AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Port Charlotte, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Port Charlotte?

There is a good reason Florida is called The Sunshine State. Port Charlotte experiences an average of 300 sunny days every year. The temperate climate means homeowners don’t need to worry about frozen pipes. Unfortunately, some other common plumbing issues are impossible to avoid.

Toilets that won’t stop running, dripping showerheads, and leaky faucets are problems we see quite often. These issues are, in part, due to the city’s hard water, which leaves corrosive mineral deposits inside your system. 

Many residents also get mineral buildup inside their drain pipes, which restricts flow and contributes to clogging. This is yet another issue caused by the hard water in the city.

The safest way to clear a clogged drain in your home is to use a plunger or a product that is not chemical-based but contains natural enzymes to rid waste without harming you or your pipes. If that doesn’t work, give us a call. We can come out and quickly resolve the issue, getting you back out enjoying the beach in no time.

Because of the beautiful weather in sunny Florida, many homeowners have the luxury of a private pool in their own backyards. While this is a great feature, it can also create some unwanted problems for the household plumbing system. If a pool is not maintained, it can not only cause damage to your property but can lead to costly water bills, especially if the equipment is leaking.

If you are having a hard time regulating the pH balance, the pool water may be leaking, and the chlorine is getting diluted by freshwater pumping into the pool. A sudden increase in water usage is a tell-tale sign of a leak or crack in the pool’s structure. A defective water pump or clogged filter in a pool will also cause unexpected issues with a residential plumbing system. 

Finally, you may notice inefficiencies in your water heater. This is often due to mineral buildup from the hard water in the city. The minerals accumulate in the tank, making it work harder and limiting its useful lifespan.

How Does the Water in Port Charlotte Affect Your Plumbing?

The Utilities Department of Charlotte County is responsible for providing its residents with “potable water, wastewater treatment and disposal, and reclaimed water for irrigation.” They currently service over 60,000 residential and commercial properties in the county.

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority oversees the flow of water from the Peace River, which has a drainage range of 2,300 square miles. With headwaters originating in Polk County, the mouth of the river is 120 miles downstream in Punta Gorda. The Water Supply Authority is under contract with Charlotte County as the primary provider of their water source.

Before the water reaches your tap, it is treated with various compounds to improve the taste, color, and odor of the drinking water in Port Charlotte. The county regularly monitors the water quality, adhering to all State and Federal laws. New residents of Port Charlotte are surprised to find that tap water in Florida is never cold. Because of the mild climate, the water is almost always warm. 

If you start to notice cloudy water, the water heater may need to be flushed. Spots on your dishes and shower doors come from water hardness that results from excessive calcium carbonate. In Port Charlotte, the water is “moderately hard.” While it does not pose a health risk, some homeowners find it frustrating and choose to install a residential water softener.

We can help you determine the best option for your home so that you have great-tasting water year-round.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Port Charlotte? 

The average cost of plumbing repairs in Port Charlotte ranges between $85 for a quick service call to $825 for a more labor-intensive repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures. There are several cost factors involved in determining the final bill.

Accessibility

Easy-to-access piping and fixtures will cost less to repair or replace than piping that is hidden in crawl spaces, behind walls, or hard-to-reach areas of the home. We have the experience to handle any type of job, but be aware that difficult tasks will involve a costlier final bill.

Urgency of the Problem

Appointments scheduled ahead of time will cost much less than a service call in the middle of the night. While we can take care of your emergency any time of day or night, we would prefer to schedule routine maintenance to avoid costly unexpected issues.

Together, we can develop a plan that will correct any pressing problems while proactively working to prevent further complicated issues down the road.

Scope of the Job

We do everything we can to keep our pricing affordable. Sometimes, big jobs require extensive use of special equipment and materials, which will bring the cost up considerably. For example, a complete remodel of a bathroom will cost much more than replacing a dripping showerhead.

We will always provide accurate and fair pricing to help you make an informed decision about the extent of work you would like us to perform. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Port Charlotte?

Keeping pipes in good working order will prevent unexpected bills for repairs that could have been avoided with proper routine maintenance.

In an effort to conserve water, Charlotte County has lawn watering restrictions in effect. Homeowners should limit water usage when washing a car or pressure washing around their property.

Several years ago, Charlotte County Utilities offered residential customers a rebate for replacing high-volume toilets with low-flow, water-efficient models. While the rebate program is no longer in effect, installing a high-efficiency toilet can save you money on your utility bill. This type of toilet uses only about a gallon of water, while toilets installed before 1995 can use up to 3.5 gallons for each flush. 

Charlotte County Utilities currently allows customers a one-time adjustment for excessive water usage when installing a new pool. A homeowner must fill out the Owner Adjustment Request form to receive the credit.

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

In the event of an unexpected water or sewer emergency, immediately contact the Charlotte County Utilities Department. They have a 24/7 response service that at (941) 764-4300 or toll-free at (800) 524-3494.

If you are planning to dig anywhere in your yard, first call 811. The operator will take all pertinent information and contact the necessary utility companies for your neighborhood. A representative will come out to your property within a few days to mark the location of all underground pipes, lines, and cables. This will allow for a safe environment for both you and your neighbors.

When experiencing lower water pressure, before calling the Utilities Department for assistance, they recommend checking that the house valve is open and inspecting all faucet screens for potential blockage. They also recommend asking neighbors if they are experiencing low pressure before calling for assistance.

If the plumbing problem does not involve public areas, give us a call to see how we can help. The City will not cover any fixtures, pipes, or sewer lines located on private property. It is the sole responsibility of the homeowner to maintain their plumbing system.

When Do You Need Permits For Plumbing Service in Port Charlotte?

A Residential Plumbing Permit is needed in Charlotte County for the “installation of new, or replacement of existing, plumbing elements in an existing residential structure or location.” The application fee is $94, made payable to the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners.

It is important to note that the maintenance or replacement of certain fixtures may not require a permit. Once we assess the scope of your job, we can let you know what permits are needed before any work begins.

The installation of a new residential irrigation system requires a permit before any work can commence. A permit is also needed for the installation or replacement of a residential pool heat pump.

Charlotte County requires a Residential Pool or Spa Permit for the “construction of a pool & its associated equipment at a residential location.” The permit process applies to all spas, swim spas, and above-ground pools greater than 24 inches in depth.

A Tree Permit is needed if trees have to be removed or the lot cleared to make room for the new installation of a residential pool.