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What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in San Antonio?
The trick to ensuring your plumbing system stays in working order is to inspect it regularly and make sure it remains in good condition. However, sometimes, no matter how careful and diligent you are, issues arise, and when they do, it is essential to call in our professionals to take care of the job.
Some of the more common plumbing problems that residents often have to deal with include:
Clogged Drains
If you notice a plumbing issue in your home, the first thing you need to do is check your drains. Clogged drains are among the most common problems that can cause a major headache for homeowners if they are not solved quickly. These drains can often get clogged by grease, dirt, hair, food particles, or any other insoluble item that may have gone through them. That is why it is so imperative that homeowners check on these pipes regularly to ensure that they remain unaffected. Otherwise, things can get incredibly messy and expensive.
Sewer Backups
A sewer backup can leave unwanted messes that make your whole house smell incredibly foul. Not only are sewer plumbing problems disgusting, but they can be extremely frustrating when it happens on the weekend, and you need to call us in for an emergency service.
Generally, these sewer backups tend to occur after other plumbing issues such as clogged drains or after heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, in San Antonio, when it does rain, it really rains. In fact, because the area is smack dab in the middle of Flood Alley, the heavy rains can mean bad news for residents regarding damage to their sewerage lines and sewer backups.
Low Water Pressure
When your pipeline has air or a clog in it, it can lead to low water pressure, which is one of the most significant problems homeowners can experience. Typically, low water pressure is determined by the speed of the water that is coming out of the tap. For instance, if water that once gushed out of the tap now only trickles, you may be facing significant low-pressure issues. Yet, even though this decreased pressure can occur for a variety of reasons, some of the more common causes include:
- A sudden break in the main-line from the municipal corporation
- A leak in the pipes that supply water within your home
- A build-up of deposits within the faucet aerators
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can be a major issue for homeowners, often causing severe damage to the home: destroying floors, ceilings, carpets, and even furniture. In addition, the moisture from the leak can encourage mold and mildew, which not only result in expensive repair bills but can also impact your health and safety. Worst of all, these leaky pipes waste a significant amount of water, meaning you will be paying a costly water bill, for water you are not even using.
How Does the Water Affect Your Plumbing?
The source of San Antonio’s drinking water originated as groundwater from the Trinity, Carrizo, Edwards, and Wilcox aquifers, as well as surface water from Canyon Lake. As a result, the water in San Antonio is hard, meaning it contains magnesium and calcium, which can be responsible for a lot of limescale build-up in the pipes.
Generally, when water is hard, it is a total of 10 grains per gallon or GPG. In San Antonio, the water hardness is around 17 GPG, but can get up to 100 GPG in certain areas, making it more likely to cause damage to pipes without a water softener. However, it is important to note that this water does not just affect the pipelines. It can also affect other parts of your home, resulting in unnecessary and sometimes costly damages.
The features that are most often affected by hard water include:
- Showers
- Bathtubs
- Washing machines
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Water heaters
- Hair and skin
- Clothes
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost?
Depending on the job that needs to be done, plumbing work can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. However, this overall cost will depend on the services you need to be completed, as plumbing often includes drain cleaning, faucet installation, faucet replacement, and toilet repair. That is why before you start any plumbing job, you need to consider the following factors that can affect total costs.
Labor Costs
The cost of labor will often be your biggest factor to consider when it comes to a plumbing job. Generally, if you require emergency services, the cost of these services will be significantly higher than regular repair visits. Yet, obtaining this service may be crucial to preventing future harm due to water damage, such as mold or rot.
Outside of emergencies, the average plumbing costs will depend on the specific job that you need to complete. Usually, unclogging drains will be cheaper than installing a water heater, for instance.
Cost of Materials
The cost of materials or replacement parts is another significant cost factor that can impact the total amount of money you spend on a plumbing job. Typically, most plumbing jobs are a quick fix and can be done with the tools and parts that our plumbers have on hand. However, if the job is more complicated and the replacement parts are not part of our standard tools, you will need to cover the price of these materials.
Complexity of the Job
Complex plumbing jobs not only require more expensive parts, but more time to complete the job, which can mean steeper labor charges. For instance, a clogged drain is often one of the least costly plumbing jobs because our experienced plumbers can usually complete it quickly. In comparison, major pipe leaks or plumbing overhauls can take some time to complete, and as a result, the price of services will go up.
Can You Save Money With Better Plumbing?
When a plumber lacks the skills and experience to take on an extensive plumbing job, they can end up causing more issues than initially were there, leaving you with an extensive plumbing bill for work that was not completed properly and the hassle of finding someone new to fix all these plumbing issues. Get it right the first time and find someone that has the experience to tackle the work, like Mr. Blue Plumbing.
Another way a good plumbing fixtures can save you money is through the water saved. For instance, if we install water-efficient fixtures, you can have plumbing that will save you water and money in the process, by cutting down your water usage up to 70% in some instances and significantly dropping your water bills.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company Versus Hire a Plumber?
If you are experiencing a water-related problem, it can be challenging to determine whether you need to call a local utility company or our plumbers. Fortunately, we have prepared some basic guidelines that can help you understand who you need to call in what situation. For instance:
You Need to Call the Utility Company
If a water leak appears on your street because of a water main break, your entire home’s water goes out, or you see a water leak at someone’s home, but nobody appears to be there. In these instances, you must contact your local utility company immediately, as they can help you get these problems taken care of fast.
You Need to Call the Plumber
On the other hand, you will want to call our experienced plumbers when you notice water leaking inside your house, when your water bill spikes suddenly, when your toilet or sink is not draining correctly, or when water sewage backs up into your home. In these instances, you will want to hire our knowledgeable professionals that can check on these issues, verify if there are any pipe leakages or clogs, and ensure that the problem is cleared up quickly.
Additionally, since many issues in San Antonio develop because of the weather, it is also a good idea to contact us after heavy rainfalls or deep freezes that can affect your pipes. Our plumbers can do a simple maintenance check to verify you do not have any issues, which can save you a significant amount of money in the long run, by stopping plumbing issues before they even start.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service?
In San Antonio, plumbing permits are often needed when homeowners are :
- Installing water heaters (gas or electric)
- Replacing or adding fixtures such as toilets, showers, bathtubs, faucets, or sinks
- Adding water lines
- Connecting to sewer lines
- Extending gas piping systems
If your plumbing issues only involve fixing water leaks, clearing drain stoppages, or reinstalling or removing a toilet, no permit will be required. However, if you have any questions regarding your plumbing work, let Mr Blue Plumbing help you.
