Get matched with top plumbers in Dearing, GA

When outside temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your pipes are at risk of freezing. To prevent this, especially when you are away from home, set your thermostat to a range of 55 to 60 degrees to provide enough warmth. Maintaining this temperature can help you avoid costly water damage from burst pipes.

Even if you’re not very handy, DIY toilet repair is something many people can handle. However, that doesn’t mean that every repair project is something to try to take on yourself. 

On paper, replacing a toilet flange is rather straightforward. However, it requires heavy lifting and critical thinking, especially if things don’t go according to plan.

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.

Replacing cast iron pipes when they’ve reached the end of their life span is key to preventing leaks and clogs. Over time, cast iron pipes corrode and experience pipe scale, which thickens the inside of the walls and increases the chance of clogs while also decreasing water flow. As the material deteriorates, you could experience costly leaks that increase reparation expenses. 

Cast iron can last between 50 and 75 years, but it’s still a good idea to check for leaks as your pipes approach the 25-year mark, as pipes can already show signs of deterioration within the first three decades.