Plumbing FAQ: straight answers from your Citrus County plumber
Honest answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners across Citrus County, from what a plumber costs to how long a water heater lasts. Modern Plumbing Services has been family owned and operated in Inverness since 1978. If you don't see your question here, give us a call. We are always happy to help.
(352) 726-5601 License CFC1431599 Family owned since 1978 No commission technicians
$55 service call + $95/hr
2-hour appointment windows
Itemized invoices
Senior, military & School Board discounts
Quick answers
- Business
- Modern Plumbing Services, family owned and operated since 1978
- Office
- 4196 S. Pleasant Grove Rd., Inverness, FL 34452
- Phone
- (352) 726-5601
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with online scheduling anytime
- Appointments
- Two-hour windows: 8 to 10 AM, 10 AM to 12 PM, 12 to 2 PM, 2 to 4 PM
- Service call
- $55 in Citrus County, $65 outside Citrus County
- Labor
- $95 per hour, one-hour minimum, then $23.75 per 15 minutes
- License
- Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor CFC1431599
- Service area
- All of Citrus County, plus Dunnellon, Inglis, Bushnell, Wildwood, and Brooksville
Your questions answered
Frequently asked plumbing questions
Jump to a topic, or scroll through all 45 questions.
Pricing, estimates, and discounts
How much does a plumber cost in Citrus County, FL?
▾Modern Plumbing Services charges a $55 service call plus $95 per hour for labor in Citrus County, with a one-hour labor minimum. After the first hour, labor is billed in 15-minute increments at $23.75 per quarter hour, so you only pay for the time actually worked. Every job comes with an itemized invoice. See our full service rates.
What is the service call fee outside Citrus County?
▾For homes outside Citrus County, the service call is $65. That includes Dunnellon, Inglis, Bushnell, Wildwood, and Brooksville. Labor is the same $95 per hour everywhere we work. Citrus Springs homes with a Dunnellon mailing address are in Citrus County and pay the $55 service call.
Do you give free estimates?
▾Yes. Estimates are free and done by a professional plumber, then typed up and emailed to you to review. We can also quote most simple items over the phone, including toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, sinks, and water heaters. Larger jobs like repipes, slab leak repairs, and bathroom remodels always get a free written estimate. Call (352) 726-5601 or schedule online.
Will I get an itemized invoice?
▾Yes, on every job. Your invoice lists the service call, the labor time, and each part separately, so you can see exactly what you paid for. No surprises and no vague lump sums.
What discounts do you offer?
▾We offer $15 off the service call for seniors (65+), $15 off for military and veterans, $15 off when you book online, and a discount for Citrus County School Board employees. Ask about discounts when you call or see all coupons and discounts.
What payment methods do you accept?
▾We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. Payment is due when the work is complete. For larger projects such as repipes or bathroom remodels, we can talk through payment terms ahead of time.
Scheduling, hours, and service area
What are your business hours?
▾We are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on weekends. You can schedule online anytime, day or night, and we will call to confirm.
What are your appointment windows?
▾We schedule in convenient two-hour windows: 8 to 10 AM, 10 AM to 12 PM, 12 to 2 PM, and 2 to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. That way you are not stuck waiting around all day. If you need an earlier or later time, call (352) 726-5601 and we will do our best to work with your schedule.
Can I schedule a plumber online?
▾Yes. Fill out the form on our schedule service page any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we will call to confirm the date and time. Booking online also gets you $15 off the service call.
Do you offer same-day plumbing service?
▾Often, yes, depending on the day's schedule. We keep common parts on the truck, including AO Smith ProLine water heaters and American Standard toilets, so most jobs are finished on the first visit. Calling early in the day gives us the best chance of getting to you the same day.
Do you offer 24-hour emergency plumbing service?
▾No. We do not offer after-hours, overnight, or weekend service. During business hours we will do our best to get to urgent problems quickly. If water is leaking after hours, shut off your main water valve to limit the damage and call us first thing in the morning at (352) 726-5601.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
▾Shut off the main water valve right away, then turn off the power or gas to your water heater. Open a faucet at the lowest point in the house to drain the lines, move valuables away from the water, and take photos for insurance. Then call a licensed plumber to make the repair.
Where is my main water shut-off valve?
▾In most Citrus County homes it is near the water meter at the street or where the main line enters the house, often near the garage or an outside hose bib. In mobile homes it is usually under the home near where the supply line comes in. It is worth finding it now and making sure it turns before you ever need it.
What areas do you serve?
▾We serve all of Citrus County, including Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa, Lecanto, Hernando, Floral City, Citrus Springs, and Beverly Hills. We also serve Dunnellon in Marion County, Inglis in Levy County, Bushnell and Wildwood in Sumter County, and Brooksville in Hernando County.
Do you serve The Villages?
▾We serve Brownwood and the surrounding villages that sit within Wildwood city limits in Sumter County. Those homes have the $65 outside-county service call. See our Wildwood and Brownwood page for details.
Water heaters
What brand of water heater do you install?
▾We stock AO Smith ProLine water heaters in all common sizes for same-day installation. They are built with commercial-grade components, including stainless steel elements and a heavier anode rod, so they last longer and perform better. We are AO Smith certified for residential water heaters and heat pump (hybrid) water heaters. Learn more on our water heater page.
How long does a water heater replacement take?
▾A standard electric water heater replacement usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the installation. Because we stock AO Smith ProLine units, most replacements are done the same day you call, and we haul away the old tank.
How long do water heaters last in Citrus County?
▾Most tank water heaters here last around 8 to 12 years. Our hard water leaves mineral sediment in the bottom of the tank, which makes the heater work harder and wear out sooner. Flushing the tank once a year helps. Our water heater FAQ covers sizing, costs, and more.
What are the signs my water heater needs to be replaced?
▾Water leaking from the tank itself, rusty or discolored hot water, rumbling or popping noises, running out of hot water faster than before, and a tank older than about 10 years are the most common signs. A leaking tank almost always means replacement. Many other problems, like a bad element or thermostat, can be repaired. We will tell you honestly which one makes sense.
Should I get a tank, tankless, or hybrid water heater?
▾A standard tank is the most affordable to install and the simplest to service. Tankless heaters save space and never run out of hot water but cost more up front. Hybrid (heat pump) heaters use much less electricity and can pay for themselves over time. We install all three, and the estimate is free. Compare water heater options.
Can I flush my water heater myself?
▾Yes. Turn off the power (or set a gas heater to vacation or pilot), shut off the cold water supply, connect a hose to the drain valve, and drain a few gallons until the water runs clear. Refill the tank completely before turning the power back on. If the drain valve is stuck or leaks, give us a call.
Leaks, slab leaks, and repipes
Do you offer leak detection?
▾Modern Plumbing works with trusted leak detection specialists and performs the plumbing repairs once the leak has been located. That includes slab leak repairs, rerouting lines, and patching the concrete afterward.
What are the signs of a slab leak?
▾Warm or damp spots on the floor, a water meter that keeps moving with every faucet off, an unexplained jump in your water bill, the sound of running water, and cracks or moisture in flooring are the most common signs. If you notice any of them, it is worth having the line checked. Learn about slab leak repair.
How is a slab leak repaired?
▾There are two main options. We can open the slab and repair the pipe at the leak, then patch the concrete, or we can reroute the line through the walls or attic so it no longer runs under the slab. Rerouting is often the better long-term choice for older pipe. We explain both and give you a free estimate. Slab leak repair details.
What is polybutylene pipe and should I replace it?
▾Polybutylene is a gray plastic water supply pipe used in many Florida homes and mobile homes built from the late 1970s through the mid 1990s. It is known for failing at the fittings as it ages. Many homeowners in Citrus County choose to replace it on their own schedule instead of after a leak. We repipe houses and mobile homes and the estimate is free.
Do you work on mobile and manufactured homes?
▾Yes. Mobile home plumbing is one of our specialties, including repipes, water heaters, water line repairs, shut-off valves, and fixtures. See our mobile home plumbing services.
Drains and sewer lines
Why does my drain keep clogging?
▾Grease, hair, soap buildup, and wipes cause most clogs inside the home. When the same drain or several drains back up again and again, the problem is often farther down the line, like tree roots, a sag, or a broken pipe. A sewer camera inspection shows exactly what is going on.
What is a sewer camera inspection?
▾We run a waterproof camera on a cable through your drain or sewer line and watch the video live. It shows tree roots, cracks, sags, and blockages without digging, so you only pay to fix the real problem. It is also a smart step before buying an older home. Drain cleaning and camera inspections.
How do you get tree roots out of a sewer line?
▾We cut the roots out with a drain machine to get the line flowing again, then use a camera to check the pipe. If roots keep coming back through a broken or separated joint, we will show you the footage and talk through a lasting repair. Learn more.
Are flushable wipes safe for my pipes?
▾No. Flushable wipes do not break down the way toilet paper does. They snag in pipes, catch on roots, and cause backups in both sewer lines and septic systems. Toss them in the trash instead.
Should I use chemical drain cleaners?
▾We recommend avoiding them. Harsh chemical drain cleaners can damage older pipes and rarely clear a full clog. A drain snake or a call to a plumber is safer for your pipes.
Toilets, faucets, and fixtures
Why does my toilet keep running?
▾A worn flapper, a bad fill valve, or a chain that is too long or short causes most running toilets. These are usually quick, inexpensive repairs. A running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water, so it is worth fixing. Toilet repair and installation.
What brand of toilets do you install?
▾We stock American Standard toilets, including comfort-height models that sit about two inches taller and are easier to use. See toilet options.
Will you install a fixture I bought myself?
▾Yes. We install owner-supplied faucets, toilets, sinks, garbage disposals, shower heads, and other fixtures. Installation of owner-supplied items carries a 30-day limited workmanship warranty, and the product warranty comes from the manufacturer. Feel free to send photos of the item to [email protected] or call (352) 726-5601 before booking so we can confirm it will fit.
Do you install grab bars and ADA plumbing fixtures?
▾Yes. We install grab bars, comfort-height toilets, lever-handle faucets, handheld shower heads, and other ADA plumbing fixtures, and we handle walk-in shower and accessible bathroom upgrades.
Do you install garbage disposals?
▾Yes. We repair and replace garbage disposals, along with faucets, sinks, shut-off valves, hose bibs, and other fixtures. See all plumbing repairs and installations.
Backflow testing
What is backflow testing and how often is it required?
▾A backflow preventer keeps irrigation water or other contaminated water from flowing back into the public drinking water supply. Most Florida water utilities require the device to be tested every year by a certified tester. We test, certify, repair, and replace backflow devices and handle the paperwork. Backflow certification.
Do you install new backflow preventers?
▾Yes. We install new backflow devices for homes, irrigation systems, and commercial properties, and we repair or replace devices that fail their annual test. Learn more.
About Modern Plumbing Services
Are you licensed and insured?
▾Yes. We hold Florida State Certified Plumbing Contractor License CFC1431599, carry General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance, and are registered with Citrus County. We are also AO Smith certified for residential water heaters and heat pump water heaters.
How can I check a plumber's license in Florida?
▾You can look up any Florida contractor license on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website at myfloridalicense.com. Search for our license number, CFC1431599.
Do you handle permits and inspections?
▾Yes. Installations that need a permit, such as water heaters, repipes, and bathroom remodels, are permitted and inspected through Citrus County, or through the local building department for homes outside the county.
Do your plumbers work on commission?
▾No. Our plumbers are paid hourly and receive no sales commissions, so nobody has a reason to upsell you. Instead, we reward our plumbers for earning 5-star reviews, which keeps the focus on honest recommendations and good service. Why homeowners choose Modern Plumbing.
How long has Modern Plumbing Services been in business?
▾Since 1978. We are family owned and operated, with three generations of the same family running the business from Inverness. We were named the Citrus County Chronicle Best of the Best Plumber for 2026.
Do you do commercial plumbing?
▾Yes. Along with homes, we handle plumbing repairs, water heaters, and backflow testing for commercial properties throughout Citrus County. See our services.
Where is your office located?
▾Our office is at 4196 S. Pleasant Grove Road, Inverness, FL 34452. We are more than a website or a phone number, so feel free to stop in with a plumbing question or to meet the team.
Page last updated October 2026
Still have questions? We are here to help.
Homeowners deserve clear answers and honest advice. If you didn't find what you were looking for, call the shop and talk to someone who knows plumbing. There is no pressure and no sales pitch, just a straight answer about your situation.
We have been Citrus County's family plumber since 1978. We schedule in convenient two-hour windows, our plumbers are not paid on commission, and every job comes with an itemized invoice. Our customer service is award winning, including being named the Citrus County Chronicle Best of the Best Plumber for 2026.
For more detail, see our water heater FAQ, service rates, full list of services, or recent jobs and reviews.
Ready to call a plumber you can trust?
Need help with your plumbing? Call Modern Plumbing Services at (352) 726-5601 or schedule online anytime.
