Plumbing FAQ — Common Questions Answered | Redwood Sewer & Drain

Question 1

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we provide free estimates for most plumbing, sewer, and drain jobs. For straightforward services like drain cleaning or water heater replacement, we can often give you a firm price over the phone. For more complex work like sewer line repair or leak detection, we'll schedule a free on-site assessment before quoting.

Question 2

How much does drain cleaning cost in Santa Rosa?

Accepted Answer

Drain cleaning in Santa Rosa typically runs $150–$350 depending on the drain location, severity of the clog, and method required. A simple kitchen or bathroom drain snaking is on the lower end. Main line cleaning with a hydro-jet is on the higher end. We give you a firm price before starting any work.

Question 3

How much does sewer line repair cost?

Accepted Answer

Sewer line repair in Sonoma County ranges from $1,500 for a localized spot repair to $8,000–$15,000 for a full line replacement, depending on depth, length, and access. We use video camera inspection to diagnose the exact problem first so you're not paying for guesswork. We'll give you a detailed written estimate before any work begins.

Question 4

How much does water heater replacement cost?

Accepted Answer

Water heater replacement in Santa Rosa typically costs $900–$2,200 installed, depending on the unit type (tank vs. tankless), size, and fuel source (gas vs. electric). We carry both standard tank and tankless units and can usually complete same-day or next-day installation.

Question 5

Do you charge extra for emergency or after-hours calls?

Accepted Answer

We offer 24/7 emergency service. After-hours and weekend calls may carry a service call fee — we'll always tell you the cost upfront before dispatching. For true emergencies like burst pipes or sewage backups, we prioritize getting someone to you fast and work with you on pricing.

Question 6

Do you offer any discounts or specials?

Accepted Answer

We periodically run seasonal promotions. We also offer discounts for seniors and active military. The best way to check current offers is to call us at (707) 393-1959 or ask when you schedule your appointment.

Question 7

What plumbing services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in drain cleaning, sewer line repair and replacement, water heater installation and repair, leak detection and repair, video camera pipe inspection, and 24/7 emergency plumbing. We serve both residential and light commercial customers throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties.

Question 8

Do you offer trenchless sewer repair?

Accepted Answer

We focus on traditional open-cut sewer repair and replacement, which gives us direct access to the pipe and allows us to fully inspect and correct the problem. For most situations in Sonoma County, this is the most reliable and cost-effective approach. We'll always recommend the method that makes the most sense for your specific situation.

Question 9

How does video camera pipe inspection work?

Accepted Answer

We insert a waterproof camera on a flexible cable into your drain or sewer line. The camera transmits live video to a monitor so we can see exactly what's happening inside the pipe — root intrusion, cracks, bellied sections, buildup, or blockages. This lets us diagnose problems accurately without guessing or unnecessary digging. We can provide a recording of the inspection on request.

Question 10

How long does drain cleaning take?

Accepted Answer

Most drain cleaning jobs take 30–90 minutes. A simple sink or tub clog is usually on the shorter end. A main sewer line cleaning with hydro-jetting can take 1–2 hours. We'll give you a time estimate when we arrive and keep you updated throughout.

Question 11

Can you fix a slow drain, or do I need a full cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Slow drains are usually caused by partial buildup — hair, grease, soap scum — and often respond well to a standard snaking or cleaning. We'll assess the drain first and recommend the most appropriate solution. In some cases, a slow drain is a symptom of a deeper issue in the main line, which is why we always do a proper diagnosis before starting work.

Question 12

Do you work on both gas and electric water heaters?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we service and install both gas and electric water heaters, including standard tank units and tankless (on-demand) systems. We work with all major brands including Rheem, Bradford White, A.O. Smith, and Navien. If your water heater is more than 10–12 years old, we'll give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense.

Question 13

How do I know if I have a slab leak?

Accepted Answer

Common signs of a slab leak include unexplained increases in your water bill, warm or wet spots on your floor, the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, cracks in your flooring or baseboards, or reduced water pressure. If you notice any of these, call us right away — slab leaks can cause serious structural damage if left untreated.

Question 14

Do you offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for plumbing emergencies in Sonoma and Marin Counties. Call us at (707) 393-1959 any time — day or night, weekends and holidays included. For true emergencies like burst pipes, sewage backups, or gas-related water heater issues, we prioritize getting a technician to you as quickly as possible.

Question 15

What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Accepted Answer

First, shut off your main water supply valve immediately — it's usually located near your water meter or where the main line enters your home. Then call us at (707) 393-1959. While you wait, move valuables away from the water and place towels or buckets to limit damage. Do not use electrical outlets or appliances near standing water.

Question 16

What should I do if my sewer is backing up?

Accepted Answer

Stop using all water in the house immediately — flushing toilets, running sinks, or using the washing machine will make it worse. Call us right away at (707) 393-1959. A sewage backup is a health hazard and needs to be addressed urgently. Do not attempt to clear a main line backup yourself with store-bought chemicals — they rarely work and can damage pipes.

Question 17

How quickly can you respond to an emergency?

Accepted Answer

For emergencies in Santa Rosa and surrounding Sonoma County cities, we typically respond within 1–2 hours. Response times to Marin County (Novato, San Rafael) may be slightly longer depending on traffic and technician availability. We'll give you an honest ETA when you call.

Question 18

My water heater is leaking — is that an emergency?

Accepted Answer

A leaking water heater should be addressed the same day. Turn off the cold water supply to the heater (the valve on the cold water inlet pipe at the top of the unit) and turn the thermostat to "pilot" or "vacation" mode to stop heating. If the leak is significant or near electrical components, turn off the circuit breaker for the unit. Then call us — we can usually get to you same day.

Question 19

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Redwood Sewer & Drain holds a California C-36 Plumbing Contractor license, carries $2 million in general liability insurance, and is fully bonded. We've been in business since 2008 and are a family-owned operation. You can verify our license at the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website.

Question 20

What is a C-36 plumbing license?

Accepted Answer

A C-36 is a California specialty contractor license specifically for plumbing work. It's issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and requires passing a trade exam, demonstrating work experience, and maintaining insurance and bonding. Any plumber doing work over $500 in California is legally required to hold a valid contractor's license. Always ask to see a license number before hiring.

Question 21

Why should I hire a licensed plumber instead of a handyman?

Accepted Answer

Licensed plumbers are required to know and follow California plumbing codes, carry insurance that protects your home if something goes wrong, and pull permits for work that requires them. Unlicensed work can void your homeowner's insurance, fail a home inspection when you sell, and create liability if someone is injured. For anything beyond a simple fixture swap, always use a licensed contractor.

Question 22

Do you pull permits for plumbing work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — when a permit is required by the City of Santa Rosa or the relevant jurisdiction, we pull it. Permitted work is inspected by the city and gives you documentation that the work was done to code. This matters when you sell your home. We'll always let you know upfront if a permit is required for your job.

Question 23

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

Redwood Sewer & Drain was founded in 2008 — giving us over 18 years of experience serving homeowners and businesses in Sonoma and Marin Counties. We're a family-owned business, not a franchise, which means you're working directly with the owner and a small team of experienced technicians who take pride in their work.

Question 24

What cities do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Sonoma County including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Cotati, Sonoma, and surrounding unincorporated areas. We also serve Marin County including Novato and San Rafael. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, call us at (707) 393-1959 and we'll let you know.

Question 25

Do you serve Marin County?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we serve Novato and San Rafael in Marin County. Response times to Marin may be slightly longer than our Sonoma County service area, but we regularly work throughout the North Bay. Call us to confirm availability for your specific location.

Question 26

Do you serve rural areas outside city limits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve unincorporated Sonoma County areas including homes on well and septic systems. Rural properties sometimes have unique plumbing challenges — older pipes, longer sewer runs, or septic connections — and we have experience with all of them.

Question 27

Do you work on commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

We primarily serve residential customers, but we do take on light commercial work — small offices, retail spaces, and multi-unit residential buildings. For large commercial or industrial projects, we're happy to assess the scope and let you know if it's a good fit.

Plumbing Questions,
Straight Answers

Still Have Questions?

Plumbing Questions, Straight Answers

Still Have Questions?

Plumbing Questions,
Straight Answers