AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN St. Augustine, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in St. Augustine?

According to the most recent Census, the population of St. Augustine was a little over 15,000 people. In the area, there are more than 5,000 households. This means that there are many water pipes in the area, so there are sure to be plumbing issues.

The jobs that we see a lot in St. Augustine revolve around the pipes in older homes. Most of the water pipes in older homes were made with cast iron.

Over time, this material breaks down and leaves the pipes in danger of leaking or bursting. If you think you have cast iron pipes in your home that are breaking down, our team can come and evaluate their condition using the latest technology. 

Of course, problems with cast iron pipes aren’t the only plumbing issues that we see in St. Augustine. Other common plumbing issues include:

• Running toilets.
• Water heaters that have rust or leaks.
• Showerheads that need to be replaced.
• Leaky faucets.
• Drainage issues and clogged sinks.
• Clogged toilets.
• Dishwashers leaking.
• Pipes that have burst.
• Water leaks under sinks and behind walls.

Our team has the skills and experience to quickly diagnose the problem and come up with a plan to resolve the issue. While these might seem like small problems, our team is also prepared to handle larger, more complicated issues, including:

• Responding to emergency calls any time, day or night. 
• Repiping your entire St. Augustine home.
• A burst pipe in your yard or behind a wall. 

Whether it’s the weekend, Christmas Day, or an average Tuesday at 10 pm, our team is ready to get the job done for you. We believe in meeting and exceeding your expectations. Before any work starts in your St. Augustine home, we take the time to write a quote and go over the details with you. We’ll answer any questions that you may have before starting. 

How Does the Water in St. Augustine Affect Your Plumbing?

Most of the residents of St. Augustine get their water from the St. Johns County Utility Department. St. John’s County has the hardest water in the state. Hard water is water with high mineral content. These minerals can build up in your pipes and cause problems. 

The buildup of minerals in your pipes can cause clogs. You also might see white flakes in the water of your dishwasher and washing machine. You might be able to add a softener to negate these effects in the pipes of your St. Augustine home. 

In St. Augustine, you may notice the toilets, showers, sinks, and tubs get a dirty shade of brown. This isn’t dirt or a sign that you’re doing a poor job cleaning; it’s simply a build-up of hard water stains. 

When your St. Augustine home has hard water, you need to remain vigilant in cleaning these surfaces to minimize the staining. The staining doesn’t cause plumbing issues, but it might cause you to replace them sooner than you might have without the stains. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in St. Augustine?

This question is the one we hear most often, and it’s also one of the most difficult to answer. We can tell you the average cost of repairing plumbing in St. Augustine but each job is unique. You won’t know exactly how much your job will cost until we evaluate your plumbing and create a quote.

With that said, the average plumbing job cost was $347 in St. Augustine. On the low end, the average cost was $84 while on the high end the average was $610. While you probably won’t find many plumbing jobs that cost less than $84, there are many that can exceed $610. 

Here’s your chance to learn more about the factors that might increase the costs of the plumbing jobs in your St. Augustine home:

Location

As you can imagine, it’s a lot easier to work on the pipe under your sink than it is to repair one behind a wall in the laundry room of your St. Augustine home. The location of the plumbing issue plays a large part in the costs of repairs. 

If our team needs to dig up your yard to replace the pipes or take out a section of flooring, it takes longer, requires more materials, and in some cases, specialized skills. You can’t control where the plumbing issue is in your St. Augustine home, but understanding why the cost of repairing a pipe in one location is more expensive than in another is important. 

Materials and Supplies

In the times we live in, many pipes are made out of PVC. However, if you need your pipes replaced, you may want cast iron like the original pipes if you live in an older home in St. Augustine. The cost of cast iron is considerably higher versus newer, more popular materials. However, it’s our goal to provide you with what you want. 

Also, you might want a rain shower head installed when replacing an old showerhead or one of those classy kitchen sink faucets that pull apart to spray. When you’re choosing the replacement items, from water heaters to piping material, you may want to keep the increased costs in mind to keep the repairs to your St. Augustine home more in line with your budget. 

Current Building Codes and Permits

Depending on the job, we may need to obtain permits from the St. John’s county government. While we can get the permit on your behalf online, there is an additional cost. We can’t start work without them in many cases. 

If you live in one of the older homes in St. Augustine, we may need to bring your plumbing up to code before we can start working home up to code to install water heaters or dishwashers.

In some rare situations, an electrician might be needed to bring your home up to code. This might occur when replacing a water heater or a dishwasher. Your electrical system might not be designed to handle the newer appliances in your St. Augustine home. 

While you might grumble at these additional costs, remember that St. Augustine and St. John county created these codes to protect your home and family. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in St. Augustine?

Yes, better plumbing can always save you money in St. Augustine. Quality work and materials won’t leak or burst as often as subpar. This means you won’t need plumbing services as often in your St. Augustine home. 

Fortunately, St. Johns County has strict building codes and requires permits before work begins, so you can rely on the work you have done. We always obtain proper permits before beginning work.

You can rely on our team to provide you with outstanding work and quality products. We don’t want to visit your St. Augustine home any more than necessary. Our team has the certification, skill sets, training, and experience to provide you with better plumbing in St. Augustine. You can rely on us to do the job right the first time. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in St. Augustine Vs Hire a Plumber?

For most of the plumbing issues in your St. Augustine home, you’re responsible for repairs, and you shouldn’t call the water company. The St. Johns County government provides most of the water to homes in St. Augustine. 

The one time that you definitely need to call the water company instead of a plumber is when there is a water main break. All the water that flows into your St. Augustine home from the main water line.

This line usually runs along the front of your property line and down the street to all the other homes in your St. Augustine neighborhood. Like any other water pipe, it can get leaks or even burst. If you notice a flood of water in this area, it’s a good idea to call the utility company first. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in St. Augustine?

In Saint Augustine, all major plumbing work requires a permit. You might be able to change a faucet in your home without one, but our plumbing professionals know when we need to get a permit when making plumbing repairs in your St. Augustine home. 

In order to get a permit in St. Johns county, the contractor has to be licensed and registered with the county to get a permit. Our team is always licensed and registered with St. Johns County, so there won’t be any delays with getting a permit and starting your project. 

This requirement for a permit is designed to protect you as a homeowner against substandard work. Our technicians have the training and experience to ensure that the pipes in your St. Augustine home are moving water through them smoothly.