What You Need to Know About Plumbing Whether you are in need of plumbing repair or are planning to build a new home, hiring a licensed plumbing Johnson City TN professionals is the best way to ensure that the job is done correctly. Local contractors are trained to work with water mains, sewage pipes, laundry appliances, natural gas lines, overhead sprinkler systems and more. The water in Johnson City comes from Unicoi Springs and the Watauga River, and is treated at both facilities to reduce contaminants. However, because of this process, there is a high mineral count in the water, which can impact appliances and plumbing fixtures. The minerals can clog washers and seals, prevent water from flowing through valves properly, damage finishes on faucets, sinks, and showers and cause a buildup of limescale inside pipes. Before any work is done, it’s important to make sure that you get the right permits. If you are unsure of what types of permits you will need, be sure to ask the local building inspector. A plumbing permit is not required for every construction project, but it can be a good idea to check with the city before attempting any repairs or installations. Generally speaking, a plumbing permit is necessary if a homeowner plans to make changes to the existing plumbing system, such as installing new fixtures or changing pipe materials.