FAQs
Plumbing Questions, Answered
Answers to common plumbing questions for Greater Houston homeowners — emergencies, pricing, water heaters, drains, and repiping.
Urgent Repairs
Do you handle urgent plumbing repairs in Houston? +
Yes. We answer 7 AM – 7 PM, 7 days/week, across Greater Houston and Galveston County. For burst pipes, major leaks, or sewage backups, call us right away and we'll give you the next available service window.
My water won't shut off / there's water everywhere — what do I do first? +
Shut off your home's main water valve (usually near the street meter or where the line enters the house), then call us. If it's a water-heater leak, also close the cold-water valve on top of the tank. We'll talk you through it on the phone.
How fast can you get to me? +
Same-day service may be available in most of the Houston metro. Call and we'll give you an honest arrival window — not a vague 'sometime today.'
Pricing & Scheduling
How does your pricing work? +
We use upfront, flat-rate pricing. You'll get a clear price for the job before any work begins — no hourly meter and no surprise add-ons at the end. If the scope changes, we re-quote before continuing.
Are estimates free? +
We provide upfront quotes on the work we recommend. For larger projects like repipes or water-heater replacements, we'll walk the job with you and explain your options before you commit.
Do you stand behind your work? +
Mahi Plumbing is owner-operated by AJ Robles, a licensed Master Plumber (RMP 46529) who does the work himself and takes pride in doing it right the first time. Manufacturer warranties on the parts and equipment we install pass through to you, and we'll walk through any workmanship coverage for your specific job before we begin.
What payment methods do you accept? +
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. Payment is due once the work is complete and you're satisfied with the job.
Do you charge a diagnostic fee? +
Simple estimates and consultations are typically free. A diagnostic fee may apply for complex problems that need extensive troubleshooting — and if it does, we'll tell you upfront when you schedule, never as a surprise at the end.
When does it make sense to replace instead of repair? +
A good rule of thumb: if a repair would cost more than about half the price of replacement, or the unit is near the end of its expected lifespan, replacing is usually the smarter spend. We'll give you the honest call for your situation and budget — not an upsell.
Water Heaters
Should I repair or replace my water heater? +
If your tank is under ~8 years old and the issue is a part (thermostat, valve, element), repair usually makes sense. Older units, rusty water, or repeated failures point to replacement. We'll give you the honest call and show you both options.
Is a tankless water heater worth it in Houston? +
For many Houston homes, yes — tankless units deliver endless hot water, save space, and last longer. We'll size one correctly for your household's demand and gas/electrical setup so you actually get the performance you're paying for.
How long does a water heater installation take? +
A typical tank water-heater replacement takes about 2–4 hours, depending on the unit and any code or venting updates needed. Tankless installs usually take longer because of the added gas, venting, and electrical work. We'll give you a clear time estimate once we see your setup.
Drains, Sewers & Repiping
My drains keep clogging — is it a bigger problem? +
Recurring clogs across multiple fixtures often point to a main-line issue or root intrusion, common in older Houston-area neighborhoods. We use camera inspection to find the real cause and recommend the right cleaning or repair approach — not a guess.
How do I know if I need repiping? +
Frequent leaks, low pressure, discolored water, or aging galvanized/polybutylene pipe are all signs. We'll inspect your system and let you know whether a targeted repair or a whole-home repipe is the smarter investment.
How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned? +
For most Houston-area homes, an annual drain cleaning is plenty for preventive maintenance. If you deal with frequent clogs, have older pipes, or have large trees near your sewer line, more frequent service can be worth it. We'll look at your situation and recommend a sensible schedule.
What causes low water pressure? +
Low water pressure has several possible causes — mineral buildup inside the pipes, a partially closed valve, a hidden leak, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or an issue with the municipal supply. We diagnose the real cause instead of guessing, then recommend the right fix.
Working With Mahi
Are you licensed and insured? +
Yes. Mahi Plumbing is owner-run by a licensed Responsible Master Plumber (RMP 46529) and is fully insured, so you're protected on every job. We're licensed and regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Do I need to be home during the service? +
For most jobs, yes — we'll need access to your plumbing and may have a few questions while we work. If you can't be there, you can arrange for a trusted person to let us in. We'll work out the details when we schedule your appointment.
How should I prepare for your visit? +
Clear access to the work area, secure any pets, and jot down the symptoms you've noticed — when it started, which fixtures are affected, and any sounds or smells. For water-heater or large-appliance work, clearing the space around the unit helps us get started faster.
Ready to Reel In Your Plumbing Problem?
Call or text for friendly service 7 AM – 7 PM, 7 days/week — or schedule online and we'll confirm your time. Upfront pricing, every time.
