Top Plumbing Problems in Fredericksburg and How to Prevent Them

If you've lived in Fredericksburg for long, you’ve probably experienced that moment where your faucet won’t stop dripping, your toilet suddenly won’t flush, or your water heater picks the worst time to stop working. At Plumbing Police, we’ve seen just about every plumbing issue you can imagine since opening our doors in 1985. The good news? Most of these issues are avoidable with the right information and regular maintenance.

Let’s talk through some of the most common plumbing problems we come across in Fredericksburg homes and businesses—and what you can do to prevent them.

Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet might not seem like a big deal, but it adds up fast—both in wasted water and higher utility bills. Often, this is caused by worn-out washers, seals, or corrosion inside the fixture. Left alone, that little drip can turn into a steady leak or even water damage.

To prevent this, have your faucets checked during routine plumbing inspections. If you notice dripping, tightening the fixture or replacing a worn washer is an easy fix—just don’t wait too long to address it. Plumbing Police offers faucet repair and installation services that can stop the drip before it becomes a bigger problem.

Running Toilets
If your toilet runs for more than a few seconds after flushing, it’s likely using more water than necessary. The culprit is usually a faulty flapper, a loose fill valve, or a worn-out seal. These are all inexpensive parts, but if ignored, they can lead to hundreds of gallons of wasted water each month.

We recommend checking the inside of your tank a few times a year and making sure all the parts are seated properly. And if you're not sure what you’re looking at, just give us a call. Plumbing Police can repair or replace those internal parts quickly and efficiently.

Slow or Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the top calls we get in Fredericksburg. Bathroom sinks, kitchen drains, shower lines—clogs don’t discriminate. The cause is usually a buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, or food waste. Sometimes it’s a larger issue further down the line, like tree root intrusion or a collapsed pipe.

Avoiding this one comes down to what goes down your drains. Don’t pour grease down the kitchen sink, and consider using drain screens in the bathroom. For recurring clogs, we offer drain cleaning services that can clear your lines without damaging your plumbing. And yes—we use professional-grade tools (not just a plunger and hope).

Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be more than just annoying—it’s often a sign of a larger issue. In Fredericksburg, we see this frequently due to mineral buildup in pipes, leaks, or issues with the water main. If it’s happening in just one faucet, it might be a clogged aerator. But if it’s affecting your whole house, it’s time to investigate.

Preventative maintenance, including flushing your water heater and checking for hidden leaks, can make a big difference. Our team can help diagnose where the pressure drop is happening and fix it before it impacts your entire plumbing system.

Leaky Pipes
Pipe leaks often hide in walls or under floors, which means you might not notice them right away. What you will notice is a sudden spike in your water bill, musty smells, or even mold growth. Whether it’s a pinhole leak or a full-blown burst, ignoring it can lead to structural damage—and expensive repairs.

Most leaks come from old or corroded pipes, high water pressure, or frozen pipes in the winter. We recommend regular inspections, especially in older homes. If you suspect a leak, Plumbing Police can use non-invasive tools to locate it and make repairs without tearing your home apart.

Water Heater Issues
Hot water is something we all take for granted—until it’s gone. Water heaters are another common source of problems, especially older units that haven’t been flushed or inspected in years. Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency or even cause damage to the tank.

If your water heater is making noise, taking too long to heat, or giving you rusty water, it’s time to take a closer look. You can extend the life of your unit by having it flushed once a year and replacing worn-out parts before they cause a failure. Plumbing Police services all major brands and installs new energy-efficient models if it’s time for an upgrade.

Sewer Line Backups
Sewer backups are not just gross—they’re dangerous. This usually happens when your sewer line becomes blocked or broken. In areas like Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, we’ve seen tree roots, grease buildup, and even shifting soil cause major sewer problems.

If you notice multiple drains clogging at once, gurgling sounds, or sewage smells, don’t wait. Sewer issues get worse fast. We use camera inspections to find the source and provide cost-effective solutions, including trenchless sewer repair in many cases.

What You Can Do Right Now
The best way to avoid these plumbing problems is to stay ahead of them. Routine inspections, being mindful of what goes down your drains, and calling in a pro at the first sign of trouble will save you time, money, and stress. At Plumbing Police, we’ve built our reputation on showing up when others won’t, providing honest answers, and treating your home like it’s our own.

We also offer emergency services 24/7 in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and surrounding areas—because plumbing problems don’t care about your schedule.



Ready to prevent the next headache? Reach out to Plumbing Police today and ask about scheduling a preventative plumbing checkup. Our team of licensed pros is here to help.