Guides
Plumbing guides for Matthews, NC homeowners
Short, plain guides on the questions homeowners ask us most. Read one, then call if you want a plumber to look.
Pick a guide
Each guide covers what to look for, what you can safely do yourself and when it is time to call.
Water heater: repair or replace? Signs of failure, tank versus tankless and how to weigh a repair against a new unit.
How to shut off your water in an emergency. Finding the main and fixture stops, and what to do afterward.
Signs of a hidden water leak. What to listen and look for, plus a simple meter test.
Slow drains: common causes and fixes. What is safe to try, and when a camera inspection is the next step.
Need a plumber instead?
If it cannot wait, read what counts as a plumbing emergency. For anything else, book a visit or browse every kind of work on our services page.
Questions people ask before they call
Are these guides a substitute for a plumber?
No. They help you recognize a problem, take safe first steps and describe it clearly on the phone. Your pipes, fixtures and local rules are specific to your house, so a plumber who sees the actual problem gives you a better answer than any general page can.
Which guide should I read first?
If water is moving where it should not, start with the shutoff guide. If you are not sure whether something is urgent, read our emergency guide. Otherwise, pick the topic that matches what you are noticing: a heater, a drain or a leak you cannot find.
Do local codes affect these repairs?
Often. Permits and inspections for water heaters, gas lines and larger repairs vary by city, county and sometimes HOA. We mention where that matters, but confirm the details with your local permitting office before work begins.