When To Bring Your Plumbing Repairs To The Experts

Why Professional Plumbing Repair Matters

Sure, DIY videos can be helpful for tightening a loose faucet or replacing a showerhead. But when plumbing issues go beyond surface-level fixes, you risk turning a small inconvenience into a major repair. Improper fixes can:

• Worsen the original problem

• Lead to water damage and mold

• Result in higher utility bills

• Compromise your home’s plumbing system

• Void warranties or violate local building codes

A certified plumber doesn’t just repair—they diagnose the root cause and ensure the solution is both effective and long-lasting. Licensed plumbers ensure repairs meet local codes, which protects your home’s value—especially if you plan to sell in the future.

At 1st Call Plumbing & AC, we pride ourselves on being true diagnostic and service plumbers. Our technicians don’t guess—they know. And that makes all the difference.

Common Plumbing Problems That Need Expert Help

Recurring Clogs
A plunger can handle the occasional clog, but frequent backups mean it’s time for professional help. Grease, soap scum, or foreign objects can block pipes, and tree roots may invade sewer lines. Chemical drain cleaners risk pipe damage. Plumbers use drain cameras and hydro-jetters to clear clogs safely—far beyond what store-bought products can do.

Leaky Pipes and Fixtures
A dripping faucet or puddle under the sink might seem minor but can cause water damage, mold, and structural issues over time. Hidden leaks are even more dangerous. 1st Call Plumbing & AC uses acoustic sensors and thermal imaging to find and fix leaks quickly, with minimal disruption.

Low Water Pressure
Weak water flow may be caused by mineral buildup, corroded pipes, hidden leaks, or faulty regulators. Only professionals can pinpoint the cause and restore proper pressure—sometimes requiring partial or full repiping. Learn more about low water pressure solutions.

Sewer Line Damage
Foul odors, slow drains, or gurgling toilets can indicate sewer trouble from aging pipes, ground shifts, root intrusion, or corrosion. Our team uses high-definition cameras and trenchless repair tools to handle these serious issues. Read our guide on when you need drain cleaning.

Gas Line Concerns
If you smell gas, leave immediately and call a professional. Gas line work is dangerous and requires licensed experts. Our technicians follow strict safety protocols and coordinate with utility companies when needed. Learn more about emergency plumbing services.

Water Heater Issues
No hot water, rust-colored water, or loud rumbling? Common problems include broken heating elements, faulty thermostats, sediment buildup, or leaks. If your unit is over 10 years old, water heater replacement may be more cost-effective and energy efficient.

Signs You Need Emergency Plumbing Repair

Some plumbing issues can escalate quickly—often in the middle of the night or over the weekend—leaving you scrambling for a solution. Ignoring these problems can result in costly water damage, hazardous mold growth, or serious disruptions to your daily life. Knowing the signs of a plumbing emergency can save you thousands in repairs and protect your home from lasting damage.

When to Call for Emergency Plumbing Repair:

• No running water – A total loss of water could point to a broken main line or serious internal leak, and it affects your ability to cook, clean, and bathe.
• Burst pipes – A pipe that suddenly breaks can flood your home within minutes, leading to extensive water damage and potential structural issues.
• Sewage backups – If sewage is coming back up into your sinks or tubs, it’s not just unpleasant—it’s dangerous and needs immediate attention.
• Sudden loss of water pressure – If your water pressure drops significantly or disappears altogether, it could be a sign of a major leak or municipal issue.
• Leaking or failed water heater – Beyond cold showers, this can lead to flooding if not fixed quickly.

Emergency Red Flags to Watch For:

• Total water outage
• Foul odors from drains or toilets (sewer gas)
• Sudden puddles or wet spots around your home
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Gurgling, banging, or whistling noises in pipes

At 1st Call Plumbing & AC, we offer emergency plumbing repair services seven days a week, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Our trucks are fully stocked and ready to respond quickly when time matters most.

Don’t let a plumbing emergency spiral into a full-blown disaster—make 1st Call your first call.

Complex Jobs Need True Plumbing Experts

When your plumbing problem involves more than just a wrench and some elbow grease, it’s time to call a team with the tools, talent, and training to do the job right.

1st Call Plumbing & AC is not just another plumbing company. We specialize in large-scale and complex plumbing repairs, thanks to:

• Advanced diagnostic technology including in-line video inspections
• Hydro-jetting equipment for the toughest drain and sewer clogs
• Trenchless repair techniques to fix lines with minimal disruption
• Excavation capabilities for main line or slab leak repairs
• Licensed, experienced, and highly trained technicians

We handle jobs that many other contractors can’t. From whole-house repiping to rerouting sewer mains under mature landscapes, we bring decades of combined field experience to your doorstep. We’re proud to be the go-to plumber for homeowners who want more than a quick patch job.

Why Homeowners Trust 1st Call Plumbing & AC

We’re a locally owned, full-service plumbing and HVAC company with more than 35 years of experience serving the Greater San Antonio area. Our reputation is built on trust, integrity, and delivering real results—no matter the size or scope of the job.

At 1st Call Plumbing & AC, we believe in providing more than just service—we deliver peace of mind. Every technician on our team is licensed, insured, and trained to provide solutions that are fast, thorough, and built to last.

Here’s why homeowners make us their first call:

• No trip charges – You shouldn’t have to pay just for us to show up. We believe in transparent pricing and real value.
• Free service estimates – Know what to expect up front with honest, no-pressure consultations.
• Special financing available – With approved credit, we help you get the work done now and pay over time.
• Emergency availability – Plumbing emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we. We’re available seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Licensed and insured professionals – Our work meets the highest standards of safety and local code compliance.
• With over 1,900 reviews and a 4.9-star average rating, we’re proud of our reputation for excellence.

Proudly Serving:

• San Antonio
• New Braunfels
• Boerne
• Spring Branch
• And surrounding communities

Hear it from our customers:

“1st Call was able to identify and fix a leak inside our foundation without tearing up our whole home. They were fast, courteous, and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”

We’re not just here to fix problems—we’re here to build lasting relationships with homeowners who want the job done right the first time. Whether it’s a leaking faucet or a full sewer line replacement, we treat every project with the same level of professionalism and care.

Don’t Wait for a Disaster—Call the Experts Today

Plumbing problems rarely fix themselves—and what starts as a slow drip or stubborn clog often hides a much bigger issue. That tiny leak, sluggish drain, or low-pressure faucet could be the early warning sign of major damage behind your walls or beneath your foundation. Acting now can save you time, money, and stress down the road.

With over three decades of experience, a trusted reputation, and a team of licensed plumbing professionals, 1st Call Plumbing & AC delivers real, lasting solutions—not quick patch jobs. Whether you’re facing a recurring clog, a damaged sewer line, or a middle-of-the-night emergency, we’re ready to respond with the tools, training, and expertise you can count on.

Why wait?
✅ Get fast, accurate diagnosis
✅ Receive upfront pricing and honest recommendations
✅ Work with licensed, insured professionals who respect your home

Request a free service estimate today, contact us to learn more, or call us at 210-446-0200.

Make your first call the right one—1st Call Plumbing & AC.