Tag Archives: engineering

  • 22
    Jul 22
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Remodeling Your Bathroom Check Out These 4 Modern Plumbing Innovations

Remodeling Your Bathroom? Check Out These 4 Modern Plumbing Innovations

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Remodeling a bathroom can feel like a giant undertaking and with good reason. With average costs ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, you’re investing quite a bit of your money. The good news is that you can recoup — on average — anywhere from 55% to 67% of your remodel in the increased value of your home. However, you can increase this value even more by adding a few modern touches. If you’re looking to take your bathroom remodel to the next level, consider a few of these plumbing innovations.

1. The Ultimate Shower

You may have thought a high-powered shower head was the ticket to a blissful bathing experience, but today’s innovations take it one step further. The ultimate shower today consists of multiple wall-mounted sprayers mixed with an overhead shower head to deliver a massage, full-body caress that you’re sure to love.

2. The Smart Toilet

Everything in your home is going smart, so why not your toilet? Smart toilets are one of the latest home innovations to hit the market in the past few years. While they may seem a tad overindulgent, they’re actually designed to save you money and keep your bathroom cleaner. Some of the benefits of a smart toilet include:

  • Automatic flushing
  • Sensor-enabled LED lighting that turns on in darkness
  • Self-cleaning options
  • Deodorizing features to eliminate smells

3. Touchless Faucets

Touchless faucets have been a mainstay in commercial properties and public bathrooms for a decade or so. However, the main problem has always been how well they work and constant maintenance.

But in that last decade, the technology has advanced enough that touchless faucets are even making their way into home bathroom remodels. With a touchless faucet in the bathroom, you can cut down on germs and the possible spread of illnesses, all while adding a modern upgrade to your bathroom.

4. Hidden Tank Toilets

The smart toilet is a pretty nifty addition, but if you want to save room and add a futuristic aesthetic to your bathroom, a hidden tank toilet is the way to go. Rather than the tank sitting on the back of the toilet, it’s installed inside the wall. This means that you gain more room and only the toilet seat and bowl are present in the bathroom.

While a hidden tank toilet can cost you between $500 and $1,000, they’re surprising durable, able to withstand up to 500 pounds of weight while also providing the streamlined look you might only see in expensive hotel suites.

Consider a Professional for the Tougher Parts

If you’re a DIY homeowner, calling a professional can feel like you have your tail between your legs. But with things like water and plumbing, an error on your part can turn to catastrophe. So, if you’re in doubt about any part of your bathroom remodel, make sure to call our team at Express Plumbing in San Mateo.

With a mix of experience, knowledge, and expertise, a plumber may cost a bit more, but he or she can make the process that much easier.

  • 27
    Apr 21
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How Do I Know if My Plumbing is Bad

How Do I Know if My Plumbing is Bad?

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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.

 

 

  • 18
    Jan 19
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cctv pipe inspection contractor bay area

Underground Pipeline Inspections with CCTV

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Out of sight, out of mind is a mantra that works in many aspect of life, but not in the world of underground pipeline inspections.

Without proper upkeep, underground pipelines become susceptible to a variety of issues, leaving your water, sewer, and utilities at risk.

Discover how Engineering Perfect Systems in the Bay Area adequately maintains the underground pipes and utilities for northern California homes, businesses and municipalities with closed-circuit television CCTV Pipeline Inspections.

  • EPS Engineering Perfect Systems and Plumbing Solutions

No Digging Underground Pipeline Inspections

One of the most tiresome, detrimental, costly, and invasive parts of pipeline inspection is the digging. Both manual and machine digging require a large upfront budget and the destruction of land or property, even if you don’t find a problem in the pipeline.

With CCTV pipeline inspections, there’s no digging and minimal interaction with underground and above-ground components. Not only does this save you time and money, but it also provides the same results in a fraction of the time.

Quick and Efficient Preventive Maintenance

The most costly utility and pipe incidents occur when there’s a crack or burst. Fortunately, a bit of preventive maintenance in the form of CCTV can stop this from happening.

As soon as the camera is dropped into the pipe, the technician gathers visual data to see if any problems loom large. If cracks, sludge build-up, or other problems are identified, proper steps can be taken to fix the issue before it becomes a disaster.

Correct Diagnoses of Underground Pipeline Issues

Without CCTV for pipeline inspections, incorrect diagnoses of pipe issues may occur. Not only is this a costly venture, but it’s also time-consuming. Even the most seasoned plumbers, excavators, and utility workers can have trouble identifying a problem they can’t see.

CCTV pipe inspections give an up-close look at each pipe, allowing the inspector to see whether sludge, a tree root, a broken pipe, or a clog is to blame for the maintenance issue. Once the problem is accurately identified, workers can easily develop a maintenance strategy.

A Safer Alternative

When workers have to dig in the yard to get to sewer pipes, water pipes, and utilities, it poses a significant risk to their safety. One wrong move with a shovel, and they can be exposed to electrical shock, cave-ins, or noxious gases. A CCTV inspection effectively eliminates these risks while giving workers a visual close-up that’s comparable to a first-person account.

Unbeatable Accuracy

CCTV pipeline inspections utilize some of the most sophisticated technology in the industry. Each camera operates with a high enough resolution to see any current or lurking problems. Some also offer different attachments and cameras to develop a more complete perspective of the pipe’s condition. P

Powerful LED lighting affixed to the cameras also illuminate those difficult-to-see areas, giving the technician more information for a proper diagnosis. In addition, laser scanning can provide an extra layer of detail to identify any problems that aren’t possible with a CCTV inspection.

With CCTV for all your pipe inspection needs, you can take the guesswork out of maintenance, reduce damage to infrastructure, save time, and reduce your budget on overhead. That’s something that every business and homeowner in northern California can get behind.

EPS Inc dba Express Plumbing specializes in innovative solutions that serves the residential, commercial and municipal sector. We rely on our experience of multiple decades to complete projects expeditiously and without hick ups.

We are the #1 referred underground construction company in the Bay Area due to the fleet of equipment and highly experienced staff we employ and deploy.

CCTV underground inspection is one of the services we provide, if you have a project you’d like to discuss, reach out to our civil engineering team for a discussion on how EPS Inc can get it done.

  • 12
    Jul 18
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bay area plumbing problems issues emergency

Avoid These Common Summer Plumbing Issues Around the House

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Fun in the sun isn’t enjoyable if you’re having to deal with summer plumbing problems! While you’re getting ready for a trip to the beach, a backyard BBQ and evening parties, if you’re a homeowner in the Bay Area, you’re never worry free.  There are always issues around the house, and plumbing issues are one of them.  Let’s get you prepared.

Most Common Summer Plumbing Issues

Clogged Toilets & Drains

With swimming comes more showers, with kids out of school, the toilets will be working double time.  Talk with your kids and explain proper use.  If you’ve got teenagers discuss the things they should NEVER put down the toilet to avoid clogs.  For the shower drains, it may be a good time to invest in a drain plug to catch all the hair.  Keep a plunger handy, just in case they do get clogged, and give us a call if you ever need our residential plumbers anywhere in the Bay Area.

Leaks in Washing Machine Hoses

Swimming, sports, showers, only mean that your washing machine will be working overtime these summers months, to prevent washing machine hose leaks, check them often and replace them before they begin leaking in order to avoid a leak in the house.  Plumbing issues can come from anywhere, you can’t stop them all, but with a little attention to detail, one can avoid a few plumbing problems from becoming bigger disasters.

Sewer Line Plumbing Problems

We are the Bay Area underground sewer experts because we get called for sewer repair and sewer replacements on a daily basis, so we know this can happen, and it does!  Whether the roots from trees expanded during the wet winter months and found their way into the sewer line or the collection of residue and hair has finally reached maximum capacity, avoid sewer line problems by not only installing drain plugs in the summer but all year long.

If you have a sewer issue, minimize the repair by hiring our trenchless “no-dig” plumbers.  We have the equipment and expertise to handle any sewer and underground pipe repair without digging.  The process is efficient, minimizes the disruption to the ground above, thus the cost and time to repair is much less.

Summer is meant to be enjoyable, follow these small tips to enjoy the kids being out of school, have outdoor fun without having to deal with plumbing issues that will drain your excitement.

We at EPS Express Pluming enjoy helping our Bay Area community and are called upon by commercial, residential, and municipal clients to provide engineering, plumbing, drilling, and building services when they need it.  We’ve been serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1989.  We look forward to helping you when you need us most 24/7 including holidays and weekends.

  • 13
    Jun 18
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Bay Area Weekend Plumber

Weekend Plumber? Tricks of the Trade from Your Bay Area Plumbing Contractor

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As a Bay Area plumbing contractor, we give thumbs up to those that want to roll up their sleeves and be a weekend plumber.  We get called all the time to repair what hubby or someone around the house tried to fix, but we also respect that you’re willing to do it yourself.  Here are a few tips to help you be the weekend plumber hero.

Weekend Plumber Tips and Tricks!

Emergency Plumbing Contractor Clogged Sink

Clogged Sink

Before going out and renting a drain snake, give your wet/dry shop vac a try.  Use its suction power to pull hair or gunk out of a clogged sink.  Many solutions are also available in the hardware store, that will help you unclog the sink quickly by breaking down the gunk down the drain, but a shop vac should make it even better.

If the problem persists, it could be a much deeper problem and you need a plumbing contractor at that point.  Give our Bay Area plumbing crew a call, we’re here to help, when you DIY methods have failed.

 

Leaking faucet emergency plumberLeaky Faucet (drip, drip)

Drives you crazy doesn’t it?  Most common leaky faucets are caused by deterioration of the seal.  Over time, the seal breaks down and must be replaced.  Your local hardware store can sell you a replacement seal.

Besides the faucet leaking, how about that toilet that won’t stop running!  That is probably the worst because with the sound of a running toilet, all you hear is your money going down the drain.  You’re paying for all that wasted water.

Now, we know the first thing you want to do is walk up to the toilet and jiggle that handle!  May work, but how often do you actually plan on doing that?  Stop jiggling and replace the flapper inside the toilet.  It’s an easy fix and commonly supplied at your local hardware store.

Stinky Dishwasher DIY tipStinky Dishwasher

Got vinegar?  Clean the seals around your dishwasher using a brush and hot soapy water.  The scum that builds up around the seals can get pretty stinky.  Once you’re done, run the dishwasher at the hottest setting with vinegar inside, that should clear it up pretty quickly!

We just have to mention that as a trusted plumbing contractor in the Bay Area, residential plumbing is a division within our operation.

We are the Bay Area #1 choice for heavy construction, underground construction, engineering, and drilling for residential, commercial and municipal clients throughout the Bay Area.

However, we love helping local residents and homeowners.  We consider you our neighbors and we are here for you when you need us.  Contact us for any plumbing project in the Bay Area.  No matter how big or small.  We’ve been serving the Bay Area since 1989, and look forward to serving you.  When you contact us we will confirm technician availability for your particular location.

We service the entire Bay Area including  Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, Half Moon Bay, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Bruno, Stanford, Woodside, Fremont, Mountain View, Colma, Foster City, Daly City, Brisbane, Union City, Hayward, Newark, San Leandro, Foster City.

  • 08
    Mar 18
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san francisco underground construction contractor water main

What do Our San Francisco Underground Construction Projects Consist Of?

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When we talk about underground in San Francisco, one might automatically think of an underground nightclub.  Well, it’s not quite as exciting but for our underground construction crew, it’s just as much fun.  Being a Bay Area underground contractor, we see many projects in the area that involve new construction and existing construction.

Trenchless Underground Projects

No matter what the project involves underground, we use our expertise and advanced equipment to get the job done.  Trenchless is the way to go because it saves time, and money.  Something both the client and as an underground construction contractor we appreciate also.

Less disruption occurs to the surface above, therefore, less repairs to put things back in order.  View our recent sewer rehab project in Daly City involving 1700 feet of underground pipe.

 

Underground Pipe Replacement

The most common underground construction projects in the Bay Area involve pipe!  all kinds of pipe, whether it’s sewer replacement, pipe freezing, pipe reaming, repair and more.

Besides the trenchless method, we rely on other critical equipment that allow us to efficiently complete the various San Francisco underground construction projects such as laser guided bore, and more.

We are the #1 referred and preferred underground utilities contractor in the Bay Area.  Builders, homeowners, and business owners throughout the area call on our expertise and equipment to run conduit as far as the eyes can see.  Water, gas, electrical cable, and whatever else is needed.

Underground construction isn’t as simple as having one piece of equipment.  For over 25 years, we’ve been serving the Bay Area and have tirelessly invested in the most advanced equipment available to insure expeditious completion of projects.

EPS Express Plumbing is your source for underground utilities, commercial, residential, and municipal projects anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area.  If you have a project coming, contact us for a detailed proposal that will meet your schedule and budget needs.

  • 13
    Apr 16
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Why is Pipe Insulation so Important?

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Applications of pipe insulation are often overlooked and misunderstood by homeowners. They never understand how important pipe insulation is when it comes to plumbing. However, if you knew where and how to use pipe insulation, you would not only end up increasing the face value of your house but also improve the overall energy efficiency.

energy efficient

There are a large variety of materials for pipe insulation. You can find pipe insulation in either polyethylene, rigid foam, rubber, glass or mineral wool. The purpose remains the same in every type of insulation. Take a look at the following advantages of pipe insulation, regardless of the type of materials employed:Why You Need Water Backflow Preventers 2

Thermal Insulation In Cold Weather

Imagine taking a shower in extreme cold weather and you notice that there is no hot water. This is a worst case scenario that can happen during the cold winter months due to the bursting of pipes. This would then result in taking a cold freezing shower. Pipe insulation can help prevent such accidents and also save you from the crippling repair and cleaning costs that follow thereafter.

Pipe insulation allows for the smooth flow of water by slowly transferring the heat to the much colder environment outside from the pipes, preventing the liquid from freezing up. Therefore, it is also important that during installation of pipe insulation, immense care is taken to avoid any gaps that might expose the pipes to external cold air.

Providing Warmth Within The House

Pipe insulation is quite handy during the cold winter months as it brings a new option to the table for keeping each room in your house warm and cozy. This means that no matter what the temperature is outside, your house can stay as warm as you want. Insulation pipes make it quite sensible for application due to ever increasing heating and fuel prices. If you use sleeves to clad the pipe, you can insulate your cold and hot pipes quite effectively and deal with any damage caused by extreme temperatures.

Energy Conservation

Efficiency of the water heater can be greatly improved with the help of pipe insulation. The amount of heat lost within the surrounding environment is greatly reduced. The reason why it is hard to retain hot water without the insulation is because pipes can generally bleed heat out into the surrounding areas creating a drop in the temperature of hot water.

To sum it up, a good pipe insulation can help you improve the overall efficiency of your house, save energy and save hundreds of dollars spent every year on energy bills. It is important that you do not ignore the small wear and tear of the insulation pipes as they may turn out to be a big expense for you one day.

We’ve been providing quality plumbing and engineering services in the Bay Area since 1989.  We take great pride in giving our clients information that will help them save time and money.  If you have other home improvement ideas you’d like to share, let us know and we’ll be happy to mention you when we do.

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Express Plumbing

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307 N. Amphlett Blvd

San Mateo, CA  9401

800-246-6425 Toll Free

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510-429-0144 East Bay

 

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