Get matched with top plumbers in Cheswold, DE

A water softener is a worthwhile investment if you live in an area with hard water. While hard water is safe to drink, it contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can cause significant problems over time. These minerals build up inside pipes, reducing water flow and eventually corroding the plumbing system, which can lead to leaks and a shortened lifespan. Hard water also damages fixtures and appliances, potentially resulting in costly repairs. Additionally, it makes soaps and detergents less effective, meaning you'll use more product to get things clean. By installing a water softener, you can prevent these issues. The initial investment is often recouped through long-term savings, including lower energy bills, reduced appliance and plumbing maintenance, and spending less on soap and cleaning supplies. Other benefits include cleaner linens, dishes, and clothing, as well as softer water that is gentler on your skin and hair. In some areas, a water softener can also increase your home's value, making it a valuable long-term investment.

If you're replacing a similar model, you don’t always need a plumber to install a bathtub faucet since it will fit over the existing plumbing. That said, there is some room for error. If you’re uncomfortable with working on your plumbing, your installation is more complex than a simple replacement, or the piping is old and corroded, call a pro to handle the job. 

Even though their jobs sound similar—both professions work on pipes—a plumber and pipefitter actually have very different jobs, and pipefitting isn’t considered plumbing. Pipefitting is done in commercial and industrial buildings and factories, and the pipes carry gas, chemicals, acid, and other potentially hazardous substances. Pipefitters often work in intense conditions while plumbers may work in lower-pressure environments.

The cost to pipe a sink depends on the location. Generally, you’ll spend somewhere from $150 to $500 installing plumbing under a kitchen sink and $200 to $800 installing plumbing under a bathroom sink. These costs could rise if you don’t have a plumbing hookup nearby and you have to reroute plumbing from outside of your kitchen or bathroom.