AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Plymouth, MN

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Plymouth?

Plymouth, MN is a suburb that lies 15 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Its population, which is currently just under 79,800, saw considerable growth over the last 10 years. This comes as no surprise, as Plymouth offers its residents a low crime rate, good schools, and a high standard of living. In fact, in 2008, Money magazine named Plymouth their #1 pick for “Best Places to Live”. Both the Hilde Performance Center and Clifton E. French Regional Park provide a place to get outdoors and have fun during the warmer summer months. And in the winter, people from all over MN flock to Medicine Lake to try their hand at ice fishing. Plymouth is the best of everything that the Gopher State has to offer, but plumbing issues are still a fact of life here. 

One of the most common issues that our plumbers in Plymouth deal with is frozen pipes. The winters here are downright brutal, and it’s not uncommon for there to be week-long stretches of below-zero temperatures. Ironically, pipes often freeze and burst while homeowners are on a tropical vacation somewhere warm, like Florida. They’ll set their home’s thermostat too low or even make the mistake of shutting off the heat altogether while they’re gone. And then, they come home to a flood, no water service, and ruined carpeting. The good news is, burst pipes are usually avoidable. There are several ways that we can protect your home’s pipes in the winter, like installing foam insulation or heating tape. Give us a call before you leave for your winter vacation. We can do an inspection to make sure your pipes are cold weather-proof.

Our plumbers in Plymouth, MN also get a lot of requests to install smart sprinkler systems or sprinklers with timers. The city has water restrictions in place for lawn irrigation, which limit what days and times you can water your yard. In addition, all new irrigation systems must have sensors so that the sprinklers automatically shut off when it rains. The beauty of a timed sprinkler system is that you can “set it and forget it.” You don’t have to worry about rushing home to turn off the irrigation system at a certain time. Plymouth takes its water restrictions seriously and issues fines for any violations, so a timed irrigation system is a wise investment for anyone with a larger yard.

Another common issue that our plumbers in the area deal with is clogs. We do see our fair share of toilet, sink, and bathtub clogs on a regular basis. The best way to deal with a clogged pipe is to prevent it in the first place. We recommend that homeowners use drain screens and not dump grease down their kitchen sink. However, we know that drain screens don’t always catch everything. And that, sometimes, little ones like to flush toys down the toilet! Our professional plumbers have the right tools to safely and effectively unclog pipes. Many people think they can tackle stubborn clogs on their own, mainly because drain cleaners are sold over the counter. We typically discourage homeowners from using these liquids and gels. For one, they are dangerous for the average person to handle. You do not want to get drain cleaner in your eyes or on your skin, and these chemicals are so abrasive that they can actually damage pipes. If you have a clog, your best bet is to call our plumbers before dirty water backflows in your house. 

How Does the Water in Plymouth Affect Your Plumbing?

Plymouth’s water supply comes from two aquifers: the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan and Prairie Du Chien Group aquifers. The water from these aquifers does not pose any unique concerns for the city’s residential plumbing systems. In fact, groundwater from aquifers provides 75% of Minnesota’s tap water. Plymouth’s annual water report is posted online. This report details the presence (or absence) of lead, copper, fluoride, and other substances. In addition, the city’s tap water is tested weekly by an independent, state-certified laboratory. 

After the water leaves the aquifers, it is directed to one of the city’s two water treatment plants. One part of the water treatment process is the removal of certain minerals–a step that is taken to improve the water’s taste. But some Plymouth residents still prefer the taste of filtered water. We do install and provide maintenance for residential water filtration systems for our customers who want these in their homes.

Some homes in Plymouth may experience “hard water”. You know you have hard water if your drinking glasses come out of the dishwater with a film on them. Other people with hard water report that they need a lot of shampoo or soap to create a lather. Hard water is not in any way harmful to people, but it can be problematic for plumbing systems. Over time, scale buildup can form inside of pipes, on fixtures like shower heads, and on the heating elements in your hot water heater. If hard water is a concern, we can install a water softener system in your home. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Plymouth?

The cost of plumbing services does vary in Plymouth. For a ballpark estimate, the average plumbing bill in Plymouth and greater Hennepin County is $449.00, with a range of $109.00 to $790.00, depending on the work that is done. Keep in mind that these figures do not include permit fees or taxes. 

Several factors come into play to determine the cost of plumbing services. 

Cost Factor 1: The Scope and Nature of the Plumbing Services

If it’s time for a complete bathroom remodel, residents of Minneapolis and its suburbs can expect to pay an average of $11,316.00. However, the final cost of a remodel depends greatly on the price of the fixtures, bathtub, and sink that the homeowner chooses. In other words, the sky’s the limit for remodels. 

And if you notice that your hot showers are getting shorter and shorter, your water heater may need servicing. Most hot water heater repairs in the Plymouth area run about $125.00, while a total replacement will be closer to $600.

Cost Factor 2: If You Need a Plumber Outside of Regular Business Hours

We typically take care of planned repairs and non-emergency work like a new sink or a leaky faucet during regular business hours. However, we know that emergencies, like a burst pipe or a sewer backup, can happen at any time of the day or night. You can expect to pay more for plumbing services if we need to come out during a Vikings game (just kidding!), at 4:00 a.m., or on a major holiday. 

Cost Factor 3: Whether You Qualify for the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program

Homeowners that meet certain income requirements may be eligible for a zero-interest deferred loan for certain necessary home repairs, including plumbing. While the city’s Home Rehabilitation Program is a loan that has to be repaid over time, it does make it easier to afford plumbing repairs and upgrades. When families can take care of plumbing issues right away, they save money in the long run.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money In Plymouth?

Our plumbers in Plymouth, MN do more than fix leaky faucets. We love to help our customers find ways to save money on their water bills. “Better plumbing” means different things to different households. Depending on your budget and lifestyle, it might be time to finally upgrade to a front-loading, high-efficiency washing machine. And while a tankless water heater costs a lot more than a storage water heater, it can last twice as long and use less energy. Or, maybe you just want to install a low-flow showerhead. Better plumbing is not only a cost-saver, but it also adds value to your home.

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

As a rule of thumb, homeowners are responsible for any plumbing issues that occur on their property or inside of their house. You’ll need to hire our plumbers for things like a leaky pipe in your basement or a faulty hot water heater. Homeowners in Plymouth are also responsible for the portion of the sewer line that runs from their house to the point where it connects to the main sewer line in the street. 

If you suddenly experience no or low water pressure, we recommend that you check with your neighbors. If they also have water pressure issues, there is likely something happening with the municipal water lines. If it’s not a scheduled day for the city’s routine water main flushing, you’ll want to contact Plymouth’s sewer and water department. But if your home is the only one experiencing water pressure problems, you should give us a call, as the problem is likely happening in your house’s plumbing system.

The city is responsible for all municipal main lines. Water that bubbles to the surface along a road is often a sign that the main line has burst or is leaking. Plymouth is also responsible for the water hydrants and storm sewer catch drains located within the city limits. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Plymouth?

Virtually every type of plumbing service requires a permit in Plymouth, MN. The city requires residential plumbing permits “for any changes to the plumbing system.” This can include installation or replacement of a fixture, repairs to a hot water heater, installation of a water softener system, and a backflow preventer for an irrigation system. A sewer and water permit is required for any connection or disconnection to the municipal sewer system. 

Our plumbers in Plymouth know that some of our customers feel like permits are an unnecessary expense and nothing more than “red tape”. The truth is, plumbing permits ensure that work is up to code. Permits keep your family and the greater community safe by protecting your water supply. A benefit of hiring our licensed plumbers is that we take care of obtaining the permits for you.