Top Plumbing Problems to Watch for This Spring in Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport, TN

Spring has officially arrived in Eastern Tennessee. Homeowners in Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport, and the Tri-Cities are starting to clean up their lawns and open their windows. This is also a great time to check your plumbing, heating and air systems.

At Steve Huff Plumbing & Air, we’ve proudly served the region for decades. Our team understands how winter’s freeze-thaw cycles and spring’s heavy rains can stress your home’s plumbing system. That’s why this is one of the most critical times of year to be proactive.

In this post, we will talk about common plumbing problems in spring. This includes issues in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol and nearby areas. These areas include Gray, Colonial Heights, Jonesborough and Elizabethton. We will also share some nifty tips on how to protect your home during the season.

1. Outdoor Faucet & Hose Bib Repairs

One frequent call we get in early spring is for leaking outdoor faucets (also called hose bibs). If these weren’t properly winterized, there’s a good chance that freezing temperatures caused internal cracks. This can happen especially during colder Winters like we have experienced this year throughout the area.

How to spot the problem:

• You turn on the outdoor faucet for the first time and notice water leaking inside your home.
• The faucet drips nonstop, even when turned off.

Left unaddressed, a cracked hose bib can result in significant water damage inside walls or basements. If you’re in the Tri-Cities and noticing these symptoms, it’s time to call a professional plumber near you.

2. Toilet and Fixture Leaks

Another common spring issue is leaky toilets and fixtures. While they might seem minor, even a slow drip can waste thousands of gallons of water per year and spike your water bill. Leaky toilets can be connected to the effects of a cold winter. This is especially true after the harsh winter of 2024–2025 in Washington and Sullivan Counties, and nearby areas.

Signs you have a fixture leak:

• You hear your toilet “phantom flushing.”
• Water is pooling around the base of your toilet.
• Faucets drip even after being shut off.

If you’re searching for a “plumber near me” in Johnson City or toilet repair in Kingsport, Steve Huff Plumbing has you covered. We offer quick and affordable fixture repairs to help you avoid bigger problems later.

3. Pipe Leak Detection & Repair

When temperatures in Eastern Tennessee drop below freezing and then quickly rise, your plumbing pipes expand and contract. This often leads to hidden leaks that only become apparent weeks later.

If your water pressure is low, you hear running water when no taps are on, or you see wet spots, you might have a hidden leak.

Our team specializes in leak detection in Kingsport and pipe repair in Johnson City. We use non-invasive technology to find the leak fast and repair it before it causes major structural damage.

4. Clogged Drains & Sewer Line Issues

Spring also brings tree and plant growth, which can wreak havoc on older sewer lines. Tree roots are notorious for breaking into pipes, causing slow drains, gurgling toilets, or even sewage backup.

Additionally, all that wintertime cooking and indoor activity can leave your drains clogged with grease, hair, and soap scum.

Common signs of drain or sewer issues:

• Drains empty slowly or not at all
• Bubbling or gurgling sounds from sinks and tubs
• Bad odors from floor drains or sinks

We offer professional drain cleaning services in Eastern Tennessee, including camera inspections and high-pressure water jetting. If you’re dealing with a backup, don’t wait, our team of experts can quickly identify the problem and get your pipes flowing again.

5. Water Heater Maintenance or Replacement

The extreme cold in January 2025 brought some of the coldest temperatures to Washington, Sullivan and surrounding counties. This put a lot of stress on home plumbing systems, especially water heaters. As temperatures dropped far below normal, pipes were at risk of freezing. Many systems had to work overtime to keep water flowing. By February, temperatures suddenly rose 4–8°F above the 30-year average. This caused quick thaw cycles that can stress older or poorly maintained equipment. These wild weather swings are a good reminder to schedule spring maintenance for your water heater. Fluctuations like these can lead to sediment buildup, pressure valve issues, or reduced efficiency.

Common water heater issues we see in spring:

• Rust-colored water
• Rumbling or banging noises
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Leaking from the base of the unit

Our team provides full service for water heater repair in Johnson City and water heater installation in Kingsport. Whether it’s a quick flush and tune-up or a full replacement, we help you make the best decision for your home.”

6. Spring Plumbing Tune-Up

Many homeowners schedule a plumbing check-up in spring. This helps ensure their systems run well before summer travel, visitors, or cookouts. Before you invite guests for a spring cookout or a weekend stay after hiking at Roan Mountain, check your plumbing. Make sure it is ready for the season. Eastern Tennessee families enjoy the warm weather. They love going to Buffalo Mountain Park or watching a Johnson City Doughboys game. Preseason starts with tailgating and fun family reunions. With all the spring activity and extra foot traffic in your home, a quick plumbing check can help. It can save you from surprise leaks or clogs when your house is full of visitors.

During a spring tune-up, our licensed plumbers:

• Check for hidden leaks or corrosion
• Inspect and flush your water heater
• Test water pressure and drain flow
• Examine exposed piping for wear

This proactive approach is very important for homes in older areas. This includes downtown Johnson City, historic Kingsport, Elizabethton, and Jonesborough. It also includes homes with well water systems in Sullivan and Washington County.

Bonus: Crawl Space or Basement Moisture Concerns

Many plumbing problems are first seen in crawl spaces or basements. This is often due to moisture, mold smells, or standing water. If you notice any of these, it could be from a cracked pipe, broken valve, or leaking fixture.

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the Tri-Cities trace water issues back to the plumbing system and get them fixed fast.

Why Eastern Tennessee Homeowners Trust Steve Huff Plumbing & Air

1. We aren’t just another plumbing company, we’re your neighbors. We have over 40 years of experience in Johnson City and Kingsport. We also serve nearby areas like Piney Flats, Jonesborough, and Blountville. We understand the plumbing challenges in our region.
2. From search terms like “plumber near me Kingsport TN” to “leaky faucet repair Johnson City,” we’re the trusted local name in plumbing.
3. Over four decades of servicing Eastern Tennessee and the Tri Cities, Steve Huff Plumbing, Heating & Air has over 20,000 reviews!

Schedule Your Spring Plumbing Service Today

Don’t wait until a small leak becomes a big problem. Call Steve Huff Plumbing & Air today to schedule your spring plumbing inspection or repair. We offer fast, friendly, and affordable service across the entire Eastern Tennessee region.