AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Hendersonville, TN

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Hendersonville?

There aren’t many places that can compare to ‘The City on the Lake’ and its beautiful attractions. Not only is there an array of fun activities associated with our proximity to Old Hickory Lake, but there are also historical structures that date back as far as circa 1700. Two notable structures are that of the seven-level Rock Castle listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Spring Haven Mansion, which has housed Andrew Jackson, Isaac Franklin, and Adelicia Acklen, among many others.

Although there is an excellent mix of old, new, and renovated homes — plumbing will always play an essential role in the progress and growth of Hendersonville. After all, how can we enjoy all the beautiful things our city offers if we don’t have safe access to the water (and by extension, plumbing materials) necessary to do so.

In Hendersonville, there are at least three common plumbing issues residents deal with often. If we can keep up with these common repairs and replacements, we won’t have to worry about higher, more expensive plumbing costs like replacing piping throughout your home, installing new water heaters, etc.

Indoor and Outdoor Leaks

Between indoor leaks from pipes and faucets and outdoor leaks from irrigation systems and garden hoses, there are several ways for your home to acquire a leak — and not always so obviously seen. For this reason, and because many residents don’t realize how much they could save by fixing a leak as soon as it’s located, many homeowners end up paying much more in the long run due to more significant plumbing problems or higher water bills.

According to WaterSense, household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide. The amount of water wasted is equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes. Common leaks like toilet flappers, dripping faucets, showerheads, and other valves can be fixed or replaced at an affordable price in most cases.

As stated on Hendersonville, TN Government Website, once undetected, leak can waste 500 gallons of water per month.

Toilet Clogs and Drain Blockages

Although it is easily prevented, for the most part, clogs and drain blockages are some of the most common plumbing issues in our area. The reason is that it’s really easy for the problem to arise when you have kids (who like to throw toys in toilets to flush them), or there are too many cooks in the kitchen, and before you know it, grease, fat, and oil make their way into the drain. Moreover, hair is the most prominent contender when it comes to blockage in shower drains.

Look out for gurgling noises, backups, slow water flow, and leaking. You should also keep an eye out for fixtures affecting how other fixtures work as a sign — meaning if your washer is running and your shower drain has backup water coming out of it, you have a clog. Also, if your toilet starts gurgling after you wash your hands in the sink, you have a clog, etc. 

It all adds up and can lead to higher costs if not taken care of as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can use a plumber’s snake or some drain cleaner to clear it right up in most cases. For the times you can’t (because it’s out of sight, or you’re not sure of its location), we can stop by for an inspection. 

Water Heater Temperature

When you notice your water is either too hot or too cold, you know you have a problem regarding your water heater. In most cases, this just means you need to adjust your shower valve or change the temperature of your water heater — the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it at 120°F to avoid water hazards like burning that is associated with 140°F and higher. 

On the other hand, if you also notice a foul smell or some abnormal noises coming from your water heater, chances are the problem is much more complex than adjusting your valve or temperature. In these cases, it’s best if you hire an expert to identify the problem and solution that will get your plumbing running smoothly again.

How Does the Water in Hendersonville Affect Your Plumbing?

Believe it or not, water plays a significant role in the well-being of your plumbing. If your water is hard, the mineral buildup in your pipes from your water supply is more common, causing faster wear and tear and clogging. On the other hand, soft water is the most ideal because it doesn’t have a high volume of minerals in it that can contribute to worsened efficiency in your plumbing. 

For Tennessee, the water supply is considered ‘soft’ to ‘moderately hard,’ which is better news than most cities and states but means you should still look out for signs of mineral buildup in your plumbing.

According to an EWG Hendersonville Water Quality Report, our city’s water supply has a total of 13 contaminants in it, with eight of them exceeding EWG health guidelines. Although this doesn’t mean your water isn’t safe to drink. It is. There are no known ways to rid water of all contaminants yet). It does mean your plumbing is vulnerable to the pollutants in the supply.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Hendersonville?

The average cost of plumbing for most Hendersonville residents is about $400, with residents reporting a minimum of $95 and a maximum of $710 for a standard plumbing service. However, keep in mind that this average cost can be significantly different depending on the following cost factors.

Inspections

Inspections, often confused with free estimates (based on what you say the problem is), refer to an optional service where we come to your home, inspect the problem you’re dealing with, and give you a potential solution and price range to resolve it. How much you pay for this service depends on what is needed for the inspection. For instance, a leaking faucet or toilet inspection will cost hundreds less than a service like drain lines or sewer tanks that require video camera inspections. 

Hourly Expert Rates

You should also consider your options when it comes to hourly expert rates. Our going rate varies depending on experience and expertise in the field. A professional working for 20+ years will cost much more than one who has worked for only a couple of years (but is still licensed, of course, since it’s a legal requirement). In Hendersonville, most residents report paying around $60 to $70 an hour, but who you work with depends on what you’re comfortable paying.

We suggest that you also do a License Search and Verification on Tennessee’s government online portal. Verifying licenses will ensure you’re working with only trained and qualified professionals in the field.

Type of Services

You will also want to consider the type of service you require and how much it will cost you. The types of services are essential because plumbing service pricing ranges dramatically depending on the job. For instance, a quick and easy job like installing or repairing a fixture, toilet, and pipes will only cost you about $65. A bathtub installation will cost you as much as $1,700, and a septic tank installation will be as much as $6,800. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Hendersonville?

Despite what you may have thought before, putting more time and money into the betterment of your plumbing will always save you more money down the road. It may seem like a significant amount of money at once in some cases, but down the road, it will save you from several additional costs that are usually much bigger.

For one, regular maintenance will prevent minor issues from turning into much bigger replacements and repairs. For instance, a leak will cost you under $100 for a professional to repair real quick (less if you know how to do it yourself), whereas a leak that goes unchecked for months and turns into a pipe crack or break will cost you hundreds more if you’re lucky.

Similarly, small leaks can also lead to water damage and mold or mildew in the surrounding area. Again, this will be an additional $6,000 or more added to your expenses when this happens. To top it all off, the Environment Protection Agency also informs residents that they will save as much as 10% of their water bill a month by taking care of these minor repairs as soon as possible. 

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

Having plumbing issues is stressful enough, to decide who to contact when a problem arises doesn’t have to be. However, we have one great general rule of thumb you can follow to help you make your decision:

When a plumbing problem arises, consider talking to your neighboring friends and family. If they have the same or similar plumbing problems, the problem likely is one your water company will need to take care of. On the other hand, if the problem seems to be just yours, hiring us may be a better option. Fortunately, we will know if it’s a water company problem and can direct you elsewhere if need be. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Hendersonville?

According to the City of Hendersonville, residents are required to obtain a plumbing permit if they plan to “erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.”

You must have the application in, approved, and your home inspected if needed before starting. You will also need the contractor you plan to work with chosen so that you can insert their information into the plumbing permit application. Following your approval, you will have 180 days to get the job done before your permit expires, and you are required to obtain a new one. 

According to the application, you can expect to pay $77 for a ‘Permit Issuance,’ with additional options added to the application if needed.