The mornings in Benicia have been on the cooler side of late. With the wet season not far off, one may be inclined to think about what the plumbing at home will require. Then there is the matter of not being caught with a clogged drain or an uninvited cold shower come the holidays.
There is no better time of year to tend to your plumbing than fall, and we at Benicia Plumbing Incorporated are at your service. We have put in our time here in Benicia, Solano and Napa County since 1975 and are as happy to field your questions on any given day. You can reach us at (707) 606-0579.
“People Taking Care of People” is the way we like to put it; it is the motto of a family company and informs all we do. Not the least of which is seeing to it that our neighbors’ homes are in good order from one season to the next.
Why Fall Maintenance is Important
True, you will not find the same kind of winter in Solano and Napa County as in other parts of the country, but your plumbing is not exempt from the effects of the weather. Between the rain and the chill and the added load of the holidays, your water heater and pipes are under more of a strain. It is a small thing to put some effort in now to spare yourself a headache down the road. In fact, most of the plumbing trouble you might expect in the fall can be put off altogether with a cursory inspection of a few places in the house before they become costly to fix.
A Word on Your Water Heater
As the temperatures drop, the unit has to work harder to warm up the incoming water for your shower. Too often this is when a homeowner finds his water heater is done for.
With the cooling weather, we would suggest:
- Any popping or rumbling is likely sediment
- Look at the base of the tank for moisture
- See if hot water is depleting quicker than before
- Rust or discoloration in the hot water should be noted
- Make sure the temperature is where it should be for comfort and safety
Should you sense something amiss, you will be glad you did rather than find out on a December morning. We are here to service and replace as needed.
Holiday Drains
You can count on more cooking and company in the fall and winter, and with it comes pressure on the kitchen and bathroom drains. Grease and food left over from a meal are an easy way to make a clog of it when you can least afford it.
Some habits help:
- Do not put oil or grease in the drain
- Hot water after the garbage disposal
- Put screens in place to stop hair and food
- Be mindful of slow drains as a precursor to trouble
- Let the system have its headroom between showers
If a drain is acting up, let our service clear it before matters worsen.
For the Rains
Sump pumps and outdoor plumbing take on a new importance once the rains set in around Benicia. A sump pump giving out in a hard storm is a fast track to water damage.
This fall, test the pump to be sure it is doing its job. Have a look at the hose bibs and outdoor faucets for a drip or two. Any soft ground in the yard or a sluggish drain could be a sewer matter best left to an inspection while you are at it. We do leak detection and sewer work of the trenchless variety that is easy on your landscaping.
What you will find with Benicia Plumbing
We are a fixture in the community. The Cawleys, Bill and Leeann, started us in 1975 and in 2015 their son William Cawley III took the reins, but our dedication to those we serve is the same. We are licensed and insured with an A+ from the BBB and the Vallejo Sun made us 1st Place “Best of Vallejo-Benicia” in 2025.
All our work has a 12-month guarantee on labor and parts and we stand behind it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. There is no need to hold off on an inquiry, we provide free estimates.
From 7:30 to 4:30, seven days a week, we are available to see your home is ready for what is to come. Call (707) 606-0579 and let us put our motto to work for you.