Garland Plumbing
Questions Answered

Homes from this era in Garland typically have galvanized steel supply lines and cast-iron drain systems — both past or approaching end of service life. Galvanized corrodes from the inside producing rust-colored water and pressure loss. Cast-iron accumulates scale and develops joint failures. A whole-home inspection in a 1960s Garland property typically finds multiple systems needing attention simultaneously.

Cast-iron drain lines in pre-1975 Garland homes accumulate scale on interior walls, crack under soil movement, and develop joint failures causing chronic slow drains. At a certain point replacement is the only permanent solution.

In most Garland homes the main interior water shutoff is in the garage on the wall closest to the street — typically within five feet of where the water supply line enters the structure. It is usually a ball valve with a lever handle. Turn it clockwise until it stops to cut water to the entire house. Locate it now so you are not searching during an emergency. There is also a street-level shutoff in the meter box at the front of your property, but that requires a special tool and should be left to the utility or a plumber.

Standard homeowner's insurance covers sudden and accidental water damage — a pipe that bursts unexpectedly, for example. It generally does not cover slow leaks, gradual deterioration, or deferred maintenance. Slab leak coverage varies significantly by policy. Read your declarations page or call your agent before assuming coverage. If you believe you have a covered claim, document everything with photos before cleanup and contact your insurer before scheduling repairs — some require their own inspection first.

A standard diagnostic and repair visit for a single issue — drain clearing, toilet repair, minor leak — typically takes one to two hours from arrival. More complex work like water heater replacement runs two to three hours. Slab leak detection is typically two to three hours for the detection phase alone, with repair scheduled separately depending on the access method chosen. We give you a realistic time estimate when we arrive and after we assess the job.