AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Clearwater, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Clearwater?

The most critical plumbing issue facing the city is water conservation. Even though Clearwater is surrounded by ocean water, potable water is a precious resource. The city enforces a strict outdoor watering schedule for all of its residences. Irrigation days and times are assigned by odd-even house numbers. Homes with new lawns or sod replacements are allowed a more liberal temporary watering schedule. The city takes water violations seriously and may issue citations without warning. To report a possible outdoor watering violation, you can call (727) 562-4720. And if you’re unsure if your home should follow Clearwater’s watering schedule or Pinellas County’s schedule, contact the Code Compliance team at (727) 562-4720.

Because of the city’s strict watering policies, we do receive a lot of requests for timed sprinklers and smart sprinklers. With these systems, you can control your irrigation system even when you’re not home. You can also automate when your irrigation system turns on and off, so your lawn doesn’t have to suffer if you forget a designated “water day.” The scheduling capabilities of a timed or smart sprinkler allow you to “set it and forget it,” and avoid an expensive fine. 

Our plumbers in Clearwater also receive a lot of calls for clogged pipes. Hair, food particles, soap scum, and cooking grease can accumulate in pipes and create a clog. The best defense against clogs is to use drain screens and avoid dumping food or grease down the sink. The hard water in Clearwater can also leave mineral deposits on the insides of your pipes that restrict flow and contribute to clogs and slow drains.

Many people think unclogging pipes is a DIY task, mainly because you can buy drain cleaners at any dollar store or supermarket. These gels and liquids are abrasive and can actually damage pipes. In addition, they are unsafe for the average person to handle. If these chemicals can damage pipes, imagine what they can do to your eyes or skin. Please give us a call. We have the right tools and methods to safely and effectively unclog drains. 

Another common plumbing repair that we see in Clearwater is the replacement of pipes in older homes. Many homes that are west of Highway 19 were built in the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. While some piping materials like copper and PVC can last up to 50 years, no material lasts indefinitely. In the past, plumbing pipes were often made of copper, cast iron, or lead. Today, copper is still commonly used but it is more expensive than modern materials like PVC and PEX. Not every material will be suitable for every home. When it’s time to replace your home’s pipes, we can do an inspection and let you know which materials will work best.

How Does the Water in Clearwater Affect Your Plumbing?

The Clearwater Water Utility Department supplies its residents with 11.2 million gallons each and every day. The city’s primary source of water is the Floridan Aquifer System, which lies underneath the entire state as well as portions of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Some of the city’s water is also purchased from Pinellas County Utilities. The city routinely tests its tap water and releases an annual water quality report. 

Hard water is common throughout Florida, including Clearwater. Hard water has more minerals like calcium and magnesium, and is not a health concern. However, hard water can be a nuisance. If you have hard water in your home, you will notice that you need more soap and shampoo to create a lather. And your glassware may come out of the dishwasher with a film on it. Over time, scale builds up inside of pipes and your hot water heater, shortening the lifespan of these plumbing fixtures. We routinely install and maintain water softeners for many of our Clearwater customers.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Clearwater?

If you need to hire a plumber in Clearwater, your first question is likely, “How much will this cost?”. It’s difficult to give an estimate without seeing a project firsthand, but we can give you some averages and ballpark figures. The prices that we quote here do not include taxes or permit fees.

The average plumbing repair in the city costs $362.00, with most projects falling in the $88.00 to $637.00 range. The final price tag depends on several factors.

The Nature and Scope of the Project

Keep in mind that we do repairs that range from replacing a faucet gasket all the way up to a home-wide pipe replacement. If we come out to repair a shower leak, you can expect to pay an average of $335.00. And if your water softener needs repair or maintenance, you could pay between $90.00 and $649.00.

If You Need Someone to Come Out ASAP

We typically work Monday through Friday during regular business hours. However, we know that plumbing emergencies happen 24/7. If you have a burst pipe or a completely clogged toilet, it can’t wait! If we come out after hours or on a weekend or holiday, you can expect to pay more.

If Your Household Qualifies for Home Repair Assistance

Some residents may qualify for assistance for necessary plumbing repairs. To learn more about Clearwater’s Assistance Programs, contact the city’s housing coordinator at (727) 562-4036. And if you’re one of Clearwater’s more than 9,155 veterans, you may be able to get help for plumbing repairs through the Veterans Administration or Habitat for Humanity’s Repair Corps. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Clearwater?

Absolutely! Plumbers in Clearwater do more than fix leaky pipes – we love to help our customers find ways to save money. There are plumbing upgrades for every budget and lifestyle. It could be as simple as switching to a low-flow faucet or showerhead. If you’re in the market for a complete bathroom renovation, consider installing an ultra-high efficiency toilet.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some helpful water saving tips for Clearwater residents. One easy way you can save money (and precious water) is to fix faucet leaks right away. If your kitchen faucet leaked just one drip per second for a year, more than 3,000 gallons of water would be wasted! 

Not all plumbing leaks are visible, though. We encourage our customers to occasionally monitor their water meter for evidence of leaks. The easiest way to do this is to block off a two hour window when no one in the house will use water. (Don’t forget to shut off your home’s irrigation system.) Check the meter immediately before and after this timeframe. If there is any change, there is a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing system. You can give us a call to set up an inspection.

Better plumbing does more than save you money on your utility bill; it also maintains the value in your home. The median value of an owner-occupied home in Clearwater is $206,300. When you stay on top of repairs and routine maintenance, you increase your home’s curb appeal.

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Clearwater vs Hire a Plumber?

If your home has a plumbing issue, it can be difficult to know if you should call the city or hire our plumbers. Homeowners are responsible for the pipes inside of their homes and any irrigation systems. They are also responsible for any plumbing on their property, which includes the underground service lines that run from the home to the point where they connect with main lines. If you have a problem with any of these components, you’ll want to call us.

The city is responsible for municipal lines and all fire hydrants. To report an emergency like a burst hydrant or leaking main line, call (727) 462-6633. The city is also responsible for the stormwater management system. Most of Clearwater’s stormwater drains out to the Bay, so it’s important to keep drains free of debris. The city does do routine street cleaning, but you can help by regularly raking debris away from the drains by your house. If you have any concerns about the stormwater system, or to report someone dumping into drains, call the Stormwater Maintenance Division at (727) 562-4950. 

Low water pressure can be caused by either a problem in your home’s plumbing system or an issue with the municipal lines. We recommend that you check with your neighbors to see if they also have reduced water pressure. If so, the problem is likely with the municipal lines and you’ll need to call the Utility Customer Service Department at (727) 562-4600. If your home is the only one with an issue, you should give us a call.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Clearwater?

The state has strict laws about who can and cannot perform home repairs. These laws are covered in detail in Florida Statutes Chapter 489. Most plumbing work must be performed by a licensed contractor like Mr. Blue Plumbing, but there are a few exceptions for owner-occupied single-family and duplex homes. 

Clearwater requires a permit if you plan to “install, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any” plumbing system. If you have questions about permits, contact the Planning & Development Department at (727) 562-4567. One benefit of hiring us is that we take care of obtaining any permits for you. 

We understand that many customers feel that permits are nothing more than red tape and an unnecessary expense. You should steer clear of plumbers who offer to cut costs by skipping the permit and inspection process. Plumbing permits ensure that work is done up to code, which protects the health and safety of your family.