Your Plumber in Pleasant Hill, California

Local plumbing and water heater service experts in Pleasant Hill, CA.

When you have a team of reputable plumbers at your disposal, you don’t have to panic when a plumbing related problem pops up. Broken water heaters and water leaks happen to everyone from time to time, but it’s how you react that makes the difference. Rather than scrambling around looking at online reviews and trying to find a decent plumber, just call Plumbing Solutions and we will come in and take control.

For residents of Pleasant Hill, California, we are the go-to choice for plumbing and water heater services. We provide same-day service and use an upfront, flat-rate pricing model to ensure you never pay more than is necessary. Our satisfaction guarantee and solid warranties will leave you with peace of mind and our trusted plumbing experts will always respect your home as if it were their own.

providing top notch Pleasant Hill plumbing and water heater services

Your Full-Service

Plumbing Solution

Your Full-Service Plumbing Solution

Drain Clearing

Sewer Line Repairs

Hydro-jetting

Toilet repair & installation

Sewer inspections

Water heater repair & installation

Tankless water heaters

Gas line repair & installation

Slab Leak Detection & Repair

Re-piping

Water leak detection

Bathroom plumbing

Kitchen plumbing

Bathtubs

Sinks

Garbage disposals

And more

Trusted Plumbing Installation and Repair

Plumbing services like water leak detection, slab leak repair, drain cleaning, trenchless sewer repairs, hydro jetting, and more are what set us apart from other plumbing repair and plumbing installation companies. When you call us for information about a service we offer, you can feel confident knowing that we will give an honest assessment of the problem and find a solution that is both long-lasting and cost-effective. From the most minor repair to the most extensive replacement, we will get the job done. If you’re living in or near Pleasant Hill, Plumbing Solutions are your local experts in all things plumbing. Contact us for more information on the price we charge for a specific service and to schedule your next appointment today!

Affordable Drain Cleaning Services

When you need a drain cleaning in Pleasant Hill, Plumbing Solutions is the team to go to. If you start to notice an inch or two of standing water leftover after every shower, or that your kitchen drains are constantly clogged, there’s a good chance that you need a professional drain cleaning. You might think that using a chemical cleaner like Liquid Plumr or Drano is the best and most affordable way to clear household clogs, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, liquid drain cleaners pose a threat to both the environment and the pipes in your home’s plumbing system.

These cleaners are made from corrosive acids and solvents that are powerful enough to break down the plastic or metal piping in your home’s plumbing system. Ultimately, you’re going to need to replace these weakened pipes with new ones, which is much more expensive than calling up your local plumber for a routine drain cleaning.

Our professional plumbing contractors in Pleasant Hill have years of experience clearing drains and are outfitted with all the latest gear necessary to complete your repair with as little disruption to your day as possible. We offer a full range of advanced plumbing services, including pressurized hydro-jetting, video camera inspections, trenchless sewer repairs, and more. So, the next time you need a drain cleaning, be sure to give Plumbing Solutions a call right away.

successfully cleaned sink drain

Choosing the right drain cleaning method for your home depends on various factors, including the severity of the clog, the type of drain, and your plumbing system. Here’s a guide to help you decide the best approach for tackling drain issues:

1. Assess the Type of Clog

  • Mild Clogs: If your drain is only slightly clogged (e.g., slow drainage), you may not need a professional intervention right away. Start by using simpler methods.
  • Severe Clogs: For tougher blockages that don’t clear up with basic methods, such as major grease buildup or foreign objects lodged deep in the pipe, more advanced techniques will be necessary.

2. Evaluate the Location of the Clog

  • Kitchen Drains: These often get clogged with grease, food particles, and soap scum. Grease buildup is a common problem in kitchen sinks.
  • Bathroom Drains: Hair and soap scum are common culprits in bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Over time, they create stubborn blockages.
  • Main Sewer Lines: If you’re dealing with clogs affecting multiple drains or foul smells throughout the house, the clog may be in the main sewer line.

3. Consider DIY Methods for Minor Clogs

  • Plunging: A plunger can be effective for minor blockages in toilets, sinks, and tubs. This method works by creating pressure to dislodge the clog.
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: For organic clogs (such as hair and soap), you can pour a mixture of baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain. The fizzing action helps break down clogs.
  • Drain Snakes: A drain snake (or auger) is a handy tool to manually dislodge blockages. For small, localized clogs, this is a simple and effective method.

4. Consider Professional Methods for Tougher Clogs

  • Hydro Jetting: Hydro jetting involves using high-pressure water to clear clogs. It’s effective for stubborn grease buildup, tree roots in sewer lines, and other tough blockages. This method is ideal for main sewer line clogs or when other methods have failed.
  • Drain Camera Inspection: If you’re unsure about the cause of a clog or if it’s recurring, a plumber can use a camera to inspect your pipes. This helps identify the root cause of the issue (such as tree roots or damaged pipes) and determine the most effective cleaning method.
  • Chemical Drain Cleaners: While not recommended for regular use due to the potential damage to pipes, chemical drain cleaners can sometimes be effective for clearing minor blockages. However, they should only be used as a last resort, as they can corrode pipes over time and pose health risks.

5. Factor in Your Plumbing System’s Age

  • Older Plumbing: If your home has older pipes (such as cast iron or galvanized steel), avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can erode the material. Instead, consider mechanical methods like drain snaking or hydro jetting.
  • Newer Plumbing: For newer PVC pipes, you have more flexibility with chemical treatments, though mechanical methods are still preferred for severe clogs.

6. How to Choose the Right Drain Cleaning Product

  • Enzyme-Based Cleaners: These cleaners are safer for both your pipes and the environment. They use natural enzymes to break down organic matter like grease, food, and hair. Ideal for regular maintenance, these products are non-corrosive.
  • Caustic or Acidic Cleaners: These work faster than enzyme-based products, but they are harsher and can cause damage to your pipes if overused. They are best used for occasional heavy-duty clogs.
  • Mechanical Solutions: For a physical approach, you may need to use a drain snake or plunger. These methods are effective without the need for chemical cleaners, making them safe for most plumbing systems.

7. When to Call a Professional

If DIY methods don’t resolve the issue or if the clog recurs frequently, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They have the experience, tools, and techniques (such as hydro jetting and camera inspection) to handle tough clogs without causing damage to your plumbing system.

8. Preventative Measures

After you’ve cleared your drains, it’s important to implement preventative maintenance to keep them flowing smoothly. Regular drain cleaning, using drain covers to catch debris, and avoiding pouring grease or oils down the drain can help reduce the frequency of clogs.

Grease buildup is one of the most common and troublesome causes of clogs in kitchen drains. It can lead to slow drainage, foul odors, and even more severe plumbing issues if left unaddressed. Understanding how grease builds up in your drains and taking steps to prevent it can help you maintain a healthy plumbing system and avoid costly repairs.

How Grease Builds Up in Kitchen Drains

When you pour grease, oil, or fat down your kitchen drain, it may seem like it disappears, but it actually causes a significant problem over time. Here’s how grease buildup affects your drains:

  1. Solidification in Pipes: Grease, when hot and in liquid form, can flow easily through your pipes. However, as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the interior walls of your pipes. Over time, this accumulation creates a thick, sticky layer that traps other debris, such as food particles, soap, and hair.
  2. Gradual Clogging: At first, the buildup may not cause an immediate issue, but as it continues to accumulate, it reduces the diameter of your pipes. This leads to slower drainage, as water has less space to flow through. Eventually, the grease can completely block the pipe, causing a full clog.
  3. Bad Odors: Grease buildup in your pipes can also contribute to foul smells. As grease and food particles rot in the pipes, they emit unpleasant odors that can travel back into your kitchen through the drain.
  4. Pipe Corrosion: In some cases, grease can react with other substances in the pipe or the surrounding environment, leading to corrosion over time. This is especially true for older plumbing systems with metal pipes. Once the pipe is weakened by corrosion, it becomes more prone to leaks and eventual failure.

How to Prevent Grease Build-Up in Your Kitchen Drains

Preventing grease buildup is crucial for keeping your kitchen drains clear and your plumbing system functioning properly. Here are some simple strategies to prevent grease from causing problems in your pipes:

1. Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain

The most effective way to prevent grease buildup is to avoid pouring it down the drain altogether. After cooking, let grease or oil cool and solidify before disposing of it. You can collect the grease in a container (such as a used can or jar) and throw it away with your regular trash.

2. Use a Grease Trap or Grease Separator

If your kitchen produces large amounts of grease (e.g., from frying foods), consider installing a grease trap or grease separator. These devices capture grease and oils before they enter the plumbing system, preventing buildup in your pipes.

3. Wipe Excess Grease Off Dishes and Cookware

Before washing your pots, pans, and utensils, wipe off any leftover grease with a paper towel or cloth. This prevents grease from entering your sink and accumulating in the drain.

4. Use Hot Water and Dish Soap to Clean Your Drains

Periodically, run hot water and dish soap down the drain to break up any grease that may have accumulated. The hot water helps to dissolve the grease, while the dish soap helps to emulsify it, allowing it to flow more easily down the drain.

5. Install a Sink Strainer or Drain Screen

Installing a drain screen or sink strainer is an easy way to prevent food particles from entering the drain. While this doesn’t directly prevent grease buildup, it can reduce the amount of food waste that combines with grease to form stubborn clogs.

6. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Regular Maintenance

Once a month, pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural combination can help break down grease and keep your pipes free from buildup.

7. Regular Professional Drain Cleaning

While regular DIY maintenance is important, scheduling professional drain cleaning services once or twice a year can help ensure that grease and other debris don’t accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. A plumber can use specialized tools like a hydro jet to clear out built-up grease and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.

What to Do If You Already Have Grease Build-Up

If you already notice slow drainage or unpleasant odors in your kitchen drains due to grease buildup, it’s important to take action as soon as possible:

  • Plunge the Drain: If the clog is minor, use a plunger to attempt to dislodge the grease. Be sure to create a good seal over the drain for best results.
  • Use a Drain Snake: A drain snake or auger can help break up and remove the grease buildup, especially if it’s near the surface.
  • Hydro Jetting: For more severe grease blockages, a professional plumber can use hydro jetting, a high-pressure water technique that can clear grease and other debris from your pipes.

  • Hair Build-Up

    • One of the most frequent causes of shower drain clogs is hair. Hair strands easily get washed down the drain and can combine with soap and other debris to form a tangled blockage.

  • Soap Scum

    • Soap residue, especially from bar soap, can leave a sticky film that adheres to the inside of your pipes. Over time, it builds up and narrows the drain, often trapping other debris.

  • Hard Water Deposits

    • If your home has hard water, the minerals in the water can accumulate in the pipes, creating a scale that contributes to clogs.

  • Shower Products

    • Oils and ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes can congeal and stick to the walls of the drainpipe, especially when combined with hair and soap scum.

  • Foreign Objects

    • Small items like jewelry, razor caps, or even dirt from cleaning tools can accidentally enter the drain and create blockages.

  • Old or Damaged Pipes

    • Over time, older plumbing systems may become corroded, creating rough surfaces inside the pipes that easily trap debris.

1. Prevents Corrosion and Pipe Damage

Over time, debris like soap scum, grease, and minerals can accumulate inside your pipes. These materials can cause corrosion in certain types of plumbing, especially in older systems with metal pipes.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Removes corrosive substances before they have time to eat away at the pipe walls.
    • Prevents buildups that can trap moisture and lead to rust formation.

By keeping your pipes clean, you minimize wear and tear and extend their overall lifespan.

2. Reduces Pressure on Plumbing Joints

Clogs and blockages create increased pressure in your plumbing system as water struggles to pass through restricted areas. This pressure can strain your pipes, joints, and seals, leading to leaks and other damage.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Ensures that water flows freely, reducing unnecessary pressure on the system.
    • Protects pipe connections and fittings from undue stress.

3. Prevents Frequent Repairs

Clogged drains can lead to backups, leaks, and water damage. Addressing these issues repeatedly not only causes inconvenience but also accelerates the deterioration of your plumbing system.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Removes small clogs and debris before they grow into larger problems.
    • Reduces the risk of costly emergency plumbing repairs.

By catching problems early through regular drain cleaning, you can avoid frequent and expensive fixes that shorten the life of your pipes.

4. Protects Against Hard Water Build-Up

If your home has hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate inside your pipes, narrowing their diameter and making it harder for water to flow. Over time, this mineral scale can cause blockages and weaken your plumbing.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Removes mineral deposits before they solidify into stubborn scale.
    • Keeps water flowing efficiently, reducing stress on your pipes.

5. Keeps Your Entire Plumbing System Efficient

A poorly maintained drain can impact the performance of your entire plumbing system. Slow drains, recurring clogs, or backups can cause water to accumulate in unwanted areas, leading to long-term damage.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Keeps wastewater flowing away from your home quickly and efficiently.
    • Prevents backups that can cause damage to other parts of your plumbing system, such as toilets and appliances.

6. Prevents Sewer Line Issues

Clogs aren’t limited to sinks and shower drains. Over time, debris can accumulate in your main sewer line, leading to major blockages and potential sewage backups. A damaged sewer line is not only costly to repair but can also impact the lifespan of your plumbing.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Removes debris from the entire drainage system, including the sewer line.
    • Prevents tree root intrusion by identifying issues early during cleaning and inspection.

7. Reduces the Risk of Burst Pipes

When clogs create high pressure inside your pipes, there’s a higher risk of bursting, especially in colder weather when frozen pipes are a concern.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Keeps water flowing smoothly, reducing the likelihood of pressure buildup.
    • Helps maintain pipe integrity, especially in older homes with aging plumbing systems.

8. Improves Longevity of Plumbing Fixtures

Clogged or slow drains can cause wear and tear on fixtures such as faucets, sinks, and garbage disposals. Excess strain from improper drainage shortens the lifespan of these components.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Ensures fixtures function efficiently without added stress.
    • Prevents water damage and wear caused by standing water or backups.

9. Enhances Water Quality

When pipes become clogged or develop buildups, it can impact the quality of the water flowing through them. Contaminants can leach into the water, causing unpleasant odors or tastes.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Keeps pipes clean and free from debris that might affect water quality.
    • Promotes a healthier plumbing system overall.

10. Saves Money in the Long Run

Routine drain cleaning is an investment that pays off over time. While there is an upfront cost, it’s far more affordable than emergency plumbing repairs or pipe replacements caused by neglect.

  • How Regular Drain Cleaning Helps:
    • Extends the life of your plumbing system, delaying costly replacements.
    • Reduces the risk of emergencies that require immediate professional attention.

Ignoring a clogged drain might seem harmless at first, but it can lead to significant problems over time. When water can’t flow freely, pressure builds up in your pipes, increasing the risk of leaks or bursts. This can cause water damage to your walls, floors, and foundation, resulting in costly repairs.

Additionally, stagnant water trapped in your pipes becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors, creating an unhealthy environment in your home. Left unchecked, clogs can also lead to sewage backups, where waste water overflows into your sinks, tubs, or toilets—a messy and hazardous situation.

Small clogs often grow larger if not addressed, making professional intervention more expensive. Routine maintenance and prompt action are essential to keeping your drains clear and your plumbing system functioning properly. Don’t wait for a minor inconvenience to turn into a major disaster—address clogs as soon as they arise.

The holidays bring festive meals, family gatherings, and increased strain on your home’s plumbing system. Preventing drain clogs during this busy season can save you from unnecessary stress and costly repairs.

  1. Dispose of Food Scraps Properly
    Avoid dumping grease, fats, or food scraps down the kitchen sink. Use a strainer to catch debris and discard it in the trash or compost bin.

  2. Limit Garbage Disposal Use
    Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle tough items like bones, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods (e.g., celery or potato peels). Dispose of these items properly to avoid clogging the system.

  3. Encourage Bathroom Etiquette
    Remind guests not to flush non-flushable items like wipes, tissues, or cotton products. Provide a waste bin in every bathroom for convenience.

  4. Run Hot Water Regularly
    After heavy sink use, run hot water for a few minutes to help flush out grease and prevent buildup.

  5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance
    Before the holidays, consider a professional drain cleaning service to ensure your plumbing system is in top shape.

Taking these simple steps can keep your drains flowing smoothly and ensure a stress-free holiday season!

Persistent drain clogs are frustrating and often indicate underlying issues in your plumbing system. Common causes include the buildup of grease, soap scum, or hair, which can gradually narrow pipes and block water flow. In kitchens, food scraps and oil often harden in the pipes, leading to frequent blockages. In bathrooms, hair and soap residue are the usual culprits.

Another cause could be improper disposal of items. Flushing non-flushable products like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or excessive toilet paper can clog drains quickly. Outside the home, tree roots may invade sewer lines, causing recurring blockages in the main drain.

Older plumbing systems with corroded or damaged pipes are also more prone to clogs. Routine maintenance, proper waste disposal, and professional drain cleaning can help address these issues and keep your drains flowing smoothly. Ignoring frequent clogs may result in costly repairs or long-term plumbing damage.

Types of Drains We Service

  • Kitchen Drains: Commonly clogged by grease, food particles, and soap residue.
  • Bathroom Sink Drains: Blocked by hair, toothpaste, and soap buildup.
  • Shower and Bathtub Drains: Clogged with hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits.
  • Toilet Drains: Obstructed by excessive paper, wipes, or non-flushable items.
  • Floor Drains: Found in basements, garages, or laundry rooms; clogged by debris, dirt, or sediment.
  • Laundry Drains: Blocked by lint, detergent buildup, and fabric fibers.
  • Main Sewer Line: Often affected by tree roots, grease, or debris buildup causing system-wide backups.
  • Outdoor Drains: Gutters, storm drains, and yard drains clogged by leaves, dirt, or debris.
  • Utility Sink Drains: Found in garages or workshops, often blocked by paint, chemicals, or solid debris.
plumber snaking a sink drain

Learn more about our drain cleaning services »

“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!”

Fred Lee, Read More Reviews

“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?”

Sarah H., Read More Reviews

“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.”

Jenna G., Read More Reviews

“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.”

Buddy D., Read More Reviews

“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

Toilet Repair Pleasant Hill, CA

When the most important fixture in your bathroom needs to be repaired, Plumbing Solutions has got you covered. A broken toilet can take the fun out of even the best of days, and coming home to one after a long day of work can be downright disheartening. Fortunately for those living in Pleasant Hill, our team of professional plumbers at Plumbing Solutions is perfectly capable of fixing anything that might be wrong with your toilet.

Even though it might seem like most toilet repairs are fairly simple and easy to DIY, this is often not the case. The toilets in your home or business are at the head of a complex plumbing system that can need a range of different repairs, depending on which components fail or malfunction.

The toilet issues we are most commonly called for include:

  • Leaks
  • Difficulty Flushing
  • Clogs
  • Constant Running
  • Ghost Flushes
  • Low Wate Levels
  • Constantly Running
  • Overflowing

The plumbers sent out by Plumbing Solutions have years of experience and are licensed and insured for all the work they do. Not only are they qualified to handle residential plumbing systems, but they’ve also been regularly trained to work on commercial plumbing repairs and installations. We’re up to date with state and city building codes and regulations, and we come to each job fully equipped to begin work. So, when you need a toilet repair in Pleasant Hill, be sure to give our team of plumbing experts a call.

Sewer Line Repair and Replacement Services

Nothing is worse than dealing with a broken sewer line. What can start out as a thin, hairline crack in your drain or sewer line can quickly become a major break that allows massive amounts of wastewater to flood out across your property—contaminating everything that it comes into contact with along the way.

Sometimes, the cause of a broken sewer line can be out of the property owner’s hands, such as in the case of a natural disaster or a municipal error. In other cases, however, a sewer line in need of repair has either deteriorated over time or has developed a major clog due to a buildup of debris over time. Invasive tree roots growing into and around your sewer line can also disrupt their positioning, causing breaks to slowly form.

Not sure if you have a problem with your sewer lines? If you have a break in your lines, you’ll quickly be able to tell based on the smell alone. Other, less obvious signs, include slow drains and standing water after showers or using sinks. Sewer line issues can be especially problematic for commercial properties and the businesses that operate from them.

If you’re in need of a sewer line repair or replacement in Pleasant Hill, California, then you’re in luck. Plumbing Solutions has a team of dedicated sewer and drain line experts who are licensed, bonded, and insured to work on your lines.

Not only do they have years of experience, but they also arrive in a van fully equipped with all the tools and equipment they might need to assess and begin repairing your sewer and drain lines. So, what are you waiting for? give our pros a call today to get started!

Water Heater Repair & Installation

There is no need to worry if you notice trouble with your water heater, as long as Plumbing Solutions is on the job.

We provide hot water heater repair and water heater replacement services that ensure you have access to the hot water you need. Out water heater repair services are built on having a cross-trained team that can service most major brands of equipment, and keeping replacement parts on hand so less time is spent waiting for them to arrive. That allows us to provide faster, more reliable water heater repairs for gas and electric models.

Our most in-demand water heater services include:

  • Water heater not running
  • Water heater shuts off too soon
  • Pilot light won’t stay on
  • Water heater leaking
  • Water heater making banging, whistling, or squealing sounds
  • Water heater leaking at base
  • Hot water discolored or smells odd
  • Water heater flushes
  • Water heater repiping

When it comes to water heater replacement, we offer both tanked and tankless water heaters. Tanked heaters offer all the same upsides you’re used to, at a price point that typically does not require financing. We only install hot water heaters from trusted manufacturers with generous warranties, so your system will be covered for years to come.

Learn more about our water heater services »

water heater in Pleasant Hill that failed prematurely due to calcium buildup

We Also Cover Tankless Water Heaters

new Rinnai tankless water heater installed by plumber in Pleasant Hill, California

If you want to make sure that hot water is available at all times, you may want to consider switching to a tankless model.

Tankless water heaters take up a fraction of the space of tanked heaters, and you will save money on operating costs because water won’t need to be kept hot in the tank all day long. While tankless water heaters do provide nonstop hot water to one or two fixtures, please be aware that the water isn’t instantly hot, since it still needs to travel through the same pipes. There are also limits on how many fixtures can use hot water at the same time, so it might not be your best choice if you have multiple people in your home using showers simultaneously.

If you want instantly hot water at specific points throughout your home, we also install instahot water heaters. These units typically supply one appliance or room with hot water within seconds, which can be great for a remote bathroom or guest house bathroom.

Learn more about our tankless water heater options or call now to speak with a specialist.

If it’s time to finally replace your water heater, several key factors should be considered to ensure you select the best option for your needs. Here’s a helpful ordered list of what to look for:

1. Fuel Type: Determine whether you need an electric, gas, or solar water heater. Your choice will depend on energy availability, cost, and environmental considerations. It almost always costs less to install the same kind of water heater you had before, so no new utility hookups need to be installed.

2. Capacity: Calculate the water demand in your household to choose the right tank size. A larger family typically requires a higher-gallon capacity unit. If you’re looking at tankless water heaters, then gallons per minute is usually a better way to estimate your needs.

3. Energy Efficiency: Opt for a water heater with a high Energy Factor (EF) rating to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.

4. Heating Speed: Consider the recovery rate, which indicates how quickly the unit can reheat water. Faster recovery is essential for busy households.

5. Space and Installation: Ensure you have enough space for the water heater and assess installation costs, especially if you’re switching fuel types.

6. Warranty: Check the manufacturer’s warranty, and consider investing in a unit with an extended warranty for peace of mind. Also make sure that your plumber offers their own warranty.

7. Maintenance and Repairs: Research the availability of replacement parts and ease of maintenance for the chosen water heater brand and model.

8. Cost: Compare initial purchase price, installation costs, and long-term operating expenses to make an informed financial decision.

9. Safety Features: Look for safety features like temperature controls, pressure relief valves, and anti-scald devices to protect your household.

10. Reviews and Recommendations: Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from professionals to gauge the performance and reliability of the water heater brand and model you’re interested in.

If your water takes too long to heat up, several factors could be at play. One common reason is sediment buildup in the water heater. Over time, minerals from hard water accumulate at the bottom of the tank, insulating the heating element and making it less efficient. This causes the water to heat more slowly.

Another potential issue is the distance between the water heater and your faucets. If your water heater is located far from the point of use, it takes longer for hot water to travel through the pipes, resulting in a noticeable delay.

A faulty thermostat could also be responsible. If the thermostat is set too low or malfunctioning, the water heater may not reach the desired temperature quickly. Aging heating elements in electric water heaters may also take longer to heat the water as they wear out over time.

In homes with undersized water heaters, the unit may struggle to meet the household’s hot water demand, especially if multiple fixtures are used simultaneously. Additionally, leaking or poorly insulated pipes can cause heat loss, leading to slower heating times.

For an accurate diagnosis and timely solution, it’s recommended to have a professional plumber, like those at Smart Choice Plumbing, inspect your water heater and plumbing system.

If your water heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it indicates a potential electrical issue that needs attention. Here are some common reasons for this problem:

  1. Faulty Heating Element: The heating element inside the water heater could be damaged or short-circuited. When this happens, it draws more electricity than the circuit can handle, causing the breaker to trip.
  2. Wiring Problems: Loose, frayed, or damaged wiring inside the water heater or the breaker box can lead to electrical shorts. Faulty connections can cause excessive current flow, resulting in a tripped breaker.
  3. Overloaded Circuit: If the water heater shares a circuit with other high-power appliances, it can overload the system. Water heaters should have their own dedicated circuit to avoid breaker trips.
  4. Bad Thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat might fail to regulate the heating elements properly, causing them to overheat. This excess heat can trip the breaker as a safety measure.
  5. Breaker Problems: The circuit breaker itself may be worn out or faulty. An old or weak breaker might trip more easily, even if there isn’t an issue with the water heater.

It’s important to consult a licensed plumber or electrician to safely diagnose and resolve the issue, as continued tripping could damage your water heater or create a fire hazard.

Inconsistent water temperature can be frustrating and may indicate several underlying issues with your water heater or plumbing system. Here are some common reasons why your water temperature fluctuates:

  1. Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the water heater’s temperature. If it’s malfunctioning, it may not accurately read the water temperature, causing fluctuations.

  2. Sediment Buildup: Over time, minerals and sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, insulating the heating element and causing uneven heating. This buildup can lead to hot and cold spots in the water.

  3. Age of the Water Heater: Older water heaters may struggle to maintain consistent temperatures due to wear and tear on the heating elements or components.

  4. Overuse of Hot Water: If multiple fixtures are using hot water simultaneously, the demand may exceed the water heater’s capacity, resulting in a mix of hot and cold water.

  5. Pressure Imbalance: Issues with the plumbing system, such as pressure imbalances between hot and cold water lines, can lead to temperature fluctuations at the faucet.

  6. Broken Dip Tube: In a tank-style water heater, the dip tube directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If it’s broken, cold water may mix with hot water at the top, leading to inconsistent temperatures.

  7. Improperly Sized Water Heater: A water heater that’s too small for your household’s needs may struggle to provide a consistent supply of hot water.

If you’re experiencing inconsistent water temperature, it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

BBB A+ Rated Plumbing Experts in Pleasant Hill, California

For the experts in repairs related to plumbing, sewer, and drains, call the plumbers at Plumbing Solutions. We offer repair and installation services for anything plumbing related, and we only charge our customers the most reasonable price. Plumbing Solutions is a BBB rated business that has been serving the areas near Concord, California for years now. So, if you’re home or business is located in Concord and you need a quick response for your plumbing issue, we’re the local plumbers to turn to. Give us a call today for more information or to schedule your next appointment.

Water Leak Detection Services in Pleasant Hill

When you hold off on getting a leak detection and repair service for your home or business, you not only risk further damaging your property, you also significantly increase the chances of getting an unexpectedly high repair bill. Over time, water that leaks from your pipes can build up in between your walls, ceilings, and floors. This could, at the very least, cause significant mold growth. At its worst, water damage from a leaking pipe can grow large enough to collapse entire sections of your property.

That’s why it’s incredibly important to schedule an appointment with a professional plumbing company like Plumbing Solutions as soon as you notice any signs of a leak. Our team of plumbers has years of experience completing leak detection and repair services in Pleasant Hill and the surrounding area. The first thing we’ll do is come to your property for an inspection. From there, we’ll assess the damages and give you an estimate before starting any work. Once everything has been agreed to, our plumbing experts will get started on repairing your water leak.

Gas Line Repairs & Replacements

Usually, a traditional gas line repair or replacement project takes days of digging up your yard, driveway, and even the bordering sidewalk to access the gas line that lies underneath your property. Fortunately for those in the Concord area, our team of skilled technicians at Plumbing Solutions is fully equipped with the best in trenchless technology, which allows us to complete gas line repairs or replacements as quickly and effectively as possible.

If your utility company is the first to notice a gas leak on your property, they are likely to cut off your gas service until you have a professionally licensed technician make the necessary repairs. Once your lines are repaired, you’ll need to show proof that the work was done by a professional to your gas utility company.

These safety measures are put in place to not only protect your home and the safety of your family, but also for the safety of your neighbors and the surrounding properties. It also ensures that the job is done right the first time, effectively preventing any further issues in the future.

Whole-Home & Partial Repipes in Pleasant Hill

A lot of plumbers in Pleasant Hill don’t offer whole-home repipes or don’t actually want to do the work. That’s because a whole-home repipe isn’t something you can teach to a new hire in a few weeks: it takes years of hands-on experience, a lot of labor, and a lot of complex problems solving to fully repipe a home.

At Plumbing Solutions, we have a dedicated home repipe team that can handle an entire home in just a couple of days. Relying on a dedicated repipe team means that they can focus on what they know best, so your job will always go smoothly.

Our team uses flexible PEX piping for most repipe jobs, since it’s extremely flexible, significantly less expensive than copper, and more than durable enough for long term use. For some limited applications, we may also use type M copper.

To learn more about our repiping policies and options, or to schedule your on-site estimate, call today.

Bathroom Plumbing Services

Our team is fully equipped and prepared to help with:

  • Toilet clogs, toilet repair, toilet replacement
  • Sink leak repair, bathroom sink repair, bathroom sink replacement
  • Vanity installation
  • Bathtub and shower clog repair, faucet repair, hardware replacement

Learn more about our bathroom plumbing services »

Proudly Serving Greater Contra Costa

Downtown Concord
Downtown Concord, CA

Toilet Repair & Replacement

A broken toilet can seriously throw your day off. Whether it’s backing up water all over the floor, not flushing when you expect it to, or running constantly, there’s only so long you can ignore a broken toilet.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay broken for long. Our plumbers can quickly repair any standard height or comfort height toilet in record time, thanks to their superior training, large collection of replacement parts, and dedication. If your toilet is significantly older and ready for replacement, we can also help you pick a model that will be a perfect fit for years to come.

Learn more about our toilet repair services or call to get started.

what to do if your toilet flush is weak

Plumbing Solutions are Just One Call Away