AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Texarkana, TX

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Texarkana?

You probably only think about your plumbing system when something goes wrong with it. Leaks, broken pipes, and running toilets are issues that can plague any home, in and out of Texarkana.

However, these are three of the most common plumbing issues we see in the area: 

• Sewer line issues. Your plumbing system has two main functions: bringing clean water into your home and taking wastewater out of it. When your sewer line isn’t working correctly, your system will be unable to remove wastewater. Even worse, a faulty sewer line could result in wastewater backing up into your home. That can allow sewage to make an appearance in your tub, sink, bathroom floors, and even out in your yard. Not only is this extremely unpleasant, but it could also be a safety and health hazard. Very often it’s a clog that causes these sewer line issues, either due to a crumbling pipeline or something getting flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t have been. It may also be due to tree roots growing in the pipes. Commonly, the hard water in the city leaves mineral deposits on the insides of your pipes, restricting flow over time and contributing to slow drains and blockages. Our plumbers will be able to inspect your sewer line, determine the cause of the issue, and get it fixed. 
• Deteriorating pipes. Old pipes are, unfortunately, very common in the Texarkana area. That’s primarily down to the age of the homes. Texarkana was founded in 1873 and saw most of its population growth between 1920 and 1960. That means the majority of the homes in the area are more than 50 years old, and that’s when galvanized steel was commonly used in plumbing. These pipes have a limited lifespan, and they are now at the age where they need replacing. If they aren’t replaced, they can cause leaks, low water pressure, and waste our natural resources. If you suspect you have a leak, our expert plumbers can help you locate and repair the pipe, including any leaks that may be happening under your slab foundation. 
• Low water pressure. This can be a symptom of a much more serious plumbing issue, and it’s another common Texarkana plumbing issue that is often due to the age of the pipes. If you experience a sudden drop in your water pressure, you should contact our plumbers right away. There may be a serious clog in your pipe, a pipe may have burst, or you might have a major leak in the waterline. Many residents experience low water pressure because Texarkana’s hard water leaves mineral deposits inside the pipes that restrict flow. Before you get too concerned, though, check with your neighbors. If they are also experiencing a drop in water pressure, then the issue may be with the city’s water mains and not your own. However, our experienced plumbers will be able to diagnose the issue and help you get your water pressure back up to normal. 

How Does the Water in Texarkana Affect Your Plumbing?

Our water is moderately hard, according to the USGS water hardness scale. That means there are minerals in our water, at a rate of about 83 milligrams per liter. Texarkana gets the majority of its water from Lake Wright Patman and Lake Millwood. While lake water is typically soft, it can become hard when it comes into contact with certain rocks and minerals, such as limestone. These minerals attach themselves to water molecules. While some get filtered out as they move through the city’s water systems, some will remain in the water supply. These minerals, primarily calcium carbonate, are safe to drink. They aren’t, however, very nice to your plumbing system.

The minerals in hard water can leave deposits in your plumbing system over time. You might see evidence of this after a shower when the water droplets leave a white residue on your shower door. Or you might have a papery scale at the end of your taps. This is all mineral build-up. That same substance can build up in your pipes and your plumbing fixtures, including your hot water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. This can lead the machines to work less efficiently, using more electricity and more water to do their job. Eventually, mineral deposits can lead to clogs and mechanical failure. 

The best thing to do for your plumbing system is preventative maintenance. Make sure you have your equipment serviced every year. There are also special detergents and substances you can run through your equipment to help get rid of the mineral deposits. Water softeners are great for your plumbing, too, as they will remove the rest of the minerals from the water supply before it enters your home. If you want to have a water softener installed, talk to our plumbers about your options. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Texarkana?

The majority of homeowners in the area pay around $300 for a visit from the plumber, but this can go up or down between $100 and $800 based on three primary factors: 

Cost Factor: Time and Labor

Our plumbers typically charge for their services by the hour, at a rate of around $60 an hour. The longer your project takes, the more you’ll have to pay in labor costs. You can ask our plumber before they begin how long they expect the job to take, but be aware that plumbing jobs can often turn out to be more complex than they first appeared. You can also ask our plumber if they offer a flat rate fee for standard jobs, such as repairing a running toilet or unclogging a shower drain. 

Cost Factor: Parts and Materials

Most plumbing jobs will require parts and materials of some kind, whether that’s a $5 float for your toilet or thousands of dollars worth of copper piping. We will be able to give you an estimate on the cost of materials. Make sure our plumber knows what your budget is, too, because they can help you find options best suited for your price range.

Some jobs are just more expensive, though, and that can come down to the age of your plumbing system. Homes in downtown Texarkana, around the Ace of Clubs House and Perot Theatre, will have the oldest plumbing systems. This can lead to more expensive repairs because more of the system will need to be replaced, which will quickly increase your materials’ cost. 

Cost Factor: Emergency Plumbing Services

Some visits from our plumbers can’t wait. A burst pipe or a broken water heater can be an emergency, so you might need help in the evening or over a weekend. Our emergency plumbers are available in Texarkana, whether you live in College Hill, Pinson Park, or somewhere between. However, you’ll pay more for our emergency services. That might be a higher hourly rate or a surcharge on your final bill. The cost of our emergency plumbers is worth it, though. Otherwise, you may end up with serious water damage that needs expensive mitigation. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Texarkana?

If you want to save money on your plumbing, invest in its quality. Better quality fixtures and pipes will last longer, so you won’t replace them as often. They’ll also break less, meaning you won’t need to pay our plumbers to repair them as often. A small investment in the quality of your plumbing fixtures now will continue to pay off long into the future. 

There is another way you’ll save, though, and that’s on your monthly water bill. The average Texan household uses about 5,000 gallons of water a month. Across Texas, monthly water bills average $41.23 a month, or just under $500 for the year. When you have a faulty plumbing system, you could be paying a lot more. That’s because even small leaks in your plumbing can lead to major increases in your water usage. A leaky kitchen sink can waste 3,000 gallons of water per year, and you’ll pay for every drop.

By investing in both the quality of your plumbing fixtures and the preventative maintenance of your plumbing system, you’ll decrease leaks and your overall water usage. That means a lower water bill, which is great for your bank account as well as the environment. 

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

In general, if the plumbing issue is happening on your property, then you’ll want to call us. This is the case even if you believe the issue with your plumbing system is caused by the city’s pipes. Our plumber will determine the reason for your plumbing issue and get in contact with the city’s utility company if necessary. 

However, you should contact Texarkana Water Utilities if: 

• There is a water or sewer main leak in the street
• A fire hydrant is leaking
• You see someone illegally dumping in a storm drain

The water utility company is available 24 hours a day at 903-798-3850. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Texarkana?

You’ll need to apply for a plumbing permit in Texarkana any time you are changing, adding to, or removing from your existing plumbing system. The only time you don’t need a permit is if we are: 

• Repairing an existing plumbing fixture, such as unclogging a toilet. 
• Replacing an existing plumbing fixture with one that’s the same capacity and function, such as changing your kitchen sink for cosmetic reasons. 

Residential plumbing permits only take a few days to process, and many are processed the same day. Our licensed plumbers can apply for a permit through the Inspections Department. Homeowners are able to apply for certain permits, but some jobs legally require the help of a licensed plumber like us. If you have questions, you can contact the Inspections Department directly.