AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Anderson, SC

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Anderson?

Pipe Replacement

One of the most common plumbing issues in Anderson is the replacement of damaged pipes and service lines in older homes. There are several homes to the north and west of the city’s center that were built in the 1950s. And a few of the stately mansions from the late 1800s still stand today. Unfortunately, no plumbing material lasts forever and replacements are necessary. In the past, plumbing pipes were often made of copper, cast iron, clay, or lead. Today, copper is still commonly used but it is more expensive than modern materials like PVC and PEX. Not every material will be suitable for every home. When it’s time to replace your older home’s pipes or service lines, we can do an inspection and let you know which materials will work best. Some of these older homes may still have lead pipes. While the installation of lead pipes was banned in 1986, there was no requirement to remove existing pipes. If you’re unsure what your home’s pipes are made of, we can perform an inspection. 

Clogged Pipes

We also receive a fair amount of calls for clogged pipes from homeowners in Anderson. Hair, food particles, soap scum, and cooking grease all accumulate in pipes and can create a clog. We tell the homeowners that the best defense against clogs is to use drain screens and avoid dumping food or grease down the sink. And if you have small children in the home, a toilet seat lock is a wise investment! Many people think that unclogging pipes is a DIY task, mainly because you can buy drain cleaners at any dollar store or supermarket. These gels and liquids are abrasive and can actually damage pipes. In addition, they are unsafe for the average person to handle. If these chemicals can damage pipes, imagine what they can do to your eyes or skin. Please give us a call if you have a stubborn clog. We have the right tools and methods to safely and effectively unclog drains.

While Anderson’s water is safe to drink, some people simply prefer the taste and appearance of filtered water. And yet other families want to filter out fluoride. We routinely install and maintain home water filtration systems for our customers.

The City of Anderson encourages residents who are on the city sewer system to install a separate irrigation meter if they use a lot of outdoor water. Any households with a pool, hot tub, large garden, or sprinkler system should consider this cost-saving feature. A separate irrigation meter saves you money by not calculating your outdoor water use into your home’s sewer bill. 

How Does the Water in Anderson Affect Your Plumbing?

The source of Anderson’s tap water is surface water from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Reservoir, which lies along the South Carolina/Georgia border. The city’s water treatment plant – the Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Hartwell Lake Filter Plant treats 7.2 billion gallons of water every year. Anderson’s tap water is regularly tested for the presence of any contaminants. The city releases annual water quality reports with these results. 

The water from the Hartwell Lake Reservoir provides residents with a unique benefit and that is naturally “soft” water. Water’s “hardness” refers to the presence of certain minerals. Much of the rest of the country has hard water, which is not a health threat but can be a nuisance. Many people with hard water report having to use more soap or shampoo to create a lather, and glassware comes out of the dishwasher with a film on it. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of fixtures and water heaters, as it leaves behind scale build-up. However, most residents in Anderson don’t have these problems because the city’s average water hardness measures at 16.83 mg/L, which the United States Geological Survey classifies as “soft.” 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Anderson?

One of the first things that customers ask us is, “How much will plumbing repairs cost?” It’s difficult to calculate an estimate without seeing a project first hand, but we can give you some ballpark ranges. The average plumbing bill in Anderson is $357.00. However, what you pay will depend on several factors. The prices we quote here do not include any taxes or permit fees.

The Nature and Scope of the Project

Keep in mind that we do everything from fixing a leaky kitchen faucet to hot water heater installation to home-wide pipe replacement. Bigger projects that take longer will naturally cost more.

If you need us to install a new faucet, you could pay in the ballpark of $334.00 to $677.00. And if it’s time to replace your hot water heater, the average cost is $912.00 although much of the price depends on the type and size of the tank that you want.

If You Have a Plumbing Emergency

We typically work Monday through Friday during regular business hours in Anderson. However, we know that our services are sometimes needed 24/7. A burst pipe or a completely clogged toilet can’t wait! If we have to come out in the evening, on the weekend or a holiday, you can expect to pay more. 

If Your Household Qualifies for Financial Assistance

There are programs that can help Anderson homeowners with necessary plumbing repairs. Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE) offers eligible households assistance with emergency repairs and major rehabilitation by calling 864-269-0700. In addition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also has programs specifically for South Carolina residents. And if you’re one of Anderson’s more than 1,700 veterans, you may be able to get help through the Veterans Administration or Habitat for Humanity’s Repair Corps. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Anderson?

Better plumbing is not just good for the environment, it’s good for your pocketbook, too! We love to help our customers find ways to save money on their water bill. There are plumbing upgrades for every budget and lifestyle. It could be as simple as switching to a low-flow faucet or showerhead. Or if you’re in the market for a complete bathroom renovation, consider installing an ultra-high efficiency toilet.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some helpful water saving tips for Anderson residents. One easy way you can save money is to fix faucet leaks right away. It’s easy to put off minor leaks because they seem inconsequential. However, if your kitchen faucet leaked just one drip per second for a year, more than 3,000 gallons of water would be wasted! 

Not all plumbing leaks are visible, though. We encourage our customers to occasionally monitor their water meter for evidence of leaks. The easiest way to do this is to block off a two hour window when no one in the house will use water. (Don’t forget to shut off your home’s irrigation system.) Check the meter immediately before and after this timeframe. If there is any change, there is a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing system. You can give us a call to set up an inspection.

Better plumbing does more than save you money on your utility bill; it also maintains the value in your home. The median value of an owner-occupied home in Anderson is $136,800. When you stay on top of repairs and routine maintenance, you increase your home’s curb appeal.

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

If your home has plumbing issues, it can be difficult to know who to call for help. As a rule of thumb, homeowners are responsible for the plumbing inside of their house as well as any irrigation systems. If you have a clogged pipe or a broken faucet, you’ll need to hire us for repairs. Homeowners are also responsible for any plumbing on their property, including all service lines up to the point where they connect to the municipal lines. Aside from an unusually high water bill, one sign of service line leaks is unexplainable wet spots on your lawn. If you have any questions or problems with these components, you’ll want to give us a call.

Anderson’s Utility Department is responsible for maintaining fire hydrants and all municipal sewer and water lines. To report a problem during regular business hours, call 864-260-6347. The water utility after-hours emergency line is 1-800-925-1043. The city asks that this number be called only for water leaks, hydrant damage, low water pressure, and muddy water.

The city also maintains the municipal stormwater management system. Homeowners are encouraged to “adopt a storm drain” in their neighborhood and keep it free of debris. All residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping into storm drains at 864-231-2246 during regular business hours, or 864-260-4444 during the evening and weekend hours.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Anderson?

Many plumbing services will require a permit. The city’s Building and Codes department issues all plumbing permits, and states that “Permits are required for all new construction, repairs, renovations, etc.” You can view current plumbing permit fees in the Schedule of Fees document. If you have any questions about permits, you can contact the Municipal Business Center at 864-231-2217.

The city of Anderson takes the plumbing permit and inspection process seriously. Section 22-154 of the city ordinance states that the Chief Building Inspector has the right to issue a stop work order and revoke permits if plumbing work is deemed unsafe. In addition, any plumbing installations “which are unsanitary or which constitute a hazard to human life, health or welfare are declared illegal and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, or removal.”