preserving landscaping and reducing project time.
Traditional replacement involves digging, which can impact landscaping, but trenchless methods significantly reduce yard disruption. Many homeowners choose trenchless options to protect driveways, lawns, and outdoor features.
New sewer lines typically last 30 to 50 years or more, depending on the material used and maintenance. Modern materials are more durable and resistant to corrosion and root intrusion.
Hydro Jetting Services
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of pipes and remove grease, sludge, and debris. It thoroughly clears blockages and restores full pipe diameter for better flow.
Hydro jetting is best for severe clogs, grease buildup, and recurring blockages, while snaking is used for simple clogs. Hydro jetting provides a deeper, more complete cleaning.
Yes, hydro jetting is safe for most modern plumbing systems when performed by professionals. Plumbers assess pipe condition first to ensure it can handle the pressure.
Most hydro jetting services take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the severity of buildup and pipe length. Heavily clogged systems may take longer.
Hydro jetting is typically recommended every 1 to 2 years for preventative maintenance, especially in homes with frequent clogs or grease buildup.
Tank Water Heater Installation
Tank water heater installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours for a standard replacement in most homes. This includes removing the old unit, installing the new tank, connecting water and gas or electric lines, and testing the system to ensure safe and consistent hot water.
Most homes need a 40 to 50-gallon tank water heater for 2–4 people, while larger households may require 60 to 80 gallons. Choosing the right size ensures you have enough hot water during peak usage without running out or overpaying for excess capacity.
You likely need a new tank water heater if your unit is over 10 years old, leaking, making loud noises, or producing inconsistent hot water. Rust-colored water or rising energy bills are also common signs that replacement is more cost-effective than repair.
Yes, most plumbing companies offer same-day tank water heater installation if the unit is in stock. This allows homeowners to restore hot water quickly, often within a few hours of the initial service call.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
Tankless water heater installation typically takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on upgrades needed for gas lines, venting, or electrical systems. Because these systems are more advanced than tank units, installation requires additional setup and testing for safe operation.
Tankless water heaters provide unlimited hot water on demand, improved energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan of up to 20 years. They also take up less space and reduce energy waste since they only heat water when needed.
A tankless water heater is worth it for homeowners who want energy savings, longer system life, and continuous hot water. While the upfront cost is higher, many homeowners see savings over time through reduced utility bills and fewer replacements.
Yes, a properly sized tankless water heater can run multiple fixtures simultaneously, such as showers and sinks. Capacity depends on the unit’s flow rate, so correct sizing is critical for consistent performance across your home.
Tankless water heaters typically last around 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. This is nearly double the lifespan of traditional tank systems, making them a long-term solution for reliable hot water.
Leak Detection
Yes. Positively Plumbing provides same-day emergency plumbing service for burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, and no-water situations throughout Largo and Pinellas County.
Yes. Positively Plumbing LLC is a fully licensed and insured Florida plumbing contractor serving residential and light commercial customers.
Yes. We explain your options clearly and provide straightforward pricing before any work begins. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.
Yes. PEX and copper repiping is one of our core services. It’s especially common in older Pinellas County homes with galvanized steel, polybutylene, or corroded copper plumbing.
Positively Plumbing is owned and operated by Kevin, a Largo-based plumber with hands-on experience in residential and custom home construction plumbing.
For plumbing emergencies in Largo and Pinellas County, we aim to respond the same day. Standard service calls are typically scheduled within [24–48 hours — verify].
Repiping (Whole Home / Partial)
You should consider repiping if your home has frequent leaks, low water pressure, discolored water, or pipes over 30 years old. These issues often indicate aging or corroded plumbing that needs replacement.
Whole-home repiping typically takes 2 to 5 days, depending on the size of the home and complexity of the plumbing system. Partial repiping projects can often be completed in a single day.
Most repiping projects use PEX or copper piping, both known for durability and long lifespan. PEX is flexible and cost-effective, while copper is highly durable and resistant to corrosion.
Yes, repiping often improves water pressure by replacing old, clogged, or corroded pipes. New pipes allow water to flow more freely throughout your home.
Most homeowners can stay in their home during repiping, although water may be temporarily shut off during certain stages. Plumbers typically restore service at the end of each workday.
Fixture Installation (Toilets, Faucets)
Installing a toilet or faucet usually takes 1 to 2 hours per fixture. This includes removing the old unit, installing the new one, sealing connections, and testing for leaks.
Yes, many homeowners upgrade to water-efficient toilets and faucets that reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. These fixtures help lower water bills and meet modern efficiency standards.
Professional installation ensures proper sealing, alignment, and leak prevention. This helps avoid future issues like water damage, loose fittings, or inefficient operation.
In most cases, existing plumbing can be used for fixture installation unless there are signs of damage or outdated connections. A plumber will inspect and recommend any necessary updates.
Yes, most plumbing companies can install multiple fixtures in one visit, saving time and reducing labor costs. This is common during bathroom or kitchen upgrades.
Garbage Disposal Repair/Install
Common signs include unusual noises, frequent resets, slow draining, or failure to turn on. These issues often indicate jams, worn components, or electrical problems.
Many clogged disposals can be repaired by clearing jams or replacing small components. However, older units or those with motor failure may need full replacement.
Garbage disposal installation typically takes 1 to 2 hours, including removing the old unit, installing the new one, and testing for proper operation.
Avoid putting grease, bones, coffee grounds, and fibrous foods into your garbage disposal. These materials can cause clogs, damage blades, and reduce the unit’s lifespan.
Most garbage disposals last around 8 to 12 years with proper use and maintenance. Regular cleaning and avoiding hard materials help extend lifespan.
Water Filtration & Softener Systems
Water filtration systems remove contaminants like chlorine, sediment, and impurities that affect taste and quality. Advanced systems can also reduce harmful substances and improve overall water safety.
A water softener removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium through an ion exchange process. This prevents scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
Signs include white scale buildup, dry skin, dull laundry, and reduced appliance efficiency. These indicate hard water that can benefit from a softener system.
Installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on system type and plumbing setup. Whole-home systems may take longer than point-of-use units.
Yes, most systems require regular filter changes every 6 to 12 months to maintain performance. Softeners also need periodic salt refills for proper operation.