Maine winters are long and severe, and frozen pipes are the single most common plumbing emergency in the state. Seasonal camps, older farmhouses and homes with crawl spaces or unheated additions are especially vulnerable when temperatures stay below zero.
Roughly half of Maine households rely on private wells. Arsenic and other naturally occurring contaminants have been found in well water in parts of the state, so testing and treatment are a regular part of plumbing work here.
Plumbing services we provide in Maine
These are the services Maine homeowners call about most often, based on the conditions above.
Pipe Repair
Pipe repair is fixing a damaged section of a home's water supply or drain piping, from a pinhole leak or failed fitting to a split caused by freezing.
Pipe Repair details →
Water Softeners & Filtration
Water treatment in a home includes water softeners, which remove hardness minerals, and filtration systems, which reduce specific contaminants, sediment, chlorine or odors.
Water Softeners & Filtration details →
Water Pressure Problems
Water pressure repair diagnoses and corrects water pressure that is too low or too high, from clogged aerators to failed regulators, partly closed valves and corroded pipe.
Water Pressure Problems details →
Water Heater Repair
Water heater repair restores a tank or tankless water heater to safe, normal operation by fixing components such as thermostats, heating elements, burners, valves and controls.
Water Heater Repair details →Local conditions that affect plumbing in Maine
Frozen pipes and seasonal homes
Camps and second homes should be properly winterized — drained, with antifreeze in traps — or kept heated with low-temperature alarms.
Private well water quality
Maine encourages regular well testing; arsenic, radon in water and hardness are among the issues treatment systems address.
Old farmhouses
Many homes have patchwork plumbing from decades of additions, including galvanized pipe and undersized drains.
City plumbing guides in Maine
Plumbing emergency in Maine?
- Shut off the main water valve if water is leaking or a pipe has burst.
- Keep away from water near outlets, cords or the electrical panel.
- If sewage is backing up, stop using every drain in the house.
- If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Maine plumbing questions
How should I winterize a Maine camp's plumbing?
Shut off the water and pump, drain all supply lines and the water heater, blow out lines if possible, and add RV-type antifreeze to traps and toilets. Leaving any water in low spots risks splits.
Should I test my Maine well for arsenic?
Yes. Maine health officials recommend private well owners test for arsenic and other contaminants, because they can occur naturally in bedrock wells and cannot be detected by taste or smell.
How common are private wells in Maine?
Very common; roughly half of Maine households rely on private wells. Testing for arsenic, radon and bacteria is recommended because these occur naturally in parts of the state.
How do I keep pipes from freezing in a Maine camp or seasonal home?
Winterize by shutting off and draining the water system, blowing out lines if needed and adding RV antifreeze to traps. Heat tape and insulation help year-round homes.
Why does my Maine water heater fill with sediment?
Well water with minerals or iron leaves sediment in the tank. Annual flushing and appropriate filtration help.
Do Maine homes have frost-protected water lines?
Service lines should be buried below the frost line, which is deep in Maine. Shallow or exposed sections are prone to freezing.
What does radon in well water mean for my plumbing?
Radon is released into the air when water is used. Aeration systems can remove it at the point of entry.
Should I have a backup heat source to protect plumbing in Maine?
Power outages during storms can leave homes cold for days; backup heat or a plan to drain the system protects pipes.