AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Hollywood, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Hollywood?

Issues with plumbing are common nuisances that nobody wants to arise. Unfortunately, in older homes or buildings it can be hard to avoid getting in the boxing ring with them if you’re staying long term or they haven’t been maintained. Fortunately, most plumbing issues are fairly easy to fix and many of the common causes are not due to you doing something majorly wrong. Over time, plumbing gets old and pipes wear out. It’s completely fixable and may save you money on your water bill when repaired or replaced. 

If you’re in Hollywood, FL, here’s what you should look out for when it comes to your plumbing. 

Clogged Drains

Often found as an issue for commercial properties, clogged drains aren’t anyone’s friend. This can cause sinks, showers, dishwashers, and more to back up. If this happens frequently in your home or business, it may mean that your pipes are worn and not functioning at the capacity they should be.

Drains can become clogged if they’re frequently being used or when food and debris from plates are consistently being flushed through. This can also occur if items not made for sewage lines are being flushed when bathrooms are being used. Clogged drains can lead to a ton of additional plumbing issues if not repaired quickly and properly, and may cost a lot if not maintained or handled right away. 

Old or Leaking Pipes

One of the more frustrating causes for plumbing issues is a leaking pipe since it can be difficult to determine where exactly the leak is coming from. Leaking pipes can occur anywhere inside your home and may be difficult to access, which is why it’s important to have repairs done at the first sight of leaks. Pipe leaks can raise your water bill, reduce water pressure in sinks, showers, and washing machines, and even flood rooms if the pipe fully breaks.

Leading to leaks, clogs, and more, old pipes are part of the trade. Plumbing has a lifespan from the type of pipe used to the drains and sewer lines – everything experiences a little wear and tear over time. Copper lines, which last the longest, can go unaffected for 60-80 years while cast iron drains and sewer lines may last up to 65 years. Galvanized steel can last up to 40-60 years and can be used for both water and sewer lines. PVC will typically last a little over 40 years. That being said, old pipes are one of the most common issues behind plumbing problems. 

Worn Parts

Just like pipes, gaskets, screws, strainers, and faucets wear down over time. This can lead to issues with your overall water supply, damaging your water heater if not repaired. You may also experience unexpected leaks from items that are easily replaceable. If you notice your water pressure seems like it’s lower than normal, check all of the pipes you have easy access to for small drips or concerns. 

If at any given time you suspect you might have a plumbing issue, hiring our professionals may be the difference between spending a few hundred dollars and spending thousands to make repairs down the road. Never neglect or ignore concerns you may have regarding plumbing. If left untreated, you may experience flooding as well as structural damage, and even mold or bacteria growing that could be a health hazard. 

How Does the Water in Hollywood Affect Your Plumbing?

According to the City of Hollywood, FL 70+ water tests are performed daily to measure the quality of drinking water being provided. Through these tests, the city is not only able to verify that the water you drink is safe to drink, but each test can detect trace levels of contaminants such as barium, fluoride, nitrate, and sodium. While the levels of each component are extremely low and currently don’t pose a health risk, these small concentrates could be damaging to your water lines over extended periods of time. 

Most contaminants found are natural deposits from the soil in the area and can cause build-up or erosion on plumbing over time. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Hollywood?

The cost of fixing plumbing issues relies on the type of problem at hand. There’s a big difference between paying for repairs on a minor, easily accessible leak versus paying for repairs on a leak that’s flooded a room, damaged the internal structure of your home or business, and caused additional problems. Homeowners in the Hollywood, FL area pay an average of $438 for plumbing repairs. 

Our plumbers’ charges are based on a mixture of things: materials needed, type of job, and the timeframe they’ll be working in. For small plumbing issues, our professional plumbers will charge by the hour. 

We quote you based on very basic and upfront services, including but not limited to:

Cost Factor: Type of Repairs and Labor

The main charge behind plumbing quotes is based on the type of repair needed and the expected amount of labor. Depending on whether our plumber charges by the hour or by a flat fee for your project, you may be able to save some money if the severity of repairs needed is on a smaller scale. Fixing issues like clogged drains typically costs less than replacing old or leaking pipes. This is primarily due to the fact that replacing pipes requires a lot more attention to detail, material, and can be difficult to do if our plumber is trying to locate where the issue originated. 

Cost Factor: Materials and Equipment

Like any repair services, materials and equipment make up a portion of your final bill. With plumbing issues, items like gaskets or faucets are less expensive than replacing piping for half of your water lines. Our plumbers rely on a few handy and very basic tools when working a job, which is extremely cost-effective compared to other service fees. The majority of plumbing jobs don’t require a ton of heavy machinery, leaving you with the main charge of materials and labor. 

Cost Factor: Additional Services

Should you need additional services, such as restoring things like walls or flooring, you will more than likely be spending a little more than pocket money. If we need to send in one of our specialists, the cost might be a bit higher. A few additional services you may pay for include:

• Dishwasher or washing machine installation
• Backflow installation preventers
• Routine/annual inspections

Once the job is finished, our plumbers will clean up and take care of getting rid of old pipes and damaged goods. This is always included in our original quote. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Hollywood?

The truth is that many people have a plumbing issue long before they realize they have any problems with their plumbing. This is why plumbing repairs often cost more than originally anticipated. Fortunately, when you hire our professionals to make necessary repairs, you could be saving tons of money in the long run. 

Better plumbing can reduce your water bill by increasing and restoring water flow. By improving water pressure, you’ll find that you may take shorter showers or need less time washing dishes and doing simple household tasks that involve using your water heater. When you experience things like low water pressure, you may be overworking your pipes and system, which causes your plumbing to try to overwork itself. Not only is this damaging, but it can wind up costing you big bucks down the road if it leads to leaks or clogs. 

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

It may be difficult to determine whether you should call your water utility company or our professionals to come in and check the plumbing in your home, and that’s okay. Each situation is different and figuring out when to contact each service can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. A good rule of thumb is that if you notice a slow but steady increase in your water bill, you should call us to address potential concerns regarding a leak. 

Many water utility companies only repair and handle repairs on their side of things, which means if the leak or issue is somewhere between your meter box and home, then it’s going to be your bill and your responsibility to handle how the repairs are made. 

Another great tip is that if you notice water puddling in your yard or driveway, turn off the water valves in your home and check your water meter. If the meter continues to turn, this usually means there’s an issue on your end and if it stops then it’s time to reach out to your water utility company to alert them that they have a plumbing issue on their end. 

Some utility companies will charge a service fee if they come out to make repairs on their end and determine the issue is on your end, so figuring out when to call which service can save you a little money and time when it comes to necessary repairs.

At any rate, if you’ve hired our plumbers to make repairs, reach out to your utility company to see if they’ll provide you with a one-time credit and provide them with the final invoice. Some utility companies will give you a full credit or at least cut the charge in half to help offset expenses.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Hollywood?

The city of Hollywood requires that you apply for permits whenever you need to service and replace sewer or water lines, as well as add plumbing fixtures or install and make adjustments to water heaters. For a list of services you may need a permit for, you can check out the Building Division’s list of examples. Permits for plumbing services can be applied online by residents, contractors, and tradesmen. We can often apply for you and include the total for permits in your estimate.