About A & A Plumbing Company

How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced or just repaired?

Age is the first thing to consider. A tank water heater that is more than ten to twelve years old and showing problems is often closer to replacement than a cost-effective repair. If the unit is leaking from the tank itself, that is almost always a replacement. Failing heating elements, bad thermostats, and pilot light issues are often repairable, especially on a newer unit. When you call us, we assess the unit and give you an honest read on whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation and budget.

What causes drains to clog and back up repeatedly?

Kitchen drains clog most often from grease, soap, and food waste that builds up on pipe walls over time. Bathroom drains collect hair and soap residue. In older homes, corroded or narrowed pipe makes buildup worse. When a clog keeps coming back after snaking, it usually means the buildup is heavier than a snake can fully clear. Hydro jetting flushes the pipe walls and removes what snaking leaves behind, which is why some drains need that approach to stay clear long-term.

How do you find a hidden leak without tearing up the whole house?

We start with the symptoms: water pressure changes, damp spots, staining, high water bills, or the sound of running water when everything is off. From there we use pressure testing and inspection to narrow down the location before opening anything. For slab leaks, we use methods that let us pinpoint the leak under the concrete so we only access what we need to. The goal is to find the source accurately and limit how much of the home gets disturbed in the process.

What are the signs of a sewer or main line problem?

Multiple drains backing up at the same time is the clearest sign. A single slow drain is usually a localized clog, but when the kitchen sink, the tub, and a toilet are all draining slowly or backing up together, the problem is likely in the main line. Other signs include gurgling sounds from drains when you flush, sewage odor in the yard or near a floor drain, and wet or unusually green patches in the lawn above where the sewer line runs. If you notice any of these, call us and we will run a camera to see what is happening in the line.

What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater?

A tank water heater stores a set volume of hot water and keeps it ready. It is straightforward to install and repair, and it works well for most households. A tankless unit heats water on demand and does not store any. It takes up less space, can last longer, and never runs out of hot water mid-shower. The tradeoff is a higher upfront cost and, in some cases, a need to upgrade the gas line or electrical service to support it. We walk you through both options based on your household size, usage, and what the installation will realistically cost.

How do tree roots get into a sewer line, and what do you do about it?

Roots follow moisture, and older clay or cast-iron sewer lines develop small cracks and loose joints over time. Roots work their way in through those openings and grow inside the pipe, eventually causing partial or full blockages. Durham's mature tree canopy and clay soil conditions make this a common problem in older neighborhoods. We clear the intrusion, run a camera to assess how far the damage goes, and repair or replace the affected section of line when the damage is too extensive to clear. We give you a clear picture of what we find before recommending next steps.

What causes low water pressure throughout the house?

Low pressure at a single fixture usually points to a local issue like a clogged aerator or a partially closed valve. When pressure is low throughout the house, the cause is more likely a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed main shutoff, a leak somewhere in the supply system, or, in older homes, corrosion inside galvanized pipe that has narrowed the flow path over time. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix, since the right repair depends entirely on what is actually driving the problem.

Do I need to be home when the plumber comes?

For most jobs, yes. We need access to the affected area, and in many cases we will have questions or need to show you what we find before proceeding. If you manage a rental or commercial property and cannot be on site, we can work with a designated contact who can authorize the work and receive the findings. Just let us know the situation when you call and we will work out the right arrangement.

How does pricing work, and will I know the cost before work starts?

We assess the job first, then explain what we found and what the work will cost before anything begins. Most jobs come in at or near that number. If something unexpected turns up once we open a wall or access a line, we stop, explain what changed, and get your approval before continuing. We do not add charges without your knowledge. Call for a quote and we will give you a straight answer based on what we actually find.

When should I call a plumber instead of trying to fix it myself?

Simple tasks like replacing a faucet aerator, swapping a toilet flapper, or tightening a supply line connection are reasonable DIY jobs for a handy homeowner. Anything involving the main line, a water heater, a slab leak, repiping, or a sewer backup is work where a mistake can cause significant damage or create a code issue. If you are unsure whether a job is within your range, call us and describe what you are seeing. We will give you an honest answer about whether it is something you can handle or whether it needs a licensed plumber on it.

How long does a whole-home repipe take?

It depends on the size of the house and how the existing pipe is routed. A typical single-family home repipe takes one to three days. We assess the existing system before we start and give you a realistic timeline so you can plan around it. Water will be off for portions of the work, and we communicate clearly about when service will be interrupted and restored. The result is a supply system that performs reliably and does not carry the rust and buildup that corroded galvanized pipe leaves in the water.