AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Huntington, WV

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Huntington?

One of the more common reasons people need our plumbers in Huntington is due to leaks from faucets, toilets, or pipes. This is common everywhere, but it’s a more prevalent issue in Huntington because the city’s hard water is corrosive and break down o-rings, gaskets, and fixtures more quickly. Sometimes finding a leak is easy, while other times, you need to investigate. It is important to take care of a leak as soon as possible. If you see that your faucet is dripping when it’s turned off, you know you have a problem. Another way that you might suspect a leak is if your water bill is abnormally high. If nothing changed, but your water bill tripled, it may be a leak. Not only can leaks increase utility bills, but if unmanaged, they can cause a lot of water damage.

Broken faucets are another common reason people need our plumbers in Huntington, once again because of the corrosive nature of the city’s water. Fixtures are not built to last forever, and as they get older, some of the inner parts will decay, especially when exposed to the calcium and other minerals in our water. There are many ways a faucet can break aside from obvious damage. Here are a few internal causes of broken faucets that can cause leaks:

• Damaged cartridges – A sign of a damaged cartridge is if your faucet is dripping water while turned off.
• Broken washers – The wrong size washer or a washer installed improperly can also cause a leak.
• O-Ring malfunction – If the handle of the faucet is leaking, it is probably an O-Ring malfunction. 
• Deteriorating valve seat – Faucets that leak from the spout may have a problem with the valve seat.

Another reason to call our plumbers in Huntington is to unclog drains. Again, this is a common issue in Huntington because the city’s hard water leaves mineral deposits in your pipes, which restrict flow and can catch other debris like hair or soap scum. You may be tempted to use a drain cleaner, but this is not a good idea. They are corrosive and can damage the lines. Most clogs can be fixed with a plunger. Sometimes they will need to be snaked by our plumbers. If you are unable to clear the drain on your own, we can help. You can also prevent clogs in a few different ways. First, you should always use a drain catcher in the shower to catch stray hairs. Second, never flush baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels, and cat litter down the toilet, even if the label says ‘flushable.’ Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drains. It can harden when cooled, causing the drain to backup. Finally, if you have toddlers, you should baby-proof your toilets so they don’t flush their toys.

Weather can also cause plumbing problems, especially when temperatures drop. Frozen pipes are common in Huntington during winter. With the temperatures falling as low as the 20s and 30s, it’s no wonder we have a lot of frozen pipes each year. One common sign that your pipes have frozen is not getting water when you turn on the faucet or shower. As the water in your pipes freezes and expands, it can cause severe damage to the plumbing. This can be a major problem. If any of the lines crack or burst, you will need our plumbers in Huntington quickly. Here are some ways you can prevent frozen pipes each winter:

• Keep the garage door closed
• Open cabinets in bathroom and kitchen 
• Let faucets drip with cold water 
• Keep your heater set to at least 55 degrees
• Call us to add insulation to pipes

How Does the Water in Huntington Affect Your Plumbing?

Huntington has surface water that comes from the Ohio River. The hardness level typically ranges between 93 and 157 PPM. According to the USGS, the water is hard. For most residents of West Virginia, hard water is a common issue. The term hard water is used to measure the number of trace minerals in the water. These trace minerals, primarily made up of calcium and magnesium, can leave a hard white residue on fixtures and pipes. This mineral deposit can build up inside faucets, causing damage. Over time, the buildup can reduce water pressure and clog drains. It is common for residents to have water softeners installed to help with hard water problems. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Huntington?

It’s difficult to pinpoint how much you will pay if you need our plumbers in Huntington. To get the best quote, you will need to schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, most people only call us when there is an emergency, which increases the price. On average, the cost ranges between $105 and $872. Many factors determine how much money you’ll need to spend on our services in Huntington. Some of the most common cost factors include:

Type of Plumbing Service

As mentioned above, emergency plumbing services cost more. If you come home to a burst pipe in the basement, you won’t have time to make an appointment. You need someone quick, and that will cost you. The best way to prevent emergency plumbing is to take care of issues as soon as you notice them. If your leak is ignored, it could get very bad, causing water damage to other areas of the house. Bad leaks have been known to damage drywall, structural beams, the foundation, and cause mold. We charge more for emergency services because it usually means we have to pay our plumber’s overtime.

Labor and Materials

Some jobs are bigger than others, and the number of people required to do the job will determine much of the price. For example, replacing a bathroom faucet will cost less than digging up the front yard to replace the main drain, which is common in older houses. The level of work determines the labor and cost needed to do the job. Labor prices can also go up on weekends, holidays, and during high volume times, like after a storm.

Materials used to do the work can also increase the price. If you need special equipment, like a backhoe rental or a jackhammer, the cost will go up. If you choose high-end faucets, you will pay more. It’s always good to get an estimate from our plumbers before you agree on the work, making sure to discuss different fixtures and materials beforehand. This is one area where you may be able to save some money, but high quality should also be a priority.

Age of Home

The average age of homes in Huntington is about 65 years old. Why does the age of your home affect the price? Age has a lot to do with what kind of plumbing is currently used in the house and what materials are needed for the fix. Often, with older homes, the pipes and fittings won’t match up with newer, more efficient materials. If this is the case, you may end up replacing more than the leaky faucet. In some extreme cases, pipes will need to be replaced, and our plumber will need to get permits from the city. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Huntington?

Better plumbing in Huntington starts with preventative maintenance. Getting an annual plumbing inspection is a great way to keep your pipes running smoothly. It is also a great way to prevent emergency pipe bursts and leaks. During the inspection, our plumber will check everything out and notify you if there is a risk. If an issue is found, it can be dealt with before real damage occurs, saving you a ton of money. These don’t typically cost too much and can pay off. 

The next way you can save money is to use high-quality fixtures and parts when you need to make upgrades or repairs. Choosing products with a guarantee or brands with a history of quality can save you money in the long run. Poor quality items will only need to be replaced sooner, which is like paying for the same job twice. If you require our plumbers in Huntington to replace your kitchen faucet, choose one that will last, has a guarantee, and in a style, you will be happy with for years. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Huntington Vs Hire a Plumber?

It is sometimes hard to know who to call when you suspect a leak. On the one hand, you don’t want to call us and pay for a service fee only to find out the problem is with the City of Huntington. On the other hand, if you call the city and the leak is coming from your property, they may also charge you a service fee for coming out. Who should you call and when?

If you have a leak, you will first need to find out if the leak is on your side of the meter or the city’s side. You can do this by turning off the main water supply to the house. Once the water is off, you need to look at your meter. If it’s still spinning, the leak is most likely on your property. You will need to call our plumbers in Huntington. If the meter is not spinning, then you will need to notify the city so they can handle it. In some cases, you can report the leak to your utilities and they may adjust your bill if you show proof it was fixed. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Huntington?

In Huntington, like most of the United States, permits are needed for specific building projects. This can add more time and money to your plumbing plans. Permit fees range between $20 to $433. Here are some plumbing jobs that will require a permit, according to the City of Huntington:

• A new plumbing installation or additions
• A new house sewer or replacement
• A new septic system or replacement
• A new water service or replacement
• The addition of a backflow device
• A new water heater installation or replacement
• New master lines or replacement 

You do not need permits to fix running toilets, leaks, or clogs. It isn’t until you need to start rerouting lines and tearing down walls that permits are necessary. If the thought of filing for a permit makes you uncomfortable, you are not alone. Our experienced plumbers are recommended because we will know the steps needed to get the project done right the first time, including permits.