Plumbing questions, answered
Common questions from homeowners in Hurst and Northeast Tarrant County.
The company
Who is Dr. Plumber?
Dr. Plumber is a family-owned residential plumbing company based at 1269 West Hurst Boulevard in Hurst, Texas. The company has served homeowners in Hurst and the surrounding Dallas–Fort Worth area since 2001.
What areas does Dr. Plumber serve?
Dr. Plumber serves Hurst, Bedford, Euless, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Haltom City, Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller, Watauga, Southlake, and nearby parts of Fort Worth and Arlington. Call to confirm service at your address.
Does Dr. Plumber work on commercial buildings?
No. Dr. Plumber focuses on residential plumbing for homeowners.
What plumbing services do you offer?
Slab leak detection and repair, leak detection, drain cleaning, sewer line video inspection and repair, water heater repair and replacement, pipe repair, emergency plumbing, toilet, faucet and garbage disposal repair, water filtration, backflow prevention, and water pressure repair.
Do you offer emergency plumbing?
Yes. Call (817) 232-7060 for urgent residential plumbing problems such as burst pipes, major leaks, or sewer backups.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Dr. Plumber is licensed and insured for residential plumbing work in Texas.
How do I schedule service?
Call (817) 232-7060 or send a request through the contact form on this website. Include your address and a short description of the problem.
Your home
How do I know if I have a slab leak?
Common signs are warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water with fixtures off, an unexplained jump in your water bill, or a water meter that moves when nothing is running. A plumber can confirm it with a pressure test.
Do slab leaks always require breaking the foundation?
No. Depending on where the break is, a line can sometimes be rerouted through walls or the attic instead of opening the slab. We explain both options when we diagnose the leak.
Are slab leaks common in North Texas?
Yes. Expansive clay soil in the Dallas–Fort Worth area shifts with wet and dry seasons, which stresses pipes under concrete foundations.
Can I check for a leak myself?
Yes. Turn off every faucet and appliance, then watch your water meter for 15 to 30 minutes. If the meter moves, water is escaping somewhere and a leak detection visit is worthwhile.
Will you damage my walls to find a leak?
Our goal is the smallest opening possible. Electronic and acoustic detection lets us locate the leak before cutting anything.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes?
Repeated use of chemical drain openers can damage older pipes and seals, and they rarely clear a main line clog. Mechanical cleaning is safer and more reliable.
When is a clog a main sewer line problem?
If several fixtures back up at once, or a lower drain overflows when you run water elsewhere, the clog is likely in the main line and needs professional clearing.
Why get a sewer camera inspection?
A camera shows the actual cause of a backup, such as roots, a crack, or a sag, so you pay for the right repair instead of repeated drain cleanings.
Should I inspect the sewer line before buying a house?
For older homes, yes. A sewer line problem is expensive and is not always visible during a standard home inspection.
How long does a water heater last?
Most tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. Hard water, which is common in North Texas, can shorten that without regular flushing.
Should I switch to a tankless water heater?
Tankless units provide continuous hot water and take less space, but they cost more up front and may need gas line or venting changes. We can help you weigh the options for your home.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
A leak from the tank itself usually means the tank is failing. Shut off the water supply to the heater and call us. Leaks from fittings or valves can often be repaired.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Turn off your home's main water shutoff immediately, switch off the water heater, and call a plumber. Knowing where your main shutoff is before an emergency saves a lot of damage.
How do I prevent frozen pipes in Texas?
Insulate pipes in attics, garages, and exterior walls, disconnect garden hoses, cover outdoor spigots, and let faucets on exterior walls drip during hard freezes.
Do you offer emergency plumbing service?
Yes. Dr. Plumber offers emergency residential plumbing service. Call (817) 232-7060 for urgent problems; our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What should I do first in a plumbing emergency?
Shut off the main water valve, turn off the water heater if water is leaking near it, move valuables away from the water, and call us.
How much water does a running toilet waste?
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Replacing a worn flapper or fill valve usually fixes it.
Can you install a faucet or toilet I bought myself?
In most cases, yes. Let us know the model when you book so we can bring the right parts.
What causes low water pressure in a house?
Common causes are a failing pressure-reducing valve, a hidden leak, partially closed valves, or mineral buildup in older pipes and fixtures.
What is backflow prevention?
A backflow preventer stops contaminated water, such as from an irrigation system, from flowing back into your home's drinking water supply.