AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Coeur d’Alene, ID

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Coeur d’Alene?

One of the most common reasons people need our plumbers in Coeur d’Alene is for leaks. Leaks can come in many forms: a running toilet, a slow drip from the bathroom faucet, or even a puddle in the backyard. Leaks are a big problem in America. The EPA estimates that as a country, we waste 1 trillion gallons worth of water every year from leaks alone. If you notice a leak, it is better to take care of it sooner rather than later. If ignored, a simple leak could worsen and flood the area, causing a lot of damage. If the water extends to other areas of the house, you may end up replacing drywall, hardwood floors, and carpet. Many leaks in the area are caused by Coeur d’Alene’s hard water, which deteriorates o-rings, gaskets, and fixtures more rapidly than softer water.

Another common reason people call us in Coeur d’Alene is for clogs. Few things are more annoying than a clogged toilet or drain. If you have a clog, don’t use a corrosive drain cleaner because it may damage the pipes. Most clogs can be fixed using a plunger or by snaking the drain. If you are unable to clear the drain yourself, our plumbers can help. In some areas where the water is hard, the pipes may get mineral deposits on the inside, reducing water pressure and causing frequent clogs. However, most clogs are caused by foreign objects and debris in the pipes. We have a few tips for keeping your drains clog-free:

• Always use a drain catcher in the shower to catch stray hairs.
• Baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels, and cat litter are never flushable.
• Never pour your cooking oil or grease down the drains. It can harden when cooled.
• Baby-proof toilets if there is a toddler in the house; they like to flush things.

Additionally, we commonly get calls in the area for underperforming or damaged water heaters. The city’s hard water is, once again, partially to blame for these problems. Minerals from the water settling in your tank, reducing efficiency and decreasing the life span of your heater over time.

How Does the Water in Coeur d’Alene Affect Your Plumbing?

The water in Coeur d’Alene measures as high as 183 PPM. According to the USGS, the water is hard. For most residents of Idaho, hard water is a common issue. The term hard water describes the amount of trace minerals in the water. As excess calcium, magnesium, and iron run through the pipe, they can clog and corrode the lines throughout the house. Over time, this can cause plumbing problems, and eventually, you will need to call our plumbers in Coeur d’Alene. Here are some issues associated with hard water:

• Clogged drains and pipes
• Reduced water flow
• Soap build-up on tubs, showers, and sinks
• Mineral build-up inside fixtures and appliances
• Appliances running less efficiently
• Reduced water heater lifespan
• Less effective cleaning as soap won’t lather well
• Dry, itchy skin

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Coeur d’Alene?

Dealing with plumbing problems can be stressful, especially when you consider the added expense. If you’re trying to determine the cost for our plumbers in Coeur d’Alene, you are not alone. Most people call us when there is an emergency, which increases the price. On average, the cost range for plumbing service is between $105 and $735. Many factors determine how much money you’ll need to spend on plumbing in Coeur d’Alene. Some of the most common cost factors include:

Cost Factor: Type of Plumbing Service

It goes without saying that some types of plumbing services will cost more than others. The amount of money you should expect to pay for our plumbing services in Coeur d’Alene will depend on what you need to be done. If you are looking for a full bath remodel, you can expect to pay a lot of money, especially when you include permits. If the reason you need us in Coeur d’Alene is to snake the toilet to clear a clog, your bill will be a couple hundred. The least expensive type of plumbing service is annual inspections. These are low-cost ways to prevent plumbing problems before they turn into huge expenses. 

Cost Factor: Labor and Material 

One of the biggest cost factors for plumbing in Coeur d’Alene is labor. Some jobs are bigger than others, which is why nailing down an exact cost of labor is difficult. The number of people and the amount of time needed to do the job will determine much of the price. If a bathroom faucet needs to be replaced, it will likely cost less than if the front yard floods and the main drain needs replacing. The level of work determines the labor and cost needed to do the job right. Labor prices can also go up on weekends, holidays, and emergency calls.

Materials used to do the work can also change the price. If we need a backhoe rental for a water main repair, the price will be higher. Fixture choices can also make a difference. The nicer the fixtures used, the more money you can expect to shell out. This may be an area where you might be tempted to save a little money. Remember that sometimes less expensive means poor quality. Go with fixtures that will last you longer and that come with a guarantee. 

Cost Factor: Permits and Fees

Permits can be confusing if you don’t have any experience with them. Not all plumbing services require a permit, and it can be hard to know when and where to get one. How can you find out which jobs will need a permit and which ones don’t? We will go into more detail about this later. For now, let’s just look at the added costs of needing them. Typically, plumbing permits in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho can range between $43 to $1,500 or higher. Depending on how much work needs to be done, the price can increase quickly. Most emergency services for our plumbers in Coeur d’Alene do not need a permit. So, if you have a leak, you don’t need to worry about paying these additional fees.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Coeur d’Alene?

Choosing better plumbing can save you a lot of money in Coeur d’Alene. What does better plumbing mean? It means that you are making choices that will increase your water efficiency while reducing your water use. It also means that you are extending the life of your appliances, fixtures, and pipes. So, how do we do all this?

First, you should schedule annual plumbing inspections with us. These are not expensive, and they don’t usually take too long, but they can save you a lot of money later. They can also help reduce stress by knowing that your pipes have a clean bill of health. This is better plumbing because inspections can find hidden issues now that are costing you more money. They can also fix problems before you have an expensive emergency pipe burst or leak causing damage. This is also a great time to ask questions like, “How do I turn off the water if there is an emergency?” or “Why does my dishwasher always have a white residue in it?” 

The next thing you can do to save money is to use high-quality fixtures and parts when you need to make upgrades or repairs. Choosing products with a guarantee or brands with a history of quality can save you money in the long run. Higher quality fixtures are often more efficient, and, over the course of the year, you will save money on your water bill. Poor-quality items will only need to be replaced. Why pay for the same job multiple times?

Installing a water softener is another way that better plumbing can save you money. As we talked about earlier, the city’s hard water can be harmful to your fixtures, pipes, and appliances. If you spend a lot of money on our plumbers in Coeur d’Alene due to water pressure or clogs, this can be a solution. Yes, water softeners can be expensive, but it’s better than replacing your dishwasher and water heater. Plus, people with hard water usually spend more money on detergents, soaps, and shampoos because they can’t get a good lather. Water softeners can also increase a home’s value as most homeowners want them installed.

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Coeur d’Alene Vs Hire a Plumber?

If your bill shoots up suddenly and you don’t know why, you may have a leak somewhere on your property. Now, we need to try and find the leak to determine who needs to be called. You will need our plumbers in Coeur d’Alene if the leak is on your property and makes your meter spin when your main is shut off. If you find a puddle in the front yard, turn off the main water supply. Now, go look at your meter. Is it spinning? If your answer is yes, you need to call us immediately. If it is not moving, you need to contact the City of Coeur d’Alene Water. In some cases, you may not be able to find the leak. If this happens, you should still turn off the main water supply to determine if water is going to the house.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Coeur d’Alene?

In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, like most of the United States, permits are needed for specific building projects, including plumbing. This can add more time and money to your plumbing projects. Here are some jobs that will require a permit, according to the City of Coeur d’Alene:

• A new plumbing addition (i.e., adding a half bath)
• A new house sewer or replacement
• A new septic system or replacement
• A new water service or replacement
• The addition of a backflow device
• A new water heater installation or replacement
• New master lines or replacement 
• Replace or rearrange valves, pipes, or fixtures

If you need our services in Coeur d’Alene to unclog drains or repair leaks, you won’t need a permit. Plumbing emergencies usually don’t require them unless they turn into construction. Our experienced plumbers are recommended because we will know the necessary steps to get the project done right the first time. This includes getting the right permits for any job.