Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Newport?
- 2 How Does the Water in Newport Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Newport?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Newport?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Newport Vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Newport?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Newport?
Like most other seaside towns, Newport is prone to a bunch of plumbing issues. Some of the most common of them include:
Banging Pipes
As the name suggests, banging pipes are two pipes colliding to produce a loud, irritating noise. Often, residents of Newport refer to the sound as a water hammer. However, it doesn’t just come from pipes; you’ll also experience it the moment your turn your faucet off. When the water moving through the pipes is stopped suddenly, it creates a hammering noise.
If you hear any unusual noises coming from your pipes, it is best to have them checked. With years of experience, our teams are usually able to get to the bottom of it, once they have a listen.
Leaks
Leaking pipes are a common occurrence in nearly every home. The tricky bit about leaking pipes is that they can happen at random points in your drainage or water supply system. While some will be more prominent, causing noticeable floods and destruction, others are merely small leaks, which you might not even observe. To the untrained eye, this would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
With leaking pipes, you’ll notice a sudden spike in your water bill. To prevent the extra expense, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. The longer it stays unattended, the further the damage spreads. Your best bet would be consulting us because we are skilled at quickly identifying leaks and repairing them.
Damage Due to Freezing of Pipes
When you leave your pipes unheated over winter, it is not unusual to find them frozen when you come back. This is more common in seasonal business properties and summer homes in Newport. It is worse if there are seal leaks or if the pipe is exposed.
Once the exposed pipes freeze, they might incur a little bit of damage. This is because frozen water tends to expand, and if the pipe isn’t strong enough, it is likely to experience some cracks in the fittings and fixtures. Also, nothing will happen when you turn on the faucet. We can help you with that.
How Does the Water in Newport Affect Your Plumbing?
Up until 1986, most of the copper pipes in Newport incorporated a lead-based solder containing up to 50% lead. The older brass fittings and faucets also had some quantities of lead in them. According to the Newport water division, which delivers water through the Newport area, all its water is treated to meet all the federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations. As it leaves the plants, it doesn’t contain lead.
The division, however, notes that in some circumstances, the water might cause some lead to leach from the lead-based service lines. While this might not significantly impact the pipe itself, the lead in the water has some health effects if ingested. It is recommended that you treat the water.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Newport?
Ideally, the first thing people want to know when seeking our services is how much it will cost them. This often hinders people from getting immediate assistance for smaller problems, which end up transforming into larger issues.
To break it down, the general cost for plumbing services, labor and material included, ranges from $150 to $900, averaging at $450. However, there are still a few factors that can make the number go higher. They include:
The Type of Service
When it comes to plumbing, no two issues are the same. Your issue can be something as simple as unclogging a toilet or a sink, or it can be something more complex like a major water leak or sewer line backup. Also, there’s usually no standard method of structuring or positioning pipes. You’ll find some are hidden a bit farther underground and inside walls. As you may expect, a more complex and cost-intensive service results in a higher bill.
Below are some common plumbing charges you can expect.
- Leaky pipe: $150-$700
- Drain clog: $125-$300
- Toilet Issue: $150-$300
- Water main repair: $450-$2,000
- Well pump repair: $300-$1,300
- Septic tank issue: $300-$2,500
Of course, these prices are only based on estimates. They can fluctuate, depending on the severity of the matter.
The urgency and demand for the service are also put into consideration. If it is an emergency service, you are likely to be charged more than for a scheduled service. If the service is requested during odd, late hours, or over weekends and holidays, some extra charges can be added.
Labor and Additional Expenses
As we’ve seen, plumbing issues are often unique. Therefore, as much as labor costs remain constant, some issues might require more material to fix, which means extra expenses. Also, the plumber might have to get a permit for any task that goes beyond the basic tasks, like repairing fixtures or clearing blockage drains.
Cost of Materials and Supplies
Before quoting the final price, the plumber will first have to inspect the situation and then provide a list of items and materials that they’ll need for the job. The final cost is the total of all the expenses plus the labor hours put in. It is important to note that these prices are not always constant. They are liable to factors affecting the supply chains which can cause them to go either up or down.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Newport?
The city of Newport launched a rebate program back in 2009, which makes it affordable for customers to buy and install plumbing appliances. By purchasing energy-efficient appliances, the program will reimburse you a certain percentage of the money spent.
Other than that, better plumbing can go a long way in conserving water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household loses as much as 10,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks. But a little smart plumbing can prevent all this. By fixing even the smallest leaks, you get to save on money that would otherwise go to the water bills. Small leaks also eventually turn into bigger leaks, which are far more expensive to repair.
You’ve probably heard the adage that prevention is better than cure. Well, this couldn’t be truer when it comes to plumbing. So, just like you’d make those regular trips you take to the doctor to get your pressure checked, you are encouraged to do regular inspections and maintenance for your pipes. This way, you get to detect leaks and other small problems before they mutate into something more expensive. Part of maintenance includes updating the older, less efficient fixtures with newer, more energy-efficient ones.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Newport Vs Hire a Plumber?
In most cases, a plumber should be able to handle any plumbing-related issues within your property efficiently. However, some circumstances warrant that you contact the city’s water utility company. For instance, if it falls outside your property lines or is an issue that affects your whole neighborhood, the responsibility doesn’t fall on any one individual, and in this case, it will be the water utility company’s responsibility to fix.
Other times that you might need to call a water utility company include:
Heavy Water Leaks
A water leak can be quite daunting to get around. Usually, you’ll notice a sudden spike in your water bills for no apparent reason. If this happens, your first move should be to call us to help identify the root cause of the leak. If the leak is on your property, you’ll have to fix it yourself, in which case, we can go ahead and fix it.
Alternatively, you can investigate by turning off the main water supply. If the meter continues running, the leak will probably be in your property. Otherwise, if it stops moving, the problem is likely on the water company’s side.
Water Supply Issues
Another instance where you’ll need to call your water supply company is when you witness issues with the water supply. This typically means a sudden drop in the pressure of the water coming in. If the issue affects your neighbors as well, then the problem is probably with the water supplier.
On the other hand, if the problem only affects your home, and you’ve confirmed that there are no apparent leaks, then you might have to call us to analyze the situation and give a professional opinion. The most common problems that can affect your supply include corroded pipes, clogged aerators, and leaks.
For any inquiries, you can contact the Newport water utility division by calling them at (401) 845-5600.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Newport?
Building permits are usually required to ensure that proper building codes are followed to guarantee the home’s safety and structure. Permits also ensure that the plumber you are working with is professional and has been tested and certified to handle any plumbing issues without causing further damage.
In Newport City, a plumbing permit is generally not required for small issues, such as repairing or replacing fixtures like water heaters and faucets. However, you will need one when doing anything that changes the building’s existing plumbing system.
But overall, with the tons of plumbing projects that you might be required to handle, it can be a bit hard to figure out all the projects that need permits and all that don’t. For inquiries or applications for permits or scheduling an inspection, you can contact the city by calling (949) 718-1888.