When a sewer system fails a hydrostatic test, it means there is a leak beneath the foundation. We will then use our advanced camera equipment to visually locate the break.
Equipped with cutting-edge imaging technology, our team meticulously inspects your sewer system to identify and pinpoint any potential issues. Upon discovering a break, we thoroughly test different sections of the system to ensure the system’s integrity.
This method ensures that we find any defects, even if they aren’t visible
Learn more about Camera pinpoints and the excavation & repair process.
In every home, there are two distinct plumbing systems that work together to keep things running smoothly: the fresh water system and the sewer system. It’s important to understand the difference between the two, as each serves a unique purpose.
Fresh Water Plumbing: This system is responsible for bringing clean, treated water into your home. It supplies water to your sinks, showers, bathtubs, dishwashers, and other fixtures. The water comes from a local municipal water supply or a private well, travels through pipes, and is delivered to various points throughout your home.
Sewer Plumbing: After you’ve used the fresh water, the sewer system takes over. It carries waste water (from sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) away from your home and sends it to the local sewage treatment facility or a septic tank. The sewer pipes are typically larger in diameter and are designed to handle waste and wastewater safely.
Each system is independent, and your Sewer system is the one that we tested in your Hydrostatic test. The purpose of the camera pinpoint is to find any issues in the sewer system that cause your plumbing to fail.
We’ve tested and repaired hundreds of sewer systems, and these are the most common defects we find in sewer systems:
Defective fitting: Sewer systems are comprised of both pipes and fittings like elbow joints. Sometimes these fittings are under enormous stress and can break loose. Other times they can Crack.
Defective Pipe: Certain types of soil expand when exposed to water and shrink as it dries. This expansion can cause your homes foundation to move and your home to shift. This movement can put incredible amounts of force on your plumbing cracking pipes or breaking them.
Intrusions: Tree roots are the most common types of intrusives, but sometimes rocks and be pushed into pipes or if you have had construction done on your home sometimes the plumbing can be damaged.
Only after we have visually inspected all of the leaking areas can wedetermine what kind of damge has been caused to your plumbing and the necessary steps to fix it.
We begin our pinpoint tests by examining your home for slab level drains and observation points.
Once we have an understanding of your home’s plumbing system we will section it off into testable regions. We will test each region by performing a similar test to the hydrostatic looking for leaks. Once we have determined that section cannot hold water we will begin to visually inspect the plumbing for defects. Not all defects are visible. Most plumbing issues are only detectable via the static testing method, but some defects like improper fall or a slump in the pipe can only be detected by the camera; this is why its so important to test with both.
Only after we have tested each section and have found all of the defects can we begin to work on mapping the tunnel process to repair your system. We don’t want to tunnel any more than we have to and will find the most efficient way to reach your defects & repair your plumbing.
The Bearded Plumber is your trusted plumbing experts serving San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, need a sewer repair, or are planning a full home repipe, our team is here to provide fast, reliable, and high-quality plumbing services. Founded by Jayson Jimenez, a seasoned plumber with a lifetime of experience in the Industry. We pride ourselves on offering plumbing with integrity. That means no shortcuts, no compromises—just dependable plumbing solutions every time. Don’t take our word for it, read any of our hundreds of 5 star reviews!
EXCELLENT Based on 365 reviews Ernest Simmons2025-05-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Johnny was great, prompt, and very professional Miss Coffee2025-05-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Arnoldo P2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Laura G2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Johnny and Angel from “The Bearded Plumber “ who came to do a static test as a follow up from a foundation repair I had done recently. They explained everything and answered all of my questions. They were very professional and respectful of my property. Izzy C2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a test done for our foundation company. The technician who came out was very professional and honest. After 30 min of running a test we thought we failed, he went out and discovered his equipment had, so we ran the test again with a pass. He could have just left it at that but was honest and explained everything from beginning to end. Michael Kovalski2025-04-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Anthony and crew knew exactly what they were doing fixing the sewer line break under the slab and the excavation crew were fantastic as well, can’t tell they were even there. Thanks guys. Diane Watson2025-04-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have had two plumbing issues and both resolved quickly and professionally by Bearded Plumber. Very knowledgeable great communication and fair price Jane Walker2025-04-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Robin DeInnocentiis2025-04-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Julian from The Bearded Plumber did a wonderful job today. We are looking at a house to buy and called for a hydrostatic test to check for broken pipes under the house. Julian really had to look hard to find the sewage clean out, but he prevailed finding it under a bush, a foot beneath the ground! We didn’t get the results we wanted, there definitely are broken pipes, but now we have the knowledge to either reduce our price or nullify the contract . . . Thanks Julian!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
At The Bearded Plumber, we’re not just about fixing pipes—we’re about delivering peace of mind. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, we understand the importance of both quality and reliability. Here’s what sets us apart:
We offer definitive testing and photographic results to help give you peace of mind that all sewer leaks have been detected & properly repaired. Our process utilizes the latest standards and technology to give you the most efficient, affordable service without compromising on quality.
We specialize in performing fast and efficient Hydrostatic Tests (leak detection). We use state-of-the-art equipment to provide Camera Pinpoints and visual sewer integrity inspections to identify any potential damages. We use multifrequency locators to provide Advanced Location Mapping. This process allows us to map and plan out your repair precisely. The next step is to tunnel beneath the foundation to inspect the damages and begin the repairs. All repairs are performed according to strict standards and regulations to ensure the safety of your home for years to come. Once the repairs are completed we will perform a final hydrostatic test to ensure that your sewer system is void of any breaks and holds water under pressure. We will finalize the process by backfilling the tunnel.
Learn more about the excavation & repair process.
© The Bearded Plumber | Plumbing License: #M-43721
Regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing
PO Box 4200 Austin, TX 78765
(800) 845-6584