Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers.
Plumbing questions,
answered.
Straightforward answers to the questions Cobb County homeowners ask us most. Can't find what you need? Call us directly. We're happy to help.
Pricing & estimates
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We provide free written estimates for all jobs before any work begins. You will know exactly what the job will cost before we pick up a single tool.
Do you charge extra for after-hours work?
We're upfront about our pricing. After-hours rates can vary, and we explain all costs clearly before work begins. No surprises on the invoice.
Will the price change after you start the job?
Not without your approval. If we open a wall and find something unexpected, we stop and tell you before proceeding. You have the final say on any cost change.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, check, and all major credit cards. Payment is due upon completion of work unless other arrangements have been made in advance for larger commercial projects.
Do you warranty your work?
Yes. We stand behind our workmanship. If something we repaired or installed fails due to our work, we come back and make it right. Specific warranty terms vary by job type. Ask us when we provide your estimate.
Emergencies & availability
What should I do if I have a burst pipe right now?
Step 1: Shut off your main water valve immediately. Step 2: Call us at 770-439-0919. Step 3: Turn off your water heater so the tank doesn't run dry. Step 4: Take photos of the damage for your insurance claim. We'll handle the rest.
Where is my water main shutoff valve?
In most Cobb County homes the main shutoff is either at the water meter (at the curb or near the street, in a concrete box) or inside the home where the supply line enters (garage, utility room, basement, or crawl space). We recommend locating it before an emergency. If you cannot find it, call us. We'll help.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency?
We dispatch as quickly as we can. Response time depends on current call volume and your location within Cobb County. We give you an honest ETA when you call and update you if anything changes.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Any situation where water is actively damaging your property, where you have no water, or where sewage is backing up into your home. Burst pipes, major leaks, sewage backups, frozen pipes, water heater flooding. When in doubt, call us.
Water heaters
How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced?
Key signs include: the unit is 10+ years old, you run out of hot water faster than usual, you see rusty or discolored water from the hot taps, you hear rumbling or popping sounds, or there is visible corrosion around the base. We give you an honest assessment. If a repair will do the job, we say so. Read our full guide.
How long does a water heater last?
Most traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years with regular maintenance. Tankless water heaters last 15 to 20. Georgia hard water shortens lifespan. Annual flushing and anode rod checks help extend it.
Should I go tankless?
Tankless systems offer on-demand hot water and longer lifespans. They have higher upfront costs and may require gas line upgrades. Great for households that run out of hot water frequently or want lower energy bills long-term. We assess your home's demand and give you an honest recommendation.
Can you do same-day water heater replacement?
In most cases, yes. We carry common water heater sizes on our trucks and can often complete a replacement the same day you call. Call us at 770-439-0919 and we'll tell you what we can do based on availability.
Why is my water heater making noise?
Rumbling or popping sounds usually indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which is common with Georgia's mineral-rich water. A flush often resolves it. Loud banging or hissing can indicate a pressure or heating element issue. Give us a call and we'll diagnose it.
Drains & clogs
Why does my drain keep clogging?
Recurring clogs usually signal a deeper problem. Grease buildup deep in the line, tree root intrusion, or a partial pipe collapse. DIY treatments clear the surface temporarily but don't fix the root cause. A camera inspection identifies the actual issue. Read our full guide.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
Chemical drain cleaners can clear minor clogs short-term, but they are harsh on pipes (especially older ones) and don't address what caused the clog. Repeated use weakens PVC and corrodes older metal pipes. For anything beyond an occasional slow drain, we recommend a professional cleaning.
What is hydrojetting and do I need it?
Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water to blast through grease, scale, and debris. Far more thorough than a standard drain snake. Ideal for commercial kitchens, heavily scaled lines, or recurring grease blockages. We tell you whether your situation calls for it.
Multiple drains backing up at once. What does that mean?
When multiple fixtures back up simultaneously (toilet, sinks, tub), it almost always means a main sewer line blockage. Often accompanied by gurgling sounds or sewage odors. Call us right away. A main line backup can become a sewage backup into the home if left unaddressed.
Leaks & pipes
My water bill is suddenly higher. Could I have a leak?
A spike in your water bill with no change in usage is one of the most common signs of a hidden leak. Turn off all water in your home and check your water meter. If the dial is moving, you likely have a leak. Common culprits: running toilets, slab leaks, underground service line leaks. Call us for a leak detection assessment.
What is a slab leak and how serious is it?
A slab leak is a leak in the water supply or drain lines under your concrete foundation, and they are serious. They erode the foundation, cause mold growth, and lead to structural damage over time. Signs: warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when nothing is on, cracks in the foundation. Slab leaks need professional detection and repair.
Do I have polybutylene pipes and should I be worried?
Polybutylene pipes were widely installed in Cobb County homes between 1978 and 1995. Gray or blue plastic pipes that fail without warning, often at fittings. If your home is from that period and has not been repiped, we recommend a look. Many insurance companies no longer cover homes with poly-B. Replacement with copper or PEX is the safest solution.
Will you have to tear out my walls to fix a leak?
Not necessarily. We use non-invasive leak detection first to pinpoint the exact location. When access is required, we make the smallest practical opening. For slab leaks, pipe rerouting through walls can sometimes avoid concrete work entirely. We always explain the options before we start.
About Landrum Plumbing
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Landrum Plumbing holds a Georgia state plumbing license and carries full general liability and workers compensation insurance. We provide documentation upon request.
What areas do you serve?
All of Cobb County, Georgia. Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Acworth, and Austell. If you're just outside Cobb County, call us and we'll let you know if we can help.
Do you do commercial plumbing?
Yes. We handle commercial plumbing for restaurants, offices, retail spaces, and multi-tenant buildings across Cobb County. We schedule around your business hours and offer maintenance plans for commercial clients. Learn more.
How long has Landrum Plumbing been in business?
Since the 1980s. Over 40 years in this area. We're family-owned and now in the third generation, run by the founder's grandson. We have grown entirely through referrals and repeat customers.
Still have a question?
Can't find what you're looking for? Call us directly. We're happy to help with any plumbing question, no obligation.