Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Richmond?
- 2 How Does the Water in Richmond Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Richmond?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Richmond?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Richmond vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Richmond?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Richmond?
Richmond homeowners face many common plumbing issues like leaky pipes, clogged drains, and dripping faucets. In addition to these typical issues, the city experiences environmental factors that can significantly affect your home plumbing. Here are a few of the most common problems that may warrant a call to our plumbers in Richmond and how you can prevent a plumbing disaster.
Winter Weather
Richmond residents experience cold winters where temperatures drop well below the freezing point. Unfortunately, freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on unprotected pipes. If your pipes are exposed to the elements, the water inside can freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst at any moment. A ruptured pipe means water damage, water waste, and expensive repairs to your home plumbing. Before winter hits, avoid this problem by insulating your pipes. Our experts can wrap your pipes in insulating materials to reduce the risk of weather-related issues.
Leaky Faucets and Running Toilets
Leaky faucets and running toilets are prevalent issues that often seem like little more than a nuisance. Leaks are sneaky and can occur anywhere in your home plumbing, from your pipes to your faucets, and they’re a pretty big deal. A leaky pipe or faucet is often a result of old, corroded pipes, which are common in Richmond’s older homes. Call our experts at the first sign of a leak, and they can quickly take care of the problem. A neglected leak can result in a hefty spike in your water bill, and corroded pipes can contaminate your water.
Whenever a toilet is flushed, it runs for a few minutes until the tank fills with water. If you notice that your toilet is constantly running, call our plumbers in Richmond to check it out. A toilet that runs continuously means that its tank is constantly filling with water. If you leave your toilet running without repair, it will run your water bill up hundreds of dollars as well. This quick repair will be well worth the service fee.
Clogged Drains
One of the most common plumbing issues is a clogged drain. Usually, a clog results from built-up hair, grease, soap scum, or other nasty substances that get stuck inside your pipes. If your water isn’t draining, call our plumbers to assess the problem. It’s hard to find a clog without the right tools, and our experts have special equipment to locate and dislodge your clog, leaving your pipes squeaky clean. In extreme cases, roots can grow into pipes underground, requiring a much bigger job. Whatever the problem, you can rest assured that our professionals will know what to do to get your plumbing in working order again.
How Does the Water in Richmond Affect Your Plumbing?
The Department of Public Utilities releases a Water Quality Report each year to ensure that Richmond’s water is healthy, safe, and delicious. The city’s water passes each year with flying colors, but it is still a good idea for homeowners to have their water tested as well. Contamination from nasty substances can happen in your pipes at home so have our local plumbers test your drinking water to be safe. If you find one of the following contaminants in your water, ask us for the best solution.
Lead
Richmond’s Water Quality Report shows no lead is present in the city’s water, but it can be found in old and corroded pipes on private properties, especially in Richmond where the average age of homes is relatively high in some areas. If lead leaks into your water, children and pregnant women can get seriously ill, so it’s essential to eliminate it from your water supply. Corrosion on old pipes can cause lead to leak lead into your water supply without you even knowing it’s there. If you’d like to have your water tested for lead, call the EPA’s Drinking Water Hotline or call our master plumbers.
If our plumber finds lead present in your water, you can apply for the city’s Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program. The grant covers up to $2,500 for homeowners to use to replace their old and corroded pipes.
You can reduce your risk of exposure to lead by flushing your tap water. Just let the water run for at least 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking purposes. Hot water pipes are more likely to contain lead, so it’s best to never mix a baby’s formula with warm water from the tap.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a microbial parasite present in surface water across the country. The city found an average of 5.4 Oocysts per 100L which fell below the actionable level of 7.5 Oocysts. Although Richmond water is perfectly safe for consumption for healthy people, individuals with autoimmune diseases like HIV or who are undergoing cancer treatment may want to take extra precautions. Ask our plumbers expert advice on water filtration systems.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Richmond?
Our plumbers face various jobs, from tightening pipes under the sink to digging up sewage lines in the yard. When you have a plumbing need, it’s best to call us for a quote. We’ll assess the work that needs to be done and give you an idea of the final cost. Here are a few factors we’ll take into consideration.
Cost Factor: Project Size
Our plumbers typically charge an hourly rate, so the longer it takes to fix your pipes, the more you can expect to pay. If your plumbing needs are small, like a dripping faucet or clogged sink, our plumber will likely get the job done quickly. If it’s a more complicated project that involves repiping a bathroom or digging up pipes underground, our plumber will need to spend more time to get the job done. When our plumber quotes your price, they’ll calculate the time it will take to do the job.
Cost Factor: Equipment Needed
Some plumbing jobs require little to no equipment. If, on the other hand, you’re having a water heater replaced or pipes installed, you will pay for the equipment needed. Our plumber will list these items in their initial quote so you can have an idea of the final price.
Cost Factor: Time of Day
Pipes burst day and night, and they don’t care about business hours. Luckily, our plumbers in Richmond offer emergency services 24/7, so you can contact our experts and have them at your home within the hour in many cases. If you need our plumbers’ help outside of business hours, expect to pay more. It’s only fair since you’re likely pulling them away from family time or waking them up in the middle of the night to help.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Richmond?
If you want to save money on plumbing, you can do a few things. Here are some steps to take so you can prevent expensive plumbing disasters and conserve water in your home.
Prevention is Key
It’s essential to inspect your plumbing regularly. Pay attention to places most likely to leak like under the sink, around your toilet, and under the water heater. Call our plumbers in Richmond at the first sign of a leak dripping faucet, so you don’t waste water and money.
Winterize all of your unprotected pipes before the temperatures drop. It’s much more cost-effective to have our plumbers wrap your pipes in thermal material than to deal with the cleanup and repair of a burst pipe.
Conservation is Smart
The Virginia Department of Health offers an extensive list of ways to conserve water in your home. Not only will it save you money, but you’ll be protecting precious resources at the same time. Here are a few ways your plumbing choices can help to conserve water at home:
- Check for leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes.
- Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators.
- When replacing appliances, opt for efficient models.
Our expert plumbers in Richmond will be happy to help by installing new equipment or inspecting your pipes for leaks.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Richmond vs Hire a Plumber?
If you have a plumbing problem within your property lines, it’s best to call us. Leaky pipes, clogged drains, and water heater replacement are all jobs that fall under the umbrella of homeowner responsibilities. If the plumbing issue is beyond your property line, water meter, or main sewage line, you need to contact the utility company immediately. Report water issues online or call 804-646-4646 as soon as you notice a problem. You can also use the webpage to report other hazards, including traffic disturbances or road construction, and you can view reports made by other community members as well.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Richmond?
Basic plumbing jobs like leaks and clogs don’t require a permit, but bigger jobs need to be run by the city first. If you’re remodeling a bathroom or installing new pipes, it’s best to contact the New Services Team at the Department of Public Utilities Development Services. Their number is (804) 646-8544. If you’re installing new plumbing in your home, print out the permit application and mail it to the Department of Public Utilities. If you are unsure whether you’ll need to apply for a permit, call the number above, email dpucustserv@richmondgov.com, or let our pros do the hard work for you.