Georgetown is gorgeous: century-old row houses, mature oaks and maples, brick sidewalks, and, underneath it all, plumbing that may have seen the test of time, given that Georgetown is Washington, D.C.’s oldest neighborhood.
While age most certainly has its charm, it also means that when something goes wrong with the pipes, it goes wrong fast and expensively. That’s why you should reach out to a Georgetown plumber as soon as you notice the warning signs. Here are a few symptoms you need to keep an eye out for:
No Water Pressure Anywhere in the House
You turn on the kitchen tap and get a dribble. The same applies in the shower, the bathroom sink, and even the outdoor hose bib. This is almost always a broken main water line coming in from the street or a completely failed pressure regulator.
Contact an experienced Georgetown plumber in your service area if you notice any of these changes. These skilled professionals utilise modern tools, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and plumbing technology to thoroughly investigate the situation and devise a solution.
This decision can give you peace of mind and save you thousands of dollars in water damage restoration, mould removal, emergency digs, and sky-high restoration bills that hit when a small problem is left too long.
Water Pooling Around the Base of the Toilet
If the floor stays wet after every flush, it’s likely the wax seal has failed, or worse, the closet flange is rusted through. This could translate to raw sewage leaking under your hardwood or tile, maybe even running straight into the crawl space or the neighbour’s basement wall. Mold, rot, and health hazards start within hours.
Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds From Drains
You flush the upstairs toilet, and the downstairs shower makes a gurgle sound. That’s air being forced the wrong way because the main sewer line is partially blocked. Every bathroom trip risks sewage misdirection, which is why you should get in touch with a plumber as soon as you notice the changes.
Sewage or Rotten-Egg Smell That Won’t Leave
You walk into the basement, and the unmistakable sewer gas smell hits you. Common culprits could be a cracked cast-iron stack under the house, a dried-out plumbing trap (common when people close up a house for winter), or cracked sewer pipes under the front yard. Keep in mind that sewer gas is flammable and toxic. Open the windows and contact the sewer repair experts immediately.
Random Soggy or Extra-Green Patches in the Yard
Georgetown lawns are small, so you notice when one strip is suddenly lush in December or the brick walkway is sinking. That’s almost always the sewer or water-service line leaking underground. The longer it runs, the bigger the cavity under your foundation becomes.
Water Heater Making Banging, Popping, or Screaming Noises
Tank-style water heaters in Georgetown basements collect decades of sediment and hard water minerals. When it gets thick enough, water gets trapped underneath and flash-boils. The next stage is likely a cracked tank, which may send litres of scalding water across your basement floor. Turn off the power or gas and call your plumber for a water heater repair or other relevant services.
Brown, Rusty, or Tea-Colored Water From Every Tap
If you run the cold water for five minutes and it’s still brown, you’re looking at two possibilities: Either your 70-year-old galvanized pipes are dissolving from the inside, or a broken city main in the street. Either way, that rust is now in every fixture, washing machine, and coffee maker, you need to get a plumber in urgently.
Every Drain in the House is Slow at the Same Time
Anything could cause a blocked drain in your house. However, if the slowness is in every sink, tub, and toilet, you’re likely staring at a main line blockage.
In Georgetown, the original clay sewer pipes develop “bellies” (low spots) and are also often hampered by roots. Get a plumber in as soon as possible to get to the bottom of the situation.
Your Water Bill Suddenly Doubled
An undetected slab leak or a toilet flapper that won’t seat can waste 10,000–20,000 gallons a month without you noticing. In case you see a sharp spike in your bill, call your plumber and let them investigate and get to the bottom of the mystery.
Closing Thoughts
Unlike many other cities in the US, Georgetown is well known for its age. This is why your water lines may need more care than in many other locations. Knowing when to bring in a Georgetown plumber can not only save your water bills but also spare you the cost of massive water damage cleanup and restoration should the situation get out of hand.
So, if you notice any of the tell-tale signs mentioned in this blog, don’t hesitate. Reach out to a trusted plumber as soon as possible, find out the services offered, and let them get to the bottom of the situation.
