Top 10 Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Whether you’ve just bought your first home or you’ve been living in Lubbock for years, taking care of your plumbing can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. At Cotton City Plumbing, we believe that a little know-how goes a long way when it comes to protecting your home’s pipes and plumbing systems.

Here are the Top 10 Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know:

1. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

Before an emergency strikes, make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located. In most Lubbock homes, it’s found near the water meter or where the main line enters the house. Turning this off during a major leak can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

2. Don’t Use Your Toilet as a Trash Can

Flushing wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or cotton balls can clog your pipes and strain your septic or city sewer system. Stick to toilet paper only.

3. Protect Pipes During Cold Snaps

While Lubbock doesn’t often get hard freezes, it does happen—and fast. When the temps drop, insulate exposed pipes (especially in garages and exterior walls) and let faucets drip overnight to keep water flowing and avoid freezing.

4. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they can damage your pipes over time. Instead, use a drain snake or call a professional from Cotton City Plumbing for safe, effective clearing.

5. Fix Leaks Right Away

Even a small drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year—not to mention it could be a sign of a larger issue. Don’t ignore that leaky faucet or running toilet. Early fixes prevent bigger problems.

6. Use Drain Screens

Hair, food scraps, and debris can clog drains quickly. Drain screens in your sinks and showers are a cheap and effective way to prevent buildup.

7. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Cooking grease may go down as a liquid, but it hardens in your pipes and causes blockages. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.

8. Know the Signs of a Sewer Line Problem

Slow drains, gurgling toilets, or foul smells outside your home may be a red flag. Cotton City Plumbing offers camera inspections to catch sewer issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

9. Be Mindful of What Goes in Your Garbage Disposal

Avoid putting stringy vegetables (like celery), eggshells, coffee grounds, or pasta into the disposal. Always run cold water while it's in use and give it a few extra seconds to clear.

10. Schedule Regular Plumbing Check-Ups

Just like your HVAC or roof, your plumbing system needs a little routine attention. A yearly inspection from a trusted local plumber (like us!) can spot potential problems before they escalate.

Trust Cotton City Plumbing—Lubbock's Go-To Plumbing Experts

We’re proud to serve the Lubbock community with honest, high-quality plumbing services. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a full repipe, Cotton City Plumbing is here when you need us most.

Need to schedule a maintenance call or have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

5 Signs Your Pipes Are About To Burst

When it comes to plumbing disasters, few things are more damaging—or more stressful—than a burst pipe. It can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage, mold growth, and major disruptions to your daily life. The good news? Burst pipes usually don’t happen out of nowhere. There are early warning signs that something’s wrong—and catching them in time can save you from a full-blown plumbing emergency.

At Cotton City Plumbing, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Lubbock, TX catch these problems early. Here are the top signs your pipes might be about to burst:

1. Unexplained Water Pressure Changes

If your water pressure suddenly drops or fluctuates, it could be a sign of a leak or a pipe under stress. Pipes with internal corrosion or small cracks often can’t maintain consistent pressure. Don’t ignore this—it’s usually one of the first signs something serious is brewing.

2. Visible Pipe Corrosion or Rust

Take a look under your sinks or in your basement. Do you see green, blue, or rust-colored buildup on any exposed pipes? That’s corrosion—and it weakens your pipes over time. Once a pipe starts rusting, it's only a matter of time before it fails under pressure.

3. Frequent Pipe Leaks

One small leak might seem manageable, but if you’re calling us every few months for a new drip or puddle, that’s a red flag. Multiple small leaks are often a sign that your piping system is aging and could be on the verge of a major failure.

4. Strange Noises in the Walls

Do you hear banging, clanging, or knocking sounds when you turn on your water? This could be caused by something called “water hammer”—a pressure surge that happens when water abruptly stops or changes direction. Over time, this stress can cause joints and fittings to crack or burst.

5. Unusually High Water Bills

If your water bill suddenly jumps and your usage hasn’t changed, you may have a hidden leak. Even small leaks from cracked pipes behind walls or underground can waste thousands of gallons of water per month—and they often go unnoticed until serious damage occurs.

Don’t Wait for a Plumbing Emergency

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, now’s the time to act. At Cotton City Plumbing, we offer comprehensive pipe inspections and preventative maintenance services to keep your home or business safe and dry.

Call us today at (806) 441-4110 or schedule a service online at cottoncityplumbing.com.

Why Lubbock Homeowners Trust Cotton City Plumbing for All Their Plumbing Needs

When it comes to plumbing issues in Lubbock, TX, there’s one name homeowners and businesses trust—Cotton City Plumbing. As a locally owned and operated plumbing company, we understand the unique needs of West Texas homes, and we're proud to serve our neighbors with reliable, affordable, and high-quality plumbing services.

What Sets Cotton City Plumbing Apart?

Whether you're dealing with a leaky faucet or planning a full kitchen remodel, Cotton City Plumbing brings years of experience, a commitment to customer satisfaction, and a strong understanding of the Lubbock community. Here’s what makes us the go-to choice for plumbing in the South Plains:

✅ Local Experts You Can Count On

We're not a franchise or a chain—we’re your neighbors. Our team is based right here in Lubbock, so we know the local building codes, water systems, and seasonal challenges that can affect your plumbing. That means faster diagnoses, smarter solutions, and better long-term results.

✅ Emergency Plumbing Services

Plumbing disasters don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Whether it's a burst pipe during a cold snap or a clogged sewer line on a holiday weekend, our emergency team is just a phone call away.

✅ Affordable and Transparent Pricing

We believe in honest work at honest prices. Before we begin any job, we provide clear, upfront estimates with no hidden fees. We also work with your budget and timeline—because plumbing shouldn't be stressful.

Popular Plumbing Services in Lubbock

Here are some of the most requested services from our Lubbock customers:

• Water heater repair & installation

• Slab leak detection

• Drain cleaning

• Sewer line repair

• Toilet and faucet replacement

• Water softener installation

• Remodel plumbing for kitchens and bathrooms

Plumbing Tips for Lubbock Homeowners

Lubbock’s dry climate, hard water, and occasional freezes can be tough on plumbing. Here are a few seasonal tips:

• Install a water softener: Hard water can damage fixtures and reduce appliance lifespan.

• Insulate exposed pipes in winter: Lubbock may be warm most of the year, but winter freezes can cause pipes to burst.

• Check your irrigation system: Outdoor sprinkler leaks can spike your water bill fast.

Need a Plumber in Lubbock? Call Cotton City Plumbing Today!

Whether it’s routine maintenance or an emergency repair, Cotton City Plumbing is ready to help. Call us today at (806)441-4110, or schedule service online here.

We’re proud to keep Lubbock flowing—one pipe at a time.

Big News: We’ve Got a New Name – Same Great Plumbing Service You Can Count On!

We’re excited to share a big update with our community — F3 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is now officially Cotton City Plumbing!

You’ll still receive the same dependable, high-quality plumbing service you’ve come to trust from F3 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, just under a new name that truly represents our heart and hometown pride. Our team hasn’t changed, and neither has our mission to provide exceptional plumbing services to Lubbock and the surrounding areas.

We wanted a name that felt more us. “Cotton City” is a nod to Lubbock’s rich agricultural history and the strong roots we’ve planted here. As a locally owned and operated business, we’re proud of our West Texas grit, our community-first values, and of course — our Texas Tech Red Raiders! ⚫🔴

The new name reflects the spirit behind what F3 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has always stood for: faith, family, and a fierce commitment to our community.

Everything you’ve loved about working with F3 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is still here:

• Honest, reliable service

• Skilled technicians who care

• Fast response times

• A friendly, local team that treats you like family

We’re still here for all your plumbing needs — and we’ll continue to offer the heating and cooling services that keep your home running smoothly.

Serving Lubbock with Local Pride

At Cotton City Plumbing, we’re passionate about helping our neighbors and making sure every customer feels confident and cared for. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a busted water heater, or a kitchen update, we’re just a phone call away.

Thank you for growing with us and for supporting F3 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling through this exciting new chapter. We’re proud to serve you as Cotton City Plumbing — with the same heart, same hustle, and even more hometown pride.

Guns Up, Lubbock!

– The Cotton City Plumbing Team
Local. Loyal. Lubbock Proud.