AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Pompano Beach, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Pompano Beach?

Clogged Household Drains

Clogged drains are a common problem for residents in Pompano Beach. Homes in Pompano Beach are typically condos and apartment buildings. This can often lead to clogged pipes due to the number of people using the system. After checking for obvious soap, hair, or other blockage or buildup, if you still have a clog, it is likely time to call our plumbers – especially if you are experiencing a more severe clog resulting in total blockage or standing water. Our plumber will be able to provide a long-term solution and will have the tools necessary to diagnose why the problem is happening in the first place. If clogs are frequent, that may indicate a more widespread drainage issue in your Pompano Beach residence.

Homes in larger buildings, especially historical buildings common in the area, are prone to clogs because of their outdated pipes. Depending on when your building was built, you may need to consider updating your entire plumbing system.

Additionally, the city’s hard water contributes to clogs, as it leaves mineral deposits inside your pipes and restricts the flow of water and other material.

Leaks

Leaking faucets or toilets that don’t stop running are more than just an irritation. These leaks are wasting valuable water, which can be a costly problem when it’s time to pay your monthly utility bill. If you notice a drastic increase in your monthly water usage, it might be time to check some areas of your home which can be prone to leaks. For instance:

• Faucets and toilets, including where they connect to the internal plumbing
• Hidden water lines
• Washing machine hoses and connections
• Water heaters
• Outside taps

Just one running toilet can use over a gallon of water in a single hour! That will certainly translate to a much higher water utility bill.

In Pompano Beach, leaks are common because of the city’s hard water. The mineral deposits left behind by the water can rapidly corrode seals, gaskets, o-rings, and fixtures, leaving you with a higher risk of leaking.

Water Heaters

Even in the warm weather of Pompano Beach, you’ll want to come home to a warm shower after a long day. Nothing is worse than discovering, too late, that your water heater has stopped working. If you notice the temperature of your water is cold, or the water pressure isn’t what it should be, the issue may be your water heater.

If it is leaking, you can limit flooding damage to your home by shutting off the main water valve. It is usually located in the garage or outdoors by the foundation.

Unfortunately, Pompano Beach’s hard water also contributes to water heater issues. The minerals build up inside the tank, gradually reducing efficiency and the lifespan of the equipment.

How Does the Water in Pompano Beach Affect Your Plumbing?

The City of Pompano Beach receives its water from the Biscayne Aquifer and is pumped to the area’s two water treatment plants. At the plant, the water is membrane softened or lime softened and filtered, fluoridated, optimized for corrosion control, and disinfected prior to entering the water distribution system. While the water that is pumped into our homes and businesses from there certainly meets or surpasses all state and federal standards for drinking water, that doesn’t mean that it is completely free from problems. The city publishes an annual water quality report to keep those who live in Pompano Beach informed about what is in their water each year.

While the water in Pompano Beach is perfect for drinking, some residents have reported a pink build-up or staining which occurs in their tubs. This pink build-up is caused by an airborne bacterium called Serratia Marcescensdoes and can appear in showers and sinks, as well as along shower curtains and inside pet bowls. Serratia Marcescensdoes does not enter the home via the water system because the bacteria would not survive the water treatment process. It can, however, appear during new construction or remodeling activities and thrives in summer when humidity levels are high. While this growth is not detrimental to your plumbing, it can be unsightly. The pinkish film often appears during construction projects, when dust and dirt containing Serratia bacteria are stirred up. Once airborne, they will seek a damp location where they can grow. The best solution to this problem is to continually clean the surfaces to keep them free from bacteria. Chlorine-based cleaners work best. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Pompano Beach?

The cost of plumbing in Pompano Beach depends on what type of work you need to complete in your home, which materials are required, and how quickly you need it finished. Typically, the cost of plumbing work in the area will include materials, labor, and clean-up costs. Your total will likely fall between $100 and $875, with an average cost of $420.

Some of the main factors that determine the overall cost will be:

Size of the Job

Plumbing issues can range from a simple leak or a running toilet to an unexpected backup of your sewer line. The larger and more complex the job becomes, the more it will end up costing you. Bigger jobs equal bigger bills. This is simply because large plumbing jobs require more of our staff, more supplies, and longer hours. Thus, you can expect to pay more for the services you require.

Timing

Unfortunately, you can’t control when you’ll need our plumbers. Likely, your pipes will spring a leak at the most inconvenient time and if it happens after normal business hours, you can plan to spend more on your bill than you’d otherwise like to. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance of your plumbing and water systems will help to keep on top of any potential issues before they start because whenever you have to call our plumbers outside of business hours, you’ll be spending more money. If your plumbing issue is not an emergency, and you can wait until regular operating hours, it might save you a lot of money.

Required Materials

If you’re replacing something big like a water heater, sewer lines, or replumbing an entire system, you won’t only be paying for labor, but also the materials. You have to calculate the cost of the object when you’re budgeting for repairs. If it is just a new toilet flapper, you’ll spend less than if entire pipes or other components in your home need replacing. Some materials, like copper, can be quite costly. Also, consider the cost of larger ticket items like new tubs or showers and water heaters. This cost can increase if you need specialty items or have an older home in need of more repairs. The same is true if you choose high-end fixtures.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Pompano Beach?

When you choose our plumbers to update your plumbing, you can save money in Pompano Beach. When you update your home’s plumbing, it helps raise the value of your home and avoid costly repairs in the long run. You can also save on water consumption, which will lower your monthly bill. While staying up-to-date on household plumbing renovations may require an additional investment, the overall savings cannot be overlooked.

For example, choosing a low-flow toilet can save a significant amount of wasted water. Or, by simply updating your bathrooms to include water-efficient fixtures, you’ll be conserving water and lowering your negative impact on the environment. On bathroom faucets, you can easily install low-flow aerators which will use much less water, saving a family of four roughly 8,500 gallons of water a year.

If you live in a single-family or multi-family residence and you get your water from the City of Pompano Beach, you are eligible for a free plumbing retrofit kit from the city just by filling out a simple form. Changing your shower heads with these low-flow options can save you lots of water.

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

When your water isn’t working properly in your home, it can be worrisome. But, when should you call the City of Pompano Beach about your water problem and when should you call our plumbers?

The city’s utility department is responsible for breaks in water and wastewater mains in the street.

Call the utility company when:

• You experience any loss of water in your whole house.
• You see standing water in the street, leaking hydrants, or water spurting from the ground.
• Your water is still discolored after running it for a while.
• You need the water service turned on or off.
• In case of overflow, rupture, leak, or sewer backup

Call our professional plumbers if:

• You have noticed leaks inside your home.
• Your drains are working slowly or improperly.
• You notice a large increase in your water bill.
• You hear noises in your pipes or under sinks.
• You have standing water in your yard or near septic systems.
• Your toilets continue to make noise after flushing.

If you are still unsure who to call, it is best to have our plumbers who can advise you on who to call next. Remember, the general rule of thumb is that the business or property owner is responsible for breaks on private property. For customer service with the City of Pompano Beach Utilities or water emergencies, call (954) 786-4637 during normal business hours, or the emergency line at (954) 942-2202 on weekends, evenings, or holidays.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Pompano Beach?

The City of Pompano Beach issues permits for various building-related activities which might impact regional drinking water. Examples of these would be extending or moving sewer lines, installing a pool, or digging a new well. A full list of the permits that you might need to apply for can be found on the city website. Installing anything which will require you to add or change existing electric breakers in your home will also require a permit.

You will not need a permit for the basic plumbing needs inside your home, like leak repair or changing out a toilet. However, if you are planning any major renovations, it’s best to check with our professionals about any permitting needs you may come up against or contact the city with any questions before you begin.