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Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see your question here, call and ask. You’ll get a straight answer and a clear next step.

Serving: Calistoga, Cloverdale, Forestville, Fulton, Geyserville, Graton, Healdsburg, Larkfield-Wikiup, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Windsor, and surrounding communities.

Scheduling, pricing, and service basics
- Do you offer emergency plumbing?
  
  Yes. If you have an active leak, a sewer backup, or water near electrical, call right away.
  Emergency line: 707-332-7775
- What areas do you serve?
  
  Bowen Plumbing serves: Windsor, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Calistoga, Guerneville, Forestville, Geyserville, Larkfield-Wikiup, Mark West, Graton, Fulton, and Lytton. If you’re not sure whether you’re in range, call and we’ll confirm.
- Do you give free estimates?
  
  For many repairs, pricing depends on what we see on site. We can often give a rough range by phone, then confirm options and pricing after a quick evaluation in person.
- Do you charge a service call fee?
  
  Service call policies vary by job type and distance. Call and we’ll tell you up front.
- Can you provide documentation for property managers or insurance?
  
  Yes. We can provide notes, photos, and a clear description of what failed and what was repaired. Coverage decisions are made by your insurer.
What we will fix and do
- What plumbing work do you handle?
  
  We routinely handle:
  
  Drain cleaning and repair
  
  Sewer camera inspections
  
  Hydro jetting (residential)
  
  Leak detection and repair
  
  Water heaters (tank and tankless)
  
  Water filtration and softener systems
  
  Toilets, faucets, showers, fixture replacement
  
  Garbage disposals
  
  Sump pumps
  
  High water pressure diagnosis and correction
  
  Gas lines (natural gas and propane)
  
  Fire pits and gas heaters (plumbing side)
  
  Whole-home repiping (water, sewer, gas as needed)
  
  Kitchen and bathroom remodel plumbing
- Do you work on tankless water heaters?
  
  Yes. We install, service, and troubleshoot tankless units, including flow issues, error codes, and performance problems.
- Can you help with low water pressure?
  
  Yes. We diagnose whether the issue is local (one fixture) or system-wide (pressure regulator, supply issues, valve problems, buildup, or failing piping).
- Do you install customer-supplied fixtures?
  
  Usually, yes. If you already bought a faucet, toilet, sink, disposal, or shower trim, we can install it if it’s compatible and complete. If something is missing or not a good fit, we’ll tell you before the work starts.
- Do you work with smart shutoff valves like Flo by Moen?
  
  Yes, in many situations. These systems can help prevent major water damage. We can advise on placement, plumbing requirements, and installation expectations.
What we will not do (or might decline)
- Do you do electrical work, drywall, or major restoration?
  
  No. We focus on plumbing. We can stop the leak and advise what materials were impacted, but drywall repair, flooring, cabinetry, and water damage restoration are handled by those trades.
- Do you unclog drains with chemical treatments?
  
  No. We don’t use harsh drain chemicals as a “solution.” They can damage pipes, create hazardous conditions, and often do not solve the real clog.
- Will you work on something if it’s unsafe or not to code?
  
  No. If a situation is unsafe, improperly vented, or violates code in a way that creates risk, we will recommend the correct repair path.
- Do you work on septic systems?
  
  In many cases, no. Septic work is typically handled by septic specialists. If you’re unsure whether your home is on septic or sewer, call and we’ll help you figure it out.
- Do you work on wells or irrigation systems?
  
  Generally no. Well pumps and irrigation are usually handled by well and irrigation specialists. We can help with the home plumbing side if the issue is inside the building and clearly plumbing-related.
- Do you do “handyman” tasks?
  
  No. If it’s not plumbing, gas piping, or related plumbing system work, we’ll likely refer you out.
Drains and sewer questions
- My sink drains slowly. Is that an emergency?
  
  Not always, but it can become one. If multiple drains are backing up, toilets bubble, or you smell sewage, that often points to a bigger issue and should be handled quickly.
- Do you do sewer camera inspections?
  
  Yes. Camera inspections are great for recurring clogs, suspected roots, older sewer lines, and pre-purchase evaluations.
- Do you remove tree roots from sewer lines?
  
  We can clear obstructions and recommend next steps. If the line is damaged or collapsing, clearing it is only part of the solution. We’ll explain what the camera shows and what options make sense.
- Do you do hydro jetting?
  
  Yes, for appropriate residential situations. Jetting is often used for heavy buildup, grease, or stubborn blockages when standard clearing isn’t enough.
Water heater questions
- How do I know if my water heater needs replacement?
  Common signs include:
  - Water around the base of the tank
  - Rust-colored water
  - Popping or rumbling sounds (sediment)
  - Inconsistent hot water
  - The unit is older and failing repeatedly
  We’ll tell you if a repair makes sense or if replacement is the smarter move.
- Do you install both tank and tankless water heaters?
  
  Yes.
Leak detection, pressure, and shutoffs
- I hear water running when everything is off. What should I do?
  
  First, check if toilets are silently running. If you can’t find the source, call. Hidden leaks can damage framing and flooring long before you see a puddle.
- My water pressure is too high. Can you fix that?
  
  Yes. High pressure can shorten the life of water heaters, faucets, and valves. We diagnose the cause and recommend the right fix, often involving a pressure regulator, expansion tank, or valve adjustments.
- Do you replace main shutoff valves?
  
  Yes, when needed. A working shutoff valve is one of the most valuable parts of your plumbing system.
Remodels and upgrades
- Do you do kitchen and bathroom remodel plumbing?
  
  Yes. We handle rough-in and finish plumbing, fixture installs, relocation of lines, and code-compliant connections.
- Do you handle permits and code requirements?
  
  We follow applicable code requirements. Permits depend on the job type and jurisdiction. If a permit is needed, we’ll tell you early so nothing gets stuck mid-project.
Before you call: quick safety questions
- I smell gas. Should I call you first?
  
  No. If you smell gas, leave the area and contact your gas provider or 911. After the area is safe, we can help diagnose and repair approved gas piping issues.
- There’s water near an outlet or electrical panel. What should I do?
  
  Stay out of the area and call us. If it’s safe to do so, shut off power at the breaker, but don’t step into water to reach it.

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