What is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing problem becomes an emergency when it can cause significant water damage, create a health or safety concern, or leave your home without an essential service.
Examples include:
2 Gens Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service when the problem can't wait.
Examples include:
- Burst or actively leaking pipes
- Sewer backups
- Overflowing toilets that won't stop
- Major water heater leaks
- Loss of water to the home
- Suspected gas leaks
2 Gens Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service when the problem can't wait.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Turn off your home's main water supply as quickly as possible. Then open a faucet to help relieve pressure and drain some of the remaining water from the system.
Move belongings away from the affected area and avoid electrical outlets or appliances near standing water.
Once the water is controlled, call a plumber to locate the failure and determine the proper repair.
Move belongings away from the affected area and avoid electrical outlets or appliances near standing water.
Once the water is controlled, call a plumber to locate the failure and determine the proper repair.
Should I shut off my water before calling a plumber?
If you have an active leak, overflowing fixture or burst pipe, yes, if you can safely access the shutoff valve.
For a problem involving only one fixture, you may be able to use the individual shutoff valve beneath the sink or behind the toilet.
For a larger leak, shutting off the home's main water supply can help prevent additional damage while you're waiting for a plumber.
For a problem involving only one fixture, you may be able to use the individual shutoff valve beneath the sink or behind the toilet.
For a larger leak, shutting off the home's main water supply can help prevent additional damage while you're waiting for a plumber.
Why does my drain keep clogging?
A drain that clogs once may simply have a localized buildup. A drain that keeps clogging can indicate a larger problem farther down the line.
Recurring clogs can be caused by:
Recurring clogs can be caused by:
- Grease and debris buildup
- Hair or soap buildup
- Foreign objects
- Tree root intrusion
- Damaged or collapsed piping
- Problems in the main sewer line
How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?
One of the biggest warning signs is having problems with multiple drains or fixtures at the same time.
You may notice toilets gurgling when another fixture drains, water backing up into a bathtub or shower, slow drains throughout the house, or sewage odors.
When multiple fixtures are affected, the problem may be farther down your plumbing system rather than at one individual drain.
You may notice toilets gurgling when another fixture drains, water backing up into a bathtub or shower, slow drains throughout the house, or sewage odors.
When multiple fixtures are affected, the problem may be farther down your plumbing system rather than at one individual drain.
When do I need a sewer camera inspection?
A sewer camera allows a plumber to see inside the main line and identify problems that can't be diagnosed from the surface.
It can help identify issues such as:
It can help identify issues such as:
- Blockages
- Broken or damaged pipes
- Bellies or low spots in the line
- Other problems affecting drainage
Why isn't my water heater producing hot water?
There are several possible causes depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater.
The problem could involve the heating element, thermostat, pilot or ignition system, sediment buildup, electrical components or the age and condition of the unit itself.
A professional diagnosis can determine whether the problem can be repaired or whether replacement makes more sense.
The problem could involve the heating element, thermostat, pilot or ignition system, sediment buildup, electrical components or the age and condition of the unit itself.
A professional diagnosis can determine whether the problem can be repaired or whether replacement makes more sense.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
It depends on the age of the water heater, the type of failure, its overall condition and the cost of the repair.
A relatively new unit with a repairable component may have plenty of life left.
An older water heater with corrosion, tank damage, repeated problems or an expensive repair may be a better candidate for replacement.
We'd rather help you understand both options than automatically tell you that you need a new unit.
A relatively new unit with a repairable component may have plenty of life left.
An older water heater with corrosion, tank damage, repeated problems or an expensive repair may be a better candidate for replacement.
We'd rather help you understand both options than automatically tell you that you need a new unit.
How often should I flush my water heater?
Regular flushing helps remove sediment that collects inside tank-style water heaters.
That's particularly important in areas with hard water, where mineral buildup can accumulate more quickly.
The right maintenance schedule depends on your water quality, water heater and household usage, but regular maintenance can help protect the unit and keep it operating efficiently.
That's particularly important in areas with hard water, where mineral buildup can accumulate more quickly.
The right maintenance schedule depends on your water quality, water heater and household usage, but regular maintenance can help protect the unit and keep it operating efficiently.
Why is there water around the bottom of my water heater?
Water around a water heater doesn't automatically mean the tank has failed.
It could come from a fitting, valve, supply connection or another component. However, water coming directly from the tank itself can indicate a more serious problem.
Because a small leak can quickly become a large one, water around the unit is something you shouldn't ignore.
It could come from a fitting, valve, supply connection or another component. However, water coming directly from the tank itself can indicate a more serious problem.
Because a small leak can quickly become a large one, water around the unit is something you shouldn't ignore.
How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?
Some leaks are obvious. Others can continue behind walls, beneath floors or underground without being immediately visible.
Watch for:
Watch for:
- An unexplained increase in your water bill
- Water meter activity when no water is being used
- Damp or discolored walls and ceilings
- Musty odors
- Unexplained wet areas
- Reduced water pressure
- The sound of running water when fixtures are off
Why did my water pressure suddenly drop?
Low water pressure can have several causes.
If it's happening at only one faucet or shower, the problem may be isolated to that fixture. If pressure has dropped throughout your home, there could be a larger issue involving the plumbing system, pressure regulator, water supply or a leak.
A sudden change in pressure throughout the house is worth investigating.
If it's happening at only one faucet or shower, the problem may be isolated to that fixture. If pressure has dropped throughout your home, there could be a larger issue involving the plumbing system, pressure regulator, water supply or a leak.
A sudden change in pressure throughout the house is worth investigating.
Do I need a water softener?
If you're dealing with mineral buildup, scale on fixtures, spotting on dishes or other signs of hard water, a water softener may help.
A properly sized system removes hardness minerals from the water before they travel throughout your home's plumbing.
The best system depends on your home's water conditions and usage rather than simply choosing the biggest unit available.
A properly sized system removes hardness minerals from the water before they travel throughout your home's plumbing.
The best system depends on your home's water conditions and usage rather than simply choosing the biggest unit available.
What's the difference between a water softener and water filtration?
They solve different problems.
A water softener primarily addresses hardness minerals that contribute to scale and buildup.
A water filtration system is designed to address specific substances or characteristics affecting your water's taste, odor or quality.
Some homes benefit from one system. Others may benefit from both.
A water softener primarily addresses hardness minerals that contribute to scale and buildup.
A water filtration system is designed to address specific substances or characteristics affecting your water's taste, odor or quality.
Some homes benefit from one system. Others may benefit from both.
How much does it cost to have 2 Gens Plumbing come to my home?
Our standard service call is $170 and includes the first hour of labor for diagnostics or repairs.
Additional labor beyond the first hour is $115 per hour. Materials are billed separately as needed.
We believe you should have a clear understanding of what you're paying for and what your plumbing system actually needs.
Additional labor beyond the first hour is $115 per hour. Materials are billed separately as needed.
We believe you should have a clear understanding of what you're paying for and what your plumbing system actually needs.
Can a plumber tell me whether I should repair or replace something?
That's exactly what a good diagnosis should help determine.
Not every plumbing problem requires replacement. We look at what's actually happening, the condition of the existing equipment or plumbing, and the repair options available.
Our goal is to explain what we find so you can make an informed decision about your home.
Not every plumbing problem requires replacement. We look at what's actually happening, the condition of the existing equipment or plumbing, and the repair options available.
Our goal is to explain what we find so you can make an informed decision about your home.
Still Have a Plumbing Question?
Sometimes you don't need another Google search. You just need to talk to someone who knows plumbing.
2 Gens Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving New Braunfels and surrounding communities. From a leaking faucet to a sewer problem or middle-of-the-night plumbing emergency, we're here to help you figure out what's happening and what to do next.
Call or Text (830) 743-9166
2 Gens Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving New Braunfels and surrounding communities. From a leaking faucet to a sewer problem or middle-of-the-night plumbing emergency, we're here to help you figure out what's happening and what to do next.
Call or Text (830) 743-9166