The 10 Most Common Plumbing Problems in Katy Homes

fixing a clogged drain

From spacious new builds in Cane Island to cozy family homes in Cinco Ranch, Katy homeowners enjoy the charm and comfort of suburban living just outside Houston. But whether your home is brand-new or has stood for decades, one thing is certain: plumbing problems don’t discriminate.

At Brad’s Plumbing, we’ve been serving the Katy community for years. And through thousands of service calls, we’ve noticed the same plumbing issues popping up again and again in local homes. Some are minor annoyances, others are hidden threats—but all of them are easier to deal with when caught early.

In this blog, we’ll break down the 10 most common plumbing problems we see in Katy homes, why they happen, and how you can fix or prevent them with help from a licensed pro.

1. Leaky Faucets

That slow drip in your bathroom or kitchen sink may seem harmless, but over time it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and run up your utility bill. In most cases, a worn-out washer, O-ring, or valve seat is to blame.

While some homeowners try to tighten things themselves, the leak usually returns if the underlying part isn’t replaced. Brad’s Plumbing can quickly swap out the worn components and stop the drip for good—saving you money and headaches.

2. Running Toilets

A running toilet is one of the most common complaints we hear from Katy homeowners. Often, it’s caused by a faulty flapper, fill valve, or chain inside the tank. Not only is the constant sound annoying, but it can also waste up to 200 gallons of water a day.

Our plumbers can diagnose the exact cause and repair it on the spot, often in under an hour. If your toilet is older, we may recommend an upgrade to a more water-efficient model.

3. Clogged Drains

Whether it’s the bathroom sink, the shower, or the kitchen disposal, clogged drains are a near-universal issue. Hair, soap scum, food grease, and foreign objects are usually the culprits.

While store-bought drain cleaners can sometimes help, they often cause more harm than good by corroding your pipes. Brad’s Plumbing uses safe, professional-grade equipment to fully clear your drains and keep things flowing smoothly.

4. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make showers frustrating and slow down every task that requires water. In Katy homes, it’s often caused by mineral buildup inside pipes, leaky supply lines, or issues with the municipal water supply.

We can pinpoint whether the issue is inside your home or outside, and if needed, install pressure-boosting systems to restore full flow to every fixture.

5. Water Heater Problems

Hot water is essential—especially for busy families. But water heaters can fail or lose efficiency over time, especially in areas like Katy where hard water leads to faster sediment buildup inside the tank.

Common signs include lukewarm water, strange noises, or discolored water. Brad’s Plumbing offers water heater flushes, repairs, and replacements for both tank and tankless systems—so you’ll never be stuck with a cold shower.

6. Slab Leaks

Many homes in Katy are built on slab foundations, which means water lines often run underneath the concrete. If a pipe starts leaking beneath the slab, it can cause serious damage and even threaten your foundation.

Warning signs include hot spots on the floor, damp carpet, increased water bills, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are on. Brad’s Plumbing uses advanced leak detection tools to locate slab leaks precisely—without tearing up your floors.

7. Garbage Disposal Issues

Katy kitchens are always busy, and so are the garbage disposals. Over time, disposals can get jammed, clogged, or stop working entirely—especially if items like eggshells, bones, grease, or fibrous vegetables go down the drain.

If resetting the disposal doesn’t solve the problem, it’s best to have it inspected. Brad’s Plumbing can repair or replace disposals quickly and safely, ensuring your kitchen stays clean and functional.

8. Sewer Line Backups

A sewer line issue is every homeowner’s nightmare. Tree roots, shifting soil, or aging pipes can cause backups that result in slow drains, gurgling toilets, and even sewage coming back into your home.

Because many Katy neighborhoods have mature landscaping and shifting clay soil, sewer line problems are more common than you might think. We offer video camera inspections and hydro jetting to locate and fix the problem fast—before it becomes a messy emergency.

9. Dripping Hose Bibs and Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor plumbing is just as vulnerable as indoor pipes—especially during freezes or when fittings wear out. A dripping hose bib may not seem urgent, but it can waste a lot of water and even lead to cracks in your foundation over time.

Brad’s Plumbing can replace damaged outdoor spigots and winterize your system to prevent future problems during Texas’ colder months.

10. Burst Pipes During Cold Snaps

While Katy winters are generally mild, surprise freezes can still cause exposed or poorly insulated pipes to burst. When that happens, water can flood your home in minutes.

If you’ve experienced a burst pipe or want to prevent one, we can inspect your vulnerable lines, insulate where needed, and install shut-off valves so you’re ready if the next cold front hits.

How to Prevent These Problems Before They Start

The good news? Most of these plumbing issues can be caught early—or avoided altogether—with regular maintenance. Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection is one of the best things you can do for your Katy home. Brad’s Plumbing can check all your fixtures, test water pressure, inspect your water heater, and catch small issues before they become big problems.

Being proactive not only saves you money, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your home’s most essential system is in great shape.

Why Katy Homeowners Trust Brad’s Plumbing

At Brad’s Plumbing, we’ve built our reputation one job at a time by being honest, fast, and dependable. Our team of licensed professionals understands the unique plumbing challenges Katy homeowners face. Whether you live in a new subdivision or a historic neighborhood, we treat every home with care and respect.

We offer:

  • Upfront, transparent pricing

  • Friendly, punctual technicians

  • Fully licensed and insured service

  • Emergency plumbing support when you need it most

Our goal is simple: to keep your plumbing working perfectly, so you can focus on what matters most—your home and your family.

Got a Plumbing Problem in Katy? We’re Here to Help.

If you’re dealing with any of these common plumbing issues—or just want a professional set of eyes on your system—Brad’s Plumbing is just a phone call away.

👉 Call us today at [insert phone number] or book online at https://bradsplumbing.com.
We proudly serve the entire Katy area, and we’re here to fix it right the first time.