AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Sparks, NV

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Sparks?

Sparks, NV, is a lovely city just outside of Reno, and it is home to over 100,000 residents. Our city is known for having amazing views, gorgeous nature centers and trails, and a wide selection of premier golf courses. Sparks is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Those who have lived in Sparks long enough have probably experienced at least one of the several plumbing issues that are common to the area, including leaking appliances, low water pressure, and clogged drains.

Leaking Appliances

Leaking appliances, such as faucets and toilets cause households to waste hundreds, or even thousands, of gallons of water per month. Not only does this have a negative impact on the environment and conservation efforts, but it can also lead to significantly higher water bills every month. It sometimes seems easier to ignore a leaking or running appliance, but these matters are best handled sooner rather than later. Small leaks can turn into much larger problems quickly and without notice, leading to all kinds of property damage in no time at all. 

In Sparks, the most common cause of leaks is the city’s soft water, which pulls minerals out of your pipes and contributes to pinhole leaks. The resulting loss of water pressure puts unnecessary strain on your appliances and plumbing equipment.

Low Water Pressure

Showers are normally a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, and many people do some of their best creative thinking while taking a long, hot shower. Showers become much less pleasant when low water pressure is involved, as it makes it difficult to get the shampoo out of your hair and soap off your body. Low water pressure can also make your appliances run less efficiently, ultimately using more water than would otherwise be necessary to carry out everyday tasks.  

The soft water in Sparks pulls gradually corrodes piping, often causing leaks that can result in low water pressure over time. But if you notice a sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home, you may have a leak on your hands. 

Clogged Drains

If you have never run into clogged drain issues, consider yourself lucky. Food, hair, soap, and other similar particles form a solid mass that prevents water from flowing down, causing a clogged drain. Tree roots from the very large native trees that have pushed through piping and begin to grow inside them may also cause a clog. If you have multiple drains that are clogged at once, you may have a main pipe blocked by tree roots or other debris. 

Clogged drains are annoying, and they are also a nasty problem when they aren’t taken care of promptly. Bacteria and fungi love clogged drains and standing water, and they can grow and thrive in a tub or sink that is clogged. Some people hope that clogs will resolve themselves over time, but it’s best to get the situation handled as soon as possible to avoid an even nastier situation from occurring. Some chemical declogging agents can work when used occasionally, but they can also damage and corrode your pipes when used too frequently. Generally, it’s best to call our plumbers instead. 

How Does the Water in Sparks Affect Your Plumbing?

The water in Sparks is typically considered soft, which is great news for homeowners in the area. Soft water tends to have fewer hard water minerals within the water supply, including calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not harmful to health in drinking or bathing water, but they can lead to mineral buildup on appliances, reduced water efficiency, staining on laundry and dishes, and much more. Many homeowners in Sparks don’t have to worry about these problems thanks to our soft water, but you may experience corrosion inside your pipes, discolored tap water, and pinhole leaks as a result of soft water.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Sparks?

The average cost for a plumber in Sparks is around $500, though your final bill can be much higher or much lower depending upon numerous factors. Our plumbers typically charge an hourly rate, while some simple jobs demand a flat fee. However, when we calculate our plumbing costs, the three largest factors we consider are the size of the job, the types of equipment needed to complete it, and whether it’s an emergency service or a routine visit. 

Size of Job

Our plumbers can handle a wide variety of projects, from clogged drains to complete home remodels. Jobs that are a much larger undertaking, such as laying stretches of new piping, will cost significantly more than those that consist of fixing a leaky pipe. Unfortunately, many homeowners have had the unpleasant experience of calling a plumber for a seemingly small issue, only for our plumber to find that the problem is due to a much larger problem than it seems.

It can be impossible to know how large a particular job will be until we take a look, which is why it’s helpful to ask us for a free estimate before our plumber gets to work. This allows us to take a more in-depth look at the issue and give you a projected price, preventing you from being surprised with a huge bill that you didn’t expect.

Equipment Needed

Our plumbers rely on their tools to get nearly every plumbing job done, and many tasks can be done with little more than what we have in our toolbox. At the same time, even the most talented plumbers need to bring in more specialized equipment to complete a task once in a while. When we have to bring in heavy-duty equipment to dig up pipes, or other similar tasks, it will be reflected in your final bill.

Emergency Services

Although there is never a great time for a plumbing disaster to strike, some plumbing emergencies cost significantly more than others due to the time of day, or night, they occur. We offer emergency plumbing services 24/7, as there are some plumbing emergencies that truly can’t wait, even if they occur at four in the morning.

Some plumbing issues can wait until the normal workweek, but it’s better to be safe than sorry if you aren’t sure. Emergency services will cost more than those performed during regular business hours, but paying extra to get a burst pipe taken care of promptly can save you money in the long run by saving your home from significant property damage.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Sparks?

Yes, better plumbing can definitely save you money no matter where you live, but this is especially true in Sparks. Many homeowners don’t want to spend money on getting a new plumbing system installed throughout their home, but this upfront expense can save you substantial amounts of money in the long run. 

Better plumbing made out of high-quality materials will last a long time and is typically able to prevent any major plumbing emergencies like burst pipes. Improved plumbing also reduces your odds of needing to call our plumbers for frequent leaks or clogs, the bills for which can add up quickly. Plus, better plumbing can help your home use water more efficiently, saving you hundreds or thousands per year on reduced water bills.

Whether you plan to sell your home anytime soon, having a new system installed can also substantially raise the value of your home. Many buyers prefer homes with new fixtures and pipes, as this helps ensure that a new owner won’t deal with a plumbing nightmare anytime soon. 

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

For the vast majority of water and plumbing needs, you will be responsible for hiring our plumbers to diagnose and fix the issue. You should call the water utility company instead when you want more information about your water bill or if you need your water shut off or turned on. You should also call them if you see a public water emergency, such as sewage backup or flooding on public property.

For plumbing issues in your home, our plumber will take a look at the problems you are experiencing, and they will be able to tell you if the issue stems from your home’s plumbing fixtures or if it’s a problem with the city water. When it stems from water utility issues, they can call the right entity to get the problem taken care of, or they can usually begin remedying the problem on the spot when the problem is with your home’s plumbing.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Sparks?

Most plumbing projects that involve installing completely new plumbing fixtures or replacing previously established ones require permits from the City. If your plumbing project just involves getting your drains cleared or a leak fixed, and it doesn’t require any new pipe layout, you won’t need a permit.

Despite these rules of thumb, it can be difficult to know whether you need a plumbing permit for certain tasks or projects. Fortunately, our plumbers have extensive knowledge of local ordinances and statutes, and they can help you determine whether you will need a permit or not.

Some homeowners are tempted to skip out on the whole permit application and fee process, deeming it an unnecessary headache. This is a big mistake, as you can be subjected to hefty fines for opting out of this process, and it can put you and your neighbors in a dangerous position. Additionally, homeowner’s insurance policies won’t cover damage caused by unpermitted work, and it can cost a fortune to redo the work to bring it up to code.