We're based in Huntsville and we make the drive to Decatur. Call or text, tell us what's going on, and we'll tell you straight when we can get there.
Decatur has a lot of older houses, especially close to downtown, and some of them are over a hundred years old. Farther out you'll find newer neighborhoods with a different set of problems. Here's what's worth knowing.
Older homes often still have galvanized steel water pipe, which rusts and narrows from the inside, and cast iron drains, which can crack or scale up over time. Neither one means an emergency, but it's worth knowing what you've got.
Signs cast iron is failingMature trees and older sewer lines don't get along. Roots work their way into the joints of clay and cast iron pipe. If several drains back up at the same time, it's probably the main line and not a single clog.
Signs of a main line clogDecatur's water comes from Wheeler Reservoir on the Tennessee River. That's moderately hard river water, so expect some white scale on faucets and sediment in the water heater.
What hard water does to plumbingThe utility usually handles the meter and everything on the street side. The water line from the meter to your house is the homeowner's, and so is the sewer line on your side of the property line in most cases. If you're not sure where yours starts, Decatur Utilities can tell you.
How to check for a hidden leakIn older houses it’s common to find a little of everything. Galvanized steel in one wall, copper at the water heater, and PVC under the kitchen sink where somebody fixed a leak decades ago. That mix isn’t a problem by itself. The trouble is usually the original sections still hiding between the newer ones, rusting from the inside where nobody can see them.
So when something fails in an older Decatur house, it’s worth asking what the pipe on either side of the repair looks like. Sometimes the right call is a quick fix and moving on. Sometimes it’s replacing one run while the wall is already open. We’ll tell you which one we’d pick in your shoes, and why.
We come over from Huntsville for jobs all across Decatur. Just outside the city and not sure we cover you? Call and ask.
Yes. Decatur is part of our service area. It's a longer drive than Madison, so plan on a little more lead time.
Often, yes. In a lot of older homes we can reach the pipes through the crawlspace or basement. If a wall or floor has to be opened, you'll know before we start.
If it's only the hot water, look at your water heater first. If the cold is brown too and your neighbors have the same thing, call Decatur Utilities, since it may be work on the mains. If it's only your house and it's worst after the water sits overnight, old galvanized pipe is a common cause.
For an older house, or one with big trees near the sewer line, it's worth doing before you close. A general home inspection usually can't see inside that pipe, and once you own the house, the part of that line on your property is usually yours to fix.
Tell us what's going on and we'll take it from there. Quick questions are welcome.
Call or text, anytime(256) 207-5134