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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our plumbing, heating, and boiler services.

What areas do you service?

We proudly serve San Francisco and Marin County.

In San Francisco, we cover all neighborhoods. In Marin, our home base is Novato, but we serve San Rafael, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Ross, Kentfield, Tiburon, and surrounding areas.

What are your hours?

Our standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
We also offer emergency services for urgent plumbing issues.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, we provide free estimates for most projects. For diagnostic work (where we need to troubleshoot a problem to find the cause), there may be a service fee, which is often waived if we proceed with the repair. Call us for details.

Why is water pressure a big deal in San Francisco?

San Francisco's water pressure can be surprisingly high, sometimes over 100 PSI, due to the city's hills and constant infrastructure work. The recommended pressure for a home is around 65 PSI. Anything over 80 PSI can damage your fixtures, cause leaks, and void warranties. We always check your water pressure to ensure your home is safe.

Why do I need a leak detection device?

Many insurance carriers (like State Farm) now require them for coverage. But beyond that, they save you from disaster. These devices monitor your water usage and automatically shut off the water if they detect a leak—preventing thousands of dollars in water damage while you're away.

What is the difference between a boiler and a water heater?

A standard water heater just heats water for your showers and sinks. A boiler is a more powerful, intelligent system that can do that plus heat your home (radiant heating). Boilers "modulate" their output, meaning they only burn as much fuel as needed to maintain the temperature, making them extremely efficient for heating large spaces.

Should I switch to a heat pump water heater?

Heat pump water heaters are incredibly efficient—up to 400% more efficient than standard electric models. However, they need space and airflow to work properly. They are often perfect for Marin homes with garages but might be too bulky for a tight San Francisco closet. We can help you decide if it's the right fit for your home.

Do you work on Eichler homes?

Yes, we specialize in them! Eichler homes in Marin (like Lucas Valley) and San Francisco often still have their original 60-year-old radiant heating systems. When these boilers fail, you can't just swap in a new machine; the old pipes are often full of sludge that will destroy a new high-efficiency boiler. We have a specific process to flush, clean, and protect your system so your new boiler lasts.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractors in the state of California.

Need a Plumber?

Don't wait for a plumbing emergency. Contact us today for a free estimate.