Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, a commercial emergency, or questions about medical gas compliance, we’ve got answers. Browse by category or jump to the question on your mind. Still need help? Our team is one call away.
General & Emergency Questions
What does it mean to be "The Fixers"?
“The Fixers” is more than a nickname. It’s our promise. At Silicon Pro Service Plumbing, we earned this reputation by consistently doing what we say we’ll do: showing up on time, diagnosing problems accurately, and fixing them right the first time.
Led by Felipe Miguel Mejia, our team approaches every job with the mindset that a temporary patch isn’t good enough. We identify the root cause, use quality materials, and stand behind our work. When other plumbers leave you with callbacks and repeat visits, The Fixers leave you with a permanent solution.
That’s why over 2,500 Bay Area clients trust us for their homes, businesses, and medical facilities
Do you offer service in Spanish?
Sí. Se Habla Español. As a Hispanic-owned business led by Felipe Miguel Mejia, we proudly serve our diverse Silicon Valley community in both English and Spanish.
We believe clear communication is the foundation of great service. Whether you prefer to discuss your plumbing needs in English or Spanish, you’ll receive the same professional, respectful, and transparent experience. Our bilingual team ensures nothing gets lost in translation, especially when it comes to estimates, diagnoses, and repair recommendations.
What are your response times for emergency plumbing?
For emergency calls in Sunnyvale and the immediate South Bay area, our average response time is 30 to 60 minutes. Because we’re locally based at 1111 Elko Drive in Sunnyvale, we’re already close by when you need us.
For emergency calls in San Jose, Santa Clara, and Cupertino, response times typically range from 45 to 90 minutes.
We offer true 24/7 emergency plumbing service. Nights, weekends, and holidays included. When you call (408) 545-8808, you’ll speak directly to a member of our team.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
If it’s flooding, leaking, smoking, or making you smell gas, it’s an emergency. Call us right away at (408) 545-8808.
Common plumbing emergencies we handle 24/7:
- Burst or broken pipes
- Major water leaks causing flooding
- Sewer backups in your home or business
- Gas leaks (leave the building first, then call us from outside)
- Complete water heater failures
- Frozen pipes during winter cold snaps
- Toilet overflows that don’t stop with the shutoff valve
When in doubt, call. We’d rather walk you through a fix over the phone than have you wait while damage spreads.
Do you serve my area?
We’re headquartered in Sunnyvale and serve the greater Bay Area, including San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Milpitas, Fremont, Redwood City, San Mateo, and Morgan Hill.
Residential Plumbing Questions
Why is my water so hard in San Jose and Sunnyvale?
The South Bay has some of the hardest water in California. Our water supply comes from underground aquifers that flow through mineral-rich rock, picking up high concentrations of calcium and magnesium along the way.
Signs you have hard water:
- White, chalky residue on faucets, showerheads, and shower doors
- Dry, itchy skin and brittle hair
- Appliances like dishwashers and water heaters failing prematurely
- Reduced water pressure from mineral buildup in pipes
- Spots on dishes and glassware after washing
- Soap that won’t lather no matter how much you use
A water softener is the most effective solution. We install both traditional salt-based systems and salt-free water conditioners.
How do I know if I have a slab leak?
A slab leak occurs when a water pipe beneath your home’s concrete foundation develops a leak. These are serious because they can damage your foundation and waste thousands of gallons of water if left unaddressed.
Warning signs of a slab leak:
- Hot spots on your floor (warm areas on tile or hardwood)
- Unexplained water bill increases (a sudden spike in usage)
- Sound of running water when all faucets are off
- Damp or warped flooring, especially near walls
- Cracks appearing in walls or floors
- Mildew or musty smell with no obvious source
If you suspect a slab leak, call us immediately. We use advanced electronic leak detection equipment to pinpoint the exact location without tearing up your floors unnecessarily.
My drains keep clogging. Should I keep snaking them or do I need something more?
Recurring clogs are almost always a sign of a deeper issue. Roots in the sewer line, grease buildup, scale accumulation, or pipe damage can all cause repeat clogs that snaking only temporarily solves.
If you’re snaking the same drain more than twice a year, it’s time for a sewer camera inspection. We can see exactly what’s happening inside the pipe and recommend either hydro-jetting for buildup or trenchless repair for damaged sections.
How often should I have my water heater serviced?
We recommend annual flushing and inspection for tank-style water heaters and inspections every 1 to 2 years for tankless units. Bay Area hard water is rough on water heaters, and regular maintenance can double the lifespan of your unit.
Signs your water heater needs attention now:
- Inconsistent hot water or sudden cold showers
- Strange noises (popping, rumbling, or hissing)
- Rust-colored water from hot taps
- Pooling water around the base of the unit
- A unit older than 8 to 12 years
Do I really need to repipe my house, or can you just repair the leak?
If you have a single isolated leak in a relatively new pipe, repair makes sense. But if you’re dealing with multiple leaks, galvanized steel pipes (common in older Sunnyvale and San Jose homes), corroded copper, or visibly damaged plumbing, repiping is usually the smarter long-term call.
We’ll always give you both options with honest pricing. Sometimes a repair is the right answer. Sometimes whole-house repiping saves you thousands in future damage. We’ll never push you toward the bigger job if the smaller one is the right fit.
Commercial & Property Management Questions
Do you work with property management companies?
Yes. We partner with property management companies throughout the Bay Area, including members of NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers).
We understand tenant urgency and respond quickly. We provide detailed documentation, clear invoices, and professional interaction with residents. We currently service apartment complexes, condo associations, HOAs, and commercial properties throughout the South Bay.
Can you handle commercial plumbing emergencies?
Absolutely. Commercial plumbing emergencies can shut down operations and cost businesses thousands per hour in lost revenue. Our 24/7 emergency response includes commercial properties: restaurants, offices, retail spaces, medical facilities, and industrial buildings.
We arrive prepared with commercial-grade equipment, including hydro-jetters, video cameras, and the parts most commonly needed for emergency repairs
Do you offer maintenance contracts for businesses?
Yes. Our preventive maintenance programs are designed for property managers, restaurant owners, office facility managers, and HOAs who want to avoid emergencies before they happen.
Regular maintenance includes scheduled inspections, drain cleaning, backflow testing, water heater service, and prioritized response when issues arise. Custom plans available based on your property type and size
Are you licensed to do backflow testing in California?
Yes. We’re a licensed C-36 plumbing contractor (#1092134) and certified to perform backflow prevention testing required by California water districts. We handle the testing, documentation, and submission to your local water authority.
Medical Gas Questions
What is NITC certification for medical gas?
NITC stands for National Inspection Testing Certification, the industry standard for medical gas system installation. It’s a specialized certification that qualifies technicians to work on medical gas pipelines in healthcare facilities.
Why it matters:
- Patient safety: Medical gas systems deliver oxygen, nitrous oxide, and other critical gases. Improper installation can be life-threatening.
- Regulatory compliance: NFPA 99 mandates certified technicians for medical gas work in healthcare facilities.
- Insurance and licensing: Most healthcare insurance and facility licensing requires NITC-certified installation and maintenance records.
Silicon Pro Service Plumbing holds NITC certification, making us one of the few Bay Area contractors qualified to serve dental offices, medical clinics, surgical centers, and veterinary practices.
What does NFPA 99 compliance mean for my dental or medical office?
NFPA 99 is the National Fire Protection Association’s “Health Care Facilities Code,” the standard governing medical gas systems, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety in healthcare facilities.
For your office, NFPA 99 compliance means:
- Annual medical gas system inspections by certified technicians
- Proper installation, labeling, and zone valve identification
- Documentation of all repairs, maintenance, and certifications
- Pressure testing and leak detection on a regular schedule
- Code-compliant installation of oxygen, nitrous oxide, and vacuum systems
Non-compliance can lead to insurance issues, licensing problems, or worse, patient safety incidents. We handle every aspect of NFPA 99 compliance for our healthcare clients.
What kinds of healthcare facilities do you work with?
We work with a wide range of healthcare facilities including:
- Dental offices (general dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric)
- Medical clinics and physician offices
- Surgical centers and ambulatory surgery centers
- Veterinary clinics
- Urgent care facilities
- Specialty practices (cosmetic, dermatology, etc.)
Whether you’re building out a new practice or maintaining an established one, we provide installation, repair, maintenance, leak detection, and compliance services.
How often does my medical gas system need to be inspected?
NFPA 99 requires annual inspection at minimum for all medical gas systems in healthcare facilities. Many facility insurance policies and state licensing requirements may require more frequent inspections.
We offer ongoing inspection contracts that handle scheduling, testing, documentation, and reporting so your practice stays compliant year-round without you having to track every detail.
I'm opening a new dental office. When should I bring you in?
As early as possible. The earlier we’re involved, the smoother the build-out. Ideally we’re consulting with you and your architect during the design phase so the medical gas system is engineered correctly from day one.
We work with architects, general contractors, and dental equipment vendors throughout the Bay Area to design and install medical gas systems that pass inspection on the first try.
Pricing & Service Area Questions
How much does plumbing service cost?
It depends on the job, but here’s what we promise: you’ll always know the cost before we start. We provide upfront, written estimates after diagnosing the issue. No surprise charges, no hidden fees.
We’re not the cheapest plumber in the Bay Area, and we don’t try to be. We’re the most reliable. Our pricing reflects fully licensed and insured technicians, quality materials, and work that’s done right the first time, so you don’t pay twice.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. For larger jobs like whole-house repiping, water heater replacement, or major commercial work, we offer financing options to make the work more manageable.
Do you offer any discounts or specials?
We run seasonal promotions and offer discounts for first-time customers, repeat clients, and emergency service plans.
Are you insured?
Yes. We’re fully licensed (C-36 #1092134), bonded, and insured, with comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation coverage. If anything happens on your property, you’re protected.
How do I get an estimate?
Three easy ways:
- Call us at (408) 545-8808
- Fill out our online estimate request form
- Send us a message through our contact page
For most jobs, we can give you a rough estimate over the phone and a precise estimate after a brief in-person assessment, often the same day.
DIDN'T FIND YOUR ANSWER? THE FIXERS ARE HERE TO HELP.
Every plumbing situation is unique. If you have a question we didn’t cover here, give us a call. We’ll give you a straight answer and honest guidance, no obligation.