Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for plumbing companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For 24/7 Rooter & Plumbing, the key to keeping clients happy is simple: utilize its wide-ranging expertise to help them out of difficult situations. “Our favorite part of the job is when we can help somebody by unclogging a tricky drain or taking care of something that other companies haven’t been able to diagnose or fix,” says co-owner Reynaldo Zambrano. “We love being able to resolve our customers’ problems and get them out of emergencies.”

24/7 Rooter & Plumbing has been providing plumbing services for residential and commercial clients throughout the San Francisco Peninsula since 2010. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle everything from drain cleaning and fixture installations to specialized work like trenchless sewer replacements, and its technicians are available 24/7 for the convenience of its customers.

Unlike plumbing companies that lack the training and experience to offer specialty services, 24/7 Rooter & Plumbing has the credentials to work on unique projects like lateral sewer pipe replacements and underground repairs. “We’re OSHA Certified to work on sewer lines that are past 15 feet deep,” explains Mr. Zambrano. “A lot of companies have to stop at the sidewalk, but we’re able to go all the way to the street and provide services that others can’t.”

Another distinguishing attribute of 24/7 Rooter & Plumbing is its dedication to providing its clients with fast, high-quality, round-the-clock assistance. “Our technicians are trained to arrive on time and diagnose and fix the problem as quickly as possible,” says General Manager William Mendieta. “Also, our dispatchers focus on providing reassurance and making our customers feel comfortable. Once we arrive at a job, we know what it takes to get the work done as efficiently as possible.”

Don’t let tree roots compromise your sewer pipes.

Sinks and toilets backing up, slow drains, odors coming from inside or outside of the home, puddles of contaminated water in the yard…if you own an older home, you might experience all of these symptoms if tree roots infiltrate your sewer pipes.

Trees planted too close to pipes are a common cause of this problem, but even roots from trees that are far away from the immediate location can eventually push through pipes in their quest to seek out water. Although they’re usually slow growing, these roots can still break through pipes and block the flow of water and sewage, which can cause problems like backups, leaks, sinkholes and collapsed pipes.

So, what can plumbers do to solve sewer line problems caused by invading tree roots? Reynaldo Zambrano, co-owner of 24/7 Rooter & Plumbing in San Francisco, says there are a few solutions. “Your plumber can try snaking or jetting out the roots, and they can also send a camera into your pipes to determine the location of the problem. The last resort would be replacing the entire sewer line if it’s too obstructed by roots.”

How to prevent and treat roots in sewer pipes

• Plant trees and plants far from any water pipes. If trees are already nearby, consider removing them or carefully watching for pipe interference.
• Create a barrier between roots and pipes by adding slow-release chemicals like copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide near pipes to prevent root growth.
• Watch for signs of root infiltration. Frequent clogs, overflowing and slow-flowing drains, gurgling toilets, foul smells, sinkholes and puddles in the lawn, and other increasing symptoms should be investigated by a plumber.
• Ask your plumber about home remedies such as flushing rock salt or copper sulfate down your toilets to kill roots. (Note: Not all home treatments are safe for all types of plumbing systems, and some may even kill trees or come with unintended consequences, so always consult a professional before trying DIY treatments.)
• Hire a sewer contractor to regularly inspect and clean your sewer pipes.
• Quickly replace broken or infiltrated pipes to avoid sewer backups or long-term problems.

Q: How much will it cost to complete my plumbing job?

A: Before we can give you a price, we have to look at the problem and take some measurements. Every job is different, so once we determine what needs to be done, we’ll be able to give you an estimate for the work.

Q: Will you get the permits for my job?

A: Yes. You don’t have to do anything—we’ll get the permits, schedule the inspections and handle the work so you know everything is being done correctly.

Q: Can you clear my clogged drains?

A: Most likely. We have the best machines available, so if we can’t clear a clogged drain, there probably isn’t anyone who can. We’re fully equipped to deal with all types of plumbing issues.

Q: Why does my sewer line back up?

A: Many sewer lines back up because tree roots grow into them. We’ll try snaking or jetting out the roots, and we can also use a camera to identify the location of the problem. As a last resort, we can replace the entire sewer line if it’s too obstructed.

Q: Can you beat the estimate that I got from another plumbing company?

A: We’re always open to take a look. Sometimes plumbing companies leave things out of their estimates so they may appear to be cheaper, but the actual job won’t be. Even if we aren’t able to match or beat a company’s prices, our methods and services will ensure the job is done correctly the first time.

Q: What is ProPress?

A: ProPress is a relatively new alternative to soldering that involves using special tools to crimp pipes. It’s a great alternative for tight situations in small rooms or places where you don’t want a flame. And instead of taking hours to complete, it takes just a few minutes. A lot of plumbers are getting in on it—it’s a great option.