Queens Homeowners: A Guide to Common Plumbing Problems

If you live in Queens, especially in an older home with aging pipes and fixtures, you know plumbing problems can arise at any time. From gurgling drains to water heater surprises, knowing when to DIY and when to call the pros can help avoid costly repairs. Backed by 60+ years of experience, Ranshaw's team has seen — and fixed — it all.

Common plumbing problems include:

• Leaky faucets and fixtures
• Low water pressure
• Running or constantly refilling toilets
• Burst or frozen pipes in winter
• Clogged drains and toilets
• Sewer line backups
• Water heater problems
• Noisy or banging pipes
• High water bills with no apparent cause

In this guide, we’ll explore these common plumbing issues in Queens and how you can keep minor nuisances from becoming big plumbing repair bills.

Solve Your Plumbing Problems Fast With Help From Ranshaw's Local Experts

From low water pressure and leaking water heaters to a running toilet, Ranshaw's expert team is just a call away. Contact us for plumbing services with honest, upfront pricing and dependable quality service. Our reputation, including a 4.8/5 Google rating, speaks for itself.

Dripping faucets waste water and quietly drive up utility bills. Often caused by worn washers or corroded valves, water leaks can damage cabinets and countertops. If the faucet drips nonstop or sits in a hard-to-access spot, let the professionals at Ranshaw handle your leak. Our dependable quality means we do the job right the first time, with no costly repeat labor.

Low water pressure causes frustration, whether it’s isolated to one fixture or happens throughout your entire home. The problem may stem from sediment buildup, faulty fixtures, or hidden leaks, resulting in unpleasant showers and slower chores. If it’s isolated to one fixture, check faucet aerators and showerheads for mineral deposits. If you don't find any or the water pressure throughout your home drops, give us a call. Our team arrives promptly, ready to troubleshoot and fix the cause of the low water pressure in your Queens home.

A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, and often, it's just a worn flapper or faulty fill valve. You can try replacing these parts yourself, but if the problem continues or you hear water running with no visible leak, put Ranshaw's experts on the case. We'll isolate the issue and stop the waste of water and your hard-earned money with a reliable toilet repair that will last.

Queens' winters can freeze pipes in poorly insulated homes, leading to significant damage when they burst. Warning signs include frost on exposed piping, strange noises, or no water flow. Prevent this issue by insulating exposed pipes and letting pipes drip during deep freezes. However, if you do experience a burst pipe, call Ranshaw's plumbing team. With over 60 years of experience serving Queens, we offer reliable service and thorough repairs.

Clogs often happen in Queens, especially in pre-war buildings with older plumbing systems. Common causes include grease buildup, hair, and flushing items that don't belong in the toilet. If you hear gurgling sounds or notice slow drainage, and a plunger doesn't help, call Ranshaw. We'll get your pipes flowing again without chemicals or guesswork.

Main sewer lines in Queens can back up for a variety of reasons, including waste buildup, tree root intrusion, or even from a heavy volume of rain. If multiple drains are clogged across your home or you smell foul odors coming from your drains, chances are you have a main sewer stoppage. For persistent sewer backups that regular drain cleaning methods cannot resolve, we offer camera inspections with water jetting/snaking services to put an end to your recurring sewer back-ups once and for all.

Common water heater problems that occur in Queens include issues like no hot water, inconsistent hot water supply, and strange noises. If you experience any of these issues, our highly trained plumbers can help. We repair and install most water heater brands, including Bradford White and AO Smith.

"Water hammer" or banging pipes can stem from sudden valve closures, loose fittings or improperly pitched heating pipes. Aside from the unpleasant noise, if left unchecked, banging pipes can lead to pipe failure or damage. Since this can be difficult to troubleshoot, it’s best to have a professional get to the bottom of this issue. Our team brings deep experience and dependable, expert service to every job.

Sudden spikes in your water bill can mean a hidden leak. Listen for running water when nothing's on, and check your meter for movement. Our leak detection services pinpoint issues inside walls, under floors, or underground so you can stop the problem before it drives up your water bill.

From basic plumbing repairs to complex installations, Ranshaw's plumbing team offers reliable service and quality workmanship across Queens. Call us today for plumbing services from technicians who show up on time and do the job right the first time.