Plumbers in Durham, NC

Durham Plumbers

Locals and visitors often refer to Durham, North Carolina, as the "City of Medicine," a nickname it began earning back in 1906 when two local pharmacists developed BC Headache Powder. Since those early days, Durham's healthcare industry has become its largest employer with approximately one in every three people working in a health-related field. This vibrant city also houses art and science museums, two respected universities, more than 300 restaurants, and over 40 annual festivals.

With a population of more than 229,000 people, Durham keeps its plumbers busy. Whether they live in downtown apartments or lavish homes, the city’s residents inevitably need the services of a reliable plumber at one point or another. Homeowners preparing for planned plumbing projects should get two or three estimates before hiring a plumber to be sure the prices are competitive.

Local Costs for Plumbing Tasks

Across the country, homeowners pay an average of $281 to hire a plumber for common jobs such as toilet repair. Homeowners in Durham pay an average of $232 when they hire a plumber for average plumbing projects.

Although some plumbers charge a flat fee, others charge by the hour with average rates ranging from $45 to $150 per hour across the country, depending on the plumbing job and timing. The following table compares the average prices some of the most common plumbing tasks in Durham to the national average:

As the above table demonstrates, homeowners in Durham pay prices that are close to the national average for most plumbing projects. While evaluating the cost of a plumbing job, homeowners should consider the factors that typically affect pricing, including the complexity of the job and the timing of the request. One of the most notable examples includes plumbing emergencies, which cost premium prices—plumbers usually charge extra fees for after-hours visits.

Necessary Licensing and Qualifications

Durham homeowners should guard against unskilled plumbers by only hiring licensed and insured plumbers. Plumbers must obtain their plumbing license from North Carolina’s State Licensing Board. Applicants must also pass a licensing exam and have at least 4,000 hours of experience. Experts recommend that homeowners verify that the plumber has general liability insurance to cover any damages or injuries caused by an accident.

Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured plumber leaves the homeowner vulnerable to shoddy workmanship or the costs of any damages that occur during the plumbing work. In addition to their state credentials, Durham plumbers might belong to professional organizations such as the North Carolina chapter of the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) or the North Carolina Plumbing Inspectors Association.

How Plumbing Affects the Value of a Home

Upgrading the plumbing in a home simply for cosmetic reasons won’t give it a real boost in value; however, ignoring necessary upgrades can cause the value to plummet by approximately 20 percent. Buyers do not want to buy a home that needs major upgrades, and plumbing problems typically dissuade buyers almost immediately. In addition to being inconvenient, issues such as leaks cause catastrophic damage, including structural problems, rot, and mold, all of which can leave a home uninhabitable.

To maximize their home’s appeal, many Durham homeowners make sure to maintain their plumbing systems, address problems promptly, and upgrade fixtures to give kitchens and bathrooms a fresh look. Similarly, many locals upgrade to high-efficiency plumbing such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and water heaters to save on utilities and maximize the home’s appeal to buyers. These relatively inexpensive projects ensure a home is appealing to shoppers.

Prominent Durham Neighborhoods

Durham is a city with many nooks and crannies to call home. Each of the neighborhoods located in the “Triangle” offers its own charm and allure, with homes that range from modern apartments to historic houses. Residents of the Downtown neighborhood enjoy living near the city's heartbeat in the center of all the action. Apartments and lofts make up the housing options here, appealing to young professionals who thrive on living within walking distance of downtown's seven districts, delicious restaurants, and boutique shops. Many of the people who live in Duke Forest work at Duke University and Duke Hospital, which are both located nearby. The neighborhood features a larger number of Midcentury modern homes than nearly any other neighborhood in the city. For historic homes, many of which were built between 1920 and the 1990s, many residents flock to the historic Forest Hills neighborhood—retrofitting plumbing is a common task in the Hills and the Forest thanks to the high number of older homes that need a dose of water conservation.

Durham residents interested in stellar schools and lovely fairways look for houses in and around the Croasdaile neighborhood. Croasdaile is situated surrounding the Croasdaile Country Club, which features an 18-hole golf course. Locals also list the Apex neighborhood among the best in and around the city, with its ample amenities, lovely homes, and friendly community feeling. Residents can choose from a variety of housing options, including single-family homes and condos. Restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment are plentiful here, making it an appealing option for everyone from young professionals to growing families.

The types of plumbing services that the city’s residents need often depend on the type of home they live in. Older homes require more significant updates than modern, new construction. Pipes, water heaters, and fixtures all have a life expectancy, beyond which the likelihood of problems increases. Some of Durham’s most common plumbing problems include clearing clogged drains, repairing toilets, maintaining water heaters, and installing new sinks, faucets, and tubs.