Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Jupiter?
- 2 How Does the Water in Jupiter Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Jupiter?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Jupiter?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Jupiter vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Jupiter?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Jupiter?
Jupiter doesn’t have frigid winters that can crack your pipes. However, just like anywhere in the country, there are numerous plumbing concerns property owners should know to keep their homes in good shape. Some of the most common plumbing issues in Jupiter include:
Old Pipes
Jupiter’s first records began in 1565. There are no homes still standing from that era, but a few homes from the early 1900s still stand today. Homes with the latest plumbing technologies of the times had lead or copper piping in the plumbing system. That means many older homes may have old lead fixtures, worn pipes, and other outdated plumbing systems, which present a greater risk of cracking or leaking inside the home. Some old materials may even influence the safety of your home’s drinking water. Our plumbers can inspect your home’s plumbing, look for outdated plumbing fixtures, and even repipe your home with modern, safe, and long-lasting materials.
Dripping Faucets
Faucets often develop a slow drip, but while the problem is common, it’s usually not serious. A poorly seated faucet from an old attempt at repairs may have always caused a slow drip in the sink, or maybe extreme hard water buildup from the mineral-rich water in the city is stopping the faucet from completely closing. One of the most common causes of dripping faucets is an old, hardened, or ripped washer, which is a prevalent issue in Jupiter because of the corrosive hard water. The good news regarding dripping faucets is that we can quickly take a look, take apart the faucet, and fix the issue. Dripping fixtures are usually a problem with the fixture itself, not the plumbing behind it.
Running Toilets
Just like with dripping faucets, a constantly running toilet may have become background noise in your home by now. But it may not be a serious plumbing issue. It may just be a matter of a poorly aligned flapper, which happens occasionally. However, the issue could be a result of mineral build up around the flapper or other equipment due to Jupiter’s hard water. One of our certified plumbers can inspect the issue and quickly determine the underlying cause. Fixing a constantly running toilet is one of the best ways to reduce your monthly water bill — it cuts down on water waste and usually just needs a quick, simple fix!
Leaks
Leaky pipes can be a signal of a far more serious problem. Pipes leak behind the walls and where fixtures or appliances are installed. A quick, accidental movement might cause the leak. For example, if you have a hard copper supply line to your refrigerator’s water filter, you can accidentally crimp it just by bumping the refrigerator. Leaks can also grow as old pipes corrode or wear out. In addition, our hard water in Jupiter can corrode fixtures, especially around joints and connection points. Unfortunately, even a slow leak can cause costly water damage given enough time. They also develop into faster leaks or gushing sprays if they aren’t treated quickly enough.
Noisy Water Heaters
Jupiter has hard water. While the mineral strength doesn’t affect the drinkability of the water, it does lead to mineral buildup in the water heater. If it sounds like marbles are rattling inside your water heater, it needs to be drained. If the minerals stay trapped for too long, they can cause substantial damage and shorten the lifespan of your heater. Our plumbers can provide this annual service, so you don’t have to worry about the hot water or potential damage.
How Does the Water in Jupiter Affect Your Plumbing?
Jupiter’s residential water supply comes from the Floridan aquifer and is treated at the local Murphree Water Treatment Plant. The water has met all safe drinking water requirements in the area and complies with federal and state laws, making it safe to drink and use throughout daily life tasks. The water has also been traditionally low on copper and lead levels and remains so.
Jupiter’s water pH level is basic at an average level of 8.6. It’s considered hard water, with 8.2 grains per gallon. Drinking hard water is generally regarded as safe. The minerals dissolved in the water may not affect the drinkability of the water, but they may affect your building’s plumbing fixtures.
Mineral deposits from hard water build up over time. It starts as white, chalky residue around the edges of faucets or filters. But the buildup can develop over time to narrow the interior of your home’s pipes, make valves seize, and put pressure on joints and washers. Therefore, hard water buildup should be regularly cleaned and removed to ensure optimal performance of your plumbing fixtures and pipes.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Jupiter?
Plumbing costs vary by project, depending on the complexity and scale of the situation. For example, replacing worn washers is a quick, simple, and low-cost job, while repiping an entire bathroom is much more vast. Most jobs in the area fall between $125 and $875. Whether you need immediate repairs or are planning a plumbing renovation, consider these factors that can affect the final cost:
Cost Factor: How Big is Your Plumbing Job?
This single component weighs the most on the total cost you can expect to pay for the plumbing. Plumbing prices aren’t just defined as individual tasks. They’re made up of the cost of parts, labor, and associated administrative tasks, such as applying for permits or obtaining necessary city inspections. When you call our plumbers, even for a seemingly simple leak, we may uncover larger underlying damage and hazards that need to be addressed. Before the work begins, always ask for an estimate to agree to the costs and scope of work.
Cost Factor: Is This an Emergency?
Requiring emergency plumbing services will be costlier than having the flexibility to schedule an appointment at a later date. Emergencies can happen at any time, so we offer 24/7 availability. But overnight hours, weekend appointments, and service during holidays come at an additional cost. In addition, if you’re requesting immediate services because of storm-related damage, the need may be enormously high in your neighborhood, so that costs could rise as a result.
Cost Factor: Age of Home
When an older home needs plumbing fixes, they tend to be more expensive for many reasons. For example, a leak behind a wall may lead to the discovery of cracks throughout the old pipes. In addition, your home might have materials and plumbing layouts that are no longer safe or up to code and so require more work. It can be as simple as the manufacturer of the original plumbing system is out of business, and replacement parts are no longer available. If you have an old property that needs plumbing, expect a bigger final price than in a home 5 to 15 years old.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Jupiter?
Better plumbing is always a wise investment. Having regular plumbing services and inspections significantly reduces the risk of plumbing failures and emergencies. In addition, routine maintenance, such as having the water heater drained, addressing hard water buildup, and replacing worn washers in fixtures, can make homeownership more convenient and less expensive.
Plumbing projects can also enhance your home’s value. Installing filters or water softeners, upgrading your home’s kitchen and bathrooms, and installing updated fixtures are all ways to optimize your home. New Energy Star appliances and smart water fixtures are more efficient than older installations, saving money on your water bill as you reduce the total amount of water your home uses or wastes.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Jupiter vs Hire a Plumber?
When something goes wrong with your water, it can seem like an emergency, and it usually is. So, knowing who to call in a hurry is important. We recommend contacting Jupiter Utilities if you don’t have any water reaching your home or if you notice that the water is cloudy, oddly colored, or has an unusual smell or oily feel. Sudden changes in the visible quality of your water, especially if you’re experiencing the water from multiple taps, inside and outside the home, may be a broader issue.
Another way to tell if you should call Jupiter Utility is to talk to your neighbors and find out if they’re experiencing a similar issue. Matters with public drainage and water utilities should also be directed to Jupiter Utility.
If you observe a water or plumbing issue restricted to just your property, contact our plumbers. The faster we know to come to your property, the faster we can assess the problem, find the underlying cause, and determine the best solution for your property and budget.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Jupiter?
Some plumbing projects require permits prior to completion. The city of Jupiter’s Building Department manages the permit application process. Common repairs and simple projects, such as replacing faucets and drains, repairing a broken or outdated water heater, and other routine tasks that don’t change the plumbing function, must have permits but don’t require plan reviews. This allows our experts to apply and receive permits within 24 hours. Even simpler plumbing duties, such as replacing old and worn o-rings, don’t require permits in Jupiter. Still, complex bathroom renovations, conversions, and installing additional water lines around a property require plan review through Jupiter’s Building Department ePlan review platform.
