Plumbing

When your water bill is higher than usual, the increase may not simply be higher water rates in San Diego. A sudden increase in water bills can be caused by broken water pipes, leaky faucets, running toilets, or other issues. Whether your high water bill is caused by increased usage or plumbing damage, contact Bill

You’ll be glad to know that the city of San Diego’s water supply meets federal and state safety standards. However, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a passing grade does not mean your tap water is necessarily healthy. The minerals, chemicals, and contaminants in our drinking water are still higher than they could be,

In San Diego, the city adheres to the California Plumbing Code (CPC) with specific amendments for the city. The City of San Diego requires a permit for plumbing work, including modifications, additions, or replacements of a plumbing system or its components. The plumbing permit regulations are designed to protect public health, ensure safety, and minimize

Discover effective solutions for eliminating smelly drains in your bathroom, shower, and kitchen. Keep your home fresh and odor-free with these tips!

Budgeting for a water filtration system? Learn about the expenses involved and the benefits of investing in clean, filtered water for your home’s health and well-being.

Recognize signs of a gas leak at home: unusual odors, hissing sounds, or dead plants. Learn symptoms, safety tips, and what to do next. Stay safe!

Don’t let drain clogs slow you down. Learn how to effectively unclog your shower and tub drain with our ultimate guide. Say goodbye to blockages for good!

Facing plumbing emergencies? Learn about common issues and when to call the pros. Count on us for expert assistance in any plumbing emergency.

Ensure a healthy plumbing system. Learn why backflow testing is crucial for water safety and system reliability. Keep your home’s water quality in check.

Dive into the pros and cons of tankless vs. tank water heaters. Our guide helps you navigate and choose the right system for your needs.

Troubled by a water heater leak? Understand the causes and find quick solutions to prevent further damage. Your guide to a dry and secure home.

There are many ways to get fresh, clean, pure water flowing from any, and every, tap in your home. Water filtration systems for home use are great investments that can save money and provide clean and safe water for everyday use. There are a few different types of water filtration systems for use in the

With the sporadic rainstorms we’ve been getting, expectations of El Nino, and Spring right around the corner, there hasn’t been a better time to upgrade your home. Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air in San Diego has been serving families in the community for over 35 years. We are proud to be HERO Registered Contractor

In this installment, we show you the basics of faucet installation using a Moen faucet with a separate spray pullout. In a perfect situation, installing a new Moen faucet it fairly simple. Prior to beginning, make sure you have all tools necessary and follow all manufacturer instructions. Once the faucet has been removed (read part

As a premiere San Diego plumbing company for 35 years, we have seen quite a few leaking water heaters, and many times it does not leak at a convenient time. Whether it is in the middle of the night, or during a weekend get together, the last thing you want to have to do is

Discovering a clogged drain is never a fun time. But it can be an especially frustrating problem during the holidays. When you have company, especially overnight guests, you don’t want to have a mess to clean up. Understanding what causes clogged drains during the holidays can help you prevent frustrations and be better prepared when

Black water comes from toilets and urinals, and grey water (also called greywater, graywater, or gray water) makes up the rest of the wastewater in a home or business. While black water isn’t suitable for reuse due to fecal matter and urine, grey water can be used for many applications both inside and outside. Some

Many people ask us about the differences between water conditioners and water softeners. The two terms are frequently confused, but they are not the same. If you’re looking for a water treatment to install in your home, knowing what to look for and what fits your needs best is essential. In this guide, we’ll compare the

The Coronavirus is still active in San Diego and the Bill Howe Family of Companies is doing everything we can to prevent the spread while taking care of our customers’ needs. We continue to conduct business as safely as humanly possible, which includes regularly monitoring the health of our staff. From the first news of

What is Hydro Jetting? Hydro jetting is an eco-friendly drain cleaning alternative that uses pressurized water instead of harsh chemicals or other invasive options. The high-pressure jet stream is the best solution for stubborn clogs, offering relief for backed-up drains and concerned homeowners. Plus, the hydro jet drain cleaning price is in line with other

When it comes to pipes, the drains are bound to get clogged. Keeping your plumbing clog-free is a vital skill when it comes to owning a home. After all, when the plumbing system isn’t working, it can disrupt the entire household. But let’s face it—even the most responsible homeowners will eventually face a clogged drain.

When you are experiencing a clogged sink or tub drain, sometimes a plunger just doesn’t cut it. Before you call a certified Bill Howe plumber, try snaking your drain. What is a drain snake? A drain snake is typically available for purchase at your local hardware store and serves as a drain clearing tool. These

Water filters not only provide you with clean, fresh, safe drinking water straight from your sink but help to save the environment as well. Adding water filtration may be a larger upfront installation cost, but will save you money in the long run by saving on bottled water costs. When it comes to water purification

A water pressure regulator not only helps to reduce the water pressure coming from the main water line, but also helps it to flow at a safe level as well. To make sure that your water pressure regulator is functioning properly, it is best to have your water pressure regulator installation handled by a certified

How to Unclog the Garbage Disposal There are times when you may forget to not put bones, coffee grounds, eggshells, bread, fibrous or stringy fruits and veggies, grease, and oil down the garbage disposal. When this happens, you may be met with a clogged or ineffective disposal. Continue reading to discover a few tips to

While the name does not sound too terrible, backflow can be a serious hazard to your health. So, what is backflow? In short, backflow is a plumbing term that describes the unwanted flow of water in the opposite, unintended direction. Backflow usually occurs when the city’s water system is disrupted and/or turned off, and it

Have you thought about scheduling a plumbing inspection? As a homeowner, it’s easy to overlook potential issues within your home’s plumbing systems and drains. Residential plumbing often takes a backseat until a problem arises or a flood occurs. However, a professional plumbing inspection is an invaluable way to ensure your plumbing system is in top

The best way to avoid emergency plumbing and drain repairs is by preventing them. While not all problems can be foreseen, there are plenty of home plumbing maintenance tips that can go a long way in eliminating middle of the night emergencies. Plumbing Preventative – Drains The best way to prevent drain clogs is to

There are many times when DIY home plumbing projects can save money. Handy homeowners can make repairs to running toilets, minor leaks, and clogged drains with the right tools. Local home stores make it easy to find the right parts and offer expert tips. For example, homeowners can easily clear minor hair clogs from shower

Hydro jetting is an effective method of cleaning drains and main sewer lines. A hydro jetting machine has a water storage tank and hose attachments that will blast water into the drain lines from approximately 1500 PSI for kitchen jetters and 4000 PSI for main sewer line jetters. A professional plumbing contractor will use specialty

San Diego has near perfect weather, but we do get winter storms and with them comes heavy rains. These rains can wreak havoc on the roads and also cause flooding across the county, including in many residential yards. Homeowners living in low floodplains can experience flooding in their yards, but it can also flood their

Accidentally dumped your coffee grounds in the sink? Coffee grounds can clog your sink, but don’t worry — we’re here to help! In this article, you will learn how to dissolve coffee grounds in the drain and other effective tips for unclogging a sink. Organic food items can be broken down and passed through garbage

No one usually thinks about drains until they are clogged. Learn how to prevent clogged drains here. How to Prevent Clogged Drains At best, a clogged drain will run slow giving homeowners time to repair the drain without major inconveniences. At worst, drains can overflow causing water damage, costly repairs, and frustration for residents. While

Drains become clogged through normal use, abuse to the line, exterior elements, accidental causes, and neglect. Homeowners can take precautions to help eliminate constant backups, but it helps to understand what the main drain blockages causes are and how to prevent clogged drains. Kitchen Drain Blockages Causes The most common causes of kitchen drains backing

Grease traps, or grease interceptors, are plumbing systems designed to prevent fats, oils and grease buildup, as well as other solids from entering the cities public sewer system where they could accumulate over time eventually causing major city drain blockages. Who Has a Grease Trap? All businesses, typically restaurants and coffee shops, that have a

If you’re like many Californians, you begin every day with a fresh cup of coffee. That daily routine creates plenty of used coffee grounds that have to end up somewhere. If you’re a coffee drinker who has wondered, “Can coffee grounds go down the sink?”, you’ve come to the right place. What Happens When Coffee

Not all plumbing is created equal. From minor issues such as drain clogs and faucet leaks to major gas line repairs and slab leak detection and repair, plumbing issues span the spectrum from small to large. Plumbing can also differ based on the space or building. Service & repair plumbing in a commercial space versus

Of course lead is very harmful when ingested, but how can it be avoided in our water? Learn how water filtration systems remove lead and prevent lead exposure here! With events in Flint, Michigan and many other areas across our nation, lead in potable, unfiltered water is a big concern for many homeowners. In San

What components must facilities managers and business owners think about when ensuring they are maintaining their commercial space plumbing? Managing large commercial buildings require a team of individuals and attention to numerous variables form occupied space to utility usage, interior and exterior consideration, and countless maintenance items. Most facilities managers also have their own maintenance

Discover the steps you can take to prevent a gas leak in your home including updated appliances, carbon monoxide alarms and more! Gas leaks are dangerous, posing safety and health hazards to homeowners. There are steps to take in the event that you discover a leak, as well as steps to prevent leaks from occurring

Gas leaks pose a significant danger to homeowners. Gas leaks can cause explosions as well as illness, even in small amounts. It is crucial for homeowners to understand how gas leaks occur and what to look for to keep their families and property safe. Countless people fall ill each year due to exposure to natural

Tankless water heaters offer tremendous benefits such as endless hot water, space savings, and increased operating efficiency, but homeowners often ask, do tankless water heaters really save money? Tankless water heaters are on-demand water heaters that heat water as it is used. Because they do not store water and heat continuously, tankless water heaters offer

While Tankless Water Heaters are not new, they have been gaining in popularity in the United States over the past decade or so. Bill Howe Plumbing has been installing tankless water heaters in San Diego for over 20 years with brands Rinnai and Noritz. There are many advantages of tankless water heaters including efficiency and

Put simply, slab leaks are water leaks under a concrete slab. But these kind of leaks can cause serious damage to your home. Discover more here. A slab leak happens when the copper water lines delivering water to your home develop pinhole leaks. Homeowners might not be aware that the water pipes in their home

Many San Diego homeowners will at one time or another face a common and damaging issue: slab leaks. For homeowners lucky enough to have never experienced a slab leak, they are a source of frustration bringing new challenges. Imagine walking into the living room and discovering a mysterious wet spot. Who do you call, your

As San Diego’s Best Plumber, we know the important role we play in health in safety. We’ve scoured the web and compiled a short list of some major events in the history of plumbing, and a few focus on health. How many did you know? We’re missing a lot (plumbing has been in use for a

Is it Safe to Place a Brick in my Toilet? In San Diego, our plumbers are tasked with helping customers not only to solve complex plumbing issues but also to help conserve water. Over the years, many new products have come into the market to help save water, including high efficiency and dual flush toilets.

We came across an interesting article in a great industry online newsletter asking the question, what’s the difference between a plumber and a technician? Although we tend to disagree with how it was answered, we definitely thought it was worth talking about, especially since at Bill Howe Plumbing, we tend to use these terms interchangeably.

You purchase and install a water heater, that’s usually the end of the story. You call for hot water, and it appears! Until there’s no hot water, or your tank is leaking, we often don’t give it a second thought. But, you should! Just like you keep up the maintenance on your vehicle, and your

You don’t need plumbers in San Diego to tell you how hard the counties water can be. In fact, we have one of the worst ranking water in the country (coming in at 9th) which can cause many issues with your homes plumbing. One of the more annoying, but easily resolved, issues is that of

Are your pipes making noise? What do they mean and when should you call on the professional services of a San Diego plumber? At Bill Howe Plumbing, we have seen and “heard” just about everything. We’re sure that most people at one time or another have also experienced strange noises in the night. When your

As a San Diego plumbing repair company for more than three decades, we know that resolving a clogged toilet is one of the most common repair requests. And toilet clogs especially seem to happen at the most inconvenient moments like: during a party, when guests are visiting, or in the middle of the night. So,

Garbage disposals are a very convenient appliance. They typically help make kitchen cleanups a breeze and are a staple in many homes. However, as a long time plumber in San Diego, we know that every now and then, these fixtures clog and often times, these blockages are caused by the same few items. As a

Bill Howe Plumbing slab leak locator, Luis Mascareno tells us what his customers ask most often when they’re dealing with a slab leak: Q: How long have you been specialized in slab leak location and repair? A: I started with Bill Howe Plumbing about 11 years ago and I’ve focused on slab leak location and

In California, water shortage each year is a major problem. Since San Diego County receives such little rainfall each year, there is always the possibility of a water shortage that could ultimately result in mandatory water conservation. However, at Bill Howe, the leading plumber in San Diego, we will always suggest residents try to conserve

At Bill Howe, we know that no one enjoys the odor of rotting food rising from their sink and garbage disposal. Many websites offer natural solutions for getting rid of garbage disposal odor, including the idea of grinding up lemons in the disposal. Some claim that the clean, fresh lemon scent can eliminate any odors

Performing annual maintenance on your water heater is extremely important and can be easily done. Over the course of the life of a water heater, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. When the sediment builds up, the water heater has to use more energy to heat through the sediment and then heat