AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Jacksonville, NC

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Jacksonville?

Those who live here in Jacksonville, North Carolina know our summers are often hot and muggy, while winters are cold and windy. With also 54 inches of rain per year here, it’s not hard to see why something like a drain clog in your sink could become a top plumbing issue.

These are just some plumbing issues your Jacksonville home could encounter during the year. Some other things you might experience:

Mineral Buildup and Low Water Pressure

Mineral buildup often occurs in Jacksonville because of our water quality. Hard water affects plumbing by depositing minerals that slowly form layers within pipes. As this occurs, it restricts water flow, leading to a low water pressure issue. This can be remediated by applying a water softening unit to the source.

However, low water pressure can also be caused by one or more leaks. If you notice a sudden spike in your water bill, then this may be the issue. If you have trouble locating the leak on your own, give us a call so we can help you out.

Clogs

On their own, things like grease, hair, and other food wastes that go down the drain can already cause problems. Here, a bad mixture of hard water and detergent, soap, shampoo, and other products can also encourage residue to form within our pipes, causing clogs and even blockages. 

Some residents attempt to fix these on their own by buying a toilet snake or drain clog products. Avoid buying store-bought snakes since these are sometimes poorly made and cause potential damage. Drain clog fluids can also cause damage if not used correctly.

Inspecting drains with small digital cameras is the new technological way to safely diagnose all drainage issues. We can help you with that.

Malfunctioning Appliances

Malfunctioning appliances are common in areas with hard to very hard water. Why? Because of the amount of minerals the water contains. Minerals can also cause buildup within appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines, causing them to malfunction from time to time. When this happens, your appliances end up using up more energy, which in turn makes them less efficient.

How Does the Water in Jacksonville Affect Your Plumbing?

Jacksonville continues to update its water pipes and outdated water systems to ensure safety. They’ve done this over the last five years through the Western Regional Pump Station, Force Main, and Trunk Sewer project. This was intended to increase additional sewer capacity in the Northwestern part of Jacksonville. It was also to help divert sewer flow from existing sanitary sewers to reduce flows on the current sewer system.

In addition to these upgrades, Jacksonville keeps tabs on its water quality. The water is generally high quality and hard, if always vulnerable to some contaminants and small amounts of lead. 

Hard water occurs when water accumulates specific minerals, like calcium or magnesium. As this flows through your pipes, minerals start to build up within the pipes. Furthermore, hard water coupled with other materials, like detergent, shampoo, and soap, can create residue in drains called soap scum.

To amend hard water, water softeners can usually be put in place. Unfortunately, not every homeowner realizes the problems that hard water can bring.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Jacksonville?

What you pay in the way of plumbing repair in Jacksonville depends on a number of factors that are sometimes impossible to control. Most plumbing rates stay at scale level for normal work. The cost of each job varies based on what we charge and what we discover after a diagnosis.

The average cost for plumbing repair in Jacksonville is $349, with the lowest price being as little as $84 for a basic job. On the high end, you might have to pay as much as $615 for a more complex problem.

Let’s take a look at other cost factors and what those might mean for your budget:

Replacing Your Pipes

Some plumbing jobs go beyond the basics of fixing leaks. Your pipes may have rusted so badly, they need replacement now. This could exceed any average maximum bill, depending on how many new pipes you need.

Copper pipes usually cost the most. PVC/PEX pipes cost a little less and are more popular as a result.

Remember, this doesn’t include permit fees, inspection fees, or the cost of materials.

Extra Labor from Natural Disasters

During a flash flood (or after a hurricane) in Jacksonville, a plumbing job could take an entire day to complete. Fixing clogged drains in a post-hurricane scenario is often a protracted and stressful job. It might even take more than one day for everything to get repaired.

That work could take longer if other disasters occur and disrupt water lines. Don’t forget Jacksonville and all of Onslow County are prone to droughts, earthquakes and even tsunamis. All of these could affect plumbing in one way or another, extending more time for repair.

Adding Other Fixtures

Other materials or plumbing fixtures may need replacing just as we are working on another matter. A water heater replacement alone could happen unexpectedly, adding to the cost. Even a septic system repair job or replacement is possible.

Recycling Plumbing Materials

During major plumbing jobs, disposing of old piping and other removed equipment becomes a necessary final step. Removing a hot water heater, for instance, means someone having to haul it to a metal dealer or a recycling center.

Discarding old water pipes requires extra work on our part. We also sometimes offer to take your old piping away for recycling if you’re willing to pay an extra fee.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Jacksonville?

Upgrading your plumbing saves you money in the long run since it prevents future issues from happening at the worst possible times. Investing in good plumbing service now is worth it when you consider more complicated repairs later cost a fortune.

Old homes and buildings still exist in Jacksonville, with some never adding new fixtures. While these homes sell for cheaper, investing in better water pipes should be prioritized. Make sure you choose water pipes that are less likely to suffer from mineral buildup, like PEX/PVC pipes. 

You’ll also be able to save money on your water and energy bills if you invest in WaterSense and Energy Star-certified fixtures and services. In some places, there are even rebate programs available.

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

Plumbing problems sometimes come from nearby water pipes belonging to your water utility, which is through the City of Jacksonville. Should you call them first if you suspect a leak is occurring somewhere in the pipeline?

It all depends on the location of the leak. If you call them now, only leaks discovered on their side of your water meter are repaired by city officials.

One way to scope out a leak is to turn off your water and check your outdoor water meter. Are the numbers on the meter’s panel still turning? If they are, then you have a leak somewhere on your own property. Doing this test saves money because the city of Jacksonville might charge you for the inspection.

Only then should you call us, since (like most water utilities) Jacksonville’s water utility won’t repair your own leaks. While the city also has three other independent water utility companies (ONWASA, Scientific Water Co., and Mercer Environmental), it’s basically the same procedure.

After you get your plumbing bill, present it to your particular water utility company. They might give you a bill credit for the leak discovery.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Jacksonville?

Obtaining permits to do plumbing work in individual cities can confuse many residents and business owners. It’s mandatory in most places to obtain a permit if our team does work in any type of dwelling.

Jacksonville’s laws state any kind of plumbing being installed or replaced needs a permit. You can get a permit through the city’s Development Services Department/Planning & Inspections Division. Their plumbing permit form is fairly simple to understand and only one page. Your contractor needs to fill it out, plus indicate what type of plumbing services they’re giving you.

It’s possible to fill out the form digitally, then attach it in an email when sending it off to the city’s permitting specialist.

The permit needs to be in line with North Carolina’s Plumbing Code, something you should give a thorough read before the permit is turned in.