The Working Home

November 25, 2025

What homeowners in Shavano Park ask most about plumbing repairs

Homeowners in Shavano Park value quiet streets, mature oaks, and well-kept homes. Plumbing issues break that rhythm fast. The calls often sound the same: a toilet runs every few minutes, a slab leak spikes the water bill, a water heater groans at 6 a.m., or a garbage disposal quits right before guests arrive. This article gathers the questions Gottfried Plumbing llc hears most and gives clear, local answers. The goal is simple: help neighbors understand what is urgent, what can wait, and when a licensed plumbing contractor in Shavano Park TX should step in.

“My water bill jumped. Could it be a slab leak?”

In Shavano Park’s older concrete slab homes, copper supply lines run under the slab. Small pinhole leaks form from age, soil movement, or water chemistry. The first sign is often a bill that suddenly rises 20 to 60 percent without a change in use. Other clues include warm spots on the floor, constant meter movement when no fixtures run, or a faint hissing behind walls.

A true slab leak wastes water and can undermine a foundation if left alone. Technicians confirm it with a pressure test and acoustic or thermal equipment. Repairs fall into three paths: spot repair through the slab at the leak area, sectional reroute through walls and attic to bypass the failed section, or a full repipe if multiple leaks show up over time. In many Shavano Park homes built before the late 90s, rerouting is often the smarter choice because it avoids new concrete cuts and future leaks in the same aged line. Homeowners usually want to know if insurance will help; policies often cover access and restoration, but not the pipe itself. A plumber Shavano Park residents trust will document findings and provide the detail insurers want.

“Why do my toilets keep running or ghost-flushing?”

Toilets in the area commonly suffer from worn flappers, misadjusted fill valves, or hairline cracks in overflow tubes. City water contains disinfectants that degrade rubber parts faster than many expect, and water pressure in some neighborhoods sits at 70+ psi, which accelerates wear. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Replacing the flapper and setting the fill level solves most cases for under an hour of labor. If the valve body is corroded or the tank hardware was pieced together years ago, a full tank rebuild is often more reliable than swapping one part at a time.

A good test is simple: add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and leave it for 10 minutes without flushing. If the bowl picks up color, the flapper leaks. If the tank refills occasionally without color in the bowl, the fill valve likely weeps. Shavano Park plumbers see both every week. A quick fix saves water and prevents nighttime noise that keeps families up.

“The pressure is great, but is it too high?”

High pressure feels nice in the shower but shortens the life of water heaters, supply lines, faucets, and toilet valves. The recommended range for homes is 50 to 60 psi. In parts of Shavano Park, street pressure can hit 80 psi or more. A pressure-reducing valve (PRV) on the main line protects the system and brings pressure to a safe level. If faucets spit air or you notice hammering when valves close, that can point to pressure issues or failing arrestors.

A PRV generally lasts 7 to 12 years depending on water quality. Signs it is failing include pressure drifting up and down during the day, banging when appliances shut off, or hot water that seems too strong compared to cold. A licensed plumbing contractor near me can test pressure at a hose bib in seconds and dial in the right setting. If the home has an irrigation system, ask for a test on that side too; irrigation zones often bypass the house PRV and run at full street pressure.

“Why does my water heater make popping or rumbling noises?”

Sediment. Shavano Park’s municipal water is moderate in hardness. Minerals settle at the bottom of tank-style heaters. When the burner lights under a thick layer of scale, water flashes to steam under the sediment and makes a popping or rumbling sound. Heat transfer drops, energy bills rise, and tank life shortens. Draining and flushing the heater once a year helps, though older tanks sometimes need a few tries to break up heavy buildup. If the heater is 10 to 12 years old and shows rust at the base, replacement is usually more sensible than aggressive flushing.

Tankless units have different symptoms: they may cycle, flash error codes, or lose hot water mid-shower due to scale in the heat exchanger. Descaling with the right solution and pump brings them back. A home with four or more occupants that runs laundry, dishwashing, and showers during peak times may benefit from larger capacity or a recirculation loop. A plumber near me who understands local usage patterns can size units correctly for Shavano Park homes, including those with long runs to primary bathrooms.

“Is PEX a good upgrade for older copper or galvanized lines?”

Many homeowners ask about replacing old copper or galvanized lines with PEX. PEX is flexible, resists scale, and installs quickly with fewer fittings. It handles temperature changes well, which helps in attics that see summer heat. For homes with sporadic pinhole leaks or low flow at fixtures due to old galvanized, a repipe with PEX makes sense. The trade-off: PEX can expand and contract, so supports and proper routing matter to prevent clicking in walls. UV exposure degrades PEX, so any outdoor sections need protection. In Shavano Park, a neat manifold and logical fixture grouping will simplify shutoffs and future maintenance. Expect a typical single-story repipe in two to four days, with brief water shutoffs and patching of small access holes.

“Why does my garbage disposal jam or smell?”

Disposals clog or jam from fibrous foods, too little water during grinding, or dull impellers. Citrus rinds, coffee grounds, and egg shells are common culprits. A jam usually clears by turning the hex key at the bottom of the unit and pressing the reset button. For smell, biofilm coats the chamber. Ice cubes and a tablespoon of dish soap scrub some buildup; a safe enzyme cleaner finishes the job. If the unit plumber Shavano Park trips often, leaks at the bottom, or sounds weak, the motor is likely at the end of its life. Most disposals run reliably for 7 to 12 years. When replacing, choose horsepower based on family size and cooking habits. Shavano Park plumbers can also correct improper trap setup that causes recurring clogs.

“What causes slow drains and repeated clogs?”

Bathroom sinks clog from hair and soap scum. Kitchen lines clog from grease and starchy foods that swell. Shower drains pick up hair and hardened body wash residue. In older homes, cast iron drain lines roughen inside, which increases buildup. Snaking clears immediate blockages, but a camera inspection can confirm whether the line has scale or belly sections that trap debris. Hydro-jetting scours the pipe and restores flow without chemicals. If tree roots have intruded into clay lines at the property edge, periodic maintenance or spot repairs may be needed. A good rule: avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the kitchen sink. Put cooled grease into a container and trash it; the line will thank you.

“Do I need a water softener in Shavano Park?”

Hardness in the local supply is moderate to moderately hard depending on the street. Softening reduces scale on fixtures and inside water heaters, and it keeps shower glass clearer. Families sensitive to sodium sometimes choose salt-free conditioners, which change the way minerals attach but do not truly soften. Each system has trade-offs. A standard softener requires salt, periodic resin cleaning, and a drain for regeneration. A salt-free unit needs proper prefiltration and realistic expectations. For homes with tankless water heaters, a softener or at minimum a scale inhibitor extends exchanger life. Gottfried Plumbing llc can test hardness on-site and size a system based on daily gallons, not guesswork.

“Why do I smell sewage near the yard or in a bathroom?”

Inside the home, dried P-traps or a failed wax ring under a toilet often cause a sewer odor. A bathroom that no one uses can lose its water seal in the trap after a few weeks. Running a quart of water into the drain restores the seal. If a toilet rocks even slightly, gases can escape; resetting the toilet with a new wax ring solves it. Outside, a persistent odor near a cleanout can signal a partial clog or a venting issue. If rain increases the smell, groundwater may be entering a cracked line. A smoke test pinpoints the leak path without guesswork. For houses with guest casitas or pool baths, double-check that all traps hold water; those spaces get less use.

“What maintenance actually prevents repairs?”

Homeowners want a short list that saves money without fuss. Here is a simple seasonal plan for Shavano Park:

  • Spring: Test water pressure at a hose bib; aim for 50 to 60 psi. Inspect irrigation valves and backflow. Check toilet flappers and fill valves.
  • Summer: Flush the water heater. Clear AC condensate drains to avoid pan overflows that mimic plumbing leaks. Clean disposal and dishwasher filters.
  • Fall: Inspect exposed exterior hose bibs and insulate them. Test the PRV. Run little-used faucets for a minute to refresh traps.
  • Winter: Before a freeze warning, drip a far fixture, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, and disconnect hoses.

This small loop catches many issues early. If a homeowner wants a set-it-and-forget-it option, a service visit once or twice a year from a plumbing contractor in Shavano Park TX will cover these checkpoints.

“Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or move a gas line?”

Yes, replacement of gas and many electric water heaters requires a permit and inspection. Venting, pan drains, seismic strapping, expansion tanks, and T&P discharge must meet code. Gas line alterations always require skilled testing and pressure checks. Shavano Park homes often have water heaters in garages or closets that need proper combustion air. A licensed pro pulls the permit, installs to code, and schedules inspection. This matters for safety and for future home sales, since unpermitted work can stall closings.

“How fast can someone get here during a leak?”

Reliable plumbers near me should offer same-day service for active leaks and shutoff valve failures. Gottfried Plumbing llc prioritizes emergencies like slab leaks, burst lines, and failed water heaters. For perspective, a 1/8-inch crack in a pressurized pipe can release hundreds of gallons in a day. The first step is always to locate the main shutoff. Many Shavano Park homes have it in the garage, at the front hose bib, or buried near the meter. If it is frozen or won’t turn, a curb key at the street shuts water off at the meter. Technicians carry curb keys for these moments and can replace the failed valve afterward.

“How long should fixtures and components last?”

Homeowners like rough timelines to plan budgets. Typical ranges in this area:

  • Tank water heaters: 8 to 12 years, based on maintenance and water hardness.
  • Tankless water heaters: 15 to 20 years with annual descaling.
  • Garbage disposals: 7 to 12 years.
  • Toilet internals: 3 to 7 years for flappers and fill valves.
  • PRVs: 7 to 12 years.
  • Supply lines and shutoff valves: 10+ years, but replace any braided connectors at the first sign of corrosion.

These are averages, not guarantees. Regular checks and small parts swaps extend useful life.

“What about water quality and filters?”

Some homeowners want whole-home filtration to improve taste or reduce chlorine odor. Options range from simple carbon filters to multi-stage systems with sediment, carbon, and specialty media. A whole-home carbon filter reduces chlorine smell and protects rubber parts in fixtures. Placement matters: install before the water heater, with a bypass, and allow space for service. Cartridges need timely replacement; clogging causes pressure drop that feels like a supply issue. For those who want better drinking water, a point-of-use reverse osmosis system under the kitchen sink produces very low TDS water and pairs well with a dedicated faucet or a fridge connection.

“Is a remodel the right time to replace pipes and valves?”

Yes. If cabinets come out or walls open, use the access. Swapping angle stops, supply lines, and old trap arms during a vanity or kitchen remodel costs less than emergency replacement later. For shower remodels, replace the mixing valve rather than tying new tile to a decades-old body. In Shavano Park, it is common to find original valves that do not meet current scald-protection standards. Upgrading now brings temperature stability and makes future trim changes simple.

“How can I tell if a plumber is the right fit for my home?”

License, insurance, and permits are the baseline. Beyond that, ask for clear diagnostic steps, price transparency, and a plan that fits the home’s age and layout. A good plumbing contractor near me will discuss both quick fixes and long-term options, explain code requirements without jargon, and leave the work area clean. For homes with dogs, alarms, or gated drives, coordination and respect matter as much as technical skill.

“Do you service my part of Shavano Park?”

Gottfried Plumbing llc serves all of Shavano Park, from De Zavala to Lockhill Selma, and the neighborhoods near Huebner and Pond Hill. If someone searches plumbing services near me, they likely land on us for a reason: we know local water pressure quirks, common slab leak paths, and the typical ages of water heaters in each subdivision. Same-day slots are often available for urgent cases, with scheduled windows for maintenance and upgrades.

Practical red flags that should trigger a call

  • Sudden drop in water pressure in one area of the home.
  • Phantom water usage on the meter when all fixtures are off.
  • Discolored hot water or metallic taste after running for a minute.
  • Sewer smell after a rain, especially near cleanouts or low spots.
  • Repeated breaker trips on an electric water heater.

Any of these can point to a developing failure that costs more if delayed. Shavano Park plumbers see these patterns daily and can isolate the cause quickly.

Cost expectations without the guesswork

Homeowners appreciate price context. Minor toilet repairs usually fall in a modest range, while a tank water heater replacement, including code upgrades, sits higher but predictable. Slab leak pricing varies with access and reroute length; a short reroute using attic or wall chases is often more cost-effective than opening floors. Drain cleaning is straightforward unless the camera reveals damage or roots. Clear estimates set before work starts reduce stress. Gottfried Plumbing llc provides options so a homeowner can choose repair, upgrade, or maintenance based on budget and plans for the home.

Weather and freeze notes for Shavano Park

Though hard freezes are rare, they happen. Exterior hose bibs and pipes in exterior walls are the weak points. Insulate hose bibs, disconnect hoses in winter, and insulate attic piping near soffits. During a freeze advisory, drip one hot and one cold faucet on opposite sides of the home to keep water moving. If a pipe bursts, shut the water off at the main, open low faucets to drain, and call a plumbing contractor in Shavano Park TX for repairs and drying advice. Quick response limits drywall damage and mold growth.

Ready help from a local team

Many readers land here after searching plumbers near me or plumbing services in Shavano Park TX because something feels off at home. Whether it is a slab leak suspicion, a water heater that sounds like a kettle, or a toilet that runs all night, Gottfried Plumbing llc brings practical fixes backed by local experience. The team handles urgent repairs, code-correct replacements, and smart upgrades that reduce future surprises.

If you are in Shavano Park and need a plumber near me you can rely on, call Gottfried Plumbing llc. Share the symptoms, the age of your fixtures, and any photos you can text. A clear plan and a clean repair are closer than you think.

Gottfried Plumbing LLC provides residential and commercial plumbing services throughout Shavano Park, TX, and nearby communities. The company handles water heater repair and replacement, leak detection, drain cleaning, and full plumbing maintenance. Licensed plumbers are available 24 hours a day for emergency calls, offering quick and dependable solutions for leaks, backups, and broken fixtures. Gottfried Plumbing focuses on quality workmanship, honest service, and reliable support for homes and businesses across the Boerne area.