AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Plano, TX

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Plano?

Just 19 miles from Dallas, Plano is truly the best of both worlds. Just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, yet close enough to keep things exciting. This isn’t saying that there aren’t many things to do in this smaller city. Museums, hot air balloons, and all the shopping you could want at the Legacy Town Center are some of our personal favorites. We love that it is such a place of wonder with a very diverse group of people calling it home. 

Like in any other city, Plano also has plumbing issues that homeowners deal with. The most common include:

Frozen Pipes

Weather in Plano, TX can drastically change especially in the winter. Pipes can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipes sending water pouring through your house. If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call us for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible and don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

Water Heater Replacement

One of the important things homeowners in Plano use on a daily basis is a water heater. When the water heater fails, the importance of hot water becomes real. You would know if there is a problem in your water heater when you notice any of these signs: popping noises, no hot water, and leaking water. It is not recommended that you attempt to replace a water heater by yourself. It’s best to call a professional plumber like us since installation by any inexperienced person may cause fire or explosion.

Clogged Drains

Another common plumbing issue in Plano is clogged drains. It is usually caused by food particles, grease, soap, and scum. It is crucial to know the signs of a clogged drain to prevent any further damage and costly problems in the future such as slow and smelly drains, gurgling sound, and backflow.

Water Leaks

There are multiple reasons which can lead to leaks within your pipes in Plano, including invasive tree roots, old, and clogged pipes. Typically these leaks start small, making it unnoticeable until they become serious. Some of the signs that you should watch out for include low water pressure, wet spots or bubbling paint on your walls, and a sudden increase in your water bill. These could turn into a huge amount of leaked water in the future.

You can report water waste or a water leak if the problem is outside your property at a City of Plano facility, by calling Parks and Recreation facilities at (972) 941-7263.

How Does the Water in Plano Affect Your Plumbing?

For the most part, the main chemicals that are in the drinking water of Plano are not bad. Some occur naturally and are even necessary. For instance, cobalt is healthy for your water if it is in limited amounts. In other cases, chemicals are present because of the things we use. Chlordane was once used as a pesticide and negatively impacted the land. Tetrahydrofuran is a chemical that many people have used for years to seal water lines and pipes in homes and businesses.

Of all these things, the biggest risk for your plumbing in Plano comes from hard water. This simply means that there is an excessive amount of calcium, magnesium, copper, brass, and/or iron in your pipes. The first sign of problems with hard water will typically come in the form of buildup or soap scum that is difficult to remove from sinks, faucets, tubs, showers, etc. 

What you don’t see is that the buildup on your faucets could also be in your pipes. This can lead to a decrease in water pressure over time, making clogs more likely. You may also notice water heater issues from corrosion. 

If you are concerned that you may have hard water damage occurring in your pipes, there are a few telltale signs to look out for. They include:

• Low water pressure: As the water lines clog with sediment, they can slowly start to restrict water, especially in bends or fittings. 
  
• Skin and hair discomfort: Dull, dingy hair or dry skin is a common issue for homes with hard water. 
  
• Funny-tasting water: Often, hard water is described as having a metallic flavor. You may not notice it if you have been drinking the same water for years, but your guests may. It may not be noticeable. Instead, look for tiny particles that may be floating in a glass of clear water. 
  
• Inefficient dishwasher and other appliances: The particles that may float in your glass are a primary source of problems for appliances that depend on water. It can require them to be serviced more often if they don’t fail to work completely. 
  
• Dull-colored laundry: That pretty red shirt is not as pretty or red now? The culprit could be your water. Hard water can take the color from clothing and towels and hide it behind buildup. This buildup can be impossible to remove once everything is covered in it, which is bad news for your favorite outfits. 
  
• Excessive buildup in your faucets: This buildup may be captured by faucet screens. It can also leave a soap scum layer that is difficult to remove from faucets, sinks, and tubs. Showerheads may also turn white and have missing jets of water. 
  
• Higher water bill: If you have severe damage to your pipes and they start to burst or develop pinhole leaks, your water bill can increase. This is a big problem because it typically means that there is water flowing into the ground, under, and around your home. It increases the risk of flooding in your home and foundation issues around your home. 

As to the smell of chlorine, there is a risk that it can damage pipes if it is long-term. However, to be damaging, you must have an older home and copper pipes. New homes should not sustain any negative effects from it. The same is true for chloramine.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Plano?

In Collin and Denton counties, a basic plumbing issue can cost between $96.00 and $700.00 as a base price. The average cost for most homeowners is around $400. However, several things can influence the cost of your plumbing project. Your projected price will vary based on these factors as well as other special considerations that may come up as work begins. 

The Amount of Necessary Work

The job that you need to be done will strongly impact the out-of-pocket cost for you. A drain clog will be the most affordable to repair, unless we have to dig to repair it. Having someone come out to plumb a new home will be one of the more expensive plumbing jobs. To find out how much your plumbing repair will cost, you will want to get an actual estimate based on your home’s needs. 

Emergency Services Required

Professional plumbers like us are willing to tackle any plumbing emergency if it comes up, no matter the time. However, there are times when you may be charged more for problems that come up during the night, on weekends, or any significant holiday. We suggest you consider contacting us to inspect your home if you have concerns. This will ensure that you can worry a little less about plumbing issues occurring at bad times. 

Parts and Labor

When a professional plumber like us comes in and replaces damaged toilets, pipes, etc., you are expected to pay for all necessary parts pertaining to the repair. You will also be charged a service fee for the time that it takes them to get the job done. This cost, above all others, is the hardest to determine without seeing what needs to be done. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Plano?

We have established that there is some very hard water in this area. Studies have been done that prove chloramine, which is present in Plano’s water supply, is less harmful than free chlorine. However, there is a potential for chlorine and chloramine to cause damage to both copper and brass plumbing. The same is true for domestic water heaters which contain aluminum and magnesium. 

Therefore, if you have an older home, it wouldn’t hurt to have us inspect the pipes. It could save you a lot of worry in the long run. The same is true if you are planning to buy or sell the home. A thorough inspection is never a bad thing. It can even lessen the risk of more damage later from faulty pipes. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Plano Vs Hire a Plumber?

It isn’t always easy to decide who to call if you notice water in areas where it isn’t supposed to be. It is situational in most cases. However, it is safe to assume that you will want to call the water company or tell a business owner if the water is not affecting your personal property. As a general rule, you should only call in a water emergency if:

• You see a broken water line gushing into the street. 
• You notice a flooded lawn in a home you know is vacant.
• You experience a sudden loss of water to your entire home.

The county and the water companies are responsible for anything beyond your water meter, and for ensuring that you have water when you need it. 

A professional plumber like us will be the person to call if:

• You have a leak in your home or on your lawn.
• You notice your water bill increasing but know you aren’t using more water.
• You have slow or clogged drains, little water pressure, etc. 

In short, if it affects your personal property, then you will want to call us. When it affects the property of someone else or means you have no water, then you can assume it is best to contact your local water company for assistance. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Plano?

According to the Plano Building Inspection Department, permits are sometimes required. This generally does not include replacing your existing plumbing, but there are exceptions.

The situations for which a permit is required in Plano include:

• Replacing or adding water heaters
• Adding water-softening units
• Replacing water or sewer lines

Other situations that may also require a permit may also include:

• Adding or removing an irrigation system
• Adding or replacing air conditioners, furnaces, swimming pools, and spas

With the hard water in Plano, you can never be too cautious. There is a chance for plumbing problems in older homes. Therefore, we suggest that if you are ever in doubt or have concerns, you should ask a professional. They can ease your mind and help you sort through the confusion of dealing with permit requirements, inspections, and more.