News

Plano Homeowners: You May Qualify for Plumbing Rebates Up to $500

Total Plumbing — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:04:16 Z

If you live in Plano and have been thinking about replacing an older toilet or dealing with high water pressure, there may be a way to save some money on the project.

The City of Plano currently offers water-conservation rebate programs for certain qualifying residential upgrades, including high-efficiency toilets and pressure-reducing valves.

For the right homeowner, these rebates can help offset part of the cost of improvements that may also reduce water waste and help protect the plumbing system.

Plano Toilet Rebates

Homeowners with qualifying older homes may be eligible for utility-bill credits when replacing older toilets with approved high-efficiency models.

According to the City of Plano, eligible residents may receive:

$100 for the first qualifying toilet
$75 for the second
$50 for the third

That means some homeowners could receive up to $225 in credits for qualifying toilet replacements.

The replacement toilet must meet the Citys current requirements, including the use of an EPA WaterSense-labeled high-efficiency model.

If you have an older home with older toilets, this is worth looking into before replacing them.

Why High-Efficiency Toilets Can Make Sense

The rebate is helpful, but the bigger benefit is often the long-term reduction in water use.

Older toilets can use considerably more water per flush than newer high-efficiency models.

You can also have a toilet that looks perfectly normal but is quietly wasting water through a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or another internal problem.

If your water bill has been creeping up or you have older plumbing fixtures, replacing an outdated toilet can be a practical upgrade even before the rebate is considered.

Plano PRV Rebate: Up to $500

One of the more valuable rebates for certain Plano homeowners is the pressure-reducing valve, or PRV, rebate.

A PRV regulates excessive incoming water pressure before that pressure moves through the rest of your plumbing system.

Eligible homeowners may receive a rebate equal to 50% of qualifying PRV costs, up to $500.

That can be a meaningful savings on a project that may help protect fixtures, valves, water-heater connections, supply lines, and other plumbing components from excessive pressure.

Why High Water Pressure Can Be a Problem

A lot of homeowners assume that more water pressure is always better.

It isnt.

Good water pressure is one thing. Excessive pressure constantly pushing against your plumbing system is another.

High pressure can contribute to premature wear on:

Faucet cartridges
Toilet fill valves
Washing-machine hoses
Water-heater connections
Supply lines
Plumbing fixtures
Other valves and fittings

If youve had repeated plumbing failures or your water pressure simply feels unusually strong, it may be worth having the actual pressure tested.

A plumber should verify the pressure with a gauge rather than guessing based on how strong the shower feels.

Does Every Plano Home Qualify?

No.

Eligibility depends on the specific rebate and the property.

For example, the City has age and location requirements for the PRV rebate, and qualifying homes must meet the current program rules.

Thats why the first step should be checking the City of Planos current rebate requirements before scheduling work based solely on an expected rebate.

The City can change or discontinue programs, so always verify the latest information.

Dont Upgrade Just for the Rebate

This is probably the most important advice.

Dont spend money on a plumbing upgrade just because theres a rebate available.

Instead, use the rebate to help offset the cost of work that already makes sense for your home.

If your toilet is wasting water, replacing it may be worthwhile.

If your water pressure is excessive, installing a PRV may be worthwhile.

If there isnt actually a problem, theres no reason to manufacture one.

Have Your Plumbing Checked First

Before spending money, find out what you actually have.

Check:

The age of your home
Whether your address qualifies
The age and efficiency of your toilets
Your actual water pressure
Whether your plumbing system already has a PRV
Whether any water-heater expansion protection is required

A professional inspection can help you avoid unnecessary work and make sure the upgrade is appropriate for the home.

Plano Plumbing Services From Total Plumbing Service Inc.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. serves Plano homeowners with professional:

Toilet replacement
Water-pressure testing
Pressure-reducing valve installation
Leak detection
Water-heater service
Drain and sewer service
Whole-home plumbing diagnostics

If you think your home may qualify for one of Planos plumbing-related rebate programs, we can help you determine what your plumbing actually needs.

Before scheduling work specifically for a rebate, be sure to confirm current eligibility and requirements with the City of Plano.

Read our full guide to Plano plumbing rebates to learn more about qualifying upgrades, potential savings, and what to check before moving forward.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. serving Plano and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex since 1996.

Why Is My Water Pressure Low? What DFW Homeowners Should Check

Total Plumbing — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:01:25 Z

Low water pressure is one of those plumbing problems that can be a minor inconvenienceor the first sign of something more serious.

Sometimes, the solution is as simple as cleaning mineral buildup from a faucet aerator or showerhead. Other times, low pressure can point to a failing pressure regulator, corroded piping or a hidden underground water leak.

The key is paying attention to where the pressure is low and when the problem began.

Start by Checking More Than One Fixture

If only one faucet or shower has weak water flow, the problem is probably located at that fixture. Sediment, rust flakes and mineral deposits can gradually clog the small openings inside an aerator or showerhead.

If the pressure is low throughout the entire house, the cause may be closer to the main water supply. Possibilities include a partially closed shutoff valve, failing pressure regulator, restricted piping, water-treatment equipment or a damaged water service line.

It also helps to compare the hot and cold water. If the cold-water pressure is normal but every hot-water fixture is weak, the restriction may be near the water heater or somewhere in the hot-water piping.

Did the Pressure Change Suddenly or Gradually?

A sudden pressure drop deserves attention, especially if it affects the entire house.

Ask a neighbor whether they are experiencing the same problem. If several nearby homes lost pressure at approximately the same time, there may be utility work or a problem with the municipal water system.

If your neighbors have normal pressure, the issue is more likely located on your property.

Pressure that gradually worsens over several years may indicate mineral buildup or internal corrosion. This is especially common in older homes with galvanized steel water lines. These pipes can appear acceptable from the outside while corrosion slowly reduces the opening inside them.

Watch for Signs of a Hidden Leak

Low water pressure does not automatically mean you have a leak. However, it becomes more concerning when it appears with other warning signs, including:

An unexplained increase in the water bill
Damp or unusually green areas in the yard
Water collecting near the meter or foundation
The sound of water running when fixtures are off
Soft, eroded or sinking soil
A water meter that continues moving when no water is being used

North Texas soil can place additional stress on underground plumbing. Our clay soil expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts during prolonged dry conditions. That movement can strain buried water lines and connections.

If you suspect a leak, turn off the faucets and water-using appliances throughout the home. Make sure the toilets are not filling, and then check the water meter. If it continues recording usage, water may be escaping somewhere in the system.

The meter test can tell you that water is being used, but it cannot identify the leaks location. Irrigation systems, running toilets and other connected equipment must also be considered.

Could the Pressure Regulator Be Failing?

Some homes have a pressure-reducing valve where the main water supply enters the property. Its job is to reduce high municipal pressure to a safer level for the home.

When the regulator begins failing, water pressure may become low, high or inconsistent. You might also notice that the pressure drops dramatically whenever a second fixture is turned on.

A plumber can test the homes pressure and determine whether the regulator is working correctly. Homeowners should avoid adjusting the regulator without first testing the system, since excessive pressure can damage fixtures, supply lines and appliances.

What Can You Check Yourself?

Before calling a plumber, homeowners can safely make a few observations:

Test several faucets in different rooms.
Compare the hot- and cold-water flow.
Determine whether the problem affects one fixture or the entire house.
Ask a neighbor whether their pressure has changed.
Clean an easily removable aerator or showerhead.
Check when whole-house filters were last replaced.
Look for visible leaks and damp areas.
Check the water meter while all water use is stopped.

These details can help a plumber narrow down the problem and avoid unnecessary guesswork.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Contact a licensed plumber if the pressure changed suddenly, the meter moves when no water is being used, the yard is unexpectedly wet or the water bill has increased without an obvious explanation.

A good diagnosis should begin with pressure testing and inspectionnot with immediately recommending the largest repair. Depending on the symptoms, a plumber may inspect the shutoff valves, pressure regulator, fixtures, filtration equipment, interior piping and underground water service line.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. has served DallasFort Worth homeowners since 1996. Our licensed plumbers diagnose low water pressure, locate hidden leaks and explain the available repair options before work begins.

Read the complete homeowner guide: Why Is My Water Pressure Low? 10 Common Causes

Why Does My House Smell Like Sewer? Common Causes North Texas Homeowners Should Know

Total Plumbing — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:23:17 Z

If youve noticed a sewer smell inside your home, youre probably wondering where its coming fromand whether it means you have a serious plumbing problem.

Sometimes, the cause is simple. A rarely used drain may have dried out, allowing sewer gas to enter through the opening. In other cases, the odor may be connected to a clogged drain, failed toilet seal, plumbing vent problem, or damaged sewer line.

For homeowners across Dallas-Fort Worth, the key is figuring out why the smell is happening instead of simply trying to cover it up with air fresheners or drain cleaners.

Some of the most common causes of sewer odors include:

A dry P-trap in a guest bathroom or floor drain
Buildup or a partial clog inside a drain
A failed toilet wax ring or seal
A plumbing vent problem
A blockage in the main sewer line
A cracked or damaged sewer pipe
Aging cast-iron sewer piping
A loose or damaged sewer cleanout cap

If the odor appears to be coming from one specific sink or shower, start by running water into the drain and cleaning any visible buildup. A dry trap is often an easy fix.

But if the smell keeps coming backor if youre also dealing with slow drains, gurgling toilets, recurring clogs, or wastewater backing up into tubs or showersthe issue may be farther down the plumbing system.

In older North Texas homes, aging cast-iron sewer pipes can also contribute to recurring sewer problems. Over time, cast iron can corrode, scale, crack, or deteriorate internally. A sewer camera inspection can sometimes help identify whether the problem is a simple blockage or something more structural.

Professional plumbers may also use smoke testing or other diagnostic methods when the source of the sewer odor isnt obvious.

The most important thing to remember is that a sewer smell doesnt automatically mean you need a complete sewer replacement. The problem could be minor, localized, or relatively easy to correct. The right repair starts with properly identifying the source.

If your home has a persistent sewer odor, dont ignore it. Repeated smells are often a sign that something in the drainage or vent system needs attention.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. provides sewer odor diagnosis, drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, smoke testing, sewer line repair, cast-iron pipe evaluation, and other plumbing services throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

If you keep asking, Why does my house smell like sewer? it may be time to have the system checked and find the actual cause.

Contact Total Plumbing Service Inc. to schedule a plumbing or sewer evaluation in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Water Heater Leaking From the Bottom? What North Texas Homeowners Should Know

Total Plumbing — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:51:07 Z

Finding water around the bottom of your water heater can be unsettling, especially when the unit is installed in an attic, garage or finished utility closet. Even a relatively small leak can damage flooring, drywall and nearby belongings if it continues unnoticed.

However, water beneath a water heater does not automatically mean the tank has failed. The water may be traveling down from a plumbing connection above the unit or escaping from a component that can be replaced.

What Should You Do First?

If you discover water around your water heater, avoid standing water near electrical equipment or wiring.

When it is safe to do so:

Turn off the water heaters cold-water supply.
Shut off electrical power at the breaker for an electric unit.
Move nearby belongings away from the water.
Remove standing water with towels or a wet vacuum.
Contact a licensed plumber to identify the source.

If you smell gas, leave the area immediately. Do not operate lights, switches or anything else that could create a spark. Contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location.

Where Could the Water Be Coming From?

Several problems can make a water heater appear to be leaking from the bottom.

A Damaged Drain Valve

The drain valve is located near the bottom of a traditional tank water heater. Mineral deposits, damage or an improperly closed valve can cause it to drip.

A leaking drain valve can often be replaced if the tank remains in good condition.

A Loose Plumbing Connection

Water from the hot- or cold-water connections above the heater can run down the outside of the tank. It then collects on the floor, making it look like the bottom of the unit is leaking.

These connections should be inspected before assuming the storage tank has failed.

The Pressure-Relief System

A temperature and pressure relief valve is designed to release water when conditions inside the tank become unsafe. Its discharge pipe normally terminates near the bottom of the unit.

A dripping discharge pipe may indicate excessive water pressure, thermal expansion, overheating or a faulty valve. Never plug or cap this pipe.

Condensation

Temporary condensation can sometimes develop when cold water enters the tank after heavy hot-water use. Persistent moisture or a growing puddle should still be professionally inspected.

Internal Tank Corrosion

If water is escaping through the tank body or bottom seam, the internal storage tank may have corroded.

A leaking storage tank generally cannot be permanently repaired. In that situation, water-heater replacement is normally the appropriate solution.

Can a Leaking Water Heater Be Repaired?

That depends entirely on where the leak started.

Loose connections, drain valves and certain other components may be repairable. A corroded internal tank typically requires replacement.

The water heaters age, condition, warranty and repair history should also be considered. Many conventional tank water heaters last approximately 10 to 12 years, although installation quality, water conditions and maintenance can affect their service life.

A licensed plumber should identify the actual source before recommending a new water heater.

Dont Wait for a Small Leak to Get Worse

Water-heater leaks rarely correct themselves. A small drip can become a larger problem as a valve, connection or storage tank continues deteriorating.

This is especially important for water heaters installed in attics or upper floors, where escaping water can damage ceilings, insulation and rooms below.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. provides professional water-heater repair and replacement throughout DallasFort Worth. Our licensed plumbers inspect the unit, explain what they find and provide upfront options before beginning recommended work.

Read the complete homeowner guide:
https://totalplumbing.net/water-heater-leaking-from-bottom/

Sewer Backing Up Into Your House? Heres What North Texas Homeowners Should Do

Total Plumbing — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:03:49 Z

A sewer backup can go from an unpleasant plumbing problem to a serious household emergency very quickly. If sewage begins coming up through a shower, bathtub, toilet or floor drain, knowing what to do next can help limit additional damage.

The first and most important step is to stop using water throughout the house. Do not flush toilets, run faucets, take showers or use appliances such as the washing machine or dishwasher. When the main sewer line is blocked, additional water has nowhere to go and may push more wastewater back into the home.

Keep children and pets away from the affected area and avoid contact with contaminated water. If the backup is near electrical outlets or appliances, stay out of the area and do not attempt to shut off power unless the breaker can be reached safely.

Signs of a Main Sewer Line Backup

A single slow sink may indicate an isolated clog. However, the following symptoms often point to a larger sewer-line problem:

Multiple drains backing up simultaneously
Water rising in a shower when a toilet is flushed
Toilets bubbling or making gurgling sounds
Sewage appearing in the lowest drain in the home
Wastewater coming from an exterior sewer cleanout
Persistent sewer odors inside the house
Drain problems that return after being cleared

Main sewer backups can be caused by grease and debris buildup, tree-root intrusion, deteriorated cast-iron pipes, separated joints, improper slope or a partially collapsed sewer line.

Professional drain-cleaning equipment may restore flow, but recurring backups often require a sewer-camera inspection to identify the underlying cause. Clearing a blockage without addressing a damaged pipe may provide only temporary relief.

North Texas soil can also place additional pressure on buried plumbing lines. As the soil expands and contracts, older sewer pipes may shift, crack or separate. Homes with mature trees may face additional problems when roots enter small openings in the line.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. provides sewer and drain diagnostics, professional cleaning, camera inspections and repair options throughout the DallasFort Worth area. Our licensed plumbers explain what they find and provide upfront options before beginning recommended work.

Read the complete homeowner guide:
https://totalplumbing.net/sewer-backing-up-into-house/

North Texas Drought Conditions Can Increase Slab Leak Risk for Homeowners

Total Plumbing — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:46:24 Z

As another hot, dry summer continues across North Texas, homeowners should pay attention to more than their lawns and water bills. Extended dry conditions can also affect the soil surrounding a homes foundation and place additional stress on underground plumbing lines.

The Texas Water Development Boards drought dashboard showed that more than half of Texas was experiencing abnormally dry conditions or worse as of August 11, 2026. The U.S. Drought Monitor also reported that dryness and drought had been expanding across much of the southern United States.

For North Texas homeowners, these conditions can increase the risk of foundation movement and hidden plumbing problems, including slab leaks.

How Dry North Texas Soil Affects Plumbing

Much of the DallasFort Worth area contains expansive clay soil. This type of soil absorbs water and expands during wet periods, then contracts as it dries.

During an extended period of heat and limited rainfall, the soil around and beneath a home may shrink and pull away from the foundation. When moisture eventually returns, that soil can expand again. Repeated soil movement can place pressure on a homes foundation and the water and sewer lines running beneath it.

Pipes beneath a concrete foundation are not designed to move freely. If the surrounding soil shifts, plumbing lines and connections may become strained. Older pipes, weakened fittings and improperly supported lines may be especially vulnerable.

A drought does not automatically mean a home will develop a slab leak. However, dry conditions and soil movement can contribute to the stress that causes an underground pipe to crack, separate or begin leaking.

Warning Signs of a Possible Slab Leak

Because slab leaks occur beneath the foundation, homeowners may not see water immediately. The first clues are often changes inside the home or on the monthly water bill.

Possible warning signs include:

An unexplained increase in water usage
The sound of running water when fixtures are turned off
Warm areas on tile or other flooring
Damp flooring, carpet or baseboards
Cracks developing in flooring or walls
Reduced or inconsistent water pressure
Musty odors or signs of mold
Water appearing around the foundation
A water meter that moves when no water is being used

Not every one of these symptoms confirms a slab leak. A leaking toilet, irrigation problem, damaged service line or plumbing fixture can produce similar symptoms. Professional testing may be needed to determine where the water is escaping.

A Simple Water-Meter Test

Homeowners who suspect a hidden leak can perform a basic water-meter check.

First, turn off every faucet and water-using appliance in the home. Make sure toilets are not running and irrigation systems are off. Then locate the water meter and watch the leak indicator or meter reading.

If the meter continues moving while no water is intentionally being used, water may be escaping somewhere in the plumbing system.

This test can indicate that a leak may be present, but it will not identify the location. Avoid breaking flooring or opening walls until the plumbing system has been properly evaluated.

Ways Homeowners Can Reduce Soil Movement

Homeowners cannot control the weather, but they may be able to reduce dramatic moisture changes around the foundation.

Helpful practices include:

Following the foundation-maintenance recommendations of a qualified professional
Keeping gutters and downspouts in working condition
Directing drainage away from the foundation
Repairing irrigation leaks promptly
Avoiding excessive watering in one concentrated area
Watching for soil pulling away from the foundation
Checking the water meter when bills increase unexpectedly

Homeowners should also follow local watering restrictions and avoid making major changes to foundation watering without professional guidance. Too much water can be just as problematic as too little when it is applied unevenly.

Why Early Leak Detection Matters

A small underground leak can waste a significant amount of water and may eventually damage flooring, walls, cabinets or the foundation area. It can also create conditions that allow mold or mildew to develop.

Early diagnosis may give homeowners more repair options. Depending on the location and condition of the damaged line, a plumber may recommend a localized repair, rerouting the affected line or replacing a larger section of deteriorated piping.

Professional leak detection may involve pressure testing, line isolation, acoustic equipment, thermal imaging or other diagnostic methods. These techniques help narrow down the source of the leak and reduce unnecessary damage to the home.

When to Contact a Licensed Plumber

Homeowners should schedule an inspection when they notice unexplained water usage, signs of moisture or recurring plumbing symptoms that cannot be traced to a visible fixture.

Total Plumbing Service Inc. has served homeowners throughout DallasFort Worth since 1996. Its licensed plumbers provide professional leak detection and repair for water, sewer and gas lines, including suspected leaks beneath concrete foundations.

As North Texas moves through another period of hot and dry weather, a quick water-meter check and attention to early warning signs may help homeowners identify a hidden plumbing problem before it causes more extensive damage.

Sources: Texas Water Development Board drought dashboard and U.S. Drought Monitor, August 2026.