AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Saginaw, MI

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Saginaw?

Indoor plumbing, while an amazing modern luxury, is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. There are all kinds of plumbing issues that can strike your home in Saginaw. You might need help with any of these plumbing problems: 

• Fixing a leaky faucet
• Stopping a running toilet
• Unclogging a sink or toilet
• Replacing a water heater
• Installing a water line to a new appliance

One issue that homeowners need to be aware of in Saginaw is the potential for lead and copper in the drinking water. Lead has been used for centuries in all kinds of products, including plumbing until Congress started to pass laws banning its use due to its potential adverse effects on our health. 

Lead and copper mainly get into our drinking water through the corrosion of the plumbing that contains lead or copper. This is typically more of an issue in older homes, but newer homes can still have lead fixtures and components. 

Saginaw has historically stayed well under the maximum level allowed for lead or copper in the drinking water. That being said, the city still conducts annual testing to ensure the residents remain safe. Part of this testing is community-specific corrosion control. When looking at the corrosion control reports, it is important to remember that the levels reported for your community may not reflect conditions within your own home. Nor does the report reflect the conditions of any specific faucet. Lead and copper levels can vary widely depending on the plumbing and fixtures used inside your home and the materials used inside the service lines. 

While the city does annual testing and remains under the maximum levels, there are several ways to reduce the potential for lead in your drinking water: 

• Flush your pipes for at least 5 to 30 seconds before drinking or cooking with water. As water sits in your pipes, it can start accumulating lead. 
  
• If the pipes have not been used for the last six hours or longer, let the cold water run for at least 2 minutes, or the water is consistently cooler. The colder water means that the water is probably now coming from the distribution main. 
  
• If you move into a home that has been unoccupied for some time, run the cold water through all the faucets for at least five minutes, preferably longer. 
• Remove and clean aerators on your faucets at least once a month to avoid lead buildup. 
  
• Add and maintain filters certified for lead removal. Be sure to change filters on the recommended schedule by the manufacturer. 
  
• Do not boil water to get rid of lead as this will only concentrate the levels of lead. 
  
• Only use cold water for all drinking and cooking, especially for preparing infant formula.

How Does the Water in Saginaw Affect Your Plumbing?

The water in Saginaw is considered moderately hard at 104 PPM. This means the water is not hard enough to require a water softener in your home but hard enough that it could seem a nuisance. You may find you need to use more soap or detergent to create a “sufficient” lather when cleaning. You may also notice that your dishes never look quite clean as they still have a film even after a thorough cleaning. Harder water can also cause rings in your bathtubs and scale in pipes.

Believe it or not, hard water can be beneficial to your health. What makes water hard is the number of deposits of calcium carbonate and magnesium. All humans need minerals in their diet, and water on the harder side can be helpful, especially for people who lack sufficient minerals in their diet. 

The downside of hard water is that it can affect your plumbing. These minerals that are good for our health can build up in our plumbing pipes. This buildup especially happens in your water heater and around fixtures. To help offset the potential of mineral deposits in your plumbing, you may consider installing a water softener in your home. A water softener is technically not needed in Saginaw. Still, you may find the benefits are worth it, including helping your appliances last longer and needing to use less soap to get sufficiently clean.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Saginaw?

The average plumbing bill for homeowners in Saginaw is around $434. The cost can range from a minimum price of $90 and as high as the maximum of $763. Plumbing repairs can vary widely, from fixing a clogged toilet to replacing old pipes and all the services in between. Be sure to consider these cost factors and be prepared when scheduling a plumbing repair. 

Timing

It seems to be the law of the universe that plumbing emergencies never happen when it is convenient. Our plumbers are well-versed in this law, and they completely understand. Our plumbers are also human, have families, and need time off sometimes. We can come to your house and fix your emergency any day and any time. Just know that you will pay extra for work done on holidays, weekends, and in the middle of the night. 

Permits and Inspections 

Remember that the plumbing you need to do may require a plumbing permit from the City of Saginaw. These permits may seem like an inconvenience and an unfortunate extra cost, but they are in place to help maintain at least a minimum level of quality in work done. Your plumber will be well-versed in these permits, but it is always a good plan to call the City yourself to confirm if you need a permit. 

There are times when a Saginaw city inspector will need to come to your property to inspect and make sure you are up to code. It would be unfortunate, but you may find out that you need to do extra work to get your house up to code before you even start plumbing work. The more people brought into your projects, the more money it will cost you. 

Materials and Appliances 

The type of appliance that needs repair by your plumber in Saginaw will affect the cost to you. A name-brand appliance is going to cost more than an off-brand appliance. The materials needed will be more specialized and will increase the price. Thankfully, our plumbers are prepared to work with all kinds of appliances and brands. 

The same goes for the materials that are used in the repair. You can choose to use the more expensive materials or the less expensive ones. The choice is entirely yours, and our team of professionals will help you make the best decision for your house and your budget. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Saginaw?

Better plumbing will absolutely save you money in Saginaw. Our plumbers do way more than just unclog toilets or fix leaky faucets. They can also work with you to make your plumbing and appliances the most cost-efficient in the long run.

Water may be a natural resource, but it is also a precious resource. We need to do our part not to waste any of it. Did you know that if your leaky faucet drips one drop per second for a year, that’s 3,000 gallons of wasted water? Wasted water is also wasted money added to your water bill. We can work with you to pick the best appliances and fix any sneaky leaks that will help reduce your water usage, which will lower your water bill. 

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

Are you having a plumbing problem at your house and wondering if you should call the City of Saginaw or a plumber first? One good way to get a hint on what you should do is to call your neighbor first. If your neighbor is having plumbing issues as well, then the problem is most likely with the city water lines. The city is responsible for maintaining the municipal water lines and fire hydrants. But, if your neighbor is free and clear of any issues, then the problem is probably specific to your property. Homeowners are responsible for all plumbing on their private property. You will need to call a plumber for any work needed on your property. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Saginaw?

The City of Saginaw does require permits for certain plumbing jobs on personal property. You can check with the Building Permits Department to know if or when you need a permit. It may seem like an inconvenience to take the extra steps to confirm if you need a permit and then obtain the permit. Just remember that requiring permits is the city’s way of maintaining a certain level of safety for you and the city workers. Permits will vary in cost based on what job is needing to be done. 

Using a licensed plumber makes the whole permitting process so much easier because the plumber is well-versed in what permits are needed and how to get them. You don’t have that extra layer of care when you attempt to do plumbing on your own. If you have any questions about whether or not the plumber you are talking to has a license, then go to the Michigan State License Search to confirm a legitimate and up-to-date license is available.