FAQ

We know that your plumbing system is a very important part of your property, and you take it very seriously. We do too! That’s why we’ve compiled this list of plumbing frequently asked questions to help you understand some of the issues that may be facing your system.

How Soon Can I Expect A Service Squad Professional At My Property?

We’re local to the Fort Worth surrounding area including Burleson, Arlington, Aledo, Mansfield, Saginaw, Hurst, Southlake, Colleyville and Weatherford, so we can always serve our customers promptly.

When you make an appointment, we’ll work within your schedule and we’re committed to arriving on time and prepared. With the decades of combined experience represented by our licensed team, Service Squad Plumbing has a great reputation for quality service done in a timely manner.

How Can I Prevent Frozen Pipes?

In Texas, frozen pipes are more of a rarity than in more northern climates, but the threat of freezing still remains during extreme winter months. To avoid the hassle of not having water access as well as the damage of a potential burst pipe, be sure to drain lines and turn off water supplies of any exterior plumbing lines. Keep your interior faucets dripping slowly to keep the water inside the pipes moving and prevent freezing.

There’s A Banging Within The Walls Whenever My Water Is Turned On. How Can I Stop It?

There could be multiple explanations for banging within the walls. Pipes that aren’t properly secured could be one culprit. Debris in the line may also be to blame. The contraction and expansion of pipes could explain the banging, and so could a “water hammer” effect which is caused by high pressure.

Our professionals are trained to deal with all these types of banging problems, so the best course of action is to call us over for a thorough plumbing inspection.

I Hear A Banging Or Whistling Whenever My Toilet Is Flushed. What’s The Problem?

Sounds resulting from toilet flushing are usually caused by a toilet fill valve that isn’t functioning properly. Over time the interior parts of a toilet can deteriorate, and the result is either a strange vibration or a slow leak. Fill valve replacement is a fairly straightforward fix, and our plumbers are glad to assist in the project.

What Should I Do If My Faucet Continues To Drip When Turned Off?

A drippy faucet can be annoying and can also mean higher utility bills if not dealt with. Sometimes a faucet can be fixed with a simple part replacement, such as a gasket, seal or O-ring. Other times the faucet will need to be replaced entirely. In either case, our team will be glad to help!

There’s A Noticeable Warm/Cold Spot On My Floor. Is This A Problem?

Warm or cold spots on a floor can be a symptom of a larger problem, usually a leak within the foundation slab. Smaller fractures can be detected through an irregularity in heat patterns, while more substantial breaks may even be accompanied by a seeping of water up through the flooring material.

Catching a cold or warm spot before it becomes a larger problem is great because that makes it a more manageable situation. Our team can come out with specialized equipment to determine the extent of the situation and formulate a solution.

My Water And Energy Bills Are Out Of Control. Can Anything Be Done?

Yes! First, if you’re experiencing a higher-than-normal water bill, that could be an indication of a water leak somewhere on the property. Water leaks in the slab, on exterior fittings and in underground pipes sometimes go unseen for long periods, so keeping a close watch on the water bill is always a good idea. Our experts can help to determine sources of water loss throughout your property and get that bill back in order.

Secondly, if your energy bills are rising, you may want to consider a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are more efficient because they heat the water immediately upon demand instead of storing and constantly heating the water in a tank. They require less space and run a lower risk of major leakage as well. Our team is happy to talk with you about how tankless water heaters can help lower those high energy bills.

Why Shouldn’t I Use DIY Drain Cleaning Solutions To Solve My Plumbing Clog Issues?

There are many drain cleaning solutions available at local home improvement stores. For the occasional emergency situation, those types of chemicals can get the job done.

However, those all-in-one formulas are harsh and can cause damage to plumbing systems and the environment in the long run. As an alternative, we recommend hydro jet cleaning, which uses highly pressurized water to clear out clogs and completely clean the interior of the pipes.

How Often Should My Drains Be Cleaned?

We recommend regular drain cleaning for all of our residential and commercial customers. Scheduled cleaning helps to avoid buildup that can occur from grease, soaps and organic matter and increases the life of the plumbing system as a whole.

Our hydrojet system is safe for regular use because it employs the use of pressurized water instead of harsh chemicals. At your first drain cleaning appointment, our technicians will be able to put together a maintenance schedule that fits your home’s needs.

Can I Put Cooking Grease Down My Kitchen Drain?

It is better to avoid introducing any type of grease into your plumbing system. Grease can stick to the sides of pipes and cause buildup that could eventually lead to clogs and deterioration.

Instead, it’s best to pour cooking grease into some sort of disposable container and throw it away. If you fear that cooking grease may be causing problems in your piping, give us a call for a hydrojet cleaning appointment to clear away any accumulation.

There’s An Unpleasant Odor Coming From My Drains. How Can I Get Rid Of It?

A foul odor usually indicates a problem within the sewer or wastewater line. Backups and blockages inhibit flow throughout the line and gases are forced to escape up through the drains.

A sewer camera inspection can help find the issue at its source so that it can be dealt with and proper flow can be restored. If you’re experiencing unpleasant odors, it’s best to schedule an appointment soon before wastewater itself begins to back up into the drains.

My Toilet/Sink Makes A Bubbling Sound When I Use It. Is That Normal?

No. A bubbling sound from a toilet or sink is a tell-tale sign of deeper problems further down the sewer line. Improper water flow through the sewer will cause bubbling, similar to the effect of a soda bottle being poured out quickly. Instead, sewers should flow without the need to release pockets of air. If you hear bubbling, give us a call and we’ll take care of the issue before it causes an emergency.

The Cabinet Under My Sink Is Damp. What’s Causing This Problem?

A wet cabinet base is a sign that there’s a slow leak in the plumbing beneath the sink. Don’t despair — the fix could be as simple as cleaning out and resealing the trap. However, it’s still a job best left to experts, since removing aged pipes requires a certain amount of finesse to avoid more damage.

Our team can usually have a job like this done easily in an hour or two. In the meantime, be sure to place a large bowl or bucket beneath the pipe system to catch any more leakage so that the cabinetry can be spared.

I Hear Water Running. What Could It Be And Where Might It Be Coming From?

The sound of running water should be concerning, because it means water is flowing somewhere on the property. Troubleshoot all faucets, tubs, toilets and outdoor hose bibs. Are they completely turned off? If you observe them for a minute, are any of them dripping?

If you discover an issue with any of them, then the problem could be simple and localized. If all individual water feeds are functioning properly, there could be an unseen leak in the larger plumbing system. Either way, the Service Squad team can assist you in taking care of the problem.

My Water Is Scalding Hot! How Can It Be Fixed?

Water that is too hot can mean a potentially dangerous problem with the water heater, such as a faulty sensor or malfunctioning thermostat. This type of problem should be taken seriously to avoid the risk of burns to those in the household. Give us a call for an individual diagnosis.

What Should I Do If I Have No Hot Water?

Cold or lukewarm water coming out of the hot water spigot means there’s an issue with the hot water heater. Double-check the system settings. If they haven’t been changed, give us a call to inspect your appliance. Our trained professionals will be able to determine whether a repair or replacement is in order.

Help! I’ve Got A Water Leak! What Now?

Discolored water spots on walls and ceilings, water puddles and dripping sounds are all indications of a water leak. Water leakage is a problem that needs to be dealt with promptly before mold and mildew have a chance to grow. Give us a call immediately before moisture accumulates and causes more damage.

My Sink/Tub Is Not Draining Properly. What Should I Do?

A slow drain is a symptom of buildup or blockage in the wastewater or sewer line. If just one sink or tub is malfunctioning, the problem is probably localized, but if two or more drains are slow, there’s usually an issue further down the line. Give us a call for an inspection and we’ll take care of whatever is inhibiting the water flow.

My Water Pressure Has Been Steadily Declining. What Can Be Done?

A decline in water pressure is an indication of either a blockage or a break in the pipes. Double-check that all water valves are fully open and ask neighbors if they’re experiencing any similar issues (which would mean a problem with the city supply). If those two things are fine, you’ll want to give us a call for an inspection.

There Are Soggy Puddles In My Yard. Could That Be Related To My Plumbing System?

Puddles, soggy soil or standing water in the yard could mean a break in the sewer line or a leak within the foundation slab. Water found closer to the house is likely a slab issue, while water further out in the yard may be a sewer pipe fracture.

Either way, you’ll want to give our team a call so that we can diagnose the source of the problem. A professional inspection will tell you where the breakage has occurred and how to remedy the situation.

What Should I Do If My Toilet Is Clogged?

Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing issues. For the occasional clogged toilet, a basic plunger provides a good DIY solution. But when clogged toilets become a regular issue, that’s a sign that you could benefit from professional help.

If you’re experiencing toilet clogs more frequently than 3-4 times per year, we recommend that you schedule an inspection appointment. Your plumbing system may benefit from a complete cleaning to help avoid more serious problems in the future.