Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Evanston?
- 2 How Does the Water in Evanston Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Evanston?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Evanston?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Evanston Vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits For Plumbing Service in Evanston?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Evanston?
Most people wait until there is a plumbing emergency before calling our plumbers in Evanston. There are many different problems that commonly affect the plumbing here. In this section, we will talk about the more common issues for residents in Evanston.
Leaks are the number one reason to call our plumbers in Evanston, Illinois. As homes age, so too does the plumbing. Leaking and running toilets are not normal, and depending on their age, it may be time to replace them with newer models. The hard water in the city makes leaks more likely because the minerals gradually corrode gaskets, o-rings, and aerators that typically stop leaks from happening. If you have a leak in your house, you should take care of it right away. According to the EPA, Americans waste one trillion gallons of water each year from running toilets and other household leaks. This problem is not just about water. It’s also about saving money. The number one reason for high utility bills is leaks.
Clogged drains are another common reason homeowners call a plumber in Evanston. Clogs typically occur when a foreign object or waste debris blocks water flow. This is the number one reason for most clogged drains and toilets. Another reason for blockages is due to old pipes that have years of build-up on the inside. This can be caused by hard water mineral deposits like calcium corroding the inside of the line, which is a problem specifically in Evanston due to the hard water. It can also be caused by old grease or cooking oil. Here are a few clog preventing tips that may help:
- 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.
- Call us to inspect your pipes annually for hard water buildup.
Weather can also cause plumbing problems for many people. Frozen pipes are common in Evanston during winter. With temperatures dropping as low as single digits, it’s no wonder we have a lot of frozen pipes each year. The most common sign that your pipes have frozen over is no water when you turn on the faucet or shower. As the water freezes, it expands and can cause severe damage to the plumbing. This can be a major problem. If any of the lines crack or burst, you will need our plumbers in Evanston quickly. Here are a few ways to prevent frozen pipes:
- Keep the garage door closed
- Open cabinets in bathroom and kitchen
- Let faucets drip with cold water
- Keep your heater set to at least 55 degrees
- Call us to add insulation to pipes
Another problem causing people to call our plumbers in Evanston is contaminants in their drinking water. According to the City of Evanston, the water may have trace amounts of lead in it. This is alarming for many homeowners, and it can be dangerous, especially for people with compromised health. The most likely cause of lead in your water is old pipes. Homes that were built before 1985 are at a higher risk of having lead pipes. There are two ways to fix this problem. You can either install a whole-home osmosis or water filtration system, or you could call us to replace all the lead pipes with copper. If you get your water tested and it is high in lead, you may want to do both. Both of these solutions will also increase your home’s value.
How Does the Water in Evanston Affect Your Plumbing?
The water hardness in Evanston measures as high as 154 PPM. Water hardness refers to the excess minerals in the water. These minerals are usually calcium, magnesium, and iron. As they pass through the plumbing lines, they form a crusty coating. Over time, the inside of the pipes can clog, reducing water pressure. You know you have hard water when you see white, hard residue on your faucets, coffee pots, and the inside of your dishwasher. You may also see white flecks or chunks of build-up in your toilet bowls. Another common sign of hard water is when your soap won’t lather. Here are some problems you may notice from hard water:
- Clogged drains and pipes
- Reduced water flow
- Soap builds up in 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
- Itchy, dry skin
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Evanston?
One of the more stressful parts of homeownership is dealing with plumbing problems. Calling our plumbers in Evanston usually means an added expense. Most people know very little about the system that brings them clean water. Making matters worse, the price can often be more than people are prepared to pay. This section will give you an estimate of the typical price for a plumber in Evanston, Illinois. On average, the cost can range between $84 and $1,759, with most homeowners in the city paying around $425. Of course, many factors determine how much money you’ll need to spend. Some of the most common cost factors include:
Cost Factor: Type of Service
There are several types of plumbing services, and they all come with different costs. The least expensive type of service is for annual preventative maintenance inspections. These can also save you a lot of money if we find a problem and fix it before it turns into something worse. Another type of plumbing service is for remodels and updates. These are often the most expensive, and they may require city permits. If you need our plumbers in Evanston because a pipe burst and flooded your basement, this is an emergency plumbing service. These can be quite expensive because our plumbers usually already have full schedules. If you need someone to come out fast, you will pay more for labor.
Cost Factor: Age of Property
The average age of homes in Evanston is 74 years old. Why does the age of the home affect the price? Age has a lot to do with what kind of plumbing is currently in the house and what materials are needed for replacement. Often, with older homes, the pipes and fittings won’t match up with newer, more efficient materials. If this is the case, you may need to take care of more than the leaky faucet. In some extreme cases, pipes will need to be replaced, and our plumber will need to get permits from the city.
Cost Factor: Additional Fees
If you call our plumbers in Evanston to fix the average leak or clog, you will not need to pay additional fees for permits. Most plumbing jobs do not require a special permit to begin work. You will, however, need to pay for permits if you are rerouting pipes or doing any new construction. If you want to remodel your entire kitchen and the plumbing work is extensive, you will likely need to file for a permit with the City of Evanston. Plumbing permits can range between $25 to $1,500 or much higher. The fee schedule is based on the estimated value or cost of the job.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Evanston?
Better plumbing can save water, which will help reduce monthly utility bills. The City of Evanston has tips to help residents reduce water use. If you have older plumbing and fixtures in your house, you are not using water efficiently. Some signs may be reduced water pressure throughout the house, running toilets, or high utility bills. You can fix some of these concerns by installing higher-quality fixtures when it is time to replace them.
You can also increase your home’s value with better plumbing. Many home buyers are looking for water softeners, reverse osmosis, or whole-house water filtration systems. These items can also increase the life of your other appliances, like the dishwasher and water heater. Not only will these high-end water features increase home values, but they will save you money by preventing hard water deposits.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Evanston Vs Hire a Plumber?
Who should you call for help when you suspect a leak? You will need to call our plumbers in Evanston if the leak is on your property. If the leak is on city property, you will need to let them know. Here is the fastest way to check. First, you will need to shut off the main water to your house. Next, you will have to look at your meter. This is usually on the side of most homes. You will need to see if the dial is spinning. If your city water meter is spinning, a leak is likely on your property. If the meter is not moving after the water is turned off, a plumbing problem is likely on the city’s side. You will need to report the issue to Evanston.
When Do You Need Permits For Plumbing Service in Evanston?
Like most of the United States, in Evanston, permits are needed for certain building and construction jobs. This can add more time and money to your plumbing projects. However, not all plumbing issues require a permit to be fixed. Here are some plumbing jobs that may require a permit according to the City of Evanston:
- Kitchen or bath remodels
- Major plumbing construction
- Septic tank replacements
- Water heater installations
- Drainage install or reroute
If you’re not sure whether your plumbing problem needs a permit, we can help. We have experience with the permit office in Evanston and know how to get the job done right.
