Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Roanoke?
- 2 How Does the Water in Roanoke Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Roanoke?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Roanoke?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Roanoke Vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Roanoke?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Roanoke?
Roanoke experiences cold winter temperatures that can affect the pipes and cause plumbing issues if careful preventative measures aren’t taken. Pipes that run along a building’s external walls are in particular danger of freezing during harsh winter months. If a homeowner goes on an extended vacation during this time or forgets to allow a faucet to slowly drip water, the result could be frozen pipes that burst, creating extensive water damage.
In the spring and summer, Roanoke residents might experience flooding due to snowmelt, heavy rainfalls, or flooding along the Roanoke River. Flooding in residential areas can cause serious plumbing issues in several ways. Floodwater can contain sediment that clogs drains and sewers. It can also damage fixtures and exposed pipes and if the flooding is serious enough, it can shift the foundation of a house, causing potential damage to the plumbing system.
In addition to local weather-related plumbing issues, there are several other concerns residents of this area might frequently face when it comes to plumbing trouble. Roanoke has beautiful historic homes, many of which were built around the turn of the century. Older homes commonly have older pipes and as they age, leaks become much more likely. Leaky pipes can cause several serious problems including mold and mildew. If you suspect you have this problem, you should get in touch with Mr Blue Plumbing right away.
Dripping faucets and running toilets are other common plumbing issues that may seem small but can end up wasting hundreds of gallons of water per year if not dealt with. Clogged toilets, drains, and pipes, as well as incorrect water pressure are all other common issues we see in this area, in part because of the damage caused by Roanoke’s hard water. Not every call we receive is an emergency. Most of the time, we provide quick and simple solutions after a store-bought remedy didn’t work effectively.
If you need help with other plumbing-related issues such as replacing fixtures like showerheads and faucets, our professional plumbers’ skill and experience can be a great way to get your home projects completed quickly and correctly.
How Does the Water in Roanoke Affect Your Plumbing?
The city of Roanoke receives its water from several sources including Spring Hollow Reservoir, Carvins Cove Reservoir, and Crystal Spring, among others. At each of these locations, water gets pumped into a treatment facility where it is filtered and treated with chlorine for disinfection, as well as fluoride. After the water is treated, it is moved to storage tanks and then pumped along transmission lines.
The Western Virginia Water Authority is responsible for maintaining over 1,500 miles of pipes that bring water to Roanoke citizens’ homes. In 2021, they performed water quality testing and published a report on their findings. Areas throughout Roanoke have hard water, containing a high content of various minerals. If you’ve ever noticed white residue building up inside your tea kettle or shower, you probably have hard water. The chalky, white substance is a buildup of excess minerals, and this buildup can also occur inside your pipes. If a pipe becomes clogged with enough buildup, it can increase the water pressure and create leaks in your pipes. Installing a water softener is one very effective way to solve this issue.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Roanoke?
The cost of plumbing in Roanoke depends on what type of work you need done, which materials are required, and several other factors. In general, the average cost of plumbing work in this area is around $329 with $80 being the average minimum cost and $779 being the higher end. These prices include labor, material, and cleanup costs; however, it does not include the price of any necessary permits or other inspection fees. Our plumbers typically charge an hourly rate. However, they may also charge an initial inspection fee to come out and determine the extent of work that’s required. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main factors that determine these costs.
Urgency
If you have a pipe that bursts in the middle of the night and urgently need someone from our team to come out and help you shut off the water supply and repair the situation, it’s going to cost you more than if you were struggling with a clogged drain. Our plumbers can operate on a fixed-rate basis, but if what you need is especially urgent or falls outside of regular business hours, it could cost you extra.
Required Materials
If pipes or other components in your home need replacing, that will have to be factored into the total cost of the work. Certain materials such as copper can be expensive. You also should consider the difficulty of finding components that work with your current plumbing system.
If your plumbing job requires an unusual or expensive part that has to be ordered, it will affect the total cost. This usually occurs in older homes with plumbing systems that haven’t been updated in a while.
The Amount of Work to Be Completed
Some plumbing issues are simple, while others are large, comprehensive tasks. If your store-bought drain cleaner wasn’t very effective on your bathroom sink, the quick job is going to cost you significantly less than if you wanted all new pipes in an older home. Some jobs such as unclogging a toilet are charged as a fixed fee, while other types of work get charged an hourly rate plus the cost of materials.
If you need something installed such as a new toilet or water heater, you will have to factor in the cost of the new item in addition to the labor. Certain items are particularly expensive such as the installation of a new septic system. In Roanoke, that will cost you an average of $7,114 for a typical new system.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Roanoke?
There are many ways that choosing a reliable plumber can save you money. When it comes to plumbing issues, there are always some people who prefer to do as much of the work themselves as possible. However, hiring experts like Mr. Blue Plumbing can ensure that tasks get done correctly the first time, which can end up saving you a significant amount of money in comparison to the costs of future repairs.
Every year, running toilets waste thousands of gallons of water and faucets that don’t turn off fully also create a significant amount of wasted water. A leaky faucet can drip up to 15 gallons of water per day. Fixing issues like this will not only lower your water bills but can also prevent bigger problems from occurring in the future.
Another tip for saving money with good plumbing is to replace your water heater. While purchasing a new water heater is an initial cost investment, replacing one that is over 10 years old can significantly lower your utility bills. You could also consider regularly draining or cleaning out your old water heater to improve its performance.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Roanoke Vs Hire a Plumber?
The Western Virginia Water Authority, which serves customers in Roanoke, has plumbing advice for residents regarding issues such as sewer backups and more. If you’re experiencing a sewer backup, the first step they advise you to take is to immediately plug toilets and floor drains with a string mop or rags. Next, you’re going to want to determine if the issue is a blockage coming from your house or if it is a larger issue with the main sewer line. Try contacting your neighbors to see if they are also dealing with the same issue. Then, contact your water utility company.
Western Virginia Water Authority handles issues like these, although it is the responsibility of the homeowner to pay for sewage cleanup. You should check with your homeowner or renters insurance policy to see which plumbing damage issues are covered. In many cases, an additional rider is required to cover instances like sewer and drain backups, as it is not typically included in standard policies.
If you’re experiencing a more minor problem such as a clogged drain or toilet or a leaky pipe, it’s best to hire our plumbers to come out and take a look. Our plumbers are also a smart choice when you have a serious problem on your hands that needs to be addressed quickly such as rapidly leaking water. Mr Blue Plumbing can promptly come and address your problem and get everything back to functioning optimally.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Roanoke?
The City of Roanoke provides plumbing permits on demand unless extensive work is required. These permits are valid for 6 months or as long as the work is proceeding with regular inspections. The processes that require permits include:
- Installing new plumbing fixtures
- Repairing and replacing main drain lines
- Sump pumps
The process for obtaining a plumbing service permit involves emailing the required documents to the Roanoke County administration office, paying the fee, and then calling for inspections. It typically takes a little as 8 hours to receive your permit after the fee has been paid.