Plumbing issues in San Francisco can escalate quickly — especially in older homes with galvanized lines, aging cast-iron stacks, limited access, and decades of accumulated modifications. A small leak behind a wall, a failing angle stop, a slow drain, or a pinhole in a copper line can turn into costly water damage if not addressed quickly and correctly.

At Heidi’s House Construction, we provide expert residential plumbing repair services tailored specifically to San Francisco’s housing stock. With deep experience in residential plumbing systems, building codes, and local construction conditions, we deliver clean, safe, long-lasting repairs that restore function while protecting your home.

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Common Plumbing Repairs We Handle

Leak Detection & Pipe Repairs

We diagnose and repair leaks in:

• Copper, galvanized, and PEX water lines
• Under-sink supply lines and valves
• Toilet and fixture connections
• Walls, ceilings, crawlspaces, and garage plumbing

We locate leaks with precision, minimize demolition, and restore affected finishes when required.

Clog & Drain Clearing

We clear:

• Kitchen drains
• Bathroom sinks
• Showers and tubs
• Laundry and utility drains
• Main sewer lines
• Multi-story vertical stacks

We use proper equipment, not shortcuts, to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Fixture Repairs & Replacements

We repair or replace:

• Faucets and shower valves
• Toilets, bidets & tank mechanisms
• Garbage disposals
• Tub/shower diverters
• Hose bibs and outdoor spigots

We install homeowner-supplied or contractor-recommended fixtures.

Water Heater Repairs

Including:

• Pilot and ignition issues
• Leaking valves
• Temperature and mixing valve problems
• Hot water inconsistency
• Emergency shutoff valve replacements

For failed tanks or aging units, we offer full replacement — including heat pump water heaters.

Appliance Plumbing Issues

We handle plumbing for:

• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators and ice makers
• Laundry machines
• Pot fillers
• Instant hot and filtered water systems

We ensure all connections meet code and manufacturer standards.

Emergency Shutoff and Valve Repairs

Includes:

• Main water shutoff replacement
• PRV (pressure-reducing valve) issues
• Fixture shutoffs and supply stops
• Corroded or frozen valves

Older SF homes often have failing or inaccessible shutoffs—we fix that.

Why Plumbing Repairs in San Francisco Are Unique

San Francisco plumbing requires experience. Homes here typically include:

Aging materials

• Pre-war galvanized piping
• Worn cast-iron stacks
• Corroded angle stops
• Copper systems with pinhole leaks

Layered renovations

Decades of upgrades often mean mismatched:

• Pipe materials
• Venting
• Traps
• Illegal or unpermitted tie-ins

Multi-unit and confined spaces

Plumbing runs through:

• Shared walls
• Narrow chases
• HOA-controlled areas
• Crawlspaces with limited access

Local permitting & code expectations

We ensure all repairs and replacements comply with San Francisco DBI and UPC requirements.

Our Approach to Reliable Plumbing Repairs

1. Thorough Diagnosis

We begin by identifying:

• The source of the issue
• Whether the problem is isolated or systemic
• Hidden risks that may cause repeat failures
• Material compatibility for long-term repairs

We provide a clear explanation of what failed, why it failed, and how to fix it correctly.

2. Transparent Repair Options

We offer:

• Immediate, targeted repair options
• Longer-term upgrades (if applicable)
• Pricing that explains labor, materials, and access requirements

You stay in control of the scope.

3. Clean, Code-Compliant Repairs

Our work meets or exceeds:

• San Francisco DBI code
• UPC requirements
• Manufacturer specifications
• Best practices for copper, PEX, cast iron, and ABS

We don’t cut corners—your plumbing’s reliability depends on it.

4. Protection Against Future Failures

We often identify issues such as:

• Corrosion in supply lines
• Failing shutoff valves
• Improper venting
• Outdated traps
• Leaking cast-iron joints

We advise on preventative upgrades that can save you thousands in the long run.

5. Full Cleanup & Restoration

When repairs require opening walls or ceilings, we:

• Minimize the opening size
• Provide patching options
• Leave the space cleaner than we found it

This is a key difference in how homeowners evaluate service quality—we treat your home respectfully.

Typical Plumbing Issues in SF Neighborhoods

Richmond & Sunset District Homes

• Galvanized pipe failures
• Kitchen and bath drain clogs
• Leaking cast-iron in older two-bath layouts
• Aging angle stops and supply lines

Noe Valley, Glen Park & Bernal Heights

• Long pipe runs through crawlspaces
• Pinhole leaks in copper
• No PRV or PRV failures in hillside homes
• Plumbing issues tied to seismic movement

Marina & Pacific Heights

• Multi-unit access challenges
• HOA coordination
• Fixture replacements requiring careful sequencing
• Limited shutoff access in older buildings

Emergency Plumbing Repairs

We respond quickly to:

• Burst pipes
• Leaking water heaters
• Backed-up drains
• Active water leaks in ceilings or walls
• Major fixture failures

We also install temporary shutoff solutions to prevent ongoing damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can you repair plumbing in older homes with galvanized pipes?

A1: Yes. We locate failing sections and replace them with copper or PEX, or recommend partial/whole-home repipes depending on condition.

Q2: Do you work with homeowner-supplied fixtures?

A2: Absolutely. We also advise on product quality and compatibility.

Q3: Can you help diagnose persistent water pressure problems?

A3: Yes. Many San Francisco homes lack PRVs, have failing PRVs, or have partially blocked galvanized lines.

Q4: What if I discover a leak behind a wall?

A4: We’ll locate the source, isolate the section, make repairs, and advise on opening/patching strategies.

Q5: Do you handle multi-unit building repairs?

A5: Yes. We coordinate with HOAs, neighbors, and building managers.

Next Steps

If you’re experiencing plumbing issues — or want a professional assessment before a small problem becomes a major one — Heidi’s House Construction can help.

We provide fast, reliable, high-quality plumbing repairs for homes across San Francisco.

Contact us today to schedule a repair, inspection, or plumbing evaluation.