Same-Day Water‑Cooled Refrigeration Repair & Cooling Tower Service in Plano, TX
Need same-day water-cooled refrigeration repair in Plano, TX? Lonestar's EPA 608-certified, TDLR-licensed technicians repair, maintain, and install water‑cooled condensers, cooling towers, chillers, racks, and ice machines for commercial facilities. Call (469)-625-2116 for same-day dispatch or request a fast quote.
Water‑Cooled Refrigeration: How It Works
Water-cooled refrigeration systems use water instead of air to remove heat from your equipment. These systems power walk-in coolers, ice machines, and process cooling throughout Plano's commercial facilities.
Refrigeration Cycle: Compressor, Evaporator, Water‑Cooled Condenser, Cooling Tower
Your water-cooled system moves heat through a refrigeration cycle using four main parts. The compressor pushes refrigerant to the water-cooled condenser. Here, cooling water absorbs heat through shell-and-tube heat exchangers. The refrigerant then flows to the evaporator, where it cools your space or product. Finally, a cooling tower releases the heat outside by evaporating some water.
Condenser Water Loop Components (Shell‑and‑Tube, Plate‑and‑Frame, Pumps)
The heart of your system includes shell-and-tube or plate‑and‑frame heat exchangers that transfer heat to water. Pumps circulate water through the condenser water loop. Make-up water replaces what evaporates, while blowdown removes concentrated minerals. Drift eliminators catch water droplets before they escape the cooling tower. Basin heaters prevent freezing in winter.
Where water-cooled systems are used
Commercial kitchens rely on water-cooled ice machines for consistent production. Supermarkets use water-cooled rack systems for refrigerated cases. Hotels depend on chiller plants for air conditioning. Manufacturing facilities need process cooling for production. Walk-in coolers and freezers in restaurants often use water-cooled condensers for quiet, efficient operation.
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Water‑Cooled vs. Air‑Cooled in Plano, TX
Benefits: Efficiency, Quieter Operation, Stable Head Pressure
Water-cooled systems offer better efficiency than air-cooled units, especially in Texas heat. Benefits include:
Stable head pressure in TX heat
20-30% energy savings
Quieter operation (no outdoor condenser fans)
Consistent cooling on 100-degree days
Potential utility rebates
Costs: Water Usage, Maintenance, Upfront Investment
Water-cooled systems cost more upfront for equipment and installation. They use water continuously, adding to utility bills. You'll need regular water treatment and cooling tower maintenance. However, potential utility rebates can offset some costs.
Plano Water Quality & Utility Rates (Hardness, TDS, Sewer/Water)
Plano's water has moderate hardness at 150-200 ppm, requiring scale control. Total dissolved solids (TDS) run 400-600 ppm. Current water and sewer rates total about $8-12 per 1,000 gallons. Higher summer bleed-off rates and scaling potential in peak heat require adjusting setpoints and dosing seasonally. Factor these ongoing costs when choosing between water-cooled and air-cooled systems.
Cooling Tower Care & Water Treatment
Biocide Dosing, Corrosion Inhibition, Scale Control, Passivation
We manage water chemistry with biocide dosing to prevent algae and bacteria. Corrosion inhibitors protect metal components. Scale inhibitors keep minerals from coating heat transfer surfaces. Regular passivation treatments maintain protective films on metal surfaces.
Blowdown/Conductivity Control, Make‑Up Valves, Drift Eliminators
Conductivity controllers automatically bleed off concentrated water when TDS levels get too high. We calibrate these sensors and verify conductivity with handheld meters against the controller. We test with calibrated water hardness, TDS, and pH meters. Drift eliminators need inspection to prevent water loss and overspray on nearby surfaces.
Legionella Risk Management (ASHRAE 188) & Documentation
Following ASHRAE 188 guidelines, we implement water management programs to prevent Legionella growth. This includes regular water testing, temperature monitoring, and documentation. We maintain records for compliance and safety audits.
Backflow Prevention & Cross‑Connection Compliance
Plano requires annual backflow preventer testing on water-cooled systems. We ensure your equipment meets cross-connection control requirements to protect the water supply.
Commercial Services We Offer
Repair & Refrigerant Management (EPA 608)
Our technicians arrive with digital manifold gauges, ultrasonic leak detectors, and infrared thermometers for fast diagnostics. We handle component replacement, refrigerant leaks, and control faults. Using EPA-approved refrigerant recovery machines, we manage refrigerants safely and legally. We pull deep vacuum with dedicated vacuum pumps and verify to 500 microns with a micron gauge.
Preventive Maintenance (Coil/Tube Cleaning, Descaling, Water Testing)
Regular maintenance includes coil cleaning, tube brushing, and descaling to maintain heat transfer. We check water hardness, pH, and TDS levels. Our maintenance schedule keeps your system running efficiently year-round. We provide ice machine sanitation and scale removal per OEM procedures to maintain production and water quality.
Installation, Balancing & Commissioning
We size systems correctly for your cooling load. Our commissioning process ensures proper water flow, refrigerant charge, and control settings. We balance condenser water flow across heat exchangers to design GPM for optimal approach temperatures. We handle everything from small ice machines to large chiller plants.
Controls & Monitoring (BMS/BACnet, Alarms, VFDs, Data Logging)
We integrate systems with BACnet/BMS for remote monitoring. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) on pumps and fans save energy. We set up alarms for critical parameters and install data loggers for trend analysis.
Systems & Brands (Chillers, Racks, Ice Machines, BAC/Evapco/Marley)
Water-cooled condensers, rack systems, chillers, ice machines, walk-in coolers and freezers, evaporative condensers, cooling towers, and glycol loops - we service them all. Factory-trained on Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, Scotsman, Hillphoenix, Hussmann, Heatcraft, Copeland, Trane, Carrier, York, BAC (Baltimore Aircoil), Evapco, and SPX Marley equipment.

Our Service Process
Inspection, Digital Diagnostics & Deep Vacuum (Micron Gauge)
We start with pressure and temperature testing across your system. Performance efficiency testing identifies problems before they cause breakdowns. Our micron gauges verify proper evacuation during repairs.
Maintenance Checklist & Water Quality Meter Calibration
Every visit includes:
Coil cleaning and inspection
Tube brushing/descaling
Strainer checks
Pump/tower inspection
Water quality sensor calibration
Refrigerant charge verification with scales
Water Analysis Report (Hardness, pH, TDS, Conductivity)
You receive documentation of water hardness, pH, TDS, and conductivity readings. We track trends to optimize your water treatment program and predict maintenance needs.
Emergency & Same‑Day Dispatch
Call before 2 PM for same-day service in most cases. Our 24/7 emergency service handles critical breakdowns. We stock common parts for faster repairs.
Schedule Your Service Now
Don't wait for a breakdown. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and keeps your system running efficiently.
Call (469)-625-2116 or request a quote online
Pricing & Operating Costs
Service Call & Diagnostic Fees
Diagnostic fees typically run $125-195, applied to repairs if you proceed. Emergency service carries premium rates.
Maintenance Plans
Quarterly maintenance plans start at $400 per visit for small systems. Large chillers and cooling towers require custom pricing based on capacity and water treatment needs.
Repair/Install Cost Factors
Costs depend on:
Capacity/tonnage
Parts and lead times
Equipment access/rigging
Water treatment complexity
Controls integration
Water, Sewer, Chemicals & Energy
Budget for ongoing water, sewer, chemical treatment, and energy costs. A 10-ton system might use 3,000-5,000 gallons monthly, plus chemicals costing $100-200.
Compliance & Safety
EPA 608, TCEQ & Plano Plumbing Codes
We follow all EPA Section 608 requirements for refrigerant handling, recovery, and documentation. Our technicians carry current EPA certifications. We ensure installations meet local plumbing codes and water discharge requirements. Cooling tower blowdown must meet TCEQ guidelines for discharge.
ASHRAE 188 Documentation & OSHA Lockout/Tagout
Our safety program includes OSHA lockout/tagout procedures (1910.147) and ASHRAE 188 compliance for Legionella prevention. We follow all TCEQ environmental guidelines. Regular water testing prevents health risks. We monitor for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens according to industry standards.
Backflow Preventer Testing
Annual testing keeps you compliant with Plano's cross-connection control program. We're certified to test and repair backflow preventers.
Service Area: Plano & Nearby Cities
Nearby areas served
Beyond Plano, we service Frisco, Allen, Richardson, McKinney, and North Dallas. Most locations receive same-day service when you call before 2 PM.
Typical facilities we support
Restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, manufacturing plants, and data centers throughout the area trust us with their cooling needs.
Certified HVAC/R Experts
EPA 608 Techs & TDLR‑Licensed Contractor
Every technician holds EPA 608 Universal certification for handling all refrigerant types. We maintain current training on new refrigerants and regulations. We're fully licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as HVAC contractors. Our insurance protects your property. Our HVAC/R team specializes in commercial refrigeration and cooling tower systems.
AHRI/ASHRAE Best Practices & OEM Training
We follow AHRI guidelines for equipment installation and ASHRAE standards for system design and operation. Our technicians receive factory training from major manufacturers. These partnerships give us access to technical support and genuine parts.
Common Problems We Fix
Common issues include:
High head pressure and short cycling
Scaling and fouled tubes
Water leaks and pump failures
Refrigerant leaks
Control faults
Compressor failures
High head pressure and short cycling
Scaled condensers cause high head pressure and compressor short cycling. We restore efficiency through descaling and water treatment adjustments.
Scaling, fouled tubes, poor heat transfer
Mineral buildup reduces cooling capacity. Our tube brushing and chemical cleaning restore heat transfer rates.
Water leaks, pump failures, tower issues
We repair leaking pipes, replace failed pump seals, and fix cooling tower fan motors and VFDs.
Refrigerant leaks, non-condensables, control faults
Using ultrasonic leak detectors, we find and repair refrigerant leaks. We remove non-condensables that reduce efficiency.
Conductivity controller faults, make-up valve failures, VFD/fan motor issues
Failed conductivity sensors cause water chemistry problems. We calibrate or replace sensors and repair make-up water valves.
Compressor failures, EEV/TEV problems, oil management issues
We diagnose compressor problems, adjust or replace expansion valves (EEV/TEV), and resolve oil return issues in rack systems.
Results You Can Expect
Improved efficiency and energy/water savings
Clean, well-maintained systems use 15-25% less energy and water. Lower utility bills offset maintenance costs. Reduced unplanned downtime and product loss.
Quieter operation and stable cooling
Water-cooled systems run quieter than air-cooled units. You get consistent cooling even during heat waves.
Longer equipment lifespan and fewer breakdowns
Regular maintenance extends equipment life by 5-10 years. You'll experience fewer emergency breakdowns and costly repairs.
Compliance documentation and reduced risk
We provide all documentation for regulatory compliance. Proper water treatment reduces Legionella risk and liability.

Request Service Now
Request a quote
Call (469)-625-2116 or fill out our online form for a free quote. We respond within 2 hours during business hours.
What to have ready
Have this information ready:
Equipment type and model/serial
Symptoms/error codes
Access/roof info
Water treatment provider or last report
Preferred service window
For emergencies: refrigeration triage steps and response times
For emergencies, move product to backup coolers if possible. Turn off the system if you hear unusual noises or see leaks. We typically arrive within 2-4 hours for emergency calls.
Don't Wait - Schedule Service Today
Prevent costly breakdowns with regular maintenance. Our certified technicians keep your water-cooled refrigeration running efficiently.
Call Now: (469)-625-2116
FAQs
How much does water-cooled refrigeration service cost in Plano, TX?
Service calls start at $125-195. Repairs vary based on parts needed. Maintenance plans begin at $400 per quarterly visit for small systems.
What is included in a water-cooled refrigeration system maintenance?
Maintenance includes coil cleaning, water testing, filter changes, belt adjustments, control calibration, and performance testing. You receive a detailed report.
How do I schedule emergency or same-day service?
Call (469)-625-2116 anytime. Same-day service is available for calls before 2 PM. Emergency service operates 24/7.
What certifications should a technician have for water-cooled systems?
Look for EPA 608 Universal certification, TDLR HVAC licensing, and factory training on your equipment brand.
How do water-cooled refrigeration systems compare to air-cooled systems?
Water-cooled systems offer better efficiency and quieter operation but cost more upfront and use water continuously.
Are there local regulations for water-cooled systems in Plano, TX?
Yes, Plano requires annual backflow testing and compliance with water discharge regulations. Cooling towers must follow TCEQ guidelines.
What risks are associated with water-cooled refrigeration?
Without proper maintenance, risks include Legionella growth, scaling, corrosion, and microbiological fouling. Regular water treatment prevents these issues.
How long does a typical service visit take?
Routine maintenance takes 2-4 hours. Repairs vary from 1-6 hours depending on the problem. We provide time estimates upfront.
What warranties or guarantees are available?
We warranty our workmanship for 90 days. Parts carry manufacturer warranties, typically 1 year.
What alternatives exist to water-cooled systems for commercial refrigeration?
Air-cooled systems and evaporative condensers offer alternatives. Each has trade-offs in efficiency, water use, and noise.
Do you service cooling towers and provide water treatment in Plano?
Yes, we service all cooling tower brands and provide complete water treatment programs including chemicals and testing.
Can you retrofit an air-cooled system to water-cooled—and is it worth it?
Retrofits are possible but often cost-prohibitive. We'll analyze your situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
What brands and equipment do you service?
We service all major brands including Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, Scotsman, Trane, Carrier, and more. We work on ice machines, chillers, rack systems, and cooling towers.
Do you provide an ASHRAE 188-compliant water management plan and documentation for audits?
Yes, we develop and maintain ASHRAE 188-compliant water management plans with complete documentation for regulatory audits and inspections.
Do you use OEM parts, and can you source rush parts for same-day repairs?
We stock common OEM parts and have relationships with suppliers for rush delivery. Most parts arrive same-day or next-day for critical repairs.
Can you integrate our system with our existing BAS/BMS and set up remote alarms and trend logs?
Yes, we integrate with all major BAS/BMS platforms including BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks. We configure remote alarms, trend logs, and custom reports.
Learn more about regulations: EPA Refrigerant Regulations | AHRI Resources | ASHRAE Standards
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