AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Venice, FL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Venice?

There are some common and unique plumbing problems that residents deal with in Venice. From wild weather to overflowing toilets, these are the most common issues we see often. 

Clogged Drains and Toilets

If you have a blockage in any of your lines, you will need a plumber in Venice. This could be water that won’t drain after your shower, or worse, an overflowing toilet. Sometimes, you can temporarily clear the line with a plunger. Other times, the problem is further down the pipe and you’ll need drain cleaning to restore drainage. Hard water can damage the inside of your pipes, and Venice has hard water, making clogs a common issue in the area. There are ways that you can prevent this. The first is to get regular drain cleaning to remove residue before it can get really thick. Another way is to install a water softener to filter out the minerals.

• Biofilm – This type of buildup takes years to grow out of hand. Biofilm is the bacteria that comes from food, people, and pets. Over time, the bacteria grows thicker and can cause slower draining and bad smells. This should be dealt with to avoid E. coli, salmonella, and other harmful germs.
• Hair and soap – As we wash our hair, we lose a lot of strands. These hairs go down the drain, where they get tangled up with other hair and soap residue. After a while, they turn into matted balls that can block the flow of water. Drain cleaning can fix this problem.
• Damaged sewer line – If all the drains in your home become stopped up and won’t drain efficiently, you may have a problem with your main sewer line. This problem requires a plumber in Venice. If left unchecked, you could have a sewer backup, which can make people sick and cause damage.

Preventing clogs is one of the best things you can do for your plumbing system and your wallet. The only things that should be flushed are toilet paper and waste. You can also use a drain catcher in showers, baths, and sinks to prevent hair and foreign objects from going down the drains. 

Leaky Pipes, Faucets, and Toilets

One of the most common plumbing concerns for people in Venice is leaks. This could be a leaky faucet, toilet, or pipe. Sometimes finding a leak is easy, while other times, you need to investigate. It is important to take care of leaks as soon as they are noticed. If you see your faucet dripping even if it’s turned off, you know you have a problem. If your toilet is running, that means there is a leak. Not only can leaks increase utility bills, but if unmanaged, they can cause a lot of water damage.

Hot and Dry Season

Southern Florida is no stranger to wild weather. During hurricane season, we see a lot of flood damage and it often affects people’s plumbing. Venice is right in the path of most of these storms. But, Venice also has a dry season and this constant fluctuation in the soil can increase the risk of pipe damage. When the soil is dry, it shrinks. When it’s wet, it swells back up. This causes foundations to shift. If you feel warm or hot spots on your floors, you may need a plumber in Venice. This is often an indication that a pipe in the slab is leaking hot water. 

How Does the Water in Venice Affect Your Plumbing?

The water in Venice, Florida, is very hard and averages between 200 and 300 PPM depending on its dry or wet season. This can cause problems with your entire plumbing system, from your pipes to your washing machine. In fact, this is the reason most people have rough, faded clothes that never feel clean enough. Here are some hard water issues that residents often complain about.

• Soap scum – The chalky white film on your showers and tubs is called soap scum. It’s caused when the minerals in your water react with the soap, making it harder to get a good lather. It does not rinse away thoroughly and instead leaves a film.
• Skin and hair problems – The same way that residue is left on your shower walls, it also coats your hair and skin. This causes your hair to be weighed down and dry. Your skin might feel itchy and dry all the time. 
• Water pressure – The hard water residue also affects the inside of your pipes and fixtures. Over time, the lines will become narrowed by corrosion and can reduce water pressure and even crack the pipes, causing leaks. 
• Water quality – The hard water and other contaminants can make the water smell, taste, and even look gross. If your water always has a cloudy look to it, you may need a plumber in Venice to inspect your system.
• Waste of money – As the hard water is processed through your plumbing, it also damages it. This can wear out your washing machine, water heater, dishwasher, pipes, and fixtures in half the time, costing you more money to replace these items.

If you’ve been dealing with any of these problems and you’re sick of them, we can help. We have experience with Florida’s hard water and we know which whole-home filtration systems effectively remove these contaminants.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Venice?

If you need a plumber in Venice, you’ll want to know how much it’s going to cost. On average, most plumbing work in this area will cost between $125 to $785. This is based on past work and does not include the cost of new construction or remodels. We can help if you need an exact quote. Here are the more common things that will affect the price.

Type of Plumbing Service

The type of plumbing you need will influence the price you will pay. Most people call a plumber in Venice when something goes wrong, like an overflowing toilet or a pipe burst. This type of service is different from needing a plumber to add a half bath. The least expensive type of service is for routine inspections. These are a great way to prevent major plumbing problems because we can spot early signs of damage before most homeowners.

Location of Plumbing

Another cost factor is the location of the problem. Many of the homes in Florida are built on concrete slab foundations. This can complicate plumbing problems if a jackhammer is needed to get to the leaky pipe. On the other hand, if the leak is under the bathroom sink, it will be easier to get to, costing a lot less money.

Time of Service

It goes without saying, if you need emergency plumbing service on short notice, it’s going to cost more. This is because our plumbers typically have a full schedule. If you call on a holiday weekend, our plumber is going to get paid overtime. It may also be harder to find the right equipment and supplies during off-hours. However, if you schedule service in advance, as soon as you suspect there is an issue, it will cost you less.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Venice?

One of the ways that better plumbing can save you money is by reducing the amount of water you use. This will not only help the City of Venice with its water conservation efforts, but it can also save money on your monthly utility bill. Older fixtures, appliances, and toilets are less water efficient. By replacing them with newer models, you will use about half as much water to do the same amount of work. 

If you need a plumber in Venice because your toilet keeps clogging, it may be time to replace it. The City of Venice is offering residents a $100 rebate on their utility bill when they replace their toilet with a high efficiency low flow toilet. They are also offering indoor and outdoor water conservation kits for free.

Another way that better plumbing can save you money is with a whole-home water filtration system. These can remove contaminants from the water before they can bog down your plumbing and appliances. This will help them last longer. If you go with a water softener, you can remove all the excess minerals as well. A water filtration system will also increase your property’s value. 

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

The City of Venice expects homeowners to maintain their own land and will not do any work on their property. If you have a leak, clog, or bad smell, you will be responsible for it. Most plumbing problems are inside or right next to the house. These areas are easy to identify as private property. Sometimes, the plumbing problem is near the street or other public right of way. In these situations, it can be hard to determine who is responsible for the work and who to call.

If you think the problem is on the city’s side of the line or you can’t find the problem at all, try this trick. First, turn off the main water supply to the house. Next, find your city’s water meter. Is the meter spinning? If the answer’s yes, you’ll need to call a plumber in Venice because the water is still passing through your property.

If your water meter is not spinning, you will need to report the problem to the city. However, if you think the issue requires immediate attention, you can call them directly using the number on your water bill. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Venice?

If you need a plumber in Venice, you may need to apply for a permit. The permit fee will add at least $200 to your costs, although the price can be much higher depending on the work you need to be done. Here are some jobs that will require a permit.

• Replacing pipes
• Water heater installed or repaired
• Toilet or urinal replacement or installation
• Remodels and additions
• Tub or shower replace or install

Permits are not required for most clogs, leaks, and maintenance. This includes snaking a toilet, hydro jetting the drain, or doing routine inspections. If you are uncertain if your plumbing problem needs a permit, we can help.