Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers to common plumbing questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Real Answers from Real Plumbers.

Quick answers to the questions Brentwood and East Bay homeowners ask us most. Don’t see yours? Call 925-450-6669 and a real plumber will pick up.

Do you offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service?

Yes. Burst pipes, sewer backups, and gas leaks don't wait until business hours, and neither do we. A licensed plumber is on call around the clock across Brentwood, Concord, and the East Bay.

How quickly can someone get to my home?

Most non-emergency calls in our service area are scheduled same-day or next-day. True emergencies are dispatched immediately — we'll give you a clear ETA when you call.

Are your plumbers licensed and insured?

Every Flow Pro Plumbing technician is fully licensed, insured, and background-checked. We carry liability and workers' comp coverage so you're never on the hook for a job-site accident.

Do you provide upfront pricing?

Always. We diagnose the problem first, then quote a flat, written price before any work begins. No surprise charges, no hourly meter, no upselling.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, and all major credit cards. We also offer financing through FTL Finance with approval in about 60 seconds — perfect for larger repairs and installations.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. Workmanship is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee, and most parts and equipment carry full manufacturer warranties that we'll register on your behalf.

What areas do you serve?

Our crews cover Brentwood, Concord, Antioch, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez and the surrounding East Bay communities. Not sure if you're in our coverage area? Give us a call.

Can you handle both residential and commercial work?

Yes. From single-family homes to retail, restaurants, and multi-tenant properties, our team is equipped for residential repairs, new construction, and commercial maintenance contracts.

Do you offer maintenance plans?

Absolutely. Our membership plans include annual whole-home plumbing inspections, priority scheduling, and exclusive member pricing. See the Maintenance Plans page for details.

What should I do before the plumber arrives?

If you have an active leak, shut off the main water valve (usually near the meter or in the garage). For sewer issues, stop running water and avoid flushing. Clear a path to the affected area so we can get to work quickly.

Why does the water in Brentwood and East Contra Costa County leave white spots and scale?

East Contra Costa County is known for very hard water — high in dissolved calcium and magnesium. Those minerals leave white spots on dishes and glass, scale up faucets, and shorten the life of water heaters and fixtures. A whole-home water softener or filtration system protects your plumbing and appliances; we can test your water and recommend the right setup.

How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater in Contra Costa County?

It depends on the unit size, whether your gas line and venting need upgrading, and your home's existing setup. Because we serve a hard-water area, proper sizing and a descaling plan matter for long-term performance. We give a flat, written quote up front after we see your space — no guesswork and no surprise add-ons.

What are the signs I need to repipe my house?

Common red flags include discolored or rusty water, recurring leaks, and low water pressure throughout the home — especially in older galvanized or polybutylene systems common in Concord, Antioch, and Pittsburg homes built in the 1960s–80s. We offer minimally invasive repiping and will tell you honestly whether a targeted repair or a full repipe makes more sense.

What's the difference between hydro jetting and snaking a drain?

Snaking (cabling) punches through a clog to restore flow quickly — great for simple stoppages. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the full diameter of the pipe, clearing grease, scale, and tree roots. For recurring clogs or main sewer lines we often recommend hydro jetting, sometimes after a camera inspection.

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Antioch?

Yes — water heater replacements require a permit in Antioch and across Contra Costa County, and the install must meet current code, including seismic strapping and an expansion tank. As a licensed plumber (CSLB C-36), Flow Pro Plumbing pulls the permit and handles the inspection so your installation is done right and to code.

How can I tell if I have a slab leak?

Warning signs include a sudden spike in your water bill, the sound of running water when everything is off, warm spots on the floor, cracks in flooring, or a drop in pressure. Slab leaks need quick attention — we use electronic leak detection to pinpoint the source without tearing up your entire foundation.

How often should I flush my tankless water heater?

In our hard-water region we recommend descaling (flushing) a tankless water heater about once a year — sometimes more often without a softener. Regular flushing prevents the mineral buildup that robs efficiency and can void the manufacturer warranty. It's included in our maintenance plans.

How long does a water heater last?

A traditional tank water heater typically lasts 8–12 years, while a tankless unit can last 15–20 years with maintenance. Hard water shortens those numbers, so if your heater is aging, leaking from the bottom, or running out of hot water quickly, it's worth having us inspect it before it fails.

Still Have Questions?

Talk to a licensed plumber, not a call center.

925-450-6669