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Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to general questions about our plumbing, heating, and electric services, as well as our booking process, licensing, and billing.

70+ YEARS
Serving Bay Area
Homes & Businesses
Since 1954
4.9 STARS
From 2,000+ Customer Reviews
★★★★★
SAME-DAY SERVICE
Fast Response Across
SF & Peninsula

General Questions

Since 1954, Heise's Plumbing has been serving homeowners and businesses throughout San Francisco and the Peninsula. We combine decades of experience with modern technology to provide plumbing, electrical, sewer, drain, and appliance services from one trusted company.
We proudly serve:
  • San Francisco
  • Daly City
  • South San Francisco
  • Brisbane
  • Pacifica
  • Millbrae
  • Burlingame
  • Hillsborough
  • San Mateo
  • Belmont
  • San Carlos
  • Redwood City
  • Menlo Park
  • Atherton
  • Palo Alto
  • Surrounding Peninsula communities
Yes. Heise's Plumbing is fully licensed, bonded, and insured (License #1089561). Our technicians follow California building codes and manufacturer installation requirements to ensure every job is completed safely and correctly.
Heise's Plumbing is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured multi-trade contractor. Under California License #1089561, we hold four distinct CSLB classifications, allowing us to handle a broad range of specialized work:
  • A - General Engineering: Permits heavy-duty site work, trenchless sewer line replacements, and main underground line excavation.
  • C10 - Electrical: Permits full residential and commercial electrical work, wiring repairs, and service panel upgrades.
  • C20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating & Air-Conditioning (HVAC): Permits installation and maintenance of furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning, and venting systems.
  • C36 - Plumbing: Permits all types of water piping, drain cleaning, gas piping installations, and water heater services.
Having all four licenses under one roof means we can complete complex projects (like bathroom remodels or sewer replacements) without needing to hire outside subcontractors.
Yes. We provide emergency plumbing services for leaks, sewer backups, clogged drains, broken water heaters, burst pipes, gas leaks, and other urgent plumbing issues.
No. Unlike many plumbing companies, we do not charge extra for Saturday service, making weekend appointments more affordable.
Many services can be quoted over the phone. For larger repairs, sewer replacements, water heater installations, repiping, electrical work, or remodels, we'll perform an on-site evaluation before providing a detailed estimate.

Drain Cleaning & Sewer Questions

Drain snaking is typically best for:
  • Bathroom sinks
  • Toilets
  • Minor kitchen clogs

Hydro jetting is recommended for:
  • Main sewer line blockages
  • Tree roots
  • Heavy grease buildup
  • Recurring sewer backups

Our technician will recommend the most effective solution after evaluating your system.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to thoroughly clean the inside of sewer and drain pipes by removing grease, sludge, roots, and debris.

Benefits include:
  • Removes years of buildup
  • Restores full pipe diameter
  • Longer-lasting than traditional snaking
  • Environmentally friendly
Yes. We use high-definition sewer cameras to locate tree root intrusion, broken pipes, offsets, bellies, grease buildup, and collapsed sewer lines. Camera inspections help diagnose problems accurately without unnecessary digging.
In many cases, yes. Depending on the condition of your pipes, trenchless sewer repair or pipe replacement can significantly reduce excavation and landscape damage.
Recurring clogs often indicate grease buildup, tree root intrusion, structural pipe damage, incorrect pipe slope, or deterioration of old cast iron lines. Simply clearing the blockage may not solve the underlying issue. A sewer camera inspection is recommended to identify the root cause.

Water Heater Questions

If your water heater is over 10–12 years old, showing visible rust, actively leaking from the tank, or requiring frequent repairs, replacement is often the better and more cost-effective long-term investment. Our technicians can help evaluate your system.
Yes, we install both traditional tank water heaters and high-efficiency tankless water heater systems to fit your hot water needs and energy-saving goals.
Most standard tank and tankless water heater installations can be completed in a single day, minimizing disruption to your household.
Common causes include failing heating elements, sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, thermostat issues, or an undersized water heater for your home's usage. Our technicians can diagnose the issue and recommend a repair or replacement.

Plumbing Questions

Low water pressure can result from corroded galvanized pipes, hidden water leaks, faulty pressure regulators (PRV), mineral buildup in fixtures, or municipal supply issues. We will perform tests to isolate and resolve the issue.
Absolutely. We locate and repair leaks in all types of piping including copper, PEX, galvanized steel, PVC/ABS drain lines, and main underground water service lines.
Yes. Many older San Francisco homes still have galvanized piping that can rust internally, reducing water flow and impacting water quality. We specialize in complete whole-house repiping with modern copper or PEX.
A running toilet is usually caused by a worn-out flapper, a faulty fill valve, an incorrect float adjustment, or a malfunctioning flush valve. These repairs are typically quick and help prevent high water bills.
Yes, we supply and install a full range of fixtures including toilets, kitchen and bathroom faucets, garbage disposals, sinks, shower valves, bathtubs, pot fillers, and home water filtration systems.

Electrical Questions

Yes, our licensed electricians handle electrical panel upgrades, EV charging station installations, indoor/outdoor lighting, outlets and switches, electrical safety inspections, wiring repairs, and dedicated circuits.
Yes. Many modern major appliances—like ovens, ranges, electric dryers, and vehicle chargers—require a dedicated circuit to operate safely and comply with California electrical codes.

Appliance Questions

Yes, our specialized appliance division provides prompt repairs for refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and ranges of many leading brands.
We will always provide an honest recommendation based on the appliance's age, the estimated repair cost, historical reliability of the model, parts availability, and expected remaining lifespan.

Homeowner Tips & Questions

To prevent clogs, avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down the kitchen sink. Use strainers to catch hair and soap scum in baths, avoid flushing wipes (even those labeled "flushable"), and address slow drains immediately before they lead to backup emergencies.
For older properties or those with large trees nearby, we recommend a routine sewer camera lateral inspection every 2–3 years to catch root intrusion or structural settling early.
Absolutely. Our technicians are highly experienced with the unique systems found in San Francisco's Victorian, Edwardian, and historic homes, including cast iron stacks, galvanized pipes, and complex building configurations.
Yes, we partner with property managers, HOAs, commercial businesses, and multi-family residential complexes. We provide detailed estimates, progress reports, photos, and coordinated scheduling to make management easy.

Billing & Scheduling

We prioritize urgent calls and offer same-day service bookings whenever scheduling slots are available.

For most plumbing, electrical, and appliance service work, we bill using Time & Materials (T&M). This pricing method means you pay only for the actual time spent and materials used to complete your repair. Rather than paying a one-size-fits-all flat rate, T&M ensures you're charged based on the work your job actually requires. If the repair takes less time or fewer materials than expected, you benefit from the lower cost.

For many common installations—such as water heater replacements, toilet replacements, garbage disposals, and other standard replacement projects—we offer fixed contract pricing. In many cases, one of our friendly Account Managers can provide these prices over the phone before scheduling your appointment.

If you're unsure which pricing method applies to your project, simply give us a call. Our knowledgeable team will answer your questions, explain the process, and help you determine the most cost-effective solution for your home or business.