Have you ever had a pipe bust? With colder temperatures on the way it is possible for your pipes to break if the temperature is below freezing for several days.

Being prepared for such an occasion is key. One of the most important things to know about the plumbing in the house is the location of the main shutoff valve. We’ll come out to fix the pipe, but before we arrive you’ll want to stop the water from continuing to run.

In the event that a pipe breaks or the water heater bursts, turn off the main shutoff valve fast. It is possible you have “local” shutoff valves. Locate them, too. There should be one under each sink, on toilet tanks, and on the washing machine.

If you want to learn more about how to stop a water leak, contact our Dallas Plumbing experts! Check back for more tips from Total Plumbing. We serve the Mesquite, Garland, Plano, Dallas, and surrounding DFW areas.

Plumbing Tips & Tricks for Dallas, Garland & Plano Homeowners

Your home’s plumbing works behind the scenes every day, and it’s easy to forget about it until something goes wrong. A dripping faucet, slow drain, unusually high water bill, or water heater problem may seem minor at first, but small plumbing issues can sometimes turn into expensive repairs when they’re ignored.

For homeowners in Dallas, Garland, and Plano, TX, taking a few preventive steps can help keep your plumbing working properly and make it easier to recognize when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. has been serving homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex since 1996. Here are some of our practical plumbing tips and tricks for protecting your home.

1. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is Located

One of the most important things every homeowner should know is how to shut off the water to their house.

If a supply line breaks, a water heater begins leaking, or another major plumbing leak occurs, shutting off the water quickly can significantly reduce the amount of damage.

Locate your main water shutoff before you need it. Make sure the valve is accessible and that other adults in your household know where it is.

Don’t wait until water is spreading across your floor to start searching for the shutoff.

2. Learn How to Check Your Water Meter for Leaks

Not every plumbing leak is visible.

If you suspect a hidden water leak, your water meter can provide an important clue.

Turn off faucets, toilets, appliances, irrigation systems, and anything else using water. Then check your meter.

If it continues indicating water usage when everything is turned off, there could be a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.

An unexplained increase in your monthly water bill can be another warning sign.

If you suspect a leak but can’t determine where it’s coming from, professional water leak detection can help locate the problem.

3. Pay Attention to Slab Leak Warning Signs

Homes throughout Dallas, Garland, Plano, and the surrounding North Texas area can experience slab leaks.

A slab leak occurs when plumbing beneath a home’s concrete foundation begins leaking. Because the pipe is hidden, the symptoms aren’t always obvious.

Watch for:

• Unexplained increases in water usage

• Warm areas on the floor

• Damp flooring or carpet

• Reduced water pressure

• Running-water sounds when fixtures are off

• Musty odors

• Water appearing around the foundation

North Texas’ expansive clay soil and changing moisture conditions can also place stress on underground plumbing.

If you think something is wrong, addressing it early can help prevent a small leak from becoming a larger problem.

4. Don’t Treat Your Garbage Disposal Like a Trash Can

Garbage disposals are convenient, but they aren’t designed to handle everything left on your plate.

Avoid putting grease, cooking oil, bones, coffee grounds, large quantities of food, fibrous vegetables, and other difficult materials down the disposal.

Grease is particularly problematic. It may enter the drain as a liquid but can cool and accumulate farther inside your plumbing.

Run water while using the disposal and continue running it briefly afterward to help move food particles through the drain.

5. Take Slow Drains Seriously

A slow drain is often an early warning sign of a developing blockage.

Hair, soap residue, grease, food particles, and other debris can gradually build up inside drain lines and restrict water flow.

If one fixture drains slowly, the problem may be relatively localized. If multiple drains are slow or backing up at the same time, you could have an issue with the main sewer line.

Other warning signs include:

• Gurgling toilets

• Recurring clogs

• Sewer odors

• Water backing up into a shower or tub

Professional drain cleaning can remove stubborn blockages and help determine whether a larger sewer issue is present.

6. Skip the Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners

When a sink stops draining, reaching for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner can be tempting.

However, chemical products aren’t always the best solution. They may fail to completely remove the obstruction, and repeated use of certain products can be hard on plumbing materials.

If plunging doesn’t solve the problem or the clog keeps returning, it’s better to determine what’s causing it.

Professional drain equipment can physically clear the obstruction, while a sewer camera may be used when there’s reason to suspect a deeper problem.

7. Keep an Eye on Your Water Heater

Don’t wait until you’re completely out of hot water to pay attention to your water heater.

Signs your water heater may need service include:

• Hot water running out faster than usual

• Inconsistent temperatures

• Unusual noises

• Rust-colored or discolored hot water

• Water around the bottom of the tank

• Difficulty producing enough hot water

Whether you have a traditional tank or tankless system, addressing performance problems early may help you avoid an unexpected loss of hot water.

A licensed plumber can determine whether water heater repair or replacement makes the most sense based on the condition and age of your equipment.

8. Never Ignore a Running Toilet

A toilet that occasionally turns itself on or continues running after flushing can waste a significant amount of water over time.

Often, the problem involves components inside the tank, such as the flapper, fill valve, or flush mechanism.

Even if the toilet appears to work normally, listen for intermittent refilling when no one has used it.

A running toilet could also explain an unexpected increase in your water bill.

9. Protect Your Plumbing From North Texas Weather

Dallas, Garland, and Plano homeowners experience everything from triple-digit summer temperatures to occasional hard freezes.

During the summer, prolonged dry conditions can affect North Texas soil and place additional stress on underground plumbing.

During winter, exposed water lines can be vulnerable to freezing.

Before freezing weather arrives:

• Disconnect outdoor hoses

• Protect exposed piping

• Repair leaking exterior faucets

• Know how to shut off your water

• Address existing plumbing problems before temperatures drop

A little preparation can make a major difference when North Texas weather changes quickly.

10. Know When It’s Time to Call a Plumber

DIY maintenance can help prevent some plumbing problems, but there are situations where professional diagnosis is the better choice.

Call a licensed plumber if you’re experiencing recurring drain backups, suspected slab leaks, gas odors, unexplained water usage, sewer problems, major water heater issues, or plumbing problems you can’t confidently diagnose.

Fixing the symptom without determining the underlying cause can allow the problem to return.

Need a Plumber in Dallas, Garland or Plano?

Taking care of your plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated. Paying attention to changes in water pressure, drainage, water usage, and equipment performance can help you identify problems before they become emergencies.

When you need professional help, Total Plumbing Service Inc. provides plumbing services for homeowners throughout Dallas, Garland, Plano, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Our licensed plumbers provide leak detection and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line services, water heater repair and replacement, gas line services, fixture repairs, and general residential plumbing services.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. has served North Texas since 1996, and we’re committed to properly diagnosing plumbing problems, clearly explaining your options, and providing professional solutions for your home.

Contact Total Plumbing Service Inc. today to schedule plumbing service in Dallas, Garland, Plano, or the surrounding DFW area.