AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Kissimmee, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Kissimmee?

Located south of Orlando in Central Florida, Kissimmee sits on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, where you can start your trip to sail around the world without having to get off your boat since the lake is connected to canals that lead to the ocean. It is also close to Walt Disney World. Homes in Kissimmee are susceptible to many common plumbing problems, but there are some more common problems due to the area’s climate. 

• Climate: Kissimmee is one of the hotter locations in Florida, with approximately 92 days out of the year where the temperature is over 90 degrees. The city also sees a fair number of hurricanes due to its location near the Atlantic Ocean. Interestingly, the average annual rainfall is 51.9 inches, which makes it one of the drier areas in Florida. This is still significantly higher than the national average annual rainfall of 38 inches.
• Water conservation: Due to mandatory watering schedules and other water conservation efforts, maintaining plumbing and using energy-efficient fixtures are important to ensure you are not wasting water.

No matter where your home is located, or what the climate is, some plumbing issues are universal. These issues can include leaking faucets and pipes, updates to kitchen or bathroom fixtures, and fixing water heaters or ice makers.

How Does the Water In Kissimmee Affect Your Plumbing?

Kissimmee’s water supply comes from the Floridan Aquifer, which is located beneath Osceola County and is one of the largest, and most pristine, fresh groundwater reservoirs in the U.S. It is replenished with rainfall that is filtered naturally through hundreds of feet of rock and sand. The majority of water throughout the state of Florida comes from this aquifer and ranges from moderately to very hard. In Kissimmee, the water is considered moderately hard. This means there are higher levels of calcium and magnesium in the water which can leave mineral deposits in your pipes and cause your water pressure to be low.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Kissimmee?

Plumbing repairs can often be quite expensive particularly when problems are not addressed right away. On average, plumbing costs in Kissimmee are between $95.00 and $687.00. These costs do not account for fees for any necessary inspections, contractors, or permits, nor do they account for sales tax on materials. It is also important to note that larger installation projects, such as septic systems, sump pumps, or swimming pools, are generally more expensive. There are a few other factors that can influence the cost of a plumbing repair job.

Severity

Similar to most home repair projects, the more severe your plumbing is, the more expensive it usually is. Unfortunately, repairs that are done incorrectly the first time tend to also be more expensive, since the initial problem has to be fixed along with any other problems or damages caused by the first repair. Additionally, if the plumbing in your home is in poor condition, more problems are often discovered during the project, and this will cause costs to escalate as well. A leaky faucet might uncover damaged pipes and mold, adding more work and making the project more expensive.

Materials Needed

PVC plumbing is the primary choice of materials for us due to its inexpensive cost. We will typically try to avoid more expensive, copper, stainless steel, or ABS pipes. Other factors that influence the cost of materials include sales tax, which is currently 7.5%. For many larger installation projects, such as installing a new shower or bathtub, we will often use a fixed rate that accounts for the cost of materials.

Hourly Rate vs Fixed Rate

Some repairs, particularly installation projects, will be priced using a fixed rate, which accounts for both labor costs and the cost of materials. Other, more complicated projects, such as projects where you might need to hire a contractor, are typically priced at an hourly rate. The hourly rate is simply the labor costs, and then the cost of supplies and materials is added to that. Generally, a contractor is only needed for extensive renovations or remodels, or for some projects that require permits. Additionally, many plumbing companies often employ plumbing contractors to provide contractor services at a lower cost.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Kissimmee?

Yes! While plumbing projects can initially be expensive, in general, being proactive will save you money over time. Fixing plumbing repairs as soon as they are discovered will not only help you save money by preventing more expensive repairs, but it can also save you money on your utility bill. A dripping faucet might not be a problem that requires drastic action, but if not fixed, it can actually end up costing you around an extra $20 a year and also waste a lot of water. Just by fixing that leak, you can save over 500 gallons of water a month. And having an extra $20 in your bank account is always cool, plus it will probably earn interest as well! Here are a few other ways that better plumbing can save you money.

• Installing more energy-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, saves you money on your utility bill, while conserving water at the same time. Additionally, in order to promote water conservation, the state of Florida partners with the EPA WaterSense program, which has rebates for various energy-efficient equipment that conserves water. The Kissimmee Utility Authority also offers rebates on hybrid water heaters.
• Being proactive about your plumbing and conserving water also increases the value of your home. By installing energy-efficient fixtures, fixing leaks and slow drains, and installing a dishwasher if you don’t already have one, you can increase the value of your home, and, by using rebates, you may be able to decrease your property taxes.

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

More often than not, we can take care of most plumbing problems that arise, but there are a few instances where it is necessary to call the utility company instead. It might be something we are not able to do, but sometimes it is a situation where the utility company is legally required to step in. If you have questions about whether you should call us or the utility company, it is a good idea to call us first because they can always come to investigate the problem and either repair it themselves or let you know if you need to call the utility company.

If it seems like your house is completely out of water, it is possibly an issue with the city water supply, which would require the involvement of the utility company. But, it is also possible that there is an issue with the plumbing in your home, so you should check with your neighbors first. If your home is the only one without water, it would be more appropriate to call us.

If you find evidence of a water leak, you need to also determine where the leak is coming from, because this determines whether it is your responsibility or the utility company. A broken water main will be the responsibility of the utility company, but leaks that originate from your property are usually your responsibility. Additionally, if you do not know where your water shut-off valve is, or it does not work, and you suspect the problem is related to a break in your water line, we can assist with that. However, the Toho Water Authority requests that you contact them regardless of where the leak is coming from.

You should always call the utility company if you notice a leak in your neighbor’s home and they are not home. This is a situation where the utility company has to step in. Even though it seems like the right thing to do, you should not shut your neighbor’s water off yourself because you could get in big trouble. The utility company can come and evaluate the problem and make the decision to turn off the water if necessary. And anytime you believe there is a problem with your water bill and it needs to be adjusted, you will need to call your utility company.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Kissimmee?

Attempting to repair plumbing problems or install new fixtures yourself can seem like a great way to save time and money. Unfortunately, many repairs or installations that are done without professional help end up being more expensive, and the majority of the time you still need to hire us. Additionally, for many jobs, you need a permit from the city. In general, you do not need a permit if you are fixing, replacing, or maintaining existing fixtures without adding or changing the pipes or valves, or if you are replacing something like a toilet seat that does not require water. Here are some situations where the City of Kissimmee does require a permit.

• If you are adding or remodeling a residential swimming pool
• If you are installing or repairing a water heater
• Installation of lawn sprinkler systems or backflow prevention assemblies for lawn sprinkler systems 
• Anything involving sewer lines, cesspools, and septic systems (this does not generally include septic system cleaning but that should always be done by a licensed professional)
• Anything involving sump pumps including installation or repair
• If you need to cap off pipes from fixtures that have been removed or you need to replace or repair the piping system
• If you are replacing a metallic (copper or galvanized steel) system with a non-metallic system (plastic or CVPC), you will also need an electrical permit since in all likelihood you will need to install a new grounding electrode.

For most projects, if you need to obtain a permit from the city, it is best to call us. Majority of the Mr Blue plumbing’s plumbers have the necessary permits, or can easily obtain them if needed.