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Q&A
Does our water from Hetch Hetchy cause plumbing problems?
While the water quality is high, it is moderately hard. The dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, deposit as scale inside pipes and on fixtures. Over time, this scaling significantly reduces the inner diameter of pipes, lowers pressure, and insulates water heater elements, forcing them to work harder and fail sooner.
Who handles permits for a repipe or sewer repair?
Any major plumbing work in San Mateo County requires permits from the County Planning and Building Department. As a licensed contractor with the CSLB, I manage that entire process—pulling permits, scheduling inspections, and ensuring code compliance. My job is to handle the red tape so your project proceeds smoothly and legally.
Why are my old pipes leaking so much lately?
Galvanized steel installed in the late 1950s suffers from internal corrosion and scale buildup. After nearly 70 years, the pipe walls become thin and brittle. This leads to pinhole leaks, and the calcification at joints can cause them to split under normal water pressure. Complete failure of sections, especially behind walls, is common at this stage.
What plumbing issues are specific to suburban homes here?
Suburban properties here often have mature landscaping. Tree roots are a frequent invader of the sewer lateral, the pipe running from your house to the municipal main. Roots seek out the moisture and minor cracks in older clay or cast iron lines, eventually causing complete blockages that require professional clearing or pipe lining.
How quickly can a plumber get to my home?
From our service area, we can be at your door in 20 to 30 minutes. The dispatch route often involves heading past Stanford University and taking US-101 north to the Fair Oaks exit. Traffic on that corridor is predictable, which allows for reliable scheduling and quick response when you have a water emergency.
How old are the pipes in my North Fair Oaks house?
Homes here were typically built with galvanized steel pipe systems around 1957. That means they are now 69 years old, which is well past their expected service life. In Fair Oaks Village, you’re likely seeing widespread corrosion manifesting as low water pressure, discolored water, and frequent leaks at threaded joints. The steel has simply worn thin from the inside out over decades.
Could my home's location cause main sewer line issues?
The low-lying terrain in parts of North Fair Oaks can affect drainage and put static pressure on underground sewer mains. Over decades, this constant stress, combined with soil movement, can cause the main line to sag or develop cracks at the joints. It’s a common point of failure we inspect for, especially in homes near the older neighborhoods.
Should I worry about pipes freezing in this area?
Our temperate climate means hard freezes are rare, but overnight lows can dip to around 40°F during winter peaks. A pro-tip for older homes: insulate any exposed pipes in unheated crawlspaces or against exterior walls. A single cold snap can freeze a vulnerable line, and the subsequent thaw is when galvanized pipes, already weakened, are most likely to burst.
