Common Plumbing Issues in Richmond, VA

All homes are vulnerable to plumbing issues. Clogs, old pipes, and hard water can make your plumbing system deteriorate unexpectedly. But Richmond’s cold winters and historic homes can make these risks even bigger. 

At 1-800-Plumber +Air, our teams of experienced plumbers can fix common plumbing issues and plumbing problems that are unique to the Richmond area. Learn more about how to protect your home from these common plumbing problems before they get worse.  

Aging Infrastructure and Pipe Deterioration

One serious problem is pipe deterioration. While you might not be able to stop pipes from aging, you can stay on top of water damage from breakage.

Common Pipe Materials in Richmond’s Older Homes

Some materials you might find in plumbing systems in and around older homes include lead, cast iron, and galvanized steel. Both cast iron and galvanized steel corrode and break down over the decades. Not only can the particulates get into your water, but the pipe walls become thinner and more likely to break. Lead is toxic and extremely dangerous, especially in hot water systems. 

Signs Your Plumbing May Need an Upgrade

The first sign that your plumbing needs an upgrade is if it has dangerous metals like lead. Don’t wait for these pipes to break down—replace them as soon as possible for better health and safety. Older pipes may also warrant an upgrade if: 

• They frequently leak. 
• Your water is flaked with rust or discolored.
• It’s been decades since the home’s pipes were last replaced. 
• Your pipes are very noisy or have low pressure.

Risks of Ignoring Corroded or Outdated Piping

Sometimes, old piping doesn’t present immediate problems. But the longer you wait to replace them, the more likely they are to suddenly crack and flood your home. 

Seasonal Plumbing Problems in Central Virginia

Because of Richmond’s freezing cold winters, your plumbing needs to be able to handle seasonal risks. 

Frozen Pipes in Winter and Burst Pipe Risks

When the ground gets cold enough, or you have pipes exposed to open air, the water will freeze, expanding in the pipe and making it crack. Sometimes, the cracks happen outside, but they often happen inside the walls or under your home. 

Heavy Rainfall and Basement Flooding

Richmond’s rainy season runs from May to August. You’ll see frequent thunderstorms, heavy rain, and even storms splintering off from hurricanes. All of this rainfall can overwhelm your home’s drainage systems and flood your basement. Old sump pumps may not be able to keep up, leaving you with extensive water damage and mold. 

How Seasonal Changes Affect Water Pressure and Drainage

Bad weather doesn’t just hit your home. It can disrupt the community’s water table, leading to too much water in the drainage systems, flooding near street drains, and even backups into your tubs or basement. Unfortunately, most homeowners can’t take steps to prevent these issues, but you can be ready for them with pumps, clean pipes, and updated plumbing.

Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

Homes across Virginia can have hard water. This can clog your pipes, leave stains, and even make it hard to turn plumbing valves. 

How Richmond’s Water Quality Impacts Plumbing

In Richmond,  water may have iron, calcium, and other minerals or sediment. Older municipal pipes may also have traces of lead.  

Signs of Hard Water Damage in Fixtures and Appliances

Common signs of hard water damage include: 

• Cloudy or smelly water
• Rattling in your water heater
• Spotty dishes and faucets
• Pipe joints and valves covered in deposits

Solutions Like Water Softeners and Routine Maintenance

There are several different strategies homeowners can use to handle hard water. First, you can install a water softener or water filter at your home’s main supply line to ensure minerals never reach the pipes. Frequent scouring can also remove buildup around your faucets and fixtures. As a good preventative measure, turn your local plumbing valves every season to make sure they aren’t stuck. 

Need Plumbing Help in Richmond? Call the Experts at 1-800-Plumber +Air

Get ahead of common plumbing issues in Richmond, including seasonal plumbing problems, plumbing issues from aging infrastructure, and more. Call 1-800-Plumber +Air to have a local expert evaluate your pipes.