Plumbing: questions, answered with sources

How do I unclog a bathtub drain?

Pull the stopper and clear off any hair caught on it. On a tub with a lever on the overflow, take off the overflow cover and clean the coil behind it. If the tub is still slow, cover the overflow with a wet cloth, run about 2 inches of water and plunge 20 to 30 times, then try a hand snake. Skip chemical openers.

How much does drain cleaning cost in Virginia?

It depends on the job; get written quotes. The price is set by which drain is blocked (one fixture or the main sewer line), how the plumber gets to it (a cleanout makes it easier), when they come, and whether a camera inspection or a permitted repair follows. A blockage in the public sewer main is usually the utility's to clear, so ask neighbors and your sewer utility first.

When should I call a plumber for a clogged drain?

Call a licensed plumber when a plunger and a hand snake have not cleared a single drain, when water backs up as you use the toilet, tub, washer or sinks, when you smell sewage, or when the same drain keeps clogging. If neighbors are backing up too, or sewage comes up with nothing running, call your city or county sewer utility first.

Why does my drain keep clogging?

A drain that clogs again and again is being fed by something: hair and soap scum in a tub or shower, grease that hardens as it cools in a kitchen line, or wipes in a toilet. When several drains clog, you smell sewage, or the basement backs up in rain, the sewer line itself may be cracked or full of roots, and a camera inspection can show it.

How do I keep my drains from clogging?

Keep hair, grease, food scraps and wipes out of the drains. Clean the hair out of the tub drain after washing your hair, keep a strainer in the kitchen sink and empty it after each use, pour used grease into a covered container for the trash, wipe greasy pans with a paper towel, flush only toilet paper, and keep your sewer cleanout capped and easy to find.

Faucet & Sink

5 answers

How do I replace a kitchen faucet?

Shut off the two valves under the sink and open the faucet to confirm the water is off. Disconnect the supply lines, undo the mounting nuts and lift the old faucet out. Set the new one with its gasket or putty, tighten it from below, connect the supply lines, then flush and check every joint for drips. In Virginia a like-for-like swap usually needs no permit.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a kitchen faucet in Virginia?

Kitchen faucet replacement has no set price in Virginia, so the useful number is a written quote for your sink. The price moves with how hard the old faucet is to remove, whether the shutoff valves and supply lines need replacing, the type of faucet and who buys it, and any sprayer, disposal or countertop work. A like-for-like swap usually needs no permit.

Should I hire a plumber to replace my kitchen sink?

Not always. Swapping a drop-in sink for one the same size, with the drain in the same place, is a job many homeowners handle. Hire a plumber when the drain or supply has to move, the old trap is an S-trap or corroded metal, the sink is undermount or farmhouse, or the countertop needs cutting. Anyone you hire to do the plumbing must hold a Virginia plumbing licence.

Why is water leaking under my kitchen sink?

When the leak shows up tells you where it is. Water that appears with nothing running comes from the pressurised side: a shutoff valve or a supply line. Water only after the faucet runs points to the faucet's hose connections. Water only when the sink drains points to the trap, the strainer, a garbage disposal or the dishwasher hose.

How do I clean a clogged faucet aerator?

Unscrew the aerator from the tip of the spout. A concealed one needs a tool, such as the removal key supplied with the faucet, a small hex wrench or needle-nose pliers, depending on the type. Take out the screens and insert, rinse away grit and brush the parts clean. Flush the spout, put everything back in order and hand-tighten. If the flow stays weak, replace the aerator.

Fixture Installation

5 answers

How do I replace a showerhead?

Turn the shower off, hold the shower arm steady and unscrew the old head, clean the old tape and scale off the arm's threads, wrap them with a few turns of fresh thread seal tape, and screw the new head on until it is snug. Run the water and check the joint for drips. You need an adjustable wrench, a cloth and a roll of tape.

How much does a plumber charge to install fixtures in Virginia?

There is no set rate, so compare written quotes. The price depends on the fixture, who supplies it, the state of the shutoff valves and supply lines under it, how easy it is to reach, and whether the job changes any piping, which brings in a permit. Bundling several fixtures into one visit usually costs less than separate calls.

Can I replace my own plumbing fixtures in Virginia, or do I need a plumber?

In your own home, usually yes. Virginia's contractor licensing law exempts an owner working on the primary residence they live in, and the state building code needs no permit to replace a fixture when the supply, drain and vent piping is not altered. Anyone you pay to do the work is a different matter: they need to be licensed. Moving or adding fixtures changes the piping and needs a permit.

Why does my new faucet have low water pressure?

Usually one of four things: a shutoff valve under the sink left partly closed, grit knocked loose during the install now caught in the aerator or an in-line filter, a kinked supply line, or a faucet simply built for a lower flow than the old one. Check the valves, then clean the aerator. If only hot or only cold is weak, look at that side's valve, line and the cartridge.

How do I keep faucets and showerheads free of mineral buildup?

Wipe fixtures dry after use, clean water spots with a half-and-half mix of white vinegar and water for a short time, then rinse and dry. If the showerhead's maker allows it, soak a scaled head in a bag of diluted vinegar, and clean faucet aerators whenever the stream weakens. If scale keeps coming back fast, have your water tested for hardness and consider treatment.

Garbage Disposals

5 answers

How do I replace a garbage disposal?

If your old disposal plugs into an outlet under the sink, a like-for-like swap is a manageable afternoon job: unplug it, disconnect the drain and dishwasher hose, twist the old unit off its mount, fit the new mount if needed, hang the new unit, reconnect the drain, test for leaks, then plug it in. A hardwired unit is a job for an electrician.

How much does garbage disposal installation cost in Virginia?

It is the unit plus labor. When we checked on October 26, 2026, InSinkErator listed its home disposals at $129 to $399 MSRP. Labor depends mostly on whether it is a plug-in swap on the existing mount and drain, or a first install that needs new drain parts, a dishwasher connection or a new outlet. Get an itemized written quote.

Should I hire a plumber to install a garbage disposal?

Not always. A handy homeowner can swap a plug-in disposal for a similar one on the same drain. Hire a licensed plumber for a first-time install, a drain that has to be re-piped, a dishwasher hookup or a leak you cannot stop, and a licensed electrician for new wiring or an outlet, unless the plumber's licence covers it as incidental work. Anyone you pay must hold a Virginia licence.

Why does my garbage disposal smell?

Usually because food is building up in the grinding chamber or under the rubber splash guard, often helped along by grease. Scrub the underside of the splash guard, flush the unit with baking soda and warm water, grind ice and citrus, and run cold water longer after each use. A sewage smell from several drains is a trap or vent problem instead.

What should you never put down a garbage disposal?

Never grease, fat or oil, hot liquids, clam or oyster shells, glass, china, plastic, metal, caustic drain cleaners, paint, solvents or other chemicals. Go easy on fibrous scraps like corn husks and celery, big batches of peels and large amounts of eggshells. On a septic system, Virginia's health department advises limiting or skipping the disposal altogether.

Gas Lines

5 answers

What does running a new gas line involve?

A licensed gas fitter or plumber plans the route and pipe size from the meter to the new appliance, checks with the gas company that the meter and service can carry the extra load, pulls a permit, runs and connects the piping, and has it inspected before the appliance is started. Buried runs need an 811 locate first. In Virginia it is licensed, permitted work.

How much does it cost to run a gas line in Virginia?

There is no standard price: a gas line is quoted job by job, and the cost turns on how far the line runs, how easy the route is, how many appliances it feeds, whether it is buried outside, and whether the gas company must upgrade the meter. The permit fee is set by each county or city.

Who can install a gas line in Virginia?

Hire a business with a Virginia contractor licence that covers gas fitting, such as the gas fitting (GFC) specialty or, for propane, the LPG specialty, whose work is done by or under a licensed gas fitter. An HVAC licence alone does not cover gas piping. Homeowners have a narrow exemption for their own home, but the permit and inspection still apply.

What should I do if I smell gas in my house?

Leave right away and get everyone out. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off, use a phone, light anything or start a car in the garage on the way out. Once you are a safe distance away, call 911 and your gas company's emergency line, and stay out until responders say it is safe. Then have a licensed pro repair any leak on your side of the meter.

How often should gas lines be inspected?

Have your gas appliances and their connections checked once a year by a qualified technician, usually at the fall heating tune-up. Buried gas piping you own, such as lines to a pool heater or generator, should be inspected periodically for leaks and corrosion. Add a check when you move in, replace or move an appliance, or plan to dig, and call at once if you smell gas.

Leak Repair

5 answers

How do I fix a leaking pipe under the sink?

Most leaks under a sink come from a loose slip nut or worn washer on the plastic drain trap, a split supply line, or a failing shut-off valve. Dry everything, run water to find the drip, then snug the slip nut by hand plus a quarter-turn with pliers, reseat or replace its washer, or replace a split supply line. Water coming from inside the wall needs a plumber.

How much does it cost to fix a water leak in Virginia?

No Virginia agency publishes a standard price, so the real number comes from a written quote. A loose fitting or worn toilet flapper costs little; a leak inside a wall, under a slab or in the yard line costs far more, because of finding it, opening finishes and drying. Leaving it costs money too: a faucet dripping once a second wastes more than 3,000 gallons a year.

When do I need a plumber for a water leak?

Call a plumber when the leak is in a pipe rather than a fitting you can reach, when it is inside a wall, ceiling or slab, when the meter keeps moving with the main valve closed, or when it comes from the water heater or a shut-off valve. A worn toilet flapper, faucet washer or loose trap nut is usually a homeowner fix. Check any plumber's licence with DPOR.

How do I find a hidden water leak in my house?

Start at the water meter. With every tap and appliance off, note the reading or watch the small leak indicator; if it moves, water is escaping somewhere. Then close the house's main valve: if the meter stops, the leak is inside the house, and if it keeps moving, it is probably in the underground line. Then dye-test the toilets and check under sinks, appliances and the water heater.

How do I check my house for leaks once a year?

Once a year (March's Fix a Leak Week is a good time), look at your winter water use, do a two-hour meter test with nothing running, and dye-test every toilet. Then walk the house: under every sink, behind the washer, under the dishwasher and ice maker, beneath the water heater, along walls and ceilings, and outside at spigots and sprinklers. Fix small drips right away.

Repiping

5 answers

What does repiping a house involve?

Repiping replaces a home's water supply pipes, usually old galvanized steel, polybutylene or failing copper, with new PEX or copper. A licensed plumbing contractor assesses the system, gets a permit, runs new lines from the main shutoff to each fixture through openings in walls and ceilings, has the work inspected, and switches the house over before the openings are patched.

How much does it cost to repipe a house in Virginia?

There is no single Virginia price for repiping a house, and a quoted average would mislead you. The cost follows the number of bathrooms and fixtures, how easily the plumber can reach walls and ceilings, the pipe chosen, and whether the permit, the service line and wall patching are included. Compare written quotes from licensed plumbing contractors built on the same scope.

Do I need to replace polybutylene pipes?

Not always at once, but most owners should plan for it. Polybutylene is an older plastic supply pipe, and public agencies that have dealt with it describe it as prone to degradation and sudden failure. A leaking line needs a licensed plumber promptly. A dry one can be assessed by a licensed plumber and replaced on your schedule.

Why does my tap water look rusty?

Rusty tap water is usually iron. It comes from one of four places: corroding galvanized steel or iron pipes in the house, a water heater rusting inside, iron dissolved in well water, or sediment stirred up in the public mains. Whether it shows in hot water only, at every tap, or only after the water sits narrows down which one.

How long do copper and PEX pipes last?

Neither has a fixed lifespan. PEX is rated by its maker for chlorine and sunlight resistance and for the temperature and pressure it can take, and it lasts when it stays inside those limits. Copper has no comparable rating; it lasts as long as the water lets it, and acidic, corrosive water shortens its life. Very hot water, high pressure and sunlight shorten the life of PEX.

Sewer Lines

5 answers

What does replacing a sewer line involve?

Replacing a sewer line starts with a camera inspection that shows where and how badly the pipe has failed. A licensed plumbing contractor then gets a permit, has public utilities marked through Virginia 811, and replaces the pipe between the house and the public sewer, either in an open trench or with a trenchless method, before the yard, walk or driveway is restored.

How much does sewer line replacement cost in Virginia?

There is no dependable statewide price: the cost of replacing a sewer line in Virginia depends on how long and deep the line is, whether it can be done trenchless or must be dug, what sits on top of it, and the permit. Get a camera inspection first, then compare written quotes that spell out method, footage, permit and restoration.

Who is responsible for the sewer line between my house and the street in Virginia?

In Fairfax County, Spotsylvania County, Salem and Colonial Heights, the homeowner is responsible for the sewer lateral, the pipe from the house toward the public main, at least on the owner's own lot. Where your part ends, at the property line, a cleanout or the main itself, differs from one locality to the next, so ask your sewer utility.

What are the signs of a broken sewer line?

The usual signs of a broken sewer line are drains that keep clogging, several fixtures backing up at once, sewage in the basement after heavy rain, a sewage smell indoors or in the yard, and a soggy or sunken patch over the line. Gurgling when you flush is another clue. A camera inspection by a licensed plumber confirms the break and shows where it is.

How do I keep tree roots out of my sewer line?

Roots get into a sewer line through cracks and loose joints, so the lasting fix is a sound pipe: have a licensed plumber clear the roots, inspect the line with a camera, and repair or line the joints where roots enter. Between visits, keep trees and woody shrubs away from the line's path, keep the cleanout capped, and schedule cleaning before backups start.

Sump Pumps

5 answers

How do I replace a sump pump?

First ask your building department whether a permit is needed. For a plug-in pump, unplug the old one, lift it out, clean the pit, set the new pump on a solid level base, connect it to rigid discharge pipe through a check valve, plug it into a GFCI outlet and watch it cycle. A hardwired pump, or no GFCI outlet in reach, is a job for an electrician.

How much does sump pump installation cost in Virginia?

There is no single price. Swapping a plug-in pump in an existing pit is the smallest job; a battery backup, a new outlet, a longer discharge line or a permit adds to it; and cutting a new pit with drain pipe under the slab is a major project. Get written quotes, and in Fairfax County check the flood program's reimbursement.

Do I need a sump pump in my basement?

Not every basement does. You need one when groundwater rises up under or into the basement, or when the house was built with a sump pit, which then needs a working pump. Water that only comes in during storms usually has an outside cause, such as gutters, downspouts or grading, and fixing that first is usually the simpler route.

Why is my sump pump running constantly?

Either a lot of water is coming in, which is normal after heavy rain, or something is wrong: a stuck or failed float switch, a leaking check valve letting pumped water fall back into the pit, a blocked or frozen discharge line, water recirculating from a discharge too close to the house, or a pump too small for the inflow.

How do I test a sump pump?

Pour a bucket of water slowly into the pit. The pump should start on its own as the water reaches its switch, empty the pit quickly and shut off, with water coming out of the discharge pipe outdoors. Check that it is plugged into a working GFCI outlet, standing upright, with a free float and clear inlet screen.

Tankless Water Heaters

5 answers

How does a tankless water heater work?

A tankless water heater has no tank to keep hot. When you open a hot tap, a flow sensor switches on a gas burner or electric element, and the water is heated as it passes through a heat exchanger, then leaves at the set temperature. It stops when the tap closes. It is sized by gallons per minute, not tank gallons.

How much does a tankless water heater cost to install in Virginia?

A tankless installation can cost much more than a tank swap. Federal Building America research, drawing on a 2012 cost analysis, says the installed cost can be 1½ to 2 times a tank heater's, and notes tankless prices have fallen since they became popular. A larger gas line, new venting, a condensate drain, electrical work and the permit drive the total. Get three written quotes for the same job.

Is a tankless water heater worth it?

Often, for a home with natural gas or propane, moderate hot water use and a plan to stay put. A tankless heater uses less energy, never runs a tank dry and can last more than 20 years. Against that: by 2012 federal cost figures it can cost 1½ to 2 times as much to install, may need a bigger gas line and new venting, and needs descaling in hard water.

Why does my tankless water heater go cold in the middle of a shower?

Most often the flow through the heater dropped below the minimum it needs to keep firing, for example because the shower mixes in a lot of cold water, the showerhead is very low-flow, or a screen is clogged. Other causes are too many fixtures at once, a cold burst from a recirculation pump, scale in the heat exchanger, or not enough gas.

How often should a tankless water heater be descaled?

It depends on how hard your water is. With hard water and no softener, Noritz says the heater needs flushing annually, and Rheem says about every six months in hard-water areas. In an area with softer water, a Noritz manager estimates four to five years. Your heater's manual sets the interval for your model, and a heater with scale detection shows an error when service is due.

Toilet Repair & Install

5 answers

How do I replace a toilet?

Shut off and drain the old toilet, disconnect the supply line, unbolt it and lift it off the floor flange. Scrape off the old wax, check that the flange is sound and level with the floor, then set the new toilet straight down onto a new wax ring and new bolts, tighten evenly, reconnect the water and check for leaks.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet in Virginia?

There is no single Virginia price. The total is the toilet you choose plus labor to remove the old one, set the new one and haul the old one away, plus small parts. Flange, subfloor or shutoff valve repairs add the most. A like-for-like swap usually needs no permit, and some utilities, such as Charlottesville's, offer rebates on WaterSense toilets.

Should I repair or replace an old toilet?

Repair it when the problem is a part: a flapper, fill valve, handle, chain or gasket is inexpensive and quick to change. Replace it when the porcelain is cracked, it keeps clogging, parts no longer fit, or it is an older model that uses far more water than a WaterSense toilet at 1.28 gallons per flush.

Why is water leaking around the base of my toilet?

Water that appears at the base after a flush usually means the wax ring under the toilet has failed or the flange it seals to is broken or loose. Water that is there all the time usually comes from higher up: the supply line, the fill valve nut, the tank bolts or tank gasket, or condensation running down a sweating tank.

How do I stop my toilet from clogging?

Flush only toilet paper and human waste, and less paper at a time. Wipes, even ones labeled flushable, paper towels, sanitary products and cotton swabs go in the trash. Keep the rim holes clean, use a flange plunger at the first slow flush, skip chemical drain cleaners, and call a plumber when clogs keep coming back.

Water Heaters

5 answers

What does replacing a gas or electric water heater involve?

A replacement means shutting off the fuel or power and water, draining and hauling away the old tank, setting the new one, reconnecting the water lines with a new relief valve, then either the gas line and vent or the electrical circuit, and filling it before it fires. In Virginia it is licensed trade work, and a gas heater gets no automatic permit exemption, even like for like.

How much does water heater replacement cost in Virginia?

There is no single Virginia price: it depends on the heater type and size, whether the fuel, venting or electrical service changes, how hard the heater is to reach, and local permit fees. Spotsylvania County, for example, listed its water heater replacement permit at $147.00 when we checked on October 26, 2026. Get at least three written bids for the same job.

Do you need a permit to replace a water heater in Virginia?

For a gas or oil water heater, yes: Virginia's building code only waives permits for replacing appliances that are not fueled by gas or oil, so a gas swap needs one even like for like. An electric replacement in a house may be exempt, but your local building official decides, so call them first and have the licensed plumber pull the permit.

Why is my hot water running out so fast?

Usually one of four things: the household now uses more hot water than the tank can deliver, winter has made the incoming water colder, sediment has built up in an ageing tank, or a part has failed, such as a broken dip tube or, on an electric heater, a heating element. A sudden change points to a failed part; a gradual one to sediment or age.

How often should a water heater be flushed?

At least once a year for most tank water heaters, and more often if you have hard water or found a lot of sediment at the last flush. Your heater's manual has the schedule for that model. Tankless heaters are descaled rather than flushed. A yearly service is also the time to check the relief valve and the anode rod.

Water Softener

5 answers

How do I clean a water softener brine tank?

Wait until the salt is low, put the softener in bypass and unplug it, then scoop out the old salt and any mushy sludge and bail out the brine. Scrub the tank with mild dish soap and water, rinse it, and add a few gallons of clean water and fresh pellet or nugget salt. Then sanitize and run a recharge the way your model's manual describes.

How much does a water softener cost in Virginia?

The unit is only part of it. When we checked GE's own store on October 26, 2026, a discontinued 40,000-grain GE softener was on clearance at $569.00. Installation adds labour by a licensed plumber, a drain and outlet near the unit, a building permit for the water line work, and then salt and water for every recharge. Size it from a hardness test, then compare written quotes.

Do I need a water softener in Virginia?

Only if your water is hard enough to cause problems you care about. Virginia Cooperative Extension says hard water is not a health risk and that hardness under 7.0 grains per gallon generally needs no treatment. Ask your water utility for your number or have a lab test your well, then decide based on scale, soap scum and appliance wear.

Why is my water softener not softening the water?

Most often the salt has run out or formed a hard bridge, the bypass valve was left in bypass, or the hardness setting is too low for your water. Less often the nozzle and venturi is clogged, the drain hose is kinked, the power was off, or the water has more iron than a softener can handle. Check those in order before calling for service.

How often should I add salt to a water softener?

Check the salt every two or three weeks until you know your household's pace, and top it up before it drops below about a quarter to a third full. How often that is depends on your water's hardness, how much water you use and your softener's settings. Use clean pellet, nugget or coarse solar salt, and keep the level lower in humid basements.

Water Treatment & Softeners

5 answers

How do I change a whole-house water filter?

Shut off the water to the filter or set its bypass, relieve the pressure with the release button or valve on the housing, and unscrew the housing with its wrench. Fit the same size and type of cartridge, clean and lightly grease the O-ring, snug the housing without overtightening, turn the water on slowly, bleed the air, check for leaks and flush the new cartridge.

How much does a whole-house water filter cost in Virginia?

A basic cartridge housing is the cheap part: GE listed its heavy-duty whole-house housing at $75.99 on its own store when we checked on October 26, 2026, before cartridges or installation. The real cost depends on what a water test shows, the equipment that calls for, the plumbing work and permit to put it in, and the cartridges, salt or media it uses each year.

How do I know what water treatment system I need?

Test the water first, then buy only what the results call for. On a well, have a certified lab or a Virginia Household Water Quality Program clinic test for bacteria, nitrate, hardness, iron, manganese, pH, lead and more; on city water, start with the utility's annual water quality report. Each problem has its own fix, and no single device treats them all.

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

The smell is usually hydrogen sulfide gas. If only the hot water smells, the water heater is the likely source: bacteria can grow in it, or sulfate in the water can react with its magnesium corrosion-control rod. If hot and cold both smell, the gas is in the well water or the plumbing, and a lab test shows how much is there and how to treat it.

How often should I replace water filter cartridges?

Follow the rating for your exact cartridge, in months or gallons, whichever comes first, and change it sooner if the flow drops. For example, GE rates one whole-house carbon cartridge for 30,000 gallons or 3 months, Aquasana says to replace its whole-house iron filter cartridges every 6 months, and GE marks its under-sink RO filters for replacement six months after installation.

Well Pumps

5 answers

How does a well pump work?

A well pump lifts groundwater into a pressure tank, where the water squeezes a cushion of air. A pressure switch starts the pump when pressure falls to a set point and stops it at a higher one, typically 20 to 40 psi on and 40 to 60 psi off. A submersible pump is commonly used in drilled wells; shallower wells may use a jet pump.

How much does a well pump replacement cost in Virginia?

There is no standard Virginia price; the number comes from a written quote. It turns on the pump type, how deep the pump is set, the motor size, and whether the tank, switch and control box are replaced. A pump swap is not a well alteration under state rules; a failed well that has to be replaced needs a health department permit, $300 when we checked on October 26, 2026.

Who can work on a private well in Virginia?

Anyone who builds, repairs or alters a private well in Virginia must be a licensed contractor and a certified water well systems provider, both through DPOR's Board for Contractors. Only the water well and pump specialty may drill wells. Licensed plumbing, electrical and HVAC contractors may also install pumps and pressure tanks; that allowance covers installation only. Drilling, deepening or abandoning a well needs a Virginia Department of Health permit.

Why does my well pump keep turning on and off?

Four things can cause it: a pressure switch set wrong or failing, a check valve stuck open so it no longer holds pressure, a pressure tank that has lost its air cushion and become waterlogged, or a leak somewhere in the system. Rapid cycling can overheat the motor, damage its bearings and shorten the life of its controls, so have a licensed well and pump contractor diagnose it soon.