If you own a home in Houston, you should know that plumbing problems aren’t a matter of if — they’re a matter of when. With hard water, unstable clay soil and aging infrastructure, local homeowners face some unique challenges.
This plumbing FAQ guide covers the most common questions we hear, with answers tailored specifically to Houston’s quirks and conditions.
A plumbing leak doesn’t always look like a dramatic puddle on the floor. In many cases, it’s more subtle. You might notice your water bill creeping up, hear faint dripping sounds in the walls or spot warped baseboards or unexplained mold patches.
If your foundation is a slab (as many are in Houston), leaks can occur underneath it without visible signs for weeks. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to small clues — especially in older homes or after heavy rain, when shifting soil can stress underground lines.
A clogged toilet is usually easy to deal with — grab a flange plunger, make sure there’s a good seal and give it a few steady pushes. Avoid chemical drain openers. They’re harsh on your pipes and don’t always work. If plunging fails, a drain snake is your next best bet.
For a toilet that won’t stop running, it’s typically a worn flapper, a misaligned float or a faulty fill valve. These are relatively cheap parts you can find at any hardware store. While a clogged or running toilet can often be solved with DIY efforts, our team at Mission Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to step in when you need help.
Clogged drains are often preventable with just a little extra care. Don’t pour grease, fat or oil down your kitchen sink — those harden in your pipes and trap other debris. Hair and soap scum are the main offenders in bathroom drains, so installing a mesh strainer helps more than you’d think.
In the toilet, flush only human waste and toilet paper. Wipes, feminine hygiene products and paper towels don’t break down properly and are notorious for causing blockages — not just in your pipes, but in city sewer lines too.
This one can have several causes. If it’s just one faucet or showerhead, it may be a clogged aerator. But if you’re seeing low pressure throughout the house, you could be dealing with a leak, a partially closed shut-off valve or old galvanized pipes that have narrowed due to corrosion.
Homes built before the 1980s in Houston often still have these older pipe materials. Over time, mineral buildup and rust choke water flow. A sudden drop in pressure, though, may point to a serious leak — especially if it’s accompanied by other issues like damp walls or puddles.
Slow-draining sinks, foul smells coming from your drains or gurgling toilets are all early warning signs. If water backs up into multiple fixtures — say, your bathtub when you flush the toilet — that’s a strong indicator that your main sewer line may be blocked.
Tree roots are a major culprit of sewer line problems in Houston. They sneak into small cracks in underground lines and expand, often leading to serious blockages. If your yard suddenly has extra green patches or soggy spots, that might be wastewater leaking from a broken or cracked sewer pipe.
Houston’s water is classified as “hard,” meaning it contains a high level of calcium and magnesium. These minerals leave deposits — called scale — inside your plumbing. Over time, scale buildup can narrow pipe openings, reduce appliance efficiency and cause premature wear on water heaters.
You might also notice stubborn soap scum, dry skin or spots on your glassware. A whole-home water softener can minimize these effects, protect your plumbing system and help your fixtures and appliances last longer.
Blockages usually stem from a combination of factors — like grease and oil buildup, improperly flushed items and tree root intrusion. In older neighborhoods with clay or cast iron pipes, tiny cracks give roots an easy entry point.
As they grow, roots catch toilet paper, wipes and other debris until they completely block the line. Even newer PVC lines aren’t immune if they were improperly installed or have shifted due to unstable soil. A sewer scope inspection is the fastest way to know what’s happening underground.
In historic parts of Houston, many homes still rely on original plumbing systems that date back 50 to 100 years. That often means dealing with corroded galvanized or cast iron pipes, outdated water lines and layers of patchwork repairs added by previous homeowners. Over time, these aging systems become more vulnerable to leaks, low water pressure and recurring sewer issues.
Houston’s soil doesn’t help matters either. As the ground shifts during periods of heavy rain or drought, it puts extra stress on already fragile plumbing. If you own or are thinking about buying a home in an older neighborhood, a thorough plumbing inspection is a smart move. Planning for gradual upgrades can save you from sudden, costly surprises later on.
