FAQ — Revell Plumbing

Question 1

Is a tankless water heater right for me?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your household size, hot water habits, and budget. For most Texas homeowners, tankless is a strong long-term investment — but it's not the right fit for everyone. A tankless water heater heats water on demand instead of storing it in a tank. That means you never run out of hot water mid-shower — but it also means the unit has to work harder when multiple fixtures are running at once. If you have a large household where two showers, a dishwasher, and a washing machine might all run simultaneously, you may need a larger unit or even two units in parallel. For a single person or couple in a smaller home, tankless is almost always the right call. The upfront cost is higher than a traditional tank heater, but the long-term savings on energy bills and the 20+ year lifespan make it worthwhile for most people. We'll walk you through the options before you commit to anything.

Question 2

Why might a tankless water heater NOT be right for me?

Accepted Answer

Tankless isn't always the best choice. If you have very high simultaneous hot water demand, an older home with undersized gas lines, or a tight budget, a traditional tank heater may serve you better right now. Here's the honest version: tankless water heaters have a flow rate limit. If your household regularly runs multiple hot water sources at the same time — think two showers plus a dishwasher — a single standard tankless unit may struggle to keep up. You'd need a high-capacity unit or a dual-unit setup, which increases cost significantly. Additionally, if your home has older gas lines that can't support the higher BTU demand of a tankless unit, you'd need gas line upgrades before installation — adding to the project cost. For homeowners on a tight budget who just need reliable hot water today, a quality tank heater (40–50 gallon) is a perfectly solid choice. We'll never push you toward a more expensive option if it doesn't make sense for your situation.

Question 3

How long does a tankless water heater last compared to a tank heater?

Accepted Answer

Tankless units typically last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Traditional tank heaters average 10–12 years. Over a 20-year period, you'd likely replace a tank heater twice. The lifespan difference is significant when you factor in total cost of ownership. A tank heater has a lower upfront cost, but you'll likely replace it twice in the time a tankless unit runs. Tankless units do require annual descaling — especially in areas with hard water — to maintain efficiency and longevity. That's a simple maintenance task, not a major expense. The key is proper installation and a licensed plumber who sizes the unit correctly for your home. An undersized tankless unit pushed beyond its capacity will wear out faster. We size every unit to your actual household demand, not just the minimum spec.

Question 4

What brands of tankless water heaters do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install Rheem, Rinnai, Navien, and Noritz — all top-tier brands with strong warranty programs and reliable parts availability across Texas. Brand matters more than most people realize. We've seen budget tankless units fail within 5 years because of poor heat exchanger quality or limited parts availability. Rheem and Rinnai are the workhorses — widely available, well-supported, and proven in Texas climates. Navien is excellent for condensing efficiency if you want maximum energy savings. Noritz is a strong choice for commercial or high-demand residential applications. We'll recommend the right brand and model for your specific situation — not just whatever has the highest margin for us. Every unit we install comes with the manufacturer's warranty plus our own 1-year workmanship warranty on the installation itself.

Question 5

Do I need to flush or maintain my tankless water heater?

Accepted Answer

Yes — annual descaling is recommended, especially in areas with hard water. Mineral buildup reduces efficiency and can shorten the unit's lifespan if left unchecked. Hard water carries high levels of calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals build up inside the heat exchanger of a tankless unit, reducing flow and efficiency. An annual flush with a descaling solution clears the buildup and keeps the unit running at full efficiency. It's a 30–45 minute job with the right equipment. We offer a Water Heater Flush & Tune-Up service — we descale the unit, check the inlet filter, test the pressure relief valve, and verify ignition and combustion. Think of it like an oil change for your water heater. Skip it for a few years and you'll notice the difference in your energy bill and water temperature consistency.

Question 6

How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced or just repaired?

Accepted Answer

Age is the biggest factor. If your tank heater is 10+ years old and showing problems, replacement is usually smarter than repair. Newer units with isolated issues are often worth fixing. Here's a simple rule of thumb: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, replace it — especially if the unit is over 8 years old. Common signs that point toward replacement rather than repair: rust-colored or metallic-tasting hot water (indicates internal tank corrosion), a rumbling or popping sound during heating (heavy sediment buildup), water pooling around the base of the tank (the tank is leaking — this is never repairable), or consistently inconsistent hot water despite previous repairs. On the other hand, a faulty thermostat, a bad heating element, or a failed pressure relief valve on a relatively young unit are all straightforward repairs that extend the life of an otherwise healthy heater. When you call us, we'll diagnose honestly and tell you which path makes more financial sense.

Question 7

Why is my hot water running out faster than it used to?

Accepted Answer

The most common culprits are sediment buildup in the tank, a failing heating element (electric), a degraded anode rod, or a thermostat set too low. All are diagnosable and most are fixable. Sediment is the silent killer of tank water heaters. Over time, minerals from hard water settle at the bottom of the tank and form a thick layer that insulates the water from the burner or heating element. The heater works harder, heats less efficiently, and your hot water supply shrinks. A tank flush can sometimes restore performance if caught early. If the sediment layer is thick and the tank is older, it's often a sign the tank is near end of life. On electric heaters, a failed lower heating element is another common cause — the upper element handles the top portion of the tank, but the lower element is what heats the bulk of the water. A thermostat set below 120°F can also cause the perception of running out faster, especially in winter when incoming cold water is colder than usual.

Question 8

What size water heater do I need for my home?

Accepted Answer

For a tank heater: 40 gallons for 1–3 people, 50 gallons for 3–4 people, 75–80 gallons for 5 or more. For tankless, sizing is based on flow rate demand, not gallons. Tank sizing is about first-hour rating (FHR) — how much hot water the heater can deliver in the first hour of use. A family of four with two bathrooms, a dishwasher, and a washing machine needs a unit with a high FHR, not just a large tank. For tankless, we calculate the maximum simultaneous flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and the temperature rise needed — the difference between your incoming groundwater temperature and your desired output temperature. We do this calculation for every installation — it's the difference between a system that works perfectly and one that leaves you with lukewarm water on a cold morning.

Question 9

What plumbing services do you offer for homes?

Accepted Answer

Full-scope residential plumbing — repairs, remodels, new construction rough-in, fixture installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, water line work, and more. Revell Plumbing handles the full range of residential plumbing work. That includes everything from a dripping faucet or running toilet to a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel, full home repiping, slab leak repair, water heater installation, pressure regulator replacement, and new construction rough-in plumbing. We work on all fixture types — standard, vessel, wall-mount, and commercial-grade residential fixtures. We also handle gas line work for appliances, outdoor hose bibs, irrigation connections, and whole-home water filtration system installation. If it involves water or gas in a home, we do it.

Question 10

How do I know if I have a slab leak?

Accepted Answer

Common signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, warm or wet spots on the floor, the sound of running water when everything is off, or cracks appearing in your foundation or flooring. Slab leaks are one of the more serious plumbing issues a homeowner can face. They occur when a water line running beneath your concrete foundation develops a leak — either from corrosion, shifting soil, or physical damage. Because the pipe is under concrete, the water has nowhere to go except up through the slab or outward into the soil. Early signs are subtle: a water bill that's suddenly 20–30% higher than normal, a hot spot on your floor (indicating a hot water line leak), or the faint sound of water running even when all fixtures are off. Left unaddressed, slab leaks can cause significant foundation damage, mold growth, and structural issues. We use electronic leak detection equipment to locate the leak precisely before any concrete work begins — minimizing disruption to your home.

Question 11

How long does a bathroom remodel plumbing rough-in take?

Accepted Answer

A standard bathroom rough-in typically takes 1–2 days for a licensed plumber. More complex remodels involving relocation of drain lines can take 2–4 days. The timeline depends heavily on what's moving. If you're replacing fixtures in the same locations — same toilet, same shower, same sink — rough-in is straightforward and fast. If you're reconfiguring the layout — moving the toilet to the other wall, adding a second sink, converting a tub to a walk-in shower — drain lines need to be relocated, which involves cutting into the floor and potentially the slab. That's a more involved job. We coordinate closely with your general contractor or tile installer to make sure rough-in is completed and inspected before walls close up. Scheduling the inspection at the right time is something we handle — you don't need to chase the city for that.

Question 12

Do you do commercial plumbing work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle commercial plumbing for tenant improvements, new build-outs, restaurants, office spaces, and light industrial applications across Texas. Commercial plumbing is a different animal from residential — higher flow demands, commercial-grade fixtures, stricter code requirements, and tighter coordination with general contractors and inspectors. Stephen Revell has been doing commercial work for over 20 years and understands the pace and precision that commercial projects require. We work on tenant improvements (TI) for retail and office spaces, full restaurant plumbing including grease trap installation, medical and dental office plumbing, and light industrial applications. We're comfortable working within a GC's schedule, pulling commercial permits, and coordinating with other trades. If you're a contractor looking for a reliable plumbing sub in Texas, we'd like to talk.

Question 13

Can you handle plumbing for a restaurant build-out?

Accepted Answer

Yes — restaurant plumbing is one of our specialties. We handle full rough-in, grease trap installation, commercial sink and dishwasher connections, and health department compliance. Restaurant plumbing is among the most demanding commercial work there is. You're dealing with high-volume hot water demand, grease trap requirements, multiple three-compartment sinks, commercial dishwashers, ice machines, floor drains, and health department inspections that have zero tolerance for code deficiencies. We've done enough restaurant build-outs to know what health inspectors look for and how to get it right the first time. Grease trap sizing is particularly important — undersized traps fail inspections and create ongoing maintenance headaches. We size and install interceptors to code and coordinate with the health department inspection process so your opening timeline doesn't slip.

Question 14

How much does a plumber cost in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Plumbing costs vary widely by job type and scope. We provide upfront, written pricing before any work begins — no hourly surprises, no add-ons you didn't approve. Call us for a free estimate. We know nobody likes surprise bills. Costs vary depending on the job type, the parts required, and the specifics of your home. Simple repairs are priced differently from full installations or remodels. Rather than publish ranges that may not reflect your actual situation, we prefer to give you an accurate written estimate based on your specific job. Call us or fill out the contact form — we'll ask a few questions and give you a real number, not a ballpark designed to get us in the door.

Question 15

Do you charge for estimates or quotes?

Accepted Answer

For most standard jobs, we provide free estimates over the phone or via our contact form. For complex diagnostic work requiring a site visit, we'll let you know upfront if there's a service call fee. We try to make the quoting process as easy as possible. For common jobs — water heater replacement, fixture installation, standard repairs — we can usually give you a solid estimate over the phone with a few questions about your home and the existing setup. For more complex situations like slab leaks, repiping, or commercial build-outs, we need to see the job in person to give you an accurate number. In those cases, we'll be upfront about whether there's a diagnostic fee before we come out. We don't believe in bait-and-switch pricing — the number we quote is the number you pay unless you add scope.

Question 16

Do you offer any discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 10% off for veterans, active military, police, firefighters, and EMS. Discounts for new customers. Current promotion on water heater installation. Call to confirm what's active when you're ready to schedule. As a veteran-owned business, we take the military and first responder discount seriously — it's not a marketing gimmick. If you've served or you're currently serving in any capacity, show us proof and the discount applies, no questions asked. The new customer discount is our way of saying we want to earn your long-term business, not just take a one-time job. We occasionally run seasonal promotions as well. The best way to know what's current is to call us directly.

Question 17

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Many plumbing jobs in Texas require a permit — including water heater replacements, new fixture rough-ins, and any work that changes the existing plumbing system. We handle the permit process for you. Texas permitting requirements can catch homeowners off guard. Any plumbing work that involves new construction, alteration, or extension of a plumbing system generally requires a permit and inspection. This includes water heater replacements (yes, even a straight swap), bathroom additions, and any work on drain, waste, or vent systems. Unpermitted work can create problems when you sell your home — buyers' inspectors flag it, and you may be required to bring it up to code at your expense. We pull permits as a standard part of our process on jobs that require them. The permit fee is included in our quote — it's not a surprise line item at the end.

Question 18

What makes Revell Plumbing different from other plumbers in Texas?

Accepted Answer

We're a licensed Master Plumber-led, veteran and minority-owned small business. You get Stephen Revell's 20+ years of experience on every job — not a rotating crew of subcontractors. There are a lot of plumbing companies in Texas. Many of them are large operations that send whoever is available, with varying levels of experience and accountability. Revell Plumbing is different by design. Stephen Revell is a licensed Master Plumber with over 20 years of hands-on experience — and he's involved in every job we take. You're not getting a first-year apprentice on a complex job. You're getting a craftsman who has seen every situation, knows the Texas plumbing code inside and out, and takes personal pride in the quality of his work. As a small business, our reputation is everything. We don't have a marketing budget that can paper over bad reviews — we survive on referrals and repeat customers. That keeps us honest.

Question 19

Do you offer a warranty on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every job comes with a 1-year workmanship warranty. If something we installed or repaired fails due to our work within that period, we come back and make it right at no charge. The warranty covers our labor and workmanship — meaning if a connection we made fails, a fixture we installed leaks, or a repair we performed doesn't hold, we fix it. It doesn't cover manufacturer defects (those are covered by the product warranty, which we help you navigate) or damage caused by external factors like freezing pipes or physical damage. In practice, we rarely have warranty callbacks — because we do the job right the first time. But the warranty exists because we stand behind our work unconditionally. We'll never argue with you about whether something is covered. If it's our work and it failed, we fix it.

Question 20

How do I schedule service with Revell Plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (210) 816-0832 or fill out the contact form on this site. We'll respond quickly, ask a few questions about your job, and get you on the schedule. The fastest way to reach us is by phone — call (210) 816-0832 and you'll get a real person, not an answering service. If you prefer to start online, fill out the contact form and include as much detail as you can about the job. The more context you give us, the faster we can give you an accurate estimate and schedule the right amount of time for the job. We'll confirm your appointment and give you a realistic arrival window. We respect your time — if something changes on our end, we'll call you.

Question 21

Are you licensed to work in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stephen Revell holds a Texas Master Plumber license (RMPL 42479) issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Fully licensed and insured for all residential and commercial plumbing work in Texas. In Texas, plumbing work must be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber. There are different license levels — apprentice, journeyman, and master. A Master Plumber license is the highest level, requiring years of documented experience and passing a rigorous state exam. Stephen Revell holds a Master Plumber license, which means he can pull permits, supervise other plumbers, and take full legal responsibility for the work performed. You can verify his license at any time through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website. We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation on every job.

Question 22

What areas of Texas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve the greater Texas Hill Country region and surrounding communities. Call us at (210) 816-0832 to confirm we cover your area — we'll tell you straight. Our primary service area covers the Texas Hill Country corridor and surrounding communities. For larger commercial projects, we'll travel further. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, the fastest way to find out is to call — we'll tell you straight. We don't take jobs we can't service well, so if you're outside our range, we'll say so and try to point you toward someone reputable.

Your Plumbing Questions, Answered.

Tankless Water Heaters

Water Heater Basics

Residential Plumbing

Commercial Plumbing

Pricing & What to Expect

Working With Revell Plumbing

Still have questions? We're happy to talk it through.

Your Plumbing Questions, Answered.

Tankless Water Heaters

1Is a tankless water heater right for me?

2Why might a tankless water heater NOT be right for me?

3How long does a tankless water heater last compared to a tank heater?

4What brands of tankless water heaters do you install?

5Do I need to flush or maintain my tankless water heater?

Water Heater Basics

1How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced or just repaired?

2Why is my hot water running out faster than it used to?

3What size water heater do I need for my home?

Residential Plumbing

1What plumbing services do you offer for homes?

2How do I know if I have a slab leak?

3How long does a bathroom remodel plumbing rough-in take?

Commercial Plumbing

1Do you do commercial plumbing work?

2Can you handle plumbing for a restaurant build-out?

Pricing & What to Expect

1How much does a plumber cost in Texas?

2Do you charge for estimates or quotes?

3Do you offer any discounts?

4Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Texas?

Working With Revell Plumbing

1What makes Revell Plumbing different from other plumbers in Texas?

2Do you offer a warranty on your work?

3How do I schedule service with Revell Plumbing?

4Are you licensed to work in Texas?

5What areas of Texas do you serve?

Still have questions? We're happy to talk it through.