AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Mansfield, OH

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Mansfield?

Most homes in Mansfield grapple with common plumbing problems, including clogged drains, sinks, backing toilets, and leaking pipes. However, the region’s wild weather poses a unique challenge. Water pipes tend to freeze and burst in winter or shift in the ground and crack in spring. The summer heat could also cause the foundation to shift with drying soils and damage the pipes. Summer comes with additional dangers of growing tree roots snaking their way into your sewer or main water line.

Most reported plumbing problems include:

• Waterline repair and replacement
• Sewer line repair and replacement
• Garbage disposal repair
• Toilet repair
• Water heater repair and replacement

Downtown Mansfield is home to many of the city’s landmark buildings. Most of these buildings are likely to have old and dated plumbing systems, making them susceptible to weather-related damage. Some of the pipes are likely nearing the end of their lifespan and could lead to extensive water damages.

How Does the Water in Mansfield Affect Your Plumbing?

Mansfield City’s water supply comes from a blend of surface and groundwater. Surface water comes from Clearfork reservoir, while the groundwater comes from 10 municipal wells. The water in Mansfield comprises 50% surface water and 50% groundwater and has an average water hardness of 217 mg/L. The United States Geological Survey classifies water with these much-dissolved minerals as very hard. Although the water is safe to drink, it takes a heavy toll on your plumbing system.

Water Hardness

Water hardness refers to the number of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, in the water. Groundwater is harder than surface water because it contains higher levels of dissolved minerals. The water absorbs the minerals as it seeps through rocks into underground storage.

Raw groundwater is very hard and can be highly damaging to plumbing systems, equipment, and home appliances. Commercial water treatment lowers the amount of soluble minerals to manageable levels but not low enough to soften the water.

Water is classified into four categories:

• Soft water – 0 to 60 mg/L
• Moderately hard – 61 to 120 mg/L
• Hard – 121 to 180 mg/L
• Very hard more than 180 mg/L

Hard water forms calcium carbonate buildup in pipes, plumbing fixtures, and water heaters. The limescale deposits reduce a pipe’s diameter, resulting in a pressure buildup, and reduced water flow.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Mansfield?

On average, the cost of hiring our professional plumbers in Mansfield ranges from $116 to $844, with most people paying an average of $480. Naturally, numerous factors influence the cost and may increase or lower the price.

Some of the factors affecting the cost of a plumbing job include:

The Scope of Service

Plumbing jobs range from simple fixes and repairs to complex undertakings that take days to complete. Naturally, difficult jobs such as installing water mains and sewer lines have a higher cost implication. Such jobs are labor-intensive and require the use of heavy machinery and equipment. 

Sometimes you can hire us for simple jobs such as unclogging the drains, toilets, and faucets, and we uncover a bigger problem. We might discover that much of your piping system is corroded beyond repair and requires replacement. That changes the scope of service and increases the cost of the project. Since most of your plumbing system is hidden beneath walls and floorboards, it’s prudent to inspect to avoid nasty surprises later.

City Laws and Ordinances

In the City of Mansfield, only master plumbers, such as ourselves, are allowed to contract out services as plumbers. Master plumbers are required to take a state examination to obtain a license to operate in the state. The city requires all plumbers to have a valid license, carry insurance, and secure a permit before undertaking any plumbing projects. The cost of plumbing permits in Mansfield depends on the type of the project. The fee can add on anything from tens to thousands of dollars to your plumbing project, which can dramatically raise the costs. Failing to procure a permit can lead to expensive fines and penalties, and we’ll never expose you to this kind of risk. We are fully licensed to operate in Ohio and follow the full spirit of the law when servicing our clients. Our existing relationship with the city cuts the red tape when pulling licenses to save on time. 

Cost of Materials and Supplies

Your choice of plumbing materials and fittings also determines how much a plumbing job costs. Plumbing materials fall on all sides of the price spectrum. You can opt for budget yet high-quality pipes and fixtures or the high-end bespoke piece and anything in between.

Traditionally, steel, copper, iron, and brass pipes were the most common. But lately, PVC, CPVC, and PEX pipes are growing in popularity due to their superior quality and performance. Luckily, you can choose plumbing materials and fitting that fall within your budget without compromising on quality.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Mansfield?

Water hardness poses the greatest threat to your plumbing system in Mansfield. Dissolved minerals in hard water form deposits inside the pipes and plumbing fixtures. Hard Water leaves ugly yellow or white flaky deposits on your sinks, faucets, and showerheads. Mineral deposits inside the pipes restrict water flow, increase the water pressure, and the likelihood of developing a clog. The scale buildup is worse in water heaters because heat accelerates the mineral deposit rate. The calcium deposits corrode the water tank, lower the water heater’s efficiency, and decrease its lifespan.

Install a Water Softener

A water softener treats hard water by removing the dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. Treating water hardness saves you from costly plumbing repair bills and lowers your water heating bills. It protects your appliances and pipes from irreversible damage caused by mineral buildup, saving you expensive repair and replacement bills. You have the option of installing a salt-based or salt-free water softener to treat hard water at home. Our certified plumbers can help you pick the best model for your home. We often recommend salt-free models in Mansfield since they’re relatively maintenance-free, heart-healthy, and environmentally friendly.

Upgrade Your Fixtures

Most people are reluctant to upgrade their plumbing fixtures to low-flow models because they mistakenly think it’ll lower the quality of life. This couldn’t be further from the truth because low-flow fixtures exist only to improve water efficiency. A low-flow showerhead lets you enjoy your long showers but cuts your water consumption by 60%. A low-flow toilet uses up to 75% less water per flush. Updating your plumbing system delivers huge cost-saving benefits. Most of these fixtures will save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

Embrace Preventive Maintenance

Inefficient boilers are one of the most pressing plumbing concerns among homeowners in Mansfield. Sludge, dirty water, and debris take a toll on the water heating unit lowering their performance and raising the operating costs. Flushing the water heating system can improve the unit’s efficiency and extend its lifespan. With our help, you can flush your entire plumbing system to remove the debris, sludge, rust, and any other gunk from your pipes. We’ll also attend to routine plumbing fixtures maintenance to leave your plumbing system in tiptop shape.

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

It’s important to differentiate when to call the Mansfield Water Department and when to hire our plumbers to fix a plumbing problem. The utility company services the main water and sewer lines, which are outside your property line. You’re responsible for all plumbing needs within your property lines.

Water Leaks

Hiring our plumbers and calling the utility company can help to fix a leaky plumbing system. But you should establish the root cause of the problem before picking up the phone. A quick inspection can help you identify the source of the leak. Walk along your water mains and sewer line looking for abnormal wet spots. You can spot a damaged sewer line by a patch of abnormal plant growth and bad smell.

Problem with Water Supply

Frequent water shortages and low water pressure are some of the plumbing problems that require immediate attention. The root cause of these problems could be outside or inside your property lines. Hence, a little sleuthing is necessary to establish where the problem lies. Thoroughly check your property for signs of leaks and water damage. Sometimes the leak is hidden behind the walls and is only noticeable through water stains and mold. If you find a leak, call us to have it fixed immediately.

If your pipes are in excellent shape, the problem could be outside the home. Again, you need to be sure. Check with a few neighbors to see if they have the same issues. If they do, there could be a broken water supply line in your neighborhood. Raise the problem with the Mansfield Water Department, and they’ll pursue the matter. Utility companies don’t charge to fix such problems since it’s part of their mandate to ensure a seamless supply of water and sewerage to their customers. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Mansfield?

Building permits are necessary when hiring our plumbers to work on your plumbing system. The City of Mansfield uses these permits to ensure that each project complies with code requirements. Building codes are rules and regulations that govern the design, construction, maintenance, and alterations of structures. They specify the minimum standards necessary to safeguard the safety, health, and wellbeing of its occupants.

New constructions, remodels, additions, and replacements of mechanical systems like plumbing require a building permit. 

The city issues building permits to state-licensed contractors like Mr. Blue Plumbing or homeowners if they sign a Homeowner Affidavit.

Some of the plumbing projects that require a permit include:

• Gas line installation and repair
• Sewer line installation and repair
• Toilet installation and repair
• Water filtrations system installation
• Garbage disposal installation and repair
• Sump pump installation and repair
• Swimming pool installation

Failing to obtain a permit before embarking on a plumbing project leads to legal trouble. The City might saddle you with hefty fines and penalties or require you to redo the work.