Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Tallahassee?
- 2 How Does the Water in Tallahassee Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Tallahassee?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Tallahassee?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Tallahassee Vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Tallahassee?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Tallahassee?
As you’d suspect, Tallahassee homeowners experience all the annoying plumbing problems people across the country encounter. We commonly get calls to repair things like faucets that drip, clogged drains, backed-up toilets, and garbage disposal issues. In addition, there are some unique plumbing issues that Tallahassee residents run into including:
Old Pipes
Tallahassee is home to many older homes, especially in the neighborhoods surrounding the area near the old capital and downtown. The history and charm of these homes make them incredibly attractive, but they’re also prone to plumbing issues you won’t find in newer homes in the city. One of those problems is old pipes that contain lead, which is a health risk, especially for young children and pregnant women.
Lead pipes aren’t the only problem, though. In many homes built between 1970 and 1990, polybutylene pipes, also called poly, were used because they were an inexpensive alternative to other materials. Unfortunately, poly pipes are prone to failure caused by oxidation wearing away the interior of the pipe. Both lead and poly pipes should be replaced in order to preserve the integrity of the plumbing system and the water quality.
High Water Pressure
Low water pressure issues are an annoyance, especially when you’re trying to rinse your hair in the shower. Normal water pressure should measure between 40 psi and 80 psi and the ideal water pressure is right around 60 psi. In Tallahassee, however, the water pressure can sometimes exceed 100 psi, which presents a particular set of problems.
If the water pressure in your home is very high, it can cause sinks and showers to drip, toilets to run constantly, and pipes to burst. In addition, high water pressure shortens the lifespan of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. We see this problem all the time, and we know exactly what to do to get the pressure back to where it should be.
Amateur Plumbing Repairs
Everyone likes to save a little money whenever they can, but one thing that should never be done on the cheap is plumbing. If you or the previous homeowner had plumbing work done by an unlicensed, inexperienced person, odds are it’s not done properly, and it’s probably not up to code. While everything might look good, and it might work right now, amateur plumbing is always problematic.
If you suspect that plumbing repairs or installation in your Tallahassee home have been completed by someone other than a licensed plumber, you should have us look at it right away. If the plumbing is, indeed, not in compliance with the building code or otherwise incorrect, it’s best to have it fixed rather than waiting for it to fail.
How Does the Water in Tallahassee Affect Your Plumbing?
Tallahassee gets its drinking water from the Floridan Aquifer, which is one of the largest and most productive aquifers in the world. This massive aquifer actually spans more than 100,000 square miles, which includes the entire State of Florida, southern Alabama, southern South Carolina, and southeastern Georgia. Although the water quality is very good, it’s also quite hard, which can have an effect on your plumbing.
Tallahassee’s water measures around 126 ppm on the USGS water hardness scale. That’s considered moderately hard. The suspended minerals in the water often accumulate on the inside of pipes, in faucets and showerheads, and inside appliances. When this happens, the flow of water is restricted and leaks and clogs in the lines are inevitable.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Tallahassee?
The average hourly rate of a plumber in Tallahassee is $70. Most plumbing bills in Tallahassee run somewhere between $125 and $325. However, some plumbing jobs call for a flat rate like repairing a leaking faucet or unclogging a drain. We can’t say exactly how much your plumbing bill will be, but some factors that will affect the final costs include:
Cost Factor 1: How Difficult Is the Plumbing Job?
Not all plumbing jobs in Tallahassee are created equally, and prices vary depending on what type of plumbing problem you’re experiencing. Generally, small jobs like replacing a faucet or showerhead are the least expensive. As you’d expect, a large job, like replacing the tub and shower stall or repiping the bathroom can be quite expensive. The reason for the big difference in prices is simple. Our plumbers in Tallahassee charge extra for jobs that are very difficult, time-consuming, or dangerous.
Repairs to your plumbing are also much more expensive than plumbing replacements and installations. The main reason is the amount of time that the jobs take. The cost of parts and materials also plays a part in the costs. New pipes and fixtures can be very expensive, especially if the job is very large like a whole house repipe.
Cost Factor 2: Hidden Plumbing Issues
You may not realize this, but finding and repairing leaks and other plumbing problems isn’t as easy as it sounds. Although it’s easy to spot a dripping faucet, a clogged drain, or a backed-up toilet, many of the plumbing problems we see aren’t so obvious or easy to find.
Much of your Tallahassee home’s plumbing pipes are hidden inside walls, which makes the job much more challenging. In order to access a problem pipe or drain, it might be necessary to open the wall or an area of the floor. In addition to the plumbing costs, you’ll also have a repair bill to restore the wall or floor to its original condition.
Cost Factor 3: Indoor vs Outdoor Plumbing
The plumbing inside your Tallahassee home is just a part of the system. There are also pipes and fixtures outside, like the water spigots on the side of your house, water inlet pipes, and sewer lines. Like your indoor plumbing, leaks, breaks, and other issues can arise.
In almost every case, the cost of repairing or replacing a sewer line or water main outside of your home will be much higher than any indoor repairs. Why? Because outdoor plumbing is underground, and it requires heavy equipment and additional manpower in order to reach the problem and make the repairs.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Tallahassee?
The short answer is, yes, you’ll save money if the plumbing in your Tallahassee home is better, but what does that mean? For most homeowners, better plumbing simply means making sure your system is always in good working order. Annual inspections and timely repairs will help eliminate the need for emergency repairs, which are always more costly.
Hard water causes a number of problems, including pipe corrosion, mineral buildup in fixtures, and damage to your appliances. Because the water has so many minerals in Tallahassee, you may also find yourself using more detergents, soaps, and personal care products, which adds up over time. Addressing hard water issues by installing a water softener will also save you money now and in the future.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Tallahassee Vs Hire a Plumber?
Not sure if you should call the Tallahassee Water Utility or our plumbers? It’s not always easy to tell, but generally, the rule of thumb to follow is that If you’re experiencing a problem with the plumbing inside your home, you should call us. However, certain outdoor plumbing problems may also be your responsibility. If, for example, there is a problem with an exterior spigot, drain, or pipe that’s on your side of the meter, it’s up to you to take care of it.
The Tallahassee Water Utility doesn’t deal with the plumbing inside your home or yard, for the most part. They’re responsible for managing the city’s water, wastewater, and stormwater operations. They’ll handle issues on their side of the meter, such as a broken water main or main sewer line. If you’re having trouble turning off the water to your home or you’re not sure who is responsible for repairs, contact the city, and they’ll help you figure it out.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Tallahassee?
The City of Tallahassee requires a building permit to be issued anytime plumbing work is being done due to new construction, alterations, and repairs if the project costs $1,000 or more. Applying for a plumbing permit is easy, you just need to complete the Building Permit Application form and pay the appropriate fees for your plumbing project. You may need to submit additional documentation regarding your project if it involves new construction or substantial changes to the plumbing system.
You’ll also have to get the plumbing work inspected to ensure that it complies with the city and state’s building codes. In some cases, you’ll need to have the inspection done before you can finish the project. For example, for new construction or add-ons, a rough-in slab inspection needs to be done after all the underground pipes are installed and a pressure test has been completed. Upon completion of your plumbing project, you’ll also need to have a final inspection performed.
We understand that it’s important to follow the building codes in Tallahassee. They are in place to keep everyone safe and to ensure the integrity of the work that’s being performed. We’re diligent about applying for the proper permits and scheduling the required inspections, so you can rest easy.
