Handyman Tips for Norfolk Homeowners: Prevent Plumbing Problems Before They Start

Handyman Tips for Norfolk Homeowners: Prevent Plumbing Problems Before They Start

Living in Norfolk means dealing with coastal weather, older homes, and unique plumbing challenges. Whether you’re in Ghent, Ocean View, or Colonial Place, your plumbing system has to work harder than most. At Arcadia Property Services, we often see small issues turn into expensive repairs simply because they were ignored for too long. A few smart habits and timely check-ups can make all the difference.

Below are practical tips Norfolk homeowners can use to stay ahead of common plumbing problems—especially ones that tend to hit hard during the seasonal shifts.

1. Know When to Schedule a Drain Cleaning (and Stick to It)

Clogged drains are one of the most common service calls we get. But the surprising thing? Most of them are preventable.

In Norfolk, where many homes are built before 1980, older pipes tend to collect buildup faster. If you live in a house that’s more than 30 years old, it’s smart to schedule a professional drain cleaning once every 12 to 18 months, even if everything seems to be flowing fine. Waiting until you smell sewer gas or see water backing up into your tub is usually too late.

Watch for these early signs:

• Gurgling sounds after flushing or draining

• Water draining slowly in more than one fixture

• A faint musty smell near sinks or showers

Even natural debris like sand and silt — especially common in homes closer to the Elizabeth River or Chesapeake Bay — can contribute to clogs over time.

2. Inspect Under Your Sinks Once a Month

You don’t need to be a plumber to catch a leak early. Take five minutes each month to open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks and look for:

• Water stains or warping on the cabinet floor

• Rust on metal supply lines

• Drips forming at the shut-off valve connections

A slow leak might only cost a few bucks to fix if caught early. Wait too long, and it could mean cabinet damage, mold, or worse. We’ve replaced several kitchen cabinets in Norfolk homes simply because a loose fitting was overlooked for months.

Pro tip: Keep a small flashlight in your cleaning supplies so you can clearly see into tight spaces during your monthly check.

3. Know the Age of Your Fixtures

Fixtures like faucets, shower heads, and even toilets have a lifespan. In general:

• Faucets: 10–15 years

• Shower heads: 8–10 years

• Toilets: 15–25 years (depending on usage and water quality)

If you just bought a home in Norfolk and aren’t sure how old your fixtures are, a quick inspection can tell you a lot. Corrosion around the base, reduced water pressure, or dripping handles are all signs it’s time to consider a replacement.

Not only will new fixtures prevent leaks, they’ll also help lower your water bill—especially important in a city like Norfolk, where summer water usage tends to spike.

4. Flush Your Water Heater Every Spring

Hard water is a common issue across Hampton Roads, and sediment buildup in your water heater is almost guaranteed unless you flush it regularly.

Once a year (usually in March or April), turn off your water heater and drain a few gallons from the bottom spout. If the water comes out cloudy or you see flakes of sediment, it’s time for a full flush.

This 30-minute task can add years to the life of your unit. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, we offer quick annual water heater service at a flat rate — just give us a call.

5. Replace Toilet Flappers Every 3 to 5 Years

Toilet flappers wear out faster than people think, especially in Norfolk homes with older plumbing. When a flapper isn’t sealing properly, your toilet runs more often than it should — wasting hundreds of gallons of water a month.

You can usually spot a bad flapper if:

• You hear the tank refilling frequently when no one is using it

• Your water bill jumps unexpectedly

• There’s visible black rubber residue when you touch the flapper

It’s a $10 part that takes about 10 minutes to swap out. We often bundle this with other minor fixture repairs during regular service calls.

6. Seal Outdoor Hose Bibs Before Winter

Freezing temperatures might not hit hard in Norfolk, but we do see a handful of cold snaps between late December and early February. A burst pipe from an unprotected hose bib can lead to thousands in water damage.

Before Thanksgiving, make it a habit to:

• Disconnect and store your hoses

• Shut off water to any outdoor spigots (if valves are installed inside)

• Use foam covers to protect exposed fixtures

If your home doesn’t have shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, we can install them during a short visit. It’s a one-time fix that gives you year-round peace of mind.

7. Don’t Ignore Small Fixture Problems

That dripping faucet in the bathroom? It’s more than an annoyance. One drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons per year.

We regularly get calls from Norfolk homeowners who wait until multiple fixtures need work — which is fine, but it also means more water damage, higher bills, and longer repair times.

It’s always cheaper and faster to tackle fixture issues as soon as they appear. Whether it’s a loose kitchen faucet, a wobbly toilet, or a cracked shower handle, we’re happy to come out and fix it quickly.

Why Norfolk Homeowners Choose Arcadia Property Services

At Arcadia, we live and work right here in the community. We know how Norfolk’s weather, age of housing, and coastal conditions affect home systems. Our approach is simple: prevent problems before they become expensive, and always do the job right the first time.

We offer:

• Same-day or next-day service for most plumbing and fixture repairs

• Flat-rate pricing so there are no surprises

• Friendly, professional work you can trust in your home

Need Help With Drain Cleaning or Fixture Repairs?

Whether you’ve got a slow drain, a leaky faucet, or a toilet that just won’t stop running, Arcadia Property Services is here to help. Serving Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding areas, we’re your go-to local handyman for honest, reliable work.

Call us today at 757-356-2620 or book online to schedule your service. Let’s keep your home running smoothly, all year long.