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Guides

Plumbing answers, without the sales pitch

Written by Jose Garcia, a Responsible Master Plumber licensed by the state of Texas (RMP #44229). These are the questions we actually get asked, answered the way we would answer them on the phone, including the times the honest answer is that you do not need to call anyone.

29 guides

Diagnosis

What a Bellied Sewer Line Is and How to Fix It

A bellied sewer line is a low spot that stops waste from flowing, caused by soil movement and poor installation.

Safety

Can a Water Heater Actually Explode

A water heater can explode, but it is rare and usually caused by a failed safety valve and overheating.

Diagnosis

Cast Iron Drain Lines in Older Houston Homes

Old cast iron pipes in Houston homes can rust from the inside, causing backups and foul smells.

Regulations

Do I Need a Permit for Plumbing Work in Houston?

Water heaters, gas lines and major changes in Houston often need a permit. Here is how to tell.

Diagnosis

Why Your Drain Keeps Clogging

Repeated clogs usually mean a broken pipe, grease buildup, or roots.

Gas

Gas Line Safety: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Detecting gas leaks early prevents explosions that could harm your family or property.

Gas

Installing a Gas Line for a Home Generator

You need a licensed plumber in Texas to install generator gas lines for safety and code compliance.

Gas

Sizing a Gas Line for a Standby Generator

Properly size a generator gas line to meet BTU demand, distance, pressure loss, and code requirements.

Water Quality

Houston Hard Water: What It Does and What To Do

Hard water leaves mineral deposits on fixtures and ruins water heaters. Learn how to know if your water needs treatment.

Regulations

How To Check a Texas Plumber License Before You Hire

Verify plumbers have a valid Texas license to ensure safety and legal compliance before hiring.

How-To

How to Clean a P Trap Under a Sink

Learn how to safely remove, clean, and reinstall a sink P trap without damaging the plumbing.

Diagnosis

Low Water Pressure: Causes and Fixes

Fix low water pressure by checking if the issue is one fixture or whole house. Look for clogged aerators and failed pressure regulators.

Gas

Running a Gas Line for an Outdoor Kitchen or Grill

Connecting a gas line requires a licensed plumber to ensure safety and code compliance.

How-To

Questions To Ask Before You Hire a Plumber

Know how to avoid scams and hire a reliable plumbing contractor.

How-To

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Actually Shows

See what is blocking your drains before digging

Diagnosis

Why Your House Smells Like Sewer

Sewer smells often stem from a dry P-trap, bad wax ring, vent issues, cracked pipe, or empty floor drain.

Diagnosis

Signs of a Slab Leak in a Houston Home

Unexplained high bills or warm floors might mean your Houston home has a slab leak.

Comparison

Tankless vs Tank Water Heaters in Texas Homes

Compare costs and efficiency. See the pros and cons of tankless vs tank heaters for your Texas home.

Seasonal

Protecting Your Pipes in a Texas Freeze

Learn how to prevent burst pipes in Kingwood and Northeast Houston with these steps.

Diagnosis

Do You Need an Expansion Tank on a Water Heater

A water heater in a closed system often needs an expansion tank to handle thermal expansion and protect fixtures.

Cost

Water Heater Repair or Replace: How to Decide

A guide to evaluating water heater issues to determine if repair or replacement is your best financial decision.

Comparison

Water Softener vs Whole-Home Filtration: What Is the Difference

Knowing the difference helps you pick the right system for hard water or bad taste.

How-To

What Is a Plumbing Manifold

A plumbing manifold is a central hub that delivers water to each fixture through its own dedicated line.

How-To

What Is a Plumbing Stoppage

Learn the difference between a branch stoppage and a main line stoppage, how to identify each, and why recurring issues signal a pipe problem.

How-To

What Is a Sewer Clean Out and Why It Matters

A sewer clean out is an access point that lets plumbers inspect and clear the main line without removing fixtures.

Emergency

What To Do When a Pipe Bursts

Act fast to stop water damage and protect your home foundation when a pipe bursts.

Comparison

Whole-Home Repipe: PEX vs Copper, and What It Costs

Decide between PEX and copper for your Texas home repipe project.

Diagnosis

Why Is My Water Bill So High

A sudden spike in your water bill usually points to a hidden leak.

Diagnosis

Galvanized Pipe: Why It Rusts and When to Repipe

Galvanized pipe rusts from inside out, causing pressure loss and rusty water; replace it with a PEX‑A repipe when leaks become frequent or the pipe is over 50 years old.

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