Frequently Asked Questions

General Plumbing Questions

How do I know if I have a slow leak?

Watch for a few signs: your water bill creeping up for no reason, damp spots on walls or ceilings, a musty smell, or your water meter still moving when everything’s off. If you notice any of these, it’s worth getting it checked before it turns into a bigger repair.

Why is my water pressure low?

A few common causes: a partially closed shut-off valve, a clogged aerator on the faucet, mineral buildup in older pipes, or an issue with the pressure regulator. We can take a look and give you an honest read on what’s going on and what it’ll take to fix.

Why does my water heater make noise or run out of hot water fast?

Noise is often sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank — common as units age. Running out of hot water faster than it used to can mean sediment buildup, a failing heating element, or the unit reaching the end of its life. We’ll walk you through what we find and your options — repair, flush, or replace.

What should I do if a pipe bursts or I have a major leak?

Shut off your main water valve first — that’s the priority. It’s usually near where the water line enters your home (basement, crawlspace, or utility closet). Then give us a call.

How often should drains and sewer lines be inspected or cleaned?

For most homes, a sewer line camera inspection every couple of years is a good baseline — more often for older homes with cast iron or clay pipes, or if you’ve had backups before. Regular drain maintenance helps catch small issues before they become backups.

What’s the difference between a clog I can fix myself and one that needs a plumber?

A single slow drain is often something you can try a plunger or drain snake on. If multiple drains are slow at once, water backs up elsewhere when you run something, or a plunger doesn’t help after a try or two — that’s usually a sign of something further down the line that needs a professional look.

Why is my toilet running constantly?

Usually it’s a worn flapper, a fill valve that needs adjusting, or the flush valve not seating right. These are common, inexpensive fixes — but worth addressing since a running toilet can add up on your water bill.

About Verrico & Palmer

Do you offer emergency or 24-hour service?

Yes, we do offer emergency services. If you have a major leak or burst pipe, shut off your main water valve first, then give us a call.

What areas do you service?

We primarily serve Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield, Cranford, Clark, Chatham, New Providence, Morristown, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Warren, Watchung, and the surrounding Central/North-Central NJ area.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes — we’re licensed, bonded, and insured (NJ Plumbing License #10925 and #13497).

How long has the company been in business?

Verrico & Palmer has been serving the area for about 15 years, with a strong base of repeat customers and referrals.

How do you price jobs?

Call for a free estimate on whatever we can help you with!

How quickly can you typically schedule a visit?

We typically can get out within the next few business days from the day you call.