AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Georgetown, TX

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Georgetown?

Georgetown, Texas exists just 26 miles to the north of the state capital in Austin, Texas. Austin also happens to be the home of the University of Texas, making Georgetown the ideal spot for both students and business people looking to get their start in the world. Before diving in to move to Georgetown, though, all potential residents must consider the potential plumbing issues that can exist in a place like this. A fact like this can help someone protect themselves from serious damages and repair expenses when something with their plumbing goes haywire.

Low Water Pressure or Outage

One of the common issues that Georgetown residents report are issues with the water pressure in their home. While Texas is a warm state, freezing temperatures below 39°F (like the Texas freeze of 2021) can cause ruptured pipes. When unsure of the cause of the low pressure or outage, call us to come over to assess the situation for you and give advice on what step to take next.

Slow Draining Faucets or Toilets

Another issue that some residents complain about is slow draining faucets or toilets. This could be the sign of clogged-up pipes somewhere. Old pipes still exist in Georgetown, and preventive maintenance is highly recommended to ensure that these pipes are still fit to be utilized. Contact us to get down into those drains and investigate precisely what is going on. It is important to note that these problems ought to be taken care of as soon as possible as they can quickly add to the cost of one’s utility bill. 

Leaks

Finally, residents note leaks in their water utilities, which certainly add to their water bill. It is easy for some to ignore these leaks as a minor annoyance, but that is not the proper way to look at them. This small leak can add significant amounts of money to your water bill every single month. When you suspect there’s a leak in your house, determine first where it is coming from. If you find it difficult to check, reach out to the City for assistance, send pictures and details about the leak. The City will help you determine the severity and priority, and whose responsibility it is. Should it be yours, don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we could check it for you and provide you with the best solution that fits your budget.

How Does the Water in Georgetown Affect Your Plumbing?

Water in Georgetown has a hardness of 300 mg/L and is considered to be very hard. Hard water is detrimental to plumbing. Mineral buildup will eventually restrict the waterflow in the pipes, potentially lowering the water pressure in the house. It could also damage appliances and leave white flaky deposits on your faucets and bathroom fixtures. Hard water may not significantly affect human health, but it can surely cause a lot of damage to appliances and increase your water and plumbing-related expenses.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Georgetown?

Georgetown plumbing services are very convenient and affordable. Homeowners, on average, pay $379 for plumbing services, which can go as low as $92 for basic repairs up to $667 for emergency requests.

Speed of Service

As mentioned above, Georgetown is a popular and rapidly growing place. There is a lot of demand for plumbing services at the moment as new homes and businesses sprout up all over the place. Thus, the customers’ most demanding plumbing services rapidly had better be prepared to spend extra money to jump to the front of the line. Plumbers cannot simply guarantee people the ability to get the job done instantly when they have a list of other customers waiting to get work done as well. However, those who are most willing to pay a little extra money may see their name climb higher up on the list.

Nature of the Problem

For example, there are major pricing differences between repairing a minor leak on a toilet and replacing an entire water heater. Obviously, one repair takes far less time, and expertise than the other does. There are also fewer materials involved in one than in the other. This holds true across all types of plumbing repairs, and the exact nature of the problem that one is working on is essential to determine the overall cost of the service.

Method of Charging 

How do we charge for our service? Is there a flat rate charge, or do we charge by the hour? Either method can be used, and yet the two methods can result in wildly different final invoices. Most plumbers, like us, determine how they will charge based on the extent of the issue they are asked to tackle. In other words, the more extensive the problem, the more likely a per-hour charge will be implemented. Plumbers have to protect themselves against undercharging for a service that ends up taking away a significant chunk of their time. 

Permits

Many plumbing jobs require permits, and obtaining those permits takes time and effort. Plumbers, like us, need to be compensated for obtaining such permits, which is added to the final cost as well. Thus, one should understand that they will very likely be charged for the cost of getting those permits in the first place.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Georgetown?

Better plumbing can definitely save you money but when you have very hard water, like here in Georgetown, expect to experience occasional problems. Investing in good pipes, fixtures, and a quality water softener would go a long way in protecting your plumbing.

In case you live in old houses, consider changing your plumbing systems. Yes, it is pricey, but it’ll save you from future headaches and will save you money in the long run. Imagine you just saved yourself from a potential plumbing emergency caused by a burst pipe or a massive leak due to a corroded pipe. 

When Should You Call The Water Utility Company In Georgetown Vs Hire a Plumber?

When it comes to plumbing problems in Georgetown, the chicken and the egg question is who should be contacted first, the water utility company or a plumber? Honestly, both will likely have to be contacted for most repairs, so it is somewhat a matter of how severe the problem is. The water utility company likely needs to know when there is a major plumbing issue that could impact other residents of Georgetown. However, they don’t necessarily need to be called when you simply have a leaky faucet. 

A plumber can handle a simple repair like a leaky faucet without any issue, but the water utility company needs to know if you have a burst pipe that is about the flood the street. The water utility company may send their people out to investigate and repair a problem in some cases, or they might work with you to find a private plumber that can handle the situation. It is largely circumstantial.

All of this being said, the water utility company should be contacted any time you fear that a utility issue could cause your bill to be higher than it otherwise should be. They need to know about this so they can work with you to make adjustments to your bill. You are not responsible for outsized utility bills that result from a water pipe leak that was not your fault. Make sure you understand your rights in these situations and learn to protect those rights if something happens with your plumbing.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Georgetown?

Permits are required any time a repair may impact other customers or the plumbing system as a whole. There is no getting around this as other customers must be protected. The only times that permits are not required are for the most simple repairs, such as a leaky faucet. Those repairs can often be done in an hour or less and will only impact one specific individual. There is no reason to worry about obtaining a permit in those scenarios, but they are likely required outside those.

Georgetown has this permit system in place not to place additional burdens on residents or slow down processes but rather to maintain order and stability in the water system and ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water. Understand that the permits may be annoying to obtain at the moment, but they are there to help protect you as a consumer as well.

A good plumber is an excellent resource to have at all times. In a rapidly growing place like Georgetown, they are basically essential workers who bring peace of mind to those struggling with how to get by. Look to Mr. Blue Plumbing for guidance and expertise to help save you money and for the best water experience possible.