Plumbers do much more than fix leaky faucets. They install, maintain, and repair the complex systems that bring water into your home, heat it, and safely remove waste. Understanding what plumbers can do helps you know when to call one—and what to expect when you do.
Water Supply Systems
Plumbers install and maintain the pipes and fixtures that bring clean water into your home.
Services Include:
- • Main water line installation/repair
- • Pipe installation (copper, PEX, CPVC)
- • Pipe repair and leak fixing
- • Re-piping (replacing old pipes)
- • Water pressure adjustment
- • Shut-off valve installation
When to Call:
- • Low water pressure throughout home
- • Discolored or rusty water
- • Water leaks (visible or suspected)
- • Frozen pipes
- • Banging pipes (water hammer)
- • Old galvanized pipes need replacing
Drain & Sewer Systems
Plumbers keep wastewater flowing out of your home safely and handle clogs and sewer issues.
Services Include:
- • Drain cleaning and unclogging
- • Sewer camera inspections
- • Sewer line repair/replacement
- • Trenchless sewer repair
- • Root removal from lines
- • Septic system connections
- • Vent pipe installation
When to Call:
- • Slow drains throughout home
- • Recurring clogs
- • Sewage smell in home
- • Gurgling sounds from drains
- • Sewage backup
- • Wet spots in yard over sewer line
Fixture Installation & Repair
Plumbers install, repair, and replace all water-using fixtures in your home.
Bathroom:
- • Toilets
- • Sinks and faucets
- • Showers and tubs
- • Bidets
- • Shower valves
Kitchen:
- • Kitchen sinks
- • Faucets and sprayers
- • Garbage disposals
- • Dishwasher connections
- • Ice maker lines
Laundry:
- • Washing machine hookups
- • Utility sinks
- • Drain lines
- • Hose bibs/spigots
Water Heaters
Plumbers specialize in water heater installation, repair, and replacement.
Types of Water Heaters:
- • Tank water heaters (gas or electric)
- • Tankless/on-demand water heaters
- • Heat pump water heaters
- • Solar water heaters
- • Point-of-use water heaters
Services Include:
- • New installation
- • Replacement of old units
- • Repair (thermostats, elements, valves)
- • Anode rod replacement
- • Flushing and maintenance
- • Expansion tank installation
Gas Lines
Many plumbers are certified to work on gas lines for appliances throughout your home.
Gas Line Services:
- • Gas line installation
- • Gas line repair
- • Leak detection and repair
- • Gas appliance hookup
- • Pressure testing
- • Gas meter relocation
Appliances Served:
- • Gas water heaters
- • Gas stoves and ranges
- • Gas dryers
- • Gas fireplaces
- • Outdoor gas grills
- • Pool/spa heaters
Important: Gas work requires special certification. Always verify your plumber is licensed for gas line work before hiring.
Water Treatment
Plumbers install systems to improve your water quality.
Systems Include:
- • Water softeners
- • Whole-house filtration
- • Reverse osmosis systems
- • UV purification
- • Sediment filters
- • Iron removal systems
Signs You May Need Treatment:
- • Hard water stains/buildup
- • Unpleasant taste or odor
- • Rust-colored water
- • Dry skin/hair after bathing
- • Spotted dishes after washing
Specialty Plumbing Services
Backflow Prevention
Installation and testing of backflow preventers to keep contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply. Often required by code for irrigation systems.
Sump Pumps
Installation and repair of sump pumps to prevent basement flooding. Includes battery backup systems for power outages.
Radiant Floor Heating
Installation of hydronic (water-based) radiant heating systems in floors for efficient, comfortable heating.
Medical Gas Systems
Specialized plumbers install and maintain medical gas piping in hospitals and healthcare facilities (requires special certification).
Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing
Residential Plumbers:
- • Single-family homes
- • Apartments and condos
- • Smaller pipe systems
- • Standard fixtures
- • Homeowner-focused service
Commercial Plumbers:
- • Office buildings and retail
- • Restaurants and hotels
- • Large-scale pipe systems
- • Industrial fixtures
- • Compliance with commercial codes
Most residential plumbers can handle typical home plumbing. For commercial properties, look for plumbers with commercial experience and appropriate licensing.
When You DON'T Need a Plumber
These simple tasks can often be done yourself or by a handyman:
- • Replacing faucet aerators
- • Changing showerheads
- • Replacing toilet flappers
- • Plunging a simple clog
- • Replacing toilet seats
- • Turning water on/off at shut-off valves
See our Plumber vs. Handyman Guide for more details on when you can save money with a handyman.
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