Top 5 Plumbing Fixes Every North Texas Homeowner Should Know

If you live in North Texas, you know that our weather can swing from scorching summers to surprise winter freezes — and your plumbing feels it all. Whether you're a new homeowner or just want to avoid expensive repair bills, learning how to handle a few simple fixes can save you time, money, and frustration.

Below are five essential plumbing fixes every DFW homeowner should have in their back pocket — plus tips on when it’s smart to call a local pro.

1. Shutting Off Your Water Main

Knowing how to quickly shut off your home’s water supply can prevent thousands in flood damage. In many North Texas homes, the shutoff valve is located:

• at the water meter box by the curb (Most Common)

• In the garage

• Near the front foundation

  
  

Tip: Label your shutoff valve and teach everyone in the household where it is. Also, every homeowner needs one of these Shutoff Tools to help keep leak damage to a minimum.

2. Unclogging a Stubborn Sink or Shower Drain

Hair, grease, and mineral buildup are common in DFW due to our hard water. A simple zip-it tool often works. Avoid harsh chemicals — they can damage older pipes.

DIY Trick: Try a mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water. If water still drains slowly, it might be time for a pro with a snake or hydro-jet.

3. Fixing a Running Toilet

That constant hissing isn’t just annoying — it’s wasting water and money.

Quick Fix: Open the tank and check the flapper. If it's not sealing, you can replace it for under $10 at any hardware store. Full rebuild kit

Bonus Tip: In older Plano or Arlington homes, worn-out fill valves are also a common culprit.

4. Dealing With Low Water Pressure

Inconsistent pressure can be caused by mineral buildup in aerators or a leak somewhere in the system.

DIY Steps:

• Unscrew faucet aerators and clean out debris or replace

• Check outdoor spigots and indoor valves for partial closures

If pressure issues persist across the whole house, a slab leak or main line issue might be to blame. If thats the case feel free to connect with the pro's at FlowMo Plumbing.

5. Insulating Outdoor Faucets Before a Freeze

Winter isn’t frequent here — but when it hits, it hits hard. Frozen pipes are a real risk in cities nearest the lakes like Frisco, McKinney, and Denton.

Action Plan:

• Use foam faucet covers (available for $3–5)

• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or towels

• Keep garage doors closed if plumbing runs through the walls

When to Call a Pro: If you lose water or see signs of pipe damage after a freeze, shut off the water and get a licensed plumber involved.

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About the Writer

Joe Odell is the owner of Flowmo Plumbing, a North Texas-based residential plumbing company focused on dependable service and honest solutions. A seasoned home service professional and DFW homeowner himself, Joe understands firsthand the challenges local families face when dealing with plumbing issues — from frozen pipes to failing water heaters.

With over a decade of experience in business operations and home service leadership, Joe built Flowmo Plumbing to bring transparency, speed, and lasting value to homeowners across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Whether he's troubleshooting a slab leak or helping a customer understand their options, Joe is known for treating every home like it’s his own.

When he’s not running Flowmo Plumbing or contributing to FixDFW, Joe spends his time with his family, coaching youth sports, and finding better ways to help homeowners make smarter home repair decisions.

FAQ: Plumbing Fixes in North Texas

Q: How do I know if my pipe is frozen?

A: If water won’t come out of a faucet during cold weather, the pipe may be frozen. Shut off your water immediately and check exposed pipes.

Q: What’s the average cost to fix a leaky faucet in DFW?

A: A basic fix can range from $100–$250 depending on the type and accessibility.

Q: Can I fix a slab leak myself?

A: Slab leaks require professional help. Left untreated, they can cause serious foundation damage.

Q: What tools should every homeowner have for basic plumbing fixes?

A: At minimum, you should keep a plunger, adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, and a drain snake or zip-it tool. These will handle 90% of everyday issues.

Q: Can I unclog a sink without using Drano or chemicals?

A: Yes. Try a mix of 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar, let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.

Q: How do I find my main water shutoff valve in a DFW home?

A: Most homes in North Texas have the shutoff either inside the garage, along an exterior wall, or in a meter box near the sidewalk. Older homes may only have the city shutoff by the street.

Q: My toilet keeps running even after I replaced the flapper — now what?

A: Check the fill valve and float. It might be misaligned or sticking. If those fail, consider replacing the entire fill mechanism — it's a simple DIY project.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent pipes from freezing in North Texas winters?

A: Insulate outdoor faucets with foam covers, drip interior faucets on exterior walls, and leave cabinet doors open under sinks.

Q: Is low water pressure always a plumbing problem?

A: Not always. It could be a clogged aerator, partially closed valve, or even city water supply issues. Try cleaning aerators first.

Q: What’s a slab leak and should I try to fix it myself?

A: A slab leak is a break in a pipe under your concrete foundation. It causes rising water bills, low pressure, and even flooring damage. Do not attempt this yourself — call a pro.