AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Columbus, GA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Columbus?

Columbus homeowners face many common problems when it comes to their home plumbing. Here are the issues we see most often.

Clogs

When your sink begins to drain slowly or stops up completely, it’s time to call a plumber in Columbus. Most homeowners face this issue at least once in their lifetimes and it’s usually an easy fix for a plumber to handle. Drains can get clogged with any number of things, but the most common culprits include grease, hair, and soap scum.

If you have a clogged drain, don’t try to fix it yourself with harsh chemicals. Many homeowners try this method and it rarely solves the problem. Even worse, these methods cause chemicals to sit inside your pipes, wearing them down from the inside and lessening their lifespans. We’ve got special tools to find the clog and flush it out quickly without hurting your pipes in the process.

Drips

A dripping faucet can be an annoying problem to have, but many homeowners assume it isn’t a problem that’s big enough to warrant a service call. It’s true that a dripping faucet is a minor repair that usually takes us very little time to fix, but if left alone, a dripping faucet can cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted water. If your faucet is dripping, it’s probably a faulty aerator or perhaps your faucet is just old and tired. Don’t ignore the dripping sound. Get it taken care of quickly to avoid spending unnecessary money on your water bill.

Leaks

Leaks can happen anywhere in your plumbing system, but the most common areas include under the sink, around the water heater, and in your toilet. If you notice puddles of water around any of these places, or if your toilet is running constantly, you’ve got a leak on your hands. Without proper repair, a leak can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home, posing a danger to you and your family. We deal with leaks every day and we’re able to find them and fix them quickly so your plumbing is working efficiently.

Low Water Pressure

Homeowners often think that their low water pressure can’t be fixed so they choose to live with it. This isn’t the case at all and there are many reasons your water pressure may not be up to speed. Columbus Water Works closely monitors water pressure throughout the city, so your problem is most likely in your home plumbing. We’ll check for leaks, clogs, water heater problems, and issues with your pressure-reducing valve. Whatever the problem may be, you can rest assured that we’ll fix your water pressure so you don’t have to resign yourself to subpar showers anymore.

How Does the Water in Columbus Affect Your Plumbing?

Columbus releases a water quality report each year, providing proof that the city’s water meets all state and federal regulations for water quality. As a homeowner, you can be confident that the water coming down the pipes is fresh, clean, and perfectly safe for your family to consume. Since Columbus Water Works can only control the pipes on their end, your home plumbing is at risk of leaking contaminants into your water supply at home.

The city’s water is moderately hard, with 120 parts per million or 7 grains per gallon of water. Because of this, there is less risk that the water will cause corrosion in pipes in your home plumbing. When corrosion occurs, lead can leak into your water supply, putting your family at risk. Lead is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women and it can make them very sick. If you’re worried about whether lead is present in your water, have a plumber come out to test your tap water. This quick test will tell you exactly what contaminants are in your drinking water and we can help you eliminate them. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Columbus?

Plumbing services in Columbus can cost anywhere from $79 to $577. This enormous price range goes to show how many different plumbing jobs we do and how different factors can affect your price. When you call for a quote, your plumber in Columbus will consider several factors so they can give you a fair price for their work. Three of the biggest factors include:

Labor

Most plumbers charge an hourly rate, so the longer it takes, the more you’ll pay. Before your plumbing work begins, it’s always best to get a few quotes from local plumbers. Consider asking for a flat rate for their services as well. We can estimate how long your job will take and can give you a fair quote before we begin any work on your home plumbing. Take your time getting estimates since this factor will likely be the costliest part of your final bill.

Equipment

As with any home repair, parts break or wear out and need to be replaced. If your plumber determines that you’ll need new parts or equipment, they’ll add the items to your bill. You also have the option of buying them yourself especially if you want to pick out your new toilet or water heater. Either way, you can expect to pay extra for any parts or equipment needed to get your plumbing up and running again. 

Emergency Services

Plumbing emergencies happen at all hours and most plumbers are available 24/7 to meet your needs. If you need to call a local plumber on the weekend or outside of normal business hours, you can expect to be charged a little more. Most plumbers charge an hourly emergency rate or add an emergency fee to your bill for emergency services. Utilizing a plumber for emergency service is well worth the money saved in water damage.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Columbus?

Most homeowners don’t think about their home plumbing at all until a problem arises. Once you’ve got a plumbing emergency on your hands, you’re looking at expensive repairs that might have been avoided with a little preventative care. Here are a few ways to maintain your plumbing so you can save money in the long run.

Fix Leaks, Drips, and Clogs Quickly 

It’s important to regularly inspect your plumbing for leaks, drips, and clogs. If you notice a problem, call a plumber right away to fix it. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day. If left in disrepair, your leaking toilet can cost you hundreds of dollars on your water bill, and the problem is most likely a very inexpensive fix. If you’d like to test your toilet for a leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If the colored water reaches your toilet bowl, your toilet has a leak that needs to be fixed. You’ll save far more money by getting it repaired than if you were to let it leak in the long run.

Dripping faucets can seem like an annoyance, but the steadily dripping of water is costing you money with every drop. Call a plumber out to fix the issue so you don’t have to worry about water slipping down the drain all day and night. You’ll save money and water at the same time.

Columbus Water Works will also test your water at no charge. A plumber from the city will test your water’s temperature, pH level, chlorine level, turbidity, and bacteria level. With this information, you can discuss with your plumber in Columbus whether your water is safe and whether your pipes are efficiently providing you safe water to drink. With this information, we can tell you about the corrosion in your pipes and whether you need to have any replaced.

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

Homeowners in Columbus are responsible for all plumbing from the water meter to their homes. Columbus Water Works owns and manages everything on the other side of your meter. If you’ve got a leak, clog, or irrigation problem on your property, it’s your responsibility to hire a plumber to fix it. If you notice a plumbing emergency like a broken water main or backed up sewer, please call 706-649-3400. This emergency line is monitored 24/7 and Columbus Water Works will have someone at the location immediately.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Columbus?

It’s important to know whether you’ll need a permit before your plumber begins any work. Without the proper permits on file, you can face expensive penalty fees. In Columbus, you’ll need to have a permit on file if you plan on installing one of the following fixtures:

• Water Closets
• Bath Tubs
• Lavatories
• Sinks
• Urinals
• Drinking Fountains
• Floor Drains
• Shower Baths
• Dishwashers
• Garbage Grinders
• Interceptors
• Washing Machines
• Roof Drains
• Water Heaters
• Sumps
• Pumps
• Ejectors
• Lawn Sprinklers
• Swimming Pools

If you have any questions about whether you’ll need a permit, you can call the Building Inspections and Code Enforcement Office at (706) 653 – 4126. They’ll make sure you’ve got all your paperwork in order before your project begins.