AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Norfolk, VA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Norfolk?

There are all kinds of plumbing issues that we see in Norfolk. These repairs can take anywhere from a few minutes to even a few days to complete. Some of the most common plumbing issues that we encounter include:

• Fixing a leaky faucet
• Stopping a running toilet
• Unclogging a sink or toilet
• Replacing a water heater
• Installing a water line to a new appliance

These are problems you are going to encounter almost universally around the United States. In Norfolk, these can be caused by the changes in temperature as well. The summers can be hot and muggy, while the winters are cold and windy. During the hot months, the temperatures can fluctuate between 73ºF and 88ºF, while they can range between 34ºF and 49ºF during the cooler months.

These changes in temperature can cause things to shift, deteriorate, or just break at one point, including components of your home plumbing system. However, there is one problem in particular that gains the attention of the city government and plumbers alike. 

Lead Piping 

The City of Norfolk dates back to the 1600s. There is a vast and proud history that dates back before the Colonial Era, on to building a brand-new nation, and beyond. With this rich history comes the older ways of building homes and installing indoor plumbing. Specifically, there is still a fair amount of lead piping in the older homes of Norfolk. 

The problem with lead piping is that the lead can contaminate your drinking water and over time, this contamination can lead to serious health problems. It is best to replace any lead piping in your property. The sooner, the better. You can have us replace the lead pipes with durable plastic pipes. While replacing lead pipes with plastic PVC pipes is a cheaper and safer option, it is not a small job. It won’t be cheap, but you can be assured you are choosing the option with more durability and longevity. 

The good thing is that the Norfolk Water Department is on top of ensuring the lead from piping does not affect your drinking water. By the time the drinking water is delivered to your home, it meets all state and federal quality standards. 

How Does the Water in Norfolk Affect Your Plumbing?

Norfolk is known for its incredibly clean water system. In fact, it is ranked as the fourth-best in the United States. There is a huge capacity for freshwater here. The water of Norfolk is serviced by eight reservoirs, two rivers, and four deep wells. The reservoirs are primarily fed through rainfall but also through water that falls in the drainage area and watershed. That means the water in our homes may have flowed over streets, driveways, rooftops, lawns, gardens, and ditches. It picks up all kinds of debris like fertilizers, oils, litter, pet waste, and other pollutants. Each one of these pollutants can affect wildlife and your water quality. The water is pumped from these sources and sent to one of two water treatment plants. It is filtered and disinfected and then released to homes for use once it passes water quality standard testing.

The water in Norfolk averages in the range between soft and slightly hard. This means there is enough hardness for soaps and detergents to work well. It also means that the mineral count is low and the water in Norfolk is not detrimental to the pipes in your home or cause any staining as harder water could. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Norfolk?

The average plumbing bill for homeowners in Norfolk is around $371, with costs ranging from as little as $90 and as much as $652. It is important to remember that plumbing services can be very simple like fixing a clogged toilet, or they can be very complicated like replacing old pipes. Not to mention, all the services in between. The cost to you as the property owner for any plumbing repair or project will be dependent on several factors. 

Timing 

We are more than aware that a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or broken hot water heater, seems to always happen at the most inconvenient times. That is why our plumbers are prepared to come to your house 24/7, not just during regular business hours. We are more than happy to get your plumbing up and running again. Just be aware that you will pay more if we have to come in the middle of the night, on a weekend, or on a holiday. 

Materials and Type of Appliance 

If an appliance needs repair in your home in Norfolk, the type of appliance will affect how much the plumbing service is going to cost. If you choose a name-brand appliance to be repaired or installed, it’s going to cost more than an off-brand appliance. Our plumbers are prepared to work with all sorts of appliances and all the different brands available. 

The same goes with the materials used. You can choose the more expensive materials or the more cost-efficient materials. The choice is yours, but just be aware that what you choose will directly affect your plumbing service bill. Our team of professionals will help you choose the right appliances and materials, so you can stay within your budget the best you can. 

Permits and Inspections

The plumbing project may require you to get a permit from the City of Norfolk. These permits, while seemingly inconvenient, help ensure that you get at least a minimum level of quality in the work done. Our plumbers are well-versed in the required permits and will help ensure you have everything you need. 

There are also times when a Norfolk city inspector comes to your house to make sure that the work being done meets all Norfolk city building codes. Sometimes you might even have to have some work done on the property to bring it up to code before you can start the plumbing work. The more people that are involved in fixing your plumbing problem to stay in compliance with the city, the more money it is going to cost you.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Norfolk?

Better plumbing can absolutely save you money in your home in Norfolk. Just one example of how better plumbing can save you money is leaky faucets. Those drips may not seem like much at the moment but over time those drips add up. In fact, if a faucet in your home leaks one drop per second for a whole year, that’s 3,000 gallons of wasted water. Wasted water also means wasted money. 

Our plumbers in Norfolk do far more than just fix leaky faucets. We will work with you to make the best plan for your property, so you have the best plumbing that is also cost-efficient. The City of Norfolk requires all plumbers to be licensed. Our highly trained professionals can find plumbing problems that can get past those less trained and can save you money in the long run.

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

There are a number of reasons that the City of Norfolk requests that you call them first to come out to your property to assess a plumbing problem. 

• Toilets do not flush
• Strong odor coming from a wastewater pump station
• Water main breaks
• Water leaks
• Low water pressure
• Rusty water
• Odors in the water
• Gray water in the street

The Norfolk Water Department will send out a crew to clear out any blockages from your property line to the City’s main line at no cost. The water crews pride themselves on their fast response and repair. Most problems can be fixed quickly, but sometimes there are repairs that require more time due to their complexity. 

If Norfolk Utilities has cleared the sewer main and the blockage is not resolved, that means the problem is in your own private line. Norfolk Utilities will only clear city lines. They will not work on private plumbing issues. You will need to call us to help you. 

It is important to remember that plumbing should never be considered a DIY hobby. One wrong turn of the wrench could lead to disastrous results. You take great risks trying to do your own plumbing, and it is also probably not as effective and may not meet Norfolk’s strict codes for plumbing. Your best bet is to save the hassle and call us to send over one of our professionals. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Norfolk?

When it is time to do some plumbing work on your property, do not assume you can do the work without a permit from the city. That may not be the case. In Norfolk, a building permit, including plumbing, is needed for “any residential repair, addition, or construction that requires new framing or exposes existing framing.” This can include installing an above-the-ground swimming pool deeper than two feet and installing hot tubs and spas. That is not all, though. Always consult with the City about what permits you need before you start the next job. As a rule of thumb, you will not need a permit for replacing small sections of piping to fix leaks, unclogging your pipes, or replacing small fixtures such as faucets and showerheads. However, you will need to secure permits for anything more than that.

Our plumbers know what types of jobs require permits. We also know the permitting process and are happy to assist in the process. Obtaining the proper permit is a good thing because it means you are working with a professional company that ensures you maintain a good relationship with the City. Always heed the advice of our plumbers about permits but also call the city yourself to confirm what is needed so you can stay in compliance.