As Seasonal Residents Return, R.J. Kielty Urges Tampa Bay Homeowners to Check Plumbing After Months Away
Family-owned plumbing contractor shares a homecoming checklist to catch hidden leaks, seized valves and water heater problems early.
New Port Richey, FL, October 19, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Seasonal residents are starting to come back to West Central Florida for the fall and winter. R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric is reminding them that a home left empty for months can have plumbing problems nobody was there to see.
Months of Florida heat and humidity can affect a home's plumbing even when nobody is using it. A small leak that starts in July can spread behind walls or under floors for weeks. It can also create the damp conditions that lead to mold, which is a serious concern in Florida homes. Water heaters and shutoff valves that sit unused all season may not work properly when they're needed again.
R.J. Kielty recommends these checks for homeowners arriving for the season:
• Look for signs of a hidden leak
Check under sinks, around toilets and near water heater connections. Water stains on ceilings, warped flooring or a musty smell can mean a leak has been running for a while.
• Test the main water shutoff vavle
Close it and open it again to make sure it still turns. A valve that sits unused can seize, and then it won't stop the water in an emergency.
• Flush the water heater
Tampa Bay's hard water causes sediment to build up quickly, which makes the heater less efficient. Flush it once a year, check the temperature and pressure relief valve, and keep the thermostat near 120 degrees.
• Check the water pressure
A simple gauge on an outdoor hose bib will show the reading. The safe range is 40 to 60 psi. Pressure above 80 psi damages pipes, fixtures and appliances over time.
• Clear the AC Condensate drain line
Algae and sludge build up in the line during the summer. A clog can shut down the system or overflow the drain pan. Pouring a cup of distilled white vinegar down the line helps keep it clear.
• Run water through every drain
Slow drains can be an early sign of a sewer line problem. In established neighborhoods, the cause is often tree roots growing into the line.
“When you come back to a home that’s been closed up all summer, the leak you can see usually isn’t the one to worry about. It’s the one behind the drywall that’s been running since June,” said a company spokesperson. “Spending 30 minutes on these checks the week you get back can save you thousands of dollars in water damage.”
If a homeowner suspects a hidden leak, R.J. Kielty’s technicians can find it with acoustic sensors and thermal imaging without tearing open walls. Homeowners who split their year between homes can also join the Kielty Cares Plan to get regular plumbing and HVAC maintenance on a set schedule.
R.J. Kielty serves homes and businesses across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Emergency service is available 24/7.
About R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric
R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric has been family-owned and operated since 1973. The company provides plumbing, air conditioning, heating and electrical services to homes and businesses across West Central Florida. It is independent, with no private equity ownership, and holds an A+ BBB rating. All technicians are background-checked, uniformed and badged. To schedule service, call 800-330-5486 or visit https://rjkielty.com.
Months of Florida heat and humidity can affect a home's plumbing even when nobody is using it. A small leak that starts in July can spread behind walls or under floors for weeks. It can also create the damp conditions that lead to mold, which is a serious concern in Florida homes. Water heaters and shutoff valves that sit unused all season may not work properly when they're needed again.
R.J. Kielty recommends these checks for homeowners arriving for the season:
• Look for signs of a hidden leak
Check under sinks, around toilets and near water heater connections. Water stains on ceilings, warped flooring or a musty smell can mean a leak has been running for a while.
• Test the main water shutoff vavle
Close it and open it again to make sure it still turns. A valve that sits unused can seize, and then it won't stop the water in an emergency.
• Flush the water heater
Tampa Bay's hard water causes sediment to build up quickly, which makes the heater less efficient. Flush it once a year, check the temperature and pressure relief valve, and keep the thermostat near 120 degrees.
• Check the water pressure
A simple gauge on an outdoor hose bib will show the reading. The safe range is 40 to 60 psi. Pressure above 80 psi damages pipes, fixtures and appliances over time.
• Clear the AC Condensate drain line
Algae and sludge build up in the line during the summer. A clog can shut down the system or overflow the drain pan. Pouring a cup of distilled white vinegar down the line helps keep it clear.
• Run water through every drain
Slow drains can be an early sign of a sewer line problem. In established neighborhoods, the cause is often tree roots growing into the line.
“When you come back to a home that’s been closed up all summer, the leak you can see usually isn’t the one to worry about. It’s the one behind the drywall that’s been running since June,” said a company spokesperson. “Spending 30 minutes on these checks the week you get back can save you thousands of dollars in water damage.”
If a homeowner suspects a hidden leak, R.J. Kielty’s technicians can find it with acoustic sensors and thermal imaging without tearing open walls. Homeowners who split their year between homes can also join the Kielty Cares Plan to get regular plumbing and HVAC maintenance on a set schedule.
R.J. Kielty serves homes and businesses across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Emergency service is available 24/7.
About R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric
R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric has been family-owned and operated since 1973. The company provides plumbing, air conditioning, heating and electrical services to homes and businesses across West Central Florida. It is independent, with no private equity ownership, and holds an A+ BBB rating. All technicians are background-checked, uniformed and badged. To schedule service, call 800-330-5486 or visit https://rjkielty.com.
Contact
R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric
Brooke Hughes
727-494-6345
rjkielty.com
Brooke Hughes
727-494-6345
rjkielty.com
Contact
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