AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Bonita Springs, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Bonita Springs?

Because Bonita Springs is blessed with warm temperatures year-round, we don’t have to worry about freezing pipes. And because we average 53 inches of rain throughout the year, we don’t have to worry about doing a lot of watering. However, we do have some common plumbing issues.

Water Heater Problems

When a water heater goes on the fritz, it is more than just a minor inconvenience. Most of us are dependent on our water heater for hot showers, to wash our clothes, and do the dishes. Some symptoms of a faulty water heater include:

• The water is slow to heat
• There is no hot water at all
• The water heater tank is leaking
• The water heater is making unusual noises
• Your water has taken on a foul smell

There are as many factors as there are symptoms, and most of them require the attention of a professional plumber. That long amount of time waiting for the water heater may simply require a change in the water heater setting, which you likely can do yourself. But, if there is no hot water, it means the water heater is no longer functioning. It could be the thermostat or the unit itself. A leaking tank is more than just a mess, it can develop into a serious problem. The funny sound may be a faulty heating element, and the foul smell is probable evidence of bacteria growing inside the tank which now needs to be flushed. If you are having water heater problems, you need to call the plumber. If you have natural gas and your water heater needs replacing, a new unit may qualify for a rebate through Florida Public Utilities.

Burst Pipes

Just because it doesn’t freeze here, it doesn’t mean Bonita Springs homeowners don’t experience busted pipes. Other issues cause pipes to break down. Clogs, slow drains, corrosion, high water pressure, structural issues, and improper installment of pipes can each cause a pipe to burst. Generally, your water pressure should be below 60 psi (pound-force per square inch). Ask your plumber to check the pressure and properly set it. Beyond the toll it puts on pipes, high water pressure can cause leaking faucets, running toilets, and cracked washing machine hoses. 

Steel and copper pipes oxidize over time. One reason for the rise in popularity of PVC is that it doesn’t corrode. That shouldn’t stop you from installing copper pipes, which are considered to have the longest longevity, though. If you have older pipes, have your plumber inspect them annually. He or she can look for small leaks and check the seals to ensure they remain strong.

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain is one of the most universal plumbing problems in any household, and thanks to how hard the water is in Bonita is also fairly common here. A clogged drain can cause slow drainage, but it can also result in sewer backup, which is nothing to mess with. Don’t hesitate to contact the plumber if you have a slow drain, especially if it returns after plunging. It can lead to a much more catastrophic problem.

Be careful of liquid drain cleaners. Their chemicals can be toxic to humans and pets. They can also be hard on the pipes. A plumber will use a plumbing snake or hydro-jetting to clean out the clog, which are much safer methods in the hands of a professional.

Running Toilets

There are a few different reasons a toilet continuously runs. These include:

• The water pressure in the house is too high
• The flapper is worn out
• The float needs to be adjusted or replaced
• The refill tubing is too long

Estimates vary, but a constantly running toilet with a 1.6-gallon tank can use up to 4,000 gallons of water per day. Not only does that waste precious freshwater during times of drought, but it is also 4,000 gallons of water per day (that you are paying for) going down the toilet, literally. If you have a running toilet, call your plumber to repair it.

How Does the Water in Bonita Springs Affect Your Plumbing?

Most of Florida’s water is hard because the groundwater travels through limestone, picking up calcium and magnesium deposits which produce hard water. Most Bonita Springs residents receive water through Bonita Springs Utilities, Inc., unless your property has a well.

Bonita Springs Utilities’ water is also sourced from groundwater, pumped by the company’s wells. Some of Bonita Springs Utilities’ water originates from the Lower Tamiami aquifer and goes through a lime-softening process to remove calcium and magnesium ions; the rest of the water comes from the Lower Hawthorne aquifer, which is more brackish and undergoes a reverse-osmosis process, removing large particles and unwanted molecules. The two water sources are then blended and serve the entire district. 

Because of the care put into the water, it meets all drinking water standards set by the state and federal governments. Having gone through the softening process also makes the water less likely to have any negative effect on household pipes and plumbing.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Bonita Springs

Plumbing work involves a large variety of circumstances, which is why plumbers go through such extensive training before they can earn their plumber’s license. Plumbing is hard work. It is laborious, time-consuming, and let’s face it, often unpleasant. You can expect to pay between $60 and $95 per hour for a plumber. There may be an initial service call fee which includes the first hour of work. Additionally, you need to pay for materials and equipment. Calling out the plumber will rarely end up costing below $100. In some cases, you could be looking at a bill over $1,000.

Scope of Work

Repairing or replacing a leaking faucet is going to cost less than repairing the water main. That’s just a fact. The more labor involved, the higher the price. A project that takes an hour or less is simply going to cost less than one that lasts a half-day or longer. Some work requires more than one plumber, which will cost you two times the labor. You should only hire licensed plumbers. Bonita Springs enforces that all plumbers be licensed by the state.

Materials and Equipment Needed

Using the above scenario, a new faucet will cost less than the ¾ to one-inch pipe used on the water line to your home along with the joints to attach it. If your pipeline is older, you should also consider replacing more than just the area around a break, especially since the yard is already dug up and the plumber is working there anyway. Speaking of digging up the yard, we may need to rent trenching equipment or hire someone with the equipment to do the trenching for us. That, too, will add to the cost.

Urgency of Repair

Some repairs, such as a leaking faucet are not urgent. They should be attended to promptly, and scheduling an appointment during regular work hours is fine. A burst pipe, however, needs to be attended to immediately, and if that happens at night or on the weekend, an emergency call will cost more than a scheduled one.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Bonita Springs?

Better plumbing will absolutely save you money. Replacing old, corrosive pipes with new lines will prevent the need for emergency calls on those lines for years to come. New PVC can last 25 years or more. New copper piping can last an estimated 70-80 years. The new pipe will also add to the value of your home.

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

A homeowner is responsible for plumbing maintenance and repairs in their home, pool, and landscaping irrigation. That includes everything on the homeowner’s side of the water meter. Bonita Springs Utilities is responsible for the water lines leading up to the meter and the sewer lines leading away from the property. For most plumbing issues, you need to call a plumber like Mr. Blue Plumbing; but there are circumstances in which you should call the utility company instead. 

According to Bonita Springs Utilities, you should contact them if:

• Your water meter is malfunctioning
• Your water bill spikes
• There is a leak around the meter
• The backflow prevention device is leaking
• You experience a sewage backup

Your utility company advises you to contact customer service if you have any of these issues or are not sure who to call. The Bonita Springs Utilities phone number is 239-992-0711.

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

Most plumbing repairs in Bonita Springs do not require a permit. According to Sec. 10-21 of the city’s Code of Ordinances, the following repairs or improvements to a home performed within 12 months do not require a permit:

• Replacement of plumbing or electrical fixtures
• Replacement of water heaters when it does not generate a technology change (any change in technology will require a permit, such as a tank system to a tankless water heater system)

However, this only applies if the combination of repairs or improvements does not exceed $500 as part of a project encompassing more than one residence.

A permit may be required for remodeling and/or new addition. Check with the city’s Community Development Department.