Let us talk about plumbing. We are not here to sell you anything you do not need. We just want to share some honest answers to questions we hear all the time from folks right here in Claremore. Running Aim High Kitchen & Bath, we have seen many pipes. We have dealt with even more headaches. We know what you are up against. You have questions. We have answers. Let us dive in.
What is the deal with Claremore's water? Why is it so hard?
This is probably the number one question we get. It is for good reason. If you live in Claremore, you have hard water. Our groundwater is where the city gets its supply. It flows through a lot of limestone bedrock as well as gypsum deposits. As it moves, it picks up many calcium as well as magnesium minerals. That is what makes it 'hard.' It is basically like liquid rock flowing through your plumbing system in Claremore.
Now, it is not going to hurt you to drink it. It is a real pain for your home. You will see that white, crusty buildup on your faucets as well as your showerheads as well as on your dishes. It also makes your appliances work harder. This shortens their lifespan. In addition, it can even clog up your pipes over time. This leads to lower water pressure as well as costly repairs. If you are seeing these signs, a water softener is usually the best solution to protect your home's plumbing as well as appliances in Claremore.
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Claremore?
You do need a permit for most significant plumbing jobs. The City of Claremore handles building permits as well as mechanical permits as well as plumbing permits. They do this through the Planning and Development Department. If you are out in Rogers County but outside city limits, the Rogers County Planning Commission is who you will deal with for permits as well as inspections for plumbing work. They make sure things are built to code to keep everyone safe. Do not try to skirt around it. It can cause bigger headaches as well as fines down the road. It is always best to check with the city or county before starting any major plumbing project in Claremore.
My water bill is suddenly really high, but I do not see any leaks. What gives?
A sudden spike in your water bill without an obvious leak is a classic sign of a hidden problem. It could be a running toilet that you do not hear all the time. It could also be a slow leak in an irrigation system. In addition, it could even be a slab leak. Slab leaks are especially tricky. The water is leaking under your home's foundation. You will not see it until it has caused significant damage or your water bill goes very high. Sometimes, a leaking water heater can also be the problem. This is true even if it is not a huge, noticeable puddle. Do not ignore it. Get a professional to track it down. The longer you wait, the more damage as well as higher bills you will rack up for your Claremore home.
How often should I have my plumbing system inspected?
Think of it like getting the oil changed in your car. You would not wait until the engine seizes up. For your plumbing, we recommend a yearly inspection. It helps catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems. Things like minor leaks as well as corrosion as well as potential clogs can be addressed proactively. This is especially true in older homes. For example, homes built before the 1960s might have galvanized steel or cast iron pipes. These pipes are well past their prime. They are prone to issues. A regular check-up can save you a lot of money as well as stress in the long run for your Claremore home.
What are the most common plumbing problems you see in Claremore homes?
Beyond the hard water issues we already talked about, we would say these are the big ones:
- Clogged Drains: Kitchen sinks as well as bathroom sinks as well as showers all get clogged. Grease as well as hair as well as soap scum all cause this. Sometimes you can clear it with a plunger. If it keeps happening or it is a main line, you need a professional.
- Running Toilets: That constant trickle is not just annoying. It is wasting water. It is costing you money. Usually, it is a worn-out flapper or a problem with the fill valve. This is an easy fix for us. If you are not sure, it is best to call Aim High Kitchen & Bath.
- Leaky Faucets: This is another common problem. A drip here and there might not seem like much. It adds up. Often it is just a washer or an O-ring that needs replacing.
- Water Heater Troubles: No hot water as well as rust-colored water as well as strange noises from the tank are common signs. Water heaters do not last forever. Our hard water here in Claremore can definitely shorten their lifespan.
I live in an older Claremore home. Should I be worried about my pipes?
If your home was built before the 1970s, it is definitely something to be aware of. Many older homes around Claremore, especially in the historic downtown areas, might have galvanized steel or even cast iron pipes. Galvanized pipes were used a lot between the 1940s as well as the 1960s. They were steel coated with zinc. Over time, that zinc coating wears off. The steel rusts from the inside out. This can restrict water flow. It can give you discolored water. In addition, it can eventually lead to leaks as well as bursts.
Cast iron pipes were often used for drain lines. They are very heavy. They can corrode as well as rust too. This leads to blockages as well as leaks. Another one to watch out for is polybutylene. This is if your home was built in the 1970s or 1980s. It is a gray plastic pipe that was popular. It degrades when exposed to chlorine in the water. This makes it prone to leaks as well as ruptures. If you have these older materials, it is a good idea to have them inspected. Sometimes a full repipe is the best long-term solution to avoid bigger problems for your Claremore home.
What about septic systems? What do Claremore homeowners need to know?
If you are not on city sewer, you have a septic system. Those need regular attention. You are responsible for inspecting as well as pumping your septic system periodically. This is not just about avoiding a nasty backup. It is about protecting your drinking water as well as the environment. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has rules for the design as well as installation as well as operation of these systems. They even require certified installers for new systems or modifications in Claremore.
You need to be mindful of what goes down your drains. Do not put harsh chemicals or excessive grease down them. Be careful not to drive heavy vehicles over your drain field. Regular maintenance costs a lot less than replacing a whole system. If you are unsure about your septic system, it is worth getting it checked out by a professional. This professional will understand the DEQ regulations for Claremore septic systems.
Plumbing is not always glamorous. It is essential for your home. If you have questions or a problem you cannot figure out, do not hesitate to give us a call at Aim High Kitchen & Bath. We are here to help Claremore homeowners keep their water flowing right.