Every house runs into plumbing issues sooner or later, it’s just part of owning a home.
But in Concord? There are a few specific problems we see week after week, especially in older neighborhoods where pipes have been doing their job a little too long.
Here are five of the most common plumbing problems we fix and how to spot them before they turn into a full-blown mess.
That little “plink… plink…” might not seem like a big deal, but it adds up. We've seen slow-dripping faucets waste thousands of gallons of water a year. Literally. That’s money—and clean water—down the drain.
Most of the time, it’s something simple: a worn-out washer or a busted cartridge. Fixable in under an hour. But the longer you leave it? The more likely you’ll end up with water stains, warped counters, or a slow-growing mold patch behind your sink.
Bottom line: if you’re hearing the drip, fix it now—before it becomes more than just an annoying sound.
If your sink fills up faster than it drains, it’s not just annoying, it’s your plumbing giving you a warning.
In bathrooms, the usual culprits are hair and soap scum clumping up in the pipes. In kitchens, it’s grease, food scraps, and (for some reason) coffee grounds. Spoiler: garbage disposals do not eat everything.
Here’s how to prevent a clog in the first place:
If things are already slow or fully backed up? A plunger or snake might work—but if it keeps happening, it’s time to let a pro clear it properly.
Toilets get used all day, every day—so it’s no surprise they cause problems.
The most common issue? A toilet that keeps running long after you’ve flushed. Usually, it’s a flapper that won’t seal or a fill valve that’s on its last leg. Cheap parts, easy fix.
Clogs are the next biggie. Most come from flushing the wrong stuff, especially those “flushable” wipes (they’re not). Lower-quality or inexpensive toilets also tend to clog and back up more often, even with normal use. If your plunger’s getting a full-time workout, or if the toilet backs up for no clear reason, the clog might be deeper than you think.
Pro tip: If your toilet’s bubbling when you use the shower, that could be a sewer issue, not just a toilet one.
Concord’s water tends to be moderately hard, which means over time, sediment builds up in your tank. That buildup cuts your hot water supply and makes your heater work overtime.
Here’s what to watch for:
Sometimes flushing the tank helps, especially if it hasn’t been done in a while. But if your water heater’s over 10 years old and gives you regular grief it might be time to stop repairing and start replacing.
We’ll be honest—this is the one no one wants to deal with.
If multiple drains are backing up, your yard smells weird, or your toilet is making gurgling noises when you run the laundry… it’s probably not your imagination. It might be your sewer line.
Tree roots are a big problem in older Concord homes. They grow straight into the pipes, causing cracks, backups, and some pretty nasty smells.
You can’t DIY this one. If anything on that list sounds familiar, call a plumber fast. The longer you wait, the more expensive (and gross) it gets.
Plumbing problems are part of homeownership, but knowing what to look for makes them easier to handle. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional before small issues become major headaches. Big Air Has You Covered
From dripping faucets to sewer line repairs, Big Air’s friendly, professional team is here to help. We have decades of experience with Concord’s plumbing challenges.
We proudly serve Concord, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Moraga, Danville, Alamo, Clayton, Orinda, San Ramon, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and surrounding communities. Contact Big Air today to schedule plumbing service and keep your home running smoothly!
