AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Franklin, TN

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Franklin?

Plumbers face the same issues today as they did when the plumbing lines were first invented, weather, corrosion, leaks, breaks, and clogs. How they are treated and prevented differ with technology and advancement in education. Here are a few solutions to simple issues:

• Leaks can develop because of wear and tear. At times a simple adhesive can reconnect joints or fixtures that have loosened. Other times cracks have formed from weakened spots, and you need to replace the pipe.
• Clogs can develop from draining greases, food, hair, and other non-water-soluble items. Clogs are common in Franklin due to its harder water, which can leave mineral deposits. Using a garbage disposal can increase the frequency of clogs if the device is not maintained.
• Corrosion can cause both leaks and clogs and may not be apparent until the plumber investigates the damage. It can be from the coating of the copper pipe wearing off or from hard water deposits, which are common in this area due to the hardness of its water.
• Weather-related events like wind storms or freezes can cause many plumbing issues, and Franklin is prone to such weather changes. Breaks, cracks, and leaks can all be related to a weather event.

There is a simple method for determining if a toilet is silently leaking. To perform this test, you will need food dye or Kool-aid and a little time.

• Place food dye in the upper tank of the toilet.
• Let it sit without flushing the toilet for a full ten minutes.
• If there is dye in the lower tank, there is a leak in the toilet’s seals.
• Replacing the flapper may solve the issue.

The best way to prevent damages to your home and property is to have the plumbing inspected at least once a year. Before winter is the best time to have all the equipment and piping inspected and prepared for winter. Should any major freezing occur, a second inspection could be beneficial to the plumbing.

How Does the Water in Franklin Affect Your Plumbing?

Franklin has moderately hard water, which affects everything it touches. Pipes and appliances can contain hard water deposits that corrode and clog the fixtures, creating leaks and breakdowns. There are a few options to decrease the hardness of the water inside the home.

Installing a water softener will decrease the mineral content in the water, allowing soaps to clean better and prolonging the life of the pipes and appliances. Softer water can also improve the look and feel of your skin.

Reverse osmosis devices can help further filter out unwanted contaminants and sodium, increasing your health and the health of the fixtures in your home. You can install both devices at the point of use or the point of entry into the house. Neither is required to have safe drinking water available at the tap.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Franklin?

The cost of plumbing varies based on several factors. Commercial prices are higher than residential prices, and even those are divided into projects. Mr. Blue Plumbing will have an estimate for the work to be done before anything begins. The average cost of plumbing repairs or installation runs around $450.

Commercial or Residential Labor

Commercial labor rates run an average of $85 per hour. This cost only covers the time our crew is putting into the project. Prices increase with our more certified and master plumbers. Likewise, residential rates begin around $60 and increase with the project’s difficulty, safety concerns, and equipment needs.

Project

Each project has its price range. These ranges can include labor and fixture costs and materials necessary to complete the job and permits. Sometimes, the resident will request a particular fixture, will order it, and have it ready for our plumber to install. This ensures the customer gets what they wanted exactly, brand and style, instead of a generic fixture.

Emergency Services

It is hard to tell if you should call a plumber in a stressful situation. Here are a few guidelines to use to determine if you should contact an emergency service:

• First, check to see whether you can shut off the water.
• Call the plumber first thing in the morning if the water to a section of the home may be turned off, such as beneath the sink for a broken faucet.
• Breakdowns in main lines are generally an emergency since they affect not just your house but also the City’s supply.

Calling in an emergency service can cost almost twice as much as waiting for an appointment but can not be avoided in some cases. Learning how to turn off valves and mitigate water damages may help prevent the additional cost of an emergency plumbing visit. However, when mainlines break or the water service is completely compromised, you should contact a plumber immediately regardless of the extra cost or time of day.

The cost of plumbing can be a low flat rate for cleaning out pipes or unclogging a line or thousands of dollars for new installations and fixtures. No matter how much the estimate is, do not settle for just any plumber. Mr. Blue Plumbing plumbers will always provide proof of certification, license, insurance, and permitting processes. On top of that, we have a good reputation and offer warranties on work done. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Franklin?

Technology has increased to allow homes to become more self-sufficient and alert inhabitants when situations need to be addressed. We can apply the same principles to plumbing. Upgrades to plumbing can not only decrease usage and save the planet but also decrease costs and wastes. A few adjustments to consider are:

• Install dual flush toilets to conserve water while flushing sediments.
• Install a digital shower monitor before turning on the shower to reduce pressure and achieve the desired temperature. As a consequence, less water is wasted while waiting for the appropriate temperature.
• Install a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater removes standing water and heats the water faster and more efficiently than its tanked counterparts.
• Water usage may be decreased by utilizing energy-efficient appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. There are also incentives available for purchasing energy-efficient gadgets.
• Water treatment systems can also have flow meters installed to decrease pressure and decrease water waste.

Keeping track of your meter’s readings can allow you to spot a leak before it happens. Some water companies have real-time usage online to monitor the water entering your meter. As technology progresses, there will be more gadgets available to decrease water waste and increase plumbing life.

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

Water tends to flow where it will. If there is a wet area near the property line or sidewalk, an underground leak is most likely. Who is responsible for the damages and repair? Here is a simple way to tell on which side of the meter the leak lies:

• Locate the main water shut-off valve first.
• The meter is linked to the main water supply. Keeping track of the number will alert you to a leak and help you reduce your usage.
• Turn off the main when a leak at the property line is found.
• Take a look at the meter. If the meter keeps spinning, there is a leak between the meter and your home. Call a plumber and keep off the water supply. Provide them with the necessary information. Then you can ask if turning the main back on will be a good idea.
• If the meter is not spinning, the leak is not on your property. Gather the relevant information and notify the water company of the problem.

Make sure to check the meter before calling either the plumber or the Water Management Department. Calling either before the location is determined may cost time and money. The City will issue a fee for the call-out if the leak is on private property, and you will have to call the plumber out. Our plumbers will issue a call-out fee and may assist you in contacting the City for the repair. Either way, time and money are wasted by not determining what the meter says.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Franklin?

During new construction, permits will be gathered for plumbing, electric, and other building needs by the general contractor. If a toilet or shower needs replaced, how does the homeowner know if the permit is necessary? Permits are required for any placement or removal of pipes, large fixtures, and valves. Small jobs like cleaning drains, unclogging toilets, and sealing leaks do not require a permit. However, installing or changing the water heater will. A plumber certified by the City will know when to obtain the permit for which project before beginning the work. Permit prices vary by type of work.

Each job that requires work on the pipes, especially excavation for water main replacement or reconnection to sewer lines, will be required to have inspections completed before work is finalized. These inspections ensure that the lines connecting into the City are constructed to code to prevent damages. Inspections may also be done if adding devices like water softeners and reverse osmosis systems to the lines. The inspections will make sure they are correctly installed and will not endanger either the City’s water supply or the health of the residents themselves.