Plumbing Resources and Expert Advice

A sudden spike in your water bill usually indicates a hidden leak, such as a running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a leak in your underground main line. First, check all toilets to see if they are running silently. If you cannot find a visible leak, you may have a "slab leak" or a break in the main line. Our team uses specialized acoustic leak detection gear to find the source without tearing up your yard unnecessarily.

A running toilet is most commonly caused by a worn-out flapper valve or a fill valve that is set too high. While this seems minor, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. If jiggling the handle doesn't fix it, the internal components need replacement. We carry universal parts on our trucks to fix this in a single visit.

We strongly recommend against using chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode your pipes, generate heat that cracks porcelain, and are toxic to the environment. If a plunger doesn't clear the clog, the blockage is likely deep in the line. We use professional-grade snakes or hydro-jetting to physically remove the obstruction without damaging your plumbing system.

A traditional tank water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last 20+ years with proper maintenance. If your unit is over 10 years old and making rumbling noises or leaking, it is time to replace it before it bursts. We can help you calculate the energy savings of switching to a modern, high-efficiency unit.

Running out of hot water is usually caused by sediment buildup in the tank (taking up space) or a broken dip tube. In electric units, it could also be a burnt-out heating element. We can perform a "flush and fill" maintenance service to remove sediment, or assess if your household has outgrown your current tank size.

We provide upfront, flat-rate pricing by the job, so you know exactly what the cost will be before we begin any work. We don't believe in surprise bills or slow work to drive up hourly fees. Our quote includes labor, parts, and warranty.

Yes, we are fully licensed in Arkansas/Oklahoma and carry comprehensive liability insurance for your peace of mind.

That smell is usually sewer gas escaping because the "P-trap" (the U-shaped pipe under the sink) has dried out or is clogged with bacteria-laden hair and soap. If you rarely use that sink, run the water for a minute to fill the trap. If the smell persists, you may have a blocked vent stack on your roof. We can inspect your vents and clean the drains to eliminate the odor.

Slow shower drains are almost always caused by a buildup of hair and soap scum binding to the walls of the pipe. While you can try a plastic "zip-it" tool to grab hair near the surface, deep clogs often require professional snaking. Warning: Repeatedly using chemical cleaners here can eat away at plastic shower drains.

If multiple drains clog at once (e.g., you flush the toilet and water comes up in the shower), you likely have a main sewer line blockage. This is an emergency. Stop using water immediately to prevent sewage from backing up into your home. We can use sewer cameras to see if the blockage is caused by tree roots, a collapsed pipe, or a foreign object.

Leave the building immediately. Do not turn light switches on or off. Once you are safe, call your utility company, then call Byway Plumbing. Once the utility company turns off the gas, they will require a licensed plumber to find the leak, repair it, and pressure test the system before they will turn it back on. We prioritize these calls to get your heat and hot water back on fast.

Yes. Gas appliances must be installed by a professional to ensure connections are tight and leak-free. We also install gas lines for outdoor kitchens, pool heaters, and fire pits.

Disconnect all outdoor hoses, cover your outdoor faucets (hose bibs), and let your indoor faucets drip slightly during freezing nights. In the River Valley, sudden freezes catch many homeowners off guard. If a pipe does freeze, shut off your main water valve immediately and call us—do not try to thaw it with an open flame.

While water hardness varies across Fort Smith and Greenwood, hard water can shorten the life of water heaters and faucets. If you notice white crusty buildup on your shower heads or your glassware looks cloudy, a water softener can protect your plumbing investment and make your skin feel less dry.

You should involve us during the design phase. We need to perform the "rough-in" plumbing before the foundation is poured or the walls are closed up. We work directly with your General Contractor (GC) to schedule the ground-rough, top-out, and final trim to keep your project on timeline.