plumbing emergency Archives

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.

20
Apr 23
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A Brief History of Plumbing

Tags : EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems underground construction

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

Tags : bay area EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems underground construction

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

Tags : EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems underground construction

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.

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.

26
Oct 22
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5 Ways to Cut Heating and Plumbing Costs This Winter

Tags : express plumbing plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems underground construction

Depending on where you live, the winter weather ranges from mild to frigid. While everyone’s different in terms of comfort, you want to stay warm and comfortable. However, that comfort comes with a price. Heating a large or even midsize home is expensive, and if you add in the plumbing bill, you’re looking at quite a sizable chunk of change. Fortunately, you can use these tips to cut your bills while still awaiting the defrost come spring.

1. Flush Your Water Heater

Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, flushing your water heater is one of the best things you can do come winter. When you want to have a hot shower, you shouldn’t have to wait for the water to heat up or sediment coming out of the drain.

That’s why fall is an excellent time to flush your water heater. It gets rid of any issues, assures you hot water, and makes your winter just a little more comfortable.

2. Set the Thermostat

After a hard day, it’s always natural to come home in the winter and crank your thermostat to Florida-like levels. However, even a few degrees of fluctuation can cost you hundreds during the winter. The optimal temperature is right around 68 degrees, so if that feels cold, grab a sweater. You might just be surprised how much you save on your electric bill.

3. Insulate Your Pipes

So, insulating your pipes may not directly help you save money, but the prevention of a burst pipe can potentially save you thousands. Before frigid temperatures hit, you should wrap your pipes with insulation. It only costs a few bucks, and you can avoid a flood in your basement or crawl space that can end up costing you thousands.

4. Do the Ceiling Fan Thing

Every ceiling fan has a little switch on it that reverses the direction of the fan. In the summer, you want the fan to turn counterclockwise so it blows the cool air down on you. But in the winter, you want the opposite.

Switch the fan to clockwise, and the hot air goes to the ceiling. This may seem counterintuitive, but having the hot air above you allows you to keep the house warm while maintaining your body temperature.

5. Fix the Leaks

If you’ve noticed your toilet running or your sink dripping, now is the time to fix the situation. Use the motivation of people coming over for the holidays to do these repairs, and if it’s over your head, you can always call a plumber. It might cost a bit more, but you’ll save on your water bill during the winter and beyond.

Hire a Professional

If you can’t find the time or you don’t have the knowledge to upgrade or fix your heating or plumbing, you should always consult our professionals at Express Plumbing in the Bay Area. Not only will you get great work, but you can always consider a preventive maintenance plan that pays for itself in the long run.

By hiring our team of plumbing professionals, you can do what you do best. Enjoy the winter without the stress of a poor plumbing or heating system. Enjoy yourself this winter you got the best team of plumbing pros on your side.

22
Sep 22
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6 Autumn Home Plumbing Tips

Tags : EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems underground construction

As a homeowner, fall is the ideal time to do some final things around the house before winter finally arrives. And while planting a new lawn, doing repairs, and cleaning are all ideal, don’t forget about your home’s plumbing. By planning ahead and doing some routine maintenance in autumn, you can ensure your home’s plumbing is working effectively and efficiently in the winter. Here are a few tips to keep your plumbing humming along this autumn.

1. Clean Your Gutters

Although it’s one of the most dreaded tasks from a homeowner’s perspective, autumn is when you should absolutely make time to clean your gutters. Fall and winter can see an increase in precipitation, but if your gutters are clogged, you risk bringing water into crawlspaces or against the foundation.

Water against the foundation of your home can cause hydrostatic pressure, which can cause cracks or even lead to flooding. Thankfully, you can avoid all of these issues just by scooping out the gunk. Just make sure to wear personal protective equipment, as that debris can be downright nasty.

2. Drain Your Water Heater

Draining your water heater is also an important task in autumn to prevent corrosion, increase heating capacity, and improve the life span of your water heater. It’s a big job if you have a large tank, so calling a plumber may be the better option.

3. Test Your Sump Pump

If your home contains a sump pump, you should make sure that it’s in proper working order, as it’s the only thing keeping your basement dry during a torrential downpour. To test your sump pump, grab a large bucket of water and dump it into the sump container to see if it turns on. Clean any hoses or the receptacle itself as necessary to avoid any clogs.

4. Seal the Gaps

Whether you have an old home or a brand-new one, going around your house with a caulking gun can actually prevent plumbing problems. As you walk around the exterior of your home, seal any holes or cracks to prevent cold air from entering your home. By doing so, you can avoid freezing or bursting pipes come wintertime.

5. Take Care of Your Outdoor Plumbing

While you may still need to water the lawn to get fresh grass seed growing, set a date when you’re ready to turn off your exterior plumbing. Disconnect any hoses, shut off any exterior spigots, and use an exterior shut-off valve whenever necessary. This will allow water to drain from the plumbing so there’s nothing left to freeze or burst the pipes when temperatures start to drop.

6. Call a Plumber

Even the best DIYer may have a situation arise that’s outside their realm of expertise, time constraints, or even a decent YouTube instructional video. For those moments, the only true way to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape is by calling a professional.

We hire the most experienced team of technicians in the Bay Area. We welcome you to rely on us for all your residential and commercial plumbing needs. Contact us and we’ll find the most cost-effective way to avoid catastrophe.

By calling us this fall, you can enjoy the holidays and the coming spring without a care in the world. That’s something you don’t get every day.

Contact us with any plans or questions you may have. We service the entire Bay Area, review a list of all our service locations around the Bay.

15
Jun 22
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Tips to Prepare Your Plumbing for a Summer Gathering

Tags : EPS Inc plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems

Summer ushers in a time of excitement, parties, and more. So if you’re one of the people who love throwing parties, you’re probably getting ready for the excitement of the season. While food, entertainment, and beverages are an important part of your gathering, don’t forget about your plumbing. During summer, your plumbing can get overloaded, especially during large gatherings. So before you send out the invitations, use these tips to prepare your plumbing for your next summer party.

1. Fix Leaks in the Toilet

You don’t have to witness water around the base of the toilet for a leak to be present. In most cases, the biggest leak is one you never even see: it’s around the flapper. While this may not make an issue during a gathering, or at least not in theory, you may find a larger water bill if you don’t fix this issue. In most cases, all you need is a new flapper, which is cheap and easy to install.

2. Unclog Your Drains

When you have a gathering, your drains are the most likely source of an emergency. If clogged, your kitchen sink and bathroom sink can overflow or even give off an offensive odor. However, these problems aren’t always that easy to diagnose. Check the cabinetry below the drains to check for mold or mildew, as the clog may be in the drain below.

3. Put Hair Catchers in Every Drain

Speaking of clogs, your party guests could inadvertently start a plumbing catastrophe if you don’t put hair catchers in the drains. Particles of food can get stuck in the drain, causing water to overflow. With a hair catcher in place, you always ensure that you won’t have a clogged drain.

4. Let Guests Use All of Your Bathrooms

When you’re a party host, you typically assign a single toilet for the use of partygoers. However, using one bathroom only exacerbates the chance of a clog, especially from repeated use of the lavatory. If possible, open up one or two other bathrooms. Not only will you limit the chance of a clog, but you’ll also cut down on the line for the john.

5. Check Your Exterior Spigot, Irrigation, and Sprinklers

Is a summer gathering really a summer gathering without a bit of fun in the water? If you want to entertain children or adults that still indulge their childlike tendencies, you need an outdoor water system that’s up to the task.

Before your guests arrive, replace any sprinkler heads that are malfunctioning, make sure your exterior spigots work, and assess your sprinkler/irrigation system for any obvious leaks.

Call Express Plumbing in San Mateo

In some cases, small repairs and hacks won’t get the job done. Instead, you need the help of a professional. If you can’t handle an issue on your own, calling us can take the stress and hassle out of the situation so you can get ready for what you do best: throwing one hell of a party.

Express Plumbing has been serving the Bay for over 30 years, and we’re ready to serve you whenever you need us. Contact us for help.

30
Mar 22
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4 Spring Home Plumbing Tasks You Can Do Yourself

Tags : EPS Inc express plumbing pipe replacement plumbing emergency underground construction

Spring is finally in the air! While getting outside is probably a top priority, as a homeowner, you always have something to update, upgrade, or fix. One of those is your plumbing. Over the winter, your family and the weather can wreak havoc on your plumbing. But even if you haven’t noticed any changes in your plumbing, doing a quick inspection and completing a few simple repairs is time well spent. So if you’re feeling like Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It, but don’t have a ton of plumbing skills, here are some spring home plumbing tips you can easily do yourself.

1. Check Your Sump Pump

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, spring is the time to make sure it can spring into action when needed. To check your sump pump, follow these instructions:

Disconnect the sump pump from its power source.
Clean it.
Remove the pump screen and clear out any debris that’s in the line
Put the pump back together and test it in a five-gallon bucket of water.
If everything’s working, pop it back in place and you’re done.

2. Clean Downspouts and Gutters

During winter, your downspouts and gutters get hammered by weather. Plus, you can’t readily clean them when there’s inclement weather or it’s freezing outside. But once spring brings warmer temperatures, you’re ready to clean.

Hop up on a ladder to clean your gutters by hand, disposing of debris and mud in the process. To clean your downspouts, first, test them by putting a hose down one. If the flow of water seems normal, your downspout should be fine. But if you notice poor water flow, you’re going to need to clear the debris. In most cases, you can turn on the hose full blast to get rid of the clog. However, more stubborn debris may require a plumbing snake or high-powered hose.

3. Check for Leaks

This is probably the easiest task for the novice plumber. All you need to do is look around fixtures and pipes to see if you notice any leaks. If you notice some moisture, find out where the leak is coming from to see if you can repair it. If it’s over your head, hire a plumber to take care of the issue.

Our technicians at Express Plumbing always go the extra mile. On many occasions when they’re called for a problem, they make sure and check the various areas around just to make sure the homeowner did not miss a thing. Just a small way of making sure we take care of our neighbors. We’ve lived and worked in the Bay Area for over 30 years and as a family-owned business, we take pride in providing excellence.

4. Test Your Outdoor Spigots and Sprinkler System

Although outdoor spigots and sprinklers can often survive even a cold winter, you may find issues or leaks if you didn’t get all of the water out of the pipes prior to a freeze. The easiest way to determine any issues is to simply turn on the spigot or the sprinkler system. If you notice any leaks, you may have to replace the spigot or the sprinkler heads or lines.

Need Help? Call Express Plumbing

Your DIY skills as a plumber can only take you so far, even with great learning materials like websites and YouTube. So, for the more difficult jobs, it’s best to go with a professional.

Our team of certified technicians and friendly staff at Express Plumbing, you can’t go wrong. For multiple decades we’ve helped homeowners, businesses, and municipalities achieve the impossible. No job is too big or too small for our company, we’re experienced and equipped to complete a project efficiently and within budget. Call us to discuss.

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Tag Archives: plumbing emergency

Jul 23

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