Plumbing Questions, AnsweredStraight answers about leaks, drains, water heaters and sewer lines

Frequently asked questions

• How fast can a plumber get to my house?

  Call and we tell you the next open slot while you are on the phone. Active leaks and sewage backups go first. When the schedule is full we say so instead of promising a window we cannot keep.

• Is there a fee to come out and look?

  The visit is priced when you book. It covers finding the actual problem and a written repair price. If you go ahead with the repair, that is the price you pay, no surprises added later.

• Where is my main water shutoff?

  Usually where the water line enters the house: the basement wall that faces the street, the crawlspace, or a utility room. On a well it is near the pressure tank. Find it and make sure it turns before the day you need it.

• Why is my water bill suddenly high?

  The usual cause is a toilet that runs when nobody is looking, followed by a leak on a supply line. Turn everything off and watch the meter. If it still moves, call. See leak repair.

• How long does a water heater last?

  Most tank water heaters last ten to fifteen years, less in hard water if the tank has never been flushed. Tankless units last longer when they are descaled on schedule.

• Is the water around Winchester hard?

  Yes. The Valley sits on limestone, and both city water and well water carry a lot of minerals. It shows up as scale in water heaters, crusty faucet aerators and spots on glassware.

• Are chemical drain cleaners a good idea?

  Not really. They are rough on older pipe, they seldom clear the whole clog, and they leave caustic water sitting in the line. A proper drain cleaning does the job without the damage.

• My house is on a well and septic, does that change anything?

  It changes where problems come from. Low pressure can be the pressure tank and not the pipes, and slow drains can be a full septic tank and not a clog. We check the plumbing first and tell you honestly when the answer is a well or septic company.

• Should I repair or replace old pipe?

  One leak at a fitting is a repair. Leaks showing up in several places, or supply pipe of a type that is known to fail, is a conversation about replacing it. We give you both numbers.

• Do you install fixtures I bought myself?

  Yes. Tell us the model when you book so the plumber brings the right supply lines and fittings.

• Which towns do you serve?

  Winchester, Stephens City, Front Royal, Berryville, Strasburg and Martinsburg WV, plus the smaller places in between. See the service area page.