What is full-service plumbing? Full-service plumbing entails the provision of comprehensive water, sewer, gas, and drain services. Full-service plumbing is essential in helping commercial and residential property owners have functional plumbing systems.
While some companies offer specialized plumbing services, full-service contractors have extensive service packages, from design to installation, rehabilitation, remodeling, maintenance, and emergencies. Having a clear plumbing service overview is essential because packages vary between contractors.
The Importance of Full-Service Plumbing Providers
Among the numerous advantages of comprehensive plumbing is the one-stop solutions offered. Instead of hiring multiple contractors, you can benefit from the combined expertise and efficiency of a single team. The benefits of full-service plumbers are highlighted below.
Time-Saving
A full-service plumbing contractor provides one-stop plumbing solutions, which saves you time looking for different plumbers specializing in specific services. These service providers may excel individually but fail as a team because they haven’t worked together. It is also time-consuming to follow up on accountability.
Reliability
With all in-house plumbers handling all your plumbing needs, the efficiency increases. You can expect reliable plumbing services, from design to installation, inspections, testing, and maintenance. The contractor’s familiarity and knowledge of your plumbing system increase service quality as the plumbers leverage the knowledge of your infrastructure.
Affordability
A full-service contractor offers competitive rates compared to specialized plumbers because they offer packaged deals. You are also likely to get complimentary services. For instance, the contractor may waive inspection and testing fees or offer subsidized rates for multiple services.
Core Plumbing Services
New Plumbing System Installations
A lot goes into new construction plumbing services. First, plumbers design the system according to your home or business requirements and demands. After that, they map underground infrastructure for seamless integration with the public system’s potable or sewer line.
Above ground, the contractors have to install plumbing fixtures and pipes, attach appliances, and conduct quality control tests. In extensive renovations, full-service plumbers will re-design the system and integrate the new component into the existing section.
New plumbing system installation and re-designs are demanding. Hiring a contractor that can handle all plumbing installation services increases efficiency, streamlines service delivery, and enhances efficiency.
Fixture Installations (Sinks, Faucets, Toilets)
Comprehensive fixture installation services go beyond drain cleaning or unclogging the toilet. The plumbers install sinks and faucets, bathtubs and showers, garbage disposal, and appliances connected to your plumbing system. You can also request toilet installation services, which include replacement solutions. Get professional plumbing installation for optimal performance and long-term functioning.
Repair Services
Leak Repairs
Leaks are tiny plumbing problems that compound with time to become costly repairs. A small leak can use up to 90 gallons of water, destroy dry walls, floors, and foundations, and grow mold and mildew.
Full-service plumbers invest in industry-grade leak detectors that can pick up drop sounds, identify wet patches, or transmit videos of hidden leaks deep within your plumbing infrastructure. Leak repair services begin with in-depth investigations for early detection and timely repairs.
Professional plumbers recommend plumbing leak solutions depending on the extent, location, and frequency of the leak and your pipe’s condition. A full-service contractor provides different options to fix leaking pipes. They may settle on trenchless pipe replacement like the cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) for accessible underground leaks.
The pipe bursting technique is ideal for pipeline diameter expansion. Traditional trenching or semi-trenchless techniques like horizontal directional drilling are suitable for inaccessible areas. They also provide emergency leak repair services around the clock.
Pipe Repairs and Replacements
Full-service plumbers employ several damaged pipe solutions depending on the pipe condition, damage severity, and position. Contractors recommend replacing old plumbing pipes if the problem is extensive. Most properties use polyvinyl chloride (PVC), clay pipes, and cast iron.
Statistics show that 64% of property owners prefer PVC pipes for potable water systems, while 66% prefer them for drains, vents, or waste pipes. PVC pipes are durable and have long-term performance and low corrosive rates. They are also easy to install and repair.
Trenchless pipe repair and replacement is the most preferred rehabilitation solution for all pipe types, from PVC, copper, cast iron, or clay. The pipe sections are usually 50 to 75 feet long and contain epoxy, polyester, or phenolic resin-coated liners. Plumbers offer pipe maintenance services to enhance your plumbing system’s life span and optimize functionality.
Maintenance Services
Routine Plumbing Maintenance
Maintenance is preventative plumbing care, averting minor issues from escalating into costly rehabilitation problems. Full-service plumbers include in-depth inspections, comprehensive system tests, and conduit, component, and appliance repairs. Plumbing system maintenance has the benefits listed below.
Early Detection and Rehabilitation
Routine plumbing check-ups lead to early detection and intervention. The service seals leaks before they create extensive damage to your plumbing infrastructure. Regular plumbing inspections reduce the impact of low drains or backups on contamination. It helps identify blockages, root intrusion, wear and tear, and compromised areas of your plumbing infrastructure and rectify the problem before they escalate.
Optimize the Plumbing System’s Performance
Maintenance services maximize your plumbing system’s performance, minimizing downtime. Aside from performance, timely maintenance enhances the value and longevity of your plumbing system.
Positive Impact on Property Value
A regularly maintained plumbing system also increases your property’s value. It reduces property damage risks from water exposure. A property with a well-maintained plumbing system leaves a positive impression on potential buyers.
Cost-effective Solution
The service is cost-effective compared to repairs and replacements that accompany neglecting your plumbing system. Routine maintenance is a prerequisite for code and compliance, avoiding costly legal issues and penalties.
Drain Cleaning
Drain and sewer lines accumulate gunk, chemicals, or household waste over time, forming obstructions. The blockages create fissures, backups, slow drains, foul odors, leaks, and cross-contamination. Drain cleaning services proactively address blockages before they worsen, enhancing your system’s flow rate.
Signs of a clogged drain include slow drains, frequent backups, foul smells down the drain, and leaks. You can prevent blockages by:
- Sealing your drain lines with sieves to trap scum and solid waste
- Throwing food waste in the garbage disposal
- Regular maintenance
Professional drain cleaning goes beyond unclogging drains. The entire process begins with in-depth inspections to identify potential problem areas. Full-service plumbers use multiple techniques to clean drain pipes once they detect waste buildup.
Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is an eco-friendly technique that utilizes the hydro jet to channel highly pressurized water into your pipes. Pressure ranges between 2000 psi to 40,000 psi. Plumbers determine the water pressure levels depending on the blockage type and pipe condition.
Directional Boring
Professional plumbers recommend directional boring to clear severely damaged and inaccessible clogged drains or complex clogs, like root intrusion. The expert uses boring equipment to excavate the clog location site in your drain line. They lower cleaning gadgets through the underground trench to clear blocked drains.
Specialized Plumbing Services
Emergency Plumbing Services
Full-service contractors provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services for time-sensitive problems. Plumbing systems can develop sudden issues, even with adequate care, from pipe bursts to leaks, blockages, or infrastructure-related wear and tear. Urgent plumbing repairs are essential to resolve the situation before it escalates into a costly rehabilitation project.
Immediate plumbing assistance is possible if the plumber is familiar with your system. Their proximity to your property also allows them to expedite the repair process. You can also leverage their expertise and experience to eliminate the problem. A 24-hour plumber’s availability is also vital in conducting urgent repairs.
Water Heater Services
Installation and Replacement
Full-service plumbers provide all hot water system services. They install, replace, or maintain gas-powered or electric traditional or tankless water heaters. They can also install and rehabilitate a wide range of brands. Water heater installation requires expertise and experience to reduce cross-contamination and flow and pressure issues in your potable water line.
A typical hot water tank measures 24 inches wide, 6 inches high, and 6 inches deep. The designated space should accommodate the tank before getting a permit to install the heater. On the other hand, a tankless water heater requires 70% less space. The contractor has to get PEX or copper piping and fittings in compliance with local codes.
Replacing or a new installation entails:
- Inspection and measurements to ensure water heater space is sufficient and there is adequate air ventilation
- Site preparation by shutting the main water valve and turning off the electric unit or gas supply
- Disconnecting and labeling wires to avoid mix-ups
- Draining the existing tank by opening the tank’s drain valve for a traditional water heater system repair
- Install or replace the new water heater – the contractor ensures the inlets and outlet pipes have the desired length and adequate sealing
- Testing the water heater connection for leaks and tank water levels impacts the flow rate and pressure on the main water line
- Connecting the electrical or gas wiring
- Testing the system by assessing the heating elements, thermostat, and water temperature.
Repair and Maintenance
Whether your water heater system has insufficient hot water or produces strange noises, an all-service plumber can fix it. These experts fix water heater issues and maintain the system to minimize downtime and maximize the infrastructure’s longevity. Water heater repair begins with inspections to identify the problem and recommend solutions based on the diagnosis.
The one-stop solutions provided by full-service plumbers include hot water system maintenance to enhance the safety and functionality of your system. Common issues and solutions identified during water heater servicing are listed below.
Hot Water Insufficiency
Several factors affect hot water availability in a traditional water heater system. They include sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged heating element. Plumbers resolve sediment infiltration by flashing the water heater to remove the accumulated debris. They also test the thermostat and heating elements and replace them in case of damage.
Corrosion
Minerals and moisture gradually corrode the water heater system. Contractors can reduce rust risk by installing a water heater softener and replacing unsalvageable components.
Noise
Contraction and expansion, sediment buildup, or faulty or loose valves can produce rumbling noise, like pops, bangs, or hisses in traditional water heaters. Contractors flash the water heater to remove sediments. They also check and fix fittings and valves. The plumber can recommend insulating the tank to prevent rapid expansion and contraction or installing water heaters with self-cleaning mechanisms.
Declining Performance
Sediment accumulation, scale formation, and faulty components can affect traditional and tankless water heater performance. Regular maintenance reduces buildup. Routine system tests help you to repair and replace damaged components early.
Leaks
Signs of a leak in your traditional water heater tank include water pooling at the base, rust, and corrosion. You will also note moldy and musty smells in the water heater area, increased energy bills, and water dripping from the pressure valve. Plumbers repair leaks by tightening faulty connections or replacing the gasket or tank.
Sewer Line Services
Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
Comprehensive plumbing solutions cover all sewer line issues, from leaks, blocks, backups, slow drains, busts, fissures, corrosion, and wear and tear. Full-service plumbers offer trenchless and excavation techniques depending on your infrastructure state and damage extension, position, and accessibility. Sewer system services include the following.
- Geopolymer pipe lining for replacing large-diameter sewer pipes and infrastructure
- CIPP for drain lines measuring between 4 -120 inches
- Pipe bursting is ideal for replacing sewer pipes between 6-42 inches and expanding the line’s diameter
- Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is suitable in cases where traditional excavation is impractical
- Traditional engineering is perfect for the countryside or suburban areas where utility lines and concrete slabs are scarce
Signs of sewer line problems include strange noises and foul odor from the plumbing system. Green and wet patches in your yard may indicate infiltration of the sewer underground. You may also notice persistent backups, slow drain, mold and mildew growth, and damp areas inside your property.
Sewer Line Cleaning
Professional sewer cleaning is the best way to prevent sewer backups. Sewer blockages accumulate with time, compact, and solidify, preventing wastewater flow. The pressure from the blockage can break the drain or sewer line walls, leaking water out while drawing in soil.
Full-service plumbers clear sewer blockages and keep the buildup low through routine sewer cleaning. The frequency of cleaning in a residential home is about once every three years. On the other hand, high-traffic commercial property requires at least two cleanups annually.
Plumbers start with in-depth inspections. They then clean the drain or sewer line using hydro jetting for extensive or stubborn blockages or snake draining for minor clogs.
You can reduce blockages by covering the drain opening with a sieve, disposing of garbage properly, and cleaning the drain lines regularly. Also, avoid pouring oil or grease down the drain as it solidifies and traps other waste matter.
Gas Line Services
Plumbers install and repair gas lines for stoves, water heater systems, fireplaces, and outdoor grills and pits. You can hire them for extensions and remodeling to accommodate new appliances and structures. Gas line installation services require underground engineering to place and secure the lines.
The contractor also repairs gas pipes, fixes leaks, revamps worn-out conduits, and replaces valves and regulators. Part of the gas plumbing services include maintenance. The plumber conducts regular inspections and tests to identify and rehabilitate components and ensure optimal performance.
These experts professionally clean gas appliances, removing potential blockages and clogs. Partnering with a certified full-service plumber guarantees safe gas line services.
The contractor has the resources, expertise, and experience with gas systems. They uphold ethical practices and comply with industry codes. Your property remains protected against risks since the contractor is also insured and bonded.
Hydro Jetting Services
Did you know there are over 23,000 – 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows annually? While hot water and baking powder may temporarily reduce overflows, slow drains, and backups, professional drain cleaning is the ideal solution against flow issues. Plumbers eliminate blockages and maintain sewer flow rates and pressure through hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting services use pressurized water of up to 3000 psi to remove tough blockages. The high-pressure drain cleaning restores flow by clearing debris without damaging your drain or sewer walls.
Professional plumbers adjust the pressure depending on your infrastructure’s integrity and blockage severity. Advanced plumbing cleaning releases up to 40,000 psi water pressure, enough to dislodge stubborn clogs in commercial settings.
Advanced Plumbing Solutions
Plumbing Remodeling Services
Home remodeling requires professional expertise and experience with knowledge that encompasses customizations. Whether planning a bathroom plumbing upgrade or kitchen plumbing renovation, you need a professional plumber.
Plumbing for remodels is usually demanding. The plumber inspects your home and develops a remodeling plan based on your desires and property factors. They also handle pipe relocations, new line installs, fixtures, and appliance installation. Tests for quality assurance are equally important to guarantee service efficiency.
Water Treatment Services
Americans spent about $9.3 billion in 2023 on bottled water. Many properties receive potable water with dissolved minerals or chlorine traces from the city or municipal water treatments.
Mineral-rich water causes scale buildup, soap scum formation, and corrosion of pipes and appliances. It also minimizes water use, leaving a white cast on dishes and fixtures. Dissolved salts decrease lathering, increasing soap use and contamination risk.
Installing whole-house water filtration systems supplies soft water throughout the property, preventing hard water effects on your potable plumbing system. Several water treatment solutions exist. Some of the most common are listed below.
- Water softener installation: water softeners are porous and filled with negatively charged ions, which deionize dissolved minerals, turning water soft.
- Sediment filters: water systems with clay, sand, or debris benefit from sediment filters, which mechanically block the slurry.
- Ultraviolet purification system: improves water quality by removing the microorganisms present. The filtration system is ideal for borehole water sources.
- Carbon filters: remove chlorine from water systems treated with chloramines or chlorine derivatives.
- Acid neutralizer: neutralizes acidic water systems. The filtration system is ideal for water from shallow groundwater.
Backflow Prevention filtration system
Backflow preventer devices prevent water contamination from a potable pipe to a non-potable line by maintaining the flow direction. Full-service plumbers install all types of backflow preventers. Each backflow preventer installation begins with comprehensive inspections to identify ideal installation locations.
The prevention devices include:
- Air Gaps – uses physical space to prevent backflow. A classic example is the space between a faucet and a sink. The backflow breaker creates air gaps on pool lines and garden hose bibs.
- Atmospheric vacuum breaker assembly (AVBA)- stops siphonage by closing the air inlet valve against the check seat when water flow stops.
- Pressure vacuum breaker assembly (PVBA) – contains a spring-loaded inlet value, a check valve, and two test cocks. The device is ideal for irrigation systems. The assembly can be field tested because of the additional shutoff valves and test ports.
- Double-check valve assembly (DCVA) – has two check valves for double protection against backflow. It is ideal for irrigation systems, fire protection lines, and commercial and industrial properties. It can also be field tested.
Professional plumbers provide certified backflow services by acquiring installation permits, complying with plumbing codes, and adhering to ethical practices. Backflow testing services are also part of the package, which entails capturing and testing water samples to ensure no contaminants are present.
Trenchless Pipe Repair
Full-service plumbers employ eco-friendly rehabilitation techniques in their solutions. Trenchless sewer repair techniques require minimal excavation, reducing costs significantly. The average charge for a no-dig pipe replacement is $2,900. Costs can go upwards of $6000 and as low as $1,900.
Price variations depend on pipe replacement size, with costs increasing per linear foot. Pipe material, trenchless technique, type of replacement or repair, and additional services like camera inspections or backflow preventer installations also affect costs.
Modern pipe repair methods include CIPP, where the plumbers insert an epoxy-coated pipe inside the damaged pipe. The pipe then cures in place, fixing the damage. Pipe bursting is similar to CIPP. However, the repair equipment destroys the old pipe section while inserting the epoxy-coated pipe in its place. Plumbers can use this technique to expand the affected pipe section.
Slip lining is the original trenchless technique. It entails inserting a plastic lining into drain lines to fix leaks. HDD requires minimal horizontal excavation at the problematic site for access. It is an ideal solution in sites where excavation is impossible.
Trenchless pipe lining services require minimal underground disruption, reducing property and utility damage risks. The techniques are not labor intensive like traditional techniques. They don’t require digging, trench leveling, backfilling, ground compacting, or slab repairs. Plumbers also complete work quickly due to reduced labor.
The Benefits of Choosing a Full-Service Plumbing Provider
Comprehensive Solutions
Full-service plumbers provide all-in-one plumbing solutions, eliminating the need to search for multiple specialists to handle a project. Their full-range plumbing services are convenient for efficiency, accountability, and support. You get comprehensive plumbing care, from inquiries to inspection, installation, rehabilitation, testing, and maintenance.
The one-stop plumbing services come in appealing service packages. Clients also enjoy integrated service plans, streamlining delivery and maximizing efficacy.
Consistent Quality and Expertise
Enjoy industry-level excellence from a professional plumbing team. With all experienced in-house plumbers undergoing regular training to maintain efficiency, you should expect quality plumbing. Full-service plumbing companies are licensed, insured, and bonded, protecting your property, the workforce, and other third parties from unforeseen risks.
The experienced plumbers are familiar with each other’s work and responsibilities on site. Therefore, integrate their skills seamlessly for your benefit. You should leverage the skilled plumbing experts’ knowledge and solutions for a durable system.
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving
All-in-one plumbing contractors save time and money. The service packages are cost-effective, with complimentary offers and subsidized pricing. The good deal gets you affordable plumbing services without compromising on quality. There is no need to search the web for several contractors, monitor the team, or oversee the project. The hired contractor will provide efficient plumbing solutions, manage the entire project, and handle all logistics.
