AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Rockford, IL

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Rockford?

Some of the most common plumbing issues in Rockford stem from having old pipes, hard water, freezing pipes, clogs, and accidental damages.

A common issue is leaking pipes, which can lead to considerable damage to your home in Rockford. This can include damage due to the destruction of your drywall and insulation, as well as mold growth causing wooden structural framing to rot.

Another issue is burst pipes brought about by the harsh freezing temperatures in Illinois. Poorly insulated pipes are typically susceptible and may freeze during winter in Rockford, resulting in leaking or burst pipes and failure of fittings.

Lastly, the water that runs through Rockford’s pipes is hard water. This can cause minerals to build up over time and result in restricted water flow, causing pipes to crack and water to leak.

If you suspect you have an issue, or even just want to have your pipes checked to prevent these plumbing issues, get in touch with us and we can help detect and mitigate any issues before they turn into bigger problems.

How Does the Water in Rockford Affect Your Plumbing?

The City of Rockford strives to ensure that quality drinking water reaches the home of its residents. Frequent testing of the water quality is performed, and in general the city produces quality drinking water.

However, with the age of the city, there are some water issues. A lot of the problems are linked to old water lines that are in the city. Some homes and pipes may still have lead in them, which is a scary fact that is talked about openly.

In older homes, it is recommended that you have your home’s water tested. This is an easy way to ensure that it is lead-free. If you haven’t tested your water, then you should boil it. Let it boil for at least two minutes if it has been sitting for a while in the pipes before drinking it.

The biggest issue for plumbing is water hardness. It is a well-known fact that Rockford has very hard water, which can eat away at pipes, weakening them over time. Water must contain 12 grains per gallon to be considered “hard”. Depending on your area, your number could be much higher than 12 grains per gallon. For instance:

• Going by Rock River, if your home is on the west side, the average hardness rating is 18 to 20 grains per gallon. The east side has an average hardness of 21 to 25.
  
• If you live closer to Fairview Blvd, you have a hardness average of 17 to 19 on the east and 21 to 25 on the west.

What can water hardness really do to plumbing and you? In a nutshell, it can cause:

• Buildup in pipes, sinks, tubs, etc.
• Shorten lifespan of water heaters and appliances
• Lost water pressure
• Slow drains
• Damaged shower heads
• Corroded plumbing
• Bad tasting water
• Dry skin and hair issues

The issues for your home or business may be different from what is on this list. In any case, it is a good idea to reach out to us and we can send our team of professional plumbers to detect and address any plumbing issues.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Rockford?

With all the old homes and businesses scattered around Rockford, you may expect plumbing issues to be costly to repair. This is not the case when compared to other areas. The cost per job will typically range from $100 to $829. The overall average is $475.

How much will it cost for your repair? This will depend on a variety of different things. Some of the biggest cost factors include:

Type of Plumbing Work Needed

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the bigger the job, the more it can cost. If you need a drain clog cleared, you will pay less than needing a bathtub installed. Both situations will be cheaper than a plumbing addition or re-plumbing a home. Basically, the more complex the job, the more you may have to pay for it to be done.

Parts and Labor

This is a large factor. If you are replacing pipes, water heaters, etc., you will have to pay for the necessary parts. We will not know exactly what a job needs until we see it. Then, we will be able to provide you with a closer estimate of what the job will cost you. You will also have to pay our plumbers for their time. Professional plumbing services like us in Rockford can tell you how long the job may take.

Unexpected or Emergency Scenarios

With a lot of the homes in Rockford being older, it is often hard to “expect” plumbing to work a certain way. You may not expect that pipe to burst, which means you may need to hire a plumber to come work on it during holidays, on weekends, etc. 

Beyond that, we cannot always see what is going on until we get involved in the repair. If unexpected issues come up, or a job goes easier than planned, your final cost will reflect it. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Rockford?

If you are living in a newly-built home, then you may not have reason to upgrade your plumbing. There are exceptions, though. For instance, your water heater should work properly for around 10 years in normal settings. With the hard water in Rockford, you can possibly expect less. 

Therefore, if you have lived in your home for 8 years, it can help you to upgrade your water heater. By deciding to upgrade before there is a major issue, you can avoid further issues. You will lessen the chance of problems such as leaks or buildup overflowing into your dishwasher, which could further increase your cost later.

In Rockford, it is suggested that you consider installing a water softener. This can save your appliances and your water heater. It can help you:

• Have cleaner laundry
• Have less itchy skin
• Make soaps last longer
• Make tap water enjoyable
• Remove odors from your water

Anyone who lives in an older home should definitely consider upgrading or, at least, have the plumbing inspected. Even if there is no problem, there could be issues that are lurking underground or under your home in your pipes. If they burst, they could be much more damaging than replacing a pipe, especially since most leaks take time to appear.

You should consider upgrading plumbing if you have:

• Frequent leaks from your faucets: If you repair a leaking faucet and the problem returns, then there could be something else going on to cause it.
  
• Poor toilet flushes: No one should have to flush their toilet twice. It wastes water and indicates that there is a problem in your sewer or septic tank, the drain pipes, etc.
  
• Bad water pressure: Bad water pressure can start to occur over time as minerals compact inside your water lines. If you notice an issue, you may want it checked to avoid leaks later.
  
• Slow drains: Much the same as a slow toilet, your sink should flush water out of your sinks and shower as soon as you turn the water off, not in two minutes.
  
• Water noise in pipes when you aren’t running water: Often if you hear noise from your water pipes, it could be an indication that there is a pinhole somewhere in them. The hole is allowing air and causing the water to not flow as smoothly as it should. It could also be caused by the pipe hammer, which means the water flow has been interrupted.
  
• Anything else that doesn’t seem “normal”: You know your home better than anyone. If it doesn’t feel right to you, chances are something has changed with your plumbing. 

In any of these situations, an upgrade may help you more than you can imagine. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company In Rockford vs Hire a Plumber?

When your water starts flowing in unexpected ways, how do you know whether to call a plumber or the Water Division? No one wants to sound the alarm if there isn’t a reason for it. However, when it comes to water emergencies, maybe you should. First, though, we will talk about situations when you should call and why.

A professional plumbing company like us is available to help you deal with any water or septic issues for your home. Some issues include:

• Leaks inside your home
• A large increase in your water bill
• Drains not working well
• Noise in your pipes
• Foul odor or taste in your water
• Wetness in your yard or near septic tanks

Call your local water company if:

• You lose water in your entire home
• Excessive water is in the street or gushing from the ground, hydrants, etc., outside of your property
• Your neighbor’s home has standing water in the yard and no one is home
• You need your water service to be turned on or off

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Rockford?

The City of Rockford will require you to have a permit for several plumbing needs. Whether you need a permit or not will ultimately depend on the job that you want to be done. 

Some main reasons include:

• New installations or additions
• Re-piping
• Replacing your water heater
• Adding an in-ground swimming pool or spa

For these things, you will need to have a permit and one of our licensed plumbers do the job.

There are other times when a permit will not be required. They include:

• Repairing leaks
• Removing clogs
• Replacement of fixtures, water softeners, water purifiers, etc.
• Replacing a wall or ceiling (provided it does not expose hazardous plumbing.)
• Adding an above ground pool or spa

Basically, minor home improvements or maintenance does not require residents to have a permit for plumbing work. Anything more than basic care, such as major alterations, will need to be permitted. The reason for this is that Rockford wants to know that its residents are safe. The best way to do that is to make sure the work is done properly.