AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Owensboro, KY

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Owensboro?

One of the most common reasons people need a plumber in Owensboro is due to leaks. This could be a leaky faucet, toilet, or pipe. Sometimes finding a leak is easy, while other times, you need to investigate. It is important to take care of leaks as soon as they are suspected. If you see that your faucet is dripping when it is turned off, you know you have a problem. Another way that you might suspect a leak is if your water bill is abnormally high. If you needed to drain and fill your pool this month, then you shouldn’t be surprised. If nothing changed, but your water bill tripled, you probably have a leak. Not only can leaks increase utility bills, but if unmanaged, they can cause a lot of water damage.

Broken faucets are another common reason people need a plumber in Owensboro. There are many ways a faucet can break aside from any obvious damage to the outside. Here are a few internal causes of broken faucets that can cause leaks:

• Damaged cartridges – A sign of a damaged cartridge is if your faucet is dripping water while turned off.
• Broken washers – The wrong size washer or a washer installed improperly can also cause a leak.
• O-Ring malfunction – If the handle of the faucet is leaking, it is probably an O-Ring malfunction. 
• Deteriorating valve seat – Faucets that leak from the spout may have a problem with the valve seat.

Another reason residents of Owensboro call plumbers is to fix clogged drains. Few things are more annoying than a clogged toilet, sink, or shower. In this situation, many people run out and buy a harsh drain cleaner. Doing this is not advised due to their corrosive nature. You may do damage to the pipes. Most clogs can be fixed with a plunger or by snaking the drain. If you are unable to clear the drain on your own, a plumber can help. You can prevent clogs in a few different ways. First, you should always use a drain catcher in the shower to catch stray hairs. You should never flush baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels, and cat litter down the toilet, even if the label says ‘flushable’. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drains. It can harden when cooled, causing the drain to backup. If you have toddlers, you should baby-proof your toilets, so they don’t flush their toys.

How Does the Water in Owensboro Affect Your Plumbing?

The water in Owensboro measures at 175 PPM (Parts Per Million). According to the USGS, the water is very hard. For most residents of Kentucky, hard water is a common issue. The term hard water is used to describe the amount of trace minerals in the water. These trace minerals, primarily made up of calcium and magnesium, can leave a crusty white residue on fixtures and pipes in Owensboro. This mineral deposit can build up inside and outside faucets, which can look unappealing and cause damage. If the inside of the pipe gets built up from mineral deposits, it can reduce water pressure and clog drains. It is common for residents to have water softeners installed to help with hard water problems. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Owensboro?

If you are trying to determine the cost of plumbing services in Owensboro, you are not alone. Unfortunately, most people only call a plumber when there is an emergency, which will increase the price. On average, the cost range is between $87 and $768. Many factors determine how much money you’ll need to spend on plumbing in Owensboro. Some of the most common cost factors include:

Type of Plumbing Service

The amount of money you should expect to pay for plumbing in Owensboro depends on the type of service you need. Most people wait until there is an emergency before calling a plumber. This can end up costing a homeowner a lot more money. For example, if you notice a leak and you ignore it, the problem could turn into something bigger down the line. A simple leak may be easy to fix and cost about $100, but if left unchecked, the leak could be so bad that walls need to be opened up to repair flooding and pipe damage. Bad leaks have been known to damage drywall, structural beams, the foundation, and cause mold. Most companies charge more for emergency services because it usually means they have to pay their plumber’s overtime. Preventative maintenance inspections are generally the least expensive plumbing service and can save the homeowner money over time.

Cost of Materials and Labor

One of the biggest cost factors for plumbing in Owensboro is labor and the type of materials needed. Some jobs are bigger than others. The number of people required 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 is excavated to dig up the main drain. The level of work determines the labor and cost needed to do the job. Labor prices can also go up on weekends, holidays, and emergency calls.

Materials used to do the work can also change the price. PVC pipes cost less than copper. The nicer the fixtures used, the more money you can expect to shell out. It is always good to get an estimate from a plumber before you agree on the work. Make sure that you and the plumber discuss different fixtures and materials beforehand since this is an area where you may be able to save money.

Remodels and Additions

People in Owensboro need plumbers when they are making home improvements. This could be an upgrade to the kitchen, a bathroom remodel, or a new home addition. Updates are pretty common as homes get older, and making upgrades can increase property values and make them easier to sell. If you are considering an upgrade, be sure to read the section below about permits a little further down. If you are doing a big project, there may be ways to save money because many of the tools and crew will already be there. Again, this will come down to the materials and labor costs.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Owensboro?

The first way to save money is to get a plumbing inspection. These don’t typically cost too much but can really pay off. Having a trained professional come in and inspect all your pipes can reduce the risk of a burst or leak later. If a problem is found, it can be dealt with before real damage occurs, saving you a ton of money.

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. Poor quality items will only need to be replaced again. Why pay for the same job multiple times? In many cases, choosing higher-quality can also increase the value of the home. Many homebuyers look for those small touches that indicate good quality in Owensboro.

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

It can sometimes be hard to know who to call when you suspect a leak. On the one hand, you don’t want to call a plumber and pay a service fee only to find out the problem is with the City of Owensboro. On the other hand, if you call the city and the leak is coming from your property, they may also charge you a service fee for coming out. Who should you call and when?

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 a plumber in Owensboro if the leak is on your property and makes your meter spin. If you find a puddle in the front yard, turn off the main water. Now, go look at your meter. Is it spinning? If your answer is yes, you need to call a plumber. If it is not spinning, you need to contact the City of Owensboro. 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 Owensboro?

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

• A new plumbing installation (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 

You do not need permits to unclog drains or repair leaks, cocks, and valves. Most homeowners are not experts in all things plumbing and construction, so don’t worry if the thought of getting a permit is hard or confusing. An experienced plumber is recommended because we will know the steps needed to get the project done right the first time. This includes getting the permits for the job.