AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Harrisburg, PA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Harrisburg?

Harrisburg homeowners face many common plumbing issues, and when the temperatures drop, winter adds additional challenges. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems that we see in Harrisburg homes.

Dripping Faucets and Leaking Pipes

A steady drip from your faucet can be an annoying problem to discover. Often, homeowners ignore the dripping water, assuming that it’s causing no harm. Unfortunately, when your faucet is dripping, your money is going down the drain, and you could face more significant problems later. The same goes for leaking pipes, especially under your sink and around your water heater. This is particularly a problem in Harrisburg due to the hard water in the area, which can damage your pipes and contribute to the cause of leaks. Take note of any leaking water and call us right away at the first sign of a problem. It’s much easier for us to fix a leak or drip than do damage control after a pipe bursts.

Clogged Toilets and Drains

Clogs are prevalent issues that, if left untreated, can make for big problems down the road. Your pipes can get clogged with any number of substances, but we often find hair, grease, and soap scum stuck inside them. The hard water in Harrisburg also causes mineral buildup in your plumbing, contributing to these clogs. If your drain is slow, completely stopped, or your water pressure is shallow, call us right away. The added stress to your pipes can cause them to wear down much faster, and a pipe replacement is not cheap. We’ve got the tools to help you diagnose and flush out a stubborn clog, so your pipes are as good as new.

Burst Pipe

Burst pipes are plumbing emergencies that can cause severe water damage to your walls, floors, furniture, and possessions. If you experience a burst pipe, find your water shut-off valve to stop the water flow and call us immediately. A burst pipe typically happens when pipes freeze in the winter, which is common in Harrisburg’s cold winters, and the best way to avoid them is by taking preventative measures. Have us help prep your pipes, so they’re ready to take on the cold weather. If you’ve never experienced this emergency before, consider yourself lucky and make sure you know where your emergency shut-off valve is. That way, you’ll be prepared in case something happens in the future.

Sewage Leak or Blockage

Sewage issues are a big deal, and you need to notify the City at the first sign of a problem. If you suddenly notice that all of your drains are clogged, or water is draining slowly from all of them at once, give Capital Region Water a call at (888) 510-0606. Your drain problem could be a significant sewer line block that needs immediate attention. Fortunately, Capital Region Water will assess and take care of the issue on their end at no cost to you.

How Does the Water in Harrisburg Affect Your Plumbing?

Harrisburg annually releases a water quality report that shows the results of the many tests they perform on your drinking water. Each year, they exceed all federal and state regulations for water safety. You can rest assured that the water coming down the pipeline is perfectly safe for drinking, showering, and cooking meals. 

Capital Region Water makes a special note about lead levels in the drinking water of Harrisburg homes. When they tested over 30 high-risk homes for lead, they found 0 parts per billion. Sometimes lead can be present in the joints of old copper pipes and can leak into your water supply. Even though the City found no trace amounts of lead, you may want to be safe and have your water tested by us if your home is older.

The City is also closely monitoring levels of cryptosporidium in its secondary source of water. This microbial pathogen can cause stomach infections that can be especially dangerous for people who are immunocompromised. Although the City’s filtration process removes most of the bacteria, some levels were still detected. If you are worried about cryptosporidium in your water, talk to us about installing a water filtration system in your home. This added safety measure can help keep your water safe and give you peace of mind.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Harrisburg?

We see all kinds of plumbing issues each day. On average, a homeowner in Harrisburg can expect to pay around $400 for plumbing work to be done in their home, but the price can vary greatly. If you call for a quote, we will consider several factors when calculating your final price. Some of them include:

How Long Is It Going to Take?

Our plumbers in Harrisburg charge by the hour, and the going rate is around $25 to $30 for every hour they work. If we’re coming to repipe your master bathroom, expect the project to take some time. On the other hand, a dripping faucet will result in a short service call and a much lower price. The amount of time needed to complete the job will likely be the most significant factor in determining your final price.

What Equipment Will We Need?

Just like any other home or vehicle repair, we will factor the cost of replacement parts into your bill. If you need a new toilet or water heater, expect to see the price reflected in your quote. Sometimes, we may only need to repair the existing fixtures in your home, but most times, a few new items are required to get things working again.

What Time Is It?

Plumbing emergencies can happen any time, and we make emergency service calls to save your home from disaster. If you call after hours, expect the hourly rate to be higher than usual. We charge more outside of business hours to account for the convenience of having your problems taken care of quickly, no matter the time of day (or night).

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Harrisburg?

When it comes to saving money on your home plumbing, prevention is critical. You can take several steps to maintain and prep your pipes, so they remain in excellent working order. Here are a few of the best ways to ensure that your pipes will keep things moving without any trouble:

Routine Maintenance

As a homeowner, you can regularly check your plumbing to make sure it’s working correctly. Check under your sinks and water heater for pooled water, and take note of any dripping faucets. If you notice a problem, get it fixed as soon as you can. It may seem silly to have your plumbing routinely checked by one of our professionals, but we can assure you that the price of a service call is much lower than the cleanup and repairs needed when your plumbing fails. Get ahead of any plumbing issues by having us assess your system in Harrisburg.

Winterize Pipes

Winters in Harrisburg can be frigid, and you need to prepare your pipes for the freezing temperatures. If your pipes are exposed to the elements, you can risk the water freezing inside them, causing the pipes to expand and even burst. If this happens, water can gush into your home, causing significant damage and costly repairs. Have us help you to winterize your pipes by wrapping them in thermal materials, so they’re ready for winter. Winterizing your pipes will save you significantly, and you rest easy, knowing you’ve likely prevented a plumbing disaster.

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

According to Capital Region Water, Harrisburg homeowners are responsible for the water and sewer lines from their house to the sewage and water mains. They are also responsible for any valve boxes. Any problems beyond the sewage and water mains are the City’s responsibility to repair and replace.

If you notice a problem beyond your home’s plumbing system, report the issue, and Capital Region Water will take care of it quickly. If the plumbing problem is an emergency, call (888) 510-0606. Capital Region Water monitors the number 24/7, and a representative will immediately get one of their people on the job. These emergencies include any problems with your drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater beyond your water and sewage main.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Harrisburg?

The Bureau of Code Administration requires homeowners to submit a permit application when they are doing major plumbing work at home. If you’re altering or installing new pipes, fixtures, or a water heater, you need to fill out a permit request. Each permit requires a $25 fee for each request. If, on the other hand, you’re only repairing minor issues or are replacing an existing fixture, you don’t need to worry about applying for a permit. 

If you’re unsure whether you need a permit, it’s best to fill out a request to cover all your bases. No homeowner wants to deal with fines from the City or a halt in progress while getting the proper paperwork in order.