Plumbing Service in Alamo, CA

Professional plumbing & water heater services

When you need plumbing services like drain cleaning, clogged toilet repair, water leak detection or gas line services, it’s important to have access to an experienced plumbing company. Plumbing issues left unchecked can result in big time water damage, so getting help to your home as soon as possible is crucial.

At Plumbing Solutions in Alamo, CA, our plumbing team offers a range of plumbing and water heater services. We also offer benefits like flat-rate pricing, industry-leading warranties, same day service and a satisfaction guarantee. Our technicians are friendly and will always treat your home with the utmost respect.

map of plumbing service area in Alamo, CA

Water Heater Repair & Installation

At Plumbing Solutions, we provide trusted water heater repair and installation services to homeowners in Alamo, CA. When hot water issues arise, you can count on our team for efficient, reliable service that keeps your home running smoothly.

Water Heater Repair
Common water heater problems like inconsistent temperatures, strange noises, or water discoloration can indicate the need for repair. Our skilled technicians are experienced in diagnosing and addressing these issues, helping restore your water heater to full functionality. We focus on accurate, cost-effective repairs to get your hot water back up and running as soon as possible.

Water Heater Installation
If your water heater is outdated or beyond repair, we also offer professional installation services for a range of water heater types, including traditional tank models and tankless systems. We’ll help you choose the best option for your household’s needs, ensuring an efficient, high-quality installation.

Learn more about our water heater repair and installation services »

residential 50 gallon water heater installed in alamo

A leaking water heater can signal several potential issues, from minor to serious, that need attention. Common causes include corrosion, loose connections, or excessive pressure within the tank.

Corrosion is one frequent culprit, particularly in older water heaters. Over time, the tank’s metal can rust, creating small holes or cracks. This is more likely if the water heater is near or past its expected lifespan of 8-12 years.

Loose connections, especially around the inlet and outlet pipes, can also cause leaks. Over time, these fittings can loosen due to natural wear, temperature changes, or installation issues. Sometimes, tightening them carefully is enough to stop the leak.

High pressure in the tank may also cause leaks. If the temperature or pressure is set too high, it forces excess water out, usually through the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve. Checking the thermostat and adjusting to a moderate setting often helps relieve this pressure.

Regular maintenance, like flushing the tank and inspecting connections, can help prevent leaks. If the leak persists or is significant, it’s best to contact a plumber promptly to prevent water damage and assess the need for repairs or replacement.

1. Preparation and Site Assessment

  • The technician will begin by inspecting the installation area to ensure it meets code requirements and has the necessary connections.
  • They’ll review the model you selected and check for clearances, ventilation, and other safety considerations.

2. Shutting Off Utilities

  • To safely install the water heater, the technician will turn off power and water supplies, either gas or electric, depending on the heater type.

3. Removing the Old Unit

  • If you’re replacing an existing water heater, the plumber will carefully disconnect and drain it before removing it from the area.
  • Proper disposal of the old unit is often included in the service.

4. Installing the New Water Heater

  • The plumber will place the new water heater, secure all fittings, and reconnect it to the power or gas supply.
  • For gas units, the gas line and venting will be inspected for safety and compliance.

5. Testing and Calibration

  • Once the new heater is connected, the technician will test it to ensure it’s heating properly, check for leaks, and adjust the thermostat to a safe and energy-efficient setting.

6. Final Inspection and Clean-Up

  • The plumber will review the installation, explaining any essential maintenance steps, and leave the area clean.

This process ensures a safe, efficient, and compliant installation, often completed within a few hours.

Hard water, characterized by high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can significantly affect the performance and longevity of your water heater. Understanding these impacts is crucial for maintaining an efficient and durable heating system.

1. Scale Buildup

One of the most immediate effects of hard water is the formation of scale inside the water heater tank. As water is heated, minerals precipitate out and adhere to the interior surfaces. Over time, this buildup acts as an insulating layer between the heating elements and the water, forcing the heater to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This inefficiency leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.

2. Reduced Efficiency and Increased Energy Costs

Scale buildup not only insulates the heating elements but also reduces the overall efficiency of the water heater. The system has to operate longer and more frequently to provide the same amount of hot water, resulting in elevated energy costs. In severe cases, the heater may struggle to keep up with household demands, leading to inconsistent hot water supply.

3. Shortened Lifespan of the Water Heater

The constant strain caused by scale accumulation accelerates wear and tear on the water heater’s components. Corrosion becomes more likely as the protective layers within the tank degrade, potentially leading to leaks and premature failure. Regular maintenance becomes essential to extend the life of the appliance.

4. Increased Maintenance Needs

Hard water requires more frequent maintenance to keep the water heater functioning optimally. This includes periodic flushing of the tank to remove scale, replacing anode rods more often, and possibly investing in water softening systems. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can exacerbate the negative effects of hard water.

5. Potential for Leaks and Breakdowns

Excessive scale buildup can weaken the structural integrity of the water heater tank, increasing the risk of leaks and catastrophic failures. Early signs such as unusual noises, reduced hot water output, or visible leaks should prompt immediate professional inspection and intervention.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the impact of hard water on your water heater, consider the following strategies:

  • Install a Water Softener: Reducing the mineral content in your water can significantly decrease scale formation.
  • Regular Flushing: Periodically draining and flushing the water heater helps remove accumulated minerals.
  • Use Descaling Agents: Chemical treatments can help dissolve and prevent scale buildup.
  • Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater: These systems are less susceptible to scale buildup since they heat water on demand.

Attempting a DIY repair on your water heater might seem like a cost-saving solution, but it can pose serious risks to your safety, home, and wallet. Here are some reasons why water heater repairs are best left to professionals:

1. Risk of Gas Leaks or Carbon Monoxide Exposure

  • If you have a gas-powered water heater, improper repairs can lead to gas leaks, which are not only hazardous but can be deadly if undetected. Additionally, faulty repairs can result in carbon monoxide leaks, putting everyone in the home at risk of poisoning.

2. Electrical Shock Hazard

  • For electric water heaters, handling electrical components without proper knowledge can expose you to electric shock. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and working with them without training can lead to serious injuries.

3. Explosion Risk

  • Water heaters store water under high pressure. Incorrectly adjusting the temperature or pressure relief valve can cause excess pressure to build up, potentially leading to a dangerous explosion.

4. Potential for Scalding

  • DIY repairs often overlook safe temperature settings. Overheating the water can lead to scalding temperatures at the tap, increasing the risk of burns for you and your family.

5. Voiding the Warranty

  • Most water heaters come with manufacturer warranties that require professional servicing. Attempting DIY repairs can void the warranty, leaving you to cover the full cost of any future issues.

6. Inadequate Repairs Can Lead to Costly Damage

  • An improperly fixed water heater may still have leaks or other hidden issues, leading to water damage or mold growth over time. The cost of fixing these problems far outweighs the initial expense of hiring a licensed plumber.

For your safety and peace of mind, always rely on a professional plumber for water heater repairs. They have the tools, training, and experience to handle the job safely and effectively.

“Highly recommend Plumbing Solutions. Jacob is punctual, courteous, professional. He quickly diagnosed our toilet issue and completed the repair work very timely. We also appreciated that he wore shoe covers when coming inside our home. Jacob rocks! Highly recommend!”

“Wow. I’m impressed and I expected to be. I found Joel on yelp and chose him because of his reviews. He was on time, clean, friendly, gave me a direct fair quote up front. The work was done quickly and we even chatted about kids and finicky vs easy eaters. Fully enjoyed his professionalism and friendliness. I like that he wore shoe covers in the house. I will call him again if the need ever arises. Price was very fair work was quick and he was clean and on time. What more can you ask for?”

“Joel has been to our home twice now for various plumbing issues and jobs. He is truly the best. Very efficient and professional. He went above and beyond each time he was here. I highly recommend Plumbing Solutions, and am happy to know that we can rely on them anytime we are in need of their services.”

“Our experience with them was very good. They answered the call quickly and quickly diagnosed the problem. Not one that we wanted to hear, but they did the repair quickly and efficiently with minimal inconvience to our tenant.”

“Requested quote this morning and work already done by same day in early afternoon – high quality work, professional and responsive. My favorite kind!! Thank you.”

Michelle R., Read More Reviews

Affordable Repiping Services in Alamo, CA

Even with the best care and maintenance routine, eventually, your home’s plumbing system will need to be replaced. You’ll know the time has come when it takes less time and effort to replace your existing piping system than it would to find and replace each leaky pipe individually.

This process of removing all the old and damaged pipes at once and replacing them with a new plumbing system is often referred to as a whole home repiping, which might sound daunting at first. Rest assured though, replacing your home’s existing plumbing system isn’t as intensive as it sounds. Our seasoned and professional repiping experts at Plumbing Solutions will complete the process as efficiently as possible, usually only taking a few days.

A number of factors go into needing a whole home repiping— including the age, size, and materials that your pipes are made from and local factors like the PH of the water in your area, and so on.

If you notice any of the following, be sure to give our team of repiping specialists at Plumbing Solutions a call for an inspection immediately:

  • Changes in water quality
  • Low water pressure
  • Unexpectedly high water bill
  • Rusting or partially corroded pipes
  • Frequent Leaking in your home

There are a number of benefits that come with replacing the pipes in your home. Once the repiping process is complete, the water pressure in your home will increase and the time that it takes to get your water hot will decrease. You won’t have to worry about leaky pipes costing you money in repairs or on the monthly water bill. When you invest in a whole-home repipe done by professionals, you’re ensuring that your home’s plumbing system is ready to stand the test of time for years to come.

So, if you’re in need of a whole home repiping in Alamo, be sure to give Plumbing Solutions a call today to request our services

Drain Cleaning Services in Alamo, California

If you’re anything like most American homeowners, you’re always busy. There’s just not enough time in the day to constantly worry about something as minor as your home’s drains, but when it’s time for repairs, they’re liable to bring your entire household to a pause if not serviced properly. That’s why it’s so important to call a qualified plumber who is local to your particular county in California whenever you’re in need of a drain cleaning.

It might not seem like it, but the service we provide is highly specific and requires years of experience working on both residential and commercial property before one feels comfortable calling themselves a professional.

plumber fixing a clogged drain with a wrench

You might think that the simple solution to a clogged drain is to pour liquid drain cleaner into your pipes, but doing this could end up causing more harm than good. Your home’s plumbing system is incredibly complex, and even one wrong move could inadvertently ruin your entire system. You never know which small pipe fitting or three inch ball valve has eroded beyond repair and will cause an even bigger issue once the chemicals in drain cleaners touch its surface.

Our skilled drain cleaning technicians are based out of Concord, California and they rely on some of the most basic yet effective drain clearing techniques in the book: drain snaking and hydrojetting. Our plumbers are fully equipped to handle any drain cleaning job right when they get there, and are given some of the best equipment in the industry to work with.

This allows us to do our job safely and more efficiently than our competitors or any DIY kit you might find in a Home Depot. So, if you’d like more information on our services and the general prices we charge, give us a call today to get started!

Water Leak Detection Services

pipe inside wall near living room leaking water because of corrosion. Hole had to be cut in wall

Not sure if you have a water leak? Our team at Plumbing Solutions can help. There are several signs that you might be experiencing a water leak to watch out for—including things like a higher than normal water bill, pools of water forming around your property, unexplained moldy or mildew odors, and wet spots forming within your walls or ceiling are all indications of a water leak in your home or commercial building.

The worst part of a situation like this is that once you notice the obvious signs, it’s already too late. Not only will you need to repair or replace the leaking pipes, but you’ll also have to deal with the water damage caused by these leaks. After everything is said and done, what might have started as a simple leak could quickly evolve into a much more serious and costly issue.

Fortunately for those in need of a water leak detection service in Alamo, Plumbing Solutions has you covered. Our team of seasoned plumbers comes to your home or commercial property with the latest leak detection equipment that streamlines the process of locating and repairing a water leak in your plumbing system.

This equipment, combined with years of experience in the industry, is why our plumbing technicians are Alamo’s go-to leak detection specialists and have been for years. So, when you notice the signs of a possible water leak on your property, don’t hesitate to call the professionally trained plumbers at Plumbing Solutions for help!

Why Choose Plumbing Solutions as Your Alamo, CA Plumber?

1. We’re All Trained Professionals

It’s one thing to have a crew with all the latest tools at their disposal and something else entirely to employ only the most skilled plumbing professionals with years of experience in the industry and outfit them with the most trusted, high quality equipment on the market. We know for a fact we can handle any and every plumbing related repair because we’ve handled that problem or a similar one sometime in our past. Not only that, but we believe that safety should always come first and quality is everything, so you can rest assured knowing that we care about your project just as much as you do.

2. We Respect Your Time

The last thing our team of plumbing contractors at Plumbing Solutions want to do is waste your time. Beyond safety and quality, we believe in efficiency. We want to make sure that your job is done safely, correctly, and as quickly as possible so that you spend as little time thinking about it as possible. We train and practice regularly to hone our skills, so you don’t have to watch us troubleshoot an otherwise easy problem.

3. We are Local to Contra Costa County

We believe that it’s critical to come from the communities we service. That way, not only do we know the policies, statutes, and regulations that are specific to a certain city or area, but we’re also giving long time residents, renters, and homeowners alike a local company full of familiar faces to rely on whenever they have a plumbing related problem.

Expert Water Heater Repair

When you need a water heater repair, the signs can be subtle but they are still there, nonetheless. Some of the more common signs that you need water heater repair include noisy operation, inconsistent water temperatures, leaking around the base of your tank and elevated water bills. If you decide that you want to try something different, we also offer tankless water heater installation. This type of water heater doesn’t require a tank, which means you can have hot water whenever you want and you won’t run out.

Plumbing Solutions are Just One Call Away