- Greater San Antonio's Trusted Plumbing Experts
Frequently Asked Questions – Five Star Plumbing
Got plumbing questions? We get it — leaks, strange noises, or low water pressure can leave you scratching your head. At Five Star Plumbing, we’re all about making plumbing simple and stress-free. Whether you’re dealing with a mystery drip or planning a big project, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions from our customers in San Antonio, Castroville, and beyond.
1. How can I tell if I have a plumbing leak?
You might notice water stains on your walls, a musty smell, or spots on the floor that never seem to dry. Try placing a paper towel under pipes or suspicious areas overnight. Still unsure? Give us a call — we’ll find the source fast and fix it right.
2. What’s the simplest way to flush a toilet when the tank or handle isn’t working?
No need to panic! Just pour about a gallon of water straight into the bowl. It’ll flush on its own, no handle needed. Great trick during power outages or quick fixes.
3. What is an “escutcheon” in plumbing?
It’s a fancy word for a trim plate — that little metal cover where pipes come out of the wall. It hides rough edges and gives your bathroom or kitchen a clean look.
4. Why should I hire a licensed plumber instead of doing it myself?
DIY can be tempting, but one wrong move can lead to big damage (and big bills). Licensed plumbers know local codes and how to do the job safely and correctly the first time.
5. What is “plumbing code”?
Plumbing code is a set of safety rules we follow to make sure water and waste move the right way — cleanly and safely. It keeps your home healthy and protects your investment.
6. Why does my toilet leak at the base after moving it?
If water pools around the base, the wax ring seal may be off or the toilet isn’t level. This is common after a DIY reinstall. We can reset it properly and stop the mess.
7. Why does my toilet or bathtub bubble up when the washing machine drains?
That bubbling means your main drain might be clogged. The washer dumps a lot of water quickly, and if the drain can’t handle it, the pressure forces air or water into nearby fixtures.
8. Do you offer emergency plumbing services in San Antonio?
Absolutely. Burst pipe in the middle of the night? We’ve got you. Our team is on call 24/7 to fix plumbing problems fast and protect your home.
9. What warranties do you provide on plumbing work?
Most of our repairs come with a solid 1-year warranty, and we offer a 90-day guarantee on drain cleaning services. We stand by our work — always.
10. Is financing available for plumbing repairs?
Yes! We know big fixes can come at the worst times. That’s why we offer 6-month interest-free financing for qualified customers. Easy application. Fast approval.
11. Are your plumbers licensed and insured?
100%. Our technicians are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and are fully insured. You’re in safe, qualified hands.
12. Do you charge a trip fee?
Nope! If you’re in our service area (like San Antonio or Castroville), there’s no extra charge for us to come out and take a look.
13. How fast can you respond to a plumbing issue?
We aim for same-day service whenever we can — and we always prioritize emergencies. Just give us a ring, and we’ll get someone out ASAP.
14. What areas do you serve around San Antonio?
We cover Castroville, San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Valley, Alamo Ranch, Medina County, and nearby communities. If you’re close, we’re there.
15. What types of plumbing systems do you work on?
From old copper pipes to modern PEX and PVC, we’ve seen and fixed it all — in homes, offices, restaurants, and everything in between.
16. Do you install tankless water heaters?
We sure do! Tankless units save space and deliver endless hot water. We install and service top brands like Navien and Rheem.
17. Can you help with low water pressure issues?
Yes — we get to the root of the problem, whether it’s buildup, a hidden leak, or a bad pressure regulator. Then we fix it, fast.
18. What should I do if my water heater is leaking?
First, turn off the water to the heater if you can. Then call us immediately. A leak could mean a tank failure, and acting quickly can save your floors and walls.
19. Are video camera inspections available?
Definitely. We use high-def drain cameras to see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes — no digging, no guessing.
20. How often should I schedule a plumbing inspection?
We recommend a yearly check-up, especially in older homes. It’s a great way to catch problems early and avoid surprise repairs later.
Still have questions? We’re here for you. Call Five Star Plumbing at (830) 317-6825 or reach out online — our friendly, licensed team is ready to help with honest answers and five-star service.