Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions

Dripping faucets, running toilets, clogged drains, and other common household plumbing issues may seem easy to repair on your own, but we advise homeowners to perform these jobs with caution. Many times, what you see is only a hint of a much larger problem. If you overlook the root cause, you may be headed for a major issue in the near future. It is best to leave the job to an experienced plumber who ensures that your plumbing system is in top working condition.

Budget certainly should be a consideration when you are looking for the best plumbing company in Manteca, but other factors are also important. Looking beyond the initial investment — aspects such as customer service, guarantees on the work, certifications, expertise, and supplemental services — is important to do. You may spend a little more now, but it could save you money on future repairs and even water use.

Many homeowners in Manteca contact MW Plumbing wondering if their plumbing issue can wait. Our answer is always the same – why wait for things to get worse? Even if you have just a little drip from your kitchen faucet or a small amount of water leaking around your bathroom fixtures, it is always advisable to take care of a small problem now.

In addition to the potential cost of repairing the most severe problems, such as broken pipes and sewer backups, a qualified plumber can save you money each month. Keeping your plumbing system in good working order reduces the amount of water that you waste each day, and this translates into cost savings for your utility bills. A good plumber will also recommend upgrades to your current system — new pipes, fittings, appliances, fixtures — that are designed to operate more efficiently.

As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Describing a plumbing company as “cheap” is not the same as saying “affordable.” Typically, an individual or company will cut corners in order to attract homeowners. You can shop by price, but make sure that the company offers the same benefits as other companies who may have higher rates.

Licensing does matter. In the Manteca area, plumbing companies that require all their technicians to be licensed are demonstrating a commitment to outstanding quality and maintaining the necessary standards of the plumbing industry. Licensing also protects you should the job go awry. You can check with your city licensing office and the State of Texas to find out what licensing is required for plumbing technicians and companies.

At MW Plumbing, we recommend that Manteca homeowners look for companies that have been in the industry for 20 years or longer. This should include general plumbing services as well as specialization in your particular needs, such as older homes, re-piping, appliance service and repair, major water leaks and burst pipes, and emergency repairs. Our technicians have been working in residential and commercial plumbing jobs of all sizes and levels of complexity.

Certifications are a nice bonus when it comes to plumbing companies in the Manteca area. Look for a company that has professional certifications that reflect a commitment to continuing education as well as certifications through business-oriented organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). MW Plumbing maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, and this lets our customers know that we provide excellent service and quality work every step of the way.

When you ask about certifications, listen to how the individual explains them. You want someone who is enthusiastic and positive about certification programs. If the person dismisses certifications, has not completed any in the last few years, or speaks poorly about the certification process, move on to the next plumbing company on your list.

Many homeowners in the Manteca area are interested in reducing their impact on the environment, especially now when pressure on natural resources and climate change are making us more aware of human impact. MW Plumbing offers in-home inspections to assess your current plumbing system and helps you find ways to reduce water consumption. Some of the more common solutions are low-flow toilets and energy-efficient hot water heaters.

A good plumbing company in the Manteca area will provide services that are outside of the more traditional jobs. At MW Plumbing, we offer water softening systems, bathroom updates, and water quality systems. Water softening removes the excess calcium from your water. The equipment is easy to install and can even help extend the lifetime of your water-based appliances, such as your dishwasher and clothes washer. Water-softening systems also prevent calcium buildup on fixtures to help them last longer. For your bathroom updates, we can install new showers and bathtub surrounds, whether you need a replacement or are doing an entire remodel. Water quality systems from MW Plumbing remove organic substances from your tap water for drinking and other purposes.

Many situations for emergency repairs are obvious, such as flooding from a broken pipe. However, we recommend that if you’re concerned with a plumbing issue at night or on the weekend, call us. We offer 24/7 repair services, and we would rather that you are feeling safe and comfortable in your home than worrying about the health and well-being of your family. Some of the common emergency repairs are:

• Sewage and wastewater coming through drains and toilets
• Broken pipes
• Flooding of one or more rooms
• Toilet overflowing
• Frozen pipes
• Water heater issues
• Rusted pipes and fixtures
• Drips and mold growth