Plumbing Blog & Articles by Express Plumbing San Mateo CA 94401

15
Jul 23
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How To Choose a New Water Heater

Tags : express plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems san mateo underground construction

You turn on the shower and wait. It’s all cold water, and hot water never follows. Unless someone used all the hot water right before you, you might need a new water heater. However, figuring out which water heater is right for your home isn’t as simple as it sounds. While you could buy the same model, water heaters have become far more efficient and advanced over the past decade. If you need help choosing a new water heater, here are some tips and considerations that should lead you to the perfect option.

Choose the Power Source

A new water heater typically runs on one of two power sources: electricity or gas. Electric water heaters cost more to operate, but the effect on the environment isn’t as pronounced. Conversely, a gas water heater is cheaper to run, but it also releases waste into the environment. In addition, a gas water heater will still work during a power outage, which is an important aspect if you live in an area that has frequent extreme weather.

Compare your environmental and power concerns against your budget to determine which option is better for your family and home.

If you’re not sure, our residential plumbing team at Express Plumbing can provide you with all the options available to you and help you compare the value.

Select the Right Size

Water heaters come in many sizes to meet the demands of the homeowner. Generally speaking, the tank size corresponds to the number of people in your household. These are some guidelines that should help you select the appropriate size:

30 to 40 gallons for one or two people
40 to 60 gallons for three to four people
60 to 80 gallons for five or more people

If you have a large family or you want more convenience, consider a tankless water heater. These types of water heaters are more expensive, but they provide on-demand heated water when you need it.

Energy Efficiency

The average life span of a water heater is about 15 to 20 years, so your current model may not meet the energy efficiency standards from decades ago. However, it provides an opportunity to choose an energy-efficient model.

When buying a water heater, look for the Energy Star logo. This signifies that it’s met government-backed standards for efficiency. You’ll use less energy, plus you’ll save money on your monthly utility bill.

Cost Considerations

A new water heater isn’t necessarily cheap, but don’t look only at the purchase price when shopping. You also need to consider the long-term cost of running the water heater and installation expenses on top of the initial cost. This will help you choose the right option for your monthly budget and initial purchase.

Warranty

Before you buy a water heater, make sure a strong warranty backs it. Even if the water heater comes from a reputable company, faulty models or manufacturing mishaps happen. You’ll want to know that the manufacturer covers you against their defects. The industry standard is usually five to six years for warranties, so look for something in that time span.

Choose a Reputable Plumber

You can always choose to install a water heater on your own, but sometimes, it pays to hire a pro. Our water heater technicians in the Bay Area are experts in installations and repairs.

Homeowners have been relying on our plumbing company for multiple decades. We offer affordable water heater installations with peace of mind because every job is done right the first time.

28
Jun 23
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Your Plumbing Questions Answered

Tags : plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing issues plumbing problems san mateo underground construction

Though you may not think about it regularly, your plumbing system is a vital component of your home. Without a fully functioning plumbing system, your comfort of living can wane and you may experience hefty repair bills that can hinder your budget.

However, not every plumbing issue requires expert knowledge. Some are easy to solve even for the novice DIYer. For the sake of your sanity and your wallet, here are some of the most common plumbing questions answered.

1. Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure?

Water pressure can fluctuate for a number of reasons. If you notice a sudden or permanent drop in water pressure, one of these scenarios is typically the culprit:

Crack in the city water main or a water main break
Corroded pipes if you have old iron pipes rather than PVC
Sediment or mineral deposits in the faucet or showerhead
Partially closed shut-off valve

Aside from the water main break, checking all of these other components is quick and simple. Assess each of them to save yourself a headache.

2. How Do I Unclog a Drain?

Clogged drains in your kitchen or bathroom can cause unsightly messes and become a source of stress. But it’s not your fault in most cases. Clogged drains are the result of a buildup of hair, skin flakes, dirt, grease, or oil — it’s just a natural byproduct of using your sinks.

Fortunately, fixing the issue isn’t a problem. You can use a plunger to unclog drains in your sinks and shower. If that doesn’t work, you can purchase a snake or auger to remove any debris. Hopefully, this resolves your drainage problems.

3. How Do I Prevent Frozen Pipes?

In cold-weather climates, frozen pipes can cause astronomical damage to a home. But the solution isn’t complicated. To prevent frozen pipes, wrap exposed pipes in foam or insulated wrapping. Search your crawl space, basement, and other areas exposed to the weather to ensure that they’re properly wrapped. This should help you avoid any burst pipes that can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

4. Why Did My Water Bill Increase Dramatically?

Water bills can fluctuate depending on several factors. If you have guests over or water your lawn and plants during summer, you should see a noticeable increase. However, if you haven’t changed anything in your routine, other factors could be at play.

In most cases, an increase in your water bill is due to leaks in your faucet or toilets. Even a moderate leak in your toilet can increase your bill by an average of $70 a month!

If you have a sudden increase in your bill, check all your pipes, faucets, and toilets for leaks. A visual inspection of pipes and faucets isn’t difficult, and you can instantly tell if that’s the problem. To check your toilet for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait about 20 minutes. If there’s a leak, you should see the water in the toilet bowl change color.

If you have a leak in your toilet, replace the float and flapper, or call a plumber to assess the problem.

5. When Should I Call a Plumber?

Not every plumbing problem is easy to fix; some things may require the expertise of an experienced plumber. If you can’t locate the problem, feel like an issue is beyond your skill set, or need an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to call your technician at Express Plumbing near you.

With the help of our reputable plumbers, you can repair any problems you may have, as well as avert costly disasters in the future. You may pay more than if you fixed the problem yourself, but sometimes, peace of mind is worth the price.

At Express Plumbing, we’ve been providing the Bay Area with residential plumbing services for the past few decades, there’s no problem we can’t fix fast. Contact us.

31
May 23
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How do I fix a clogged drain?

Tags : how to clear a drain plumber near me residential plumbing san mateo clogged drain san mateo plumber unclog a drain

Here are some steps you can take to fix a clogged drain:

Use a Plunger

Start by using a plunger to create suction and dislodge the clog. Ensure there is enough water in the sink, tub, or toilet to cover the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and vigorously push and pull to create suction. Repeat several times until the clog is cleared.

Remove Visible Debris

If the clog is caused by visible debris near the drain opening, such as hair or food particles, you can try removing it manually. Use a pair of gloves or long tweezers to reach in and pull out the debris. Be careful not to push the debris further into the drain.

Use a drain snake

A drain snake or auger is a flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up or remove the clog. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle clockwise to push it further. Once you feel resistance, rotate the snake back and forth to break up the clog. Continue doing this until the clog is cleared.

Chemical drain cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners can dissolve or break up certain types of clogs. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, as they can be toxic and should be handled with care. Avoid using chemical cleaners if you have a septic system or if the clog is in a toilet, they can cause damage.

Natural Drain Cleaner

Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar: If you prefer a natural solution, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush it with hot water.

If these methods don’t solve the problem or if you’re dealing with a stubborn or recurring clog, it’s best to contact a plumber. Our team at Express Plumbing specializes in fixing a clogged drain fast. We’re well equipped and experienced to handle any size drain clog. We can fix your clogged drain quickly. Contact us today.

22
May 23
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What To Do if Your Sewer Backs Up

Sewer backups can be a messy and unpleasant problem for homeowners. A sewer backup occurs when wastewater from your home’s plumbing system cannot flow out to the main sewer line and instead backs up into your home. This can lead to damage to your property, health hazards, and costly repairs. If you experience a sewer backup, it’s important to know what steps to take to minimize the damage and protect your health. Here’s what you should know to make the best of a bad situation.

Stop Using Water

If you notice a sewer backup, the first thing you should do is stop using water in your home. Stop flushing toilets, running faucets, or running appliances that use water, such as washing machines or dishwashers. This will prevent further backup and reduce the risk of water damage.

Call a Professional Plumber

The next step is to contact a professional plumber, and ideally, one that specializes in sewer backup remediation. If you’re in the Bay Area, our technicians are sewer experts and can get the problem solved immediately. Our team at Express Plumbing use the necessary tools and expertise to identify the source of the problem and fix it as quickly as possible. It’s important to act quickly as sewage backups can worsen over time and cause even more damage that’s costly and difficult to fix.

Protect Yourself

Sewage backups can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can pose a danger to yourself and your family. Therefore, it’s important to protect yourself by wearing gloves, protective clothing, and a face mask if you’re in the vicinity of the sewage.

If you have a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions, it’s best to stay out of the affected area until it has been properly cleaned.

Document the Damage

Before you begin cleaning up the sewage, you should document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos or videos of the affected area and make a list of any and all items that have been damaged. This will effectively streamline the process of reimbursement when you file an insurance claim.

Clean Up the Sewage

Once the plumber has fixed the problem, you now have the dreadful task of cleaning up. However, it’s not enough to merely clean the mess — you need to disinfect the area as well. Use a disinfectant such as bleach to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid any harm and always wear protective clothing while cleaning.

Prevent Future Backups

Mitigating the chance of a future sewer backup is all about prevention. One such method involves your toilet. Avoid the temptation to flush items such as wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products down the toilet, as these can cause clogs in your plumbing system. While your plumber is onsite, ask them to inspect your plumbing system for any potential issues, such as tree roots or damaged pipes.

Consider a Preventive Maintenance Plan

Although a preventive plumbing maintenance plan may set you back a few bucks, it’s worth the effort if you’ve had frequent sewer backups or your plumbing is old or outdated. By having a local plumber inspect your drains regularly, hopefully, you never have to worry about another sewer backup, but the peace of mind you’ll get is well worth it.

At Express Plumbing, we’ve been serving our Bay Area community for multiple decades, rely on us for all your plumbing needs. Serving Commercial and residential customers throughout the Bay.

20
Apr 23
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A Brief History of Plumbing

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When you use the toilet, kitchen sink, or shower, you probably don’t think much about the plumbing. It’s been ingrained in your life so long that it’s become second nature. However, this revolutionary technology has been around in some form for over a thousand years. Plumbing may not interest you all that much, but when you learn about its history and how it’s evolved, you may just want to hug your toilet — or maybe not. Here’s a brief, yet interesting history of plumbing.

Ancient Plumbing

Around 1500 BC, engineers in Greece, India, China, and Persia created the first plumbing systems to drain rainwater and floodwaters away from their cities, as well as irrigate crops. These were the very first plumbing and irrigation systems in the world.

Around 500 BC, the Romans went one step further. Using the technology from ancient civilizations, the Romans were able to build reservoirs and aqueducts to channel water into major cities, as well as enjoy rest and relaxation in the bathhouses that the civilization was known for.

The Romans also used wood furnaces to heat water, effectively creating the world’s first water heating system. In addition, they created public latrines that allowed waste to travel in underground tunnels.

18th and 19th Centuries

Despite the major advancements in plumbing during the ancient era, plumbing systems didn’t improve or advance much until the early 18th century. During this time, engineers created the world’s first flushable toilet, as well as modernized sewer systems to carry away wastewater.

The early 19th century introduced the first homes with running water, including showers and water mains. By 1833, the White House had running water on the first floor, and by 1855, Chicago became the first major city in the world to have a fully functioning sewer system.

The Beginning of Modern Plumbing

Although outhouses were still commonplace in some U.S. and European cities in the early 20th century, uniform plumbing codes, toilets, and running water became more widely available by the 1930s. By the 1950s, nearly every newly constructed home had modern plumbing systems, and older homes were retrofitted with the technology.

In 1952, PVC pipe replaced old cast iron and lead pipes, providing an improved, rustproof way for water to travel throughout a home and to the water or sewer main.

Plumbing Today

Today, plumbing is available almost everywhere, especially in newly constructed homes. Along with water-saving technology — such as low-flow toilets and showerheads — plumbing also has become equipped with modern conveniences. Things such as on-demand hot water, overhead showerheads, LED lighting, and motion-activated fixtures are all options for homeowners and renters — it all depends on the budget or tastes of the individual.

On-Demand Repair

Perhaps the most intriguing and convenient thing about modern-day plumbing is that if something goes wrong, a plumber is only one call away. Don’t let your plumbing cause you issues or damage your home. Instead, follow through with the next step in the evolution of plumbing by giving us a call.

At Express Plumbing, our technicians are licensed professionals ready to serve your home or business anywhere in the Bay Area.

Regardless of what the issue is, you’ll have a certified plumber at your house at a moment’s notice. Just like the plumbing itself, having a plumber a call away is something you always want to have.

21
Mar 23
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4 Ways to Celebrate Hug a Plumber Day This April

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On April 25 every year, the U.S. celebrates Hug a Plumber Day. Initially started in 2009, the holiday aims to celebrate the skills and accomplishments of all plumbers, and how they make life and comfort just a bit nicer for everyone.

Even if you don’t know a particular plumber or have a plumber in your life, you can still appreciate everything that plumbers do for you — from fixing your toilets to preventing a catastrophic leak. Here’s how to do it.

1. Give a Reference

If you’re satisfied by the service, friendliness, timeliness, or any other aspect of a plumber’s visit to your home, show them a little love by providing them as a reference to friends, family, and acquaintances. At Express Plumbing we’ve been serving our community for multiple decades and our plumbers love references.

Like other types of home service professionals such as electricians, HVAC repairmen, and others, finding a good one is easier said than done. We strive to make sure each customer is happy with the plumbing services we provide them and appreciate our customer’s thumbs up and kind words offline and online.

2. Be Preventative with Plumbing Maintenance

A plumbing preventive maintenance plan is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner. Plus, you can celebrate Hug a Plumber Day by having your trusted plumber come out and take care of any issues before they become problematic.

Getting a preventive maintenance plan for your plumbing provides you with:

Opportunities to ask your favorite plumber for expert advice.
Priority service during an emergency although we’re always available 24/7
The constant peace of mind
Improved plumbing performance
Avoidance of catastrophic leaks or damage
Extended life of plumbing fixtures, such as toilets or water heaters

Although preventive maintenance requires you to pay a small upfront fee, it’s still far cheaper than paying for on-demand service as problems arise.

3. Create a Positive Review

Giving a friend a plumber reference is definitely a great way to celebrate Hug a Plumber Day, but in the digital age, giving them positive online reviews is almost nearly as effective.

Whether you’re on Yelp, Google, Angi, TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau, or some other website, showering your preferred plumber with accolades for the fairness of their prices, exemplary service, and timeliness can help them get more business in the future. It’s definitely a nice gesture that we or any plumber would appreciate.

Don’t Have a Plumber To Hug? Find One!

If you don’t have a plumber to hug this April, now’s the time to find one. A great plumber is priceless — saving you tons of money from potential water damage or sewage backups.

We invite to look at our reputable Bay Area Plumbing Company. We’ve been serving the area since 1989 and take pride in the work we do. Rely on us for all your residential, commercial, or municipal plumbing services anywhere in the Bay Area.

25
Feb 23
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Learn How to Fix a Plumbing Leak During March’s Fix a Leak Week

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Started by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009 to address water waste and help save Americans money on their water bill, Fix a Leak Week is the third full week in March. In 2023, it takes place from March 20 to March 26, giving you more than enough time to get ready for it. If you’ve never fixed a leak before or you’re unsure of why promptly fixing leaks is important, find out more about it here.

Why Should I Learn How To Fix a Leak?

Learning how to fix a leak is more than just a handy DIY activity for a renter or a homeowner. It can end up saving you tons of money in the process. According to the EPA, Americans add around 12% to their water bill each month just through minor leaks. While that may only be a few bucks at first, it adds up to quite a chunk of change over time.

The other reason that you should learn how to fix a leak is to prevent costly repairs and damage to your home in the future. If left untreated, leaks can cause damage to your walls, flooring, and fixtures, as well as lead to toxic mold. New drywall, wood, plumbing fixtures, and mold remediation aren’t exactly cheap—not to mention the cost of installation if you hire someone to do it. As such, learning to fix a leak can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

How To Fix a Leak Step-by-Step

Now that you understand the importance of learning to fix a leak, the next step is to figure out how to do it. Fortunately, it’s easier than you might think, even if you’re not exactly a handyman. Follow the instructions below to get rid of your leak once and for all.

1. Check for Leaks

Fixing a leak starts by identifying the leak itself. Check pipes in crawlspaces, your basement, and under sinks. You should also examine pipe fittings and gaskets. To find a leak in your toilet, put a drop of food coloring in the tank. If you find any in the bowl, you have a leak.

2. Fixing a Toilet Leak

Although the toilet may seem like the most daunting place to fix a leak, it’s the easiest. Simply replace the flapper, rubber gaskets, and float in the toilet tank. All of these parts are cheap, and even a quick YouTube video should provide the instruction you need for a specific part.

3. Fixing a Faucet Leak

Worn washers and gaskets are the main culprits in faucet leaks, but armed with a pipe wrench and a bit of elbow grease, they’re pretty easy to replace. On top of that, you may have to replace the faucet cartridge. These wear out over time, but for about $10, they’re affordable to fix on your own.

4. Fixing a Showerhead Leak

To fix a showerhead leak, you usually only need to tighten the connection between the pipe stem and the showerhead itself. As an extra precaution, you can also use some plumber’s tape to ensure a tight, leak-free connection.

Call us when Necessary!

You may not be able to fix every leak, but that’s OK. That’s why our team of experienced plumbers at Express Plumbing in the Bay Area are here!

So if you have that one stubborn consistent leak or you can’t identify where your water loss is coming from, call a professional. It’s the best move you’ll make to curb your water bill and preserve your home.

Got a leak or a question? We’d love to help you. Contact us as your trusted local plumber in San Mateo CA. No matter where you are in the Bay, we can help 24/7 including holidays and weekends.

20
Jan 23
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Give Your House Plumbing a Little Bit of Love for Valentine’s Day

Tags : EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing plumbing problems san mateo underground construction underground utilities

Valentine’s Day is reserved for some time with that special someone, but what about your house plumbing system that’s been so good to you? With a few plumbing upgrades and preventive maintenance, you can ensure that your plumbing loves you back over the year and also avoid an embarrassing Valentine’s Day mishap. Here’s how to do it.

Clean Your Drains

Nothing can upend the chance for romance more than a clogged drain. Whether it’s a load of hair in the shower or a funky smell emanating from your kitchen sink, it’s not the thing that will impress your date.

In most cases, you can clean the drain yourself with a bit of elbow grease, but you can always hire a plumber for those hard-to-reach clogs. Your date, your sight, and your nose will appreciate the effort.

Insulate Your Pipes

Out of the 136 years that legendary groundhog Punxsutawney Phil has emerged from his lair, he’s seen six more weeks of winter on the horizon 107 times. So, it’s fair to say that more winter weather is on the way.

With Valentine’s Day only 12 days later, it’s the perfect time to insulate your pipes. This low-cost insulation is easy to install and light on the wallet, yet it prevents your pipes from bursting. With just a bit of DIY work, you can avoid an expensive mishap and have more money for your Valentine’s Day festivities.

Stop Your Toilet from Running

A running toilet isn’t exactly what you want to hear when you’re making your first move, especially if it drones on and on. Fortunately, you can amend the situation on the cheap and with little knowledge of plumbing.

Unless there’s a more significant underlying issue, you usually only have to replace the float, float arm, or flapper. Every hardware store will have these parts, so just ask an employee to guide you to the right section. If parts replacement doesn’t work, schedule an appointment with us as your local plumber to see what the issue might be.

Flush Your Water Heater

Nothing says a hot date like a shower—and that’s even before you leave the house. But if your water heater hasn’t been flushed in a while, this could be a fool’s errand.

Generally speaking, you should flush your water heater at least once a year to ensure it’s in tip-top shape, especially if you want to set the tone for your Valentine’s Day date. Flushing your water heater provides a number of benefits on top of a nice shower, including:

Saving on energy costs
Removing the sediment from the tank that can cause corrosion
Increasing the capacity of the water tank to its maximum level
Prolonging the lifespan of your water heater beyond the typical 15 years
Improving the overall efficiency of your water heater

Great Plumbers Don’t Mind Valentine’s Day House Calls

Hopefully, you can complete all of these tasks on your own with few problems. But if an issue should arise, don’t worry about calling us. We’ve been around for multiple decades serving the entire Bay Area and are centrally located right here in San Mateo CA. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day including holidays and weekends. We can get your house plumbing in proper working order just in time for Valentine’s Eve.

20
Dec 22
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5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Plumbing System

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The new year is always a time to reflect on what you can do better in your life. However, people rarely add plumbing to that list—and with good reason. However, creating a list of New Year’s resolutions for your plumbing system can actually help you with other potential resolutions, such as cutting waste, becoming more eco-friendly, or saving money. So if you’re searching for things to improve in 2023, add these plumbing-based resolutions to your list.

1. Take It Easy on Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals do the grunt work so you don’t have to, easily eliminating excess foodstuffs and leftovers so you don’t have to lug them out to the trash. However, put something in a garbage disposal that doesn’t belong, and you can damage it.

As part of your New Year’s resolutions for your plumbing system, avoid putting these items in your garbage disposal:

Coffee grounds
Bones
Potato peels
Onion skins
Grease and oil
Eggshells

If you make an effort to keep these out of the garbage disposal, you have a much better chance of extending its life.

2. Fix Your Leaks

Cutting waste is always a great New Year’s resolution. Not only can you put more money in your pocket, but you can also preserve the planet for future generations.

One way that you can start your campaign to reduce waste is by fixing the leaks in your home. A running toilet can waste up to 1 gallon per hour, while a dripping faucet can burn through 1 gallon of water per day.

By fixing leaks, you not only cut waste but also save water and money in the process.

3. Keep Your Drains Clear

Clogged drains are one of the biggest culprits of water damage in your home. When wastewater can’t flow freely out to the sewer, it comes back into your home, which could result in flooding and unsafe conditions.

Although some types of clogs are out of your control, making sure that you don’t use your toilet as a trash can, as well as using drain guards religiously can help you avoid any clogging issues in your home.

4. Insulate Your Pipes

Burst pipes are a huge issue. Not only can your home and personal items suffer massive damage due to flooding, but repairing the pipes is often a job that can cost $500 to $1,000.

If you’re in an area that’s prone to below-freezing temperatures, make sure to insulate your pipes in areas fully or moderately exposed to the cold—including the crawlspace, garage, attic, and basement.

5. Consider a Preventive Maintenance Plan

Whether you’re busy or just don’t have the know-how to tackle plumbing issues, a preventive maintenance plan is always a smart choice. Our plumbing professionals can conduct a yearly inspection, give you priority service, and ensure that your plumbing is always flowing smoothly.

If part of your New Year’s resolution is a little peace of mind, following through on these tips and a preventive maintenance plan might just be the stroke of genius you’ve always needed. From all of us at Express Plumbing in the Bay Area, we wish you a New Year filled with good health, good times and no plumbing problems.

23
Nov 22
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5 Tips to Avoid a Christmas Plumbing Issues

Tags : EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems san mateo

When the Christmas season rolls around, you’re already inundated with plenty to do. One thing you don’t want to worry about is your plumbing. Although your plumbing gets kicked into hyperdrive if you have guests and other people to your home, a plumbing disaster is one thing that you can’t afford to have. So, before your guests pull their chairs up to the dinner table, make sure your plumbing is in order with these tips from our team of plumbers at Express Plumbing in San Mateo.

1. Pour That Grease in the Right Place

When you cook meats, you’ll undoubtedly have a bit of grease. But rather than pour it down the drain, make sure you put it in a proper receptacle and dispose of it in the trash. When you pour grease down the drain, you can clog the pipes, which can lead to drain backups and other issues.

2. Insulate Your Pipes

If you’ve lived in your home for a number of years, you probably don’t have to worry about frozen pipes. But if you’ve moved into a new home or you’re expecting an unexpectedly cold winter, you should insulate your pipes as soon as possible.

By insulating your pipes, you ensure that none of them will burst if the temperature drops unexpectedly.

3. Wait a Few Minutes Between Showers

Your water heater is the difference between comfort and squalor when winter comes along. However, you can’t just keep a rolling line of showers when you have guests.

Water heaters need a second to recharge themselves, and they also need a second for the drains to clear. So if you have a packed house, put your foot down now. You need to wait at least 10 minutes between showers for everyone to have the comfort of a nice, warm soak.

4. Don’t Throw Random Stuff in the Toilet

Everyone has “interesting relatives.” So when they come into town, you may come across a moment where you’re worried about what goes into the toilet—outside of the normal bodily functions.

With that said, you need to post a sign or have a constructive conversation regarding what goes in the toilet. To that effect, you need to specifically talk about things that can’t go into the toilet, such as:

Feminine hygiene products
Cigarette butts
Cleansing wipes of any kind—including the supposed “flushable wipes”
Paper towels
Q-tips and cotton balls

The overarching idea here is that if it’s not No.1 or No. 2, it probably shouldn’t go in the toilet. Otherwise, you could be in for a Christmas plumbing disaster.

Get a Plumber Over to the House Before the Holidays

Perhaps the best tip of all is to call one of plumbers before the holidays even start—just to make sure everything is flowing well. It’s a preventive measure that—even if you’ve taken the necessary precautions—can ensure that nothing catastrophic happens.

Our technicians live and work in the San Mateo area, but we service the entire Bay. Although we provide you with regular tips for your home plumbing needs. We also help commercial and municipal clients and are always ready to assist when you need us.

When you hire the Express Plumbing team, you’re hiring knowledge, expertise, and experience to get the job done right. You shouldn’t have to worry about plumbing during Christmas—and we will always make sure that you don’t have to.

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