Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Boynton Beach?
- 2 How Does the Water in Boynton Beach Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Boynton Beach?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Boynton Beach?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Boynton Beach vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Boynton Beach?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Boynton Beach?
If you need a plumber in Boynton Beach, you are not alone. There has been an increase in people needing services as more people move to Florida. The changing environment, including more flooding and stronger storms, is also increasing plumbing problems for residents. Here are some of the common issues we often see.
Coastal Flooding
As the sea levels rise, water is inching closer to our properties. We are also dealing with a lot more floods, especially now that hurricanes are stronger and more frequent. As the water flows through our neighborhoods, it erodes the soil, sand, and foundation we build our homes on. As the water soaks into the sand and soil, it causes it to swell, shift, or wash away. Any plumbing in the ground or under the foundation is at a higher risk of damage, causing leaks due to the excess water and flooding.
Leaks
Most emergency service calls are for big leaks and water damage. The truth is that many of the issues we see could have been avoided. If the homeowner had called us at the first sign of a leak, we would have fixed it before it grew out of hand. Here are some signs that you have a leak:
- Higher than the normal water bill
- Warm or hot spot on the floor
- Wet walls, ceiling, or floor
- Running toilet
- Dripping water from taps
- Sewer smell coming from drains
- Low water pressure
- Mold or mildew smells
If you have some of these signs, you will need a plumber in Boynton Beach. We can investigate the problem and take care of it before it causes water damage to your property.
Clogs
Another common issue we see a lot that can often be prevented are clogged drains and toilets. Clogs can be a real pain. Most clogs can be temporarily fixed with a plunger. If you are unable to clear the drain yourself, you will need a plumber in Boynton Beach. We may be able to clear the blockage by snaking or hydro jetting the line. The likely culprits for your clogs include:
- Hair and soap
- Biofilm build-up
- Hard water corrosion
- Foreign objects
- Tree roots
- Damaged or collapsed pipe
You can also prevent clogs in a few different ways. First, you should always use a drain catcher in the shower to catch stray hairs. Second, never flush baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels, and cat litter down the toilet, even if the label says ‘flushable’. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drains. It can harden when cooled, causing the drain to backup. Finally, if you have toddlers, you should baby-proof your toilets, so they don’t flush their toys.
Water Quality
If you’re worried about the quality of your drinking water, you are not alone. We are getting a lot more calls from homeowners due to the taste, smell, and appearance of their water. This happens a lot more after storms or flooding. The first thing you should know is that the municipal water comes from 50 to 300 feet below ground.
The water is very hard, meaning it has a lot of dissolved solids, like calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. This can cause a cloudy or dirty appearance. The water also supports life for other creatures, making it high in microbial life. Therefore, the city needs to sanitize the water to remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites before getting to your home. This is the reason for the chemical smell and taste.
If this is a concern and you are looking for ways to remove all contaminants from your drinking water, we can help. There are a number of whole-home filtration options that can give you the cleanest drinking water on the block.
Smelly Drains
Drains can become smelly for a few different reasons. The two main causes are water contaminants and lack of use. If you know the drain has not been used in a while, you can try flushing it with water. If, after pouring a couple of liters down the drain, the smell remains, you may want to call a plumber in Boynton Beach to investigate. In some cases, it can indicate a damaged sewer line, which can be harmful to your health.
How Does the Water in Boynton Beach Affect Your Plumbing?
The water in Boynton Beach comes from the East Coast Surficial Aquifer. The water is very hard and often gets higher than 189 PPM. It’s also known for having high levels of lead and copper in some areas, which is likely due to corrosion of older plumbing. As the water flows through your plumbing system, it leaves a residue of calcium, iron, and magnesium inside the pipe. Over time, the lines corrode, causing clogs, leaks, and contaminated drinking water. Some signs of hard water include:
- Soap scum on tubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and dishes
- Rough, faded laundry
- Bad smell and taste of the water
- Dry, itchy skin and scalp
- White crusty residue on faucets
- Low water pressure
If this is a concern for you or your family, we can discuss different whole-home filtration systems. There are plenty of options that can effectively remove all contaminants from your drinking water.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Boynton Beach?
Every plumbing job is unique and there are a lot of factors that can influence the price. On average, most jobs will cost between $105 and $695. If you need a quote based on your needs, we can help. Here are some of the cost factors that will change the price for a plumber in Boynton Beach.
Type of Service
The first factor influencing the cost for a plumber in Boynton Beach is the type of service you need. Maintenance plumbing services that are scheduled in advance will be less than emergency services if a pipe bursts. Often, the most expensive services are for remodels and additions, but these will also pay off by increasing the property’s value.
Location
The location of the plumbing problem will also determine some of the prices. For example, if you have a leaky pipe under the kitchen sink, it will be easier to fix than a leaky pipe under your foundation. The plumbing problems that are harder to get to will cost more to repair and maintain.
Labor, Materials, and Equipment
Each job is slightly different and they all require varying amounts of labor, materials, and equipment. For example, if you need a plumber in Boynton Beach to dig up the front yard and replace your main sewer line, you will likely pay for more than one plumber, a backhoe for excavation, the cost for new pipes, permits, and inspection fees. On the other hand, if your issue is a clogged toilet, the added costs will be minimal because it usually only needs one person and a snake to clear the line.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Boynton Beach?
Better plumbing can save you money in three ways; reducing the amount of water used, extending the life of your appliances and fixtures, and preventing problems before they occur.
Filtration System
Many residents have a problem with the way the water tastes and smells since the water here is very hard. It can also be really hard on your plumbing system, appliances, and fixtures. If you install a whole-home water softener, you will extend the life of your washing machine, water heater, dishwasher, faucets, and pipes.
You will also reduce the need for a plumber in Boynton Beach because soft water does not corrode pipes, causing leaks and clogs. Another bonus is that water softening systems increase the home’s value because homebuyers also want high-quality water.
Conserving water
Water isn’t just a precious resource; it’s also becoming a valuable commodity. The more water you use or waste, the more money it will cost you. Older toilets, fixtures, and appliances use a lot more water than newer models. You can save money by upgrading some of these items with eco-friendly versions. This will cost more upfront, but it will save money each month in utilities.
The City of Boynton Beach also offers residents a free rain barrel and a free conservation kit. The kit includes a low-flow showerhead, water-saving hose nozzles, replacement toilet flapper, and leak-detection dye tablets.
Regular Maintenance
One way to prevent costly emergency plumbing bills is to have annual inspections done. These are inexpensive services, but if the plumber finds something concerning, you will have time to save money and schedule the work before it turns into a bigger problem.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Boynton Beach vs Hire a Plumber?
If you have a leak or clog on your property, you will need to call a plumber in Boynton Beach. The city will not help with plumbing problems on private property. However, if the leak is on the city’s side of the line, they will be responsible for repairs and maintenance. How can you tell where the problem is?
If you suspect a leak, you should first turn off the main water supply. Next, you will need to look at your water meter. Is it spinning? If the dial is spinning, that means the water is still flowing through your property and you will need a plumber in Boynton Beach. If the dial is not spinning, the leak is likely on the city’s side. You will need to contact them about the problem so they can investigate.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Boynton Beach?
Some plumbing jobs may need a permit, while others do not. How do you know if you need to apply for a permit? According to the City of Boynton Beach, plumbing that is minor and does not involve rearranging pipes, valves, or fixtures, and does not cut through any walls can be done without a permit. This basically leaves unclogging and cleaning drains. Here are some typical jobs that will require a permit.
- Partial or complete repiping
- Water heater replaced or installed
- Fixture replace or install
- Bath or kitchen remodel
- Bath or kitchen additions
Once your permits are approved, you will need to pay the fees, which start at $75 and go up based on the project’s scope. You will also need an inspection when the work is complete. If you have any questions about permits, fees, and inspections, we can help.
