AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Mesquite, TX

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Mesquite?

Usually, in Mesquite, the plumbing system is stressed by the same kinds of issues that put pressure on pipes all around the country. Blockages due to anything unusual moving through the pipes are common, and slow-flowing drains because of buildup of particulates and hair can be a gross but common nuisance.

When showers and toilets experience an uptick in use, such as when more people are in the home, you can sometimes see the plumbing system suffer breakdowns that it doesn’t usually have at other times. It doesn’t help that the water in Mesquite is moderately hard. This can cause buildup of minerals and sediment in your plumbing and appliances, which contributes to small clogs and slow drains. These issues should be resolved quickly since small blockages and clogs can turn into major pressure in your pipes which can create catastrophic failures of the system. 

Another major source of plumbing issues is leaking. No one wants to waste water during a hot Texas summer, and discovering that your outdoor faucet or the bottom of a sink has sprung a leak is a major problem. Not only can water damage many of the materials in a home if left standing, but the wasted water costs you money and wastes precious water during our drier times of the year. 

A factor in many older Mesquite homes, such as those in and around the historic areas of Mesquite, may have out-of-date materials or simply pipes that have been in constant use for so long that they are weak or in need of replacement. We can repair pipes that still have plenty of life left in them, but we may also recommend replacement when piecemeal repairs over time aren’t likely to yield a good outcome.

In general, Mesquite residents shouldn’t be afraid to spend the reasonable cost of a service call from a plumber even if the issue turns out to be a small and easy fix. Many elements of plumbing need to function correctly to make the whole process work, and if a small part of the system experiences a break or strain, that puts subsequent strain on the rest of the system. You’re better off making small fixes instead of delaying them since they often create a cascade of negative effects that can result in much more expensive fixes.

How Does the Water in Mesquite Affect Your Plumbing?

The City of Mesquite provides an excellent FAQ section about how water is processed in our city and all the ways that water may look or taste unusual coming out of the tap. 

As mentioned earlier, water in Mesquite is considered moderately hard, averaging 93 to 134 milligrams of dissolved minerals per liter of water. As a result, some water could emerge from your taps slightly yellow or brown, since cast iron water mains transport Mesquite water. Hard water occasionally leaches particles of iron out of the pipes, which is the source of the color.

Another issue common to Mesquite water as well as all lake-sourced Texas water is the possibility of algae blooms in the source lakes. While treatment removes any risk associated with this water, there is an earthy/musty taste or odor that can come during July and August. Don’t assume that this is a plumbing issue during these months. If you’re concerned that the taste is stronger than usual, you can contact the City of Mesquite to see if the algae situation is different than usual this year.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Mesquite?

In Mesquite, you’ll find that there is some variation between plumbers on cost, but in general, most are working with similar tools and skills, leading to similar rates for common issues. On average, residents of Mesquite can expect to pay $395 for plumbing work. Depending on the work required, you can expect to pay as low as $96 or as high as $695. For clogs and blockages, for instance, you can expect to pay in the range of $100 to $150, given that we must get to your location, evaluate the clog or blockage, and use specialized equipment to remove it. From there, repairs, replacements, and installations of plumbing items go up in cost, taking into account at least three factors. 

Labor

Labor costs are based on the experience level of a plumber. For instance, a higher-end plumber may charge $85 to $100 an hour, but you may find that they do a better job or a faster job than a less experienced plumber whose going rate is $65 an hour. These hourly rates take into account a lot of costs: vehicle maintenance, office or headquarters costs, and other operational expenses of the business. The labor is a convenient way to price out projects based on our informed estimate of how long the project will cost, allowing for the fact that if it does take longer, we may need to adjust this part of the budget.

Materials

Material costs begin with any specialized equipment costs, especially if we will need to rent an item we do not own in order to complete the project. The second, and larger source of material costs are the materials for the project that are used entirely in the project; for installations, this could include the cost of a bathtub, toilet, or hot water heater, for instance. It could also include everything from pipes to teflon tape to joints needed to make a repair. If you are concerned that a materials cost isn’t right, do not hesitate to talk to us; we have a reason and can explain why we’ve chosen these parts or products.

Project Scope

While most of any given project can be explained by the equation of materials plus labor, there are sometimes fees or costs that just cannot be categorized neatly. When an excavation crew must be brought out to unearth sewer lines, this may be a separate contractor who prices differently, and your plumber will factor that into the project. This factor is basically the catch-all for the many circumstances that could create added complexity which the plumber must account for in their pricing to make sure they can stay afloat in business.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money In Mesquite?

As we mentioned before, most people in Mesquite would benefit from a yearly plumber evaluation service call just to make sure everything is ship-shape and there are no small issues to address. This one preventative step can save you tons of money and, by making small, inexpensive tweaks to the system each year, you keep it in top shape. Replacements won’t be needed as frequently with less strain on your plumbing system, saving you money on equipment like your hot water heater, which could have a shorter life if not well maintained.

Good plumbing can also save you money in terms of lost water. Every leak that quietly drains droplets onto the patio out back is just money literally down the drain. Having us send a plumber out to tighten up a faucet or other fixture can pay for itself since even slow leaks can amount to hundreds of gallons over time.

Lastly, you can save money by replacing showerheads and toilets with low-flow or aerated options that use less water. Most people who install a lower flow fixture don’t notice a big difference and see a lower water bill as a result. Down the road, having water-efficient fixtures is a draw for many buyers, if you are a homeowner, which can be another layer of savings just by keeping your plumbing up to date and with the times.

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

The City of Mesquite has the myMesquite system available for you to conveniently report a water issue from your phone or laptop. This is a particularly good option for non-emergency issues, which most water issues at the city level would be. If you are concerned that someone or something is in danger, you’re better off calling the city directly, and if a person is at risk, calling 911.

Generally, the issues you’d call the water utility for are more tied to the main water lines out by the road, something that affects multiple homes rather than just an issue of low pressure or unusual water in one home. The first step is to check with your neighbors and see if they are experiencing the same situation. If not, you’re better off just calling us to evaluate the situation in your home; if we determine that it is an issue for the water utility to fix, you’ll have more specific language from our plumbers to describe what is wrong anyway.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Mesquite?

Mesquite has a comprehensive building permitting program, and any plumbing projects that require permits will be subject to building inspections. The City of Mesquite shares information on the different plumbing permits as well as plumbing-related additions like swimming pools and irrigation systems on their fee schedule. If you are discussing a medium to large project with our plumbers, be sure to ask about the permitting process, since they will have been through it before and will have a better idea of how long it will take.