AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Westminster, CO

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Westminster?

Plumbing issues in Westminster can come from a whole range of things including leaky pipes, a clogged drain, and an absence of hot water. All of these are frustrating, to say the least, but with professional guidance on your side, you can get back on your feet without too much fuss.

With that said, here are a few common issues we’ve seen homeowners encounter in the Westminster area.

Mysterious Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are caused by a variety of reasons. One common situation is a corroded pipeline that’s eroded from one side to another, allowing water to seep or gush out of the affected area. These pipelines will ultimately need replacing. 

Another reason you might find is a broken sealant that no longer provides a watertight seal at certain fittings. In that case, a plumber can replace it with a fresh, new one that will last a long time.

One reason that’s not quite as common but still happens now and then is the shifting of underground pipelines. Since Westminster can go through some erratic weather patterns all year round, it’s not unusual to find yourself with plumbing issues in the spring and summer. If it rains quite a bit, which it’s definitely known to do in this area, some water leaks in your home can start popping up without an explanation.

With the shifting of the underground pipes, unnecessary strain can be placed on your indoor plumbing. When that happens, cracks occur within the pipes and lead to the mysterious water leaks you might find in your home. While there are temporary fixes available, there could be long-term issues that are unseen to the untrained eye. 

Clogged Drain

Everyone experiences this issue once in a while. It’s messy, frustrating, and always seems to come at the wrong time. Plungers can sometimes help clear the pipeline, but more often than not, you will need something more. Using the chemical drain products seen in stores might seem like a good idea, but they usually cause more harm than good. 

While most clogged drains are found in sinks or tubs, you may find your basement drain backing up as well. This could be a serious issue that our professionals should handle. It could be a problem with a blockage in the sewer line that you wouldn’t want to get worse. 

Clogs are more common in Westminster, in part, because of the hard water in the area. Minerals can deposit onto the insides of your pipes and contribute to blockages.

If you find a drain that doesn’t clear properly or if you have more than one backing up in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Plumbers like us are trained for this. We can pinpoint where the trouble is and get it taken care of easily so you don’t have to deal with the mess it brings.

Lack of Hot Water

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to wash dishes or take a shower and finding out there isn’t any hot water. While the culprit is almost always the water heater, figuring out what’s causing it to malfunction is more difficult to do. There are a few reasons why it might be failing when you need it the most. 

The hard water in Westminster is, once again, a major culprit. Hard water leaves deposits inside your hot water tank and puts additional strain on the equipment, shortening its useful life.

Troubleshooting your home’s appliance isn’t something you should do on your own since they’re usually powered by electricity or natural gas.

How Does the Water in Westminster Affect Your Plumbing?

The water in Westminster sits in the moderately hard range. It can usually be around 100 to 150 parts per million, but the season can affect that number. Winters typically see higher amounts due to the reservoir freezing in very low temperatures. Minerals get trapped in the water and don’t get filtered out as efficiently through the city’s filtration system. 

Without backup filters, the water can become hard, which isn’t good for your plumbing. Over time, it can cause a buildup of minerals inside your pipes which can lead to low water pressure and eventually corrosion. It can also cause buildup on your sink and tub fixtures. Installing a water softening device can help keep your plumbing working efficiently. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Westminster? 

The prices of our plumbing services in Westminster vary with the individual aspects of the job. Overall, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 for smaller tasks like drain cleaning. A video inspection could cost up to $280, depending on what’s needed. For a sewer repair, the price can go up to over $2,000, depending on the severity and location. 

However, there are extra costs that can add up as well. Let’s look at a few factors that could increase your cost:

Labor

One of the biggest contributing factors to the cost of plumbing in the Westminster area is how much time we will ultimately put into the requested job. While many tasks will only take an hour or two, major repairs or installation jobs could take our experts several hours or even a couple of days to complete. 

Also, if it’s a rush job, then you can expect to pay more. This includes whether you need the job done after hours on a workday or if a problem happens on a Sunday or holiday. 

Diagnosing the Problem

When repairing a problem, our professional will try to figure out why the issue occurred in the first place. This ensures it won’t happen again or, at least, for a long time. To diagnose the problem, we often use various tools to help determine what the culprit is. 

Video equipment is a common example of a tool needed for figuring out the issue. We may need to send down a tiny camera into the sewer or pipeline to see what’s blocking it and see where the problem is located, especially if the yard needs to be dug up to access it. 

Materials Needed for the Job

If the problem is more serious, other tools may be needed to repair the issue. If we have to dig up a pipe to gain access to it and fix a leak or unblock the line, it may require more people. 

If parts of your plumbing need replacement like a section of a pipe or any type of fittings, the cost of the new pieces will be added to the cost of the repair. Replacing fixtures or installing new ones will add to the price of the plumbing job as well. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Westminster?

The answer is a resounding yes. While many people in Westminster try to fix their plumbing problems, they often end up spending more time and money than necessary. After emptying their wallet on parts they think they need, they find that the problem still exists. Only then do they end up calling our plumbers to get it resolved. 

Our trained professionals immediately know what needs to be done, what equipment is needed for the job, and how to fix it in the most efficient and cost-effective way, thereby saving you both time and money.

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

The City of Westminster has a population of over 113,000 people and supplies water to all residents within city limits, through their water systems. They own all the pipes that lead to the water meter of your home. If you’re having a problem and you’re sure it’s not within the pipes located inside your own house, then you should call the city’s water utility company to come and look at the issue.

If, however, your problem resides on your side of the water meter, our plumbers will need to be contacted to check out the issue and get it resolved. If you aren’t sure where the issue resides, calling our plumbers would be the best bet. They can figure it out and let you know if it needs to be taken care of by the City or if they can handle the task themselves. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Westminster?

For simple repairs or replacements, a permit will not be necessary. However, if you’re planning to build a home or an addition to your current house, then a building permit will be necessary. Plumbing in your home will be included in the permit, along with electrical and grading services. For additions, if new plumbing will be installed, it will also be included in the permit you apply for. 

If you’re building a multi-family structure or a commercial property, the plumbing service will need a special permit from the City of Westminster. A professional plumbing company like us can help you apply for the right permits as needed, to ensure you don’t get hit with a hefty fine for not following proper procedures.