Plumber in Arlington, VA
Across Chain Bridge from McLean, we help North Arlington homeowners in 22205, 22207 and 22213 with hidden leaks, old pipes, sewer lines and basements.
- North Arlington: 22205, 22207, 22213
- Older brick homes
- Open 24/7
North Arlington is McLean's neighbor across the county line. Chain Bridge links the area to Washington, D.C., and neighborhoods climb the hills above the Potomac along Military Road, Glebe Road and Langston Boulevard. Much of the housing is brick colonials, Cape Cods and bungalows from the 1930s through the 1950s, mixed with many new homes built on the same lots. Our plumbing services in McLean carry straight over, with extra care for older construction.
Why plumbing in North Arlington is different
Older brick homes here often have galvanized steel supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay or cast iron sewer laterals. Plaster walls and original hardwood make it important to find a leak before opening anything. Many houses sit on sloped lots, with basements dug into the hillside, so groundwater pressure, sump pumps and floor drains matter.
Arlington County operates its own water utility, so meter and street-side questions go to the county rather than Fairfax Water. Teardowns and large additions also tie new plumbing into old service lines and drains, which can expose weak spots.
Common plumbing problems in North Arlington
| Problem | Where it shows up | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Rusty water, weak pressure | Whole house | Repiping |
| Hidden leak behind plaster | Walls and ceilings | Leak detection |
| Roots and cracks in the sewer lateral | Basement floor drain backups | Sewer line repair |
| Basement water after heavy rain | Sump pit, floor joints | Sump pump repair |
| Old water heater in a tight basement | Utility room | Water heater repair |
| Leaking service line | Sloped front yards | Water line repair |
| Frozen pipes on exterior walls | Kitchens, baths on outside walls | Emergency plumber |
Tips for North Arlington homeowners
- Learn your pipe types. Many homes have a mix of galvanized, copper and newer plastic from past repairs.
- Keep floor drains clear. They are often the first place a sewer problem shows.
- Check your sump pump before storms. Hillside basements depend on it.
- Insulate pipes in exterior walls and crawl spaces. Older homes have less insulation.
- Plan plumbing with renovations. Replacing old lines while walls are open costs less than doing it later.
Building new or adding on
Large additions and new homes are common in North Arlington. New fixtures increase the load on old water service lines and sewer laterals that were sized decades ago. Before a big project, a camera inspection of the lateral and a check of the water service size can prevent surprises. Arlington County handles plumbing permits for homes in Arlington.
Hillside lots, retaining walls and long service lines
Many North Arlington streets climb steeply from the Potomac and Pimmit Run. Houses set high above the street often have long, steep service lines running under front steps, retaining walls and driveways, which makes digging costly. That is why locating a leak precisely matters so much here. Steep lots also send rainwater toward the house, which keeps sump pumps and floor drains busy. Before a big storm, test the sump pump, clear the floor drain grate and make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation.
Arlington plumbing questions
Do you cover all of Arlington?
We focus on North Arlington in ZIP codes 22205, 22207 and 22213, including neighborhoods near Chain Bridge, Glebe Road, Military Road, Langston Boulevard and the Potomac palisades. Call if you are elsewhere in Arlington and we will tell you if we can reach you.
Is my water from Fairfax Water?
No. Arlington County runs its own water utility. For problems at the meter or in the street, call the county. Leaks on the line across your property and inside your home are private repairs we handle.
Why do older Arlington homes get basement water?
Many North Arlington homes sit on slopes with basements dug into hillsides. Groundwater, failed sump pumps, clogged floor drains and old cast iron drain lines are common causes. We test to find which applies.
Should I replace galvanized pipe in my 1940s home?
If you have rusty water, low pressure or leaks at threaded joints, replacing galvanized pipe is usually worth it. Doing it during a renovation, while walls are open, saves on patching.
Can you find a leak without opening plaster walls?
Usually. Acoustic, thermal and moisture tools let us narrow a leak to a small area before we cut, which matters with original plaster.
Plumbing services in North Arlington
Leak Detection
Find hidden leaks in walls, ceilings, floors and yards without tearing the house apart.
Slab Leak Repair
Locate and fix leaks under basement and slab floors with spot repair or a reroute.
Water Line Repair
Repair or replace the buried line between the meter and your house.
Emergency Plumber
Burst pipes, flooding and no-water calls answered around the clock.
Water Heater Repair
Repair, replace or upgrade tank and tankless water heaters.
Drain Cleaning
Clear slow and clogged sink, tub, floor and main drains.
Sewer Line Repair
Camera inspection, root removal and repair of the main sewer line.
Repiping
Fix pinhole leaks and replace old copper, galvanized or polybutylene pipe.
Sump Pump Repair
Repair, replace and back up the pump that keeps your basement dry.
Well Pump Repair
Restore water to homes on private wells, from pressure tank to pump.
Toilet, Faucet & Shower Repair
Stop running toilets, dripping faucets and leaking shower pans.
Pool Leak Detection
Find where a pool or spa is losing water, then fix the plumbing side.
Nearby areas we cover
Need a plumber in North Arlington? Call now.
Call McLean Plumber Works any time, day or night. A plumber picks up and talks you through next steps.