A large share of Houston's housing was built between the 1950s and 1970s, when cast iron was the standard material for drain lines under slabs. After several decades, many of those lines are scaled, corroded or cracked. Recurring kitchen clogs, slow drains across the house, and sewer odors in older Houston homes often trace back to that pipe.
Housing & construction
Predominantly slab-on-grade single-family homes, with a large stock of mid-century houses alongside newer suburban construction. Water heaters are often in garages or attics.
Plumbing services in Houston
Drain Cleaning in Houston
Scaled cast iron
Houston drain cleaning →
Leak Detection in Houston
Shrink-swell soils
Houston leak detection →
Sewer Line Repair in Houston
Under-slab drains
Houston sewer line repair →
Pipe Repair in Houston
Attic supply lines
Houston pipe repair →Also common in Houston: water heater repair.
What makes Houston plumbing different
Expansive clay soils
Houston-area clay soils are known for shrink-swell behavior. Soil movement is widely associated with foundation shifting and stress on under-slab plumbing, so slab leak detection is a common need.
Cast iron drains under older slabs
Homes from roughly the 1950s to 1970s commonly have cast iron drain lines beneath the slab. A camera inspection is the most reliable way to judge their condition before a home purchase or major remodel.
Flooding and storm events
Heavy rain events and tropical storms can overload drainage and sewer systems. After flooding, sewer lines and water heaters that were submerged should be checked before normal use.
Rare but damaging freezes
The February 2021 winter storm caused widespread burst pipes across the region. Homes built for heat often have supply lines in attics and exterior walls that are vulnerable when temperatures drop well below freezing.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Houston
- SummerLong dry stretches shrink clay soils, which can coincide with new slab cracks and leaks. Watch for unexplained water bill increases.
- Hurricane season (June–November)Know your main shutoff, keep drains clear, and plan to shut off water and the water heater if you evacuate.
- Winter freeze warningsDrip faucets on exterior walls, open cabinet doors, cover hose bibs, and protect attic pipes.
Plumbing emergency in Houston?
- 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.
Houston plumbing questions
Why do older Houston homes have so many drain problems?
Many were built with cast iron drain lines under the slab. Over decades cast iron corrodes from the inside, which narrows the pipe, catches debris and eventually cracks. Combined with soil movement, this makes recurring clogs common.
How do I know if my Houston home has a slab leak?
Look for warm spots on floors, the sound of water running when nothing is on, a water meter that moves with all fixtures off, and damp flooring. A plumber can isolate hot and cold lines and pinpoint the leak.
What should I do with my plumbing before a hurricane?
Know where your main shutoff and water heater controls are. If you evacuate, shut off the water. After a flood, have a submerged water heater inspected before using it and watch for slow drains that suggest sewer damage.
Do I need to drip faucets in Houston during a freeze?
During hard freeze warnings, yes for faucets on exterior walls. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and an open faucet relieves pressure if ice forms.
Who is responsible for the sewer line in Houston?
In most cities, including Houston, the property owner is generally responsible for the service line from the house to the public main connection. Check with the City of Houston for exact boundaries on your property.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Houston, including Pasadena, Pearland, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Cypress, Spring, Bellaire.
Statewide: Slab Leak Detection & Repair in Texas
