Frequently Asked Questions

 

Pricing FAQs:

What are your hourly rates?
Depending on the repair needed, Middle Keys Plumbing with either charge by the hour or by the service.  Our rates are different for repair versus contruction and range between $60 to $90 per hour. We will come to your house and prepare an estimate to you prior to completing any work.
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I live in Big Pine Key, do you have a two hour minimum or do you charge for travel?
Middle Keys Plumbing never charges for travel. We provide service to Key West, Sugarloaf, Cudjoe Key, Summerland Key, Ramrod Key, Summerland Key, Big Pine Key, and Marathon without charging for travel.
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General FAQs:

Why shouldn't I use a handyman?
Let's face it, saving money is the main reason for hiring a handyman. They don't have the expensive licensing and overhead of a legitimate plumbing contractor, so they're able to charge less. Why would any conscientious consumer hire someone that appears to cost them more money for the same services?

The problem is with the perception that the consumer is saving money and that they are receiving the same services from the handyman as they do from a legitimate contractor.

The truth is, they are getting ripped off. Reputable businesses do not stay in business by taking advantage of their customers, overcharging for services or using unlicensed or unqualified employees to perform shoddy work. Also, legitimate contractors stand behind their work. Hiring a handyman will not save the consumer any money. What you get with the handyman is a major liability to you and your family's health and safety.

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Why shouldn't I have the home improvement store install my new fixture?
Many of the installers that are contracted by the home improvement stores are not experienced or licensed to perform the work that they're being paid to do. And since they are not officially employees of the home improvement stores, it can be extremely difficult to get them back out to your home should there be a problem.

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When my laundry machine drains I hear a gurgling sound in other drains, why?
You have a partally clogged sewer line and it can't handle large volumes of water without displacing sewer gas through the nearest drain trap.  It is a warning sign that it's time to service your drains.  If left without maintenance a flood is likely.  We recommend a thorough snaking of interior drains to alleviate this problem.

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My toilet makes funny sounds on its own.  It sounds like the tank is filling, why?
Your flapper is most likely to blame.  All of the seals in your toilet's tank are rubber or a neoprene material.  Their life span in the chlorinated Florida Keys tap water is roughly 5 years.  After that time, the material becomes stiff and cracked causing leaking at the flapper resulting in compensation by the fill valve which is what you hear.  We recommend our complete toilet rebuild service.

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Bathroom faucet drips, why?
It could be a loose washer.  The pressure holds it down when no other faucet is running water and the lower pressure let's it rise up a bit when other water is used.

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Water Heater FAQs:

How old is my Water Heater?
In most cases the manufacture date is encoded in the serial number of the heater, located on the plate on the front of the water heater.

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Why does the hot water from my faucet smell?
This is caused by a chemical reaction between minerals and acids in the water and the anode rod in the water heater. If you do have this problem you might want to think about having your water tested and getting a water conditioner installed.

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My electric water heater doesn't seem to be heating correctly.  My shower runs cool after 5 minutes, why?
All water heaters collect sediment over time.  In electric models, two heat elements (upper and lower) corrode and the combination of corrosion and sendiment will cause the elements to short circuit, usually one at a time, creating a 50% loss of heating capability.  We recommend our complete electric water heater service which includes new upper and lower thermostats, new heat elements, and thorough flushing of sendiment.

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Middle Keys Plumbers
American Standard Bradford White Broan Delta Grohe Insinkerator Kohler Moen Reed