AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Bozeman, MT

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Bozeman?

Bozeman homeowners face many common plumbing issues like leaky pipes and clogged drains, and the cold winters bring added threats to exposed plumbing systems. Some of the most common plumbing issues are listed below, along with advice about when it’s time to call a plumber in Bozeman.

Leaks and Drips

A leaking pipe or dripping faucet don’t seem like big problems, but they’re sneaky issues that can cause major headaches to Bozeman homeowners. If you’ve got water escaping from your pipes or faucets, it’s best to call us for help. That leaking water can end up costing you hundreds of dollars in wasted water, and if left untreated, the pipes could burst and cause significant damage to your home. We fix leaks and drips every day, and we can attest that it’s much easier – and far less costly – to repair a faulty faucet than to do damage control on a pipe that has blown out.

Clogged Drains

Drains can get clogged with any number of substances, but the most common culprits in Bozeman include hair, grease, and tree roots. If you notice that your water is draining slowly or has stopped draining completely, give us a call. We have the tools needed to quickly locate and flush out a clog, so your pipes are squeaky clean and as good as new. The job may take more work if tree roots are the problem, but we will locate the problem and get your water moving again. If you notice a clog, get it taken care of quickly. A blockage can cause added stress to your pipes and will significantly lessen their lifespan.

Frozen/Burst Pipes 

Winters can be very cold in Bozeman, where temperatures go down to below 0 degrees. When the water inside the pipes freeze, there is a great potential for disaster. We receive more calls about burst pipes in the winter than any other plumbing issue that homeowners face. As the temperatures drop, water can freeze inside exposed pipes. If this happens, the pipe can expand and burst, causing water to gush into your home, damaging walls, floors, and any possessions nearby. These plumbing emergencies are costly and frustrating to clean up. To avoid this type of plumbing emergency, it’s best to take steps to winterize your pipes before temperatures plummet for the season. We can repair or replace frozen and burst pipes to avoid further damages to your home.

How Does the Water in Bozeman Affect Your Plumbing?

The city of Bozeman annually produces a water quality report that details all the contaminants detected in the city’s water. According to the report, the city’s water meets or exceeds every federal and state regulation for clean drinking water. The city makes a special note that the water coming down the pipeline contains absolutely no lead.

Unfortunately, home plumbing systems, especially old ones, can contain pipes with lead that may leak into the home’s tap water. Solder that joined copper pipes in homes built before 1986 contained lead. Older homes built in the early 1900s may also have lead-ridden pipes in their plumbing systems. To eliminate the threat of lead contamination, the city created the Lead Service Line Replacement Program in 2016. The goal was to replace all lead pipes so that homeowners and their families were safe, and the project was complete in early 2020.

If you live in an older home and worry about lead, a plumber in Bozeman can help you out. We test residential water every day and can tell you precisely what’s coming out of your tap.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Bozeman?

Plumbing jobs come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s impossible to list a standard price. We encounter everything from dripping faucets to complete remodels, so if you need plumbing services, it’s best to call to receive a quote on your specific need. Homeowners pay between $100 and $722 for plumbing service, with the average cost being $411.We consider several factors when calculating your final price. Some of them include:

How Long Will it Take?

Plumbers, like us, in Bozeman charge an hourly rate during a service call. The average cost in Bozeman is around $75 per hour. Your plumbing project cost will depend on how long it takes to get the job done. We work efficiently to repair your pipes, but a dripping faucet will take much longer than a repipe job to remove lead contamination. Your final price will significantly depend on the size of your plumbing needs and the time it will take to get it done. This will be the greatest factor in determining the amount you’ll pay.

What Equipment is Needed?

We often need to replace old or faulty parts to get things in working order again. Just like any other service repair, we will add the cost of parts to your final bill. Those prices will vary based on how expensive each part is to purchase. For example, a water heater replacement will cost much more than the materials needed to wrap your pipes for winter. 

Is it an Emergency?

Most local plumbers, like us, offer emergency plumbing services because we know that pipes can burst at any time of day or night. If you find yourself calling us in the middle of the night, you can probably expect to pay a little more. Most plumbers in Bozeman charge an increased hourly rate when it’s outside business hours – and who can blame them? They likely had to get out of bed to save your home from flooding, and they deserve to be compensated for it.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Bozeman?

Most people don’t think about their home plumbing until a problem pops up. The best way to save money on your plumbing is by being proactive and fixing problems before they get too big. If you notice any of the following plumbing issues, call Mr Blue Plumbing ASAP. That minor issue is worth the price of a service call when it could end up being an expensive plumbing emergency down the line.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes are a nuisance, and most people ignore them until something major happens. A leak is a symptom of a bigger issue, and it’s best to get it fixed sooner than later. If left untreated, a leaking pipe could burst, causing significant water damage to your walls and floor and costing you thousands of dollars to clean up. We see leaks every day, and they’re usually quick and painless to diagnose and treat. A burst pipe and water damage, on the other hand, are difficult and expensive to repair. In addition to the risk of a burst pipe, that steady leak can wreak havoc on your home. Sitting water is a breeding ground for mold and mildew to grow, causing allergies and respiratory issues affecting you and your family.

Low Water Pressure

Many homeowners think they have to live with low water pressure, and they’re left dissatisfied with their home plumbing. Not only is this a frustrating way to live, but low water pressure is usually a sign that something is wrong. If left untreated, your pipes and fixtures will have to work much harder to bring water down the pipes, greatly reducing their lifespan. It can also be a sign of corrosion, which can leak dangerous contaminants into your water supply. If you have low water pressure, contact us to diagnose the problem. The price of a service call will be much lower than a repipe job on an overworked plumbing system in several years.

Winterize Your Pipes

Bozeman winters are brutal, and if exposed to the elements, pipes can freeze and burst. Burst pipes are plumbing emergencies that can damage your homes and cost you greatly. Prep your pipes before winter hits by taking a few preventative measures. Have us wrap your pipes so they’re protected from extreme temperatures and when it’s cold, leave your bathroom cabinets open, close the garage door and let your faucets drip. You’ll be glad you took a few extra steps to keep your pipes safe from the cold.

Dropcountr

Dropcountr is an app that Bozeman homeowners can download free of charge. The program helps you monitor your home water usage so you can work to conserve and save money at the same time.

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

Sometimes it’s hard to know who to call about your plumbing issues. Generally, any plumbing problems that occur on your property are your responsibility to take care of. Leaking pipes, fixture replacements, and clogged drains warrant a call to Mr Blue Plumbing. On the other hand, if the issue is beyond the main sewage line or your water meter, the city’s utility department will take care of it. If you notice a problem on the city side, give them a call at (406) 582-2300. They’ll be happy to take care of the problem immediately.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Bozeman?

If you’re doing basic repairs to your home plumbing, a permit is not required in Bozeman. Basic fixture replacements and leaky pipes are okay, too. On the other hand, you will need to apply for a permit before altering or adding to any of the existing plumbing in your home or if you’re adding a new fixture in a different location. If you have any questions about permits, call (406) 582-2931, and they’ll advise you on what you need for your specific project.