AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Florence, KY

What Are The Most Common Plumbing Issues In Florence?

Many plumbing problems are common across the country. Leaky faucets, running toilets, and clogged pipes can occur anywhere and are typically easy to spot and resolve. However, some problems are more prevalent in certain areas. Here are a few of the factors that commonly cause plumbing problems in Florence.

Cold Winters

Although temperatures in Florence are high throughout summer, they can plunge into the low 20s during winter. Because of this, residents will frequently experience plumbing issues related to cold weather during these months. The most common problem in winter is frozen pipes, which you can identify if water does not flow from the faucet even when you turn it on.

Frozen pipes may burst, which can rapidly cause thousands of dollars in damage. A good way to check for burst pipes is to look at your water meter. If it indicates that water is flowing even though you have no water running in your home, then there is a leak. To prevent extensive and costly damage, it’s important to contact our plumbers immediately if you suspect a burst pipe.

Cold weather can also be damaging to outdoor drains, particularly older drains made from plastic or PVC. Upgrading to metal drains is an excellent way to prevent these issues.

Heavy Rainfall

Another common plumbing problem in Florence stems from heavy rainfall. While the national average annual rainfall is approximately 30 inches, the average annual rainfall in Florence is significantly higher, at 45.5 inches. This can cause problems with your sump pump, particularly if it is over 10 years old. If left unchecked, a damaged sump pump can result in increased moisture or even a flooded basement

Older Farmhouses

Finally, older homes in this area may experience more frequent plumbing issues. While the majority of homes in Florence were constructed more recently, older farmhouses in the surrounding area of Boone County may experience any of the following problems:

• Damaged sewer lines
• Corroded pipes
• Unsecured pipes
• Pipe “bellies” caused by pipes sloping downward over time

How Does The Water In Florence Affect Your Plumbing?

The city of Florence receives its water from the Boone Florence Water Commission (BFWC), which in turn sources its water from the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW). The majority of water for this region originates in the Ohio River, which has been classified as “highly susceptible to contamination” by the Ohio EPA. Fortunately, GCWW puts all of its water through rigorous treatment processes to remove contaminants. It is one of the few water treatment plants in the country to utilize granulated active carbon, or GAC, a technology that is ideally suited for removing the chemicals most frequently found in the Ohio River. Even so, the following unregulated contaminants were detected in this water in 2020:

• Chloroform
• Bromodichloromethane
• Dibromochloromethane
• Bromoform
• Dichloroacetic Acid
• Dibromoacetic Acid
• Sulfate

According to GCWW, these contaminants are common byproducts of drinking water treatment. They are present in low amounts that they should not present a concern to residents. However, one factor that may be of concern is the hardness of the water in this area. Hard water refers to the amount of dissolved magnesium and calcium in the water, with any amount over 61 milligrams per liter being defined as moderately hard. Water from GCWW ranges in hardness from 113 mg per liter to 133 mg per liter.

While hard water can have benefits — such as increasing your consumption of calcium and magnesium — it can also have a detrimental impact on your plumbing. Solid calcium carbonate deposits form when hard water is heated, which results in unsightly scaling everywhere from your shower head and pipes to your coffee maker. On a smaller scale, you can remove visible mineral buildup yourself using vinegar. When this buildup begins coating the inner workings of your plumbing system, however, it can:

• Reduce the efficiency of your water heater
• Clog pipes
• Raise water costs
• Reduce the durability of your plumbing system
• Lower water pressure

Hard water can also cause your hair and skin to feel dull after washing, as it does not remove soap as effectively as softer water. If you are struggling with the effects of hard water, our plumbers can be helpful to assess your needs and potentially install a water softener to improve the longevity of your plumbing system.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Florence?

Plumbing costs can vary widely, depending on the extent of the problem and the type of necessary repairs. On average, hiring our plumbers may cost anywhere from $175 to $650 or more. However, several factors can influence these costs.

Cost Factor: Size of the Project

In addition to common issues such as clogged pipes, homeowners in Florence are likely to encounter some specific issues that can drive costs up. An excellent example of this is the frequent need for sump pump repairs, which homeowners in drier climates may not have to worry about as frequently. In straightforward cases, repairing a sump pump could cost as little as $110. However, these prices can jump as high as $1,000, and you can expect to pay up to $733 on average. Because damaged sump pumps result in higher levels of moisture, putting off repairs can also lead to increased costs from a buildup of mold or mildew.

Cost Factor: Extent of the Damage

In the cold winters of Florence, a simple problem such as a frozen pipe can quickly turn into an urgent — and expensive — issue. Plumbing emergencies, like burst pipes, result in increased costs for two reasons. First, they require a rapid response from our plumbers, which may lead to higher rates for them to meet your needs on such short notice. Second, this type of emergency can cause extensive property damage if not immediately rectified.

To avoid this, it is important to contact us as soon as possible when you begin to suspect a problem. Ongoing maintenance is much more straightforward and affordable than attempting to fix extensive damage.

Cost Factor: Cost of the Materials

Smaller repairs are unlikely to result in higher costs, but when a project begins to require pricier materials, expenses can rapidly rise. For example, affordable piping options such as PVC are unsuitable for use in systems where they will be exposed to high heat or UV light. More versatile options such as copper are suitable for a wider range of applications but cost significantly more. The specifics of your plumbing problem will ultimately dictate what type of materials our plumbers can utilize and, therefore, influence the project’s final cost.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money In Florence?

Yes, investing in better plumbing is an excellent way to save money over time. There are several ways you can improve your system to lower the risk of plumbing problems.

Preventative Maintenance

While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run. Living in Florence, you might consider focusing on the weather when considering what type of preventative maintenance to perform. Knowing that many plumbing problems occur in winter, you can take care of your plumbing system by scheduling an annual inspection every autumn. This simple step helps ensure your system is ready to handle the approaching icy weather.

You can also take steps to protect your plumbing system from the high amounts of rainfall that occur in Florence every year. In this case, our plumber will likely examine your drains to make sure they are free of clogs and in good enough shape to handle the rain. If you haven’t had your sump pump inspected recently, our plumber can take care of that as well.

Water Softening Systems

Since you are likely to have hard water when living in Florence, you might consider installing a water softening system in your home. This will help prevent the buildup of minerals throughout your pipes and equipment, thus improving their longevity and lowering your water costs. A water softener can also make daily life easier, as you will have less trouble rinsing soap from your hair, skin, and dishes.

When Should You Call The Water Utility Company In Florence Vs Hire a Plumber?

If you are experiencing plumbing issues in your home, you will most likely need to hire our plumbers. Water utility companies can help with larger, more systemic, or citywide problems. Florence’s Infrastructure Support Services (I.S.S.) team oversees the city’s water and sanitation systems and is responsible for ensuring that Florence is compliant with regulations. If you notice that many people in your neighborhood are experiencing the same problems, or that water has simply stopped flowing to your home, reaching out to I.S.S. may be a good first step. If you are experiencing standard plumbing problems isolated to your home, you should contact us.

When Do You Need Permits For Plumbing Service in Florence?

The city of Florence requires a permit for any kind of new plumbing installation, alteration, or construction. If you are performing your installation, you can apply for a homeowner’s permit from the Department of Housing Plumbing Division. If you have our plumber performing these installations, they will be the ones to apply for the permit. A permit is not required for basic repairs.