AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Hoover, AL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Hoover?

While property owners in Hoover deal with minor plumbing issues daily, the common major problems include:

Clogged Drains

A blocked sewer line can be a serious nuisance. Besides rendering your sinks and tubs useless, it could gather standing water, which in turn attracts fungi and bacteria. Fixing a clogged drain timely could save you from dealing with damaged pipes, corrosion, mold formation, and much more.

Many Hoover residents try to unclog drains on their own. Trying to eliminate the blockage by sticking objects inside the drain could damage the system and result in costly replacements. Baking soda and vinegar may push some grime down the drain, but the problem is likely to remain.

Our drain experts know how to deal with blockages quickly. The safety and integrity of your sewer lines are our priority.

Leaking Faucets

Reasons behind a leaky faucet include corrosion, mineral deposits, improper installation, and defective gaskets. Whatever caused your faucet to leak, ignoring it isn’t an option. Even if it’s just a couple of drops, you need to take the first signs very seriously.

Fixing a leaking faucet is easy if you have the right tools and sufficient experience. Our plumbers don’t just fix leaking faucets, they dig deeper to discover the cause and eliminate it to prevent problems in the future.

Low Water Pressure

Many property owners in Hoover complain about low water pressure. While the cause of such a problem could be an issue with the city’s water main, in most cases, it’s an internal problem, such as:

• Partially opened main water valve
• Clogged or corroded pipes
• Faulty plumbing fixtures
• Pressure regulator problems

If you are dealing with low water pressure, the first thing to do is to call your neighbors. If they aren’t facing the same problem, you can call us to eliminate the issue. If the entire neighborhood is suffering from low water pressure, you have to contact the water utility company.

Malfunctioning Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are messy and unpleasant to deal with. Once the problem occurs, many homeowners try to fix it on their own. In the majority of cases, garbage disposal repair must be done by a professional plumber. Otherwise, you risk putting the entire drain system out of order.

Trying to repair this mechanism on your own isn’t just hard. It can be dangerous.

Running Toilet

When the toilet starts running, the problem is easy to ignore. However, with time, it can start costing you hundreds of dollars. If your toilet is running, and bills are reaching unexpected heights, don’t rush into buying a new toilet. Call us first.

Fixing a running toilet is usually easy. All you need to do is replace a flapper valve. We can handle the replacement in one short visit.

While the majority of plumbing issues require professional attention, some of them can be repaired by property owners. Our plumbing team is always ready to give you a detailed phone consultation.

How Does the Water in Hoover Affect Your Plumbing?

In Alabama, water is moderately soft. However, in some cities, including Hoover, hardness can reach 90 PPM (parts per million) and beyond. While this level of water hardness isn’t officially high, it can still cause serious problems for your plumbing system.

From scale buildup inside water supply pipes to film on ceramic tiles and fixtures, many Hoover residents complain about water hardness. Scale deposits shorten the life of water heaters while decreasing the efficiency of your washing machine.

Your low water pressure problems could be related to hard water, as well. Meanwhile, your appliances could break down faster. Unfortunately, the majority of the buildup is hidden. You may not notice the problem until it results in a broken pipe or a leaky fixture.

That’s why it’s imperative to inspect your plumbing regularly. At Mr. Blue Plumbing, we are always ready to schedule a routine inspection to identify mineral deposits in your pipes and remove it timely.

Remember, moderate water hardness doesn’t mean you can avoid buildup and mineral deposits. It just means that it takes longer for the problem to manifest itself. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Hoover?

The cost of an average plumbing job in Hoover is between $120 and $450. The minimum service fee is between $50 and $200. The hourly rate charged by plumbers in the area varies from $45 to $150.

The final cost of your plumbing projects depends on a variety of factors. The key cost factors are:

Spare Parts

While a plumber can charge an hourly or fixed rate, it doesn’t include spare parts needed for the job.

For example, if the reason behind a leaky faucet is an old o-ring, the cost of the new o-ring won’t affect your final bill significantly since this spare part is inexpensive. However, if the faucet is leaking because it’s broken or worn out, replacement is in order. In this case, the cost of a new faucet will be included in the bill.

While some property owners prefer to purchase spare parts on their own, they usually face higher prices than what we have to offer. We work with many spare part suppliers in Alabama and take advantage of wholesale prices.

Scope of Work

Tightening the faucet so it stops leaking or replacing an o-ring is a small-scale job. These tasks usually take less than an hour to complete. However, if you plan something major like pipe replacement or water heater installation, the job could take hours.

The final price of the project depends on how long it takes to finish it, as well as the materials needed to get the job done. When planning a major project, contact us in advance. We can provide a fairly accurate quote, so you can plan your budget.

Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies often need immediate assistance. Meanwhile, they tend to happen during the off hours. If you want the plumber to arrive quickly, you have to be ready to pay the emergency call-out fee. Such a fee starts at $120 per hour.

Whatever your plumbing emergency is, don’t wait until the morning (or weekday) comes to call us. While you’ll definitely save some money by avoiding an emergency fee, you are likely to face enormous charges for water use and damage.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Hoover?

The common reasons why Hoover residents face plumbing problems include old and poorly installed pipes. Numerous pipes located beneath Hoover homes date back to the 20th century. Made of cast iron or terra cotta, sewer lines are highly vulnerable.

For example, a simple blockage could cause an old and damaged pipe to burst. Meanwhile, tree roots find their way into small cracks in the pipes and damage them further while creating unpleasant clogs.

By choosing better plumbing options for your Hoover residence, you can save money on:

• Water usage – Leaky pipes, faucets, and fixtures could cause your utility bills to go through the roof. Better plumbing decreases water use.
• Pipe repair – Old pipes need to be repaired regularly in order to stay in satisfactory shape. With better and newer plumbing, all you have to do is schedule annual inspections.
• Electricity bills – Old or low-quality water heaters are rarely energy efficient. By choosing newer and better options, you can cut your electricity bills.

Many homeowners complain of rusty water, which is caused by pipe corrosion. While unpleasant looking, such water can be dangerous for your health. By replacing old pipes, you can also eliminate the need for additional water filtration.

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Hoover Vs Hire a Plumber?

If a plumbing issue occurs on your property, you are responsible for dealing with it. Be it clogged drains or burst pipes, it’s up to you to call the plumber and eliminate the problem.

The city is responsible for sewer lines that start at the main underground sewer pipe. It’s usually located outside your property. However, any of the pipes that run to the main line are your responsibility.

You need to call the water utility company if:

• The plumbing problem isn’t limited to your home. If your neighbors are experiencing the same problem, the issue is probably the city’s responsibility.
• Your water quality is getting worse. Before contacting the water utility company, check if the neighbors are experiencing the same problem. If not, call us.

If you are sure that the problem is the water company’s responsibility, contact Birmingham Water Works immediately at (205) 244-4000. If you aren’t sure whose responsibility the water problem is, call us. Our plumbers can evaluate the situation quickly and give recommendations on how to proceed.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Hoover?

When it comes to plumbing permits, Hoover uses the 2015 International Plumbing Code. You need to obtain a plumbing permit for all types of work, be it repairs or installation. To perform plumbing work, you need to hire a licensed plumber or get a permit on your own.

A plumbing permit will cost you $8.50 per $1,000 of the job cost plus a $41.50 issuance fee. The minimal permit fee is $50.

If you are planning a sanitary sewer installation, the permit you need to obtain depends on your jurisdiction. You can find agencies that work with specific jurisdictions here. Septic tank repairs and installations are governed by county health departments.

At Mr. Blue Plumbing, we obtain the appropriate permits for each job. The off-hours cost of the permit is incorporated into our fees.