Frequently Asked Questions

How long do water heaters last in Houston?

A standard tank water heater typically lasts 8–12 years, while tankless units can run 20 years with maintenance. Houston's hard water can shorten that lifespan by accelerating sediment buildup, so annual flushing helps.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

If your unit is under 8 years old and the issue is a single component, repair usually makes sense. If it's older, leaking from the tank, or failing repeatedly, replacement is the smarter long-term value. We'll give you an honest recommendation, not an upsell.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?

We don't recommend them. Store-bought chemical cleaners can corrode older Houston pipes, rarely clear the full clog, and can make professional repairs more hazardous. Mechanical clearing and hydro jetting are safer and far more effective.

How do I know if I have a main line clog?

If multiple drains back up at once, you hear gurgling from toilets, or water comes up in a tub when you run the washing machine, the clog is likely in your main sewer line — not a single fixture. That needs a professional with a camera and proper equipment.

How do you find a slab leak without breaking the floor?

We use non-invasive electronic leak detection — acoustic listening equipment, pressure testing, and line tracing — to locate the leak precisely before opening anything. Accurate detection means a smaller, cheaper repair.

Why are slab leaks so common in Houston?

Houston's expansive clay soil swells and shrinks with our wet-and-dry seasons, shifting foundations and stressing the pipes beneath the slab. Combined with slab-on-grade construction and aging copper, that makes slab leaks far more common here.

What causes sewer line problems in Houston?

The most common causes here are tree-root intrusion, aging cast iron and clay pipe, and ground shifting from our expansive clay soil. A camera inspection tells us exactly which one you're dealing with.

Do you have to dig up my whole yard?

Not always. Where the pipe condition allows, trenchless methods can repair or replace lines with minimal digging. After a camera inspection we'll tell you honestly whether trenchless is an option for your situation.

How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

Common signs are a rising water bill with no change in usage, the sound of running water when everything is off, warm spots on the floor, low pressure, or unexplained damp and musty areas. A water-meter test can confirm it.

Can a small leak really cost that much?

Yes. A hidden leak runs 24/7, wasting water and quietly damaging drywall, flooring, and even your foundation. Finding and fixing it early is almost always far cheaper than the water bills and repairs that come from letting it run.

How do I know if my home needs repiping?

Recurring leaks, discolored or rusty water, low pressure throughout the house, and visibly corroded pipes are the big signs. Homes with original galvanized or aging copper plumbing are the most common candidates.

Is repiping disruptive?

Less than most people expect. We plan the routing carefully — often through walls and the attic — to minimize wall openings, work in sections to keep your water on where possible, and clean up thoroughly. We'll walk you through the timeline before we start.

What should I do first in a plumbing emergency?

Shut off the water. For a single fixture, use its local shutoff valve; for a burst pipe or major leak, close your home's main shutoff. Then call us. Stopping the flow first limits the damage while we're on the way.

What counts as a plumbing emergency?

Burst or leaking pipes, no water, sewage backing up into the home, an overflowing water heater, or any leak actively damaging your property. If water is where it shouldn't be and you can't stop it, treat it as an emergency and call.

How often should a water heater be flushed in Houston?

Once a year. Houston's water is hard, so calcium and sediment settle in the tank faster than in most cities. An annual flush keeps the burner or elements efficient and prevents the rumbling and early tank failure that sediment causes. Tankless units should be descaled on the same yearly schedule.

What's included in a maintenance visit?

We drain and flush the tank, inspect the anode rod and replace it if it's spent, test the temperature-and-pressure relief valve, check the thermostat setting, look for leaks or corrosion at the fittings and venting, and for tankless units run a descaling cycle and clean the inlet filter. You get a plain-language report on the unit's condition.

Is maintenance worth it on an older heater?

Usually, yes — until the tank itself is leaking. A flush and a fresh anode rod can add years to a 6–10-year-old tank. If we find the tank is corroding or near the end of its life, we'll tell you honestly so you can plan a replacement instead of paying for a service that won't help.

Why does my toilet keep running?

Most running toilets come down to a worn flapper that no longer seals, a fill valve that won't shut off, or a float set too high. All three are quick repairs. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day, so it's worth fixing promptly — it often shows up first as a higher water bill.

Should I repair my toilet or replace it?

If the toilet is structurally sound and the issue is a flapper, fill valve, flush valve, or supply line, repair is the right call. If the bowl or tank is cracked, it clogs constantly because of an old low-performance design, or it's a pre-1994 high-water-use model, replacing it with a modern high-efficiency toilet usually pays for itself in water savings.

What causes water around the base of the toilet?

Usually a failed wax ring or a toilet that has come loose from the flange, letting water seep out at every flush. Left alone it can rot the subfloor. We reset the toilet with a new seal and check the flange and bolts so it stays put.

Is a dripping faucet worth fixing?

Yes. A faucet dripping once per second wastes roughly 3,000 gallons a year, and the worn cartridge or seal that causes it only gets worse. Most drips are a fast cartridge, washer, or O-ring repair. If the faucet body itself is corroded or the finish is failing, we'll let you know replacement is the better value.

Why is the water pressure low at just one faucet?

When only one fixture is weak, the problem is local — a clogged aerator, a partially closed or failing shutoff valve, a blocked cartridge, or a kinked supply line. If pressure is low everywhere, that points to the main supply, pressure regulator, or a hidden leak instead, and we'll check that too.

Can you install a faucet I bought myself?

Absolutely. Bring the fixture you like and we'll install it, replace the supply lines and shutoff valves if they're worn, and make sure everything is sealed and code-compliant. We can also recommend and supply fixtures if you'd rather leave the shopping to us.

My disposal hums but doesn't grind — what's wrong?

The flywheel is jammed, usually by a bone, fruit pit, utensil, or fibrous scraps. Turn it off, never put your hand inside, and call us. We clear the jam safely and check the motor. If the unit trips its reset repeatedly afterward, the motor is failing and replacement is the better choice.

Is it worth repairing a garbage disposal?

Simple fixes — a jam, a tripped reset, a loose drain connection, or a worn sink-flange seal — are worth repairing. If the motor is burned out or the housing is leaking from the bottom, the unit is done; disposals aren't rebuilt economically, and a new one typically installs in under an hour.

What should never go down a disposal?

Grease and oil, fibrous vegetables like celery and corn husks, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta and rice that swell, bones, and fruit pits. These are the most common causes of the jams and clogged kitchen drains we see across Houston.

What types of commercial properties do you serve?

Restaurants and commercial kitchens, retail stores, offices, medical and dental suites, apartment and multi-family communities, churches, and light industrial buildings across the Houston area. We also work with general contractors and property managers on new construction and tenant build-outs.

Can you work around our business hours?

Yes. We schedule disruptive work — drain jetting, water heater swaps, sewer repairs — before opening, after close, or overnight when needed, and we're available 24/7 for emergencies that can't wait.

Do you handle new-construction plumbing?

Yes. Hugo Plumbing does ground rough-in, top-out, and finish plumbing for new commercial construction and remodels, working from your plans and coordinating with the GC and inspectors. See our article on new-construction plumbing in Houston for how the process works.

How much does a sewer camera inspection cost in Houston?

A standard camera inspection with Hugo Plumbing is generally $295 to $350 depending on access — mainly whether there's a usable cleanout or the camera has to go in through a roof vent or pulled toilet. We confirm the exact price on site before running the camera, and the visit itself is free.

Should I get a sewer camera inspection before buying a house in Houston?

Yes, especially for homes built before the mid-1970s, which often have cast iron under the slab that is now at or past its service life. Houston's clay soil also shifts sewer lines out of alignment. A camera inspection costs a few hundred dollars and can reveal a repair that costs thousands — a standard home inspection does not look inside the sewer line.

What can a sewer camera actually find?

Tree-root intrusion, cracked or collapsed pipe, offset joints where the soil has shifted, bellies (low spots that hold water and debris), grease and scale buildup, foreign objects, and the exact location and depth of the problem using a locator on the camera head. You see the footage with the technician and get a plain-language explanation.

Is a camera inspection worth it if the drain was just cleared?

If a line clogs once, no. If it clogs repeatedly, gurgles, or backs up when the washer drains, yes — snaking removes the blockage but not the reason it formed. The camera tells you whether you're dealing with roots you can maintain, a belly you can live with, or a break that needs repair, so you stop paying to clear the same clog.

How often does a backflow preventer need to be tested in Houston?

Most backflow prevention assemblies in the Houston area must be tested once a year by a licensed tester, with the results reported to the water purveyor. Properties with irrigation systems, fire sprinkler lines, commercial kitchens, medical or dental offices, and multi-family buildings are the most common ones on an annual schedule. If you've received a notice, that's your due date.

What happens if my backflow assembly fails the test?

Failed assemblies usually need new check valves, seats, springs, or relief-valve parts. We carry repair kits for the common Watts, Febco, Wilkins, and Ames models and can often repair and retest the same visit. If an assembly is obsolete or badly corroded, replacement is quoted as an option.

Do homeowners need backflow testing?

Usually only if the home has a lawn irrigation system, a fire sprinkler line, a pool auto-fill, or a well or auxiliary water source connected to the plumbing. Those homes typically have a double-check or RPZ assembly at the meter that falls under the same annual testing rules as commercial properties.

How much does a tankless water heater cost to install in Houston?

It depends heavily on whether it's a straight tankless-for-tankless replacement or a conversion from a tank. Conversions often need a larger gas line, new stainless or PVC venting, a dedicated electrical circuit, and a condensate drain, and each of those changes the price. Rather than guess, the technician looks at your setup and gives you exact pricing on every option — the visit is free, and our $200 high-efficiency water heater coupon applies.

Is a tankless water heater worth it in Houston?

For many Houston homes, yes. Incoming water here is warm most of the year, so a tankless unit doesn't have to work as hard to reach temperature, which helps both output and efficiency. The trade-off is Houston's hard water: tankless heat exchangers need descaling roughly once a year to stay efficient, so plan on maintenance. If you have a big family, a soaking tub, or a tank in the attic, tankless usually makes sense; if you have a small household and a low-cost tank in the garage, a high-efficiency tank may be the better value.

How long does a tankless water heater last?

Twenty years or more with annual descaling and a properly sized gas supply — roughly double the lifespan of a tank water heater. Skipping maintenance in Houston's hard water is the main reason units fail early.

Can you convert my tank water heater to tankless?

Yes. Conversions are most of the tankless work we do. We size the unit to your fixture count and flow rate, run the gas and venting to current code, add the condensate drain and electrical if needed, and remove the old tank.

What does a plumbing inspection include?

We check the water heater (age, venting, pan, T&P valve, signs of tank failure), visible supply lines and pipe material, shutoff valves, water pressure, every fixture and drain for leaks and flow, the washer and ice-maker connections, exposed drain and vent piping, the cleanout, and evidence of past leaks or slab movement. We walk you through what we find in plain language and note what needs attention now versus what to budget for. A sewer camera inspection can be added to see inside the main line.

How much does a plumbing inspection cost in Houston?

The visit and verbal walkthrough are free. You pay only if you want a written report for your records or negotiation, add a sewer camera inspection (generally $295 to $350), or have us do repairs — and any repair is quoted in writing before it starts.

Isn't the general home inspection enough?

A general inspector runs the faucets and looks at the water heater, but is not a licensed plumber and does not scope the sewer line or open anything up. For a home that is more than 25 years old, has mature trees over the sewer line, or shows any sign of a prior leak, a plumber's inspection plus a camera scope is the difference between a known repair you can negotiate and an unknown one you inherit.

What are the phases of new construction plumbing?

Three: ground (underground drain and supply lines set before the slab is poured), rough-in (supply, drain, and vent piping inside the framed walls before drywall), and trim-out (setting fixtures, water heater, and final connections once finishes are in). Each phase is inspected before the next can proceed. We price and bill by phase so builders and homeowners always know where the job stands.

Do you work directly with homeowners on remodels, or only with contractors?

Both. Many Houston homeowners hire us directly for a bathroom or kitchen remodel, and we also work as the plumbing sub for general contractors, builders, and designers. Either way the scope and price are written out before work starts, and the visit to look at the project is free.

Can you move plumbing in a slab-foundation home?

Yes. Most of Houston is slab-on-grade, so relocating a drain for an island sink or a new shower means cutting and re-pouring a section of slab or tunneling beneath it. It's routine for our crew. We'll tell you up front what the relocation involves and price it so you can decide whether the new layout is worth it.

What should I do if I smell gas in my house?

Leave the house immediately, and do not flip light switches, use the phone inside, or start a car in an attached garage. From outside, call your gas utility's emergency line or 911. Once the utility has shut off the gas and made the area safe, call a licensed plumber to find and repair the leak, pressure-test the system, and get it inspected so service can be restored.

How do I get my gas turned back on after a leak?

In Houston the utility will not restore service until a licensed plumber has repaired the leak, pressure-tested the entire system to confirm it holds, and the city has inspected and approved the work. Hugo Plumbing handles all three steps — repair, test, permit and inspection — and coordinates the reconnection so you're not without gas any longer than necessary.

Can a plumber run a gas line for a generator or outdoor kitchen?

Yes. In Texas, gas piping is plumbing work and must be done by a licensed plumber. We size the line for the appliance's BTU demand and the distance from the meter, run black iron or CSST as appropriate, install the shutoff and sediment trap, pressure-test, and pull the permit. For generators we coordinate with your electrician and the utility on meter capacity.

How much does it cost to run a gas line in Houston?

It depends on the distance from the meter or nearest tee, the pipe size the appliance needs, whether the run is through an attic, under a slab, or across a yard, and whether the meter has enough capacity. We quote it in writing after a free on-site look, and the permit and pressure test are included in the price.

What is the difference between hydro jetting and snaking a drain?

A cable machine (snake) bores a hole through a clog so water can pass, but leaves most of the grease, scale, and root mass on the pipe wall, which is why the same line often clogs again in months. Hydro jetting uses water at several thousand PSI through a specialized nozzle to scour the full inside diameter of the pipe and flush the debris out, restoring the line to nearly its original capacity. Snaking is the right call for a simple one-time clog; jetting is for lines that keep coming back or are packed with grease or scale.

Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?

Yes when it is done correctly. We camera the line first to confirm the pipe is intact and choose the pressure and nozzle for the material and condition. Jetting will not damage sound cast iron, PVC, or clay. What it can do is reveal a crack or collapse that was already there and had been hidden by the blockage, which is exactly what you want to know before spending more money on cleaning.

How much does hydro jetting cost in Houston?

It depends on which line, its length and access, and how heavily it is fouled. A residential main line is a different job from a commercial kitchen line packed with years of grease. We quote it on site after a free look, and pair it with a camera inspection so you can see the result and confirm the pipe is in good shape.

How often should a restaurant have its drain lines jetted?

Most restaurants and commercial kitchens in Houston benefit from jetting every 3 to 12 months depending on volume and how well the grease trap is maintained. A schedule is far cheaper than an emergency backup during dinner service, and we can set one up alongside grease trap service.

What is trenchless sewer repair?

Trenchless repair replaces or rehabilitates a sewer line without digging a trench along its full length. Pipe bursting pulls a new HDPE pipe through the old line while a bursting head breaks the old pipe outward, using one pit at each end. Pipe lining (cured-in-place pipe) inserts a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe and cures it into a new, jointless pipe inside the old one. Both are done through small access points instead of an open trench across the yard, driveway, or foundation.

Is trenchless sewer repair cheaper than digging?

The trenchless work itself often costs about the same or somewhat more per foot than a traditional dig, but the total is frequently lower once you count what you don't have to replace afterward — driveway, patio, landscaping, fences, or slab and flooring. Where the line runs under open lawn, a traditional dig may still be the better value. We camera the line and quote both approaches in writing so you can compare.

Can every sewer line be fixed trenchless?

Most, but not all. A fully collapsed section, a severe belly (sag) in the line, or a pipe with significant offsets may need a spot excavation before lining or bursting can proceed. Under-slab lines in Houston homes are often candidates for lining or for tunneling, which keeps the work out of your living space. The camera inspection determines what your line qualifies for.

How long does a trenchless sewer replacement take?

Most residential trenchless jobs are completed in one to two days, compared with several days plus restoration for a full excavation. Water and drains are typically usable again the same day the work is finished.

Is Houston water hard enough to need a softener?

Houston's water is moderately hard — commonly 7 to 10 grains per gallon in much of the city, and harder in some suburbs on well or blended supplies. That is enough to scale up a tankless heat exchanger within a year or two, shorten a tank water heater's life, and leave spots on every fixture. Whether a softener is worth it depends on your household; we test your water on site and tell you straight.

What is the difference between a water softener and a whole-home filter?

A softener removes calcium and magnesium — the minerals that cause scale — by exchanging them for sodium or potassium on a resin bed. A whole-home carbon filter removes chlorine, chloramine, taste, and odor but does not remove hardness. Reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink removes nearly everything from drinking water but is too slow for the whole house. Many Houston homes end up with a softener plus a carbon filter, and RO at the sink for drinking and cooking.

Do salt-free water softeners work?

Salt-free conditioners do not remove hardness; they change the mineral crystals so they cling to surfaces less. They can reduce visible scale and need no salt or drain, but they will not give you soft water, will not fully protect a tankless heat exchanger, and do not fix soap and skin issues. If you want soft water, you need an ion-exchange softener. We install both and will tell you which fits your goals.

How much does it cost to install a water softener in Houston?

It depends on the unit's capacity, whether your home already has a softener loop or one has to be added, where the drain and power are, and whether you add carbon filtration or reverse osmosis at the same time. We quote it in writing after a free on-site look, and financing options are available.