Common Plumbing Problems in Lake Highlands Homes

Depending on the age and condition of the home, Lake Highlands homeowners commonly deal with: under-slab cast-iron drains and copper supply lines that are now 50 to 70 years old, plus water heaters in garages and closets.

Most Lake Highlands homes were built in the 1950s through the 1970s, largely single-story ranch houses on slab foundations.

Lake Highlands is inside the City of Dallas, so plumbing permits go through Dallas Development Services (see Dallas plumbing permits) and water and sewer service is Dallas Water Utilities (see who is responsible for what).

Plumbing Services Available in Lake Highlands

Requests from Lake Highlands can cover the full range of residential plumbing. Each link explains the service in detail:

Signs You May Have a Sewer Problem

Mature trees planted when the neighborhoods were new now have root systems that reach clay and cast-iron laterals.

  • More than one drain slow or backing up at once
  • Toilets gurgling when other fixtures drain
  • Water coming up in a tub or shower
  • Sewer odor in the yard

Signs of a Possible Slab Leak

Slab-on-grade ranch homes on clay soil are the classic setting for slab leaks in copper water lines.

  • Warm spots on the floor
  • Sound of running water with everything off
  • Water meter moving with all fixtures off
  • Unexplained higher water bill

Water Heater Problems

No hot water, a leaking tank, popping noises from sediment, and rusty hot water are the most common water heater calls. Tank heaters commonly last around 8 to 12 years. Learn about repair, replacement and choosing a water heater.

Plumbing Costs in Lake Highlands

Pricing generally depends on the repair type, access, materials and urgency. We do not publish neighborhood prices. Published ranges with sources: Drain Cleaning Cost, Water Heater Replacement Cost, Sewer Line Repair Cost, Slab Leak Repair Cost, Repiping Cost, Emergency Plumber Cost.

Older Homes and Plumbing

Homes from the late 1970s may include polybutylene supply in some cases; earlier homes are more likely copper or galvanized.

Learn more in our guide to plumbing in older Dallas homes, including how to tell if you have galvanized pipe.

Remodeling Plumbing in Lake Highlands

Kitchen and bath updates in ranch homes often involve moving fixtures on the slab.

See the remodeling plumbing guide and Dallas remodeling permits.

Emergency Plumbing in Lake Highlands

For a burst pipe, major leak, sewer backup or water heater rupture, shut off the water at your main valve first if you can do so safely. If the leak is at the meter or in the street, call Dallas 311. If you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 and Atmos Energy from outside.

How PlumberDallas.com Works

  • 1. Tell us what is happening.
  • 2. We help identify the plumbing category.
  • 3. We connect you with a participating local plumbing provider.
  • 4. The provider schedules, performs and bills for the work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you serve Lake Highlands?

You can submit a request from Lake Highlands. Whether a participating provider can take your job, and when, is confirmed by the provider; we do not promise same-day service.

Who does the plumbing work in Lake Highlands?

Independent licensed plumbing providers. They schedule, perform and bill for the work. You can verify any Texas plumber on the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website.

How much will my repair cost?

It depends on the repair, access, materials and urgency. Our cost guides list published ranges with sources; the provider gives you the actual price.

Are slab leaks common in Lake Highlands?

Slab-on-grade ranch homes on clay soil are the classic setting for slab leaks in copper water lines.

Should I get a sewer camera inspection?

If you have repeated backups, an older home, or large trees near the sewer line, a camera inspection shows the cause before you pay for a bigger repair.

Who handles permits?

Your licensed plumber pulls the plumbing permit when one is required. In Dallas that is a Master Plumber registered with the City.

Have a Plumbing Problem in Lake Highlands?

Answer a few questions to narrow down the problem, or go straight to a request.