AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Quincy, MA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Quincy?

Homeowners in Quincy deal with common plumbing issues like leaking pipes and dripping faucets, but the cold winters bring additional challenges. Here are a few of the most common challenges to look out for, as well as advice on when you should call us.

Leaking Pipes and Dripping Faucets

This common problem is easy to ignore, but leaks and drips will cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted water. We repair leaking pipes and dripping faucets every day. They’re most commonly just a result of old, worn-out parts – some portions of Quincy’s sanitary sewer system are over 100 years old. Sometimes, your leaking pipe can be a sign of corrosion or mineral buildup. Call us to fix your leaks as soon as you notice them. It’s usually a simple fix that will save you money in the long run.

Low Water Pressure

Many homeowners in Quincy resign themselves to living with low water pressure and assume it can’t be fixed. Oftentimes, your low water pressure is a result of buildup inside your pipes that can be easily fixed by us. You don’t have to settle for low water pressure. Have us check your static pressure and diagnose the problem. We’ll address the problem and get your water pressure up to speed.

Clogged Drains 

Every homeowner experiences a clogged drain at some point, and many try to fix the problem themselves. If your sink or shower is draining slowly or is completely stopped, call us to check it out. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but we’ve got cameras and tools specially designed to locate and flush out even the most stubborn clogs. These clogs are usually caused by hair, food, or grease that builds up inside your pipes. Sometimes, a more complicated clog can occur when tree roots start to grow through the underground pipes. The City of Quincy Department of Public Works is asking residents not to flush disinfecting wipes down the toilet, as sewer lines can clog, causing plumbing issues in the home.The longer you wait, the worse the clog will get, causing unnecessary stress to your pipes.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are a modern convenience that homeowners in Quincy have grown to depend on. If you want to make sure your showers are nice and hot, make sure you have your water heater checked regularly. As they age, water heaters can go out, causing you to suffer through ice-cold showers until they’re replaced. Have us check your water heater to make sure it’s working properly so you can depend on having hot water in your home at the turn of your tap.

Frozen Pipes

Quincy winters are very cold, and when the temperatures drop, your pipes are at risk of freezing or worse. As water freezes, the molecules expand, and if those water molecules are in your pipes, the pipes can burst under all that pressure. A burst water pipe is a plumbing emergency that causes significant water damage to the inside of your home as well as expensive repair and cleanup. Make sure your pipes are winterized before the cold weather hits to avoid burst pipes.

How Does the Water in Quincy Affect Your Plumbing?

Quincy has relatively soft water at 16 ppm, which means it’s at higher risk of contamination. This can happen when heavy metals are leached into the water from pipes. The city’s water meets all the state and federal standards for safety, but soft water adds a level of concern for homeowners. 

The city provided a document with all homes and businesses that have lead or lead-lined water pipes in their plumbing systems. If your address is on the list, you should probably ask us for an assessment of your pipes. Lead is not present in the water coming down the pipes from the city, but your pipes are at risk of leaching lead into your tap water, putting you and your family at risk. 

Quincy’s lead brochure explains all the risks that come with lead exposure, including the risk of cancer for children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. If you’re worried about lead in your water, contact the Public Water Department. They will test your tap water for $25, and if lead is present, we can help you repipe your plumbing system or install a filtration system.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Quincy?

Quincy’s Public Water Department offers several services to homeowners, including line leak repairs and sewage repairs, for the cost of labor. In 2021, homeowners paid an average of $514 for plumbing repair in Quincy. If you’d like to hire us, we’ll consider several factors before quoting you a price. Some of those factors include: 

Time

Every plumbing job is different, with some taking longer than others to complete. Most of us work at an hourly rate, so the longer it takes to get the job done, the more you will likely pay. We know how to work quickly and efficiently to locate and diagnose a problem, but a leaky faucet will take longer to repair than a complete repipe of your guest bathroom.

Parts and Equipment

Plumbing issues are often the result of old or worn-out parts that need to be replaced. If that’s the case, we’ll factor in the cost of any new parts or equipment that are needed to repair your pipes or fixtures. If we’re replacing your water heater, for example, we’ll factor the cost of the new appliance into your final bill.

Time of Day

In Quincy, we charge an hourly rate for our services, but plumbing emergencies don’t only happen during business hours. Most of us offer emergency services 24 hours a day, but you should expect to pay more if you call in the middle of the night or on a weekend. The higher price is well worth it when you’ve got a burst pipe gushing water into your basement at 3:00 a.m.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Quincy?

Most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing until a problem pops up, costing lots of money and wasting water in the process. You’ll save significantly by being proactive about your plumbing. Here are a few things to do to save money in the long run.

Fix Leaks and Drips Immediately

If you notice water leaking or dripping from your pipes or faucets, call us right away. It may be tempting to let the issue lie, but your water and money are literally slipping down the drain. This drip calculator helps to illustrate how quickly hundreds of dollars can be wasted on something so easily fixed, like a dripping faucet. 

To stay on top of leaks and drips, regularly inspect problem spots in your plumbing, such as the pipes under your sink and around your water heater. If you notice a puddle of water, you’ve got a leak that needs to be addressed. If your faucet is dripping when it’s off, call us right away. The cost of a service call is much cheaper than the money you’ll spend on wasted water.

Winterize Pipes

Winter weather brings frigid temperatures that can be disastrous for home plumbing systems. You can take several steps to prevent your pipes from freezing, so they’re ready to take on the winter. Have us wrap your pipes in thermal materials designed to insulate them so they don’t freeze and burst. You can also take several preventative measures on particularly cold days and nights. They include:

• Open cabinets where pipes are located.
• Keep the garage door closed.
• Let your faucet drip.
• Keep the heat on in the house.

Ask us about other ways to protect your pipes from the cold. Burst pipes are an expensive plumbing emergency that no homeowner wants to face. Think ahead and protect your pipes from the winter cold.

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

According to Quincy’s Department of Public Works, homeowners are responsible for the repair of the sewer line between their foundation and the edge of the sidewalk as well as any plumbing repair up to the water meter. This includes leaking pipes, clogged toilets, and other basic home plumbing repairs. If, on the other hand, you notice all of your drains are clogged at once, it is most likely an issue for the city to handle. The city offers to clean your home sewage line once per year at no cost, but any additional cleanings will come at a price.

If you notice problems beyond your home, call the city’s emergency number at (617) 376-1910. The number is monitored 24 hours a day and accepts calls about any water, sewer, and drain issues beyond your sewer line, at the sidewalk, and your water meter.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Quincy?

According to the Department of Public Works, the city will come out to inspect any plumbing project that you are having done on your property. Instead of offering permits, they charge separately for each inspection or service. If you have questions, you can contact the DPW at (617) 376-1959.

Generally, basic repairs like leaking faucets or clogged drains do not need a permit or inspection prior to being completed. The DPW is more concerned with additional plumbing, fixtures, drains, and valves that are added to your existing plumbing system. As always, it’s best to contact the department before you start any plumbing repairs to avoid getting hit with a hefty fine.