Plumbing questions, answered
General
How much does a water heater cost in Houston?
A 40 or 50 gallon tank water heater usually runs $1,400 to $2,400 installed. Tankless units run $3,000 to $5,500. You get the price in writing before we start.
Do you charge to come out?
A repair visit has a trip fee that goes toward the repair. VIP members never pay it. Estimates for bigger jobs like a new water heater or sewer line are free.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
Yes. The City of Houston requires a permit and an inspection, and it must be pulled by a licensed master plumber. We handle both.
What does a sewer line repair cost?
Spot repairs often run $2,500 to $6,000. Replacing a whole line under the slab can run $8,000 to $15,000 or more. We show camera video and give written options first.
Are you licensed?
Yes. Our plumbers are licensed through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Apprentices always work under a licensed plumber.
Leak repair
How do I know if I have a slab leak?
Warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water and a high bill with no change in use are common signs. A plumber can confirm with a pressure test.
How can I check my meter for a leak?
Turn off every tap and appliance, then watch the leak indicator on the meter for a few minutes. If it moves, you have a leak.
Will insurance cover a leak?
Many policies cover sudden water damage but not the pipe itself. Call your insurer and take photos before repairs.
How fast can you stop a leak?
If water is flowing, shut the main valve first, then call us. We try to send a plumber the same day.
Drain cleaning
Can I use chemical drain cleaners?
We do not suggest them. They can damage old pipes and are unsafe for the plumber who opens the line next. A mechanical clearing works better.
How often should I clean my main line?
If you have older pipes or big trees, every 1 to 2 years can prevent backups. Newer homes can usually go longer.
What is hydro-jetting?
It uses high-pressure water to scrub the inside of a pipe. It is good for grease and scale, and less good for crushed pipe.
Why does my drain keep clogging?
A repeat clog often means roots, a broken section or a sagging pipe. A camera check shows the cause.
Water heaters
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Houston?
Yes. The City of Houston requires a plumbing permit and an inspection. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection.
How long does a swap take?
A standard tank swap takes about 2 to 4 hours. Tankless installs can take a full day.
Is tankless worth it?
It saves space and gives hot water on demand. The higher upfront cost takes years to pay back.
How long do water heaters last?
Tank units usually last 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can last 15 to 20 with yearly flushing.
Faucets, toilets and fixtures
Why does my toilet keep running?
The flapper is usually worn, or the fill valve is stuck. Both are cheap parts and a fast repair.
Should I replace or repair a leaking faucet?
If the faucet is under 8 years old and brand name, a new cartridge often fixes it. Older or cheap faucets are better to replace.
Can you replace a corroded shutoff valve?
Yes. We replace angle stops during most fixture visits, since a stuck valve makes later repairs harder.
Do you supply fixtures?
We can use yours or source one. We tell you the price before ordering.
Sewer line repair
How much does sewer line repair cost in Houston?
Public cost guides list about $60 to $250 per foot for trenchless or trench work, and more under a slab. Your exact price depends on your line, shown in writing after the camera.
Can the line be fixed without digging?
Often yes, if the pipe is still round. Epoxy lining works in many cases. A collapsed pipe needs replacement.
Who owns the sewer line?
You usually own the line from the house to the city connection, or to the property line. The city handles the main in the street.
What is a backwater valve?
It is a one-way valve that keeps sewage from flowing back into the house during storms or main line backups.
Water pressure and hot water
What is a normal water pressure?
Most homes run between 40 and 80 psi. Above 80 psi, fixtures and appliance hoses can wear out.
Why is my hot water pressure low but cold is fine?
The water heater may have sediment, or a hot line may be clogged. A plumber can test both.
What causes banging pipes?
Water hammer from fast-closing valves or loose pipes. An arrestor or a pressure fix often stops it.
Is low pressure a city issue?
Sometimes. We check your side first and tell you if it looks like a city main issue.
Cost
Why is plumbing so expensive in Houston?
Labor, licensed plumber time, permits and clay soil all add cost. Slab homes make leaks harder and more costly to reach.
Do plumbers charge a trip fee?
Many do. Ask first. Our VIP Plumbing Plan members get no trip fee.
Are your prices flat or hourly?
We quote a flat price in writing before work starts, so the price does not change when the job takes longer.
Are these your prices?
No. They are typical Houston ranges. Prices marked as ours come from our own price list.