san mateo 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
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.

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.

21
Aug 22
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4 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Your Attention

Tags : express plumbing plumbing san mateo underground construction

One of the greatest inventions of the past 135 years is the residential water heater. Invented by Edwin Ruud — a Norwegian immigrant living in Philadelphia — the water heater provides comfort and convenience that most people take for granted. But like any other appliance, it needs a bit of TLC from time to time. So if you’ve noticed a lapse of timely hot water or other issues that are taking the joy out of cooking or your shower, consider these signs that your water heater needs your attention.

1. Rust

Although almost all water heaters are made from high-strength steel, they will eventually rust and corrode due to water exposure. This is the most telltale sign that your water heater needs your attention.

If you notice rusty water coming out of the shower or the tap, your water heater could be on its last leg. Not only does it provide a gross color to the water, but it can also become a sanitary issue for your family. Rust around the valve or inlet of the water heater is also a sign that it’s probably going kaput.

2. Loud Noises

Basements and utility closets always have some sort of sounds emanating from them, but if you notice consistent rumbling noises every time you use hot water, your system could be time for maintenance or replacement.

Sediment buildup is the most common cause of loud noises from your water heater. The good news is that a water heater flush may clear the system and solve the problem. But if your water heater continues to make noise after the flush, you may want to start shopping for a new one.

3. No Hot Water

If you don’t have any hot water, your water heater is almost always to blame. While this could be as simple as the pilot light going it, that’s not always the case.

Other problems might include a broken thermostat, a water heater that’s too small for your hot water consumption, or a broken heating element. Whatever the case, you may need a plumber to inspect it for you.

4. You Can’t Remember How Old Your Water Heater Is

Most water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years, so if you can’t remember when it was installed, you may find that it’s on its last leg. While there’s no need to replace it if it’s still working fine, the age of your water heater may reveal while it’s starting to lose its efficiency.

Call our Professional Plumbers

Not every solution is ideal or even possible, even for the most avid DIYer. So if you come across a situation with your water heater that’s beyond your expertise or you just don’t have the time, give our reputable plumbers a call.

Express Plumbing in San Mateo has been serving the Bay Area community for multiple decades. From sewer repairs to unclogging drains, installing new plumbing, and more. We can help 24/7 including holidays and weekends.

Our team knows how to diagnose problems and fix your water heater, leaving you free to work, play, or just do something you enjoy. While it comes with a cost, the benefits far outweigh the price. You’ll be glad you made the call when you’re enjoying a nice, hot shower. Learn more about the benefits of an instant water heater, and give us a call to discuss all your plumbing needs in the Bay Area.

24
Feb 22
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4 Amazing Home Plumbing Upgrades You’ll Love

Tags : holiday plumbing problems plumbing emergency san mateo underground construction

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, the housing market has boomed. Depending on the location, home prices have surged anywhere from 10% to 20% or more, signifying a hot housing market that’s causing homes to appreciate significantly in value.

If you’re a homeowner, you may have thought about cashing in on the boom. But if you’re happy in your house and still want to add value for the future, plumbing upgrades are a great investment. Here are some of the top home plumbing upgrades that you’ll love.

1. Tankless Water Heater

If you have a giant tank of a water heater, it’s time to modernize your home with a tankless water heater. As the name implies, a tankless water heater sheds the massive tank in favor of on-demand heating. When you turn on the hot water, you don’t have to wait for it to warm up. It’s ready to go.

And because you don’t have to wait for the water to heat, you use far less in the process. In most homes, a tankless water heater provides instant comfort while also saving you as much as 34% over traditional water heaters.

In recent years, Express Plumbing has installed hundreds of tankless water heaters in our local area. Homeowners love having instant hot water and love the savings they get with each utility bill.

2. Bathroom LED Mood Lighting

So this isn’t necessarily a plumbing upgrade, but bathroom LED mood lighting can certainly improve your mornings or evenings with a splash of color. Available for overhead lighting in the shower or even the showerhead or toilet colored LED bathroom lighting provides the calm you need to start your day or unwind after a long one.

3. PVC Pipes

Unless you live in a newer home, you may have cast iron, clay, or even lead pipes for water and sewer. While these pipes will work, they come with some serious drawbacks:

Cast iron can corrode over time, which can cause leaks.
Lead can affect your health over time.
Clay can break and cause sewage backups into your home or yard.

Due to these problems, PVC pipes are where it’s at. Made from polyvinyl chloride, PVC pipes are non-corrosive and almost universally accepted for building codes. If you have old pipes, PVC can lessen the chance of catastrophe while adding value to your home.

4. Pull-Out Faucets

If you’ve ever been doing dishes and just can’t reach that one spot in a large pan or pot, you’re instantly frustrated. Instead, you have to work overtime to get rid of grease or grime. But with pull-out faucets, your frustration is a thing of the past.

Pull-out faucets provide an extra layer of functionality to rinse out the sink, clean dishes, or just add aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. And with low-cost options and several different finishes such as brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, or even stainless steel, you can match them to your kitchen aesthetics and sense of style.

Express Plumbing is a full-service Bay Area plumber, no project is too big or too small for our experienced plumbers to handle. Love the home you’re in with so many visual and non-visual plumbing options. We’re here to answer any questions you have.

Want to Upgrade Your Plumbing? Make Sure to Call a Pro

Even if you’re an avid DIYer, plumbing is one of the hardest trades to master. So, if you want to boost your home’s aesthetic, functionality, and value without any issues, make sure you give us a call and we will only send you the most experienced technicians in the industry. We’ve been serving our residential plumbing customers for multiple decades in San Mateo and all surrounding Bay Area.

28
Dec 21
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How Do I Know if My Plumbing is Bad?

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

A working plumbing system is vital to the comfort of living in your home. However, you can’t simply ignore it. Plumbing requires at least yearly appointments from a professional, but sometimes you can curb plumbing issues by remaining vigilant. By keeping an eye out for these telltale signs, you can tell if your plumbing is bad and get the proper maintenance you need before it becomes a serious or catastrophic issue.

Slow Draining in Fixtures

A kitchen sink or a shower draining slowly is an obvious sign that you have a plumbing issue. Typically, this is the result of hair, food, or soap scum build-up within the area below the drain or in the pipe.

In most cases, you can fix the clog yourself. Simply remove the drain cover in your bathtub or shower and pull out the hair. In a kitchen sink, clear the food out of the pipes or run your garbage disposal. If neither of these fixes the issue, you may need to give us a call to snake the line.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a common issue in older homes, especially those homes that haven’t been retrofitted with wider PVC pipes. However, a temporary lack of water pressure isn’t always an issue, as it could be the result of a water main issue.

If you consistently have low water pressure, it’s the sign of a larger issue. You may have several leaks or clogs in your pipes that can significantly reduce water pressure. Over time, this can cause more severe leakage or clogs that can cause your drains to back up. So don’t neglect this issue.

Our San Mateo plumbers use leak detection cameras and other methods to inspect the lines in your home. Identifying any potential problems early will help you fix them quickly and cost less in the long run.

Dirty Water

Discoloration of your water is another problem that homeowners often face. Sometimes, the local water company will identify this as a system-wide problem, which often results in boil orders.

If a boil order hasn’t been issued for your neighborhood or city, it could be an issue with your pipes. Brownish water is often the result of iron seeping into the line from older pipes or a problem with your water heater. If you notice blue or green water, corrosion might be the culprit. Either way, you’ll need to call us just to make sure.

Noisy Pipes

A properly functioning plumbing system should never make any audible noises other than the sound of water running through the pipes when you turn the water on. If you notice rattles, whines, or any other suspect noise, you could have bigger issues.

When your pipes make noises, it’s usually a surefire signal that you have a leak or your bleed-off system isn’t working right. Both issues are not easily fixed by a novice, so make sure to contact us as your local plumber so we can identify and isolate the problem.

Even if you’re not a natural handyman or DIYer, simply looking for symptoms of bad plumbing can protect your home and investment. Once you’ve identified any problems, don’t hesitate to call our experienced local plumbers. It could make the difference between a small issue that can quickly be fixed and a massive plumbing problem.

20
Nov 21
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4 Holiday Plumbing Tips

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

Whether you’re having friends over for a New Year’s party or enjoying the company of your relatives during Christmas, the holidays are all about getting together and sharing time with others. However, an overflowing toilet, cold shower, or clogged drain can threaten to erode the more enjoyable aspects of the holiday season.

Our residential plumbers in San Mateo have helped thousands of residents in the local area during the holiday season. So before you have family or friends over, make sure to follow these holiday plumbing tips to avert disaster.

1. Don’t Have Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen

Everyone is a self-proclaimed master of the culinary arts when the holidays come around, or at least that’s what they think. However, too many cooks in the kitchen can have a profound effect on your plumbing system.

Maybe grandma doesn’t know what goes in the garbage disposal or your niece isn’t aware that oil and grease never go down the drain. Either way, you should only have trusted individuals around the kitchen. If your drain gets clogged, food and celebration gets put on hold. Don’t let this happen to you.

2. Tell Others What Goes in the Toilet (and What Doesn’t)

Not surprisingly, your toilets work overtime during the holiday season as more people come to your house. Yet despite your guests’ familiarity with the toilet, some use it as a disposal for just about everything — even things that can cause your toilet to clog or back up.

If you want to keep your toilet flowing, make a list of things that your guests shouldn’t put in the toilet and post it in a location that’s easy to see. Some things to put on your list include:

Feminine products
Wet wipes
Tissues and paper towels
Cotton swabs
Dental floss
Cigarette butts
Hair
Gum

3. Refrain from Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain

You’ve already kept people out of the kitchen to reduce the chance of a clogged drain. The next logical step is to prevent grease and oil from getting down the drain.

When you pour grease and oil down the drain, it solidifies with cold water, even if it was a liquid beforehand. While you’re aware of this valuable information, others might not be. So just as you did with the bathroom, post a friendly reminder that grease and oil should never go down the drain. Instead, have a large coffee tin or other metal containers for disposal.

4. Stagger Your Showers

If you have people staying at your house, you likely have a morning stampede to the shower as your guests try to get a nice, hot shower. However, this shouldn’t become a carousel or revolving door.

If you allow one shower after the other, not only does your hot water run out, but your shower drain can’t fully clear out. As a result, stagger your showers with 15-minute breaks in between. This will make sure your drains don’t get overloaded and everyone gets a hot, refreshing shower.

If you’re not exactly a handyman, don’t stress. Some jobs are better left to the professionals. However, you should move quickly. Many plumbing companies get booked up quickly around the holidays, Express Plumbing in San Mateo operates 24/7 including holidays and weekends. If you ever need us, simply give us a call.

20
Oct 21
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How to Winterize Your Indoor and Outdoor Plumbing Before It’s Too Cold

Tags : express plumbing holiday plumbing problems plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing issues san mateo san mateo plumbers

When the leaves and temperatures start to change, the last thing on your mind is your plumbing. But as a homeowner, seasonal plumbing maintenance is essential to ensure your system doesn’t fail you throughout the winter. So before the cold weather hits, here are some steps to winterize your plumbing.

These tips are provided by our expert plumbing technicians serving the San Mateo and surrounding areas:

Disconnect Hoses from Outdoor Spigots and Turn Off the Water

If you’re a gardener or you have a yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood, you probably have a few hoses hooked up to the exterior of your home. However, these can become susceptible to damage in the winter if the weather gets below freezing. This weather can lead to ice in the water line, which can then lead to built-up pressure that can burst your pipes.

To avoid this damage, disconnect all your hoses and turn the water off to exterior spigots. Then, turn the valve on to release any water that’s in the line. Doing both of these things will make sure that you don’t have any water in the line that can freeze.

Consider a Frost Protector

Once you’ve disconnected the hoses and turned off the water, you may also want to consider a frost protector. These foam insulators fit right over the spigot, adding another layer of protection against frost.

Hot Water Tank Maintenance

Unless you have an on-demand tankless water heater, your hot water tank needs a bit of TLC before winter comes. Start by opening the drain valve and letting the water drain out until the tank is empty. Make sure that you have a drain nearby or in the basement for the water. Otherwise, connect a garden hose to the tank and drain it in a nearby sink.

Next, drain the holding tank to relieve any additional pressure that’s within the system. You can also add antifreeze to the jet pump case as an added safety measure.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

One of the most catastrophic events that can happen to your plumbing in the winter is burst pipes. However, you can prevent this with some quick, easy maintenance. Begin your maintenance by identifying any pipes that are more susceptible to freezing. This might include pipes in crawl spaces, near the exterior of the home, or in unheated places.

Once you’ve identified which pipes may freeze, wrap them with insulation sleeves, heat tape, or foam. This will prevent them from freezing or bursting and it’s a minimal cost compared with the cost of repairing ac burst pipes.

Clean Your Gutters

No one likes to grab the muddy, slimy mess that builds up in your gutters over the course of the year. However, this debris can quickly clog up your system, which in turn, can lead to ice dams or water leaks inside your home. So grab a ladder and dig out all that debris so that water can flow unabated.

While even the novice DIYer can take care of these projects, don’t forget to give us a call for the more tasks or preventive maintenance. With a quick call, you can get peace of mind with a plumbing system that won’t let you down.

Our crew is comprised of experienced plumbing technicians and the most advanced equipment available for plumbers today. We’ve been serving the Bay Area for multiple decades and are here to help when you need us for all your commercial and residential plumbing needs.

27
May 21
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Costs are Rising, Use these Cost Saving Tips Around Your Bay Area Home

Tags : bay area clogged drain EPS Inc express plumbing plumbing plumbing issues plumbing problems san mateo san mateo plumbers sewer

In April 2021, inflation rose by 4.2% — the biggest year-over-year change since September 2008. As a result, nearly every basket of goods in the consumer price index is rising, making budgeting and cost-cutting a necessity for American households. However, cost-saving tips aren’t limited to buying less. Employing certain hacks can save money around your Bay Area home, giving you more money to spend on the things you want or need. Here are some options to put more money in your pocket each month.

Install Low-Flow Faucets in Your Sinks

According to some studies, replacing your current faucets with low-flow options can save up to 60% on your water bill. In most cases, you don’t need a commercial-strength faucet to cook or wash your hands, so putting these in your home is a no-brainer. If you like strong water pressure for your showers, leave the showerheads and replace everything else.

You can also add a water aerator to your faucets as an alternative or in addition to low-flow faucets. These devices screw onto the faucet tip and dilute the water stream with air, which uses less water without a marked decrease in water pressure.

Our plumbers in San Mateo have installed thousands of faucets throughout the Bay Area. Ask us for a quote today.

Install Curtains and Blinds

If your Bay Area home has a significant number of windows that face east or west, curtains and blinds can reduce your energy costs. Reflective blinds can deflect sunlight during the summer, saving you as much as 45% on your energy bills over the course of the year. In the winter, turn the heat on and close the drapes to reduce heat loss by up to 10%, saving you even more on your bills.

Quit Drinking Bottled Water

Bottled water is a major drain on household expenses throughout the year. Even at $5 a week, that adds up to an unnecessary expenditure of $260 a year. Plus, the plastic bottles can pose a threat to the ocean or end up in a landfill where it could take up to 450 years to completely decompose.

Tap water is potable throughout the Bay Area, giving you an almost free source of H2O. If you’re averse to tap water, buy a water filter. Even with the cost of the unit and the disposable filters, you can still save around $200 a year.

EPS Inc. a division of Express Plumbing works closely with local municipalities on potable water tank inspections. If you ever have a question about drinking water and what you can do around the home, simply give us a call.

Insulate the Water Heater

Unless you have an on-demand, tankless water heater, insulating your water heater tank can save you as much as 9% on your energy bills each year. All you need to do is buy an insulating blanket and wrap it around your water heater, which enables the unit to keep 40% more heat in. With the blanket in place, you won’t have to feel guilty staying in that hot shower a little while longer.

On-demand water heaters are our specialty. We’ve installed them at homes and businesses throughout the Bay Area. Need to know more? Simply reach out to us and we’ll be glad to help.

Come Up with Your Own Hacks

The tips mentioned above are easy to do and can save you hundreds of dollars a year, but don’t stop there. Come up with your own hacks around the house, do a job that you normally pay someone else to do, or have a family meeting to come up with ideas. The money you save just might be enough for that summer vacation you’ve wanted. If you have new ideas you’d like to share with others, send them to us and we’ll be happy to share them in our future articles.

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Jul 23

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