A Guide to Common Plumbing Issues for Pinellas County Homeowners

Updated Dec / 25
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If you have lived in your Largo, Seminole, or Pinellas County home for 20 years or more, your plumbing system has been working hard for you. Now it may be time to give it some attention before small issues become big problems.

Many homeowners in our area live in houses built during the 1970s and 1980s. That means your water heater, pipes, and fixtures could be 40 to 50 years old. At Romo's Plumbing, we understand the unique challenges that come with maintaining an older home, and we are here to help with honest assessments, transparent pricing, and the kind of old-fashioned service that treats you like a neighbor, not just a number.

Whether you are dealing with an unexpected plumbing emergency or planning bathroom updates to make your home safer and more comfortable, our licensed plumbers have the experience and integrity to do the job right.

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Common Plumbing Problems in Older Pinellas County Homes

Homes in Largo and the surrounding Pinellas County communities share similar plumbing challenges due to their age, local water conditions, and Florida's climate. Here are the most common issues we see and what you can do about them.

Aging Water Heaters That Fail Without Warning

Most water heaters last between 10 and 15 years. If your home still has the original unit from the 1980s or 1990s, you are living on borrowed time. A failing water heater can leave you without hot water in the middle of winter, or worse, leak and cause water damage to your home.

Warning signs to watch for include rusty or discolored water, strange rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, water pooling around the base of the unit, and hot water that runs out faster than it used to.

What You Can Do

Check the age of your water heater by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer's label. The first two digits often indicate the year it was made. If your unit is more than 10 years old, consider having it inspected by a licensed plumber before problems start.

Slow Drains and Recurring Clogs

Over the decades, drains accumulate buildup from soap, grease, hair, and mineral deposits from Florida's hard water. What starts as a slow drain can eventually become a complete blockage, causing backups that are messy, inconvenient, and sometimes costly to repair.

Common signs of drain problems include water draining slowly in sinks, tubs, or showers, gurgling sounds when water drains, unpleasant odors coming from drains, and multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time.

What You Can Do

Avoid pouring grease down kitchen drains and use drain screens to catch hair and debris. For minor clogs, a plunger or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar may help. However, recurring clogs often indicate a deeper issue in your drain lines that requires professional attention.

Outdated Fixtures and Hidden Leaks

Faucets, toilets, and supply lines do not last forever. Rubber washers and gaskets deteriorate over time, connections corrode, and older fixtures simply wear out. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water per year and create conditions for mold growth behind walls or under floors.

Signs of hidden leaks include unexplained increases in your water bill, the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, and musty odors in bathrooms or kitchens.

What You Can Do

Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the reading changes, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system. Visually inspect under sinks and around toilets for any signs of moisture or corrosion.

How Romo's Plumbing Helps Pinellas County Homeowners

At Romo's Plumbing, we specialize in helping homeowners who have lived in and loved their homes for years. Our team provides honest recommendations, clear explanations, and quality workmanship on every job. Here is how we can help.

Water Heater Inspection, Repair, and Replacement

We assess the condition of your current water heater and give you an honest recommendation about repair versus replacement. If a new unit makes sense, we help you choose the right size and type for your home and budget, then install it properly so it lasts for years to come.

Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line Services

Our professional drain cleaning removes years of buildup and restores proper flow to your plumbing system. For homes with recurring drain problems, we can inspect your sewer lines to identify tree root intrusion, pipe damage, or other issues that need attention.

Leak Detection and Pipe Repair

We locate hidden leaks and repair them before they cause serious damage. Whether you need a simple faucet repair or more extensive pipe work, we fix problems right the first time and explain exactly what we are doing along the way.

Bathroom Remodeling for Safety and Comfort

Many homeowners want to stay in their homes as they age, but bathrooms can become difficult to use safely. We install walk-in tubs, comfort-height toilets, grab bars, and accessible showers that make daily routines easier without making your bathroom look institutional. Our goal is to help you stay comfortable in the home you love.

Emergency Plumbing Services

Plumbing emergencies do not wait for convenient times. When a pipe bursts or a water heater fails, you need help fast. Romo's Plumbing offers prompt emergency service throughout Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, and the surrounding communities.
J

James P

January 30, 2026
I spoke with the owner the other night about an issue I was having and he was engaging and assuring. The dispatcher stated someone would be out between 12-2. The tech arrived right at 2. Zach spent so...
A Guide to Common Plumbing Issues for Pinellas County Homeowners

Why Pinellas County Homeowners Trust Romo's Plumbing

We know that inviting someone into your home requires trust. That is why we focus on building relationships with our customers through honest communication and reliable service.

When you call Romo's Plumbing, you get licensed, insured professionals who show up on time and treat your home with respect. We provide written estimates before starting any work, so you always know what to expect. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges. We explain what is wrong in plain language and give you options, not pressure. Our team has served Pinellas County for years, and our reputation is built on doing right by our neighbors.

This is what we mean by old-fashioned service. We believe plumbing should be done with integrity, and that every customer deserves to be treated fairly.

FAQ

A Guide to Common Plumbing Issues for Pinellas County Homeowners
Here are some common questions related to this topic. For answers to additional questions specific to your needs, please contact us now by phone. We're happy to help!