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November 25, 2025

What homeowners in Kerrville ask most about plumbing repairs

Homeowners in Kerrville tend to ask the same core questions when a pipe leaks at 10 p.m., when the shower runs cold on a Hill Country morning, or when a water bill jumps for no obvious reason. This article brings together the most common questions local residents ask a Kerrville plumber, with straight answers based on everyday service calls across Comanche Trace, Starkey, Tivy, and the neighborhoods off Junction Highway. The goal is practical clarity: what to check first, what usually causes trouble in our water, and when to call in professional Kerrville plumber services.

Why pipes and fixtures act up more in Kerrville

Water quality and soil conditions create patterns in plumbing Kerrville TX homeowners notice. The groundwater here runs hard, which means calcium and magnesium leave scale inside fixtures, water heaters, and even supply lines. Scale slows flow, reduces water heater efficiency, and can cause temperature swings. Add in clay-heavy soils that swell and settle after rains, and buried lines can shift. Over time, these conditions form hairline leaks, jam shut-off valves, and shorten the life of hose bibbs, angle stops, and water heaters. Kerrville plumbers know these patterns and plan repairs and installs with them in mind.

“Why is my water bill high when nothing has changed?”

A sudden bill spike usually points to silent leaks. Toilets are the top culprit, followed by slab leaks and irrigation issues. A toilet flapper that does not seal can waste hundreds of gallons a day without an obvious sound. Dye testing helps: add food coloring to the tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing; if color shows in the bowl, the flapper leaks. Faulty fill valves and worn tank bolts also cause slow leaks.

If toilets check out, look for wet spots along baseboards, a warm patch on a slab floor, or constant meter movement when all fixtures are off. An irrigation system Kerrville plumber services with a stuck zone valve can leak through the night. A Kerrville plumber can pressure test lines, isolate zones, and use acoustic tools to find slab leaks without guesswork. In many cases, replacing a toilet’s flapper and fill valve or repairing a single irrigation valve solves the bill surge quickly.

“My water heater is loud or runs out of hot water. Do I need a new one?”

Hard water in Kerrville reduces the life of a tank-style heater. Sediment collects at the bottom and pops or rumbles during heating. The noise is steam flashing under sediment layers. It also insulates the burner from the water, which lowers efficiency and causes temperature swings. Annual flushing helps but, once sediment bakes into a thick layer, flushing only does so much. Homeowners usually notice shorter showers and slower recovery.

For electric tanks, sediment can bury the lower element, causing slow heat and early element failure. For gas tanks, look for scorching at the base, louder rumbling, or a pilot that struggles. If the tank is over eight to ten years old and shows rust at fittings or the drain, replacement often makes more sense than repeated repairs. Tankless heaters handle hard water better if paired with a full-bore flush kit and regular descaling. If a family uses two showers at once and runs the dishwasher, a properly sized tankless or a 50-gallon high-recovery tank usually matches the demand. A Kerrville plumber can check BTU input, recovery rate, and existing gas line sizing to confirm what fits the home’s load, especially in houses near Medina Highway where older gas lines might be undersized.

“Why does my shower have low pressure but the sink is fine?”

If only one fixture has low pressure, scale or debris in the fixture is likely. Shower cartridges clog with mineral buildup, especially on mixing valves from brands common in homes built from the 1990s through the 2010s. Removing and cleaning or replacing the cartridge often brings pressure back immediately. Aerators on faucets trap grit and sand; a quick cleaning restores flow.

If several fixtures on the same floor show low pressure, check the pressure regulator (PRV) near the main shutoff. Kerrville neighborhoods with higher street pressure rely on a PRV to keep indoor pressure safe. A failing PRV can cause low pressure, surges, or whistling at fixtures. Local plumbers in Kerrville TX often find PRVs set too low after a homeowner tries to curb a noisy pipe, only to create weak showers. The sweet spot is usually 55 to 65 psi for most homes.

“Is a slab leak an emergency?”

A slab leak is serious but the response depends on the leak rate and location. Some leaks drip slowly for months and only show as a higher bill and a warm spot on the floor. Others erode soil quickly and crack tile or baseboards. The first step is to stop further damage by turning the valve to the hot or cold line feeding the leak if it can be isolated. A Kerrville plumber will pressure test, locate the line with listening equipment, and discuss repair paths.

There are three common options in plumbing Kerrville TX homes: break the slab at the leak and repair the line, reroute the damaged line overhead through the attic, or replace a run through walls and ceilings. Reroutes avoid opening the slab and usually finish faster. Spot repairs through the slab are cheaper in the short term but may not solve root issues if the pipe run is corroded. Homes with prior slab leaks often benefit from repiping the affected branch. A local pro will weigh age of piping, water chemistry effects, and access points before recommending the least disruptive route.

“Should I install a water softener in Kerrville?”

For most households here, yes. A properly sized softener protects water heaters, fixtures, and appliances. It keeps scale from building in tankless heaters, which prevents error codes and keeps output consistent. It also helps laundry and extends the life of dishwashers and ice makers. The key choices are unit size based on grain capacity, regeneration method, and placement. Many homes tuck the softener in the garage near the main, with a drain line to a floor drain or laundry standpipe.

Pairing a softener with a whole-home carbon filter reduces chlorine taste and can protect rubber seals in fixtures. Families with newborns or sensitive skin often notice the difference. A Kerrville plumber can test hardness on-site and recommend settings. Expect to add salt every one to two months based on usage. For rural properties on wells, treatment may also include iron or manganese filtration to prevent staining.

“My garbage disposal hums but does not grind. Is it done?”

A hum usually means the disposal is jammed. Often, a hex wrench in the bottom socket frees the flywheel. After turning the socket both ways and pressing the reset button, many disposals come back to life. If it still hums or trips the breaker, the motor may be burned out. Watch for leaks at the sidewall; that often signals a failing internal seal and a replacement need. If the sink backs up with the dishwasher running, check the dishwasher knockout plug in a new disposal install; if the plug was not removed, water cannot drain. A Kerrville plumber can clear the jam and verify the knockout, P-trap, and air gap routing in a short visit.

“Why does my toilet keep running?”

Most running toilets come down to three parts: flapper, fill valve, and flush valve seat. In hard water, flappers warp or develop a film that prevents sealing. Replacing the flapper with the correct model solves it in minutes. If water overflows into the tank’s overflow tube, the fill valve is set too high or is failing. Lowering the float or replacing the valve stops the constant fill. If the flush valve seat is rough or cracked, a new flush valve assembly is the cure. In houses near Sidney Baker, water pressure swings have been known to aggravate weak fill valves; installing a pressure regulator or adjusting the existing one can stabilize operation.

“Do I have a main line clog or just a slow drain?”

A single slow sink or tub often points to a local blockage or hair in the trap. Clearing the trap and the immediate branch usually fixes it. If multiple fixtures back up at once, especially on the lowest level, the main line may be blocked. Gurgling in a tub when the toilet flushes is a classic sign. Trees in Kerrville yards send roots into clay or old cast-iron sewer lines through joints. Hydro-jetting can open roots and grease, but if a camera shows crushed or offset pipe, spot repair or replacement is next. A Kerrville plumber can camera the line from a cleanout and show a recording so the homeowner sees exactly what is happening. That transparency helps decide whether a simple clearing is enough or if a section needs excavation and replacement with PVC.

“Does Kerrville require permits for water heater replacement or repipes?”

Permit rules vary by project. In the city limits of Kerrville, water heater replacements and repipes typically require permits and final inspection, especially for gas units. Documentation also matters for home insurance and resale. A licensed Kerrville plumber pulls permits and installs to code, including expansion tanks where required, proper venting for gas heaters, seismic strapping when applicable, and drain pan with drain lines. For homes outside city limits, requirements differ, but following code keeps warranties valid and avoids safety hazards like backdrafting from a mis-sized vent.

“Why do my pipes bang when I shut the water off?”

This is water hammer. Fast-closing valves in modern appliances and faucets cause pressure spikes. Over time, these shocks stress solder joints and valve cartridges. Installing hammer arrestors at the washer, dishwasher, or near quick-closing valves absorbs the shock. If the whole house suffers from hammer, pressure may be set too high or air chambers may be waterlogged. A Kerrville plumber can test static and dynamic pressure and add arrestors at the right points. Setting house pressure near 60 psi often solves it.

“How often should I service my tankless water heater?”

With Kerrville’s hardness, annual descaling is wise. Neglect leads to mineral buildup on the heat exchanger that triggers error codes and reduces output temperature. During a proper service, the plumber isolates the heater, runs a pump with a descaling solution through the exchanger, cleans the inlet screen, checks venting and condensate drain, and verifies gas pressure under load. The visit usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Many households schedule it with other annual tasks like irrigation checks at the end of winter, before peak use in spring and summer.

“What should I check before calling a plumber near me for no hot water?”

A few fast checks can save time. Confirm the breaker is on for electric heaters. For gas tanks, verify the gas valve is open and the pilot status on newer electronic models. Look at the water heater for error codes or blinking lights and note the series and model. If the home has a recirculation pump, listen for it; a failed pump can give the impression of no hot water at far fixtures, especially in larger homes. If several gas appliances are struggling at once, the gas meter or regulator could be the issue, which requires a licensed plumber to assess safely. If these checks do not reveal the issue, search plumber near me and request a service call with details ready; it helps the tech bring the right parts.

“Is PEX safe for repipes? Will it handle Kerrville’s climate?”

PEX is a strong choice for repipes in Kerrville. It handles thermal expansion better than rigid copper and resists scale buildup. The key is proper installation: secure hangers, no UV exposure in attics with sunlight infiltration, and correct manifold or homerun layout. Insulating attic runs protects against rare hard freezes. In homes near the river where crawl spaces stay humid, PEX also avoids many corrosion issues seen with old copper and galvanized. A good plumber uses expansion-style fittings or crimp rings suited to the brand, keeps bend radiuses within spec, and pressures tests before closing walls. Warranty terms depend on the brand; reputable plumbers register the system to lock in coverage.

“Do I need a pressure reducing valve in Kerrville?”

Many houses do. Street pressure can vary by zone and time of day. A PRV keeps indoor plumbing at a safe, steady pressure and protects appliances, supply lines, and toilet fill valves. Without one, high pressure causes dripping relief valves on water heaters and frequent angle-stop failures. A pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot tells the story. If pressure rests above 75 psi, consider a PRV. It should be installed near the main shutoff with a full-bore bypass if local code allows. Checking pressure annually is smart, as PRVs drift over time.

“Why does my faucet drip even after replacing the cartridge?”

If a new cartridge does not stop the drip, the valve seat may be scarred or the cartridge may not match the exact model. Some brands have multiple similar cartridges that look right but do not seal. A plumber measures and identifies the trim series, then uses the correct OEM part or a high-quality replacement. In older valves, a nicked seat or mineral buildup prevents sealing. Lightly dressing the seat or replacing the valve body fixes it. For widespread bathroom faucets, cracked supply lines under the sink can mimic a drip with water wicking along the spout. A quick inspection of the cabinet floor for water rings or green corrosion on fittings can prevent a surprise flood.

“The gas company tagged my meter for a leak. What happens next?”

If the gas company locks out service, a licensed plumber must pressure test the system, locate the leak, and repair it to code. Common leak points are flex connectors behind ranges and dryers, unions near water heaters, and old drip legs. After repair, the plumber performs a pressure test on the entire house line and submits results for inspection if required. Re-lighting appliances and verifying combustion air and venting is part of a complete visit. Homes with older black iron sometimes benefit from reworking branch lines to reduce unnecessary joints and future leak points.

Quick self-checks homeowners can do safely

  • Verify toilet flappers seal by using a food-coloring test in the tank.
  • Clean aerators and showerheads to remove mineral grit and restore flow.
  • Read the water meter with all fixtures off; if it moves, you have a leak.
  • Check water heater age from the serial number; plan replacement near year 8 to 10 for standard tanks.
  • Use a pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot; aim for 55 to 65 psi indoors.

These checks solve simple issues or give useful clues before calling. If something feels off or involves gas, flame, or the main shutoff, stop and schedule a visit with trusted Kerrville plumbers.

“What does a typical service visit look like with a local Kerrville plumber?”

A clear process matters. A licensed plumber confirms the problem, asks about any recent changes, and does a focused diagnostic. For leaks, that may mean isolating fixtures, checking meter movement, and using acoustic or thermal tools. For heaters, the tech pulls error codes, tests gas pressure or electrical continuity, and inspects venting and drains. The plumber explains the findings in plain language, shows the worn parts when possible, and offers repair and replacement options with upfront pricing. Most common fixes finish the same day. For larger jobs, such as a reroute or repipe, the plumber outlines stages, permits, and timelines, keeping the home functional as much as possible.

Preventive steps that pay off in Kerrville homes

Homeowners who avoid surprise breakdowns tend to follow a few habits. Annual water heater service keeps output steady. Pressure checks catch PRV drift before it takes out toilet valves. Softener salt stays topped up. Angle stops and supply lines under sinks and toilets get replaced every 7 to 10 years, rather than waiting for a split hose to ruin flooring. Irrigation valves get checked each spring to prevent overnight leaks that spike water bills. These small steps stretch equipment life and reduce emergency calls.

How Gottfried Plumbing LLC helps Kerrville homeowners

Choosing a local expert means faster diagnosis because the team sees the same patterns across Kerrville every week. Gottfried Plumbing LLC handles everyday repairs, water heater installs, softeners and filtration, leak detection, slab leak reroutes, gas line work, and sewer camera inspections. The crew sets PRVs correctly for our water and terrain, sizes tankless units to real household usage, and installs softeners and filters that match actual hardness levels. Homeowners who search plumber near me looking for honest answers get a clear plan, not pressure.

If a house near the Guadalupe shows a warm slab spot, the team explains reroute options that keep dust down. If a Tivy-area kitchen sink backs up after a storm, they check the venting and main line before clearing, to avoid repeat clogs. If a new disposal hums and the dishwasher backs up, they pop the knockout and test the runout on the spot. These details come from daily work, not guesswork.

When to call right away

Some situations call for immediate help. Gas smells anywhere indoors or near mechanical rooms require an urgent call and a safe exit until the area is tested. A burst line or active slab leak visible at the floor needs the main shutoff closed and a plumber dispatched. A water heater leaking from the tank seam means replacement, not repair. Sewer water backing up into tubs or showers points to a main blockage that should be cleared before anyone uses water again. When in doubt, shut off water at the main and call a Kerrville plumber for guidance.

Getting a fair estimate and a reliable repair

A good estimate states the problem, the scope of work, parts to be used, and the warranty. For larger projects, it outlines the steps and the patch-back plan. If permits are needed, the estimate should include them. Kerrville plumber services with strong local reviews usually back repairs with one-year parts and labor minimum, and longer on installs like water heaters and softeners. Ask for model numbers and photos of the install area on the invoice. This record helps with future service and warranty claims.

Final thought for Kerrville homeowners

Plumbing concerns tend to repeat because our water and soil are consistent. That predictability is an advantage when a homeowner calls a local team. Whether it is a high water bill, a cranky water heater, or a noisy pipe, a clear diagnosis and a straightforward fix save time and money.

If a repair or install is on the list, contact Gottfried Plumbing LLC. Local experience, clear pricing, and careful work make a difference. For plumbing Kerrville TX residents can rely on, reach out today and schedule service with trusted Kerrville plumbers.

Gottfried Plumbing LLC provides residential and commercial plumbing services throughout Kerrville, 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.