AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Muncie, IN

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Muncie?

Muncie homeowners deal with several universal plumbing issues, but winter weather adds additional risks to their pipes. Here are a few of the most common issues we see in Muncie homes.

Leaky Pipes

Pipes can leak at any point in your plumbing system, but some spots are more susceptible to leaks. Regularly check under your sinks for puddles of water and around your water heater on the floor. The water in Muncie is very hard, and the build-up this causes in your pipes can contribute to causing leaks. If you notice a leak, get it repaired right away. Puddles of water are perfect places for mold and mildew to grow and your leak isn’t going to get any better without a little attention. If left untreated, the leaking water can cost you hundreds of dollars on your water bill and can eventually cause bigger problems down the road. Save yourself the headache and have one of our plumbers repair your leak as soon as it’s noticed.

Dripping Faucet

There’s nothing more annoying than the constant drip-dripping of a faucet when you’re trying to sleep. If that’s not bad enough, those drops of water are costing you unnecessary money and are wasting water at the same time. We repair dripping faucets every day and it’s usually an easy fix. Sometimes your faucet’s aerator just needs to be replaced or you may just need a new faucet. Either way, the price of a service call for a dripping faucet will cost you far less than the money you’ll let slip down the drain if you ignore the problem.

Clogged Drains

Most homeowners will deal with a clogged drain at some point, but particularly in Muncie (and the rest of Indiana) where the water is considered very hard. If you notice a slow drain or if your water isn’t going anywhere at all, it’s time to call a plumber for help. Many homeowners try their hand at fixing the problem with harsh chemicals that are made to break up clogs. We don’t recommend this method because they aren’t very effective, and if they sit in your pipes for long, the chemicals will begin to eat away at the inside of your pipes, shortening their lifespans and weakening their integrity. Skip the DIY methods and call a plumber in Muncie to fix your clog. We’ve got special cameras to locate the problem and tools that can flush out a stubborn clog quickly without injuring your pipes in the process. 

Faulty Water Heater

If you’re suddenly stuck taking a cold shower, it’s probably time to replace your water heater. These appliances typically need to be replaced after eight years and newer, more efficient models are available for replacement. If your water heater isn’t working properly, have one of our plumbers come out to assess the problem. You may just need to drain your water heater or it may need to be replaced altogether. We’ll help you decide what needs to be done so you can enjoy hot water again at the turn of a knob.

Frozen Pipes

Midwest winters are a force to be reckoned with and Muncie homeowners know how to prepare for the season. Pipes that are exposed to the elements can quickly freeze, causing the water to expand. In some cases, pipes burst, leaving you with a plumbing emergency and an enormous mess on your hands. Before winter hits, make sure your pipes are winterized so they’re ready to take on the freezing temperatures. 

How Does the Water in Muncie Affect Your Plumbing?

American Water releases a water quality report each year to show a detailed list of all the contaminants found in Muncie’s water. Each year, the water surpasses all of the local state and federal guidelines for safe drinking water. Since some of the city’s water comes from surface water, there are some contaminants that can be present in your drinking water in very small amounts. 

Nitrates and cryptosporidium were both detected in small amounts in the city’s water. Both contaminants can be harmful to small children, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised. If you are worried about these levels, check with a local plumber. We can test your water and we’ll tell you exactly what’s coming out of your tap. If you’re concerned about these contaminants, we can help you find a water filtration system that meets your needs.

In addition to nitrates and cryptosporidium, American Water tested for lead contamination. Although Muncie’s water contains no lead, it can be present in the service lines on a homeowner’s property. This happens when old pipes begin to corrode. If you’re worried about lead, ask a plumber to test your tap water and recommend a plan for removal. If lead is present, the plan may include new pipes or a water filtration system.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Muncie?

In Muncie, an average service call costs around $67 per hour. The average cost for plumbing work in Muncie is $389, with an average low of $94 and average high of $684. Since our plumbers do all kinds of work, your price will be determined based on your specific needs. When calculating your cost, our plumbers consider several factors. Some of them include:

Time

The biggest factor in determining your cost will be the amount of time it takes our plumber to get the job done. Most of the time, our plumbers charge an hourly rate for their services so the longer they’re at your home working, the more it’s going to cost. Some jobs, like repairing a leaky faucet, will take very little time. Installing new pipes for a master bathroom remodel will obviously take more time to complete. 

Parts

When plumbing fails, it’s often the result of old, worn-out parts. If our plumber needs to replace a part or fixture, they will add the price to your final bill. The amount will depend on the part they’re replacing. Some parts are fairly cheap, like aerators and fittings. Fixtures like toilets and water heaters, on the other hand, can add hundreds of dollars to your final bill.

Emergency Services

Plumbing emergencies happen at all hours and we offer 24-hour emergency services to meet your needs. If you call our plumber outside of business hours, expect to pay a little more for the service call. The emergency services hourly rate is usually much higher to compensate them for being pulled away from their families or beds to repair burst pipes and respond to other plumbing emergencies.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Muncie?

Most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing until they’ve got problems to deal with. Most major plumbing issues are expensive and they can be avoided with a little preventative care. Here are a few of the most common plumbing issues that you can stay ahead of to save yourself some money in the long run.

Fix Leaks, Drips, and Clogs ASAP

If you notice a leaking pipe, a dripping faucet, or a clogged drain, it can be tempting to ignore the problem and do nothing. Unfortunately, that wasted water will cost you hundreds of dollars and you can calculate the exact amount on the EPA’s drip calculator online. We fix these common issues every day and they’re much easier to repair than any of the problems they cause down the road. Save yourself some money and have us fix your pipes, faucets, and drains at the first sign of a problem.

Winterize Your Pipes

In the winter, water in your pipes can freeze, causing their molecules to expand and put pressure on pipes. If your pipes freeze, you run the risk of having a plumbing emergency that will cost you big bucks to clean up and repair. Plan ahead and have us help winterize your pipes before the cold weather sets in. We’ll wrap your pipes in thermal materials that will keep them warm through the winter months. This process is very quick and fairly cheap, and it allows you to rest easy knowing that your pipes are protected through the winter months. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Muncie vs Hire a Plumber?

If you have a plumbing problem, you may find yourself confused about who to call. Generally, any plumbing issues that are on your side of the water and sewage mains are your responsibility. That includes your water heater, faucets, pipes, and irrigation system. It also includes frozen pipes in the winter. If you experience any home plumbing issues, you can call us to get the job done.

If, on the other hand, you suddenly have no water or your water has a bad taste or smell, you need to call Indiana American Water at (765) 288-3677. They’ll also assist with a broken meter or a water main break. These problems usually need to be addressed right away. A customer service representative is available 24 hours a day to take the call and will get a plumber to the location quickly.

If you notice any issues with waste or stormwater beyond the sewage main, contact the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) at (765) 747-4864.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Muncie?

The City of Muncie requires that any homeowner has a permit in hand before any major plumbing work begins. Smaller jobs such as replacing a small section of piping to repair a leak, unclogging, and replacing small fixtures such as faucets and showerheads will not require a permit. However, bigger jobs that may involve moving interior walls, moving bigger fixtures such as toilets, sinks, or bathtubs, or anything more than has been previously mentioned will require a permit. Permits have to be obtained by a contractor that is licensed within the city limits.

As a homeowner, you are not allowed to complete any major plumbing work. This ensures that all work is done safely and in compliance with the city’s code. Our plumbers will know what type of work will require a permit and we can also assist with the permitting process.