Complete Guide to Plumbing Services

Your home's plumbing system is essential for daily comfort and functionality. Understanding common plumbing issues, knowing when to call a professional, and maintaining your system properly can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and water damage.

Understanding Residential Plumbing

Major Plumbing Systems

Water Supply System:

Main water line
Hot water heater
Supply pipes and fixtures
Pressure regulation
Shut-off valves

Drainage System:

Drain pipes and vents
Sewer or septic connection
Traps and P-traps
Vent stack
Cleanout access points

Fixture Network:

Sinks and faucets
Toilets
Showers and tubs
Appliance connections
Outdoor spigots

Common Plumbing Services

Emergency Repairs

Average Cost: $150-$450

Burst pipes
Severe leaks
Backed-up sewers
No hot water
Overflowing toilets
Gas leaks

Routine Repairs

Average Cost: $150-$500

Dripping faucets
Running toilets
Slow drains
Leaky pipes
Water heater issues
Low water pressure

Installations

Average Cost: $200-$3,000+

New fixtures
Water heaters
Garbage disposals
Dishwashers
Water filtration systems
Sump pumps

Maintenance Services

Average Cost: $100-$300

Drain cleaning
Water heater flushing
Pipe inspections
Leak detection
Winterization
Annual inspections

When to Call a Plumber

Emergency Situations (Call Immediately)

Burst pipes with active flooding
No water throughout house
Sewage backup
Gas smell near water heater
Major leak causing water damage
Frozen pipes at risk of bursting

Schedule Soon (Within 24-48 Hours)

Persistent slow drains
Running toilet
Low water pressure
Water heater making loud noises
Visible pipe corrosion
Damp spots on walls/ceilings

Plan Ahead (Routine Maintenance)

Annual water heater service
Drain cleaning
Fixture upgrades
New appliance installation
Plumbing system inspection
Preventive maintenance

Plumbing Costs by Service

Common Repair Costs

Faucet Repairs:

Simple washer replacement: $75-$150
Cartridge replacement: $150-$300
Full faucet replacement: $150-$350

Toilet Repairs:

Flapper replacement: $75-$150
Fill valve replacement: $100-$200
Wax ring replacement: $100-$200
Complete toilet replacement: $200-$500

Drain Services:

Basic drain cleaning: $100-$250
Main line cleaning: $200-$500
Hydro-jetting: $350-$600
Camera inspection: $200-$400

Water Heater Services:

Repair: $150-$500
Tank replacement: $800-$1,500
Tankless installation: $1,500-$3,500
Annual maintenance: $100-$200

Installation Costs

Fixtures:

Kitchen faucet: $150-$400
Bathroom faucet: $150-$300
Toilet: $200-$600
Shower/tub: $500-$3,000+

Major Installations:

Water heater: $800-$3,500
Garbage disposal: $200-$500
Dishwasher hookup: $150-$300
Water softener: $500-$2,500
Sump pump: $500-$1,500

Choosing a Qualified Plumber

Essential Credentials

Licensing
- State plumbing license
- Master vs. journeyman designation
- License verification
- Continuing education
Insurance
- General liability coverage
- Workers' compensation
- Bond coverage
- Vehicle insurance
Experience
- Years in business
- Specialty areas
- Training and certifications
- Company reputation

Questions to Ask

Are you licensed and insured?
What's your experience with this specific issue?
Do you provide written estimates?
What's your warranty policy?
Who will perform the work?
What's the estimated timeline?
Do you clean up after the job?
What are your payment terms?
Do you offer emergency services?
Can you provide references?

Common Plumbing Problems

Dripping Faucets

Causes:

Worn washers
Corroded valve seats
Loose parts
High water pressure

Solutions:

Replace washers or cartridges
Repair valve seats
Tighten connections
Install pressure regulator

Running Toilets

Causes:

Faulty flapper
Worn fill valve
Improper float adjustment
Chain issues

Solutions:

Replace flapper
Install new fill valve
Adjust float height
Fix or replace chain

Clogged Drains

Causes:

Hair and soap buildup
Food particles
Foreign objects
Tree root intrusion

Solutions:

Plunging
Drain snake
Chemical cleaners (use cautiously)
Professional hydro-jetting

Low Water Pressure

Causes:

Mineral buildup
Pipe corrosion
Leaks
Faulty pressure regulator

Solutions:

Clean aerators
Descale pipes
Repair leaks
Replace pressure regulator

Water Heater Issues

Causes:

Sediment buildup
Faulty heating element
Thermostat problems
Anode rod failure

Solutions:

Flush tank annually
Replace heating elements
Adjust or replace thermostat
Replace anode rod

Preventive Maintenance

Monthly Tasks

Quarterly Tasks

Annual Tasks

DIY vs. Professional Plumbing

Safe DIY Projects

Replacing faucet aerators
Unclogging drains with plunger
Replacing toilet flappers
Installing new showerheads
Cleaning drain stoppers
Tightening visible connections

Always Hire a Professional

Main water line repairs
Sewer line work
Gas line installation or repair
Water heater installation
Major pipe replacements
Anything requiring permits
Repiping projects

Plumbing Emergencies

Immediate Actions

Burst Pipe:

Shut off main water supply
Turn off water heater
Open faucets to drain remaining water
Call emergency plumber
Document damage for insurance

Overflowing Toilet:

Turn off water supply at toilet
Remove tank lid
Press down flapper to stop flow
Use plunger
Call plumber if unable to resolve

Severe Leak:

Shut off water to affected area
Place bucket under leak
Turn off electricity to area if near outlets
Call plumber immediately
Move valuables away from water

No Hot Water:

Check circuit breaker
Check pilot light (gas heaters)
Note any unusual sounds or smells
Don't attempt repairs on gas units
Call professional plumber

Water Heater Guide

Types of Water Heaters

Tank Water Heaters:

Capacity: 30-80 gallons
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Cost: $800-$1,500 installed
Best for: Traditional homes, lower upfront cost

Tankless Water Heaters:

On-demand heating
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Cost: $1,500-$3,500 installed
Best for: Energy efficiency, limited space

Heat Pump Water Heaters:

Uses electricity efficiently
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Cost: $1,500-$3,000 installed
Best for: Warm climates, energy savings

Solar Water Heaters:

Uses solar energy
Lifespan: 20+ years
Cost: $3,000-$7,000 installed
Best for: Sunny climates, eco-conscious homes

Water Heater Maintenance

Monthly:

Test pressure relief valve
Check for leaks
Listen for unusual sounds

Annually:

Flush tank to remove sediment
Check anode rod condition
Inspect temperature settings
Professional inspection

Pipe Materials

Common Pipe Types

Copper:

Lifespan: 50+ years
Cost: $$$ (expensive)
Best for: Water supply lines
Pros: Durable, bacteria-resistant
Cons: Expensive, can corrode

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene):

Lifespan: 25-40 years
Cost: $ (affordable)
Best for: New installations, repiping
Pros: Flexible, easy to install
Cons: Can't be used outdoors

PVC:

Lifespan: 25-40 years
Cost: $ (affordable)
Best for: Drain lines, vent pipes
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to work with
Cons: Not for hot water

Galvanized Steel:

Lifespan: 20-50 years
Cost: $$ (moderate)
Best for: Older homes (being replaced)
Pros: Strong, durable
Cons: Corrodes, outdated

Water Quality Issues

Common Problems

Hard Water:

White deposits on fixtures
Soap doesn't lather well
Scale buildup in pipes
Solution: Water softener

Rusty Water:

Orange/brown discoloration
Metallic taste
Staining on fixtures
Solution: Replace old pipes, filter system

Sulfur Smell:

"Rotten egg" odor
Usually from water heater
Solution: Replace anode rod, shock treatment

Cloudy Water:

Milky appearance
Usually harmless air bubbles
Solution: Let water sit, check for other causes

Seasonal Plumbing Tips

Winter Preparation

Insulate exposed pipes
Disconnect outdoor hoses
Drain sprinkler systems
Seal foundation cracks
Know location of shut-off valves
Keep garage doors closed
Allow faucets to drip in extreme cold

Spring Checklist

Check for winter damage
Test outdoor faucets
Inspect sump pump
Clean gutters and downspouts
Check for foundation cracks
Schedule annual inspection

Summer Maintenance

Check sprinkler system
Monitor water usage
Inspect washing machine hoses
Clean garbage disposal
Check water heater settings

Fall Preparation

Winterize outdoor plumbing
Service water heater
Clean drains
Test sump pump
Inspect pipe insulation

Red Flags to Watch For

Constantly running water meter - Hidden leak
Wet spots on walls/ceilings - Pipe leak behind walls
Mold or mildew smell - Hidden moisture problem
Sudden spike in water bills - Major leak
Gurgling drains - Venting or clog issues
Reduced water pressure - Pipe blockage or leak
Discolored water - Pipe corrosion
Sewage odors - Drain trap or vent problems

Plumbing Upgrades Worth Considering

High-Value Improvements

Tankless water heater - Energy savings, unlimited hot water
Water filtration system - Better water quality
Low-flow fixtures - Water conservation, lower bills
Sump pump with battery backup - Flood protection
Water softener - Protect pipes and appliances
Smart leak detectors - Early problem detection
Pressure regulator - Protect pipes and fixtures

Conclusion

Proper plumbing maintenance and prompt attention to issues prevent costly water damage and ensure your home's comfort and functionality. While some minor repairs can be DIY projects, don't hesitate to call a licensed professional for complex issues or anything involving your home's main plumbing systems.

Regular maintenance, being alert to warning signs, and working with qualified plumbers when needed will keep your plumbing system running smoothly for years to come. Remember, addressing small problems early prevents them from becoming major, expensive emergencies.