Frequently Asked Questions

Call Southside Plumbing at 402-345-8668 for answers and 24/7 plumbing help in Omaha, NE, and the Greater Omaha area.

Welcome to Southside Plumbing’s FAQ. Here you will find expert answers from certified professionals who serve Omaha, NE, and the surrounding Heartland every day. For more than 40 years, our trusted plumbers have provided free estimates, same-day service, and straightforward pricing—backed by true 24-hour emergency service. We are licensed, insured, and bonded, and proudly recommended by neighbors on Nextdoor. Your next-level plumber is ready when you are.

Top Plumbing FAQs for the Omaha Metro Area

Depends on the job. Our technicians can give customer an honest assessment and discuss price when they get there.

Most of the time the answer is yes, if we cannot make it out the same day we would try to fit them ASAP.

They all have multiple years of experience doing this line of work.

In the plumbing industry, hydro jetting and water jetting generally refer to the same process: cleaning pipes with high-pressure water. A specialized jetter and nozzles use controlled PSI and flow to scour pipe walls, removing grease, sludge, mineral scale, and small root intrusion. Hydro jetting is stronger and more thorough than cable snaking, which typically just opens a hole in the blockage. Our team adjusts pressure and selects the correct nozzle for residential or commercial lines to protect your pipes and achieve long-lasting results.

Frequent causes include sediment buildup (overheats the tank and elements), a worn anode rod (accelerates corrosion), high water pressure (stresses tank and valves), faulty thermostats or heating elements, gas valve or ignition issues, and improper venting or combustion air on gas units. In Omaha’s climate, minerals in the water can accelerate scaling. Regular water heater maintenance—flushing sediment, checking anode rods, and testing safety devices—extends service life.

It depends on age, condition, and the specific failure. For a tank water heater under 8–10 years with a minor issue (thermostat, element, igniter, gas valve), repair can be smart. If the tank itself is leaking, or the unit is near or past 10–12 years, a water heater replacement is typically more cost-effective. Tankless units often justify repair if properly maintained. We provide free estimates and straightforward pricing so you can compare repair vs replacement.

Typically, property owners are responsible for the water service line from the curb stop or property line to the building, while the municipality is responsible for the public main in the street. Responsibilities can vary slightly by jurisdiction. We can confirm your situation during an on-site visit and provide a clear plan for main water line repair or main water line replacement, including permits and inspections.

The best method depends on the cause. For simple, localized clogs, professional cabling (snaking) restores flow quickly. For repeat clogs, grease buildup, or main line issues, hydro jetting provides a deeper clean by scrubbing the entire pipe wall. Chemical drain cleaners are not recommended; they can damage pipes and are often ineffective. A sewer camera inspection before and after service verifies the problem and the fix, especially for main sewer line concerns.

Emergencies include active leaks or burst pipes, sewer backups, no water supply, a leaking water heater, gas smells (call your utility immediately), or any issue that risks flooding, property damage, or health hazards. If you are unsure, call us—our Omaha emergency plumber can help you triage. We offer 24-hour service and same-day support across the Omaha metro area.

Policies often cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe but may exclude the cost to repair the pipe itself (varies by policy). They also may not cover damage resulting from long-term leaks, neglect, or freezing if the home was not properly maintained. Document damage, stop the water promptly, and contact your insurer. We can provide damage photos, cause-of-loss notes, and invoices for your claim.

We provide true 24-hour service with priority dispatch for emergencies. Arrival times vary based on call volume and location, but our goal is same-day service across Douglas and Sarpy counties—including Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Elkhorn, Bennington, Ralston, Millard, Gretna, Springfield, and Plattsmouth. Call 402-345-8668 for immediate assistance.

Yes. Our workload is approximately 50% residential and 50% commercial. We service homes, multi-family, restaurants, offices, retail, schools, light industrial, and HOA-approved properties. From commercial water heater installation to backflow testing and tenant improvement plumbing, our certified professionals have you covered.

We service most major brands and both electric and gas models, including tank and tankless systems. We also install tankless water heaters (demand systems), size recirculation loops for near-instant hot water, and handle venting and gas line requirements to code. We provide honest recommendations for repair vs replacement with free estimates.

Consider a camera inspection if you have recurring backups, slow drains throughout the home, gurgling or sewer odors, or a yard with wet spots or sinking areas along the sewer route. Video inspection identifies root intrusion, cracks, offsets, or bellies and informs whether cable snaking, hydro jetting, lining, or pipe bursting is the correct next step. We provide footage and a clear plan with straightforward pricing.

Yes. We are licensed, insured, and bonded, and all work is completed by certified professionals. We pull permits and schedule inspections when required. Safety and compliance matter—we prioritize work that meets or exceeds industry standards and local codes.

Yes. Financing can make water heaters, repipes, and water or sewer line projects more manageable. Give us a call to request info on financing options. We pair this with free estimates and straightforward pricing so you can make an informed decision.

Absolutely. We provide free estimates and explain scope, materials, and timelines. With straightforward pricing, there are no surprises—just clear options that fit your needs and budget.

If safe, shut off the main water valve. For leaks affecting the water heater, turn off power to an electric unit or set a gas unit to “pilot.” Avoid turning on electrical fixtures in wet areas. Contain water with towels and buckets, then call us for further guidance. Our dispatcher can help you triage until the technician arrives.

Have a question we did not cover? Call Southside Plumbing at 402-345-8668 for fast answers and 24/7 help in Omaha, NE. We serve the entire Omaha metro area with free estimates and same-day service.