Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Macon?
- 2 How Does the Water in Macon Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Macon?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Macon?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Macon Vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Macon?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Macon?
Even though the city has endless benefits, it is not without its problems, especially when it comes to the local plumbing. Fortunately, there are things homeowners can do to ensure that these minor plumbing issues do not escalate into major home renovations. However, first, they need to learn more about some of the common plumbing concerns the area often has to deal with.
Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks are tiny leaks that happen over time. The soft water in Macon makes pinhole leaks a common issue, since when soft water flows through copper pipes it can leach metals from various parts of the plumbing system. This leaching weakens the lining of pipes and joints and starts to corrode them. Pinhole leaks can progress rapidly, causing a big headache for homeowners and our team alike.
Clogged Drains
If you notice a plumbing issue, the first thing you need to do is check the drains. Even though they may seem innocent enough, these clogs can become a devastating nuisance for homeowners who do not quickly take care of the problem.
In general, drains in homes will get clogged by grease, dirt, hair, food particles, or other insoluble items such as Clorox wipes. For these reasons, to ensure that pipes remain unaffected, homeowners must regularly check on their pipes and make sure that they stay in good working condition. Otherwise, a clogged drain can become a costly dilemma.
Water Pressure Issues
If a pipeline has air in it or a clog, it can lead to low water pressure problems. Typically, low water pressure is determined by the speed of the water coming out of the faucet. For example, if your once-flowing shower now only has water trickling out, you may be facing a severe low water pressure issue. These issues tend to develop for various reasons, but some of the more common causes include:
- A leak in the pipes that supply the water
- Pinhole leaks
- A break in the main line from the municipal corporation
How Does the Water in Macon Affect Your Plumbing?
Macon water is supplied by the Macon Water Authority (MWA), which serves citizens of Macon-Bibb County. Although Macon’s water is constantly ranked as some of the best water in the nation, it is also important to point out that the water in the area tends to be soft.
What does this mean in terms of plumbing exactly? Although soft water can make skin, hair, and clothes feel cleaner and softer after washing, it can also create pinhole leaks in the pipes. This is because soft water tends to lack minerals, which makes it aggressive towards unlined metal pipes. As a result, the soft water will pull minerals (such as copper) out of the pipes as it travels through the pipe system, and eventually, this corrosion will perforate the pipe walls and lead to these pinhole leaks.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Macon?
In Macon, plumbing work can average between a few hundred dollars and a few thousand, with most jobs costing homeowners around $400. However, these overall costs will also depend on the plumbing work that needs to be done, the complexity of the project, and the parts that are required. For these reasons, before you start any plumbing work, you need to consider the following factors that can affect the total cost of your plumbing project.
Labor Costs and Emergency Work
In general, the labor costs will be the most significant factor that will impact the plumbing expenses. For instance, if you require immediate plumbing services, the price of these services will be much higher than a regular repair visit. However, do not let these costs deter you from getting the job done, as emergency plumbing services are often necessary to prevent substantial water damages such as mold or rot.
On the other hand, if you do not require emergency plumbing work, the cost will depend on the specific plumbing you need done. For example, if you require a leaky pipe to be fixed, it will cost much less than installing a new water heater.
Replacement Fixtures and Parts
Another factor you need to be aware of is the price of replacement parts. Although, most plumbing jobs are a quick fix and can be completed with the tools and materials we have on hand. If the job involved is more complex and the issue requires more intricate replacement parts, you can expect your plumbing bill to increase as you will now be responsible for not only the labor, but for these expensive materials as well.
Job Difficulty
Typically, complicated plumbing jobs require more time to finish and may need more unique replacement parts. This can cause steeper labor charges. Take, for instance, a clogged drain. We may have this issue fixed in no time, and it is often the least costly plumbing repair job you will have to pay for. In comparison, if you have a pipe leak that requires a major overhaul, no matter how experienced we are, it will still take time to complete. Consequently, the prices of the services will go up significantly.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Macon?
Upgrading your older fixtures to WaterSense-labeled ones can save you tons on your water bill and help you conserve this precious resource without having to break the bank. In some states, there are even rebate programs for WaterSense services and fixtures.
In a similar vein, Energy Star-certified dishwashers, washing machines, and heaters can also help you save on your utility bills. An Energy Star-certified washing machine, for example, can help you save up to 33% in energy and more than 50% in water.
Replacing leaking pipes to plastic ones is more affordable and will also be less prone to getting pinhole leaks.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Macon Vs Hire a Plumber?
If you are experiencing a water-related mess, it may be confusing to figure out whether you need to call us or the water utility company to take care of it. Thankfully, you do not have to worry about this dilemma any longer. Below, we have prepared the following tips so that you will know exactly who you need to call the next time you have a plumbing emergency.
Local Utility Company
If you see a water leak on your street because the water main broke, your home’s water goes out, or if you see a leak at a neighbor’s home but nobody is there, then you need to immediately call the water utility company at 478-464-5600. The company will often send one of their contractors to check on the issue, determine the problem, and take care of it fast.
Our Team
If you see water leaking inside your house, water sewage is backing up into your home, your water bills suddenly spikes, or your toilets, bathtub, or sink are not draining correctly, then it is time to call us. We can not only check what the problem is, but we can also make sure we take care of the issue fast, before it escalates into significant home damage.
Additionally, since many plumbing issues in Macon seem to stem from the weather, it is also a good idea to have your plumbing inspected after heavy rainfalls or freezing temperatures. These simple maintenance checks allow us to verify that the pipes are in good working order and that there are no issues with them, which can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Macon?
Permits are a way for officials and departments in Macon County to regulate construction and ensure that projects are prepared safely and up to code. As a result, these codes are often enforced through the use of permits.
In Macon, a permit is often required for the following services:
- Fence walls
- Reroofing projects
- New buildings, including the living structures, boathouses, storage buildings, greenhouses, docks, pole barns, and screen enclosures
- Swimming pools
- Demolition
- Patio and deck construction
- Parking pads and driveway construction
- Interior renovations
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Signs
- Security systems
- Awnings
- Fireplaces
- New gas and air-conditioning systems
- New electrical systems
- New plumbing systems
More specifically, when it comes to plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, repair or replacement of fixtures does not usually require a permit. mainlineHowever, since these permits are so project-specific, it is best to contact the Building Department at 478-472-7023 before you start your plumbing project and confirm with them whether a permit is needed.
