AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Hot Springs, AR

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Hot Springs?

You’ll find some of the same issues in the surrounding areas, but for Hot Springs, the most common problems residents face are water heater issues, drain clogs, and garbage disposal problems. Each one can be tricky to deal with, so contacting professionals like us will get you a resolution without all the headaches. 

Water heaters offer an invaluable convenience for those who have busy lives and enjoy being able to jump into a hot shower or get clothes and dishes clean with a blast of hot water. But, sometimes, those water heaters act up, and you find yourself without any hot water to get your chores done. This occurs more often in Hot Springs than other areas because the hard water in the city leaves mineral build-up in the tank, which makes the heater less efficient and limits its life span. The problem could be one of many things, so you’re better off giving us a call since we know exactly what to look for and how to repair it. 

Drain clogs happen to everyone, and we all know what a mess they can be. Dirty water sits in sinks and tubs, and they just don’t want to clear out, or they drain very slowly, leaving a greasy residue behind on the sink and the drain. Unfortunately, the mineral build-up from the hard water in the area contributes to blockages and makes clogs and slow drains far more prevalent. Chemical-based drain cleaners aren’t recommended for a home’s plumbing system, so avoid them and give us a call instead. We can blast through the clog to ensure the drain is clean all the way through, not just at the clogged area. 

Garbage disposals are another common area where homeowners experience the most frustrations. While it’s nice to send solid foods down the drain to have them chopped up into fine pieces so they can travel through the pipes, it’s not so great when they begin to have problems. Water will back up into the sink or just not work at all. Fixing them can be dangerous, so it’s best to leave it up to professionals like us. 

How Does the Water in Hot Springs Affect Your Plumbing?

It’s not uncommon in the Hot Springs area to find iron, magnesium, and manganese in your water supply. Only manganese is harmful to your health if there are high levels in the water. But, magnesium and iron are more damaging to the plumbing. Both can cause rust particles to form in the piping, which will build up over time, weakening and eventually cracking the surface of the pipes. They can also cause stains in the sinks, tubs, and even clothing. 

To combat the effects of these minerals, you should call us to install a water softener if your home has hard water. Having one of these units running in your house will prevent hard water buildup on the pipes and keep them lasting much longer. 

It’s also not unusual to have older homes in the area that still have the original piping installed. Metal pipes can last a long time, but eventually, they’ll break down and crack or burst open, especially at the seams. Often sections of the pipeline will need replacing, or if you’re remodeling, a whole new system would be installed, preventing issues from popping up in the future. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Hot Springs?

Hot Springs residents have paid an average of $175 to $300 for smaller tasks, like drain cleaning and repairing leaky faucets. For jobs that require a bit more time and labor, you might end up paying $350 to $500 or more. Larger plumbing projects could run in the thousands, depending on what is needed to complete the job. 

Location of the Job

You have a pipe that’s leaking in the basement and needs repair. But, it’s located in a hard-to-reach spot. We can do the job, but it will take more time, effort, and special equipment to accomplish it. The more complex the task is, the more expensive it’s going to be. If it’s out in the open and there are no problems getting to the leaky section, you won’t need to worry about the extra money for the extra time required on the more complex jobs. 

If it involves a sewer or septic drain line located underground, you can expect to pay quite a bit more for the time used digging out the section and doing the necessary repairs. If special equipment is needed, some money will be factored in for the fuel used or for wear and tear on the unit. 

The Severity of the Job

While leaky pipes can often be a simple fix, many times, pipes are just too far corroded to repair. If deterioration has set in, the pipe will not respond to simple repair work. The job would need to be done right, which would mean replacing a section or whole pipeline to avoid problems happening soon. 

The job requirements may go even further than that on some occasions. The pipe that’s leaking could be located in a wall or ceiling. So, to access the affected area to see what’s going on, we would need to cut a hole into the wall or ceiling to get to it. Once the problem is found, then repair work can begin. 

Bringing Plumbing up to Code

While it doesn’t often happen, some jobs began as a small task only to end up as a huge undertaking. The reason being the current plumbing isn’t up to code at all. It’s not necessarily the fault of the owner. A previous owner from years past could’ve installed it. 

Due to our specialized licensing, we must work with the coding system, so we can’t just fix piping that isn’t safe or dangerous to the occupants in the house. We will devise a plan on what’s needed, and you can choose whether you want us to proceed with getting the plumbing up to code. If so, be prepared for a larger repair bill when it comes in the mail. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Hot Springs?

There are a few different ways you can save money with better plumbing. One way is to upgrade some of the home’s piping, especially if you have metal lines that corrode quickly over time. You can also use water-efficient fixtures that help you save money on your water bill. Getting a plumber, like us, that has more experience at various plumbing jobs can save you time since we do it right the first time. 

Also, if money is a problem for you, and you need to upgrade some of your plumbing, you might qualify for a home improvement loan either by the State or the City. It won’t hurt to contact the City of Hot Springs to see what’s available. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Hot Springs vs Hire a Plumber?

In Hot Springs, the water utility company takes care of their pipelines and the water meter that collects data on your water usage. Homeowners are responsible for the pipes that run from the water meter to the fixtures in your home. But, if you experience a water leak on your lawn or driveway, and you don’t know if it’s coming from one of your pipes or the city’s, who do you call? 

If you call the city department, they’ll be happy to help you, but you might be charged if they evaluate the situation and determine it’s on your side of the meter. There are a few things you can do to prevent any possible changes. First, make sure to turn off the main water valve in your home. Then check to see if the meter is still running. If it is, then you have a leak somewhere on your end. If it isn’t, the leak must be coming from one of their lines instead. If you’re still unsure, give us a call, and we can investigate it for you. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Hot Springs?

In Hot Springs, permits are generally not needed for straightforward repair work. However, if you need to rearrange one of the plumbing lines in your home, you will need to obtain a permit to complete the job. You will also need to get one if you plan on adding an addition to your home or put up a building that will need plumbing laid out. 

A permit is also needed if you plan to upgrade a current plumbing system with newer material, such as PVC piping. It’s necessary even if you don’t rearrange the layout of the piping. Otherwise, most plumbing jobs won’t require any kind of permit to complete. 

Your home is a considerable investment that you want to last a lifetime. Plumbing is one piece of the puzzle that you want to be sure continues to work correctly and efficiently for as long as you and your family live there. If a problem arises, don’t hesitate to give us a call because we’re just as invested in your plumbing as you are.