AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Englewood, CO

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Englewood?

Plumbing problems are universal but some plumbing issues are specific to certain areas. Englewood’s folks deal with an elevation of more than 5,300 feet, and temperatures that dip below freezing for several months per year, all of which affect your plumbing. Of course, we also experience some plumbing problems common in every household. Here is what you’ll see most often:

Fluctuating Water Pressure

Because our ground level is at a higher elevation than our water source, our water pressure can be a bit low. The city of Englewood recommends residents set the water pressure set at 70 -75 psi. If it seems too high, discuss it with our plumbers. 

There are other reasons your water pressure could be lowered, however. When you first experience low pressure, turn off all the other faucets and then reassess. If the problem is only present in one faucet, the answer is with that specific faucet or line. 

It could be as simple as the aerator needs to be cleaned out in the shower or faucet. Any layperson can do it just by unscrewing the aerator from the faucet and rinsing it out. Then replace it tightly.

If the pressure problem is present in other sites, check with your neighbors. If they are experiencing a similar problem, contact the City of Englewood Utilities as it could be a problem with a public water main. 

The problem could also be that you have a leak somewhere. If it persists after tightening all washers etc., call our plumbers. A leak eventually develops into a full-blown break.

If water suddenly comes out of the faucet with stronger force, it could be that your pressure-reducing valve is deteriorating. If you experience higher water pressure, and it doesn’t subside, call our plumbers. If left too high for too long, water pressure damages the pipes. 

Pipe Freezes

As water freezes, it expands. The expansion puts a lot of pressure on the pipe and sometimes it breaks. Some pipes are more likely to freeze during the colder months in Englewood than others. Keep an extra vigilant eye on:

• Outdoor pipes, sprinkler lines, hose bibs, and everything exposed to the elements.
• Water lines, fixtures, and other components leading to unheated areas of the home such as crawl spaces, attics, and garages.
• Pipes running inside exterior walls with little insulation.

To prevent pipes from freezing, let the cold water drip from faucets, wrap exposed pipes, or keep a heat lamp on them, and never set your thermostat lower than 55 degrees. Don’t forget to keep the garage or gangway door closed if you have water supply lines inside.

If the water barely drips out after freezing weather, you probably have a frozen pipe. Leave your faucet open to allow water to begin melting. The flowing water helps to melt the rest of the frozen areas along the inside of the pipe. Don’t hesitate in calling our plumbers. If you wait, the pipe could burst, leading to an even bigger problem.

Drain Clogs

A clogged drain happens in every household at some point. All bathroom showers and sink drains can become clogged with hair and other foreign objects on their way down the drain. Use caution with chemical drain cleaners. The fumes are toxic to people and pets, especially if mixed with other cleaners, and the chemicals are harmful to the skin and your plumbing pipes.

Try a plunger first and if that doesn’t work, call us. We’ll use a plumber’s snake to clear the line. If you do manage to clear it with the plunger but the clog returns, that’s one more reason to call our plumbers. The issue is obviously more complicated than too much tissue in the drain.

How Does the Water In Englewood Affect Your Plumbing?

Colorado water originates as snowfall in the Rockies. To reach us eastern cities like Englewood and Denver, water is transported through the Charles Allen Water Treatment Plant. Wastewater collected within Englewood is conveyed to the South Platte Renew (SPR) treatment facility, a joint endeavor between the City of Englewood and the City of Littleton.

Most of Colorado’s, and Englewood’s water is soft, barely ever reaching moderately hard in the state, which has little effect on plumbing. 

One way to see if you have water hardness issues is if you see deposits in your sinks, tubs, or dishes. White, scaly deposits are caused by hard water. Excessively hard water can be hard on plumbing but for most of the state, this is not an issue. 

In 2020, many Englewood residents whose homes were built between 1983 to 1987 received letters warning about lead content in water. Previous use of lead solder with copper piping in those houses led to possible contamination. It’s always a good idea to have your water tested if you are unsure of your lead content or fear other issues. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Englewood?

Our plumbers typically charge by the hour for their work, which usually totals between $125 and $900, depending upon the complexity of the work you have in store for them. When you call to receive an estimate, it will include the initial call fee for our plumber to come and check out a problem and an estimate for a straightforward repair such as the replacement of a toilet flapper or whatever sounds like the logical solution. The material costs will be added once the solution is clearer. There are additional costs for more time-consuming issues. These costs will include labor, equipment, and materials. The final costs of your plumbing project will depend on your specific situation and the variables surrounding it. 

Labor

The longer a job takes to complete, the more expensive it is. Some jobs require not only more time, but more than one plumber and a few laborers. You can expect additional labor charges for every person added to the crew. If problems keep mounting, so will the time and costs. 

Special Equipment and Materials

Some plumbing repairs require just a wrench and a replacement part. You must pay for the new part, the time involved, and all applicable taxes. Other plumbing repairs are much more extensive, however. A broken pipe takes time and equipment to remove if it’s behind a wall or dig up if it’s in the ground. The wall will also have to be repaired or the trench refilled. This calls for special equipment which also increases your cost.

Time Frame

When a pipe bursts or the sewer backs up, you need our plumbers ASAP, day or night, on a weekday or weekend. Emergency calls cost more and for a good reason. That’s a fact in almost every professional circumstance. While a dripping faucet or slow drain can generally wait until the next available workday, an urgent plumbing problem needs our immediate attention. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Englewood?

Better plumbing will save you money in the long run, no matter where you live. Whether you are replacing pipes or fixtures, you’ll get the bill from our plumber when the job is done, but you’ll soon see a decrease in your water bill for even more savings. Upgrade to better plumbing to increase the value of your home too.

Some homeowners can receive rebates through the Conservation Rebate Incentive Program. Many Englewood residents are Southwest Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District customers. Choosing WaterSense low-flow toilets and water-conserving irrigation systems qualifies customers for the program.

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

For most plumbing repairs, you should call our plumbers just to be safe. There are times when you should contact the Southwest Metropolitan Water District directly instead, like if you are experiencing low or no water pressure. Check to see if they are performing maintenance near your home or if your neighbors are experiencing similar problems. If so, contact the water utility company. You can also call them for issues with fire hydrants, water mains, or leaking sewer mains. Our plumbers can help with all other issues.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Englewood?

Routine plumbing fixes do not require a permit in Englewood but, if you are remodeling your home, or a repair such as replacing a water heater involves a change to your home, a permit is required. Our plumbers are aware when a permit is needed and can help walk you through the process.