4181 BILLY MITCHELL DR · ADDISON, TX MON-FRI 8A-5P LIC. #RMP35786BBB A+ RATED
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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to what North Dallas homeowners ask us most, organized by topic.

General

Yes. We're licensed under the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, License #RMP35786, with David Lumbley as the Responsible Master Plumber. We're fully bonded and insured.

Same-day appointments whenever possible across our North Texas footprint, Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, North Dallas, Plano, and Richardson. You'll get a heads-up text before the tech arrives.

Yes. We serve homeowners and businesses, from single repairs to commercial projects, all with the same documented, insurance-ready approach.

Leak Detection & Insurance

Yes. We perform non-invasive leak detection and plumbing testing with clear documentation that supports insurance review when required.

Unexplained spikes in your water bill, warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when nothing is on, and damp patches or peeling paint. Call and we'll run non-invasive testing to locate it precisely.

Yes. We locate the source acoustically and electronically before any wall or slab is opened, so the repair is targeted instead of exploratory.

Drains & Sewer

If clogs come back repeatedly, multiple drains back up together, you hear gurgling, or you smell sewage outside near cleanouts, the line likely needs inspection or repair. We camera-test first and explain what we find.

Yes. For recurring or severe clogs we run a camera so you can see exactly what's happening inside the line before we recommend a fix.

Water Heaters

It depends on the age, the failure, and efficiency. We'll give you an honest recommendation, often a repair is the right call, and only suggest replacement when it truly makes sense.

Yes. We install and service energy-efficient tankless systems for endless hot water, and we'll help you decide whether tankless is right for your home.

Billing & Financing

Yes. We offer flexible financing for larger projects through trusted partners, plus savings through our Herndon McFarland Protection Club membership.

Yes, see our Coupons page for current offers, including discounts for seniors, military, and first responders, and members-only pricing through the Herndon McFarland Protection Club.

The Repair Process

Very little preparation is required before we begin.

Interior Repairs

For repairs requiring interior access, such as slab penetrations or above-grade repairs involving drywall, we ask that you:

  • Remove small, movable items from the work area, including pictures, electronics, clothing, and fragile items such as figurines or crystal.
  • Empty any cabinets or vanities that will need to be accessed.

Our plumbing crew will move larger items such as tables, chairs, and beds during the final setup if necessary. Prior to scheduling your repair, we will determine the work area and review it with you so you know exactly what to expect.

Exterior Tunnel Excavations

For exterior tunnel projects, very little preparation is needed. We simply require:

  • Access to the excavation area.
  • Access to an exterior electrical outlet.

If exterior power is unavailable, we will provide a generator to supply temporary power during the project.

For all interior work, protective tarps are installed from the home's entrance to the work area to protect your flooring.

Overhead Water Line Reroutes

These repairs involve minimal noise and generate virtually no dust.

Interior Slab Penetrations

Repairs requiring jackhammering involve more extensive preparation. Before work begins, we:

  • Isolate the work area with floor-to-ceiling plastic sheeting.
  • Cover any furniture or immovable items with protective plastic.
  • Install floor protection throughout the traffic path.

To minimize dust, we use a simple but highly effective method by placing a soaking wet towel over the jackhammer location before breaking the concrete. This captures approximately 95% of the dust generated during the process. Any remaining dust stays contained within the sealed work area and is thoroughly cleaned upon completion.

Jackhammering is typically the loudest portion of the project and generally lasts only 10 to 20 minutes. Once the concrete has been opened, the remainder of the workday is relatively quiet.

Interior Repairs

Most repairs are completed by a two-person crew consisting of:

  • A licensed plumber
  • A plumbing apprentice

Larger projects may require multiple crews depending on the scope of work.

Exterior Tunnel Excavations

Tunnel excavation typically begins with a crew of three to six excavation specialists. Once the tunnel is complete, a licensed plumber and apprentice perform the plumbing repairs, usually beginning the following day.

Project length depends on the repair method and overall complexity. Typical timeframes include:

  • Overhead water line reroute: approximately one day (not including cosmetic repairs).
  • Interior slab penetration: typically one to three days.
  • Exterior tunnel excavation: approximately one week for an average-sized project.

Tunnel projects generally include excavation, plumbing repair, required city inspection, and backfilling and site restoration.

Factors that may affect project duration include excavation depth and length, number of slab penetrations, soil conditions, weather, and overall project complexity. Larger projects may require additional time.

No. While we will need access to the home, you are not required to remain onsite throughout the project. We simply ask that arrangements be made for home access. If someone is present, they should be at least 18 years of age.

The amount of downtime varies depending on the repair being performed. In most cases, you should plan for the affected plumbing system to be unavailable during normal working hours. Some repairs affect only a specific section of the plumbing system, while others may require a longer interruption. Your plumber will explain any anticipated outages before work begins.

Occasionally, conditions hidden beneath the slab or within the plumbing system cannot be identified until work begins. If additional repairs become necessary:

Insurance Claims

We will notify your insurance adjuster and prepare a supplemental estimate for review and approval before proceeding.

Non-Insurance Repairs

We will discuss all recommended repairs, explain the reason for the additional work, and obtain your approval before any supplemental work is performed. There are never any surprise charges.

Whenever possible, excavation routes are carefully planned to avoid large trees, shrubs, irrigation systems, and other landscape features.

During exterior excavations:

  • Small plants and shrubs may be carefully transplanted when practical.
  • While every effort is made to preserve them, Herndon McFarland Plumbing cannot guarantee transplanted plants will survive.
  • Grass sod is not typically preserved during excavation.

For an additional fee, we can carefully remove and reinstall existing sod. Otherwise, excavated areas will be restored with clean, compacted soil. Throughout the project, excavated soil is stored on plywood and heavy-duty plastic sheeting in a designated staging area. This helps protect your property and allows for a cleaner, more efficient final restoration.

Yes. Upon completion of your project, you will receive a final repair letter documenting the work that was performed and describing the condition of your plumbing system after the repairs were completed.

We recommend keeping this letter with your permanent home records, as it may be valuable for:

  • Future home sales
  • Foundation warranty documentation
  • Insurance records
  • Future plumbing evaluations
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