Virginia homes run the gamut, from 1920s cottages to new builds on well and city water. That variety means plumbing problems can look a little different from county to county. This guide from The Otter Guys walks you through the most common issues we see across the Commonwealth, how to spot them early, and what to fix first so you can protect your home and your budget.
Key Takeaways:
- Freezing temps still happen in Virginia, and exposed or under-insulated pipes are the first to burst. Identify your main shutoff and insulate vulnerable runs before cold snaps. According to the Virginia Department of Health’s winter prep guide, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes reduces the risk of freezing.
- Hard water is common in parts of Virginia and can shorten the life of heaters, faucets, and appliances. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, “hardness” comes from dissolved calcium and magnesium that leave scale behind.
- Aging materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene are frequent culprits in older homes. When leaks repeat, whole-home repiping is often the lasting fix.
Common Plumbing Issues We See Most In Virginia
The Otter Guys are used to dealing with plumbing issues in Virginia homes and businesses. Here are the common plumbing concerns we deal with.
Cold Snaps That Freeze Pipes
Especially if you live in the foothills, you know that cold winter snaps happen with little warning. A burst pipe can release dozens of gallons in minutes. Exposed lines in crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable when temperatures dip. According to the Virginia Department of Health, simple steps like insulating pipes, disconnecting hoses, and letting faucets drip can reduce freezing risk during severe cold. If a line does freeze, close the main shutoff, warm the area gradually, and avoid open flames; then call for help if a joint splits.
Corrosion From Hard Water
Scale buildup narrows passageways, reduces flow, sticks valves, and coats heating elements in water heaters. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, water “hardness” is the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium; many Virginia sources range from moderately hard to hard, which accelerates scaling. Signs include cloudy glassware, stiff laundry, and popping or rumbling sounds in the water heater. Flushing tank-type heaters, installing proper filtration/conditioning, and replacing scaled aerators are straightforward ways to extend equipment life.
Old Water Heaters
Most tank-type heaters give 10–15 years of service, after which sediment, corrosion, and efficiency losses catch up. Tankless models can run past 20 when maintained. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless heaters generally last longer and avoid standby losses, while storage tanks are more affordable up front. If your unit rumbles, delivers inconsistent temps, or shows rust at the base, schedule water heater repair before it becomes an emergency.
Sewer Line Issues In Older Neighborhoods
Clay and cast-iron laterals can crack or settle over time, and tree roots love the nutrients inside sewer lines. Repeated slow drains, gurgling fixtures, or soggy areas in the yard are early warnings. A camera inspection tells you whether a focused spot repair or a full sewer repair is smarter. Add periodic drain cleaning to keep heavy buildup from becoming a backup.
“Small” Leaks That Come With Big Water Bills
A running toilet, a weeping angle stop, or a pinhole behind a cabinet can add thousands of gallons to a bill. According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, fixing common household leaks can save nearly 10,000 gallons per home each year, which is great for your wallet and Virginia’s water supply. Start with a 10-minute meter test and toilet dye tabs; if the meter still moves with all fixtures off, book leak detection so we can pinpoint the source without guesswork.
Chasing Drips Instead Of Finding The Source
Replacing a faucet because you see a drip may not fix a failed pressure regulator or a hidden line leak. If your meter spins with fixtures off, the source is likely in a wall, under a slab, or in the service line. That is the time to bring in The Otter Guys for targeted slab leak detection and repair and, if needed, repiping.
Mold Growth After A Leak
Crawlspaces, basements, and tight wall cavities can trap moisture, especially during humid Virginia summers. According to the CDC, drying wet materials within 24–48 hours usually prevents mold growth. Set fans and dehumidifiers early, remove items that will not dry quickly, and address the leak before you close things back up. If you are dealing with repeated moisture in the same area, we will check for hidden plumbing or drainage issues so it does not return.
Tips To Look For Plumbing Issues
- Find and label your main water shutoff. Practice turning it off so you can act quickly in a freeze or burst.
- Insulate pipes in unconditioned spaces and disconnect hoses before winter cold fronts.
- Flush tank water heaters annually and consider a sediment filter if you are on a well or have noticeable scaling.
- Test every toilet with dye tabs. Silent flapper leaks are common and easy to fix.
- Log your meter reading over a quiet two-hour window; movement with everything off points to a hidden leak.
- Schedule a camera inspection if you have recurring clogs; it is cheaper than guessing.
Geri’s Water Heater Problems
Geri’s story is like that of many Virginia homeowners. His water heater was old and could not be repaired. He called The Otter Guys for a quote and water heater installation. Here’s his story:
Dominic was friendly and professional. He was great at explaining everything he recommended that needed to be done. He approached and completed the work with confidence, which made me feel comfortable that everything was done correctly. Highly recommend Dominic for any plumbing work!
Read Geri’s story in the Otter Guys Reviews section on Google Business.
Call The Otter Guys With Your Plumbing Issues
If you are staring at a mysterious high bill, hearing water in the walls, or dealing with repeat clogs, bring in our team. We handle precise leak detection, careful repiping, thorough drain cleaning, dependable sewer repair, and prompt water heater repair. We will find the source, explain your options, and fix the right thing the first time.
