AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Reno, NV

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Reno?

Some of the most common plumbing issues seen in Reno include leaky faucets and fixtures, water heater problems, and continuously running toilets. These plumbing issues aren’t necessarily unique to Reno, as people across the country struggle with these problems. At the same time, an inefficient plumbing system or plumbing issues may be even more problematic in desert climates like Reno due to the dry, arid climate and frequent droughts. 

Water is so scarce that most residents understand the importance of not wasting water. Still, authorities may also charge fines when they catch residents using large volumes of water irresponsibly. 

Because water is such a precious resource, especially in Reno, staying on top of plumbing issues should be a priority for homeowners and businesses. Leaky faucets and fixtures, inefficient or broken water heaters, and continuously running toilets can all waste a shocking amount of water in a very short amount of time. These problems not only contribute to water issues Reno residents face regularly, but they can also make your monthly water bill skyrocket. 

How Does the Water in Reno Affect Your Plumbing?

Reno’s residents are lucky enough to get water sourced from the Truckee River. The Truckee River has links to Lake Tahoe, and much of its water comes from snow and rain in the Tahoe and Truckee River basins within the Sierra Nevada. Some water comes from about 90 wells in nearby vicinities, and some come from groundwater satellite systems. Reno’s tap water is safe to drink and use for cooking and other household chores, though some households may experience hard water. 

The water in Reno is generally very soft, especially considered to other areas in the country, but many households experience hard water coming from their taps. Hard water is full of minerals and compounds that can make water taste musty, and it can cause mineral buildup on fixtures. Hard water can also make soaps and detergents less effective, lead to soap scum and grime, and dry out your skin. If you think you have a hard water problem, it’s a good idea to connect with our plumbers, as hard water buildup can make your appliances and plumbing much less efficient. We can set you up with a cost-effective water softening system that will protect your appliances, increase your water efficiency, and keep your skin adequately moisturized. 

The main concern with water in Reno, however, is conservation. Efficient and modern plumbing systems will use water much more efficiently, leading to less waste and lower bills. If you have leaks, clogs, or damaged pipes, you should call Mr Blue Plumbing as quickly as possible to get the issue resolved without wasting too much water. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Reno?

The cost for plumbing services can vary widely depending upon numerous factors that can be difficult to know at the start of a project. Our plumbers can handle tons of different problems, such as fixing a small leak to renovating entire plumbing systems for a new home layout. Our plumbers typically charge an hourly rate, usually between $50-$150 per hour in Reno, and other jobs demand a flat fee instead. It’s best to get a quote from us beforehand so that an unexpectedly colossal bill doesn’t blindside you. 

The three main factors that contribute to a project’s cost are the size of the project, how long it will take to complete, and whether special equipment is needed to finish the job.

Cost Factor: Size of the Project

Is our plumber coming in to handle something small and relatively straightforward, like a leaky faucet or clogged sink? If so, your total may be around $150. Or are you bringing them in to tackle a much larger, more complex problem, such as reorganizing the layout of your plumbing system during home renovation or replacing underground piping? This may reach into the thousands of dollars. The larger the project, the more you can expect to spend, as bigger projects may require more staff and more expensive materials. 

Cost Factor: Time to Complete the Project

Along with the size of the project, another factor is the amount of time it will take for our plumber and their team to complete it. Some projects can take as little as an hour, but others may require days or weeks of labor. If the job is charged hourly, the amount of time it will take to complete a project will come into play more for determining your bottom line. 

Interestingly, our plumbers find themselves incredibly busy after major holidays, especially Thanksgiving. When people don’t dispose of food scraps properly after large gatherings, it can lead to clogs and other plumbing issues. As a result, saving your plumbing project for less busy times of the year when possible, like the spring or summer months, can reduce the hourly rate our plumber charges. 

Cost Factor: What Equipment Is Needed

Our plumbers can complete some projects with little more than a wrench, and this lack of needed equipment will reflect a much lower price on your bill. If, on the other hand, you need your water heater completely replaced, or our plumber has to rent specialized equipment to get a more complex job done, your bill will be much higher. This is especially true if heavy-duty digging equipment is needed to reach your underground pipes or sewage system or if our plumber is replacing a good chunk of your pipes or fixtures. 

Getting a quote from us ahead of time allows us to look at the issues and estimate costs after determining what type of equipment will be needed. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Reno?

Having a better plumbing system can save you money. Staying on top of your home or business’s plumbing may not seem like a significant investment on the surface, but having our experts investigate your property’s system regularly can help you save a considerable amount of money. Extensive and expensive plumbing problems often start small, and they are much cheaper to fix in their early stages. Not knowing about minor plumbing problems, or putting off fixing them to save a quick buck now, can result in much higher plumbing costs and even property damage if the issue gets bad enough. 

Plus, investing in better plumbing equipment can also save you tons of money by saving on your water bill. It may be tempting to skimp out and opt to purchase less expensive materials when undergoing a plumbing project, large or small, but purchasing higher quality piping or fixtures at the time of the plumbing project may save you more money in the long run. Higher quality piping will not only last longer, but it may also make your water systems run more efficiently.

Our plumbers are experts in all things plumbing, and they can help you make informed decisions about which plumbing equipment will work best for your unique situation. They may recommend low-flow toilets, faucets, or showerheads to reduce your water consumption, and they can help you pick out a water heater that is reliable and runs efficiently. 

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

In most cases, and for most plumbing issues, calling our specialists is a better bet. The City of Reno will handle sewer backups or leaks if they are on the City’s property. The City can handle blockages in its sewer mains or leaking fire hydrants, but backups in your home’s sewage system or leaks within your property will have to be handled by plumbers like us.

If you believe there is a water or sewage problem with city property, you can call 334-2243 to have City staff check to see if the blockage involves a City main or if it’s within your property. The crew will remove the backup if they determine that it is within a City main; otherwise, it will be up to you to contact a plumber like Mr. Blue Plumbing to handle the blockage within your system. 

Generally, the only other times you will call the water utility company is to start or stop service, if you plan to dig on your property, or if you have any questions about your water bill. Most other plumbing issues, like burst pipes, mineral buildup on fixtures, clogged drains, and other similar problems, will have to be handled by our plumbers. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Reno?

Reno residents usually don’t need permits for plumbing service in their home or business, especially when plumbing is simply fixing an existing plumbing issue, such as leaks or clogs. More commonly, a person will need a plumbing permit if they are building a new home or are restructuring their plumbing system in some way for a home renovation. Like a multi-family complex or large business, other significant jobs may also require a plumbing permit from the City of Reno, especially when the City will add new plumbing systems or electrical wiring to the property. 

Our plumbers will know which jobs require permits from the City and which they can do without filling out additional paperwork and extra fees. They can even help you fill out the paperwork.