How do I find a good plumber in Atlanta?
To find the best plumbers in Atlanta, search online for professionals. Review at least 10 business profiles to compare their services, customer reviews and past projects. Then, contact several plumbers and ask for a free estimate.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, check to make sure the plumbers have the proper license. For example, you can visit the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board to look up a license. Contractors should also be able to provide proof of insurance to protect themselves and you in case of injury on the job site.
How much do plumbers charge per hour?
Depending on the service you need (unclogging a drain, fixing a pipe, installing new pipes, etc.), plumbers charge anywhere from $45-$165 per hour. Plumbers often operate on a fixed rate model, too. Some won’t charge hourly rates because the variables involved in their work makes it less practical to do so.
Plumbers will scope out the work, calculate the cost of parts, and roll it together with other fees to give you an estimate for the job. They may even offer standard flat rates for things like installing a toilet or a sink. Reach out to plumbers near you to get an accurate cost estimate for your project or repair.
What happens when a water pipe bursts?
When a pipe bursts, the water can cause indoor flooding and damage your home. If the pipe is in an accessible location, you will likely notice puddles of water right away. However, if the pipe is underground or behind a wall, it may cause reduced water pressure, a sulfur smell or discolored water. All of this can cause significant (and expensive) damage, which is why you should always contact a plumber near you if you suspect your pipes are leaking.
Can a leaking pipe burst?
Yes. A leak in your pipe can build up pressure and wear through the material. Left unchecked, this pressure can cause the pipe to burst. This is why it’s so important to fix your pipes and contact a plumber as soon as you notice a leak — no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
Smaller leaks are easier and inexpensive to fix, saving you time and money in the long run. In addition, many insurance policies will not cover water damage for pipes that burst due to gradual leaks.
What do you do if you have a burst pipe?
First, switch off the water supply to reduce the water damage. You should also turn off the electricity for the part of your home that has sustained the leak, as it can be extremely dangerous if the water comes into contact with an electrical socket. Next, drain the remaining water from your faucets so it doesn’t freeze inside the pipes.
Once you’ve done all of this, search for qualified plumbers in your area and ask them to provide you with a quote.
What are the signs of a burst pipe?
If your water pressure has suddenly dropped or your sink and toilet have unexpectedly started clogging, you may have a burst pipe. Other tell-tale signs include watermarks on the wall of your bathroom or laundry room, drips or puddles in your home or basement, or water from your faucets that have suddenly turned brown. You may also notice a strange rotten-egg smell or the sound of gurgling water in your home.
If you notice any of these signs, contact a plumber near you to fix your pipes immediately.
Does insurance cover a broken pipe?
Sudden water damage may be included under most homeowners’ insurance policies, but it’s typically not covered if the damage could have been avoided with proper maintenance.
For example, if a pipe in your laundry room suddenly bursts and causes damage to the flooring and walls, that is usually covered by insurance. But if a pipe under your sink has been leaking for months and causes your wood floors to rot, your policy won’t cover that damage.
Always double-check with your insurance agent (or another expert) to see what your policy covers.
How much does it cost to repair a broken pipe?
The national average cost to repair broken pipes ranges from $120 to $170. Prices can vary depending on the type of damage, whether the pipe is easily accessible, the materials needed and where the pipe is located. For example, an exposed pipe under the sink will likely cost much less than a pipeline in your yard that requires digging.
Your overall cost will also depend on the hourly rate of the contractor. Most plumbers charge between $60 and $65 per hour for standard pipe repair, and up to $95 per hour for complex plumbing work.
Contact the best pipe repairers in your area to find out how much it will cost to fix your pipe(s).
To learn more about pricing factors, read “How much does pipe repair cost?”
How often do you clean a septic tank?
For homeowners with a septic system, it’s important to have a regular septic cleaning schedule. To protect ground and drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends residential septic cleaning every three years. Many septic system companies state that you can maintain a healthy system with regular septic cleanings every three to five years. In addition to cleaning, a septic tank inspection once a year will uncover problems and can save you thousands in cleanup and repair.
When waste goes into your septic system, it separates into three parts. The solids (sludge) drop to the bottom, wastewater floats in the middle, and a layer of scum rises to the top. Regularly scheduled cleanings prevent the sludge in your septic tank from building up and clogging your tank, leading to an overflow. Pricing for a standard septic cleaning ranges between $200 and $500, with the national average cost at $315. It’s easier, more cost-effective, and better for your home health to keep your septic tank maintained.
How much is it to clean a septic tank?
Nobody wants their septic tank to back up. Regular septic cleaning and pumping is important to keep your ground and drinking water protected from harmful bacteria. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends septic system cleaning every three years. The national average cost for a septic tank specialist is $315. Costs for septic cleaning may vary based on where you live, how large your septic tank is, and how long it has been since the last cleaning. If it’s been many years since you’ve had your tank cleaned, the process of breaking up and removing the solids may take longer and could cost more. Typical residential septic tanks range in size from 1,000 to 2,500 gallons. The price range for septic cleaning usually averages $200-$500, with varying by tank size. Repairs or replacement parts will also add to your cost. To keep your septic tank in good health between cleanings, only flush approved items such as toilet paper, and don’t rely on your garbage disposal for composting. Items that don’t break down easily (like lemon rinds or feminine hygiene products) can back up the septic system, leading to clogs and overflow. If you smell the unmistakable odor of sewage or can see sewage bubbling up above your drain field, call for a septic cleaning immediately.