Here at G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been serving families and businesses across the DMV region since 1909. With over a century of experience, especially in historic areas like Falls Church, we’ve seen firsthand how the charm of an older home often comes with unique plumbing challenges. While these properties have character and history, their aging pipes and fixtures can be prone to leaks, which can lead to significant water damage if not addressed quickly.

As a family-owned, woman-operated business, we understand the importance of protecting your property and giving you peace of mind. A small drip might seem minor, but it can be a sign of a much larger problem lurking behind your walls or under your floors. In this guide, we’ll share our expertise on the common types of plumbing leaks we find in older Falls Church homes, what causes them, and why prompt, professional plumbing leak repair is so crucial. We’ll also cover some temporary fixes you can consider and explain why a permanent repair from a trusted plumber is always the smartest choice.

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The Unique Plumbing Challenges of Older Homes

Many homes in Falls Church and the surrounding Virginia area were built decades ago, using materials and construction standards that differ greatly from today’s. While built to last, the plumbing systems in these houses are well past their expected lifespan. Time, wear, and environmental factors all take a toll.

Here’s what we typically see:

• Aging Pipe Materials: Older homes often have pipes made from materials like galvanized steel, cast iron, or even lead. Over time, galvanized steel pipes corrode from the inside out, leading to rust buildup, reduced water pressure, and eventual leaks. Cast iron drain lines can crack and deteriorate, while lead pipes pose serious health risks and should be replaced entirely.
• Deteriorated Pipe Joints and Fittings: The points where pipes connect are often the weakest links in an old plumbing system. The seals and fittings used decades ago can degrade, loosen, or crack, creating slow drips that can go unnoticed for years.
• Shifting Foundations: Over many years, a house’s foundation can settle or shift slightly. This movement puts stress on the rigid pipes running through the foundation and walls, which can cause them to crack or burst.
• Outdated Fixtures: Old toilets, faucets, and water heaters are not just inefficient—they are also common sources of leaks. Worn-out washers, gaskets, and internal components in these fixtures frequently fail, leading to persistent drips and water waste.

Understanding these risk factors is the first step in protecting your home from water damage. Recognizing the signs of a leak early can save you from costly and disruptive repairs down the road.

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Common Types of Leaks We Repair in Older Falls Church Homes

When a homeowner in Falls Church calls us for a plumbing leak, our Master Technicians are trained to identify the source quickly and accurately. Our fully stocked trucks mean we often have the necessary parts on hand to complete the job on the first visit. Here are some of the most frequent leak repairs we handle.

Leaking Pipe in Walls or Ceilings

A water stain appearing on a wall or ceiling is one of the most alarming signs of a plumbing leak. This is often caused by a pinhole leak in a copper pipe or a cracked PVC drain line. The damage isn’t just cosmetic; persistent moisture can lead to mold growth and structural decay.

• Cause: Corrosion, high water pressure, or physical damage can create small holes or cracks in water supply lines.
• Solution: Locating the exact source requires precision. We use advanced leak detection equipment to find the leak without causing unnecessary damage to your property. Once located, the damaged section of the pipe must be professionally cut out and replaced.

Dripping Faucets and Toilets

That constant drip, drip, drip is more than just an annoyance—it’s money going down the drain. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year. Leaky toilets are even more wasteful and often silent, potentially wasting thousands of gallons.

• Cause: In most cases, a worn-out washer, gasket, or O-ring is the culprit. For toilets, a faulty flapper or fill valve is usually to blame.
• Solution: While replacing a washer can sometimes be a DIY project, older fixtures can be fragile. Our plumbers can quickly diagnose the issue and replace the necessary components, ensuring a tight seal and stopping the water waste for good.

Water Heater Leaks

Your water heater works around the clock. Over time, sediment can build up inside the tank, causing corrosion. A leak at the base of your water heater is a clear sign that the tank has failed and a replacement is imminent.

• Cause: Internal rust and corrosion are the primary causes of tank failure. Leaks can also occur at the pressure relief valve or the inlet and outlet connections.
• Solution: A leaking tank cannot be repaired and requires a full replacement. We can help you choose and install a new, energy-efficient model, including modern tankless water heaters that provide endless hot water.

Slab Leaks

A slab leak occurs when a pipe beneath your home’s concrete foundation breaks. These are among the most serious types of plumbing leaks, as they can undermine the structural integrity of your house. Signs include warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when no fixtures are on, and unexplained increases in your water bill.

• Cause: Shifting soil, corrosion of copper pipe, or poor initial installation can cause these hidden water leaks.
• Solution: This is a complex job that absolutely requires a professional. We use specialized equipment to locate the leak non-invasively. Repair options range from spot repairs to rerouting the water lines, depending on the extent of the damage.

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How to Fix a Pipe Leak: Temporary vs. Permanent Repairs

When you discover a leaking pipe, the first step is always to shut off the main water supply to prevent further water damage. Once the water is off, you might be tempted to try a DIY fix. While some temporary repairs can slow a leak until a professional arrives, they are not a substitute for a permanent solution.

Temporary Fixes for a Leaking Pipe

Products like pipe repair clamps, epoxy putty, and self-fusing silicone tape can offer a short-term patch for a minor pipe leak.

• Pipe Repair Clamp: A pipe repair clamp consists of a rubber gasket and a metal sleeve that tightens around the damaged area of the pipe. It compresses the rubber gasket over the leak to create a temporary seal.
• Epoxy Putty: This is a malleable substance that you can mold over a small hole or crack. Once it hardens, it forms a waterproof seal. The pipe material must be clean and dry for the putty to adhere properly.
• Pipe Wrap or Tape: This self-fusing tape creates a compression seal as you wrap it tightly around the pipe. It is best suited for small drips on straight sections of pipe.

Important: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for these products. These methods are designed for emergency, temporary use only. Leaving a temporary fix in place can lead to a sudden, catastrophic failure and far more extensive water damage.

The Importance of a Permanent Repair

A permanent repair addresses the root cause of the leak. For a leaking pipe, this almost always involves cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with a new pipe and fittings. This is a job for a licensed plumber. Here’s why:

• Correct Materials: A professional plumber will ensure the right type and size of pipe materials are used, whether it’s copper, PVC, or PEX, and that they are compatible with your existing plumbing system.
• Proper Technique: Soldering a copper pipe or correctly fitting a PVC joint requires skill and experience. An improper connection will fail, leading to another leak.
• Code Compliance: Plumbing repairs must adhere to local building codes to ensure safety and function. Our Master Technicians ensure every job is done right and meets all regulatory standards.
• Guaranteed Work: When you hire G.A. Eberly, our work is guaranteed. You get the peace of mind that the repair is done correctly and will last for years to come.

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Answering Your Questions About Plumbing Leak Repair

As a trusted local plumber for over a century, we get a lot of questions from homeowners. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

What is the average cost of a plumbing leak repair?

The cost to fix a leak varies widely depending on its location and complexity. A simple faucet leak repair might cost a couple of hundred dollars. However, a slab leak or a leaking pipe behind a wall will be more expensive due to the labor required for detection and access. At G.A. Eberly, we provide transparent, upfront pricing, so you’ll know the cost before we begin any work.

How much does it cost for a plumber to fix a water leak?

Again, this depends on the job. Our process begins with a thorough diagnosis. Once we identify the problem, we’ll provide you with a clear, itemized estimate. Because our trucks are fully stocked, we can often complete the job in a single visit, saving you time and money.

Does homeowners’ insurance cover water damage from a plumbing leak?

In most cases, homeowners’ insurance covers the damage caused by a sudden and accidental water leak (like a burst pipe), but it typically does not cover the cost of the plumbing repair itself. Gradual damage from a slow, neglected leak is often not covered. It’s crucial to check your policy and contact your provider, but even more important to fix leaks as soon as you find them.

Helpful Resources for Plumbing Leaks, Repairs, and Maintenance

When it comes to addressing plumbing leaks, having the right tools and information at your fingertips is essential. Below is a list of seven valuable resources to help guide you through leak repair and maintenance:

• The Home Depot – Plumbing Repair Guide: A comprehensive guide for homeowners, offering step-by-step instructions for common plumbing repairs and maintenance. https://www.homedepot.com/c/plumbing_repair_guide
• This Old House – How to Fix a Leaky Pipe: Offers practical advice and visual tutorials for repairing leaky pipes in your home. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21016406/how-to-fix-a-leaky-pipe
• Bob Vila – Plumbing Maintenance Tips: Learn how to prevent leaks and keep your plumbing system in top condition with expert guidance from Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/plumbing-maintenance-tips/
• EPA WaterSense – Fix a Leak Week: The Environmental Protection Agency’s detailed resources to help you detect and fix household leaks to save water and reduce costs. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
• Angi – Emergency Plumbing Services Near You: Find trusted, local plumbing professionals to tackle emergency leaks and complex repairs if DIY fixes aren’t enough. https://www.angi.com/
• Family Handyman – Plumbing Leak Repairs: A resource packed with DIY tips and guides for fixing leaks and other common plumbing issues. https://www.familyhandyman.com/project-category/plumbing/leaks/
• PVC Pipe Leak Repair by Lowe’s: Learn how to prevent leaks and keep your plumbing system in top condition with expert guidance from Bob Vila. https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/pvc-pipe-leak-repair

These resources, whether for DIY projects or connecting with professionals, can empower you to resolve plumbing leaks efficiently and effectively.

We Put Over 115 Years of Experience to Work for You

In a historic community like Falls Church, your home is more than just a building—it’s a part of the area’s legacy. Protecting it requires a partner who understands the nuances of older plumbing systems. Since 1909, G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating has been that partner for countless families and businesses across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.

Our commitment is to provide reliable, honest, and expert service with the care of a neighbor and the skill of a Master Technician. Don’t let a small leak turn into a major disaster. If you suspect you have a plumbing leak, don’t wait—fix it now.

Call now for fast, reliable plumbing repairs, or book your plumbing service online in minutes. Trust the DMV’s plumbing experts for generations.