AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Slidell, LA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Slidell?

Low water pressure is common in Slidell and throughout other parts of Louisiana, especially in older homes. This plumbing problem, which is usually caused by a buildup of minerals inside your pipes from the area’s hard water, tends to make it difficult to shower, do laundry, or use other appliances that require water to work properly. Turning off all your water sources and checking to see if your water meter continues to rise can help you detect a potential leak that may need to be located by our professionals. If this does not solve the pressure problem, adding a filtration system to your home can help keep contaminants out of your water and decrease mineral buildup from Slidell’s hard water. In addition to helping you avoid low water pressure, this solution can increase the overall quality of your drinking water.

Clogged drains and toilets are also common in the Slidell area. Hair, shampoo, soap, bits of food, and other materials can build up in your pipes over time and block water from flowing through them properly, while flushing something that shouldn’t be flushed is a common cause of clogged toilets. The city’s hard water contributes to clogs and slow drains by leaving mineral deposits inside your pipes that restrict the flow of water and materials through them.

Slidell has a very high risk for hurricanes and tornados. The city has experienced 62 hurricanes since 1930 and 126 tornados since 1950, and both types of storms can cause significant damage to your plumbing and contaminate your water supply. 

Leaking pipes are common after a hurricane because the heavy rain can saturate the expansive soil, causing it to press against your pipes can cause a high level of stress that even quality pipes in good repair are not always able to withstand. Flooding can also damage your water heater or sewer lines, which will usually need to be replaced or repaired by our plumbers. Although you may be able to handle certain minor pipe leaks yourself if you know where they are, trying to repair your water heater can be quite dangerous and should be done by our professionals, especially if it is still submerged in water. 

The strong winds associated with tornadoes can cause problems similar to those of hurricanes, especially to outdoor infrastructure. In addition to potential problems with your plumbing fixtures, damage to storage tanks and other containers can lead to low water pressure, contaminated water, or no water at all during the hours and days after a tornado. Many of these problems will be widespread and will need to be handled by the city of Slidell instead of our experts.

Because Slidell is located along the coast in a very wet area, flooding can occur at any time of year and does not necessarily need to be associated with a hurricane or tornado. Living along the bayou requires planning to minimize potential damage to your plumbing and other property. Water, electric circuits, and gas valves should be shut off if you anticipate flooding, to avoid further damage from leaks or broken lines. Having flood insurance is a must for residents of Slidell and the rest of the Louisiana coast to make sure any necessary repairs are covered, as your regular homeowners insurance policy usually will not cover flood damage. 

How Does the Water in Slidell Affect Your Plumbing?

In the past, the Slidell area has had problems with iron in the water supply, which is likely a result of corroded pipes in the area. Although iron has not been proven to be dangerous to your health, water with high iron levels can look, taste, and smell unappealing. Iron particles in water can also have a similar effect on regularly wet iron, and this reaction can cause further rusting and discoloration on and around your pipes. 

As mentioned above, the city’s hard water takes its toll on your plumbing and can lead to an increased rate of leaks, clogs, and other problems.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Slidell?

Most plumbing projects in the City of Slidell range from $93-$676, with an average cost of $384. Although there are exceptions, this range tends to fall below the national average. These estimates cover the cost of labor, materials, equipment, and cleanup fees. Any permit or inspection fees you may need will be an additional cost. 

Type of Plumbing Project

The type and complexity of your plumbing project will play a major role in determining the total cost you should expect. Our plumbers typically charge hourly rates, which means that projects that take several hours or longer to finish will be much more expensive than quick repairs that can be completed within half an hour. Projects that are easy to get to, such as replacing a faucet or repairing an exposed pipe, will typically be cheaper than work that requires entering a wall. 

Materials Needed 

Projects that require many new pipes, a replacement water heater, or other expensive materials will cost more than fixing a leaking faucet or making other repairs that do not require replacements. Our plumbers choose and provide all necessary materials for you if you prefer we do so; alternatively, you can purchase your own. 

Timing of Plumbing Service

We are always ready and available to provide emergency services, but they will usually cost more than repairs that are scheduled in advance.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Slidell?

Although quality plumbing can be expensive upfront, choosing our highly qualified plumbers to make repairs as soon as you notice them can go a long way toward helping you save money in the long run. Minor plumbing issues that are not currently damaging your home can quickly become much more damaging and urgent issues, such as a small, harmless drip from a leaking pipe that becomes a drizzle while you are at work, and causes you to come home to a puddle in your kitchen or bathroom. Our plumbers also adhere to local code requirements, which means that they are less likely to make errors that will lead to more problems down the road. 

We can also install energy-efficient faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances. These eco-friendly options benefit both you and the environment by cutting down on the amount of resources that need to be used to keep your home clean and comfortable. Although these items may cost more upfront to purchase than basic models, they can save you money over time by using less water and electricity, which can significantly lower your utility bills.

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

It is important to know the difference between issues that are your water utility company’s responsibility and private plumbing needs in Slidell because many issues in the area tend to be widespread. In general, our plumbers handle issues on your property; problems that do not originate on your property and affect a larger portion of your street or neighborhood need to be handled by Slidell’s Department of Public Utilities. For example, you should call us to fix a broken pipe in your home, but the water utility company will need to take care of a broken line down the street that affects you and your neighbors as well. 

Knowing this difference is especially important in Slidell because many issues that are caused by a hurricane, tornado, or flooding will not be confined to your home. Although your first instinct may be to call our plumbers after a storm, the city will generally take care of widespread low water pressure, dirty or otherwise contaminated water, and similar problems.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Slidell? 

Regardless of whether you decide to hire our plumbers or do renovations yourself, you will need to obtain a plumbing permit from the city of Slidell before getting started with most types of major plumbing projects.

This permit is designed to protect homeowners as it helps them to ensure that all plumbing work is done correctly. By making sure that plumbing is done properly, residents and the city can avoid wasted water or other resources that are the result of poor plumbing service or other possible water issues or damage to the home in the future. This is important even if you may sell your home in the future, as most home buyers will want proof that any past plumbing projects or other types of work meet the requirements of local safety codes before making a purchase decision.

Although this permit includes most types of fixture replacements, repairs, and all work involving your sewers, minor repairs will generally not need a permit. Fixing a leaking pipe or faucet, for example, does not involve the same type of adjustment to your overall plumbing as completely replacing these fixtures. Emergency plumbing services, such as fixing a frozen pipe, also do not typically require a permit before work is done. 

Obtaining this permit involves identifying what type of plumbing work you plan to have done and what fixtures will be involved. Completed plumbing permit applications can be mailed, faxed, or dropped off in person at the Building Safety, Permits, and Code Enforcement office.