AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Kansas City, MO

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Kansas City?

There are many reasons to need a plumber in Kansas City, Missouri. For the most part, we get called out to fix problems, but as the homes in the area get older, we are also seeing a lot of residents wanting to make updates to their bathrooms and kitchen fixtures, and plumbing. Below you will find the more common issues we work on here. 

Leaks

This is probably the number one problem we see most often. Leaks are a big issue, not just for the wasted water, which is bad for the environment, but also because of the cost. Every drop of water is costing you money on your utility bills. Making matters worse are the added expenses of leaks that cause water damage because they weren’t dealt with fast enough. Here are some signs you have a leak on your property.

• Unexpected high water bill
• Watermarks on walls or ceiling
• Wet floors, walls, or drips from the ceiling
• Dripping faucet, showerheads, or hoses
• Sewer smells coming from drains
• Running toilets are also leaks
• Puddles of water or flooding in the yard

If you have a leak or you suspect you may have one, we can help. This is not the kind of thing you want to ignore. Unfortunately, we often see homeowners paying out a couple of thousand dollars to fix flooring and drywall because they waited too long to fix a simple leak.

Clogs

Clogged toilets and drains can be a big problem. No one wants to take a shower while standing in six inches of water and plunging the toilet after every use is no fun either. In most cases, we can clear a drain quickly by snaking it. In some cases, the blockage is deeper and more stubborn. If this is the case, we will need to hydro jet the line. Here are the most common reasons for clogs.

• Fat clogs – Pouring fat, oil, and grease down the drain are bad for your pipes. As cool water flows through, the oil and fat hardens, creating clogs over time. 
• Hair and soap – Every time you shower, you shed hair. The hair mixes with soap in the drain and eventually turns into a matted, thick hairball. This should be prevented by using a drain catcher. 
• Biofilm – Every time you wash your hands, take a shower or rinse off your meat before cooking, you add to your drain’s biofilm layer. This is a thick residue of bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and many others, that can clog and stink up the drain.
• Corrosion – Over time, old pipes can become corroded on the inside. This is usually from hard water deposits. You know you have this problem if you ever see a white crusty residue on your faucets.
• Foreign objects – The only thing that should be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper. Everything else should go in the trash. If you lose something down the drain, we can help get it out to prevent clogged pipes. 

In some older homes, the cause of clogged drains is deeper down in the main sewer line. This can happen when tree roots go searching for water and break through the line. If this is the case, you will need a plumber in Kansas City to clear or replace that section of pipe.

Smells

If you walk into your home and smell something foul, it may be your drain. This usually occurs when a drain is not being used enough. The P-trap (U-shaped pipe under the sink) needs to have water in it to block sewer gasses from backing up into the home. If the drain is not used frequently enough, the water will evaporate, causing a bad smell. Try running a couple of liters of water through the line. If this does not make the smell go away, you will need a plumber in Kansas City.

Pressure

We get a lot of calls for low or no water pressure. One of the main causes of this problem is a leak somewhere in the waterline. If you’ve noticed a drop in the pressure all of a sudden, we can help investigate the situation. It may be that the city is doing work and needs to shut it off, or it could be a bigger issue that needs to be addressed right away.

If the problem has been increasing over time, it may be a sign that your pipes have narrowed due to biofilm build-up or hard water corrosion. In many cases, a drain cleaning can help. In other cases, it may be time for a partial or complete repiping of the home.

Temperature

If you have water temperature problems, there is likely an issue with your water heater. This could be water that is not getting warm or hot enough. Or, it could be that your water is too hot. If your water heater is not working correctly, it could be the pilot light, a burnt-out heating element, or the unit may need to be replaced. 

Remodels 

We have noticed that a lot of residents have decided to make plumbing updates to their homes. This is likely due to the aging home market and the fact that many people are trying to reduce water consumption with newer fixtures. In addition, 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.

How Does the Water in Kansas City Affect Your Plumbing?

The water in Kansas City is moderately hard at 114 PPM. This means that there is a lot of excess calcium, magnesium, and iron in the water. These minerals leave deposits on your plumbing. Over time, as the residue builds up, it corrodes the lines. Here are some signs you have hard water problems. 

• Clogged drains and pipes from corrosion
• Reduced water flow
• Soap scum build-up in tubs, showers, and sinks
• Mineral build-up inside fixtures and appliances
• Appliances running less efficiently
• Residue on dishes
• Rough, faded clothes
• Reduced water heater lifespan
• Less effective cleaning as soap won’t lather well
• Dry, itchy skin and scalp

If you’ve noticed some of these issues, we can help you decide if a filtration system would help. You may also need to consider having your water tested to ensure that the only contaminants in your drinking water are minerals. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Kansas City?

If you need a plumber in Kansas City, you are probably trying to see how it will fit into your budget. Unfortunately, we can only give you a rough estimate based on past work. On average, most plumbing jobs in your area cost between $95 to $765. If you need a more accurate quote, we can help. Here are some of the cost factors that help determine how much you will pay.

Type of Plumbing Services

There are different types of plumbing jobs and each one is priced differently. For example, if you are scheduling drain cleaning or maintenance like inspections, you will likely pay less. On the other hand, emergency plumbing service often costs more. This is because the job was not planned, and it usually happens during peak or off times, like the weekend.

Location of Plumbing Problem

If your leak is coming from your faucet and all it needs is to be sealed, or a part replaced, it will cost less than if the leak is under your foundation. The location of the plumbing problem will influence the cost and the amount of work needed to fix it. 

Labor and Materials

Your bill will reflect more than just the service call. It will also include labor and materials. If the job is a simple snaking to unclog a toilet, the cost will be minimal. If you need a couple of plumbers to repipe your entire kitchen remodel, the price will be much higher. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Kansas City?

Better plumbing can save you money in a couple of different ways. The first way is with quality. If you need to replace your shower head, you could go with a low-cost option, but it may not come with a guarantee and only lasts half as long as other models. We recommend fixtures that have a strong reputation. The cost difference is not too high, but high quality fixtures can last over a decade, saving you a ton of money.

Another way that better plumbing can save you money is by using less water. Newer appliances, fixtures, and toilets are designed to need way less water than older models. This is better for the planet and your bank account. 

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

It may sometimes be difficult to know who you should call when you have a plumbing problem. If you call the city and they tell you that it’s your responsibility, they may charge you a service fee for coming out. If you call a plumber and the problem is on the city’s lines, they may not have permission to work on them. Who should you call?

If you have a leak, clog, foul smell, or any issue inside your home, you will need to call a plumber in Kansas City. This is because the city will not do any work on your property. Sometimes, the problem is not cut and dry. If you suspect you have a leak because your utility bill has spiked or your front yard is flooded, it may not be clear whose property the problem is coming from. 

In this situation, you’ll first need to turn off the main water supply to your home. Next, go to your water meter to find out if the dial is spinning. If it is, you will need to call a plumber because water is still flowing through your lines. If the dial is not spinning, you will need to report the problem with the city using the myKCMO app or the 311 hotline.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Kansas City?

If you need a plumber in Kansas City to clear a drain or replace your faucet, you will not need a permit to complete the work. If the job is a little more extensive, you will need to apply for a permit and inspection. Some of the more common reasons for plumbing permits include:

• Water heater installation or replacement
• Partial or complete home repiping
• Main sewer or water line installation or replacement 
• Kitchen or bathroom remodeling
• Kitchen or bathroom additions 

If you are unsure if your plumbing job needs a permit or inspection, we can help. We have experience dealing with the permit office and we know how to do the job right.