san mateo plumber Archives

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.

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.

25
Aug 20
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How CDC-Compliant, No-Contact Plumbing Works

Tags : bay area express plumbing home improvement plumbing plumbing emergency plumbing problems san mateo plumber

Deemed essential workers by the United States government, plumbers continue to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, homeowners in need of plumbing shouldn’t put off necessary projects due to the current situation.

With guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), our San Mateo plumbing crews are maintaining proper safety protocols, all while getting the job done. If you’re apprehensive about hiring a plumber during the pandemic, don’t be. Here are the ways our Bay Area plumbers adhere to safety guidelines while they perform their duties.

The COVID-19 Plumbing Scenario

Working in unsavory conditions isn’t a foreign concept to plumbers. Whether they’re working in a crawlspace of fixing a sewer line, conditions aren’t always sanitary. Yet in a COVID-19 world, this particular aspect of plumbing provides an extra layer of protection for homeowners.

Plumbers are habitually used to wearing masks and personal protective equipment, making COVID-19 safety protocols easy to maintain. Plus, with the extra safety precautions laid out by the CDC, your family’s safety shouldn’t be a massive concern with the extra precautions we take.

How Plumbers Are Maintaining a CDC-Compliant, No-Contact Solution

As a Bay Area plumbing company and residents ourselves we are aware of the concerns that many homeowners have about the spread of COVID-19—especially as plumbers move from home to home and customer to customer. That’s why we are implementing the following guidelines to keep their clients’ minds at ease.

Social Distancing

In adherence with the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO), plumbers maintain a strict six-foot gap between themselves and customers. By doing so, the incidence of spreading COVID-19 becomes lessened dramatically.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Including Masks

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, plumbers were already wearing PPE. Now, plumbers wear this same equipment with extra precautionary measures. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), plumbers should wear face masks, gloves, eyewear, and other safety equipment. In addition, OSHA also recommends a full-face shield to further protect the plumber and customers from COVID-19 infection when necessary.

Sanitizing Techniques

Because plumbers have to work with dirty water on occasion and are in contact with a variety of surfaces, they must practice strong sanitizing techniques. To exacerbate the issue, the CDC recently said that COVID-19 can live for differing periods of time depending on the surface, including materials that plumbers often use:

Copper – four hours
Cardboard – 24 hours
Plastic – two to three days
Stainless steel – two to three days

Because of the resiliency of the virus, plumbers are taking precautions to sanitize every surface they work with, and encouraging our clients to do the same.

Contactless Payment Options

When the project is finally completed, plumbers are using contactless payment options to keep customers clear of any potential infections. Credit cards are the preferred option over cash to minimize the chance of COVID-19 infection.

Proper plumbing is a necessity in any household, especially as the pandemic has caused many families to stay at home. By following social distancing protocols and wearing personal protective equipment, the chance for COVID-19 to spread is essentially nonexistent.

So, if you have a leaky faucet or a major plumbing problem, give the professionals a call. Not only will you enjoy a well-functioning plumbing system, but the extra flushes and water usage won’t add any more stress to your life.

As a Bay Area plumber, we have been serving our customers for multiple decades, our employees, family and friends all reside in this area, we all must do our part to support each other and avoid the spread by following proper protocols.

If you need us, we are here for you and you’ll be in good hands. Contact us to discuss your upcoming project or plumbing repair in the Bay Area.

25
Mar 20
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Avoid Plumbing Problems during the Bay Area Covid-19 Shelter in Place

Tags : bay area plumber bay area shelter in place clogged drain coronavirus stay at home covid19 garbage disposal emergency leak detection plumbing emergency san mateo plumber slab leak

Tips to Minimize Plumbing Emergencies During the COVID-19 Bay Area Shelter in Place Order.

Many people are working from home, children are out of school during the Corona Virus Shelter in Place mandate. Our plumbing technicians continue to provide essential services in the community to commercial, municipal and residential clients.

Here are some tips to avoid plumbing problems during the coronavirus pandemic and increased household plumbing usage:

In the Bathroom

Clogged Sewer

As you remind your children to wash their hands regularly, also remind them to conserve on toilet paper usage. Warn them about flushing too much toilet paper down the drain at once.

The bathrooms in your home are getting used a lot more than they would on a daily basis. Motivate them to shut the lid in order to avoid toys, and things from falling in the toilet.

No Hot Water

If you are using a regular water heater. Hot water may run out if you have a large family and everyone is showering or taking baths at the same time.

Space out shower times with at least 30 min to an hour between each person. With an instant water heater, you’d never have to worry about running out of hot water. Learn more about Tankless Water Heaters.

Clogged Drains

With a lot more showers, comes a lot more hair going down the drain. Place small screens, or covers over the drains to eliminate hair from clogging your drains. Clean them regularly. Easily found at local grocery stores or hardware stores. Remember to keep a social distance when shopping for essentials.

In the Kitchen

A family at home means the kitchen is getting used a lot more and on a consistent basis. Pay close attention to what you or your children are putting down the kitchen drain and in the garbage disposal.

Wipe plates clean before rinsing and placing them in the dishwasher.

Slab Leak

They say when it rains it pours. We have received many calls relating to slab leaks which can wreak havoc on the foundation and structural integrity of any home. Slab leaks are not clearly visible to a homeowner, they can often go undetected for long periods of time. Now that you’re spending more time at home, you may take notice.

How Can You Tell It’s a Slab Leak?

Sudden spikes in your water bill
The sound of running water when pipes aren’t in use
Moisture or mildew under carpeting
A moving water meter dial when pipes aren’t in use
Standing water around the perimeter of your house
Unusually low water pressure
Cracks in your baseboard or walls
Damp or warm floors
Mold Problems / Moldy smell

We are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak according to the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and other local and national health organizations.

Our thoughts are with you during this COVID-19 pandemic and we hope you and your loved ones are safe. We want you to know that our team is here to take care of all your essential plumbing needs.

16
Nov 19
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save water in the home - bay area plumbers

How Can We Save Water in Our Daily Lives?

Tags : green effort leaky pipes plumber bay area running toilet san fransisco plumber san mateo plumber save water save water at home water conservation water saving tips

Water is a necessity for life on the planet and an abundance of daily activities from taking a shower to washing the dishes. Yet according to the United States Geological Survey, only 3% of the Earth’s water is freshwater. More alarmingly, just 1.2% of this freshwater is usable by humans, as the rest is contained in ice caps, glaciers, and underground. Because of the importance of freshwater, conservation becomes integral. To limit the waste of water and protect it as a valuable resource for the future, here are a few tips to help you save water in your daily life.

Run the Dishwasher and Washer Only When They’re Full

A foolproof method to limit your daily water usage is to only run the dishwasher and washer when they’re full. This means that instead of doing your laundry on a specific day, you should switch to an as-needed basis. You might also need to eat a few meals before hitting the power button on your dishwasher

Buy a Rainwater Tank

Whether you’re an avid gardener or you just love the curb appeal of a green lawn and lush landscaping, chances are you turn to the hose more often than not. However, you can save water by purchasing a rainwater tank. This tank fills naturally with each downpour, allowing you to hook up a hose or use the nozzle to water your plants, shrubs, and yard.

Turn Off the Tap When Brushing Your Teeth or Shaving

Most people adhere to the age-old rule of brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. This keeps your teeth and gums healthy and pearly-white. But when it comes to the tap, make sure to shut it off. Doing so effectively saves 3 gallons of water in just 4 minutes. Use the same idea when shaving in the morning to conserve even more water.

Reusing Cooking Water

If you eat pasta consistently, you’re left with a pot of hot water afterward. But don’t pour that water down the drain. Instead, wait until it cools and use it to water your vegetable garden, landscaping, or houseplants.

Fix Leaky Pipes or a Running Toilet

Some estimates show that leaky pipes or a running toilet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually. While some leaky pipes are difficult to diagnose due to their location, conducting yearly preventive maintenance and plumbing inspection can uncover these water-wasting culprits. A constantly running toilet is easily amended by fixing the float or changing some of the other components inside the toilet tank.

Turn Off the Water When Doing Dishes

If you don’t have a dishwasher or you have to remove excessive gunk from your dishes, you’re stuck with washing dishes the old-school way — by hand. Yet you don’t need to run the water continuously when doing so. Instead, fill one side of the sink with soapy water and use it to wash your dishes. Use the tap only when rinsing, and you’ll save a ton of water each time you wash.

With these easy-to-apply rules, tips, and routines, you can start to save the world’s most precious resource — one drop at a time.

Express Plumbing a division of EPS Inc. has been serving the Bay Area’s residential, commercial, and municipal sector since 1989. We care about our environment and strive to educate all our customers about the importance of water conservation.

Need a Bay Area Plumber? We service all the major cities within the San Francisco and San Mateo area. Contact us for a quote.

22
Nov 16
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3 Simple Tips to Avoid Holiday Plumbing Disasters

Tags : bay area clogged drain clogged garbage disposal clogged toilet express plumbing holiday plumbing emergency plumbing emergencies plumbing problems plumbing tips for the holidays residential plumbing san mateo plumber san mateo plumbing

The holiday season brings family and friends together, whether you’re having a few people over for dinner or out-of-town family guests that will stay overnight, here are some tips from your San Mateo trusted plumber to help you avoid plumbing disasters this holiday season.

While enjoying the holiday festivities, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is a clogged drain, cold shower, or overflowing toilets. Let’s see if we can help you give your guests a memorable experience without any plumbing emergencies.

Avoid Plumbing Disasters #1 – Know Your Shut Off Valves

Most homeowners aren’t plumbing experts, but you should at least know about the plumbing in your home. Locate where the shut off valves are in and around your home, this will be the most important thing to know in case you have a plumbing emergency during the holidays or any other time.

Avoid Plumbing Problems #2 – Trash is for the trash can

Help your guests avoid disposing improper items in the toilet or sink. Make sure you have trash cans throughout the bathrooms and near the sink in the kitchen. A small cotton swab down the toilet can create a plumbing disaster you don’t want to deal with, or the wrong leftovers placed in the sink can clog your garbage disposal quickly.

Avoid Plumbing Emergencies #3 – Don’t waste water

Avoid wasting water by checking all the connections outside of the home and inside. You may want to turn up your hot water heater to ensure there will be plenty for your overnight guests to enjoy a nice warm shower. Stick to a maximum temperature of 125 degrees.

Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours

Our residential plumbing experts have been serving the Bay Area community since 1989. We are available 24/7 even nights and weekends. If you’re faced with a plumbing disaster you can’t handle, know that we’re here to help you when you need us most.

Our entire team at Express Plumbing in San Mateo CA wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with memorable moments and free of plumbing disasters.

Tag Archives: san mateo plumber

May 23

-

Use a Plunger

Remove Visible Debris

Use a drain snake

Chemical drain cleaner

Natural Drain Cleaner

Nov 21

-

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

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

3. Refrain from Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain

4. Stagger Your Showers

Aug 20

-

The COVID-19 Plumbing Scenario

How Plumbers Are Maintaining a CDC-Compliant, No-Contact Solution

Social Distancing

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Including Masks

Sanitizing Techniques

Contactless Payment Options

Mar 20

-

In the Bathroom

Clogged Sewer

No Hot Water

Clogged Drains

In the Kitchen

Slab Leak

How Can You Tell It’s a Slab Leak?

Nov 19

-

Run the Dishwasher and Washer Only When They’re Full

Buy a Rainwater Tank

Turn Off the Tap When Brushing Your Teeth or Shaving

Reusing Cooking Water

Fix Leaky Pipes or a Running Toilet

Turn Off the Water When Doing Dishes

Nov 16

-

Avoid Plumbing Disasters #1 – Know Your Shut Off Valves

Avoid Plumbing Problems #2 – Trash is for the trash can

Avoid Plumbing Emergencies #3 – Don’t waste water

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