Question 1

Why does my bathroom sink and tub drain get clogged so often?

Accepted Answer

Unlike kitchen clogs which are caused by grease, bathroom clogs are almost always a result of hair, soap scum, and toothpaste building up in the drain and P-trap. Over time, this creates a sticky, stubborn blockage. We recommend avoiding liquid chemical cleaners, as they are often ineffective on this type of clog and can harm your pipes. A professional drain snaking is the best way to thoroughly clear the line.

Question 2

The water pressure in my shower is terrible. What's the cause?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, low shower pressure is caused by a clogged showerhead. Here in Burnet County, our hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which build up over time and block the small holes in your showerhead. You can sometimes fix this by soaking the showerhead in vinegar, but if the buildup is severe or the problem persists, the issue might be a failing shower cartridge, which we can easily replace.

Question 3

What are the most common causes of drain clogs?

Accepted Answer

The cause of a clog really depends on where it is in your house. In the kitchen, the problem is usually FOG—that's fats, oils, and grease—that get poured down the sink and then harden into a stubborn blockage. In the bathroom, the main culprit is hair, which gets tangled up with soap scum and toothpaste to form a solid mass. For toilets, clogs are often from flushing too much toilet paper or things that shouldn't be flushed at all, like paper towels and "flushable" wipes.

Question 4

How can I prevent my drains from clogging in the first place?

Accepted Answer

Prevention is definitely the best strategy! You can avoid most clogs by adopting a few good habits. Most importantly, never pour grease or oil down the kitchen sink; let it cool and throw it in the trash instead. It's also a great idea to use drain strainers or mesh screens on all your sinks and tubs to catch hair and food particles before they go down.

Question 5

What types of commercial properties do you service?

Accepted Answer

We have extensive experience providing plumbing solutions for a wide range of industries and properties. Our clients include restaurants, bars, office buildings, corporate campuses, retail stores, shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, and schools, as well as apartment complexes and other managed properties.

Question 6

Do you offer preventative maintenance plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we highly recommend them for any business. Our customizable preventative maintenance plans are designed to identify and fix potential issues before they become costly emergencies that cause downtime. Regular service extends the lifespan of your equipment, ensures code compliance, and provides predictable budgeting for your plumbing needs.

Question 7

What should I do before the plumber arrives?

Accepted Answer

If you have a major leak, your first step is to shut off the main water valve to your house to prevent further water damage. It's typically located where the main water pipe enters your home, often in a basement, crawl space, or utility closet. For a leaking fixture like a toilet or sink, you can often turn off the water using the small valve located on the pipe directly behind or below it.

Question 8

What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?

Accepted Answer

A plumbing emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to your property or health. This includes burst pipes, major water leaks, sewer system backups, a completely clogged drain or toilet (especially if it's the only one), or a malfunctioning water heater leaving you with no hot water. If you're unsure, it's always better to call and ask.

Question 9

Why is my garbage disposal humming but not grinding?

Accepted Answer

A humming sound usually means the disposal's blades are jammed by something hard, like a bone, fruit pit, or silverware. For safety, you should never put your hand down the disposal. The jam needs to be professionally cleared. To prevent this, avoid putting hard, fibrous (celery, corn husks), or starchy (potato peels, rice) items down the unit.

Question 10

Why is the water pressure from my kitchen faucet suddenly so low?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause of low pressure in a single faucet is a clogged aerator—the small screen on the tip of the spout. Here in Burnet County, our hard water causes mineral scale to build up and clog these screens over time. You can try unscrewing the aerator and cleaning it, but if that doesn't solve the problem, the issue could be a more complex problem within the faucet's cartridge or supply lines.

Question 11

Why does my toilet keep running, and is it a big deal?

Accepted Answer

A constantly running toilet is usually caused by a worn-out flapper or a faulty fill valve inside the tank. While it may seem like a small annoyance, it's a significant issue that can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, leading to a surprisingly high water bill. Our plumbers can quickly diagnose and fix the internal components to stop the waste.

Question 12

My toilet is leaking from the base. How serious is this?

Accepted Answer

A leak at the base of your toilet is a very serious problem that needs immediate attention. It means the wax ring that seals the toilet to the drainpipe has failed. This allows wastewater to seep out, which can rot your subfloor, damage the foundation or ceiling below, and release unpleasant sewer gas into your home. Shut off the water to the toilet and call us right away.

Question 13

What exactly is "hard water" and why is it so common in Burnet County?

Accepted Answer

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Our region's water source, the Trinity Aquifer, flows through vast deposits of limestone, which is rich in these minerals. While safe to drink, this hardness causes the scale buildup that damages appliances and makes cleaning difficult.

Question 14

What is the best solution for fixing hard water problems?

Accepted Answer

The most effective solution is a whole-home water softener. A softener uses a process called ion exchange to physically remove the hardness minerals from your water. This protects your entire plumbing system, extends the life of water-using appliances, reduces soap and detergent usage, and leaves your skin, hair, and dishes feeling cleaner.

Question 15

Why is my water heater making a popping or rumbling noise?

Accepted Answer

That noise is most likely caused by sediment and mineral scale that has built up at the bottom of your tank. As the burner heats the water, steam bubbles form underneath the sediment, and the noise you hear is the sound of those bubbles escaping. This buildup reduces efficiency and can lead to tank damage over time. It's a clear sign your water heater needs to be professionally flushed and inspected.

Question 16

My water heater is leaking from the bottom. Is this an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A leak from the bottom of the tank itself is a serious issue, typically indicating that the inner tank has corroded through. This is not repairable and is a sign of imminent failure that could lead to significant water damage. You should shut off the water and power supply to the heater and call us for an emergency replacement immediately.

Question 17

How long does a replacement take and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

A typical line replacement using excavation usually takes several days to complete. The exact timeline and cost depend heavily on factors like the pipe's depth, the total length being replaced, and the type of surface we need to excavate through, such as a garden, concrete sidewalk, or driveway. We provide a detailed, upfront estimate after our on-site evaluation so you can make an informed decision with no hidden fees.

Question 18

What causes water and sewer lines to fail here in the Hill Country?

Accepted Answer

In our part of Texas, the primary cause is our aggressive soil. The clay content causes the ground to expand and shrink dramatically between wet and dry periods, putting immense stress on pipes and causing them to crack and shift. Additionally, the root systems of mature trees, especially Live Oaks, are incredibly powerful and will actively break into pipes seeking water.

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Our Plumbing Services

Bathroom Plumbing

Clogged Pipes and Drain Cleaning

Commercial Services

Emergency Services

Kitchen Plumbing

Toilets

Water Filtration

Water Heaters

Water Softeners

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Why Homeowners Trust Us for Plumbing

Common Plumbing Questions

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