Plumbing FAQ

Yes. Stedman's Plumbing is fully licensed (CA Contractors License #1110490) and insured. All work is performed by trained, background-checked technicians and meets California plumbing code.

We serve Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Reedley, Selma, Fowler, Kingsburg, Visalia, Hanford, and surrounding Central Valley communities within approximately 50 miles of Fresno. View our full service area.

Our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For emergencies outside business hours, call our after-hours line at (559) 770-9772.

Yes. We provide free estimates for most plumbing work and give you upfront, flat-rate pricing before any work begins — no surprise fees. Call (559) 770-9772 or schedule online.

Yes. Stedman's Plumbing works with major home warranty providers. Contact us at (559) 770-9772 or info@stedmansplumbing.com and we can help coordinate your service request.

Most service calls take 1–2 hours. Simple repairs like fixing a leak or clearing a clog are often done within an hour. Larger jobs such as water heater replacements or repiping may take a half to full day. We'll always give you a clear time estimate before we start.

Water heater replacement in Fresno typically costs $900–$2,500 depending on the type (tank vs. tankless) and size. Call (559) 770-9772 for a free estimate.

Signs you may need a water heater replacement include: rusty or discolored water, rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, water that no longer gets hot enough, water pooling around the base, or a unit that's more than 10–12 years old.

Tank water heaters store and continuously heat a fixed supply (typically 30–80 gallons). Tankless units heat water on demand, providing unlimited hot water and using up to 30% less energy — but have a higher upfront cost. We install and service both types.

Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years. Tankless units can last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Flushing the tank annually and checking the anode rod can significantly extend the life of a tank unit.

Rumbling or popping sounds are usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. As the burner heats water trapped under the sediment, it creates those sounds. Flushing the tank can help, but if the noise is severe, the unit may be near the end of its life.

Yes. We install all major brands of tankless water heaters including Navien, Rinnai, A.O. Smith, and more. We'll assess your home's gas line capacity and hot water demand to recommend the right unit for your household.

Yes. California Plumbing Code (§504.4) requires a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve on all water heaters. It's a critical safety device — if it's missing, leaking, or corroded, it should be replaced immediately. A union fitting within 6" of the T&P valve is also required per CPC §605.5.

For mild clogs, start with a plunger or a hand-operated drain snake. Avoid liquid chemical drain cleaners — while they may clear a clog temporarily, they can corrode pipes over time and make future clogs worse. For recurring or severe clogs, call a licensed plumber.

Recurring clogs usually point to a deeper problem — grease or soap buildup deep in the line, tree root intrusion, a belly or sag in the pipe, or a partial blockage further down the sewer line. A camera inspection can pinpoint the exact cause so we fix the root problem, not just the symptom.

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) to blast grease, scale, and debris out of your pipes — leaving them nearly like new. It's more effective than snaking for severe buildup and is often recommended for older homes or recurring blockages.

Standard drain cleaning is $99 flat rate for residential drains up to 50 ft. with our current promotion. Main sewer line clearing or commercial-grade blockages may require additional service. View our current offers.

Avoid putting grease, oil, or fat down any drain — they solidify in pipes and cause severe buildup. Also avoid: coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, paper towels, "flushable" wipes, feminine products, and dental floss. In the kitchen, use a drain strainer to catch food particles.

Signs of a hidden leak include: unexplained spikes in your water bill, the sound of running water when everything is off, damp spots on walls or ceilings, musty smells from mold, or low water pressure throughout the house. We use electronic leak detection equipment to find leaks non-invasively.

We currently offer $200 OFF leak detection as a limited-time promotion. Claim this offer here. Call (559) 770-9772 for current pricing.

Absolutely. Even a slow drip can waste thousands of gallons of water per year, and a small pipe leak behind a wall can lead to mold, rotted framing, and foundation damage if left unchecked. We recommend addressing any known leak immediately.

Yes — a sudden spike in your water bill without a change in usage is one of the strongest indicators of a leak. Try the meter test: turn off all water in your home, note your meter reading, and check it again in 1–2 hours. If the numbers moved, you likely have a leak somewhere in the system.

A sewer camera inspection runs a high-resolution waterproof camera through your main sewer line to identify blockages, root intrusion, cracks, pipe corrosion, and bellied sections. We currently offer $150 OFF. Claim this offer.

Common signs include: unexplained spikes in your water bill, warm spots on the floor (hot water line leak), the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, cracks in tile or flooring, or damp carpet. We use electronic detection to locate slab leaks precisely without unnecessary digging.

Repair options include: Spot repair — cutting a small opening in the slab to access the pipe. Pipe rerouting — running a new pipe through walls or the attic, bypassing the leak entirely. Epoxy pipe lining — coating the inside of the damaged pipe with epoxy. We assess each situation and recommend the best approach for your home.

Slab leak repair costs vary widely based on the location, access difficulty, and repair method — typically ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars. We provide a full assessment and written estimate before any work begins. Call (559) 770-9772.

Many homeowner's insurance policies cover the cost of accessing the leak (cutting the slab) but not always the pipe repair itself. Policies vary — contact your insurance provider before authorizing any work. We can provide documentation and photos to support your claim.

Very urgent. A slab leak left unrepaired can erode your foundation, cause severe mold, damage flooring and walls, and result in structural problems over time. If you suspect a slab leak, call us right away at (559) 770-9772.

Leave immediately. Do not turn any lights or appliances on or off. Leave the door open as you exit and call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 from a safe distance. Once PG&E has assessed the situation, call us at (559) 770-9772 to locate and repair the gas leak safely.

Yes. We install gas lines for ranges, dryers, water heaters, BBQ connections, fire pits, and more. All gas line work is permitted and inspected per California Plumbing Code requirements to ensure safety.

We use professional combustible gas detectors and pressure testing to locate gas leaks precisely. This allows us to identify even small leaks that aren't detectable by smell alone. After repair, we pressure-test the entire line to confirm it's airtight.

Yes. California Plumbing Code (§1212.8) requires a sediment trap (drip leg) at the inlet of all gas appliances. It prevents moisture and debris from entering the appliance's gas valve, which can cause damage or unsafe operation. This is commonly missing or improperly installed during DIY work.

A constantly running toilet is almost always caused by a worn flapper valve, a float that's set too high, or a faulty fill valve. Left unrepaired, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day — significantly raising your water bill. It's usually a quick, inexpensive fix.

Frequent toilet clogs can be caused by flushing non-flushable items (wipes, paper towels, cotton balls), a low-flow toilet that lacks flushing power, a partial blockage in the drain line, or a problem further down the sewer. If your toilet clogs regularly, it's worth having a plumber assess the situation.

Yes. A rocking toilet can break the wax ring seal at the base, leading to sewer gas odors and water leaks into the subfloor. Tighten the floor bolts first — if the rocking continues, the toilet likely needs to be reset with a new wax ring.

Water at the base of the toilet usually means the wax ring has failed. This allows sewer water to seep out during each flush. It should be repaired promptly to prevent subfloor damage and mold. We can replace the wax ring and inspect for any underlying damage.

If your toilet is over 20 years old, frequently clogs, or requires repeated repairs, replacement is often the better long-term value. Modern toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush vs. 3.5–7 gallons for older models — the water savings alone often offset the replacement cost.

A dripping faucet is most often caused by a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge inside the valve. Even a slow drip can waste 3,000+ gallons of water per year. The fix is usually straightforward — we can replace the internal components without changing the entire faucet.

Low pressure at a single faucet is usually a clogged aerator — unscrew the aerator tip, soak it in vinegar, and rinse. If low pressure affects the whole house, the cause could be a partially closed shutoff valve, a failing pressure regulator, or a pipe leak reducing system pressure.

Yes. We can install faucets you purchase yourself, though we also carry and recommend quality fixtures from brands like Moen, Delta, Pfister, and Kohler. Supplying your own fixture typically reduces the overall cost of the call.

If only the shower lacks hot water, the shower valve cartridge or mixing valve may be worn or failed. If no fixtures have hot water, the issue is the water heater. We can diagnose and repair both quickly — call (559) 770-9772.

We work with all major brands including Moen, Delta, Kohler, Pfister, Grohe, American Standard, Kraus, and more. For water heaters, we're certified on A.O. Smith, Navien, Rinnai, Rheem, and other leading brands.

A humming disposal that won't spin means the grinding plate is jammed. First, turn the unit OFF. Look under the sink for the hex key socket on the bottom of the disposal and use a 1/4" hex wrench to manually rotate the plate back and forth to free it. Then press the red reset button on the bottom. If that doesn't work, call us.

Bad smells from a disposal are usually caused by food buildup on the splash guard and grind chamber walls. Clean it by running ice cubes and rock salt through the unit, then follow with lemon or orange peels. Avoid pouring bleach or harsh chemicals down the disposal.

Never put in: grease or oil, bones, fibrous foods (celery, artichokes, corn husks), expandable foods (pasta, rice, oats), coffee grounds, eggshells in large quantities, or non-food items. These can jam the unit, clog the drain line, or damage the motor.

Most disposals last 8–15 years. Consider replacing yours if: it requires frequent resets, it leaks from the bottom (seal failure), it makes grinding or rattling sounds even when empty, or it simply won't turn on. New units are inexpensive and we can usually install one in under an hour.

When multiple fixtures drain slowly at the same time, it's usually a sign of a blockage or problem in the main sewer line — not individual drain clogs. Tree root intrusion, a bellied pipe, or significant grease buildup are common causes. This requires professional diagnosis and clearing.

Trenchless sewer repair allows us to fix or replace a damaged sewer line with minimal digging. Using pipe lining (CIPP) or pipe bursting technology, we can rehabilitate your sewer line from two small access points — preserving your lawn, driveway, and landscaping.

Signs your pipes may need repiping: consistently low water pressure, discolored or rusty water, frequent leaks in different areas, or pipes that are 50+ years old (especially galvanized steel or lead pipes). We offer whole-home repiping using modern copper or PEX piping.

A sewer gas smell inside the home can be caused by: a dried-out P-trap (run water in infrequently used fixtures), a cracked or broken sewer pipe, a failed wax ring on a toilet, or improper venting. Sewer gas contains hydrogen sulfide and methane — don't ignore it. Call us to diagnose the source.

We use flat-rate pricing for most jobs, so you know exactly what you're paying before we start — no surprise charges based on how long the job takes. We'll always provide a written estimate prior to any work.

Call (559) 770-9772 for current pricing on service call fees. In most cases the diagnostic fee is applied toward the cost of the repair if you proceed with us.

You can schedule online anytime through our contact page, or call us directly at (559) 770-9772 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM). We'll confirm your appointment and send a reminder before your tech arrives.

Yes. We offer financing options for larger projects such as water heater replacements, repiping, or sewer line repairs. Ask about financing when you call or schedule your appointment — we'll walk you through available payment plans.