Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

Miller R.
Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

Whether it is on your business or your house, a plumbing issue can appear at any moment.  From clogged drains or leaking pipes, plumbing issues are never pleasant.

While it is possible to try DIY projects, we recommend hiring a professional plumber for the job! No one can do the job better than an expert regarding plumbing services. 

If you are not sure about what a plumber does, don’t worry. We at Plumbers Cheap Service will guide you through everything you need to know about plumbing services, like what plumbing services are, how much a plumbing company can charge for these services and more.

What Are Plumbing Services?

Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

As a property owner, it’s essential to comprehend the scope of plumbing services to know what to anticipate when hiring a plumber.

Plumbing services encompass all activities related to bringing clean water into a building and removing wastewater. These activities include planning, designing, installing, replacing, maintaining, repairing, and modifying plumbing systems. Additionally, plumbing services often involve the installation and connection of gas piping.

A plumber can help with various wastewater issues in your home or business , such as installing and repairing water drainage lines, sewage systems, water heaters, toilets, dishwashers, and valve repairs.

Plumbers provide services for both commercial and residential customers. They handle various plumbing issues, from simple diagnoses to complex replacements and repairs.

Residential Plumbing

Various factors, like clogged drains, can cause plumbing problems, blocked toilets, broken sewage pipes, and low water pressure. Among these, the most common service for residential plumbing issues is repairing and installing pipes.

There are various residential services, such as gas plumbing, drainage system upgrades, and indoor/outdoor plumbing. Common residential plumbing services include:

  • Drain Cleaning
  • Valve and Pipe Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement
  • Gas Leak Detection and Repair
  • Hot Water Heater Repair and Replacement
  • Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
  • Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement
  • Toilet Repair and Replacement

Commercial Plumbing

A commercial plumber maintains plumbing fittings in non-residential buildings such as malls, office buildings, and other commercial properties. In other words, commercial plumbers offer the same services as residential plumbers but on a larger scale. These services include installation, replacement, maintenance, and repair.

What Are the Types of Plumbing Services?

Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

All residences and businesses have a plumbing system that may encounter problems. It’s important to solve these issues before they cause any damage to your property.

Plumbing companies offer a range of services. Here is a list of available plumbing services :

  • Drainage Service
  • Water supply service
  • Gas plumbing services
  • Emergency plumbing

Let’s take a deeper look at all of the services:

Drainage Service

Clogged drains are a frequently occurring plumbing problem. Unclogging the drain isn’t the only issue you might face. Other problems could be foul smells, recurring clogs, reduced water flow, or flooding.

Drainage services may extend to:

  • Drain cleaning services
  • Underground drainage repair
  • Sewer inspection
  • Repair, removal, or installation of sewer treatment systems
  • Catch basin cleaning
  • Bathroom and kitchen plumbing

Water Supply Service

Most plumbing problems are related to water supply services. The common issues include backflow, leaks, blockage, and drips which can happen in both residential and commercial buildings.

Gas Plumbing Service

Gas-related plumbing issues such as gas fitting, leak inspection, and repair require immediate attention as they can be highly hazardous or fatal if left untreated. Therefore, contacting a licensed and certified professional for gas plumbing services is important.

Emergency Plumbing

Plumbing emergencies can happen unexpectedly and can’t be put on hold. They usually need prompt professional intervention, as delaying it can lead to disastrous consequences.

Most plumbing emergencies consist of gas fitting related, inspection, or drain overflowing. But, there is also a large scope of emergency plumbing jobs, such as:

  • Sewer and stormwater drain issues
  • All types of plumbing fixture installation or repair
  • Generator repair, installation, and maintenance

What Is a Service Line in Plumbing?

Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

The service line in plumbing is a pipe located underground that connects the main water supply line to the water meter in your house, delivering water. It is responsible for transporting pressurized water from the city’s main water supply to your property and allowing wastewater to exit and be transported away.

Depending on local availability and building codes, water service lines are commonly made of galvanized steel, lead, copper, or plastic. To avoid complications, it’s crucial to know the kind of material used in your service line before attempting to make any alterations.

To make informed decisions about your home’s plumbing system and ensure proper repairs or replacements, it’s important to know what a service line in plumbing is and what materials it’s made of.

How Are Service Lines Installed in Plumbing?

A professional plumber will install service lines by digging trenches from the water source to the plumbing meter. The trench size and depth will vary based on the pipe materials and local regulations. 

Once installed, the service line will be connected to your home’s plumbing system, enabling water flow throughout your property.Installing the service line correctly and according to the code is crucial to avoid future problems.

Who’s Responsible for Service Lines?

The property owner usually looks after the service line that connects their home to the water meter. This means they need to take care of any problems that may occur, like pipe breaks or leaks. However, in certain instances, the city or town may be responsible for the line portion beyond the meter. To avoid confusion, it is best to familiarize yourself with your locality’s policies regarding service line upkeep.

How Much Do Plumbers Cost?

Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

The cost of plumbing repair is not fixed and can differ significantly from one project to another. It depends on various factors, such as the project’s complexity, the necessary materials, and the duration the plumber takes to finish the job. 

For example, straightforward repairs like fixing a dripping faucet or replacing a defective valve may only take one hour to fix. On the other hand, more significant undertakings, such as fixing a broken water heater or replacing a sump pump, can take several days to complete.

Plumbing repairs typically include labor expenses between $150 and $450. You also need to consider material expenses, such as new pipes, valves, and faucets, which can increase the total cost to over $1000.

Let’s take a look at some of the average costs for plumbing services: 

  • Fixing a leak: $150–$700
  • Installing and repairing gas lines: $250–$750
  • Repairing a water main: $300–$1,250
  • Installing a water main: $600–$2,400
  • Repairing a septic tank: $600–$2,500
  • Installing a bathtub: $1,000–$5,100
  • Installing a shower: $1,200–$5,500
  • Repairing a drain line: $250–$1,000
  • Installing new plumbing pipes: $350–$1,750
  • Fixing a toilet: $150–$300
  • Cleaning a sewer line: $175–$450
  • Installing a water heater: $750–$3,000
  • Unclogging a drain: $125–$300
  • Installing a sump pump: $650–$1,800
  • Repairing a sump pump: $300–$700

Remember that these are the average prices of these services. The price of plumbing repairs can differ based on the type and difficulty of the job. For easier tasks like repairing a dripping faucet, you can expect to pay between $150 to $450 for labor. However, larger jobs like water heater installation may cost thousands of dollars. 

The cost can also vary depending on your location, the plumber’s experience level, and necessary permits.

Can a Plumber Service a Boiler?

Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

If your boiler breaks down, you may wonder if plumbers are the right people to fix it. The answer is that while not all plumbers repair boilers, some do . Boilers use various energy sources to produce heat, including hot water, steam, electricity, oil, or natural gas, and keep your property warm during the winter.

While some engineers and plumbers are versatile, others have specific specializations within their field. Plumbing and heating engineers may perform similar tasks, but their skill sets differ, and they can handle various assignments.

Should I Hire a Plumber or a Heating Engineer to Service a Boiler?

To choose the correct specialist, you must determine the service type you need. Although some engineers and plumbers can perform any task, others have expertise in specific areas. While plumbing and heating engineers may perform similar tasks, their skills and abilities can differ, allowing them to handle a wide range of jobs.

What Does a Heating Engineer Do?

Authorized heating engineers can only work on central heating systems. This includes gas boilers, thermostats, and radiators. Plumbers may have other skills but are not trained to work on gas central heating systems safely.

Anything related to your heating system can be repaired, replaced, or installed by a heating engineer:

  • Radiators
  • Thermostats
  • Cylinders for storing hot water
  • Associated pipes 
  • Central heating systems that are through vents

If you are experiencing issues with your boiler or want to install a new one, you should contact a heating engineer. They are professionals who can help you with boiler services and installations.

What Does a Plumber Do?

In case you encounter any issues with your property’s pipes and water fixtures, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a plumber. They have the necessary expertise, skills, and knowledge to conduct a comprehensive assessment and determine whether a damaged dishwasher, washing machine, leak, or burst pipe caused the problem.

Plumbers can install, repair, or replace anything that affects the water flow, including:

  • Blockages
  • Pipes are leaking water
  • Dishwashers and washing machines are water-based equipment.
  • Issues with the bathroom, such as an overflowing toilet
  • Sewage, irrigation, and drainage systems

What Is Rough in Plumbing?

Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Services

Rough-in plumbing refers to installing a building’s water supply and drainage systems before adding fixtures or finishes. It includes fitting pipes and fixtures that carry water to and from a building’s various fixtures.

This service involves the installation of pipes and fixtures, such as water lines, drains, faucets, and toilets, based on plans created by a professional plumber.

During The Rough-In Plumbing Phase

  • Pipes are directed through interior wall crevices to ensure an optimal water flow.
  • Vent stacks are run to the roof.
  • Sewer lines, septic, and main water supply valves are connected to drain and water supply lines.
  • Pipe connections are made to join two pieces of pipe together. This can be done using various methods, but the most common is welding.
  • Different underground pipes have been seamlessly laid from the utility connections to their corresponding primary structure, signifying the successful completion of excavation.
  • During this phase, no fixtures or end elements will be installed – allowing the inspector to perform a thorough assessment.

Difference Between Rough-In Plumbing vs. Finish Plumbing

Rough-in plumbing involves setting up crucial elements that enable a house to have a working water system. It entails putting piping in place for hot and cold water, fixing drainage vents, and linking up fixtures.

Can you explain what finish plumbing means? Finish plumbing entails installing all the required fixtures, such as sinks, faucets, toilets, tubs, and showers, to ensure your home’s water system functions properly. It is a process carried out after the rough-in plumbing has been completed.

Don’t Tackle Plumbing Work Alone!

From fixing a dripping faucet to replacing a broken water heater, plumbing repairs can range from simple tasks to extensive projects. When tackling these jobs, it is always best to contact an experienced plumber or heating engineer who can safely perform the job. So, don’t take the risk of attempting the repair by yourself.

For quality plumbing services in Birmingham, AL, contact Plumbers Cheap Service and let us help you tackle all your plumbing needs. If you need plumbing services, whether it’s a simple fixture repair or a larger plumbing job, our team is here to help.

We provide services such as water heater installation and drain cleaning for your residential and commercial plumbing needs also, before the work begins, we will share an estimate for the project so you know the cost and turnaround times. Don’t tackle your plumbing issues alone, get in touch with our expert plumbers today to asses you with any of your plumbing needs!

Garbage Disposal Dos And Donts
by Jack F. 10 November 2023
Garbage Disposal Dos And Donts
A Guide To Water Heaters
by Michael S. 9 November 2023
A Guide To Water Heaters
Top Methods For Leak Repair At Home
by Josephine T. 8 November 2023
Top Methods For Leak Repair At Home
The Future Of Plumbing Services
by Allison H. 7 November 2023
The Future Of Plumbing Services
Top Most Demanded Plumbing Techniques
by Sara M. George 6 November 2023
Top Most Demanded Plumbing Techniques
Top New Plumbing Tools
by Andrew T. 5 November 2023
Top New Plumbing Tools
Tips On Commercial Plumbing
by Lopez J. 4 November 2023
Tips On Commercial Plumbing
How To Increase Energy Efficiency Of Plumbing
by Taylor R. 3 November 2023
How To Increase Energy Efficiency Of Plumbing
Five Most Common Faults In Plumbing And Ways To Fix Them
by White C. 2 November 2023
Five Most Common Faults In Plumbing And Ways To Fix Them
How To Choose The Right Plumbing Materials And Fixtures
by Harris R. 1 November 2023
How To Choose The Right Plumbing Materials And Fixtures
More posts
Share by: