Question 1

How much does a plumber cost per hour in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Most St. Johns County plumbers charge 110 to 185 dollars per hour, though many quote flat rates per job instead. Expect a service or trip fee of 49 to 125 dollars, often credited toward the repair. After-hours and weekend calls usually run 1.5 to 2 times the normal rate, so a Saturday night emergency can start at 250 dollars before parts.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in St. Johns County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Johns County and the City of St. Augustine both require a plumbing permit for water heater replacement, including like-for-like swaps. The licensed plumber pulls it and schedules the inspection. Permit fees are typically 75 to 150 dollars and are usually rolled into the quote. Tankless conversions may also need an electrical or gas permit.

Question 3

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Accepted Answer

The sulfur smell is common in St. Johns County because much of our water comes from the Floridan aquifer, and private wells in Hastings, Elkton and rural St. Johns are worse. If only the hot water smells, the anode rod in your water heater is reacting with the water and a plumber can swap it for an aluminum zinc or powered anode. If cold water smells too, you likely need a whole-house filter or an aeration system.

Question 4

Should I repipe my older St. Augustine home?

Accepted Answer

If the house still has galvanized steel supply lines or polybutylene (common in 1980s and early 1990s builds around St. Augustine Shores and Julington Creek), many insurers will not write or renew a policy until it is replaced. A whole-house repipe in PEX for a typical 3 bedroom home runs 6,000 to 14,000 dollars here, plus drywall repair. Cast iron drain lines can often be lined instead of dug up.

Question 5

Do I need a water softener in St. Johns County?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners on county or utility water here see 10 to 20 grains per gallon of hardness, which is hard enough to scale water heaters, dishwashers and shower glass. A softener is not required, but it typically pays for itself in appliance life. Installed softeners run 1,500 to 3,500 dollars. Check your HOA and St. Johns County Utility rules on discharge before choosing a salt-based unit.

Question 6

How do I find out if a plumber is licensed in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Go to myfloridalicense.com, choose Verify a License, and search by name or license number. A plumbing contractor shows as CFC or RF followed by numbers. Also check that the license is current and the business name matches the truck. St. Johns County does not issue its own plumbing licenses, so a county business tax receipt alone is not enough.

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