AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Aiken, SC

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Aiken?

Drainage problems are one of the most common plumbing issues in Aiken. Hair and soap build up in all drains over time, and small children can accidentally drop toys or other small objects down drains without anyone knowing. The city’s historic downtown is especially prone to plumbing challenges, with an abundance of mature trees, parks, and old copper pipes. Most of the drains we clear are clogged with hair, soap buildup, or other solid objects, but we also see pipes obstructed by tree roots, especially in the more historic Aiken neighborhoods. 

In Aiken, it’s common for homeowners to attempt to unclog a drain with chemical drain cleaners, but this DIY fix often does more harm than good. A plumber’s snake or auger is typically a better solution, and a professional can help you determine which solution will minimize damage and fix the problem permanently. No amount of drain cleaner will clear a tree root, so it’s important to get help from our certified plumbers before the problem gets out of hand. Our plumbers can perform video drain inspections to identify the cause of the problem and ensure your pipes are fully cleared and in good condition before they leave. Their professional work prevents future calls and saves residents of Aiken money in the long run.

In addition, aging pipes and settling soils are a common problem in this area. For newer construction, the soils around Aiken have a high level of sand compared to other areas in the southeast, so house settling can put unwanted pressure on pipes as the soils around your home settle under the weight of your home. In historic neighborhoods in Aiken, old copper pipes have started showing their age in recent years. Pinhole leaks and problems with old sewer lines can cause major issues in your home, especially because the city’s soft water pulls minerals away from the piping and leads to leaks. Be sure to contact our plumbers as soon as you suspect a problem. We will help you stop the problem early and prevent damage to your home.

How Does the Water in Aiken Affect Your Plumbing?

For much of the U.S., hard water causes a variety of plumbing issues, with calcite and other minerals clogging drains and building up in faucets. Fortunately, the City of Aiken has some of the fewest hard water problems in the U.S., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. With low levels of mineral deposits, Aiken’s water minimizes buildup in pipes and fixtures. This benefits residents of Aike by reducing damage to indoor plumbing, and often eliminating the need for a water softener. However, as mentioned above, soft water can promote pipe corrosion, leading to leaks and contaminated water.

Aiken sources most of its water from aquifers in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. These deep, underground reservoirs provide healthy water for this area of the country. There are relatively few contaminants in the water supply here, so the water typically requires minimal treatment. While some residents will still choose to filter their water to eliminate chlorine and other trace minerals pulled away from pipes by the soft water in the area, most of the water in Aiken is safe to drink and will not adversely affect your plumbing.

However, the old pipes under the city are quite old, especially in the historic downtown area, and the aging infrastructure does create plumbing problems. Most problems we see are related to aging pipes and improper connections, rather than groundwater issues. The City of Aiken is working to fix some of these problems and has made it a high priority to provide clean, safe water for all residents, but fixing aging infrastructure is an issue that requires time and funding to complete.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Aiken?

Plumbing costs range widely depending on the type and severity of the problem. In Aiken, small plumbing repairs can cost as little as $87, while larger projects range up to $635. On average, most homeowners in Aiken pay $361 for our services. However, these ranges can vary widely depending on the type of problem, the urgency of the situation, and whether any additional damage occurs.

Urgency

Many homeowners in Aiken wait until the last minute to fix a plumbing issue, which drives up the cost of repair considerably. If you notice a leak or small problem and call us right away, we can usually come out during business hours and schedule a time that works for both of you. By fixing a minor problem early, Aiken residents can save hundreds of dollars on plumbing repairs. Those who wait until a minor problem becomes an emergency will pay more, especially if our plumber has to fix the problem on a weekend, holiday, or late at night. Delaying repairs can also result in further damage to pipes, drywall, and flooring in your home.

Type of Problem

Routine repairs and maintenance are usually relatively low-cost endeavors. In truth, our plumbers spend most of their time helping residents replace fixtures such as toilets, showerheads, and faucets. Using our professional plumbers to ensure these upgrades are done correctly is an easy way to save money since you’ll ensure proper installation every time. With proper installation, you’ll increase the life of your fixtures and prevent damage to your plumbing system.

However, some types of problems are more complicated, harder to access, and therefore, more expensive. If a tree root is clogging a drain or pipes need to be replaced, you should expect to pay more. These projects require more labor and materials to fully fix the problem. For especially complicated issues, we may need to bring in additional team members to help. 

Water Damage

Replacing fixtures or doing routine maintenance work usually won’t result in additional costs, but in some emergency plumbing situations, there can be water damage to your home. If a plumbing problem occurs deep in your home where it isn’t evident for a long time, it can cause damage before you even know there’s a problem. In these instances, you may need to pay for a cleaning service or replace drywall or flooring, which adds to your cost. In the case of a sewage backup, you’ll have to get your home back up to code to ensure the problem won’t happen again. Whether these additional repairs are done by our plumber or someone else, these factors can quickly add to the cost of plumbing in Aiken.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Aiken?

Better plumbing can definitely save you money in Aiken. By getting help from our professional plumbers at the first sign of a problem, you can save hundreds of dollars and minimize damage to your pipes. We can assess the age and condition of your pipes and determine which fix will last, making your home safe and free of leaks for the future. Our plumbers are up to date with the latest technology, minimizing invasive fixes that damage your yard or home. By calling us, you’ll get to the root cause of the problem and fix it immediately, preventing further damage.

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

Stormwater runoff has challenged the City of Aiken for years. While they are working to fix it, and have even implemented a stormwater fee to fund repairs and prevent future problems, some homes in this area still experience flooding and backup from storm drains after a major storm. If your home or yard is being flooded from the outside, rather than from indoor plumbing, call the City of Aiken instead of our plumbers. 

In addition, many of the city’s sewage pipes are getting older. These pipes run underground and connect to the pipes in your home to transfer waste away from your neighborhood. If you and your neighbors are experiencing similar plumbing problems, call the Aiken water utility company. It is their responsibility to fix city utilities at no cost to you. If you notice any water coming from your neighbor’s home while your neighbor is away, it’s also a good idea to call the water utility so they can shut off the water before it causes further damage.

We can typically handle all other issues.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Aiken?

For some types of plumbing services, the City of Aiken requires a permit. Although these mostly apply to new construction, there are a few instances where a homeowner will need a permit to make plumbing changes in their home. The permit requirements our plumbers encounter most frequently are for water heaters. Any time you replace a water heater, the City of Aiken requires a plumbing permit. Our plumbers can help you navigate the requirements and get your permit promptly. In addition, if you plan to change the location of any plumbing fixtures, such as rearranging a kitchen or bathroom, a permit is required.

Fortunately, most plumbing jobs do not require a permit in Aiken, so if you’re replacing a fixture, fixing a minor leak, or getting other repairs done, the city typically does not require a permit and the job can proceed right away. Our experts can help you determine whether a permit is necessary and help you throughout the process.

With specialized knowledge of the City of Aiken and 24/7 service, MrBluePlumbing is the perfect fit for your plumbing needs. Fill out the form and we’ll connect you with one of our master plumbers with the right local knowledge and experience for your project.