Austin’s water comes mainly from the Highland Lakes on the Colorado River and is moderately hard, so sediment and scale build in water heaters and fixtures over time. Winter storms in 2021 and the 2023 ice storm caused burst pipes, power loss and citywide water disruptions, a reminder that Austin homes built for heat still need freeze protection.
Housing & construction
Slab-on-grade homes from mid-century bungalows near downtown to large newer subdivisions, plus a growing number of condos and townhomes.
Plumbing services in Austin
Leak Detection in Austin
Soil-driven leaks
Austin leak detection →
Water Heater Repair in Austin
Sediment buildup
Austin water heater repair →
Pipe Repair in Austin
Attic supply lines
Austin pipe repair →Also common in Austin: water softeners & filtration.
Common plumbing problems in Austin
What makes Austin plumbing different
Expansive clay east of I-35
Shrink-swell soils move slabs and crack drain lines; slab leak detection is a frequent need.
Limestone and thin soils to the west
Rocky Hill Country soils make excavation harder and affect how lines are routed.
Moderately hard water
Highland Lakes water builds sediment in water heaters and scale on fixtures.
Winter storm vulnerability
Attic and exterior-wall pipes in homes built for heat burst during hard freezes.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Austin
- Summer droughtClay soils shrink and slabs move; watch for new floor cracks and unexplained water bill increases.
- Winter freezesInsulate attic pipes, cover hose bibs, and drip exterior-wall faucets during freeze warnings.
Plumbing emergency in Austin?
- Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
- Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
- For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Austin plumbing questions
Why do Austin homes get slab leaks?
East of I-35, expansive clay soils shrink and swell with moisture, moving slab foundations and stressing the pipes beneath them.
Is Austin water hard?
Austin’s Highland Lakes water is moderately hard, enough to cause sediment in water heaters and scale on fixtures over time.
How do I protect Austin pipes in a winter storm?
Insulate attic and exterior-wall pipes, cover hose bibs, open cabinet doors and drip faucets on exterior walls when hard freezes are forecast.
Should I water my foundation in Austin?
Many foundation professionals recommend consistent moisture around clay-soil foundations during drought to limit movement, using soaker hoses a short distance from the slab.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Austin, including Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Lakeway, Bee Cave.
Statewide: Slab Leak Detection & Repair in Texas
