Reading Homeowner Plumbing FAQ Center

While minor fixes like replacing a worn gasket can be DIY, call a professional for complex leaks, stubborn clogs, major installations or emergencies like burst pipes, failed sump pumps or main line blockages. Attempting complex DIY projects can lead to more costly damage, especially given Reading’s risk of frozen pipes.

Common issues requiring professional help include:

• Low water pressure — Often caused by aging pipes, mineral buildup, or wasteful water heater leaks.
• Failing water heaters — Look for hot water that doesn’t last, banging noises, leaks, lukewarm or rusty water, or no hot water at all.
• Persistent clogged drains — Hair, soap, food waste and even tree roots are common culprits. Avoid harsh liquid drain cleaners — professionals can clear them safely and thoroughly.
• Frozen or burst pipes — A significant risk in Reading’s winters. If suspected, gently apply heat (no boiling water/blowtorches) and call a plumber immediately if you can’t locate or reach the freeze, or if there’s a leak. If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off your main water supply and call an emergency plumber.

Proactive maintenance is crucial for longevity and preventing costly repairs.

• Water heater maintenance — Flush your tank annually to remove sediment, inspect for corrosion or leaks and set the temperature to 120°F (49°C) for safety and energy savings.
• Drain prevention — Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds and food scraps down drains. Use drain screens in showers/tubs and only flush toilet paper.
• Winter pipe protection:
  • Allow faucets to drip slowly during extreme cold.
  • Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas (basements, crawl spaces, attics).
  • Seal wall cracks and openings to prevent cold air access.
    Maintain adequate heating throughout your home.
  • Open cabinet doors to circulate warm air around pipes on exterior walls.
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and spigots before winter.

Reading’s drinking water (from RAWA) meets federal standards, but specific concerns exist, especially in older homes.

• Lead and copper — Homes built before 1986 might have plumbing that leaches lead or copper.

Tip: Flush taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after water has been stagnant (e.g., first thing in the morning) before drinking/cooking. Use cold water for consumption.

• Hard water — Reading’s water can contain minerals leading to scale buildup in pipes, water heaters and fixtures, reducing efficiency and lifespan.

Tip: Consider a water softener or regular water heater flushing to mitigate scale.

RAWA offers a Lead Pipe Survey on their website to help identify service line materials and is actively working to eliminate lead piping.

Before any excavation on your property, including for plumbing projects like sewer line repairs, you must contact PA One Call (811). This free service helps prevent hitting underground utility lines (water, sewer, gas, electric, communication), avoiding serious injury, costly repairs and service outages.

Action: Call 811 or submit an online request at least 3 to 10 business days before digging. Mark your proposed digging area with white paint, wait for utilities to be marked, then dig carefully.

Reading city services allow one bulky item pickup per week with regular trash, but construction debris has limitations (e.g., typically under 70 lbs or 3 ft long, in a separate container/bundle).

Always check the City of Reading’s Trash & Recycling page for current rules. For larger projects, consider a dumpster rental or transporting waste to a local transfer station/landfill, like those under the Berks County Solid Waste Authority.