AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Orlando, FL

What Are The Most Common Plumbing Issues In Orlando?

For the most part, Orlando residents will face many of the same common plumbing issues as homeowners in other parts of the country. Thanks to the unique weather in Orlando, as well as the age of some homes, there are a few additional issues you’ll want to keep an eye on.

• Burst and leaking pipes. Orlando has plenty of sunshine, but that doesn’t mean we never experience a cold snap. It’s partially because these cold snaps are relatively infrequent, that they can end up creating so many issues for our pipes. Plumbing exposed to the elements is in danger of bursting during the freeze-and-thaw cycle. This causes the pipes to expand and contract, and sometimes that process creates leaks or fractures in the pipe. Damage to the pipes can create major issues with your plumbing and put your home at risk of water damage. Even small leaks can become big problems, so you’ll want to contact our plumbers right away if you suspect there is a leak somewhere.
• Scale build-up. Orlando has very hard water, meaning there is a high amount of mineral deposits in our water. The water is still safe to drink and use around the house. Over time, though, it can cause issues such as scale buildup (that’s when the minerals in the water form a tough scale inside your plumbing). This can be in the taps or pipework, and it can decrease the flow of water or even clog it entirely. 
• Old pipework. Orlando is an older city, first incorporated by 85 citizens in 1875. That gives the city a lot of history, but that history comes with some old pipes. Many pre-1970 Orlando homes have cast-iron pipes. While those pipes were safe enough at the time, all plumbing equipment has a certain lifespan. Those cast-iron pipes are at the end of theirs, and they are starting to crack. That means there is a fairly high occurrence of failing pipes in older homes, requiring replacement with new, sturdy materials, ready to last the next several decades.
• Failing sump pumps. Sump pumps are very common here in Florida. These pumps provide a valuable service in our humid environment, helping to keep crawl spaces and basements dry. Sump pumps can meet their match when the weather turns extremely wet, though. Florida experiences extended periods of rain from about June to September, which is when we see the majority of sump pump failures in Orlando homes. You’ll want to check on your sump pump regularly during the rainy season. 

Along with these Orlando-specific issues, homeowners can expect the usual plumbing concerns such as clogged pipes, leaking taps, and low water pressure. Most of these issues are easily remedied, but you’ll want to contact our experts as soon as possible. This will help ensure a small plumbing issue doesn’t become a big plumbing nightmare. 

How Does The Water In Orlando Affect Your Plumbing?

Orlando’s water is generally classified as hard to very hard. There are high deposits of minerals in the water, primarily calcium and magnesium, from the rocks the water passes through before it enters the city’s purification system. These minerals aren’t dangerous, so Orlando’s water is perfectly safe to drink and use around the house. However, it can cause issues with your plumbing.

Hard water deposits can build up in your plumbing over time, causing tough scales that can clog your drains and reduce your water pressure. You can opt to use a water softener for your home’s plumbing, which can decrease the amount of buildup in your pipes. You may also see positive results in your hair and skin, as well as how clean your clothes get coming out of the washer. However, these systems aren’t right for every Orlando home. If you have concerns about hard water deposits, talk to our plumbers about solutions that may fit into your home and your budget.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Orlando?

Our plumbers in Orlando typically charge very reasonable rates for their services, often between $60 and $120 per hour. How much you’ll end up paying will depend on a few factors:

Hourly Rates

Our plumbers typically charge by the hour in Orlando. Some jobs may call for a flat fee, but they’ll base that fee on how long the job typically takes them to complete.

What You Need Done

Your fees are going to increase if our plumber believes the job is going to be a complicated one. Things like a toilet installation will run you a few hundred dollars. Fixing a water main, which can involve the use of heavy machinery and a lot of labor, could cost a few thousand. Our plumbers are happy to give you an estimate on the job before they get started. 

When You Need It Done

If you have a rush job or an after-hours plumbing emergency, expect to pay more. You might pay a higher hourly fee or pay a surcharge over our standard rate. This is where good preventative maintenance on your plumbing can end up saving you a lot in the long run. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money In Orlando?

Absolutely. There are many ways that great plumbing can save you money, including: 

• Longer-lasting plumbing fixtures. If you spend a little more to get quality fixtures, you’ll end up paying less over the lifetime of your plumbing. That doesn’t mean you need to pay top-dollar, either, but instead avoid bargains that seem too good to be true. Stick with trusted names in the plumbing industry. If you aren’t sure what is worth your money, ask our plumbers what they’d put in their own home. 
• Quality work from qualified plumbing professionals. There are plenty of poorly qualified plumbers in Orlando who are happy to take your money without doing the work correctly. Make sure you hire qualified, reviewed, and insured plumbers like Mr. Blue Plumbing for any plumbing work you need. You may pay a bit more, but you’ll get a lot more quality from the work we do.
• Fewer service calls and emergency repairs. When you pay for quality fixtures maintained by our qualified plumbers, you’ll end up paying a lot less in repair bills over time. You’ll also have fewer plumbing emergencies, which is good for your wallet as well as your peace of mind. 

If you want to save even more on your Orlando plumbing, then you’ll want to focus on preventative maintenance. That includes taking steps such as: 

• Scheduling annual preventative maintenance on your plumbing equipment. Have our plumbers carry out a professional service on your hot water heater and other important elements of your home’s plumbing once a year. Not only will this keep your system in good repair, but our plumber may also be able to spot an issue before it actually becomes a problem. 
• Doing regular visual inspections of your plumbing equipment. Don’t rely on those once-a-year visits. Make sure you are checking out your plumbing regularly. Look for signs of leaks like water on the floor, around your fixtures, or signs of mold growing in your home.
• Calling our trusted Orlando plumbers at the first sign of trouble. The longer you wait to contact our plumbers to address an issue, the worse that issue is likely to become. Our experts can resolve most basic plumbing issues quickly and at a reasonable expense, when the homeowner is proactive about contacting us right away. 

When Should You Call The Water Utility Company In Orlando Vs Hire a Plumber?

In most cases, if you are having an issue with your plumbing, you need to contact us. You should only contact the water utility company if the issue is on city-owned property. Even if you suspect it’s the city’s water main causing issues with your plumbing, you’ll need to contact our plumbers first. We’ll be able to diagnose the issue, and if it’s a problem for the utility company, we can contact them directly for you. 

When Do You Need Permits For Plumbing Service in Orlando?

You’ll need a permit for most Orlando residential construction projects, including plumbing work. This is probably the case, even if the project is a relatively small one. If the cost of the work exceeds $2,500, you’ll need to file a notice of commencement as well. The paperwork for requesting a building permit from the City of Orlando is pretty standard. You’ll need to: 

• Submit your application for a permit
• Submit your plans for review by a city engineer
• Submit a Notice of Commencement (for projects over $2,500)

You can check up on the status of your permits through the city’s website. Once approved, you’ll need to make a payment, and you can then download the permit. 

While this is a standard process, there is a lot of paperwork involved. If you’ve never applied for a building permit yourself, it may be in your best interest to allow our experienced plumbers handle the process for you. They’ll know what’s required and can show you what to do if you think you want to do it yourself in the future. They can also help you get a certificate of completion once the work is done. This can be a useful addition to your records, especially if you choose to sell your home in the future.