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 455 reviews Kathy Hill2025-07-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast, efficient, explained process. All good. Deborah Mcclellan2025-07-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a pleasure working with the young men from The Bearded Plumber. They were professional and answered all my questions. I was very pleased with their work and they left my house looking better than before! I will recommend them highly! JAKE GRANADO2025-07-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Johnny with The Bearded Plumber for coming out and fixing a leak we had on a valve out in front of the house. Called The Bearded Plumber and Johnny was at the house and have everything fixed with a few hrs. Thank you Johnny for the awesome work and great customer service! 10 out 10 service. Wouldn’t call anyone else. Leroy Ortiz Sr2025-07-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David Mahaffey2025-07-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt, Professional in their appearance and quality of work. There will never be another plumber or plumbing company on our properties, other than The Bearded Plumber. Lance Cheung2025-07-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Julian and Angel recently came out to perform a hydrostatic test on my older home. Since my house didn’t have a clean out, I assumed a costly installation would be necessary just to proceed. However, thanks to their expertise and resourcefulness, they came up with a clever, alternative solution that allowed them to complete the test without the added expense. Their thoroughness and ingenuity truly set them apart. It was clear that both Julian and Angel drew on years of experience and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. They worked seamlessly together and with their company, ultimately saving me over $1,000 on the total cost. I can’t say enough about their professionalism and dedication. If you’re looking for a team that goes above and beyond for their customers, Julian, Angel, and their company are the ones to call! Vanessa Cervantes2025-07-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Want to thank Daniel and Johnny , Anthony for coming out to see the problem with the busted pipe on the outside of the house.they explain everything that was going on and what need to be done . And they got the job done with in a day . They are very professional I highly recommend them . Claribelle Sanchez2025-07-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Bearded Plumber team came out to our home for a hydrostatic test, which was required by our foundation company. Although we didn't seek their services directly, I'm so glad we were introduced to this team. We've had 3 different plumbing companies come out for certain issues (mostly related), and not one has been able to fully explain their results and recommendations as well as this team. They were so friendly and knowledgeable. I really appreciate that they took the time to answer my questions. Although we didn't pass our test, I feel better now that we are in good hands. Boohead Raelyn2025-07-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ivannia Hadba2025-07-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Johnny was so nice and the other gentleman that came with him. Both of them were very professionals and very helpful. Thank you for your help, Johnny!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