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Plumbing FAQ: Answers to the 20 Questions Californians Ask Most

By Done Wright Plumbing · Updated 2026-11-05

Quick answers to the questions our dispatchers hear every day.

How much does an emergency plumber cost?

We quote a flat price before any work begins, day or night. See emergency plumber.

How long does a water heater last?

Tank units 8–12 years; tankless 20+. See water heater replacement.

How often should I have drains cleaned?

Annually for homes with trees or recurring clogs. See drain cleaning.

Do I need a sewer inspection before buying a house?

Yes — it is the cheapest insurance against a five-figure surprise. See sewer camera inspection.

When should a house be repiped?

Galvanized or polybutylene pipes, repeated leaks, or brown water. See repiping.

Is backflow testing required?

Most California water districts require annual tests. See backflow testing.

What water pressure is normal?

45–65 PSI. Above 80 damages fixtures.

Why is my water bill high?

Running toilets and hidden leaks. Check the meter with all water off.

Can I put grease down the drain?

No — it is the number one cause of kitchen clogs.

Do you serve my city?

Yes — every city in California. Find yours on our locations page or call (888) 809-6756.

Related Services

Emergency Plumber

When water is pouring through a ceiling or a sewer is backing up into the house, you need an emergency plumber in California who actually picks up the phone.

Drain Cleaning

Sink draining slowly, shower pooling at your feet, or a kitchen drain that backs up every few weeks? Done Wright Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning in California using cable machines and hydro jetting that remove the clog completely — not just poke a hole through it..

Water Heater Replacement & Installation

When your water heater leaks or dies, you want hot water back today.

Sewer Camera Inspection

A sewer camera inspection shows exactly what is happening inside your pipes — roots, cracks, grease, offsets or bellies — so you only pay for the repair you need.

Repiping / Whole House Repipe

If your California home has repeated leaks, rusty water or pressure problems, patching one pipe at a time becomes a losing game.

Backflow Testing & Repair

Backflow preventers keep contaminated water from flowing back into the public supply, and most California water districts require annual testing.

More Plumbing Guides

Toilet Keeps Running? 5 Causes and How a Plumber Fixes It
Low Water Pressure in the House: Causes, Fixes and When to Repipe
Sink Drains Slowly? Why It Happens and the Right Way to Clear It
Water Dripping From the Ceiling: What to Do in the First 10 Minutes
Sewage Smell in the House: 7 Causes and How to Get Rid of It
Water Heater Making Noise? What Popping, Rumbling and Hissing Mean
Brown Water From the Faucet: Is It Safe and What Is Causing It?
Hot Water Runs Out Fast? Here Is Why (and 4 Ways to Fix It)
No Hot Water? 6 Things to Check Before You Call a Plumber
How to Choose the Best Plumber Near You: 9 Questions to Ask
Burst Pipe? Step-by-Step Guide to Minimise Damage

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