This week, we met a water heater that had truly overstayed its welcome.
Twenty-six years old.
Most water heaters are designed to last 10 to 12 years. This one had more than doubled that — and it was finally letting everyone know it was done. Water had begun leaking into the pan beneath it, the quiet warning sign before a much bigger mess.
To most people, it still looked fine. It was still heating water. Still standing there, doing its job.
But inside? Time had caught up.
Rust, mineral buildup, and worn-down steel were all working together to weaken the tank. A rupture wasn’t a matter of “if” — only “when.”
So the boys replaced it with a new 40-gallon heater, installed a new pan, corrected the venting, and made sure every connection was safe and secure. No leaks. No shortcuts. No future surprises.
It made me think how often we trust things just because they haven’t failed yet.
Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is replace something before it breaks — before it floods your home, your memories, and your peace of mind.
It started like so many plumbing stories do — a toilet that just wasn’t quite right.
Not a dramatic flood. Not a broken pipe. Just a feeling that something wasn’t working the way it should.
That’s usually when the real problems are hiding.
When our technician pulled the toilet at a home in Lakewood Forest, he found what the homeowner couldn’t see: a failed toilet flange. That little ring beneath the toilet is what seals the bowl to the drain. When it cracks, shifts, or corrodes, water slowly escapes every time the toilet is used — soaking into the floor, feeding mold, and quietly damaging the home.
Most people don’t notice until the floor gets soft, the smell starts, or the ceiling below begins to stain.
Thankfully, this homeowner trusted their instincts.
The team replaced the damaged flange, installed a new toilet, and made sure everything was sealed and solid. No more leaks. No more worries. No more water quietly destroying what couldn’t be seen.
That’s the thing about plumbing — the biggest problems are often the ones hidden just out of sight.
And the greatest relief is knowing someone took the time to look deeper.
New toilet installed with a properly set flange and wax seal to prevent leaks and ensure long-term reliability.
Some of the most dangerous problems in a home don’t come with loud alarms.
Sometimes, they whisper.
This week, our team was called out for a gas line feeding a pool heater. The leak was underground — hidden beneath concrete, soil, and time. From the outside, everything looked fine. But beneath the surface, gas was escaping quietly, steadily, and dangerously.
The boys had to cut through concrete, dig through dirt, and expose the line to find the problem. And when they did, they found what so many homeowners never see — aging poly gas piping that had begun to fail.
It reminded me again how much of what protects our homes is invisible.
Gas lines aren’t something most of us think about until there’s a smell, a malfunction, or something goes wrong. But when you have high-demand appliances like tankless water heaters and pool heaters, those hidden lines carry a tremendous responsibility.
What I love about our team is their thoroughness. After repairing the customer’s line, they didn’t just stop — they sprayed the entire meter and discovered a second leak on the utility’s side. That wasn’t even “our job,” but it was the right thing to do.
That’s the heart behind the work.
Quiet problems. Careful hands. Honest work.
And once again, a home was made safe before something terrible could happen.
Sometimes plumbing isn’t just about water — it’s about protecting lives.
We recently shared a video on Facebook and YouTube that honestly made my stomach turn — and also made me think.
The water heater in the video was 20 years old. On the outside, it didn’t look that bad at all. You know the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? The same goes for water heaters.
When our technicians arrived to replace it, they immediately noticed something strange. Even after draining all 40 gallons of water, the heater was much heavier than it should have been. Heavy enough that it took more time, more muscle, and a lot more effort to get it out.
And then we found out why.
We live in a hard-water area, which means minerals slowly build up inside water heaters over time. Calcium, sediment, and rust settle at the bottom of the tank year after year. Instead of flushing out, it hardens — turning into something that literally felt like rocks.
Yes… rocks.
Clayton (our son, our technician, and the curious one of the bunch) decided to cut the old tank open so we could see what was happening inside. What we found was shocking. Thick, hardened buildup had taken over the bottom of the tank. It had even bent the heating element, which explained why the heater was losing performance and struggling to keep up.
It was gross. And eye-opening.
People love to say water heaters are an easy DIY project. But the truth is, even a normal heater requires two trained people to safely remove and install. Add in decades of mineral buildup and you suddenly have something that weighs far more than it should — and is far more dangerous to handle.
And here’s the scariest part: This heater was in an attic.
In most cases, a 20-year-old heater doesn’t just decline — it fails. When attic heaters leak, they can cause devastating water damage to ceilings, walls, floors, and everything below.
This one had a good ending. But many don’t.
I’ll never look at an aging water heater the same way again. I use hot water every day — laundry, dishes, showers — and now I know what could be hiding inside that tank.
I’m sharing the video and this image so you can see it for yourself. Sometimes the things that look “fine” on the outside are quietly becoming disasters on the inside. Calcium Build up in Water Heaters
Full of gratitude for our customers who trust us with their homes. Full of appreciation for our team who shows up day after day, ready to serve. And full of thankfulness for our family, who walks this journey with us — the long days, the late nights, and everything in between.
Plumbing isn’t always pretty. It can be a dirty job. A hard job. A job that most people don’t think about until something goes wrong. But it is honorable work. It protects families, keeps homes safe and healthy, and allows people to live their everyday lives without worry.
I’ve watched my husband and our team crawl under homes, work in the heat, answer emergency calls, and still take pride in doing things the right way. That kind of work ethic doesn’t come from convenience — it comes from character.
As we step into 2026, our prayer is simple: That our community remains safe. That our homes remain healthy. And that we never lose sight of praising God for the opportunities placed before us.
We don’t take this calling lightly. Every service call is a chance to serve others, to be a light, and to honor God through the work of our hands.
Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to what 2026 holds — with faith, gratitude, and open hearts.
Let me tell you something I’ve learned over the years being married to a plumber: there is nothing more expensive than cheap plumbing.
We get calls all the time from homeowners who hired a contractor—not a licensed plumber—during a remodel because the price sounded “too good to be true.” And guess what…
It usually is.
Just recently, Bear and the crew went out to a home with a freestanding tub that had been newly installed. It should have been beautiful. It should have been functional. What they found instead was a nightmare waiting to happen.
The drain?
Completely disconnected.
Worse than that… the original installer had used an accordion drain, which is 100% illegal in the State of Texas. It violates plumbing code, and for good reason—they trap debris, clog easily, collapse, and cause water damage.
Why would anyone install something like this?
Because real plumbing is hard work.
It requires math.
It requires calculating angles, slope, and venting.
It requires using proper, approved materials.
People who “dabble” in plumbing take shortcuts. Licensed plumbers don’t.
When Bear showed me the picture of the separated drain and the accordion pipe, all I could think was:
“That beautiful remodel could have turned into thousands of dollars in damage within months.”
So here’s my heart-to-heart advice:
✨ If you want the job done right the first time, call a licensed plumber.
✨ If someone already did the job wrong and you now need it repaired, call Bear’s Plumbing.
✨ Your home—and your peace of mind—are worth it.
Here’s to strong homes, safe plumbing, and no more accordion drains.
Call Bear’s Plumbing at 281-350-2327 and let the professionals take care of you.
There are moments in life when the phrase “you get what you pay for” becomes a little too true — especially when it comes to plumbing. Plumbing isn’t just pipes and water… it’s public health, clean drinking water, sanitation, and safety.
And the State of Texas is stepping in with a major update.
👉 Beginning January 1, 2026, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) will enforce a $4,000 fine — per violation — for any company that hires unregistered or unlicensed individuals to perform plumbing work. No discounts. No reduced settlements. Zero wiggle room.
Why? Because proper plumbing work is literally what protects us from contamination, illness, gas leaks, and unsafe drinking water. Licensed plumbers are trained, tested, and held accountable to protect our homes and our health.
If someone works on a gas line, water heater, or sewer system without the right license or supervision, it’s not just cutting corners — it’s risking lives.
Here’s what this means for homeowners: ✔ Always ask to see a plumbing license
✔ Cheap labor could cost you thousands later
✔ Your safety is worth hiring qualified professionals
✔ If someone can’t show their license… they shouldn’t be touching your plumbing
The TSBPE said it best:
> “It is the mission of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to protect the health and safety of Texans.”
As a plumber’s wife, I see firsthand the hours of training, the tests, the continuing education, and the responsibility that comes with being licensed. Good plumbers take pride in doing things the right way — even when no one is watching.
So whether you’re repairing a leak or installing a new gas appliance, remember:
A licensed plumber isn’t an expense. They’re protection.
And now… the State of Texas agrees. 🙌
Stay safe, friends 💜
—The Plumber’s Bride
Call Bear’s Plumbing for all your plumbing needs 281-350-2327
One of my favorite things to hear from our customers is, “Hey, do you know a good electrician? Roofer? Handyman?”
It means they trust us enough to ask for more than plumbing help — they trust our judgment, our values, and our word. That kind of relationship doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from doing the right thing, every time, and treating people like family.
We know how much a personal referral means. So to our loyal customers who send friends, family, and neighbors our way — thank you. You’re the heart of Bear’s Plumbing. 💛
We recently had a service call for what seemed like a simple leaky kitchen faucet. But as our technician got under the sink, they discovered the garbage disposal wasn’t even installed properly!
Moments like these are reminders that quality always matters. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about doing the job right the first time, with care and pride.
Hiring a licensed plumber may cost a bit more up front, but it saves you headaches, money, and sometimes even safety hazards in the long run.
It’s the little things — like tightening a connection or securing a disposal — that make all the difference. And that’s what we’re all about.
My sister recently sent me a photo of a billboard in her city that said, “Spring’s #1 for Your #2 Problems!”
She told my niece, “We need to send that to Uncle Bear and Aunt Corri!” — and honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
We LOVED it. Catchy, clever, and totally fitting for our business. Of course, my sweet niece was completely grossed out — and that made it even better! 😂
I think it might just have to be our next Bear’s Plumbing slogan. After all, plumbing isn’t always glamorous… but it is what keeps everything flowing smoothly in your home. 💧🐻
Who knows — maybe one day you’ll be driving through Spring and spot that slogan shining bright above the highway. 😉
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