AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Roseburg, OR

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Roseburg?

The City of Roseburg is about 170 years old. No doubt some houses, and their plumbing are pretty old, too. Roseburg homeowners have their share of plumbing problems just like everyone else; more so in those older homes. Piping deteriorates with age and needs replacing. Plumbing fixtures wear out and become outdated. Besides age, our more common plumbing problems can be attributed to a failure to protect pipes from freezing temperatures, flushing non-flushables, pouring grease and oil down the drain, using store-bought drain cleaners, and even faulty construction. Here are some of the common issues we deal with in Roseburg.

Leaky Faucets and Running Toilets

Faucet leaks and toilets that continually run are most likely the two most common plumbing issues and usually are pretty inexpensive fixes. Both are a waste of water and can cause a rise in your water bill.

Repairing the leaky faucet may be as simple as cleaning the aerator, which is something you can do yourself. But if that doesn’t fix the constant dripping, call us and we can send a plumber who may need to adjust the handles or replace the faucet.

The cause of a running toilet could be a worn-up flapper, a misaligned float, or something more sinister such as the water pressure in the house being too strong. Have one of our plumbers come out for a routine call to alleviate the problem and get control of your water bill again.

Slow Drains, Clogged Drains

One slow drain is likely a problem with that individual line from the sink and is only a step away from becoming a complete clog. That slow drain or worse, a clog, can cause further damage to your pipes and should be attended to swiftly.

More than one slow drain can be a different problem altogether. This could stem from a clog building up in the sewer line on your property, the fitting where your line ties into the city sewer system, or the city sewer system altogether. Don’t wait for a total clog to happen. That can be only more damaging to your pipes and a hazard to you and your family. Backed-up sewage can release toxic fumes and carry bacteria. If you experience a slow drain, call us right away.

Water Pressure Issues

High water pressure can be simply that the water pressure coming into your house is set too high for intake from the city water system. One of our plumbers can check the setting and reduce it if necessary.

Low water pressure is a different issue. If you experience a change in your water pressure, you should call us. Low water pressure can be due to a leak in your water main, or the city’s water main leading up to your property.

Since the water here in Roseburg is soft, mineral buildup in your plumbing is not a likely problem to affect your water pressure. However, soft water is lacking in minerals, making it aggressive towards metal pipes. It can create pinhole leaks, particularly in metal pipes, which can cause water pressure issues. Regardless of the cause, it’s best to reach out to us if you notice any water pressure issues in your home in Roseburg.

How Does the Water in Roseburg Affect Your Plumbing?

Roseburg, and all of Oregon for that matter, has good water. Roseburg’s water comes from the North Umpqua River. It is treated in the city’s water treatment plant before being piped into the system that serves close to 29,000 residents. Each year, the city’s public works department issues an extensive water quality report. The most recent test revealed that all tests were within acceptable standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our water has little contamination.

Additionally, Oregon has soft water. Here in Roseburg, our water measures 32 ppm (parts per million). Anything at 60 ppm or below is considered soft by the U.S. Geological Survey Office. Water gets hardened with a buildup of calcium, magnesium, and iron, which can be harmful to pipes. That is not a problem here. However, soft water’s lack of mineral content makes it aggressive to metal pipes and can lead it to create pinhole leaks in your plumbing, which can result in a few more problems.

A pipe lining system creates a barrier between your pipes and the water, which can help prevent issues related to contact between water and plumbing. This is just one possible solution. Give us a call and we can discuss other options tailored to your particular needs.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Roseburg?

Plumbing repairs, while not always an emergency, still need to be attended to in a timely fashion. There is no time to worry about the cost. Plumbing is one of those things that should be included in your rainy-day fund, although in some instances, your homeowners insurance or a home warranty plan may help cover the cost.

Calling us to clear a drain or repair a faucet may cost as little as $75 to $250. Larger jobs like repairing a water heater may run between $500 to $800 depending upon the length of time and materials involved.

For plumbers to work in Roseburg, they must study and gain experience before passing an examination and becoming licensed through the state. We invest a lot into our profession, which understandably equates to the amount of the wages. The wages we charge to complete a task is only one aspect of the cost of a repair, however. Other issues include replacement material costs, the location of the problem, equipment needed for the work, and the urgency of the situation.

Materials

Some materials are quite inexpensive, such as a toilet flapper or a new faucet aerator, and our plumber will likely have those components on his truck. We will charge you the reimbursement cost of the item plus tax. But for bigger repairs, there may be a choice of materials, such as PVC or copper pipe, or the choices for a new water heater. We can give you options and pick up new materials or fixtures for you for an added fee covering his time and mileage. Or you can shop for the items yourself and have them delivered. Either way, you will pay for the items and any tax involved.

Location of Problem and Additional Equipment

A faucet, toilet, or showerhead are all easy to access and generally do not require unusual equipment to repair or replace. But a pipeline under the house or leading from the house to the meter is harder to access. This can involve trenching, digging, climbing through a crawlspace, or even removing a portion of a wall or flooring before repairs can begin to take place. For this, you will see a rise in labor on your bill as well as a fee for use of any special equipment. Our plumbers will include all of this on an estimate for you once they have been able to assess your plumbing problem.

Urgency

There are times you may call our plumbers to repair a problem that can wait until the next business day or next available appointment. However, there are times that you need us to come out as soon as possible. Such instances include a burst pipe or a total loss of water. Our plumbers are accustomed to emergency calls, but such a call still disrupts their lives. You should expect an additional fee for an emergency call at night or on the weekend. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Roseburg?

Better plumbing may come with an upfront cost, but it will save you money overall. Whether you plan on living in your home for years to come or are thinking you may sell in the next few years, when plumbing repairs are needed, you should consider upgrades and using quality materials. For example, new pipe replacement for an aging line can prevent expensive emergency calls in the future. It also increases the value of your home.

Replacing a 10-year-old water heater with a newer energy-saving one will not only cut your energy costs, but you can also receive an instant discount at the time of purchase, according to the Energy Trust of Oregon. You can find a list of retail partners on the Energy Trust website. Shop around as discounts can vary from store to store.

Considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel? Only do a complete remodel for your own pleasure. If you are looking to enhance your home’s appearance for resale, simply consider new modern faucets at the sinks, tub, and shower along with any plumbing upgrades needed, and a fresh coat of paint as the only changes necessary to attract potential buyers.

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

Most residential plumbing problems require a call to the plumber. Leaks, drips, water heater problems, and irrigation issues are all plumbing issues on the homeowner’s property that they will need to take care of. But if you experience a slow sewer line or backup, the problem may stem from the city’s main sewer system. Check with your neighbors. If they are having similar problems, it is most likely the main sewer system. Roseburg’s citywide sewer system is managed by the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority. If you believe there is a problem with the main sewer line you should contact the Authority at (541) 672-1551.

The City of Roseburg manages the city’s water system. If you believe the water main has a leak outside your property or if you see any water issue in the city such as a leaky fire hydrant, you should call the city’s emergency line at (541) 492-6730. For any water issues on your property, you should contact us.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Roseburg?

Roseburg is pretty straightforward when it comes to the need for permits. A plumbing permit is not required for routine maintenance such as:

• Faucet repair
• Toilet repair
• Showerhead replacement
• Shower wall resurfacing or re-grouting tile
• Gutter and downspout repair or replacement
• Irrigation system addition or alteration when using the existing backflow device

Instances where a permit is required include:

• Water heater replacement
• Underground pipe replacement
• Alteration of piping inside a wall or beneath the floor
• Installation of a plumbing fixture in a new location
• Repairs or alterations of a pipe section five feet or longer

Our plumbers are aware of what work may require a permit and can submit the permit for work on your home. A permit is not an expensive item and is based on the size and complexity of the plumbing project.