Key Takeaways Boise plumbers charge $85-$150 per hour with a typical service call fee of $50-$89. Common job costs: faucet repair $150-$300, toilet repair $175-$400, drain cleaning $150-$400, water heater $800-$2,500. Always get upfront pricing before work begins. Emergency and after-hours rates are typically 1.5x-2x standard rates. One of the most common questions Boise homeowners […]
Key Takeaways Every home has two main plumbing systems: the water supply system (clean water in) and the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system (wastewater out). Boise homes use different pipe materials depending on when they were built—galvanized steel (pre-1960), copper (1960–1990), and PEX (post-1990). Normal water pressure is 40–80 PSI; anything outside that range can cause problems. […]
Key Takeaways Drain snaking ($150–$300) is best for simple clogs—hair, soap, small obstructions in individual drains. Hydro jetting ($300–$600) uses high-pressure water to scour the entire pipe interior, removing grease, scale, and tree roots. A camera inspection before cleaning tells you exactly what you’re dealing with—and which method will work. Chemical drain cleaners damage pipes […]
Key Takeaways Most water heater noises are caused by sediment buildup—a direct result of Boise’s hard water (8–12 GPG). Popping and rumbling are the most common sounds and usually indicate sediment that can be flushed out. Screeching or whistling often signals a valve issue that needs prompt attention. Regular flushing (annually or semi-annually in Boise) […]
Key Takeaways Many Boise homes have sewer lines that are 40–60+ years old, made from materials that deteriorate over time. Common signs of sewer line failure include multiple slow drains, sewage smells, soggy spots in your yard, and recurring backups. A camera inspection ($150–$300) is the definitive way to assess your sewer line’s condition. Trenchless […]
Key Takeaways Boise’s water hardness measures 8–12 grains per gallon (GPG), classified as “hard” to “very hard” on the standard scale. Hard water reduces water heater efficiency by 25–30% and shortens appliance lifespans. Scale buildup from hard water restricts pipe flow, damages fixtures, and costs Boise homeowners hundreds in extra energy bills annually. A whole-home […]
Key Takeaways The first thing to do in any plumbing emergency is shut off the water supply—either at the fixture or at the main shut-off valve. Know your main water shut-off location and gas shut-off location before an emergency happens. Not every plumbing issue is a true emergency—knowing the difference saves you from after-hours charges […]
Key Takeaways Tank water heaters cost $800–$1,500 installed; tankless units cost $2,000–$4,500 installed. Tankless units last 20+ years compared to 10–15 years for tank models, potentially offsetting the higher upfront cost. Boise’s cold incoming water temperature (around 45°F in winter) means tankless units must work harder—proper sizing is critical. Boise’s hard water (8–12 GPG) requires […]
Key Takeaways A slab leak occurs when pipes beneath or within your home’s concrete foundation develop a crack or hole. The 8 most common warning signs include unexplained high water bills, warm spots on floors, and the sound of running water when all fixtures are off. Boise’s hard water (8–12 grains per gallon) accelerates copper […]
Key Takeaways Boise winters regularly drop below 20°F, putting exposed and poorly insulated pipes at serious risk of freezing. Pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls, and unheated garages freeze first—insulating them is the single most effective prevention step. If your pipes do freeze, never use an open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer, […]