Get matched with top plumbers in Boston, VA

Q: Can frozen pipes cause a toilet to stop working or flushing properly?

• <div><p>Yes, frozen pipes can cause a toilet to stop working correctly. If the pipes are frozen, water cannot flow, which can lead to two main problems. First, the supply line to the toilet tank may be frozen, which prevents the tank from refilling with water after you flush. Second, the drain pipe itself can freeze, blocking water from flushing away. As a temporary solution for a non-refilling tank, you can manually add water, but this is not a long-term fix. To clear a frozen drain pipe, you can try pouring warm water into the toilet bowl or tank and then flushing, as the warm water may help thaw the ice blockage. Ultimately, the best course of action is to unfreeze the affected pipes to restore your toilet to full functionality.</p></div>

Q: How long can pipes stay frozen without bursting?

• <div><p>Pipes tend to burst once frozen for 24 to 72 hours. It takes temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for several days to freeze and burst pipes, rather than a day or two with temperatures hovering around freezing. When temperatures are dropping, it&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/when-to-drip-faucets.htm">time to drip faucets</a> and open cupboard doors that house pipes to circulate heated air. </p></div>

Q: Can you drain a water heater yourself?

• <div><p>You can drain a hot water heater yourself as long as you take some safety precautions. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the unit before starting, let the water in the tank cool down for a few hours, and wear safety equipment to protect yourself, including heavy-duty rubber gloves and safety goggles. </p></div>

Q: Can I use chemical drain cleaners to clear clogs in my pipes?

• <div><p>Chemical drain cleaners can work to clear clogs in pipes, but their use should be approached with caution. These harsh chemicals can damage pipes over time, and they can also harm the environment. Use them sparingly and consider alternative methods such as using a plunger or a drain snake. If you have concerns about a persistent clog, it's best to consult a professional who can safely and effectively address the issue without causing further damage to your plumbing system.</p></div>

Q: Should you caulk a kitchen faucet?

• <div><p>Most faucets come with a rubber or plastic gasket that prevents leaks&mdash;but that&rsquo;s not always the case. If your faucet doesn&rsquo;t come with a gasket or it&rsquo;s leaking, use a caulk gun to seal the gaps and prevent water damage.</p></div>

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Find Plumbers in Boston

First Choice Plumbing & Remodeling

4.8(

128

)

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Fast response. Quick service. Reasonably priced. What's not to like. Plan on using them for any plumbing needs in the future."

Response time5 hrs

Response rate92%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Roto-Rooter Plumbing and Drain Service

4.3(

)

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or ReplacePlumbing for a Remodel or Addition - InstallDrain Clog or Blockage - Clear+20 more

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1935

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Allen and Justin (Blacksburg location) did their work late on a Friday afternoon without any complaints. They were efficient and I felt like they were honest in their assessment and repair advice. They walked me through almost everything and gave advice on how to extend the water heater life."

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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Dexter Wells & Plumbing, LLC

4.3(

)

Sump Pump - Repair or ReplaceTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This company went above and beyond working to get us water without digging a new well as other companies suggested. I will hire for any and all plumbing I may have in the future because I know they will do the job right and not walk away until completed."

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Commonwealth Plumbing

4.9(

)

Drain Clog or Blockage - ClearDrain Clog or Blockage - Clear - For BusinessDrain Line Breakage - Camera Locate+17 more

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

We specialize in plumbing services, repairs, inspections, installations, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Shower Install or ReplaceBathtub Install or ReplaceWalk In Tub - Install or Replace

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1945

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Very professional installers of my new walk in shower. They repaired dry wall and did plumbing and shower installation. Very happy with the job."

341 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by89%of homeowners

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+5 more

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The Technician (Kevin) is by far the best for any plumbing service we have had. Professional, Courteous, and Very Thorough. Explained everything prior to installation of piping and hose bibbs and valves. Inspected everything and left the area cleaner than when he arrived. Mccarthy has done all of our work since trying a couple of others years past. This household will not go to anybody else but McCarthy now."

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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American Standard Walk-In Tubs

3.8(

)

Walk In Tub - Install or Replace

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1929

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Bathtub is nice. But price was very high"

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceDrain Clog or Blockage - ClearWater Main - Install, Replace or Repair+5 more

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1950

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Quick, thorough, and candid replacement of water heater."

86 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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Paramount Builders Inc (Richmond)

4.2(

818

)

Bathtub Install or ReplaceShower Install or ReplaceWalk In Tub - Install or Replace

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Roof installer were very polite and hard workers."

80 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Townecraft Wellness Systems LLC

5.0(

)

Shower Install or Replace

Serving Boston, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"From start to finish, easy to order, open communication, excellent workmanship with the install and satisfaction follow up, remarkable."

+14

83 neighbors recently requested a quote

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...

Showing 1-10 of 178

Plumbing questions, answered by experts

Yes, frozen pipes can cause a toilet to stop working correctly. If the pipes are frozen, water cannot flow, which can lead to two main problems. First, the supply line to the toilet tank may be frozen, which prevents the tank from refilling with water after you flush. Second, the drain pipe itself can freeze, blocking water from flushing away. As a temporary solution for a non-refilling tank, you can manually add water, but this is not a long-term fix. To clear a frozen drain pipe, you can try pouring warm water into the toilet bowl or tank and then flushing, as the warm water may help thaw the ice blockage. Ultimately, the best course of action is to unfreeze the affected pipes to restore your toilet to full functionality.

Pipes tend to burst once frozen for 24 to 72 hours. It takes temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for several days to freeze and burst pipes, rather than a day or two with temperatures hovering around freezing. When temperatures are dropping, it’s time to drip faucets and open cupboard doors that house pipes to circulate heated air.

You can drain a hot water heater yourself as long as you take some safety precautions. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the unit before starting, let the water in the tank cool down for a few hours, and wear safety equipment to protect yourself, including heavy-duty rubber gloves and safety goggles.

Chemical drain cleaners can work to clear clogs in pipes, but their use should be approached with caution. These harsh chemicals can damage pipes over time, and they can also harm the environment. Use them sparingly and consider alternative methods such as using a plunger or a drain snake. If you have concerns about a persistent clog, it's best to consult a professional who can safely and effectively address the issue without causing further damage to your plumbing system.

Most faucets come with a rubber or plastic gasket that prevents leaks—but that’s not always the case. If your faucet doesn’t come with a gasket or it’s leaking, use a caulk gun to seal the gaps and prevent water damage.

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