AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Ashburn, VA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Ashburn?

Located in Loudoun County, Ashburn is part of the original Fairfax County that was established in 1742. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Ashburn is known as a major hub for internet data and is a popular place to live for people who commute to Washington D.C. Homes in Ashburn have many of the same plumbing issues that are found across the country, but there are some issues, in particular, to be aware of.

• Frozen pipes: Ashburn has warm, muggy weather in the summer, but in the winter and early fall, the temperature, particularly at night, is often below freezing. It is one of the colder places in Virginia, with an average of 110 days a year where the temperature is below freezing. If you are not able to winterize your pipes and protect them from freezing, you will not only have little to no water pressure, but when the temperature warms up, there is a high likelihood that your pipes will burst.
• Clogged drains: A slow or clogged drain is a common reason residents of Ashburn call our plumbers. If not repaired, it can lead to larger backups and damage to pipes.

Leaky faucets, updating bathroom and kitchen fixtures, or repairing or replacing your water heater are also problems that are fairly universal and generally require our services.

How Does the Water in Ashburn Affect Your Plumbing?

Loudon Water provides Ashburn’s water supply which comes from the Potomac River and Goose Creek. The Potomac River supply is supplemented by reservoirs in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Goose Creek receives water from both the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir and the Goose Creek Reservoir. According to testing done by Fairfax Water, water from the Potomac River is moderately hard, and the water from Goose Creek is also moderately hard. Hard water has higher levels of calcium and magnesium which can cause mineral deposits to form in your pipes. These deposits can lower your water pressure.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Ashburn?

Plumbing repairs are typically one of the more expensive home repairs, especially when repairs are not done immediately or other problems are found. On average, plumbing costs in Ashburn are between $93.00 and $674.00. Costs related to inspections and fees for permits can make these prices higher. Sales tax on materials will also add to the cost. There are a few other factors that can increase the cost of your plumbing repairs.

Extent and Severity

As with almost anything, more extensive projects are more expensive. The more severe the problem or if you first attempted to do the plumbing repairs yourself first and inadvertently caused more problems, the more expensive your repairs will be. Homes with plumbing that is in poor condition can lead to more expensive repairs if more problems are discovered. A leaking or slow drain might appear simple at first, but damaged pipes and mold can be uncovered, which are more expensive to fix.

Materials

The most common pipe used by our plumbers is PVC plumbing. It is also the cheaper option. Copper, stainless steel, or ABS pipes are more expensive and most homeowners ask that we not use them if it is not necessary. Sales tax for materials, which is currently 6.0%, is also a factor in your cost. For some projects such as installing a water heater, our plumbers will use a fixed charge. This typically accounts for the cost of materials.

Hourly Charge Vs Fixed Charge

Depending on the project, we may give you an hourly or fixed charge. Examples of projects that typically use a fixed charge include toilet installation or replacement. An hourly charge is more common for complicated projects. Hourly charges do not generally include the cost of supplies and materials. You would only need a separate contractor for extensive renovations or remodels, and sometimes for projects that require certain permits.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Ashburn?

Yes. By doing plumbing repairs promptly and spending a little on updating your fixtures, you actually can save more money over time. Being proactive can prevent more expensive future repairs which will not only save you money in general, but will also reduce your utility bill.A dripping faucet might not seem like a costly plumbing repair, but it can end up costing around an extra $20 a year, which adds up. It is also a big waste of water, amounting to over 3,600 gallons a year, which is roughly equal to the amount of water 20 people drink annually. Additionally, only 1% of water on the planet is suitable for human consumption. It is always nice to have an extra $20 in your bank account that can earn interest as well. Here are more ways that better plumbing saves you money.

• Energy-efficient fixtures not only conserve water, but can also save you money on your utility bill. Additionally, the state of Virginia has a list of rebates available, either federally or through the state. Dominion Energy also has various rebates as well as other tips on conserving energy. They also have reward programs to earn money for certain conservation actions.
• There are rebates and incentives available through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
• By promptly fixing leaks and slow drains, installing energy-efficient fixtures, and, if your home does not already have one, installing a dishwasher, you can increase the value of your home. Oftentimes, you can also qualify for rebates that decrease your property tax as well.

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

Our plumbers can usually help you with the majority of plumbing problems you encounter. There are some instances, though, where the utility company needs to be involved. It might be a case of legality, something that only the utility company is allowed to handle. Sometimes it is simply a situation where the problem is just not something our plumber can legally help with. 

If you are not sure if the problem should be handled by our plumbers or the utility company, you can have our experts investigate the situation and help determine if the utility company should be called. Let’s also look at some common issues where you might not be sure if you need our services or the help of your utility company.

If you try to turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, your home may be out of water. This might be an issue with the city water supply, which would require a call to the utility company.

Before you call, check with your neighbors to see if any of them are having problems. If nobody else in the neighborhood has problems with their water supply, there is more likely a problem with the pipes in your home, and it would be better to call us.

For water leaks, depending on where the leak is, it might be your responsibility. You are responsible for leaks on your property and the utility company is responsible for leaks from a broken water main. If you suspect a break in your water line and the shut-off valve does not work or you aren’t even sure where it is, our plumbers can assist you. However, Loudoun Water requests that if you are unable to fix a leak yourself, that you contact them before contacting our plumbers.

You should always call the utility company if you think there might be a leak in your neighbor’s home and they appear to be away. It might seem like a good idea, and easier, but do not shut your neighbor’s water off yourself. Turning someone else’s water off is illegal if you are not employed by the utility company. The utility company can come and investigate the situation and, if necessary, turn the water off. Another time you need to call the utility company is if you think there is an error in your bill.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Ashburn?

You might think that you can fix your plumbing without our professional plumbers and you can save money by doing it. However, the opposite may be true and you might find yourself spending more money and then having to hire us anyway. Additionally, most of the time, you’ll need a permit from Loudoun County, which oversees all permits for the city of Ashburn. Generally, repairs to existing appliances or parts that are already in place do not need a permit. If you are replacing something like a toilet seat or anything else that does not require water to operate, a permit is likely unnecessary. Here are some situations where Loudoun County requires a permit.

• Installation or modification of a plumbing or piping system
• Installation, repair, or removal of a well or a water softener system
• Additions or changes to any fixtures or drains such as a dishwasher
• Addition or remodeling of a residential swimming pool or spa
• Capping off pipes from fixtures that have been removed
• Installation of lawn sprinkler systems or backflow prevention assemblies for lawn sprinkler systems 
• Installation of a non-metallic (plastic or CVPC) plumbing system to replace a metallic (copper or galvanized steel) plumbing system, (In addition to a plumbing permit, you will also need an electrical permit, since you generally need to install a new grounding electrode.)
• Anything that involves sewer lines, sump pumps, or septic systems, (A septic system cleaning does not typically require a permit, but it should always be done by our licensed professionals.)
  

For jobs that require a permit from Loudoun County, it is generally easiest to hire our plumbers. Our experts will be familiar with any permits that are needed and will know how to get them.