Plumber in Portola Valley, CA

Signs your main water line needs attention:

⚠️ Water pressure suddenly dropped throughout the house
⚠️ Wet spots or sinkholes in your yard
⚠️ Water bill spiked for no reason
⚠️ Discolored or rusty water from all taps
⚠️ Sound of running water when nothing's on
Why it happens: Galvanized pipes corrode (40+ year old homes), tree roots crush pipes, ground shifting cracks rigid lines, or freezing causes bursts.

How we fix it:
→ Traditional Method: We excavate, replace with copper or PEX, backfill. Best for complete pipe failure.
→ Trenchless Technology: Minimal digging — we pull new pipe through old one or line it from inside. Saves your lawn and landscaping. Faster (1-2 days vs 3-5 days).
→ Timeline: 1-4 days depending on method and length.
What you get:
✓ Video inspection to locate exact problem
✓ Permits and inspections (we handle paperwork)
✓ Pressure testing after installation
✓ Restoration of excavated areas
✓ Warranty on workmanship

Signs your sewer line has problems:
✗ Multiple drains backing up at once (toilets, sinks, tubs)
✗ Sewage smell in yard or basement
✗ Gurgling sounds from toilets when using other drains
✗ Soggy patches or extra-green grass in yard
✗ Sewage backup in lowest drains (basement toilet/shower)
✗ Slow drains throughout entire house
Why it happens: Tree roots invade pipes seeking water (most common cause), old clay/cast iron pipes crack and collapse (homes 50+ years), ground settling shifts pipes, or grease/debris buildup causes blockages.
How we diagnose it:
Video Camera Inspection (free with service): We snake a waterproof camera through your sewer line to see exactly what's wrong — roots, cracks, collapse, or just blockage. Shows us location and severity. This saves you money — no guessing, no unnecessary digging.

How we fix it:
→ Hydro-Jetting: For clogs, grease buildup, and minor root intrusion. High-pressure water (3,000-4,000 PSI) scours pipes clean. Removes roots, grease, and scale without damaging pipes.
Best for: Maintenance and clearing blockages.
Timeline: 2-4 hours.
→ Trenchless Pipe Lining: For cracked or damaged pipes. We insert resin-coated liner into existing pipe, inflate it, cure it. Creates new pipe inside old one — like "pipe within a pipe." Best for: Pipes with cracks but still structurally sound. Advantage: No digging up your yard, driveway, or landscaping. Timeline: 1-2 days. → Trenchless Pipe Bursting: For collapsed or severely damaged pipes. We pull new pipe through old one while breaking up the old pipe. Best for: Complete pipe failure. Advantage: Minimal excavation (only at entry/exit points).
Timeline: 1-2 days.
→ Traditional Excavation: For extensive damage or when trenchless isn't possible. We dig trench, remove old pipe, install new PVC or ABS pipe, backfill. Best for: Pipes too damaged for lining, or when full access needed.
Timeline: 2-4 days depending on length.
What you get: ✓ Video inspection with recording (you see what we see)
✓ Exact location mapping of problem area
✓ Permits and inspections (we handle)
✓ New PVC/ABS pipe or epoxy liner (50+ year lifespan)
✓ Pressure and water testing
✓ Yard/landscaping restoration ✓ 5-year warranty on workmanship

Common problems:
⚠️ Can't get right temperature (scalding or freezing)
⚠️ Water drips when off
⚠️ Handle hard to turn or stuck
⚠️ Weak pressure suddenly
⚠️ Water comes from both tub spout and showerhead
Why it happens: Worn cartridge (8-15 year lifespan), mineral buildup clogs valve, old single-handle valves lack pressure-balancing, or corroded internal parts.

How we fix it:
→ Repair: Replace cartridge and seals if valve body is intact. Cost-effective for valves under 10 years old. Time: 1-2 hours.
→ Replace: Install new pressure-balancing valve if body is corroded or outdated. Modern valves prevent scalding (code-required). Time: 2-3 hours.
What you get:
✓ Precise wall access (minimal tile damage)
✓ New valve with lifetime warranty on cartridge
✓ Temperature limiter set to 120°F
✓ Wall patching ready for tile work
✓ Full pressure testing

Signs you need a water softener:
⚠️ White crusty buildup on faucets
⚠️ Soap doesn't lather well
⚠️ Spots on dishes after washing
⚠️ Dry, itchy skin after showering
⚠️ Water heater died before 8 years

Why it matters: Hard water clogs pipes, shortens water heater life by 40%, increases soap use by 50%, and costs average household $800+/year in extra expenses.

How we solve it:
→ 48,000 Grain System: For 3-4 people. Regenerates every 4-7 days.
→ 64,000 Grain System: For 5+ people. Regenerates every 7-10 days.

Systems use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium. Salt-based, automatic regeneration.
What you get:
✓ Free water hardness testing
✓ Proper sizing for your household
✓ Culligan, Kinetico, or equivalent brand
✓ Drain line and loop installation
✓ Programming for your usage
✓ 5-year labor warranty


Maintenance: Add salt monthly. Annual checkup by us. Resin replacement every 10-15 years.

Why you need RO:
✓ Removes 95-99% of contaminants (chlorine, lead, fluoride, bacteria)
✓ Better-tasting water
✓ Saves $500-1,000/year vs bottled water
✓ Removes what pitcher filters can't (heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics)

Our systems:
→ 3-Stage System: Sediment → Carbon → RO membrane. Basic filtration for decent source water.
→ 5-Stage System: Adds post-carbon and remineralization. Maximum contaminant removal plus healthy minerals back.
We install residential (50-75 gallons/day) up to commercial systems.

What you get:
✓ Under-sink mounting
✓ Dedicated faucet (matches your fixtures)
✓ 2-4 gallon storage tank
✓ Drain line connection
✓ Water quality testing before/after
✓ Annual service plans available

Filter maintenance:
Sediment/carbon: Every 6-12 months
RO membrane: Every 2-3 years

Stop wasting money on store-bought drain cleaners. They fail 90% of the time and damage your pipes.

How we do it right:
1. Video Inspection (free with cleaning): Camera shows exactly what's clogged — tree roots, grease, foreign objects.
2. Hydro-Jetting: High-pressure water removes even roots and grease. Won't damage pipes (unlike snaking).
3. 6-Month Guarantee: If the clog returns, we come back free.

Signs your faucet needs work:
✗ Constant dripping (wastes 3,000 gallons/year)
✗ Low pressure from one faucet
✗ Handle loose or hard to turn
✗ Leaking from base
✗ Spray hose won't retract

Why it fails: Worn washers/O-rings (hard water accelerates wear), corroded valve seat, cartridge failure, or clogged aerator.

How we fix it:
→ Repair: For faucets under 10 years old and quality brands. Replace cartridge, washers, O-rings, or aerator.
Cost: Under $150. Time: 30 min - 1 hour.
→ Replace: For old (15+ years), corroded, or cheap faucets. Modern faucets have pull-down sprayers, touchless operation, ceramic disc valves.
Time: 1-2 hours.

What you get:
✓ Water shut-off
✓ Old faucet removal
✓ Clean mounting surface
✓ New installation or part replacement
✓ Supply line connection
✓ Leak testing
✓ 1-year warranty on repairs

Why they're critical:
In emergencies (burst pipe, leaking toilet), you need to stop water FAST without shutting off your whole house.
California code requires shut-off valves at: every toilet, every sink (hot/cold), water heater, washing machine, and main water line.
Signs you need new valves:
✗ Valve won't turn (seized)
✗ Stuck partially open/closed
✗ Leaking from stem when turned
✗ Old gate or compression valve (outdated)
✗ Can't remember last time you checked them

What we install:
→ Ball Valves (our recommendation): 1/4 turn operation, reliable, 20+ year lifespan. Best for main lines and water heaters.
→ Compression Valves: Common under sinks. Work fine but can leak. We usually upgrade to ball valves.
→ Gate Valves: Outdated, prone to failure. We replace these immediately.
What you get:
✓ Main water shut-off
✓ Old valve removal
✓ New ball or compression valve
✓ Leak testing
✓ Valve labeled with tag

Timeline: Single valve: 30 min - 1 hour. Whole-house: Half day.
Emergency tip: Know where your main shut-off is BEFORE disaster strikes. We offer free walkthroughs.

Signs you need help:
✗ Won't turn on (humming or silent)
✗ Leaking from bottom or side
✗ Strange grinding/rattling noise
✗ Drains slowly or backs up
✗ Bad smell
✗ 10+ years old
Quick fixes we do:
- Jammed: Manually rotate flywheel (15 min)
- Dead: Press reset button or check wiring
- Leaks: Replace gaskets or whole unit if body cracked
- Smell: Ice cubes + citrus peels cleaning

Disposal options by horsepower:
- 1/3 HP: Light use (1-2 people)
- 1/2 HP: Average household (3-4 people)
- 3/4 HP: Heavy-duty (cook often)
- 1 HP: Commercial-grade (large families)
Brands: InSinkErator, Waste King, others.
Continuous Feed vs Batch Feed:
Continuous (95% of installs): Runs while adding scraps. More convenient for families.
Batch Feed: Requires cover in place. Safer for homes with small children.
What you get:
✓ Old disposal removal
✓ New disposal with mounting
✓ Drain pipe connection
✓ Electrical wiring
✓ Testing
✓ Haul-away
✓ 2-year warranty
Timeline: Repair: 30 min - 1 hour. Replace: 1-2 hours.
Pro tips: Run COLD water while grinding. Grind ice monthly. Never put grease, coffee grounds, pasta/rice.

Signs your pipes need replacing:

⚠️ Brown/yellow water from taps
⚠️ Low water pressure
⚠️ Frequent leaks (2+ per year)
⚠️ Home built before 1980

Common problems in homes:
- Galvanized pipes (rust from inside, need replacement)
- Polybutylene (gray pipes, banned since 1995, prone to bursting)

Our process:
1. Day 1: Replace pipes (we work room-by-room so you can stay home)
2. Days 2-3: Patch walls, test system
3. You get: New PEX/Copper pipes + 10-year warranty

A hidden leak in your wall or under your slab can:
⚠️ Destroy your foundation (repair costs $15K-50K)
⚠️ Cause mold (health hazard)
⚠️ Spike water bills by $200-500/month
Try out the new method and rely on our trained and innovative pros for speed, safety, accuracy, and reasonable rates.

How we find leaks:
Minimal-Damage Repairs: 80% of the time we don't need to demolish walls — we make a small access point, fix it, patch it up.
→ Electronic leak detectors (hear water in walls)
→ Thermal imaging cameras (show hot/cold zones)
→ Video cameras (inspect pipes from inside)

When you need gas line work:
✓ Installing new gas appliance (water heater, stove, dryer, BBQ)
✓ Converting electric to gas
✓ Smell gas (EMERGENCY — evacuate and call 911 first)
✓ Upgrading old corroded pipes
✓ Adding outdoor gas line (BBQ, fire pit)
Common installations:
Gas water heaters (most popular), stoves, dryers, outdoor BBQs, tankless heaters, furnaces, fire pits.

Materials we use:
→ Black Iron Pipe: Traditional rigid pipe. Durable (50+ years). Best for main lines and indoor.
→ CSST Flexible Tubing: Yellow flexible tubing. Best for retrofits, tight spaces, earthquake areas. Faster install, fewer fittings.
Both are code-compliant and equally safe.
What you get:
✓ Gas line sizing calculations (proper flow)
✓ Run from meter or existing line
✓ Shut-off valves at each appliance (required)
✓ Pressure testing (2x operating pressure)
✓ Leak testing with sniffer and soap
✓ All permits and inspections (we handle)
✓ Appliance connection
Timeline:
Simple hookup: Half day.
Multiple appliances: 1-2 days.
Permit adds 1-3 days. Safety features:
- Earthquake shut-off valves (optional)
- Drip legs (catch debris)
- Proper bonding/grounding
- Clear labeling
Important: All gas work requires permits. We're licensed, insured, and handle everything. DIY gas work is illegal in California.