Your Questions, Answered
We get a lot of the same questions from homeowners in Houston about their plumbing, electrical, sewer, and drain work, as well as heating and cooling. Below are the ones we hear most often. If you don’t find what you are looking for here, give us a call, and a Village technician will set you straight.
General Inquiries
What is your service area?
Village Plumbing, Air & Electric is all over Houston and the surrounding metro. We are in Pearland, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Cypress, Tomball, Kingwood, Bellaire, West University, and more. Check our service area page for the full list, or ring us to confirm we are in your part of town.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1946. That is over 80 years of experience in this city. It is in our history book so to speak; we know the systems you will encounter in any home in the region, pre-war bungalow or new build alike.
Are your people licensed and insured?
You bet. We hold our Texas contractor and electrical licenses and handle the plumbing, HVAC and electrical in-house so there is only one company to answer to. Our crew is also what some like to call the “Cleanest Techs in Town,” and we don’t step foot in your house without our shoe covers and drop cloths.
What is your pricing like?
We don’t do hidden fees. You will get an upfront, flat-rate quote before we pick up a wrench, and you can approve the number first. No surprises at the end of the day.
Do you offer financing?
If you have a major repair or installation on your hands, we have ways to break the cost into manageable payments. Your tech can run through the options with you when he puts together an estimate.
Is there a maintenance plan?
Our Village Partner Plan is $80 for the year and includes priority scheduling and seasonal maintenance. A tune-up now and then is the best way to put a stop to small issues before they turn into an expensive fix.
I have an emergency, can you come out today?
We are on the phone 24/7 and can usually put someone out for repairs the same day. With the kind of weather we have in Houston, you know how quickly a minor problem can become an emergency, so we have technicians on standby. See our emergency services for details.
Air Conditioning
When is the right time for an AC service?
In the spring, ideally, before the heat becomes oppressive. Folks in the rest of the country don’t run their units as hard as we do in Houston, so an annual checkup is key for longevity. We will inspect everything, look at the refrigerant, and leave the place as we found it.
Should I have it repaired or replaced?
If the unit is under 10 and the issue is not too bad, we will repair it. But an older system that is racking up your energy bill and needs constant fussing is better off being replaced. We will be honest with you about your situation and lay out what makes sense.
How many years will I get out of an AC here?
Most central systems will give you 12 to 15 years, but the humidity and our long season can take a toll. Keep up with the maintenance, and you should get to the upper end of that range.
The AC is on, but the house isn’t cooling. What gives?
It could be a clogged filter, a frozen coil, low refrigerant, or the compressor on its last legs. Some of these are simple to correct, others not so much. Let a tech make a diagnosis before the whole thing conks out in the middle of a hot spell.
What about ductless mini splits?
Ductless mini split heat pumps are a good solution for a room where you don’t want to run ducts, say a sunroom or an old Houston home that was never built with them. We can tell you if it is a fit for your layout.
Heating
A heater in Houston?
Yes, you need one. The winters are mild enough but we still have our share of hard freezes and cold snaps. When those few brutal days come around you want a furnace or heat pump you can rely on.
Heat pump or a furnace?
A heat pump is efficient and handles the cooling as well, but a furnace has more oomph when it is really cold. It comes down to your home and budget. We can help you compare.
Why does it smell like burning when I turn the heat on?
Nothing to worry about. If you haven’t used it in a while you will get a whiff of dust from the summer burning off the components. It is to be expected. If you smell something electrical or it hangs in the air for over a minute, do yourself a favor and turn it off then call us to come out.
When is the right time for a new thermostat?
While you can make a thermostat last 10 years or more, we see a lot of folks put in an upgrade sooner for the better control and to save on energy. A nice programmable or smart unit will give your home a more consistent temperature and open up some room in your budget. We are happy to handle the setup and installation.
Plumbing
What gives me low water pressure in the whole house?
More often than not you can put it down to the main line, a pressure regulator that has had its day, some corrosion or a leak you can’t see. Start with our repair service and a plumber will put a fix on it.
How do I know if there is a hidden leak?
You might notice a spike in the bill or check the meter. But also be on the lookout for dampness, a mildew scent, or the sound of running water with all the taps shut. We have the equipment to find leaks in the walls or under the house without turning your home into a mess.
Is my water heater due for a change?
A standard tank should see you through 8 to 12 years. But if the hot water doesn’t hold up, you are hearing rumbles or the water is rusty, it is probably time. We do both tankless and tank work.
Does Houston’s hard water hurt my plumbing?
It has its way of doing so. The minerals clog pipes and leave their mark on your fixtures and dishes, and they will shorten the life of your heater. A softener or filtration system is the answer to that kind of buildup.
And if you have a burst pipe or some other emergency?
Shut off the main valve to stop the flood and get in touch. We don’t make you wait; our 24-hour service is always on.
Drain and Sewer
Why am I getting clogs again and again?
Leave the store-bought stuff alone, it won’t get to the root of it. Usually it is grease, hair or tree roots further down the line. Our drain cleaning will take care of the blockage and what is behind it.
What is hydro jetting?
Snaking is like punching a hole in the clog. Hydro jetting is another matter entirely. It puts high-pressure water to work scouring the pipe wall, which is much more effective for a clear that will last when you are dealing with roots and grease.
Any sewer line trouble?
Multiple slow drains, gurgling toilets or the smell of sewage are tell-tale signs. We’ll run a camera down the line to have a look before we put forward any recommendations.
Why are there tree roots in my sewer?
They are looking for moisture and nutrients and will slip in through a joint or crack, common enough with the older trees around parts of Houston. We can clear them and inspect to see if a more permanent solution is called for.
Electrical
My breaker won’t stay on. What is going on?
It is tripping to head off a fire or overheating so you need to look into it. An electrician can tell you if it is a short, an overloaded circuit or a bad breaker and make the repairs.
Do I really need surge protection for the whole house?
We would say yes. With all the smart devices and electronics in a modern home, one of our storms can send a surge through the grid and wreck what is plugged in. This protects your gear at the panel.
Time to update the electrical panel?
Older panels can’t always cope with today’s load. If you have flickering lights, a box that is warm or buzzing, or you are living with extension cords, it is a sign. We can put in a new one for the added capacity and safety.
Need an EV charger or a backup generator?
We can put in a charger and the dedicated circuit it requires after we have verified your system. And a standby generator is a fine way to keep the AC and fridge going once the power is out from a storm; we will size and install one to your liking.
