Plumbing FAQs in Tyler

Providing Answers to All Your Plumbing Questions

Dealing with a plumbing issue is a daunting ordeal, especially when you have no idea what to do next or who to turn to. Fortunately, Rudd Plumbing can help. Whether you need emergency plumbers or have questions about a plumbing project you are planning, our local company has nearly a century of industry experience to provide you with the quality service or information you need. To get you started, take a look at the answers to some of the most common questions we hear from past customers.

Don’t see the question you have in mind? Reach out to our knowledgeable plumbers in Tyler. Call us at (903) 290-0851!

  • General Plumbing

    • What is considered a plumbing emergency?
      At Rudd Plumbing, some of the most common plumbing emergencies we tackle are those that threaten severe water damage. From overflowing toilets to burst pipes or malfunctioning sump pumps, our expert team responds fast and gets to work right away to effectively mitigate the problem. Other plumbing emergencies we handle include no or low water supply, faulty water heaters, andclogged drains, especially for homes with just one bathroom.
    • Is there a way to keep my faucets and sinks efficient?
      Problems with your faucets and sinks are some of the most common issues we tackle on a daily basis. If you wish to reduce the occurrence of these problems, there are some basic maintenance work that you can perform on your own to help ensure the efficiency and reliability of your faucets and sinks. One is to always check your faucets for any sign of corrosion or damage. We also recommend cleaning your faucet aerator annually to ensure efficient water flow. For sinks, on the other hand, just be sure not to put grease, food waste, and other foreign objects down the drain. If you notice even a small leak, call a professional right away.
  • Leaks

    • How can I tell if my toilet is leaking?
      If you suspect that your toilet is leaking, you can put a small amount of food coloring in the tank and come back a few hours later. If the water in the bowl has turned into the same color you put in the tank, there is definitely a leak. Call Rudd Plumbing right away to fix the leak and prevent a significant increase in your water bill.
  • General Plumbing

    • Can you help with bathroom or kitchen renovations?
      Rudd Plumbing is proud to offer new construction plumbing and installation to both residential and commercial customers. Whether you are planning to extend the size of an existing bathroom or you are looking to custom-build a plumbing system for a new building or home, we are the right contractor for the job. We carefully discuss your needs, preferences, budget, and timeline. Our team can also address any questions or concerns you might have to ensure a smooth plumbing construction. Additionally, our Tyler plumbers can work harmoniously alongside other contractors and project managers.
  • Leaks

    • What are slab leaks?
      Slab leaks come from cracks, holes, or other damages in the pipes that are located under your slab foundation. Since slab leaks are hidden, they usually cause severe damages even before you notice something wrong. However, there are some signs that you can look out for such as low water pressure, a sudden surge in your utility bills, and a running meter even if the main water valve is turned off. At Rudd Plumbing, we use sophisticated tools and methods to accurately and quickly identify a slab leak. Call us now if you are noticing any of the signs we mentioned.
  • Drains

    • Why is my drain constantly getting clogged?
      Your drain is “clogged” because something is blocking the drain. This could be as simple as hair in a shower drain or as complex as a collapsed line in your yard. The best solution is for you to have a trusted local plumber to run a free camera inspection down your line to see what the blockage is. Once we know that, we can then help you determine the best steps to remove that blockage.
    • Should I use a drain cleaner product?
      There are some products that are safe to run down your drains, but the majority of products only offer a very short-term band-aid that can actually cause more issues in the future. These products are highly toxic and corrosive. If you aren’t 100% certain what material your drain pipes are made out of all the way to your septic or sewer connection, you should avoid these corrosive products. Products like Bio-Clean use enzymes and bacteria to eat away hair, sludge, soap scum, and grease build-up and are a much safer alternative to traditional consumer drain cleaning products.
  • General Plumbing

    • What can I put down my garbage disposal?
      Let’s talk about items to avoid. Bones, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other hard items shouldn’t be placed down your disposal. They can jam the disposal and dull the blades. You should always run water while running the disposal to help flush items down the drain. To clean/sharpen your disposal and for the smell, simply run a slice of lemon or lime with some ice cubes through the disposal. You can also place a stopper on the drain, fill your sink up with warm soapy water, then pull the stopper to quickly flush out the disposal of unwanted debris and residue.
    • Why does my toilet keep running?
      In most cases, this is caused by the flapper not closing and sealing around the flush valve. Sometimes simply jiggling the handle can fix the issue. If the issue is ongoing the chain, flapper, or tank lever may need to be adjusted or replaced. If adjustment of these items doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to replace the toilet flush/fill valves. You can purchase a kit at your local hardware store to do this repair yourself, or you can contact your trusted local plumber.
    • What should I do if I smell gas?
      If you smell gas leave the area immediately. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off. Do not use your cell phone or landline. Do not start your vehicle. Once you are a safe distance away from the gas smell, call your local gas supplier. Remain a safe distance away from the suspected leak until a representative from the gas supplier says it is safe to return. Warn others to stay away from the area. Gas is a serious threat that can be deadly. You should always seek professional help before attempting to make a leak diagnosis or repairs yourself. The gas supply company should be your first call and then your trusted local plumber.
    • Why do I have low water pressure at certain points during the day?
      Water pressure is measured in Pounds/Square Inch (PSI). This is determined by size of your pipes and the volume from your water supplier (Community, City, Private Water Well). In most houses there are more plumbing fixtures than what the water supply can keep up with. This means that if you go through your entire house and turn on every faucet, hose bib, shower, washing machine, dish washer, etc. at full capacity, there isn’t enough water supply to maintain the same steady water pressure as if just one fixture were being used. One major draw from water pressure is outdoor irrigation sprinklers. Many of these systems use as much as 25 gallons/minute. This means that if you are in the shower and your lawn sprinklers begin to spray, you will notice a difference of water pressure. In this case you should program your lawn sprinklers to run at a time other than when you will be taking a shower. In some cases, your local supply may be in synchronized demand by several houses down your street. If you and your neighbors on all sides are all using the shower, washing clothes, and watering the yard at the same time, you will notice a shortage of pressure. If low water pressure is something you are constantly dealing with, even when you know there are no neighbors or other appliances competing with your demand for water, you may need to contact your trusted local plumber to find a solution for you.
    • What are the benefits of trenchless repairs?
      Before the trenchless method, there is no way for professional plumbers to repair or replace your pipeline unless they excavate the land where the pipes are located. Excavation often takes days and can create a big mess on your yard. Property owners often find themselves spending a costly amount for renting the excavator, having a larger manpower, and restoring their landscape or yard after all the digging. With trenchless repairs, our Tyler-based plumbers would only have to make two small holes to access and repair or replace the pipeline, saving you time, money, and effort.
    • I need a plumber, but am concerned about how much it will cost!
      Plumbing repairs can become quite costly. There are several things that Rudd Plumbing does to better help customers know what to expect and pay for a plumbing repair. We price all jobs upfront before any work is completed. This means you know exactly what to expect before we do the work. There are rare occasions where we are not able to fully diagnose an issue until we dive into the repair, but we never add cost to a job or start on a repair without first fully discussing the need and price upfront. We also have a financing partner that can instantly qualify customers at competitive rates, so you don’t have to pay the full bill all at once. We also accept all major credit cards.
    • I have no hot water. What should I check before I call a plumber?

      Gas/Propane Water Heater

      • Is the gas valve open
      • Is the pilot light lit
      • Is there power to the control board
      • Is there active water supply to the water heater
      • Is the water supply normal pressure
      • Is the heater igniting when water is turned on

      Electric Water Heater

      • Is the power on at the water heater
      • Is there power at the control board
      • Is there active water supply to the water heater
      • Is the water supply normal pressure
      • Is the heater igniting when water is turned on
    • Why do I smell sewer in my bathroom/shower?
      There can be several reasons why you are smelling sewer inside your home or business. When liquid and waste go down the drain, they go through a device called a P-Trap. A P-Trap is simply a low spot that holds water. This water acts as a seal to keep odor in your sewer lines from entering back into your home or business through your drain line. If you have a shower or lavatory that doesn’t get used often, these P-Traps can dry up eliminating that seal. Simply run some water down that drain in order to fill the P-Trap back up. This should eliminate the odor. If the odor is soon to return, you may have a more extensive issue that needs the attention of your trusted local plumber.
  • Leaks

    • I have a water leak. What do I do?
      As soon as you become aware that you have a water leak you need to get the water to stop flowing. To do this you have a few options. If the leak is isolated to a fixture that has an individual valve, you can simply shut off that valve. It the leak is on a hot water line that doesn’t have an individual valve, you can shut off the main hot water valve located near your water heater. If the leak cannot be located and controlled by an isolating valve, you can shut off your main supply line that brings water into your house or business. If you cannot find the main shutoff valve, you can always shut the water off at the meter by the street. Once water is stopped, it's important to get the water off of sheetrock, carpet, and other materials on which mold and mildew can manifest. The next step is to get the leak repaired, which may need the expertise of a trusted local plumber. Depending on the type and how extensive the leak is, you may qualify for an insurance claim. We are experienced in working with all insurance providers.