As a homeowner, you need your plumbing to work effectively and all the time. If your plumbing stops working, it could cause serious problems throughout your home. We have answered the top questions we get asked from customers below, but if you have other questions contact us.
Do I have to have a licensed plumber come out to take care of any plumbing problems I might have?
You can take care of some basic plumbing tasks, like fixing a leaky sink or toilet, on your own, as long as you’re comfortable with the necessary plumbing skills. However, in order to conduct extensive plumbing work, including redoing your pipes or putting in new plumbing, you’ll need to secure a permit, and you may need a licensed plumber to take care of the work. Your work may also require an inspection afterwards.
Getting your plumbing project taken care of by a professional can make a huge difference. Leaking pipes and other challenges can lead to water damage, mould and mildew, and, over time, a lot of issues in your home. By having a professional come out to take care of it from the beginning, you may find that you save money, time, and headaches in the long run.
How much does it cost to hire a plumber in Victoria?
The cost to hire a plumber will depend on the extent of your project. If you have a relatively minor fix that you need a plumber to take care of–a leaking sink, for example, or a toilet that continues to run–you should pay a relatively minor fee for those services. On the other hand, if you have extensive plumbing needs, including a leaky pipe behind the wall or a new bathroom that you need to put in, you may find your plumbing costs are much higher. You may also need to pay more for a plumbing project that will require permits and inspections than you do for a simple fix.
If you have questions about what it should cost to complete a specific plumbing project, contact us! We’ll walk you through the basics and help give you a better idea of what it might cost to get your plumbing project taken care of.
How can I avoid clogged drains?
At HomeWise Plumbing & Drainage, we get a lot of calls from homeowners who are struggling with clogged pipes and drains. Often, that happens because those homeowners have allowed the wrong thing to go down the drain. While you may not be able to avoid clogged drains completely, avoiding these common mistakes can help prevent clogs and keep your water flowing smoothly through your pipes.
Items to avoid:
- Any type of grease, which can solidify and cause serious clogs anywhere in your line
- Sanitary products
- Cat litter
- Large food scraps
- Plastic, metal, or large items
- Tools used in makeup and cleaning, including cotton balls, q-tips, and makeup pads
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Pasta, rice, and other starchy food products, which may expand and clog the drain over time
If you do mistakenly wash something down the drain, consider removing it before it has a chance to flow further down the line, where it could prove more difficult to access.
Do I have a leak somewhere in my plumbing?
Sometimes, we get calls from homeowners wondering if they have a leak. If you see obvious signs of dripping water where it shouldn’t be, obviously, that could indicate a serious problem. However, there are some other, more subtle signs of leaks that you should note and address as quickly as possible.
- You see signs of pooling water in the yard, even when there has been little to no rain. Take note of puddles that do not seem to evaporate.
- Your water bill has suddenly gone up significantly for no apparent reason.
- You notice water somewhere in the house that water should not be, with no evidence of a spill.
Pay particular attention to fluctuations in your water bill. While it’s normal to see an increase if, for example, you’ve filled an outdoor swimming pool during the summer, or had an overnight guest for several days who added to your normal water consumption, if you see a sudden jump in your bill for no apparent reason, a plumbing leak could be the cause.
Is it time to replace my hot water heater?
Your hot water heater is the vital source of hot water to your home. You do not want to wait for it to wear out completely before making plans to replace it, especially as you approach the cold winter months. Is it time to replace your hot water heater? Note these signs.
- You have noticed signs of leaks around the hot water heater.
- Your hot water heater is outdated, and you’re ready to upgrade to something more efficient—such as a tankless water heater.
- You’ve noticed that your hot water isn’t as hot–or isn’t staying hot as long–as it did before.
- Your hot water heater isn’t up to the demands of your growing family.
If you’re struggling with hot water problems, upgrading your hot water heater could provide a simple solution.
Does the type of water I have in my house make a difference in my plumbing?
Hard water contains heavier mineral deposits, which can stain your fixtures and sinks and even lead to an increased risk of drain clogs. Soft water, on the other hand, may increase sodium levels in your home. Look at your water type, in general, Victoria’s drinking water is very soft, has a neutral pH, and has relatively few solids in it which means you shouldn’t have to worry about water softeners. Soft water, in general, is much better for your pipes and could decrease the risk that you’ll have serious plumbing problems.
Do you have more questions about your plumbing, or questions about your specific plumbing needs? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you troubleshoot and address potential plumbing problems.