AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Suffolk, VA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Suffolk?

Based on the hot, muggy summers and overly wet winters in Suffolk, Virginia, residents here are not always surprised when plumbing issues occur. Not all plumbing issues are from weather, though it seems climate extremes each season often cause several issues.

In the winter, the heavy rains in Suffolk cause numerous drain clogs. Our plumbers here work overtime when a heavy rainstorm clogs up sewer lines near homes. And the same clog can happen in a water line on a home’s property.

During the summer, other strange plumbing issues could develop. Scenarios like clogged garbage disposals or clogged washing machines are both summer plumbing issues occurring in warmer weather.

A few other common problems seen by our Suffolk plumbers:

Pipe Leaks

Water pipe leaks happen all the time. Once a leak begins, it only turns worse. Few residents notice when leaks start as small trickles behind or under fixtures. Leaks can be caused by several reasons, one of which could be the moderately hard water in Suffolk, as with the rest of Virginia. Mineral deposits may have accumulated over time which can contribute to minor clogs that affect your water pressure, effectively resulting in pipe leaks.

Mold and mildew are going to develop in your home if the leak is ignored. And, of course, if it’s a major leak, an indoor flood could end up being a disaster you don’t want. Any sign of a leak needs a plumbing inspection pronto.

Suffolk’s main water utility (The Department of Public Utilities) repairs water leaks, as long as the pipes are away from your own property line. Otherwise, you’re responsible for leaks when they occur in your yard; in which case, give us a call and we will sort things out ASAP.

Clogged Shower Drains and Toilet Issues

Clogged toilets and shower drains happen eventually, sometimes at the same time. In Suffolk, one common cause is buildup in your pipes over time due to the moderately hard water, resulting in clogs.

Some residents attempt to save money by doing a self-fix, usually by buying toilet snakes or Liquid Drano. Buying store-bought snakes should be avoided since they can easily cause damage. Drain clog fluids can also harm your pipes if directions aren’t followed properly.

Nowadays, our plumbers inspect drains with small digital cameras as a new technological way to diagnose drainage issues.

Sewer Line Clogs

A clogged sewer line outside could make every plumbing fixture in your home act up. You might notice specific fixtures making noise when turning on another fixture somewhere in the house.

This odd scenario points to a main sewer line clog, a potential complex issue when Suffolk experiences floods. These clogs do take time to repair. In Suffolk, they’re more apt to happen during heavy winter rains.

Water Pipe Rust

Living in an old Suffolk home without plumbing upgrades means eventually deteriorated pipes. A major sign is when you notice brown or red water coming out of your tap. Pipe rust is mostly due to age and prolonged moisture exposure.

Replacing aging water pipes near homes is common in this region of Virginia due to so many systems being installed decades ago. In recent years, the city has been replacing existing assets and implementing new capacities to meet future demands.

Yet, age isn’t always what affects water pipes. While the city is replacing aging pipes, your own water pipes might deteriorate from other things. Debris pressure can ruin your pipes, as tree roots. Poor soil can also be a cause.

Brass pipes installed years ago are one reason for many replacements. These pipes typically last only ten years. However, modern copper piping usually lasts 50 years or more.

How Does the Water in Suffolk Affect Your Plumbing?

Suffolk continues to update its water pipes and outdated water systems to ensure safety. Due to floods being one of the biggest threats here, it is important they upgrade.

As all major cities do, Suffolk also keeps tabs on its water quality. The water is generally safe, as it is always going through a disinfection process. The city consistently notes some contaminants in their water are inevitable if none are said to cause serious health problems.

One thing Suffolk mentions is the importance of keeping your water soft to reduce potential plumbing repairs. Suffolk, as with the rest of Virginia, is known to have moderately hard water. This means we tend to have common issues with hard water, albeit to a lesser extent. Hard water can be a big issue where water accumulates minerals like calcium or magnesium. When this flows through your pipes, clogs in your sink pipes (and your water heater) can occur. It does this because hard water turns to soap scum after reacting with residual materials.

The buildup of mineral scale in pipes is a problem our plumbers in Suffolk encounter all the time. Water softeners are usually put in place to amend the issue. Unfortunately, homeowners barely notice these mineral deposits are in their water pipes, even when minor clogs start.

Despite hard water being a common water issue, general flooding in Suffolk continues being the biggest water worry. Flash flooding is an ongoing threat here based on past rain events. Always make sure your drains work well to prevent potentially worse hard water clogs.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Suffolk?

What you pay in the way of plumbing repair in Suffolk depends on various things you can’t always control. Most plumbing rates are at scale level for typical repair. It can still vary based on plumbing charges and the particular diagnosis.

The average cost for plumbing repair in Suffolk is $353 and the lowest is $85. Rates can go up to $622 on the highest end based on the job’s complexity.

Let’s take a look at other cost factors and what those could mean for your budget:

Pipe Replacement

Some plumbing jobs go beyond the basics. Your pipes may have rusted so badly, they need replacement without delay. This could push your bill to the maximum based on the number of pipes needed.

Copper pipes usually cost the most based on how long they last. PVC/PEX pipes cost a little less, if more popular as a result.

Remember to add in permit fees, inspection fees, plus the cost of materials.

Extra Labor Time Due to Natural Disasters

During a flood in Suffolk, a plumbing job could take more than 24 hours to complete. Fixing clogged drains in a post-flash flood scenario is often a protracted and stressful job for our plumbers. It might even take several days for everything to get repaired.

That work could take longer if other disasters occur and disrupt water lines. Don’t forget Suffolk is also vulnerable to extreme droughts, a disaster that’s caused numerous issues with more than just plumbing.

The USDA declared Suffolk as a primary natural disaster area as a result. It means your plumbing could be greatly affected by these weather events at one time or another, leading to extra labor time.

Most plumbing jobs in normal times are done fairly fast. Still, labor costs become more connected lately to the unpredictable manner of nature.

Last-Minute Additional Fixtures

Other materials or plumbing fixtures may need replacing after our plumber does a more extensive home inspection. A water heater replacement might come up unexpectedly, adding to your bill. Septic system repair jobs or replacements could also take you by surprise.

Pipe and Water Heater Recycling

During major plumbing jobs, disposing of old equipment is as big of a job as the repair itself. Water heater removal, for instance, means someone attempting to haul it away to a metal dealer or recycling center.

Clean-up of your old water pipes from your property requires extra work by our plumber. They usually offer to take your old piping and water heater away for recycling, but may charge you a little extra.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Suffolk?

Upgrading to better plumbing now saves your future pocketbook since it prevents issues from ever developing when you’re least prepared. Just imagine what the future cost of more complicated repairs could be if you ignore any current plumbing issues.

Catching those problems now means you may never need a fixture repaired or replaced in your lifetime. Most plumbing issues can get fixed affordably if you pay close attention to things not looking normal.

Consider hiring one of our master plumbers first for expert fixes. This means our professional plumbers with a decade or more of experience in the field. We have plumbers with further previous experience working as a journeyman that’s worked on every plumbing issue imaginable.

In addition, consider the age of your home and any potential plumbing upgrades it needs. Old homes and buildings still exist in Suffolk, with some exceeding 100 years in age. While these homes often sell for cheap, investing in more modern water pipes should go on your radar. Copper water pipes are a smart investment since they hold up through challenging conditions. PEX/PVC water pipes are also popular and expand if a rare Suffolk deep-freeze ever happens.

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

Plumbing problems sometimes come from nearby water pipes belonging to The Department of Public Utilities in Suffolk. Should you call them first if you suspect a leak is occurring somewhere?

It all depends on where the leak is occurring. If you call them, only leaks discovered on their side of your water meter are going to get repaired.

Scope out a leak on your own by checking your outdoor water meter after turning off your water. Are the meter panel numbers still turning? If they are, then the leak is somewhere on your own property. Doing this test saves money because TDPU might charge you for the inspection.

Only then should you call us and our professional plumbers since (like most water utilities) TDPU will probably never consider repairing your own leaks. 

After you get your plumbing bill, present it to utility officials. They might give you a bill credit for your own time discovering the leak.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Suffolk?

Obtaining permits to do plumbing work all too often confuses Suffolk’s residents and business owners. It’s mandatory in every city to obtain a permit if a plumber does work in any type of premises.

Suffolk’s laws say any kind of plumbing being installed or replaced needs a permit. You can send your permit for approval via email through the city’s Community Development Division. Their online permit form is easy to fill out, albeit your contractor or architect needing to identify what type of plumbing fixtures you’re having installed. The form also needs a written description of the work done and the estimated value.

At the bottom of the permit form, you’ll see the permit fees for various types of plumbing fixtures.

The permit also needs to be in line with the Virginia Plumbing Code, something worth reading carefully before you officially apply.