AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Bloomington, IN

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Bloomington?

Water pipes are running behind most of the rooms in your home or under your floors. Many things can go wrong. Our team sees a lot of plumbing issues in Bloomington, most of which are:

• Toilets that continue running or won’t flush 
• Clogged sinks and toilets
• Water heaters that need replacing
• Garbage disposal repairs and replacements 
• Leaky faucets
• Running a water line for an ice maker
• Burst pipes

Of course, these are common plumbing problems that we see almost everywhere. There are a few plumbing issues that are specific to Bloomington such as:

Frozen Water Pipes

Each year, Bloomington gets more than 17 inches of snow. This beautiful winter wonderland comes from temperatures that hover around freezing during the day and well below freezing at night. This creates the perfect conditions for a hard freeze. 

While the ground is frozen, it’s easy for your pipes and the water in them to become frozen, too. Of course, you always try to remember to turn the faucets on drip throughout your home; but sometimes, you forget. You may wake up one morning to discover that the water doesn’t run when you turn it on. 

This happens because frozen water is blocking the way and can lead to a pipe bursting. When the faucets are on, water tries to flow into the house, but it can’t. The water is stuck behind the frozen section of the pipe.

If you leave the water on for an extended period, the water builds up and exerts pressure on the pipe. Enough pressure and the pipe will burst. If you turn on the water and nothing happens, turn it off immediately. Our team can safely thaw your pipes so you don’t run the risk of a burst pipe. 

Replacing Pipes in Older Homes

There are many older homes in Bloomington. One of the historic aspects of your older home might be cast iron or galvanized steel pipes. Before the advent of PVC and other piping materials, cast iron and galvanized steel were widely used.

These materials were designed to last a long time. However, they also cost a lot of money if you want to replace them using the same material. As these pipes begin to disintegrate or rust, you may notice a reddish tinge or a faintly metallic taste in your drinking water.

When you need your pipes replaced, our team can review your material options. You would want to make an informed decision that includes your options and budget concerns. 

Tree Roots Fracturing Outdoor Water Pipes

In the summer months, you love all the shade your trees provide. Bloomington has an amazingly diverse range of native and nonnative trees such as:

• Sugar maple
• White pines
• Virginia pines
• White cedars
• Eastern hemlock
• Box elders
• Yellow buckeye

To grow and thrive, these trees need their root systems to spread far and wide to locate nutrients and water. These roots push their way into and over all sorts of things from driveways to walkways. They’ll even push their way into sewage lines and water pipes.

As the tree roots grow into a water pipe, they’ll cause it to burst. You might be able to replace a portion of the pipe or the entire outdoor line. Our team can evaluate your problem and help you find a solution. 

How Does the Water in Bloomington Affect Your Plumbing?

In Bloomington, the water is considered soft. The amount of minerals in the water, usually magnesium and calcium, determines whether the water is hard or soft. 

The tap water in Bloomington is safe to drink. Soft water runs smoothly through your water pipes and doesn’t leave behind mineral particles that might clog up your pipes and lower your water pressure.

Another benefit of soft water is that it doesn’t leave behind the same unsightly stains that hard water does. However, it can leach minerals out of your pipes and lead to pinhole leaks in your system.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Bloomington?

Almost always, the first question a Bloomington homeowner asks concerns the cost of repairs. It’s impossible to provide you with an exact figure until we come to your home and evaluate the situation. 

The cost of repairing plumbing in Bloomington ranges between $101 and $731, with an average cost of $416. Your costs could be on the low end or above the high end. If you have a burst pipe, it’s going to cost more than removing a clog from the kitchen sink. There are a few factors that determine the final costs of repairing the pipes in your Bloomington home. 

Permits and Building Codes

Bloomington is located in Monroe County, and the county requires a building permit for certain plumbing jobs. While you wouldn’t need a permit to unclog a toilet, you would need one to replace the pipes in the house or yard. These permits are designed to ensure that our team meets the standards of the county and state. 

Also, Indiana has strict building codes to ensure your home is built safely. Sometimes, we need to do work to bring your home up to code before we can start repairing the plumbing issue. For example, the water pressure coming into your home might be too high and needs a regulator to keep it in the correct range. 

Size and Scope of the Project

It takes a lot less time to replace a kitchen faucet than to install a new water heater. When it comes to plumbing repairs in Bloomington, the size and scope of the project have a big impact on your final costs. 

In some cases, our team might need to cut out a section of a wall or pull up some flooring. These jobs take longer and require more manpower. We also need someone to restore the wall or flooring before we leave. All of these things can affect the cost of your plumbing project. 

Materials and Appliances

Want to replace your pipes with cast iron or are you looking for a copper soaking tub? These materials and appliances are going to add a chunk to your final bill. If the budget is tight, you might opt for PVC pipes or a fiberglass soaking tub instead. When you need to replace a faucet, sink, water heater, or garbage disposal, there are many styles and brands available. 

Choosing an upscale brand or material can affect your quote. Our team can help you review your options, so you can make an informed decision based on the availability of products and budgetary concerns. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Bloomington?

Yes, better plumbing services and materials can save you money over the years. The state of Indiana licenses all plumbers in the state. There is a variety of licenses, including:

• Apprentice plumber
• Journeyman plumber
• Plumbing contractor
• Plumbing corporation
• Plumbing apprentice school

Potential plumbers must provide proof of their training and experience, as well as pass an exam to achieve the award of a license. You don’t ever want to work with a plumber who doesn’t have a license. Luckily, all of our plumbers at Mr. Blue Plumbing are licensed and experienced.

Also, you need to make sure that you select quality materials for your plumbing jobs. It’s important to note that quality isn’t always interchangeable with expensive. There are plenty of budget-friendly materials and appliances that offer longevity and durability. Our team can help you pick an option that is right for you. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Bloomington Vs Hire a Plumber?

In Bloomington, it’s almost always the responsibility of a homeowner to hire our plumbers to handle any issues in your house or yard. However, if there’s a water main break or a problem with a feeder pipe, it might be the responsibility of the water company. 

The water main is a large pipe that brings water from the treatment plant to your road, and the feeder pipes leave the water main and bring water to your home’s pipes. The utility company will handle any breaks or leaks in the water main or feeder pipes. If you notice water above your water meter, it’s probably a problem with a feeder pipe or water main.

When Do You Need Permits For Plumbing Service in Bloomington?

Some plumbing jobs require a permit before work can begin in your Bloomington home. You won’t need a permit for a small job such as replacing a kitchen faucet or removing a clog from the sink in your guest bathroom, but larger projects require a permit. 

Our team understands all the permit requirements in the Bloomington area and we can help you secure a permit before we start.