AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Albany, NY

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Albany?

Homeowners in Albany face many common plumbing challenges like leaky pipes and dripping faucets that are compounded by old, tired pipes. Here are a few of the most common issues that Albany homeowners face and when you should call a local plumber in Albany for help.

Leaks, Drips, and Clogs

Leaking pipes and dripping faucets are certainly a nuisance, but they are far from harmless problems. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each week, and your water bill can skyrocket. If you notice a pool of water under your sink or a constantly dripping faucet, it’s best to call our plumbers as soon as you can. It’s a quick fix that will save you far more money than the price of a major issue. 

Clogged drains are a very common problem in homes, especially those with old plumbing. Pipes can get clogged with all kinds of disgusting substances like hair, grease, or soap scum that have accumulated over the years. If your water isn’t draining properly and you can’t unclog it yourself, we can take care of the issue. We have the tools to locate and unclog your pipes quickly. Sometimes, a more complicated clog can take more time to fix. If you have tree roots growing through your pipes underground, our plumber will have to dig up old pipes to replace them. The good news is, wherever the clog is located and whatever’s inside, our experts will know exactly how to handle it. 

Sump Pump Repair and Replacement

Owning a sump pump is like investing in insurance for your basement and everything inside. The last thing any homeowner wants to find is a faulty sump pump and several inches of water on their basement floor. With four seasons that bring precipitation of all kinds, it’s important to make sure your sump pump is in working order. Call our plumbers in Albany to troubleshoot your appliance, diagnose the problem, and get things working properly again. If your sump pump is old or if you aren’t sure if it works properly, have our professionals check it out before you need to rely on it. You’ll save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in water waste and damage to your home and possessions.

Decreased Water Pressure

Many homes and businesses in Albany are hundreds of years old, and that means their plumbing systems have definitely seen better days. In fact, the Albany Water Department states that most of the city’s water and sewage infrastructure is over 100 years old, proof that it is both reliable and probably in need of some maintenance. One common result of old plumbing is decreased water pressure. Often, homeowners resign themselves to their low water pressure and don’t call a plumber for help. Luckily, our plumbers in Albany know how to fix the problem and get your water pressure up to speed. One of the most common causes is old, corroded pipes that need to be replaced. One easy way to tell is to check with your neighbors. If their water pressure is good, it’s a plumbing issue in your home that can be fixed. 

Water pressure problems are not only a convenience issue. They’re also a sign that something is wrong inside your pipes and should be checked out. That corrosion can leak out into your water supply, causing contamination. You also may find that you’ve got the beginnings of a clog and our plumber can easily flush it out, resulting in much better water pressure.

How Does the Water in Albany Affect Your Plumbing?

As explained above, Albany’s water and sewage system is very old, proving that it is dependable, but likely needs some maintenance. The city issues a water quality report that highlights any possible contaminants in the city’s water supply. Albany’s water passes every year, so homeowners can rest assured that the water coming down the pipes is clean, safe, and healthy to drink. Unfortunately, your home pipes can contaminate the water, putting you and your family at risk. 

As the years pass, pipes can become corroded, and this process can leak unsafe substances into your water supply. If your home is old and you’re worried about corrosion, ask our plumber to test your water. Lead, especially, can be dangerous for children and pregnant women. The city of Albany has a Lead Water Service Replacement Program to aid homeowners in replacing dangerous pipes on their properties. It’s prudent to have your water checked for dangerous substances like lead so you know exactly what’s coming out of your tap.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Albany?

Our plumbers in Albany respond to service calls for plumbing issues that are as varied as the homeowners themselves. It’s impossible to make a blanket statement regarding price, and it’s always best to call us for a quote for your specific job. Here are a few of the factors that will help determine the final price you’ll pay.

Cost Factor: Project Size

Our plumbers are paid by the hour, so your price will directly correlate with the time it takes to get the job done. You can expect to pay far less for a dripping faucet than a complete repiping of your bathroom because of the size of the job. Our experts work efficiently to get your plumbing in working order, but you should expect to compensate them for the work done. The size of your plumbing project is likely the greatest factor in determining your final cost.

Cost Factor: Equipment Needed

Just like a mechanic for your car, our plumber will add the price of new parts to your final bill. If our expert is replacing a water heater or adding new pipes to your plumbing, they will factor in the cost of the supplies. You can ask us to quote you a price for the equipment needed.

Cost Factor: Time of Service

Leaky pipes and dripping faucets can be fixed during business hours, but if you experience an emergency like a burst pipe, you can call our plumbers anytime. A 3:00 am service call will cost you more and for good reason. Our staff probably had to get out of bed to save your basement from water damage, and you should expect to pay for the inconvenience.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Albany?

There are a few programs in place that Albany homeowners can take advantage of to save money. Here are several offered by the Albany Water Department.

Backwater Valve Grant Reimbursement

The city of Albany offers a Backwater Valve Grant Reimbursement for homeowners who have previous problems with sewage water backing up into their homes. Installing a backwater valve will eliminate this from happening again, and the city will reimburse homeowners for up to $2,000 of their costs. So far, the city has provided the grant to over 430 homeowners who have had backup problems in the past. If you need a backwater valve installed, apply for reimbursement and call a plumber in Albany to do the job for you.

Green Infrastructure

Albany’s Water Department has been working to create green infrastructure throughout the city’s main water and sewage pipelines. They encourage homeowners to do their part at home to responsibly use water, as well. The Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District has a rain barrel program that Albany residents can take advantage of to conserve water at home. They also encourage residents to use rain barrels as well as downspout disconnection to save both water and money while benefiting the city’s pipeline at the same time.

When Should You Call The Water Utility Company in Albany Vs Hire a Plumber?

Albany’s City Code breaks down the plumbing responsibilities between the city and property owners. It states that homeowners are responsible for handling any plumbing issues that happen on their property all the way to the water main. If you have a problem with your plumbing between the water main and your curb box, which is a valve that allows water into the building’s pipes, the city will repair it for you. Anything beyond the water main is the city’s responsibility. Plumbing issues in your home like leaking pipes, clogged drains, and water heater replacements are your responsibility and you can call us anytime to help you out.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Albany?

If you’re having plumbing work done on your property, you may need to obtain a permit first. The city states that it’s best for any contractor to apply for the permit on your behalf, which we always do at Mr. Blue Plumbing. Basic plumbing issues like clogs, leaks, and dripping faucets can be done without a permit, but it’s best to make sure you’ve got the all clear before beginning the job. If we need to connect to, open, alter or disturb your water, sewage, or stormwater line, we will need to apply for a permit. They take two to five business days, so make sure you contact us ASAP.

If you do need to make a new connection to the existing water, sewer, or stormwater system, you’ll have to get approval from the Albany Water Department before you can even apply for a permit. The city takes its plumbing seriously, and it’s best to jump through all of the appropriate hoops before you begin the job. This will ensure that you don’t get hit with a hefty fine and have to stop mid-project in order for a permit to be obtained.