Plumbing Help for Laredo Homeowners

Plumbing problems rarely wait for a good time. A drain backs up on a Sunday, the water heater starts dripping the week family visits, or the water bill jumps for no clear reason. This site explains the most common plumbing problems in Laredo homes in plain language, so you know what's urgent, what a plumber will check and how to hire one with confidence.

Gateway City Plumbing Help is an information website. We don't do plumbing work and we don't sell it.

What's going on at your house?

• Drains and the main sewer line: slow sinks, a toilet that won't flush, water coming up in the shower, gurgling sounds or a sewer smell.
• Water heater problems: no hot water, lukewarm water, a leak at the tank, rumbling noises or rusty water.
• Leaks, slab leaks and burst pipes: a meter that keeps turning with everything off, warm spots on the floor, a high bill or water where it shouldn't be.
• Plumbing emergencies: what to do in the first few minutes, before anyone arrives.
• Installation and replacement: tankless water heaters, repiping, new toilets, showers, disposals and water softeners.

Water spreading? Do this first

1. Shut off the water at your main shut-off valve. It's worth finding it today, before you need it. If you can't find it or it won't turn, Laredo Utilities can send someone for an emergency shut-off at the meter; their water and sewer emergencies page lists the 24-hour line.
2. Keep away from electricity. Don't touch outlets, cords or appliances that are wet.
3. Stop using the drains if sewage is coming back up.
4. Smell gas? Leave the house and call for help from outside. Don't flip switches on the way out.

More in plumbing emergencies and what to do when a pipe bursts.

Hiring a plumber in Laredo

Texas law requires plumbing work to be done by licensed plumbers, and a plumbing company needs a Responsible Master Plumber on its license. Before you hire anyone:

• Ask for the license number and look it up in the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners' public search. The record shows whether the license is current, when it expires and whether there are disciplinary actions.
• Get the price in writing. Texas rules require plumbing proposals and invoices to show the Responsible Master Plumber's name and license number.
• Ask what's included and whether the job needs a city permit. The plumber will tell you.

Step-by-step in how to hire a plumber in Laredo.

Guides for Laredo homeowners

• Repair or replace your water heater?
• Signs of a slab leak
• A pipe burst: what to do now
• Is your main sewer line clogged?
• How to hire a plumber in Laredo

¿Prefiere leer en español? Vea plomero en Laredo, TX.

Before you hire, check the license

It takes a minute and it's free.