We are a licensed and insured plumbing firm that has been serving the Pensacola area for over 20 years. Our reach extends to all of Escambia County, including Pensacola Beach, Destin, Navarre, and the communities in between, where we provide residential and commercial plumbing services. Our technicians have the experience to deal with anything from leak detection and sewer work to professional drain cleaning and water heater service (tank or tankless). For homeowners and businesses in need of a solution, we provide courteous, professional service with upfront pricing and free estimates. Should an emergency arise, our 24/7 response team is on hand.
Bathroom Plumbing: What We See and How We Upgrade It
The bathroom is perhaps the most serviced room in any home. Below you will find some of the typical problems we run into and the kind of practical upgrades our clients in Pensacola opt for when they plan their plumbing work.
Toilet troubles: A running toilet is often a matter of a bad flapper or fill valve. Then there is the issue of mineral or calcification buildup in older bowls and traps, which can stifle flushing power and make timely repair a necessity.
Upgrades to consider: We see many homeowners go for pressure-assisted or “power flush” models for the extra performance, which can be important for those with medical needs. Elongated bowls and chair-height (ADA) options are also popular. Newer low-flow units will use far less water than an old model without sacrificing the flush.
Shower and tub: Drains get clogged with hair and debris; stems and cartridges wear down and start to drip. An inspection will tell us if the diverter on a tub/shower combo has had its day and needs replacing.
Modernizing your shower: It is a good idea to put in pressure-balanced valves and modern fixtures during a remodel. They stop the temperature from swinging if someone else is using the toilet, adding to the safety and comfort of the home.
Upgrades for the Bathroom and Kitchen
A local plumber gets plenty of calls for sewer and drain issues. Here is a look at the causes and how we handle them.
What causes it: You might have roots in an old line, or a belly in the pipe where waste is held up. Non-dissolving products like wet wipes are another culprit. When the main sewer backs up, you will notice it in multiple fixtures or by the smell.
Professional cleaning: There is a difference between a rental machine and what we bring to the job. Small equipment may just push a hole through the muck but won’t clean the walls. Our machines clear edge to edge so the problem does not return. We can also inspect to see if a clog is an isolated incident or something more.
Dealing with roots: A camera and root cutter will show us the state of the pipe and clear the way. But with old cast iron that has seen multiple failures, we will often advise a full replacement of the main line as the more durable course of action rather than spot repairs.
Hydro jetting: For kitchen or commercial lines with heavy grease, high-pressure water (1,500 to 3,500 psi) is the way to power-wash the interior back to like-new condition. That said, we do not always recommend it for very old, brittle cast iron.
Emergency Plumbing for Leaks and Stoppages
When an emergency hits, it is generally a case of a stoppage or a water leak. Taking the right steps quickly can save you from costly damage.
Stoppages: A single fixture may be something to wait on until normal hours, but a whole-house backup demands immediate attention. Call our 24/7 line and one of our Pensacola plumbers can talk you through the priorities.
Water leaks: These can cause extensive damage in short order. The best move is to turn off the house water and call an anytime plumber to head off flooding. If you cannot get a hold of us, the local fire department can shut the water off for you.
Our role: We come in with leak detection tools to find the source, cut off the water, and put in whatever temporary or permanent fix is called for to protect your property.
Gas Line Work: Safety Is Paramount
There is no room for carelessness with gas. Our technicians adhere to code and best practices for all installations and repairs. Some flexible piping systems demand certified installers; to do otherwise is to risk your safety and void warranties. After any repair, the system is pressure tested, and we call for an inspection if the local code dictates.
Natural gas can build up and present a fire or explosion hazard, so never ignore a suspected leak. Shut down the appliances, ventilate the area if it is safe to do so, and get in touch with a licensed professional at once.
Sewer Line Repair: Trenching vs. Trenchless
We take into account the pipe’s material and condition as well as any site constraints before making a recommendation for a homeowner or commercial property.
Spot dig & replace: If the rest of the line is in good order, a focused dig to replace a section of PVC is the economical way to go.
Cast iron replacement: Old cast iron has a tendency to corrode and turn brittle. While one can put in a spot patch, that often means repeated repairs. Replacing a compromised main sewer line in its entirety is more reliable and cost-effective in the long run.
Trenchless/pipelining: Cured-in-place lining has its place, but it is not a panacea. It won’t correct bellies and is generally limited to the main run. Be sure the trenchless option is right for your plumbing layout.
Kitchen Plumbing: Trends and Practical Advice
Sinks: An undermount sink with a solid surface is a favorite for those wanting a clean counter and easy cleanup. Modern designs also offer more function without sacrificing space, thanks to accessories like roll-out drying racks and cutting boards.
Garbage disposals: These are sealed units. A jam can be worked out, but if there is a leak the disposal has to be replaced. A plumber can point you to the right model for installation.
Dishwashers and ice makers: To prevent appliance installers from leaving you with plumbing headaches, we can handle the shutoff stops, drain pump installation for ice makers, and all the proper connections. Correctly installed faucets and fixtures mean fewer calls for repairs later on.
Water Heaters: Tank vs. Tankless
Our technicians are on hand for the repair and installation of both types, each having their advantages and disadvantages.
Tank models: The setup is straightforward and you will have hot water even if the power goes out briefly. But if you are seeing rust or brown water, or the tank and pan are leaking, it is time for a new unit. The same holds true for an older heater that doesn’t pass a routine check.
Tankless: For a household with heavy demand and multiple long showers, the virtually endless supply of hot water is appealing. One must consider the higher instantaneous BTU requirement though, along with venting and gas line capacity. Electric versions can be expensive to operate and may call for a service upgrade.
Maintenance: Scale and corrosion on a tankless unit can trigger error codes and poor performance, so we provide service to clean the ignition and heat sensors as part of our regular and emergency maintenance.
The Basics on Sump and Well Pumps
Sump pumps: Essential in low basements or where groundwater pools under a structure. The pump and check valve are what stop the pit from refilling. When a sealed pump gives out, it is usually a matter of replacement.
Well pumps: You will know something is amiss when you have low output or pressure at the fixtures. Since these are factory sealed, they are replaced upon failure. Some preventive softening and filtration to keep down mineral wear can add to the life of the pump.
Septic: Homes on a septic system should have regular pumping and inspections to guard the drain fields and stave off backups.
Our team is on hand to offer septic guidance and see that maintenance is coordinated as the situation demands.
Whole-Home Filtration and Water Softeners
Debris and hard water are two things that will cut into the lifespan of your fixtures and appliances. We put these points before property managers and homeowners for their consideration:
Water softeners: By taking out hardness minerals, you can stave off scale and extend the life of valves and fixtures. The size and placement are important; a typical install in a utility room or garage means we have to route the incoming main over to the unit.
Whole-home filtration: A professional system will handle chlorine, debris and other additives better than an off-the-shelf consumer model, with a higher capacity and longer cartridge life to boot. This goes a long way in protecting internal valves and improving water quality.
Reverse osmosis: While a point-of-use RO at the sink does nothing for taste and purity, one has to factor in the water wasted during regeneration. Both the installer and homeowner should consider the trade-offs before going with RO.
Water Savings and Toilet Repair
A running toilet is putting water on the bill, usually because of a bad flapper or fill valve. It is an easy fix for our plumbers to put in a new one and put an end to the waste.
We often advise Pensacola homeowners to make the switch to a modern low-flow toilet when we are doing an inspection. They use less water per flush and in many cases do a better job of cleaning than the older style units.
Why Call Riptide Plumbing
Whether it is an active leak, a whole-house sewer stoppage, a sump pump failure or even a gas smell, give us a call. You may also want a professional to look things over prior to a remodel or home purchase. We cover residential and commercial work in Pensacola and the surrounding area with 24/7 response and upfront pricing so there are no surprises. Our licensed and insured technicians are courteous and have the experience for everything from emergency and sewer line work to routine upkeep.
Some Immediate Steps to Take
If you have a large, unsafe leak, shut off the water to the house and put in a call for emergency service.
In the event of a stoppage, don’t put more water into the system by flushing another toilet until a plumber can determine if the problem is isolated or not.
Should you detect a gas odor, ventilate the area if it is safe to do so but stay away from any electrical switches or appliances and get in touch with a pro right away.
Riptide Plumbing is available around the clock for emergencies in Pensacola Beach and Gulf Coast communities. We provide free estimates on all installation and repair work. Be it a major sewer project or an inspection for your business or home, we make it our business to diagnose the issue, put forward a durable solution and keep your property from further harm.
Plumbing Services in Pensacola Beach
Here’s what we can do for you.
24/7 Emergency Plumbing
We respond around the clock to urgent plumbing problems before they cause more damage.
Jeff did outstanding work. Very professional and courteous. Riptide gave a great price for new water heater replacement. Highly recommend Riptide and highly recommend Jeff.
I was very pleased with the expedited service and the knowledgeable and polite technicians. Everyone I was in contact with bent over backwards to make this a good experience.
They showed up within the time they said they would, quickly figured out what was needed, then got to work right away. They did a great job replacing my water heater connections and a broken spigot. Everything worked without any issues and they checked
inside my house to ensure nothing else was negatively affected. I would highly recommend them to anyone!
Had a blockage in our main drain line & was able to get on the schedule for a visit only 2 hours after calling on a Saturday. Chase was on time & had it taken care of pretty quick. Will definitely recommend Riptide to anyone I hear asking about plumbing services.
Riptide plumbing came through for me and my family. After calling multiple companies waiting over night waiting for someone to show up. I called riptide at 7am and they had someone to me in a few short hours. Work was done and efficient ALEC was professional and very friendly. If I could give them 100 star rating I would. Strongly recommend
