Tag Archives: plumbing emergency

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A Brief History of Plumbing

A Brief History of Plumbing

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

Ancient Plumbing

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

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

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

18th and 19th Centuries

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

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

The Beginning of Modern Plumbing

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

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

Plumbing Today

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

On-Demand Repair

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

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

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


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4 Ways to Celebrate Hug a Plumber Day This April

4 Ways to Celebrate Hug a Plumber Day This April

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

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

1. Give a Reference

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

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

2. Be Preventative with Plumbing Maintenance

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

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

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

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

3. Create a Positive Review

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

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

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

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

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


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Learn How to Fix a Plumbing Leak During March's Fix a Leak Week

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

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

Why Should I Learn How To Fix a Leak?

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

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

How To Fix a Leak Step-by-Step

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

1. Check for Leaks

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

2. Fixing a Toilet Leak

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

3. Fixing a Faucet Leak

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

4. Fixing a Showerhead Leak

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

Call us when Necessary!

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

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

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


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5 Tips to Avoid a Christmas Plumbing Issues

5 Tips to Avoid a Christmas Plumbing Issues

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

1. Pour That Grease in the Right Place

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

2. Insulate Your Pipes

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

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

3. Wait a Few Minutes Between Showers

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

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

4. Don’t Throw Random Stuff in the Toilet

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

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

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

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

Get a Plumber Over to the House Before the Holidays

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

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

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


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5 Ways to Cut Heating and Plumbing Costs This Winter

5 Ways to Cut Heating and Plumbing Costs This Winter

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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.


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6 Autumn Home Plumbing Tips

6 Autumn Home Plumbing Tips

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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.


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Tips to Prepare Your Plumbing for a Summer Gathering

Tips to Prepare Your Plumbing for a Summer Gathering

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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.


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4 Spring Home Plumbing Tasks You Can Do Yourself

4 Spring Home Plumbing Tasks You Can Do Yourself

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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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4 Amazing Home Plumbing Upgrades You'll Love

4 Amazing Home Plumbing Upgrades You’ll Love

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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.


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4 Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter

4 Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter

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If you live in an area where the temperatures often fall below freezing, your plumbing system is always something to keep an eye on. More specifically, your pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, which cause catastrophic damage in your home. As a result, preventive maintenance and following a few of these ideas can protect you from a scary situation. This year’s weather in the Bay Area has fluctuated tremendously, make sure to follow these tips to keep your pipes from freezing this winter if the temperature decides to dive.

1. Insulate Unheated Areas

If you have a crawl space, unheated garage, or pipes in an otherwise unheated area of your home, insulate them to prevent freezing. You have several ways to insulate these pipes:

  • Add insulation to these areas, which can also help you save on your energy bill
  • Insulating tape
  • Foam pipe insulation
  • Rubber pipe insulation
  • Foam and foil pipe insulation

Whichever method you choose will depend on your budget, how hard the area is to reach, and how much work you’re willing to put in.

2. Turn the Faucet On

Although you may see a slightly higher water bill, turning on a faucet in your home can ensure that your pipes don’t freeze. You don’t have to turn them on completely, but just a slight drip can prevent bursting pipes.

The reason that this works is because it forces the water in the pipes to keep moving. When water moves, it’s far more unlikely to freeze.

For maximum effect, turn on the faucet that’s the furthest from your water source. This will cause the water to circulate through all the pipes in your house, effectively keeping them from a deep freeze.

3. Maintain Your Thermostat Temperature

While personal finance experts and the Department of Energy agree that you should set your thermostat lower to save money in cold weather, maintaining a constant temperature is more ideal for making sure your pipes don’t freeze.

By setting the thermostat at a constant temperature, you don’t risk pipes getting too cold. Instead, they stay warmer, which makes freezing a lot less likely. A temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees should suffice, but choose a temperature where you’re comfortable.

4. Caulking Time

A final way to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze is to grab a caulking gun and go to town. Cold air can get into your home anywhere a crack or hole exists. When the cold air gets in, the temperature in unheated areas drops, and pipes are exposed to the temperature change.

To combat this drop in temperature, go around the exterior of your home with a caulking gun. Look for any cracks or holes that you can fill, which will effectively keep out the cold air.

What To Do If Your Preventive Maintenance Fails

If you follow the tips listed above, you’ve dramatically reduced the chances of a pipe bursting in your home. But sometimes, the temperature drops so much and so rapidly that it’s out of your hands. So if your pipes burst, make sure to turn the water off and call us to avoid any further damage. Good luck on keeping your pipes intact this year!  We’re here to provide you with exceptional plumbing services to keep your home free from plumbing problems.


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Express Plumbing
307 N. Amphlett Blvd San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: (800) 246-6425 $246 - $6425
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