8 Two-Minute Plumbing Tips for South Bay Homeowners That Could Save You Thousands

Venture Plumbing, Inc.

If you live in San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Willow Glen, or Almaden, you know plumbing issues can show up at the worst moment possible. Small issues can easily become big ones when unnoticed.


What if we told you that a few minutes today could save you thousands in plumbing repairs later?


At Venture Plumbing, we’ve helped thousands of South Bay homeowners avoid those unpredictable plumbing disasters by performing preventative maintenance.


These quick, two-minute checks can help you protect your home, lower your bills, and avoid major repairs before they even get started.


1. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is

If a Campbell homeowner ever woke up to water pooling under the kitchen sink, the first few seconds can be the difference between an easy fix and a $1000+ repair.


Your main shut-off valve is usually near the front hose bib, inside the garage, or along your home’s foundation.


Always know where this is located.


The location can vary by home, for example, in many Willow Glen and Saratoga homes, the valve can be hidden behind landscaping or fencing. If you don't already know the location of your shut-off valve, take a minute to find it now, your future self will be forever grateful if a burst pipe were to ever occur.


Our technicians show customers this on nearly every leak-detection visit because knowing it can save thousands in cleanup costs.


2. Test for Toilet Leaks

Older homes in areas such as Santa Clara and Cupertino often have toilets that quietly leak hundreds of gallons of water per day.


Want to test yours? Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank, take a picture, wait ten minutes, and see if the color changes when you come back. If the color is different you most likely have a toilet leak.


A small internal leak can waste 200+ gallons per day and hike your water bill before you realize it.

We fix these all the time during our service calls, and it’s usually a five-minute part swap.


3. Check Under Your Sinks

South Bay homeowners with remodeled kitchens should keep an eye under their sinks for leaks that could be piling onto your water bill.


Another test: Run your hand around the cabinet base and water lines: if you feel wetness, smell must, notice swelling in the wood, or any other sign of moisture, you likely have a leak and should get it looked at.


Minor drips can turn into warped cabinetry and mold quickly in humid Bay Area homes, and A quick leak repair or angle-stop replacement today is better than a full rebuild of your cabinets later.


4. Clean Your Shower Drain Trap

Hard water and soap scum make South Bay shower drains clog faster than you think.


Make it a habit every few weeks to remove the cover, clear hair buildup, and flush with hot water.


If it’s still draining slowly, that’s when to call for professional drain cleaning, we handle dozens of these every month across San Jose, Los Gatos, and Campbell and other areas in the South Bay.


Keeping drains clear prevents backups and protects your plumbing from unnecessary pressure.


5. Listen to Your Water Heater

If your garage starts making popping or rumbling sounds, it's likely your water heater having to work overtime because of sediment buildup


Flushing your tank once a year keeps it efficient and extends its lifespan.


When homeowners skip this step, we often see heaters fail years earlier than their expected lifespan.


Our water-heater maintenance service includes a full flush and performance test to keep yours running quietly and efficiently.


6. Inspect Outdoor Hose Bibs and Faucets

As we approach colder weather in the Bay Area, checking your outdoor hose bibs and faucets is important.


If you notice dripping or water stains near exterior walls, check your hose bibs, especially if you live in Los Gatos or Saratoga, where older homes often have exposed copper piping.


Replacing worn washers or upgrading to a frost-proof hose bib is a quick, inexpensive fix that prevents leaks behind walls and slabs.

 

We also offer outdoor plumbing inspections to make sure your irrigation and hose connections are leak-free year-round.


7. Monitor Your Home’s Water Pressure

Many homeowners love high water pressure until it starts blowing out supply lines.


Fun fact: Pressure above 75 psi slowly damages pipes, fixtures, and appliances.


If your feeling handy, you can buy a $10 pressure gauge from any hardware store and test a hose bib yourself.


If it’s running hot, we can install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to stabilize your system and extend the life of your plumbing and water heater.


8. Schedule a Preventative Plumbing Inspection

Even diligent homeowners can’t see inside walls or under floors, nor do they have the time to.


Our preventative plumbing inspections catch the problems you can’t: Slow leaks, aging pipe joints, partial drain clogs, and pressure issues, before they become expensive.


We perform inspections across San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Willow Glen, and Almaden, customized for each neighborhood’s home styles and plumbing materials.


It’s the smartest and safest way to protect your home from surprise repairs.


Need A Local South Bay Plumber You Can Trust?

At Venture Plumbing, we offer full-service residential plumbing across the South Bay, including San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Santa Clara, and surrounding areas.


From leak detection and drain cleaning to repipes, fixture installs, and water heater services, our licensed plumbers always provide fast, honest, and professional service.


If you’re interested in staying ahead of plumbing problems, schedule your preventative inspection today or call us at (408) 898-2500.

Protect Your Home: Essential Sewer Drain Maintenance & Tips for Campbell and San Jose Bay Area Homeowners

May 29, 2025
When it comes to maintaining your home in Campbell and the San Jose Bay area, one critical yet often overlooked area is your home sewer drain system. A healthy sewer drain keeps wastewater flowing efficiently, prevents costly repairs, and safeguards your family's health. This post will cover how to care for your sewer drain, warning signs of sewer drain failure, and seasonal maintenance tips to keep your plumbing running smoothly year-round! Why Sewer Drain Maintenance Matters Your home’s sewer drain is responsible for carrying wastewater from sinks, toilets, and showers out to the city sewer system. Over time, debris, grease, tree roots, and aging pipes can compromise this flow, leading to slow drains, backups, and even hazardous sewage leaks. Top Warning Signs of Urgent Sewer Drain Failure If you’re a homeowner in Campbell, CA, keep an eye out for these early signs of sewer drain trouble: - Slow draining sinks and tubs throughout the house - Gurgling sounds from toilets and drains - Unpleasant odors coming from drains or the yard or below the home may require urgent care - Backups in lower-level plumbing fixtures - Unusually lush or soggy patches in your yard (indicating a possible sewer line leak) Ignoring these warnings can result in severe property damage and costly repairs. At Venture Plumbing, we’re here to help you identify and fix issues before they become emergencies. Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Sewer Drain Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding sewer drain problems. Here’s what you can do: - Schedule annual sewer inspections and cleanings with a trusted local plumber in Campbell. - Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the drain – dispose of them in the trash instead. - Use drain strainers to catch hair, soap scum, and debris. - Keep tree roots in check – plant trees and shrubs away from sewer lines. Seasonal Sewer Drain Prep for Campbell Homeowners Spring and winter pose unique challenges for your home’s sewer system. Prepare with these tips: - In winter, insulate exposed pipes and check for leaks to prevent freezing and cracking. - In spring, after heavy rains, inspect your yard for signs of excess moisture or sewer line distress. - Schedule a spring sewer inspection to catch root intrusion or sediment buildup early. Don’t Wait for a Backup — Get Ahead of Sewer Drain Issues Today! If you’ve noticed slow drains, strange smells, or just want peace of mind, now’s the time to schedule a professional sewer inspection. At Venture Plumbing , we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Campbell and the greater San Jose Bay Area keep their plumbing systems running clean, safe, and stress-free. Call us today at 408-898-2500 or book online to protect your home before problems strike.
Sewer line cleanout

The Essential Guide to Sewer Cleanouts: What Homeowners in Campbell Need to Know

May 28, 2025
The Essential Guide to Sewer Cleanouts: What Homeowners in Campbell Need to Know If you’re a homeowner in Campbell, CA, understanding your sewer cleanout system is essential for maintaining a healthy plumbing system and avoiding costly backups. This guide will explain what sewer cleanouts are, why they’re installed, different types of cleanouts, and the pros and cons of each. Let’s dive into the world of sewer cleanouts and keep your plumbing running smoothly! What Is a Sewer Cleanout? A sewer cleanout is an access point in your home’s plumbing system that allows professional plumbers to clear blockages and inspect the sewer line. It’s typically a capped pipe located outdoors (often near your property line or inside the home in a basement, crawlspace, or utility area.) When installed properly, sewer cleanouts provide an easy way to: - Clear clogs and obstructions - Inspect the sewer line with a camera - Prevent costly sewer backups - Maintain your entire plumbing system Why Install a Sewer Cleanout? If your Campbell, CA home doesn’t already have a cleanout, it’s worth considering adding one. Here’s why: - Quick Access for Repairs: Cleanouts allow plumbers to access the sewer line quickly without digging or cutting into pipes. - Emergency Use: In case of a backup, cleanouts enable a plumber to clear the blockage fast. - Preventative Maintenance: Easy access means routine camera inspections and cleaning can be performed without disruption. - Cost Savings: Installing a cleanout now can save thousands in future repair costs from digging up your yard or breaking walls. Types of Sewer Cleanouts There are several types of sewer cleanouts, each serving a specific purpose. 1. Property Line Cleanouts - Located near the edge of the property where your sewer line connects to the city sewer system. - Provides direct access to the main sewer line for cleaning and inspection. - Ideal for preventing city sewer backups from affecting your home. -Provides City required access for lateral maintenance in most instances 2. Two-Way Cleanouts - Feature a Y-shaped pipe with two access points: one toward the home and one toward the street. - Allow cleaning in both directions, which is useful for diagnosing and clearing clogs from either side. - Often installed during major sewer line replacements for long-term accessibility. 3. End-of-Line Cleanouts - Installed at the end of a branch line or main line within the home’s plumbing system. - Provides access to a section of the plumbing system that may otherwise be hard to reach. - Essential for maintaining smaller branch lines off the main sewer line. 4. Branch Line Cleanouts - Located on branch lines serving individual parts of the home, like the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. - Offer direct access to clear localized clogs before they affect the entire system. - Common in larger homes or multi-unit properties. Pros and Cons of Sewer Cleanouts Pros: - Easy access for maintenance and repairs - Reduces risk of sewer backups - Facilitates quick clog removal - Saves on long-term repair costs Cons: - Initial installation cost - May require digging to install - Some homeowners find them unsightly - Improperly installed cleanouts can cause issues Professional Installation Matters Installing a sewer cleanout is not a DIY project. It requires: - Proper placement based on your plumbing layout - Local permits and codes compliance in Campbell, CA - Professional excavation and connection to the sewer line At Venture Plumbing , we specialize in sewer cleanout installation, maintenance, and repair. Our experienced plumbers use advanced tools to ensure your cleanout is placed correctly and functions as intended. Call Venture Plumbing Today If you’re ready to install a sewer cleanout or need maintenance on an existing one, contact Venture Plumbing at 408-898-2500 or contact us online . Our Campbell-based plumbing experts are ready to keep your sewer system clear and your home safe.