AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Concord, NC

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Concord?

The City of Concord has three historic districts – North Union, South Union, and Edgewood. Homes in this neighborhood are protected as historical assets and may require special permits before certain types of plumbing work can be done. As with all older homes, there are certain plumbing issues to be aware of. Depending on the materials used to make the pipes in your plumbing, they can last anywhere from 20 to 70 years, or more.

It’s a good idea to have a licensed plumber like Mr. Blue Plumbing inspect your pipes for any signs of leaks or damages if you’re living in an older historic house. Some metals, such as brass supply pipes, can last up to 70 years without needing to be replaced, galvanized pipes can need replacing in a little as 20 years. Galvanized pipes can also leach dangerous lead into your water supply, so it’s a good idea to get this kind of pipe replaced. This is especially true in an area like Concord where the city’s soft water corrodes pipes and appliances more rapidly than hard water.

Older homes also typically need fixtures replaced. Lots of residents in older homes eventually replace items such as water heaters sinks, toilets, and showers or bathtubs. It’s also the smaller fixtures such as faucets and showerheads that need replacing. By having our plumbers replace an older fixture with a new low flow model, homeowners can save quite a bit of money on their water bills. They can also save money by having their water heater regularly cleaned to keep it functioning optimally, and replacing it every 10 years. You may find that more frequent replacement is required in Concord because the city’s soft water corrodes the inside of the tank and can decrease efficiency and lead to leaks over time.

Concord reminds its residents not to put grease and oils down the drains as this can clog pipes and cause serious problems with sewer lines. The city also experiences issues with residents flushing items not meant for sewer lines, which also leads to clogs. Many plumbing issues are due to oil, grease, or other materials such as flushable wipes going down drains. It’s a smart idea to have oru plumbers come and clean your drain and pipes regularly to keep everything working well and prevent more expensive clogs or leaks in the future. 

9.6% of the City of Concord is located in a flood hazard area. While flooding normally occurs in areas next to rivers or streams, it can also happen where good water drainage is a problem. If you’re a resident who lives in one of these areas, you should know that flooding can affect your plumbing. Floods that come into contact with your home can cause serious problems with your home’s foundation and the water can cause plumbing to weaken, crack, or even become dislodged. If you’ve recently experienced a flood, it’s important to get our licensed plumbers out to make sure your plumbing is still working well. 

How Does the Water in Concord Affect Your Plumbing?

The State of North Carolina has an average water hardness of 46 ppm, which is classified as soft. This means that Concord residents shouldn’t have to deal with mineral buildup clogging the insides of pipes like those with hard water deal with. Concord partners with Albemarle to supply its residents with water from the Tuckertown Reservoir, and several contaminants have been found in this water.

Mostly, water contaminants won’t affect plumbing as much as having older pipes will. Older homes that are using galvanized pipes can have lead leaching into their drinking water, especially if the water sits in the pipes for a long time. It’s important to have our licensed plumbers come and inspect your plumbing if you have galvanized pipes in your home, and you can also have a water test performed to check the level of lead in your water. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Concord?

Plumbing costs vary across the country according to the region where you live as well as several other factors, including the type of work you need done and who you hire. In Concord, plumbing costs typically fall between $91 and $861, with $376 being the average cost. If you are planning on hiring our plumbers, you’re probably wondering what kind of costs to expect.

Something to be aware of is that our plumbers typically charge a flat rate for certain types of quick and common issues, and also have an hourly rate for larger jobs that are more difficult or require more time to complete. For example, there might be a flat rate fee for swapping out a bathroom fixture or stopping a leaky faucet, but upgrading your pipes or adding new plumbing into an addition will probably be charged by the hour. Now, let’s take a look at the most significant facts that affect plumbing costs in Concord. 

Type of Job

It may seem obvious, but the smaller and more simple the job the less it will cost you. Some issues, like unclogging a drain or toilet or stopping a leak, are quick and usually fairly simple. They can be performed by one of our plumbers and won’t require an extensive set of tools. Jobs like these will be in the lower cost range. On the other hand, if you have a large-scale job, such as repairing a burst pipe or laying new pipes in a newly built addition, these issues are more demanding and time-consuming, and they will be more expensive. 

When You Need the Work Done

If only plumbing emergencies would happen during regular business hours. Sadly, burst pipes, septic backups, overflowing toilets, and other emergencies can happen at any time of the day or night. While some problems, like a leaky faucet, can probably wait to be dealt with until Monday, other issues demand prompt attention to protect your home from severe water damage or another serious problem. If you have to call our plumbers in the middle of the night, or on a weekend or holiday, it will cost extra compared to the price for normal business hours.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Concord?

There are several ways that excellent plumbing can save you money. Even what might seem like a minor issue can end up saving you a lot of money over the course of a year. For example, one slowly dripping faucet will waste 140 gallons of water per year, which is enough water for nearly 14 showers. That’s a lot of water and money down the drain. There are other small swaps you can make to save money, such as switching to low-flow faucets and showerheads. Typically, you won’t notice a difference in water pressure, but you will use significantly less water and can save a lot of money.

There are other ways that plumbing can save you money also. By replacing old galvanized pipes, you won’t have to worry about lead in your drinking water and can protect your family’s health. Making that initial investment into better plumbing can save you a lot of money in the long run. The same is true for water heaters. Water heaters should be replaced every 10 years, on average, and the cost of buying and installing a new one can be pricey. However, a new energy-efficient water heater will save you a lot of money each year and is a smart investment to make. 

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

The Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County is the agent in charge of water utilities for Concord, NC. Additionally, the City of Concord has a Wastewater Department that manages the sewer system. In general, Concord residents are responsible for maintaining the sewer service lines located on their property, while the city handles the mainlines that run under the streets. If you are experiencing a plumbing issue within your home, it’s best to call our plumbers to come out and take a look. They will be able to identify the source of the problem quickly and let you know if it’s an issue your water utility should deal with. If you have a sewer service question, you can contact the city’s Wastewater Department by calling (704) 920-5555.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Concord?

If you’re living in one of Concord’s historic districts, you should get a permit from the city before having any renovations or major work done. If you live in another area of the city, you typically do not need a permit to have simple repairs done or fixtures updated. If you are installing plumbing in a newly built addition, you will have to hire our licensed plumbers to carry out the work and prove it is up to code through an inspection. For most simple fixes and procedures, such as repairing a leaky pipe, no permit is necessary for work to begin.