Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re seeing or hearing any of these symptoms, it’s time to give us a call:

• Gurgling or slow drains in sinks or tubs
  
• Unusual spikes in your water bill
  
• Discolored or smelly water
  
• Mold or damp spots appearing on ceilings or walls
  
• No hot water or inconsistent temperature
  
• Water pooling around fixtures or in the yard
  

Ignoring early signs can turn a small issue into a major (and costly) repair.

For small issues, absolutely—just be cautious. Here’s what’s generally safe to do yourself:

• Tightening a loose faucet or showerhead
  
• Using a plunger on a clogged toilet
  
• Pouring baking soda and vinegar to clear minor clogs
  
• Cleaning faucet aerators and showerheads
  

But avoid using chemical drain cleaners (they corrode pipes) and don’t attempt DIY gas line repairs, slab leak inspections, or repiping—these are jobs for licensed professionals.

We recommend an annual check-up, or at least every two years. For older homes (like many in San Jose), inspections should be more frequent—especially for galvanized pipes or homes with a history of leaks.

Call us 24/7 if you experience:

• Burst pipes or water leaks
• Sewer backups
• No running water
• Gas smells or suspected gas leaks

These can pose health risks or cause serious damage fast. Our team responds promptly anywhere in San Jose.

Look for these signs:

• Running water sounds when all taps are off
• Musty smells
• Sudden drop in water pressure
• Foundation cracks or warm spots on floors (sign of slab leak)

We use non-invasive acoustic leak detection tools and infrared imaging to locate and fix leaks with minimal disruption.

Repeated clogs can be a symptom of:

• Grease or soap buildup
  
• Tree root intrusion in sewer lines
  
• Collapsed or corroded pipes
  
• Poor installation or pipe grading
  

If basic snaking isn’t cutting it, we offer hydro jetting—a high-pressure water technique that clears out years of buildup safely.

A sewer camera inspection gives a real-time view of your pipes. It helps us:

• Pinpoint the exact cause of blockages
  
• Detect cracks, corrosion, or root intrusions
  
• Avoid unnecessary digging
  

This is often the first step before recommending trenchless sewer repair or pipe bursting.

Before calling, check:

• Is the pilot light on (for gas units)?
  
• Is the breaker tripped (for electric units)?
  
• Is the thermostat set correctly?
  

Still cold? We handle:

• Gas and electric water heater repair
  
• Tankless water heater installation
  
• Hot water recirculation systems
  

We also offer energy-efficient upgrades for homeowners looking to go tankless.

Most traditional water heaters last 8–12 years, while tankless units can go 15–20+ years with proper maintenance. Watch out for:

• Rusty water
• Popping or rumbling noises
• Pooling water near the base

These are signs it may be time to replace.

Yes. Evacuate your home immediately and do not turn on any lights or use electrical devices. Once safe, contact emergency services and then a licensed plumber like SWAGS to locate and repair the leak.

We provide same-day gas line repair and gas leak detection throughout the San Jose area.