The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and April showers give flowers and vegetation the fuel they need to flourish. But behind this idyllic scene lies a lurking issue you may not have thought about: your plumbing. Excessive rain can cause a glut of plumbing problems if you’re unprepared. Before spring comes, take the initiative. Learn more about potential plumbing problems caused by rain and what you can do to solve them. Sewer Backups Due to thawing snow/ice and rain, sewer backups are common during spring. Water in the sewer system is full, and the situation overloads your sewer main ..read more

Staying with the current trends can improve the value of your home — so long as they’re tasteful. Your bathroom is no different. With emerging technologies, decor, and aesthetics, remodeling your bathroom can lead to better value for your home and even lower water and utility bills. However, a bathroom remodel isn’t exactly cheap. With an average price of about $10,000, you want to ensure you’re making a solid plan. Consider a few of these aspects to avoid sunken costs and wasted time. 1. Setting a Realistic Budget Though the average bathroom remodel price is around $10,000, that doesn’t mean ..read more

Whether you’re enjoying a lazy Sunday or a Christmas get-together, your plumbing system works hard for you throughout the year. But if you’re a homeowner, you know it’s only a matter of time before a plumbing issue happens. Unfortunately, these are almost an inevitability. So, the best plan against these emergencies is knowing what to do if they occur. Rather than panic, these steps should ensure that you limit the damage and fix the problem before it causes a catastrophe in your house. Here’s what you should know if that fateful day finally comes. 1. Identify the Source of the Problem Whether ..read more

The New Year is about reflecting on the past year and what you need to do for a successful future. While this usually consists of working out, eating healthier, or achieving a goal, don’t forget about your plumbing. Without a functioning plumbing system, you put your house, comfort, and quality of living at risk. Don’t wait until a catastrophic failure to address your plumbing. Instead, start the year off right with this handy New Year’s plumbing checklist. Flush Your Water Heater Over time, sediment builds within your water heater. If left inside the tank for too long, this sediment can cause ..read more

Although Thanksgiving affords you time to reconnect with friends and family and give thanks for the past year, it’s also a hectic time that can lead to stress — especially if you’re hosting a large gathering or dinner.   However, you can plan for the occasion by getting your kitchen Thanksgiving-ready. From pre-Thanksgiving steps to day-of tips, here are ways to keep your kitchen clean and prepped for all the Turkey Day festivities.   Here are some amazing Thanksgiving holiday tips from our plumbing crew at Express Plumbing in San Mateo.  Residential plumbers everywhere will agr ..read more

Clogs are a significant problem in many households and one of the main reasons homeowners contact plumbers. However, clogs are also one of the most straightforward hassles to prevent. By taking a few proactive and preventive steps, you can avoid the clogs that can cause water to back up in your kitchen and bathrooms. 1. Don’t Pour Oil or Grease Down the Drain Pouring oil or grease down the kitchen sink is one of the leading causes of clogged drains. When you pour these liquids down the drain, they bond with other solids — namely food particles — and create clogs over time. You may not see a cl ..read more

From running toilets to leaky faucets to kitchen remodels, having a great plumber is a godsend. They know what work is crucial, the parts you’ll need, and any obstacles you may face. The only problem is finding the right plumber for the job. Like many other trades, plumbing contractors vary in expertise, quality, and price. Before you choose a plumbing contractor, use these tips to find a credible option with the knowledge to do the work in a timely, expert, and affordable fashion. Find One That’s Licensed and Insured Every reputable plumber has a license from the state. Without a license, the ..read more

You turn on the shower and wait. It’s all cold water, and hot water never follows. Unless someone used all the hot water right before you, you might need a new water heater. However, figuring out which water heater is right for your home isn’t as simple as it sounds. While you could buy the same model, water heaters have become far more efficient and advanced over the past decade. If you need help choosing a new water heater, here are some tips and considerations that should lead you to the perfect option. Choose the Power Source A new water heater typically runs on one of two power sources: e ..read more

Though you may not think about it regularly, your plumbing system is a vital component of your home. Without a fully functioning plumbing system, your comfort of living can wane and you may experience hefty repair bills that can hinder your budget. However, not every plumbing issue requires expert knowledge. Some are easy to solve even for the novice DIYer. For the sake of your sanity and your wallet, here are some of the most common plumbing questions answered. 1. Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure? Water pressure can fluctuate for a number of reasons. If you notice a sudden or permanent drop i ..read more

Here are some steps you can take to fix a clogged drain: Use a Plunger Start by using a plunger to create suction and dislodge the clog. Ensure there is enough water in the sink, tub, or toilet to cover the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and vigorously push and pull to create suction. Repeat several times until the clog is cleared. Remove Visible Debris If the clog is caused by visible debris near the drain opening, such as hair or food particles, you can try removing it manually. Use a pair of gloves or long tweezers to reach in and pull out the debris. Be careful not to push the d ..read more