AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Bradenton, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Bradenton?

Many of the service calls we receive in Bradenton are for common issues like leaks, drips, and clogs, but older homes in the city can bring additional challenges. Here are some of the most common plumbing issues that Bradenton homeowners deal with:

Mineral Deposits and Low Water Pressure

Bradenton’s water quality is considered to be hard at 200 parts per million or ppm. This means that our water contains a surplus of minerals. These minerals are deposited inside pipes as they flow from the source to our taps. Over time, the layers build up and this restricts the flow of water, leading to low water pressure.

Malfunctioning Heaters

Bradenton commonly experiences loss in hot water due to water heater failure. This happens due to Bradenton’s quality of water. Hard water causes mineral buildup not only inside pipes, but inside appliances as well. This buildup is taxing on the heater, causing it to work inefficiently and malfunction. Call our team if you need help with this.

Leaking Pipes

A leak can happen anywhere in your plumbing system, making them sneaky issues that are easy to miss. There are a few places that experience leaks most often that you can monitor. Check under your sink and around your water heater for puddles of water. Although a leaking pipe may seem like no big deal, it can cause serious issues down the line, including water damage, mold, and mildew. To avoid these issues, call us right away if you notice a leak. 

Clogged Drains and Sinks

If your sink is draining slowly or is stopped up completely, don’t try to fix the problem yourself. Clogs occur more frequently in Bradenton as hard water mixes with detergent, soap, or shampoo and creates residue. 

Clogs can be hard to find and harsh DIY products are terrible for your pipes and the water supply. We have the perfect tools to locate and flush out even the most stubborn clogs, and your pipes will be good as new. To avoid a clog, never, under any circumstance, pour grease down the drain. Grease sticks to the inside of pipes and quickly blocks them up completely.

Sometimes, roots can grow through pipes, causing a much more complicated clog. If you experience this problem, let us know so we could advise on what to do to get your pipes working again.

How Does the Water in Bradenton Affect Your Plumbing?

In 2019, the city of Bradenton released its water quality report, showing that the water met all federal and state guidelines for safety and quality. Although they met all of the requirements for safety, the city’s water still tested relatively high for several contaminants that can pose health risks to immunocompromised individuals. 

Bradenton water did not detect any lead levels in the water, but that doesn’t mean the water coming from your tap is lead-free. If you’re concerned about contaminants in your water, have us come and test it for you. If lead is present, we’ll find out where it’s coming from.

Most often, though, problems with the plumbing in Bradenton are brought about by the water quality. Hard water flowing through old copper and steel pipes encourage mineral buildup and either restrict your flow of water or cause corrosion. If that’s the case, you may need new pipes, and if you want to be safe, ask us about installing a water filtration or softening system.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Bradenton?

We do all kinds of work, from replacing toilets to remodeling entire master bathrooms. It’s impossible to give a blanket price, but we’re happy to provide you with a quote for your specific need. Bradenton homeowners pay an average of $456 for plumbing repairs. It can go as low as $429 and spike to as high as $483. There are several factors that we take into consideration when calculating the price for a service call. We’ll ask the following questions to help determine your price:

Complexity and Size of the Job

We typically charge an hourly rate for our work, and the going rate is around $23 per hour. Depending on the amount of work you need, it may take an hour or several to complete everything. When we calculate your final cost, we’ll estimate the amount of time it will take to do the job, and we’ll apply it to our hourly rate.

Materials

Just like any other repair, we will charge you for any parts that need to be replaced. This factor may be very small if we’re only fixing a dripping faucet, but if you need a new water heater, expect to see the price of the new fixture added to your bill.

Emergency Repairs

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, so we offer services 24 hours a day. If you need to call us in the middle of the night, expect to pay extra for our time. We typically charge a higher rate when it’s after hours since you’re likely waking us up to come and save your home from extensive water damage.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Bradenton?

If you want to save money on plumbing in Bradenton, your best bet is to stay on top of any minor repairs before they become major problems. Here are a few issues you can take care of now to save money.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes are a symptom of a greater problem. If left untreated, you will risk water damage inside your walls, causing mold and mildew to grow in your home. Your pipes may be leaking because they’re old and corroded and need to be replaced. The leak may also be a symptom of a major clog that is causing stress to your pipes. In extreme circumstances, leaking pipes can burst under the pressure, causing extensive water damage to your walls, floors, and belongings. A leaky pipe is an easy fix. Waiting too long can cost you greatly.

Dripping Faucets

It may seem silly to call us about a dripping faucet, but you’ll be saving money in the long run. A faucet that drips only once per minute will waste nearly 35 gallons of water each year. Check out this drip calculator to see for yourself the amount of money that can quickly slip down the drain. If you notice a dripping faucet, have us check it out right away. The service call will save you tons of money (and water).

Clogged Drains

If you’ve got a slow drain, don’t ignore the problem. Clogs cause significant stress on pipes and they usually don’t get better with time. A minor clog is much easier to flush out than one that has completely blocked your pipe. These clogs also add stress to pipes, causing them to age and fail much earlier than they should. If you avoid the problem, your clog will only get worse and you can risk your pipes bursting under the pressure. Give us a call and we’ll flush out that clog in no time.

Aside from this, we recommend investing in WaterSense fixtures, which are also recommended by the EPA. WaterSense-labeled fixtures are guaranteed to use at least 20% less water than regular fixtures. In Manatee County, you may check here to see if you qualify for a rebate.

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

Homeowners are responsible for any plumbing work that extends from their home to the main water meter and sewage main. Anything beyond that point is a job for the utility department. If you notice a clogged sewage line or other plumbing emergencies, call the emergency service line at (941) 708-6300. The number is monitored 24 hours a day and someone will be out to fix the problem immediately. 

If you’re experiencing a plumbing problem on your property and you call the utility company for help, they will likely charge you a service call fee. The city is not responsible for any plumbing work on your side of the water meter or main sewage line. If you experience any of these issues, you can call us to help you diagnose and solve your problems.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Bradenton?

If you’re having minor repairs done to your home plumbing, you can carry on without a permit. Bradenton’s Permitting Department deals mostly with new construction projects as well as work that interferes with property lines or right-of-ways. If, on the other hand, you are having an addition built on your property that involves new piping or fixtures, you will want to apply for a permit. You can fill out an application online or submit requests to permitting@cityofbradenton.com. 

If you have questions about permits or if you aren’t sure whether your project needs one, you can call one of the city’s Permit Specialists at (941) 932-9414. It’s always best to be safe and get a permit for your work before you begin. That way, you can avoid getting hit with a hefty fine.