Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Vancouver?
- 2 How Does the Water in Vancouver Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Vancouver?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Vancouver?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Vancouver Vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Vancouver?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Vancouver?
In some older homes in Vancouver, the pipes are made of galvanized steel or cast iron. While this type of material can last for many decades, when it begins to break down, you need to replace all the pipes in your home and yard. Of course, you can opt to have the same material used or decide to go with a less expensive but durable option in your Vancouver home.
Our team sees a diverse selection of plumbing problems in Vancouver, including:
- Leaky pipes
- Running toilets
- Leaky faucets and other fixtures
- Clogged toilets and sinks
Of course, there are a few problems that our team sees more often in Vancouver, such as:
Falling or Uneven Water Pressure
In the city of Vancouver, water is pulled from wells and reservoirs. The water is stored in water towers until it’s needed in your Vancouver home. The water towers use a gravity system to send water to the pipes and into your home.
With a gravity water system, the water pressure in your home is directly related to your home’s evaluation in comparison to the water tower that feeds your pipes. The lower that your Vancouver home is in relation to the water tower means the higher your water pressure. When your Vancouver home sits on a higher elevation, you may see lower water pressure.
Another factor can include a two-story home where you get lower water pressure upstairs. Honestly, we can’t do anything about the elevation of your home, but sometimes, built-up grime in your water pipes can reduce water pressure, and this is something we can handle.
If you’ve lived in your Vancouver home for a few years and you’ve noticed the water pressure decreasing, our team might be able to clean out your pipes to restore the water pressure.
Replacing Pipes in the Yards of Older Vancouver Homes
Some homes in Vancouver were built in the early part of the 20th century. At that time, galvanized steel and cast iron were popular choices for water pipes. To be honest, these materials last for decades or a century. However, when they rust and collapse in your Vancouver yard, they need to be replaced.
Our team can replace all your outdoor water pipes with the new, more popular PVC or install the same type of pipes you had in your Vancouver yard. While cast iron and galvanized steel last a long time, they’re very expensive. PVC is a good choice for both longevity and budget.
Our team will always restore your pipes with the material you want. However, we can review all your options, so you can make an informed decision. We want you to be happy in your Vancouver home for a lifetime.
Tree Roots Growing Damaging Outdoor Water Lines
It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest is home to some gorgeous and towering trees, and your Vancouver yard probably has its share. Some of the most common trees found in Vancouver include:
- European Beech
- Norway Maples
- Black Locust
- Black Walnut
- Red Oak
- Oregon White Oaks
These trees survive by constantly growing and spreading their root system far and wide throughout your yard. In some cases, this means through your water pipes that lead into your Vancouver home.
In some cases, we can replace only a part of your outdoor water line, but in others, the tree roots breaking into your water pipes are a sign that they need to be replaced. We don’t know which is the case until we evaluate your Vancouver home’s unique situation.
How Does the Water in Vancouver Affect Your Plumbing?
Most of the water in Vancouver comes from aquifers under the city making it safe to drink. However, it is hard water. The softness or hardness of water is determined by the number of minerals found in it. The two primary minerals are calcium and magnesium.
As the water flows through the pipes in your Vancouver home, small amounts of these minerals cling to the pipes. Over time, these bits of minerals will build and begin to slow the movement of water through the pipes, lowering the water pressure. Also, hard water can leave some distinct stains in your sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers, which you might choose to replace sooner than you might have without the stains.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Vancouver?
Typically, this is one of the first questions we hear from Vancouver homeowners. It’s one that we can’t easily answer. There are many factors that go into determining the final cost of repairing the plumbing in your Vancouver home from the size of the job to the materials and supplies needed to complete it.
The average cost of plumbing services in Vancouver range between $175 to $450. However, your plumbing repairs can be on the low end or exceed the average entirely. It costs a lot more to replace pipes than it does to unclog the guest toilet in your Vancouver home. Until our team evaluates your situation, we can’t provide you with an exact cost.
Cost Factor 1: Location of the Problem
It takes a lot less time and supplies to fix a water pipe under the sink of your Vancouver home than it does one behind a wall. In some cases, the location of a plumbing issue can increase the repair time by days and requires restoration work to your home after the problem is fixed.
Most jobs are straightforward, such as a clogged toilet or replacing the faucet on a sink. However, if you have an extensive plumbing issue that requires going behind the walls or under the floor of your Vancouver home, it’s going to increase the costs of the project.
Cost Factor 2: Type of Material Used to Affect Repairs
While PVC is a relatively inexpensive and reliable option, you might prefer replacing the pipes with something more original to your old Vancouver home, such as cast iron. These materials are more expensive and will drive up the costs of your repair bill.
Another factor is the type of appliances you want to use. You might want one of those snazzy faucets that pull apart with a sprayer option. In cases such as these, the price may depend on the brand and type of material you want in your Vancouver home. Our team can provide you with options and prices, so you can make the best choice for your taste and budget.
Cost Factor 3: Building Codes and Permits
In some older homes in Vancouver, we find that the home’s plumbing needs to be brought up to code before we can begin working on the current issue. Also, the city of Vancouver requires a permit for any major plumbing work.
These permits ensure that the work is done properly by qualified and licensed plumbers. It’s to protect the Vancouver home. However, these building codes and permit requirements can drive up the costs of repairs in your Vancouver home.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Vancouver?
Yes, better plumbing, service, and materials can save you money over the years. Washington requires plumbers to be certified so that they offer the minimum skills to work on the plumbing in your Vancouver home. However, it’s always a good idea to look at the training and experience of the team working on your plumbing to ensure that the job is done correctly. Luckily, all of our plumbers are certified, highly-trained, and have years of experience fixing problems just like yours.
Higher quality materials will always last longer than others. It’s like your mother always said, you get what you pay for. Of course, there are reasonably priced materials that offer longevity and durability. Our team can walk you through your choice of materials and appliances for your Vancouver home to make it easier for you to make the best choice for you.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Vancouver Vs Hire a Plumber?
In most cases, the cost and responsibility of hiring a plumber fall to the Vancouver homeowner. However, there are a few instances when you need to call the Public Works department of the Vancouver government instead of our plumbers.
If there’s a water main break — this is the pipe that brings water to your Vancouver home and the others on the street — or floodwaters, you need to call the City of Vancouver to handle the situation. In some cases, you might need to call the Public Works department if there’s a sewage backup. This really depends on if the problem is within your home or the lines outside your property.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Vancouver?
Yes, all major plumbing repairs in your Vancouver home require a permit. This is to ensure the work is done properly and by a certified team of plumbers. Our team can handle securing the needed permits before we start work.
This permit also ensures that all building codes are met within your Vancouver home. In some cases, if you have an older home, we may need to do work to bring your home up to code before starting the actual repairs, such as improving the electrical system to handle the load of a new water heater. All of this work is done to ensure the safety of your Vancouver home and family.
