A combination of older homes, humidity, salt air, and sandy soil creates a perfect storm of plumbing issues in Virginia Beach. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most common Virginia Beach plumbing issues, as well as the causes, solutions, and preventative methods. We’ll discuss Virginia Beach plumbing codes, eco-friendly fixtures, maintenance tips, and more—it’s a one-stop resource for everything related to plumbing in Virginia Beach.
The Plumbing Landscape in Virginia Beach
Beautiful coastlines, sandy beaches, and a subtropical climate attract over 14 million visitors to Virginia Beach every year, but these highlights are also behind many of the city’s plumbing issues.
Local climate and home-stock considerations
Salt accelerates corrosion, so all of that salt air will gradually wear down pipes. The city’s plumbing systems are also prone to sandy buildup. It might feel glorious when it’s beneath your feet and you’re enjoying the sunshine, but not when it’s clogging your pipes and reducing your water pressure.
To further complicate the issue, many of the city’s houses are 50+ years old, with outdated plumbing systems that are more prone to corrosion and leaks. Few homes have basements, but many have crawlspaces where moisture builds up from leaks and poor drainage, leading to mold growth and wood rot.
Local building & plumbing codes
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) governs plumbing installations in the city, with the latest version taking effect in early 2024. It’s based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC), but includes Virginia-specific regulations relating to everything from frozen pipe protection to elevated installations.
The city requires specific permits for most major plumbing modifications. An expert Virginia Beach plumber can guide you through this process and ensure you meet all Virginia Beach plumbing codes, or you can apply through the Public Utilities website.
Common Plumbing Issues in Virginia Beach
Homes built 50+ years ago likely have outdated and unreliable piping, such as galvanized steel. They’re prone to corrosion, leaking, and blockages, so if you experience frequent issues (low water pressure, regular blockages) or have discolored water, contact a good Virginia Beach plumber. They will check your systems and recommend the best course of action.
Blockages can occur in newer systems, as well. Sandy soil wreaks havoc on all pipes, tree roots can snake into sewer lines, and you may experience seasonally specific issues, such as frozen pipes in the winter and sump pump problems in wet weather.
Maintenance & Preventive Care
You can’t do anything about the sandy soil or salty air in Virginia Beach, but you can make sure your plumbing is prepared to deal with whatever the city throws at it.
Year-round best practices
Plumbing emergencies rarely happen overnight. There’s usually a sign, whether it’s a drop in water pressure, damp patches around fixtures, or frequent blockages.
Make a habit of inspecting your features—faucets, toilets, shut-offs—on a regular basis. Look for drips, cracks, corrosion, mold—anything that looks out of place.
Your water pressure is also a giveaway, as a sudden drop could indicate a blockage, and if it’s not cleared, it will get worse. Finally, if you notice a leak or have discolored water, call a Virginia Beach plumber immediately.
Seasonal checklist (tailored for Virginia Beach)
Prepare for every season with these Virginia Beach plumbing maintenance tips:
- Fall: Keep your drains clean, insulate all exposed pipes, schedule maintenance for your water heater, and inspect your sump pump. As the temperatures drop and the cold, wet weather approaches, you need to be fully prepared.
- Winter/hurricane season: Check your valves and sewer lines, clean your gutters, and install backflow preventers.
- Spring: Look for any damage that occurred over the winter—inspect pipes, sump pumps, and outdoor faucets.
- Summer: This is when corrosion can strike, so check the humidity in your crawlspace and improve ventilation or use dehumidifiers.
When to DIY vs call a professional
Homeowners can deal with some plumbing issues on their own. Drain snaking will remove minor clogs, faucet/showerhead installations are self-explanatory, and as long as you know what you’re looking for, you can inspect pipes and fixtures.
For everything else, including sewer line repair, gas line repair, major blockages, and burst pipes, you need a Virginia Beach plumber. They have the expertise and the tools to do the job properly and efficiently. They can also help with servicing and maintenance to prolong the life of your pipes.
Contact Mr. Rooter today for expert Virginia Beach plumbing services.
Installation, Repairs & Upgrades
In addition to dealing with corroded and blocked pipes, a good Virginia Beach plumber can install new fixtures, repipe lines, upgrade piping, and even make your system more eco-friendly.
Common repair/installation scenarios
The most common Virginia Beach plumbing jobs include replacing fixtures, clearing blockages, fixing and installing water heaters, and repairing leaky pipes. The prevalence of older homes in the city means there’s also a lot of demand for pipe lining, with older galvanized steel pipes swapped for copper or PEX alternatives that are less prone to corrosion and can last for decades.
Mr. Rooter also offers trenchless sewer line repair, fixing damaged sewer lines with inflatable liners that cure inside the pipe, thus eliminating the need to dig trenches and excavate yards and driveways.
Eco-friendly / water- & energy-efficient plumbing
Virginia Beach runs several green initiatives aimed at making the city more eco-friendly. Residents can also do their bit by installing WaterSense-certified fixtures, designed to use at least 20% less water.
Low-flow toilets, efficient irrigation systems, and tankless water heaters all use less water and energy, helping homeowners shave hundreds off their utility bills.
Ask your plumber about eco-friendly plumbing in Virginia Beach, and they can run you through some options.
Cost & value considerations (home-value, resale)
In a city known for its older homes, sandy soil, and salt air, it’s no surprise that homebuyers place a high value on modern plumbing.
A recent study from the National Association of Realtors noted that 58% of homebuyers regard plumbing as “very important” when buying a house, with estimates suggesting that a $10,000 investment could add anywhere up to $20,000 to the property’s value.
You’ll get the benefit of an upgraded plumbing system until you sell your house (fewer blockages and plumber callouts) and can collect a profit when it’s time to sell.
It depends on the area and market, of course, but modern plumbing systems are a key factor for Virginia Beach homebuyers.
How to Choose a Qualified Plumber in Virginia Beach
When looking for expert plumbing in Virginia Beach, always stick with fully licensed, bonded, and insured providers. Don’t just take their word for it, either. Use the DPOR website to check their credentials and scour review websites (BBB, Google Reviews, Facebook) to read what other customers have to say.
It's not just about the quality of the work. You should also look for comments regarding cost, accurate quotes, warranties, and helpful customer service.
Stick with local plumbers, as they know the area and will have dealt with similar issues in similar homes. Enquire about eco-friendly options if you want to save money on utility bills, and only use plumbers who guarantee their work and will return if something is amiss.
At Mr. Rooter plumbing, for instance, we only use fully licensed and insured technicians, we guarantee all of our work, offer transparent pricing, and are available 24/7.
FAQs (Tailored to Virginia Beach)
- Do I always need a permit for plumbing work in Virginia Beach? Yes. You need a permit for moving and adding drain lines, water lines, and gas lines.
- How often should I have plumbing inspected? Annual checks are sufficient for new homes, but quarterly or six-monthly checks are best if you have an older property.
- What should I do before a major storm/hurricane season? Clear gutters, drains, and spouts; direct downspout extensions away from your foundations, and remove obstacles from drains.
- Can I do plumbing myself or when must I call a pro? You can buy simple drain snakes for most minor blockages and even fit fixtures yourself, but for major work like clearing stubborn blockages, you need an expert.
- How can I make my plumbing more eco-friendly in a coastal home? Protect your system using corrosion-resistant pipes, collect rainwater to water your garden, and install WaterSense fixtures to use less water around the home.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Prevention is the best cure, so guard against Virginia Beach’s climate by staying proactive—conduct regular plumbing inspections and call a Virginia Beach plumber at the first sign of an issue.
If you have an older home, check your pipes and consider an upgrade; if you experience regular blockages, book an inspection, and they’ll locate the source of the problem.
For expert Virginia Beach plumbing services, call Mr. Rooter. We’re available 24/7 to deal with all Virginia Beach plumbing emergencies and also offer a range of inspection and maintenance services.
