Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Stockton?
- 2 How Does the Water in Stockton Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Stockton?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Stockton?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Stockton vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Stockton?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Stockton?
Stockton residents face many common plumbing issues like leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and clogged drains. Because of their geographical location, homeowners must also focus on conserving water to make sure there’s enough to go around when they experience a drought or dry season. Here are a few common issues homeowners face and when you should call a plumber in Stockton for help.
Leaks
Leaky pipes are sneaky problems that can happen anywhere in your home plumbing at any time. Because of this, it’s essential to regularly check common problem areas like under the sink, around your toilet, and under your water heater for leaking water. If you notice a leak, call our plumbers to fix the problem quickly. A leak may not look like a big deal, but that wasted water can cost you hundreds of dollars on your next water bill. It can also result in hundreds of gallons of wasted precious water.
Dripping Faucets
Faucets have many small plumbing parts that can become faulty over the years, and you need to replace them. Like the leaks mentioned above, a dripping faucet will cost far more in wasted water than the price you’ll pay for a quick service call. If you don’t believe that a little dripping faucet can cause any harm, check out this drip calculator activity. Plug in a few numbers related to your dripping tap, and the page will reveal how much water you waste each day until you successfully repair it.
Clogged Drains and Pipes
Clogged drains can be a pain, but our plumbers in Stockton can fix them quickly. Most clogs are caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, and grease in your pipes, keeping water from flowing through them. Our plumbers face clogs every day and are equipped with special tools so they can quickly locate and break up your clogged pipes. In extreme cases, tree roots can grow through pipes underground, and our experts will have to dig up the old pipes and replace them with new ones. Regardless of the cause, you can rest assured that your plumber can assess and unclog your pipes efficiently and effectively.
How Does the Water in Stockton Affect Your Plumbing?
Stockton water comes from several sources, and California Water Service, or Cal Water, for short, controls it. As one of the largest water companies in the nation, Cal Water takes great pride in providing reliable and delicious water to its service areas. That said, there are a few issues that homeowners need to consider regarding their water consumption and plumbing setup.
Detectable Levels of Arsenic
Cal Water releases a water report each year, and Stockton’s water always passes with flying colors. Although it meets all federal and state requirement levels, the water in Stockton contains low but detectable levels of arsenic. The city released this information in a disclaimer informing the public that they are monitoring the issue. According to the CDC, arsenic is very dangerous when consumed in large amounts, especially for children. It can cause cancer and other diseases, and we should eliminate it from all consumed water. If you’re concerned about arsenic contamination, ask our professionals to test your water. If arsenic is present in your water, wey’ll provide the best solution to remove it from your home plumbing system.
Preparing for Dry Seasons
The central valley experiences dry years where they don’t experience enough rainfall to replenish their water supply needs. Responsible homeowners are encouraged to use their water wisely, taking care to conserve as much as they are able. Cal Water encourages homeowners to save by providing free conservation kits to each household in their service area. Each kit includes the following products:
- Two high-efficiency showerheads
- One hose nozzle
- Two bathroom faucet aerators
- Toilet leak tablets
- One kitchen faucet aerator
To receive your free conservation kit, just fill out and submit the online form, and they will mail it right to your home in Stockton.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Stockton?
Local plumbers face various plumbing issues, from leaky faucets to complete home remodeling jobs and everything in between. It’s impossible to know the price for your specific job unless you call our plumbers to receive a quote, but most homeowners pay an average of $500. Here are a few factors wey’ll consider when calculating your cost.
Cost Factor: Labor
You’ll typically pay our plumbers by the hour, so the bigger the job, the higher your price will be. Small jobs like leaky toilets and dripping faucets won’t take nearly as long as it takes to repipe your guest bathroom or dig up pipes in your yard. Consider the size of your plumbing job and know that you’ll be paying for the time and effort it takes for our plumber to complete the job. Our experts know how to work efficiently, but some jobs just take more time to complete.
Cost Factor: Materials and Equipment
If you have a leaky or dripping faucet, our plumber may simply need to replace the relatively cheap o-rings. If, on the other hand, you’ve called our plumbers in to replace your water heater, the appliance will cost much more. Whatever supplies are needed, our plumber will add the price of the new equipment to your final bill. Much like a mechanic quotes your car repair price by including the parts they’ll need, our professional will factor in the cost for the parts required to fix your home plumbing.
Cost Factor: Time of Service
One of the worst things that can happen in the middle of the night is a ruptured pipe. If you wake up to the sound of water gushing in your home at 4:00 am, and you don’t know what to do, call us immediately. We offer 24/7 emergency services and will arrive quickly to save your home from severe water damage and wasted water. If you need to call our plumbers outside of business hours, expect to pay a higher price. Emergency services cost more, and for a good reason.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Stockton?
Homeowners in Stockton can do several things to conserve water and save money on their water bills with better plumbing. Here are a few ways to be proactive about your plumbing and save money at the same time.
Rebates
Stockton water can be in short supply, so homeowners need to do everything they can to conserve it. Cal Water makes it easy to be responsible with your plumbing and offers several rebates for homeowners to take advantage of. Some of the rebates include:
- High-Efficiency Toilet Rebate (up to $50)
- High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate ($150)
- Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate (up to $125)
- High-Efficiency Sprinkler Nozzle Rebate (up to $5 per nozzle)
If you want to take advantage of these rebates, fill out their online form, and the company will ship them right to your house.
Watch for Leaks
As mentioned above, leaking pipes and toilets are the most significant causes of water waste and high water bills. Check your plumbing regularly and get your leaky and dripping plumbing problems fixed quickly. The EPA’s “Fix a Leak Week” takes place each spring, and they provide many resources for detecting leaks at home. They calculate that over one trillion gallons of water are wasted each year from leaking plumbing in the house. Their guide provides ways to look for leaks in the following places at home:
- Toilets
- Faucets
- Showerheads
- Outdoor Leaks
Often, leaks go undetected, making homeowners – and the earth – pay.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Stockton vs Hire a Plumber?
Typically, if a plumbing problem happens on your property, it’s best to call our plumbers. We deal with everything in and around your home, from leaks to clogs and pipe replacements. If the problem lies outside your home meter or main sewage line, it’s time to call the local Cal Water office at 209-547-7900. If it’s an emergency and after hours, somebody will answer your call 24/7.
If you notice a leak or water waste in a neighbor’s yard, on the street, or near a business, report the issue to Cal Water so they can fix it immediately. The company takes water conservation very seriously, and wasted water means wasted precious resources.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Stockton?
If you’re having minor plumbing repairs done in your home, you likely won’t need a permit. If, on the other hand, you’re having a water heater replaced or you’re adding new pipes to your plumbing system, you’ll need a permit on file before our plumber can do the job. Basic plumbing repairs that don’t require a permit include:
- Fixing leaks
- Toilet replacement
- Tub and shower replacement
- Washing machine replacement
- Unclogging drains that don’t require valve, pipe, or trap replacement
The following problems will require a permit:
- Water heater replacement
- Installation of new pipes
- Alteration of pipe placement
- Installing new or relocating plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, etc.
- Installing new drains, valves, traps, or vents
If you’re unsure whether your job needs a permit, ask our plumbers! They’ll know the answer. Alternatively, you can give your local Cal Water office a call. It’s better to ask ahead of time than to get halfway through a job and receive a fine from the city, forcing you to stop all work until you obtain a permit.