AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Flagstaff, AZ

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Flagstaff?

Homeowners in Flagstaff deal with many common plumbing issues that usually have easy solutions. If you notice any of these issues, call us and we will come out and take care of it quickly.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can occur anywhere in your home plumbing, but some trouble spots include under the sink and around the water heater. The hard water in Flagstaff can cause mineral buildup, which can cause pipes to burst and leak. As per the City of Flagstaff, the average Flagstaff residential customer uses 65-100 gallons of water per day. If your water consumption exceeds this amount per household member, you may have a leak. If you notice pooling water or water damage, call us to assess the problem. Many homeowners ignore a leaky pipe until they’ve got a much bigger problem on their hands that ends up costing much more in cleanup and repair. Take care of your leaks as soon as you notice them so you can avoid major problems down the road.

Slow or Clogged Drains

If your water isn’t draining properly, it’s a sign that something is wrong inside the pipes. Since Flagstaff has hard water, mineral buildup can clog drains and pipes. Don’t ignore a slow or clogged drain because the clog adds stress to your pipes, making them more likely to burst. The typical culprits of a clogged drain include hair, soap scum, and grease. These substances get stuck to the inner walls of pipes and can make it hard for water to flow through them. We’ve got the perfect equipment for locating your clog and flushing it out, leaving your pipes squeaky clean inside. 

Water Heater Issues

Water heater problems can be caused by loose or broken connections, heating element failures, and improper installation. Leak is another contributing factor to water heater problems. Mineral deposits can cause problems in water heaters as well. These deposits can reduce the efficiency of the water. heater reducing the supply of hot water in your household.

How Does the Water in Flagstaff Affect Your Plumbing?

According to the most recent water quality report, Flagstaff’s water continues to meet all the federal and state safety standards. Its water hardness ranges from moderately hard to very hard. It varies from 25 ppm to 325 ppm depending on the source of production. The average throughout the system is 125 to 200 ppm (7.3 to 11.7 grains per gallon). Generally, hard water is not considered a health hazard but more of a nuisance to plumbing system. Hard water usually contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium that can affect the inside of your plumbing system. These mineral deposits can accumulate inside the pipes. When this mineral accumulation builds up, it can narrow the opening of the pipes which will then lead to water flow reduction through the pipes. It might not completely block the pipes but it can certainly decrease the water pressure which can lead to clog formation and stain tubs and sinks. Even though the city’s water is considered safe to drink, homeowners still need to consider a few contaminants that may be present in their tap water. The two biggest threats are listed below.

Arsenic

The standard for safe levels of arsenic is anything below .010 ppm. In Flagstaff, the water detected .0055 ppm, which is below the standard, but is still a concern. Arsenic has been shown to cause cancer in high levels, as well as skin conditions and circulatory problems. Immunocompromised people are most at risk and should make note of the city’s low but detectable arsenic levels in their water supply. Check it with us to see if a water filtration system is a good idea for your home.

Lead

Although Flagstaff’s water does not contain lead, the City can’t control the pipes in your home system. Old pipes can become corroded and leak lead into your water supply. This is especially dangerous for pregnant women and children. If you’re worried about lead in your water, call us to test your water and assess your pipes. If you haven’t used your faucet for a couple of hours, you can also be cautious by running your water for at least 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Flagstaff?

On average, plumbing work in Flagstaff can cost you anywhere from $100 to $726. That’s a large price range, but it’s not surprising since we do such a vast range of work. If you call for a quote about your home plumbing needs, we’ll consider several factors when calculating your price. Here are a few of them.

How Long Will It Take?

Most of us charge an hourly rate, so the bigger the job, the more you’ll pay. When calculating your price, we consider how long it will take to complete your job from start to finish. We work efficiently to get the job done, but some jobs just take longer to finish. Fixing a dripping faucet will likely be much easier to complete, compared to a full repipe of your master bathroom. The time it takes to do the job will likely be the biggest factor in determining your final price.

What Parts Are Needed?

When it comes to home plumbing, parts tend to wear out and need to be replaced. Oftentimes, your dripping faucet just needs a new casing. You may also need to have your water heater replaced at some point. When calculating the cost, we will factor in the price of any new parts we will need to get the job done. 

What Time Is It?

Plumbing emergencies happen outside of business hours sometimes, and our plujbers in Flagstaff offer their services 24/7. If you end up calling us in the middle of the night, expect to pay a little more. Most of us charge a higher hourly rate for emergency services outside of business hours since we are likely being pulled away from our families or our beds when we get the call.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Flagstaff?

Most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing until it quits working and they need to call us immediately. If you’d like to save money on your plumbing, taking a preventative approach will save you a great deal. New appliances not only look better, but can save you significant amounts of water, which translates to lower utility bills. Upgrading your plumbing also saves you money in the long run because being proactive and replacing broken or old pipes and appliances helps you avoid exensive plumbing disasters in the future. 

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

When it comes to plumbing issues, homeowners can be confused about where their responsibilities lie. The City answers this question by explaining that anything beyond the water meter is their responsibility. If your plumbing problems occur from your home system to the meter, it is your job to call us to fix the problem. That includes leaking pipes, water heater issues, and problems with your irrigation system. Anything beyond your meter is a city issue.

If you need to report a water or sewage problem, you can call (928) 213-2400. If it’s after hours and is an emergency, you can call (928) 774-0262. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Flagstaff?

If you’re having plumbing work done to your home, you may first need to obtain a permit. According to Flagstaff’s Planning and Development Services, you do not need to have a permit if we are doing the following work:

• Fixing a leak in your drain, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe
• Unclogging or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures
• Replacing faucets or toilets in the same place they were before

If, on the other hand, you are having new traps, drain pipes, or vent pipes installed in a new location, you’ll need to get a permit before you begin. The City also requires an over-the-counter permit for the installation of any new fixtures. This includes toilets, sinks, washing machines, and water heaters, among others.

No matter what plumbing work you’re having done, it’s always best to check with the City before you begin. If you have questions, you can call Flagstaff’s Planning and Development Department at (928) 213-2619 or email them at cdfrontcounter@flagstaffaz.gov. They’ll let you know whether you need to apply for a permit or if you can begin work right away.