Plumbing Questions and Answers

You call or send a request, and we connect you with an independent licensed plumber who serves your area. The plumber confirms the details, gives you a price and does the work. Our referral is free.

No. Keystream is a referral service. The plumbers are independent local businesses who set their own prices and stand behind their own work.

Prices depend on the job, your market and timing. Most plumbers charge a trip or diagnostic fee plus parts and labor, and after-hours work costs more. Ask for the price before work starts.

Plumbers in our network hold the licenses their state or city requires. Ask for the license number on the call and verify it with your state or local licensing board.

We serve all 50 states and Washington, DC, including major cities, suburbs and many rural areas. Enter your ZIP code or call to check availability.

Same-day visits are often available, especially for urgent problems. The plumber confirms the arrival time when they call you.

Shut off the water at the fixture or the main valve, turn off power to an electric water heater if it's leaking, move valuables and take photos for insurance.

No. Calling and being connected is free. You only pay the plumber for work you approve.

Anything that is actively damaging the home or makes it unsafe or unlivable: a burst or leaking pipe you can't shut off, sewage backing up, no water, a leaking water heater, or a gas smell. A dripping faucet or a slow drain can usually wait for a regular appointment.

Turn the main shutoff valve clockwise (or turn a lever handle a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe). It's usually where the main line enters the home, near the water heater, in a basement or garage, or in a meter box near the street.

They can damage older pipes and rarely clear solid clogs, and the caustic water left behind is a hazard to whoever opens the drain next. A plunger, a drain tool or professional cleaning is safer.

A snake (cable) bores through a clog and is ideal for most fixture drains. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour grease, scale and roots off the pipe walls, which is better for recurring main-line clogs in pipes that are in good condition.

Tank water heaters commonly last about 8 to 12 years; tankless units can last 15 to 20 years with regular descaling. Hard water and skipped maintenance shorten both.

If the unit is under about 8 years old and the tank isn't leaking, replacing a part is usually worth it. If it's older and needs a major repair, replacement is often the better value.

Tankless heaters save space and never run out, but cost more to install and may need a larger gas line or venting. They make the most sense when you plan to stay in the home and your gas service can support them.

As a rough guide, 40 gallons for 1 to 3 people and 50 gallons or more for 3 to 5 people, adjusted for large tubs and simultaneous showers. The plumber sizes it for your household.

Pipes in unheated or exposed spaces can freeze when the outdoor temperature drops to about 20°F or below, especially overnight and in wind. Pipes in warmer southern homes with little insulation can freeze in milder cold snaps.

Yes. A slow drip from faucets on exterior walls relieves pressure and keeps water moving, which reduces the chance of a burst.

Turn off all water use and watch the meter's leak indicator for 15 minutes. If it moves, there's a leak. Unexplained bill increases, damp spots and running-water sounds are other signs.

Usually the location is found without opening anything. Repair still needs access, but accurate detection keeps the opening small.