Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Oshkosh?
- 2 How Does the Water in Oshkosh Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Oshkosh?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Oshkosh?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Oshkosh vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Oshkosh?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Oshkosh?
There are many different components to your home’s plumbing system. If any part fails, you will need a plumber in Oshkosh. Here are the more common problems residents call us out to fix.
Leaky Pipes, Faucets, and Toilets
Water is necessary for all life. It can also be very destructive. If you have a leak, even a small one, you will need to take care of it right away. About a trillion gallons of water is wasted every year because of unfixed leaks. That is a big problem for our environment and it could cost you a lot of money on your utilities. Here are some signs that you have a leak:
- High water bill
- Water spots on walls or ceilings
- Mold and mildew smell
- Running toilet
- Dripping faucets, showerheads, or spigots
- Flooded yard
Frozen Pipes
Another plumbing problem causing people to need a plumber in Oshkosh is due to freezing pipes. Winters in Wisconsin regularly drop below freezing, and there is a lot of snow and ice. Therefore, it’s a great idea to take precautions when there is a freeze warning. Be sure to insulate your exposed pipes and keep your thermostat high enough to prevent freezing temps inside your home.
Clogged Drains and Toilets
Another reason residents in Oshkosh call plumbers is to fix clogged drains and toilets. Few things are more annoying than a clog. In this situation, many people run out and buy a harsh drain cleaner. Doing this is not advisable due to their corrosive nature. You may be doing more damage to the pipes, which can be very bad if they are older and corroded. Most clogs can be fixed with just a plunger or by snaking the drain. If you are unable to clear the drain, you will need a plumber in Oshkosh. Here are some ways to prevent clogs altogether:
- Always use a drain catcher in the shower to catch stray hairs.
- Baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels, and cat litter are never flushable.
- Never pour your cooking oil or grease down the drains. It can harden when cooled.
- Baby-proof toilets if there is a toddler in the house, they like to flush things.
Smelly Drains
There are several reasons why your drain may smell. The most common cause is a lack of use. If the water in the P-trap (U-shaped pipe under the sink) dries out, you will get sewer gasses coming through the drain. To figure out if this is the reason for your problem, run water through the pipes. If the smell dissipates, you’ll just need to run water through the drain occasionally.
If the smell doesn’t go away, you’ll need a plumber in Oshkosh. It means that sewer gasses are getting in another way and it may be a sign of a sewer line problem. You’ll need to have the problem checked out because it is a health hazard.
Water Quality
We hear residents complain about the water quality all the time. The bad smell and taste come from two places. First, the water is high in minerals, and that can affect the taste. It can also cause the water to appear cloudy. Also, if there is high iron, the water can sometimes look a little pink or brown. The second reason for the bad taste and smell is the chemicals used to sanitize the water.
If you’re concerned about the quality of your drinking water, you can have it tested. You can also look into whether a filtration system is right for you and your family.
No Hot Water
If you turn on the shower and the water is cold, you may need a plumber in Oshkosh to look at your water heater. Your water heater is necessary for managing the temperature of your water. Many things can cause your unit to stop working, including the pilot light going out or a burnt-out heating element. Most problems can be fixed, however, if you constantly have issues with your water heater, it may be time for a replacement.
How Does the Water in Oshkosh Affect Your Plumbing?
The water hardness in Oshkosh is considered hard and averages as high as 158 PPM. Most of these dissolved solids are minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. However, the levels of lead are also quite high, according to their Water Quality Report. The city believes the elevated lead levels are due to old residential plumbing lines that are corroding. The minerals in the water can harm your plumbing over time and it can be a health concern depending on how old your plumbing is. If you notice any of these hard water signs, you may want to request water testing:
- Dry skin, scalp, and hair
- White, crusty residue on fixtures
- Low water pressure
- Foul-smelling water
- Cloudy water
- Frequent issues with leaks
Depending on the age of your property, it may be time to replace some of the lines, especially if your water test is positive for lead. You may also need to consider a whole-home water filtration system to remove these contaminants from your household drinking water altogether.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Oshkosh?
Before you call a plumber in Oshkosh, you probably want to know how much money you will be spending. We can only give you an estimate based on past work. If you want a quote for your plumbing project, we can help. The average cost for plumbing in this area is between $95 to $715. Here are some pricing factors you should consider:
Type of Plumbing Service
The type of job you need will be a cost factor. If you need a complete kitchen remodel, it will cost more and take longer than if you need a drain cleaned. Most people call a plumber only when there is a problem or an emergency. These jobs cost more because they were not scheduled in advance.
The best way to prevent high-cost services is with regular inspections. These don’t cost too much, but they can save a ton of money if an issue is found. The plumber can also let you know that you should start saving money if there is a costly repair in your future.
Labor and Materials
Another cost factor that can be different for each job is how much labor and materials your job will need. If you need more than one plumber to excavate your yard and replace the main drain, it will cost you more. If they need to rent a backhoe or jackhammer to get to the pipe, it will also increase the price.
Location of Plumbing Problem
Your plumbing system is throughout the house, in the walls, and under the ground. The exact problem can be in any of these locations. The cost for a plumber in Oshkosh depends on where the problem is found. If the wall or foundation needs to be torn up to get to the burst pipe, it will cost more than if the break is easy to reach with no demolition.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Oshkosh?
If you’re like most residents, you’re probably trying to figure out ways that you can save money. Investing in better plumbing is one way that you can do that. Water is a precious resource, so better plumbing should start with ways to reduce the amount of water you use and lose.
If you have old, outdated appliances and fixtures, you can replace them with newer models. New faucets, washing machines, and toilets are designed to do the same job with less water. This will save money each month on your water bill. New fixtures and appliances can also increase the value of your home.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Oshkosh vs Hire a Plumber?
It’s not always easy to figure out who you should call when you have a plumbing problem. If you call the city and the leak is not in the public right of way, they may charge you a service fee for coming out. On the other hand, if you call a plumber in Oshkosh and the issue is on the city’s line, they won’t be able to help. So, who should you call?
The city will not do any work on your property. If the issue you are having is clearly in your home or on your land, you will be responsible for it. However, sometimes, the problem is a little more complicated. For example, if your water bill was sky high, you might have a leak. If you search your entire home and can’t find the source, the problem may be underground.
Here’s what you’ll need to do. First, locate your main water shut-off on the property and turn it off. Next, you’ll need to check your water meter, which is usually on the side of the house. Is the meter spinning? If it is, then you will need a plumber in Oshkosh. This is because the water is still flowing through your lines.
If the meter is not spinning after turning off the main water supply, then a leak is likely on city property. You will need to contact them to investigate the issue. After any leaks have been fixed either on your property or the city’s, contact the utility department. They will adjust your last bill and refund you the added charges as a thank you for fixing the problem.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Oshkosh?
If you need a plumber in Oshkosh, you may also need a permit. This could add time to your plumbing project and increase the costs. The fee schedule starts at $30 and goes up depending on what type of work you need to be done. Here are some projects that require a permit.
- Water heater installation
- Replacing fixtures (sinks, toilets, tubs, faucets, etc.)
- Relocating fixtures (sinks, toilets, tubs, faucets, etc.)
- Replacing or relocating pipes
- New build, additions, remodels
You will not need to get permits or inspections for clogs or leaks, as long as they can be fixed without construction. If you have any questions about how permits and inspections work and how long it can take to get approval, we can help.
