AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Clayton, NC

What Are The Most Common Plumbing Issues In Clayton?

Clayton residents frequently deal with sewer clogging issues because of objects they shouldn’t flush, ending up in the sewer lines and grease and oil buildup inside pipes. The town of Clayton reminds its residents to only flush toilet paper and never pour oil down a drain. Plumbers are frequently called to unclog drains and sewer service lines due to these issues. 

Other common issues many Clayton residents deal with relate to swimming pools. With the hot summer temperatures Clayton experiences, a swimming pool is a sought-after amenity. Many pool owners deal with issues that require a plumber. For example, filter debris or inadequate filter pressure can require a professional’s assistance. In some cases, filter systems need to be thoroughly cleaned and hardware replaced to get the system working correctly. In addition to filter issues, some it’s the heating system that needs to be looked at. Pool water heaters require regular maintenance and cleaning. 

Another issue that is common in this area is frozen pipes. During the cold winter months, it’s common for pipes located along outside walls or through crawlspaces to freeze and burst if precautions aren’t taking. Insulating your pipes and allowing water to drip from faucets, especially if you’re going to leave your home for several days, is always a good idea when the temperatures dip below freezing. Everyone should know where the water shutoff valve in their home is and call a plumber to thaw their pipes if they freeze. It’s also important to remember to disconnect your garden house in the fall and make sure any outside water connections have been shut off before winter. 

How Does The Water In Clayton Affect Your Plumbing?

The Town of Clayton purchases all of its water from Johnson County Public Utilities, sourced from the Neuse River. Each year Clayton tests local drinking water and publishes a water quality report. Most recent water reports have shown the water in Clayton to be soft, with 30mg/L of calcium carbonate. Any level up to 60mg/L qualifying as soft water. This amount of calcium carbonate means that Clayton residents don’t have to worry about unsightly mineral deposits building up inside their pipes and showers. 

However, there are other water issues to be aware of in this area. In the annual water report, the Clayton government advises its residents to check for lead in their home plumbing. While the water that gets piped into residents’ homes is clean, lead can leach into the water if your home is fitted with older pipes. The town advises minimizing your risk by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before drinking water that has been sitting in the pipes for a few hours. If you’re concerned about lead in your water, you can have it tested, and it’s always a good idea to have a licensed plumber inspect your pipes.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Clayton?

The plumbing cost always varies based on the amount of work required and the area you live in. However, in Clayton, prices range between $83 and $606, with the average cost being $344. Many plumbers will offer a flat rate from smaller jobs and an hourly rate for more extensive repairs, installations, or complex problems. 

An excellent way to avoid more costly expenses is to regularly have your plumbing systems looked at by a professional. Over time, pipes can become corroded or damaged, and even a tiny leak can cause a significant water damage problem in your home. Getting your pipes cleaned regularly can prevent a significant blockage in the future, and cleaning out your water heater also keeps it functioning optimally and can extend its lifespan. 

However, if you’re currently experiencing a plumbing issue and need to call in a professional, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost. Several factors can affect the price of plumbing repairs. Let’s take a closer look at the aspects that have the most significant impact on plumbing costs.

Is the Job Repair or Replacement?

Replacing existing plumbing can be very costly, with prices into the thousands of dollars. Even if you are replacing a smaller fixture, toilet, or sink, it can still get pricey as you must pay for the new components themselves as well as the cost of labor to install them. Replacement jobs are also more time-consuming and more extensive in scope. This is especially true if the work you need involves replacing old, corroded pipes or installing new plumbing. On the other hand, repair jobs might include fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, or something relatively quick and straightforward, which translates to a lower cost. 

If you’re currently facing a large replacement plumbing job, it’s essential to consider the long-term return on your investment. Replacing older pipes will help prevent leaks, water damage, and harmful chemicals leaching into your drinking water. Replacing an old water heater can help you not only heat water faster but also save money. Sometimes investing in upgrades to your plumbing systems is worth it. 

Timing

Some jobs just can’t wait. Sewer line backups, burst or leaking pipes, and sump pump failure are just a few scenarios that require immediate attention. If a plumber has to come out after working hours, on the weekend, or a holiday, there will be an added charge. Even if your emergency happens during regular working hours, if your plumber already has a full schedule, it could cost more. For these reasons, as soon as you notice a minor issue, it’s good to contact a professional. Don’t wait until you have an expensive emergency on your hands to get your plumbing looked at. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money In Clayton?

There are many ways that plumbing upgrades can save you money. If you own an older home with galvanized piping, the insides are most likely filled with corrosion and rust, and there’s a possibility that lead is leaching into your drinking water. These types of pipes are also more prone to lower water pressure and leaks. By swapping them out for newer materials, you can prevent expensive water damage from leaking pipes in the future, and you can be sure your drinking water is safer and cleaner. 

There are other ways good plumbing can save you money, too. Having a plumber clean your water heater regularly will increase its efficiency, and replacing an old one can also save you money. While a new water heater can be an expensive initial investment, it can save you money on your energy bill over time, especially if you go with a new energy-efficient design. Water heaters are the second-largest consumer of energy in the home, so talking to your plumber about the best options available is a good idea. 

Even small changes can save you a lot of money on your water bills. Switching to a low-flow faucet and showerhead will significantly decrease your water usage without a noticeable difference in water pressure. Getting running toilets or leaky faucets fixed can save a lot of money on wasted water. Even a tiny leak can add up to as much as 90 gallons of water lost per day. Don’t forget your outdoor irrigation systems, either. If you’re a Clayton resident who uses a sprinkler system or garden hose during the summer months, be sure and check the water connections for leaks. 

When Should You Call The Water Utility Company In Clayton Vs Hire a Plumber?

Cleaning out sewer service lines is the responsibility of Clayton’s property owner, while the town handles maintenance related to the mainline. If you’re experiencing a sewer backup or other issues within your home, you should hire a plumber to take a look. It may be necessary to replace the service line that runs to your home. If this is the case, the replacement must be performed by a licensed utility contractor. If the problem is determined to be coming from the main sewer line in the street, the town will inspect and deal with this issue. You can report a problem with the sewer mainline by calling (919) 553-1530. 

When Do You Need Permits For Plumbing Service in Clayton?

A plumbing permit is not required for minor replacements and repairs that don’t disrupt the actual waste or water supply system. Also, no permit is needed to replace a water heater if the work is performed by a licensed plumber and is for a one or two-family dwelling. However, a permit is required to install, extend, replace, or repair a more extensive plumbing system. After filling out the plumbing permit and submitting it to the Town of Clayton Engineering and Inspections Department, a staff member will review your application within 24 hours.