local PLUMBING'S BLOG POST
Conor Crawford • March 19, 2024
Is Your Water Meter Constantly Spinning? Here’s What Might Be Happening
Welcome to the Local Plumbing blog, where we share insights, tips, and solutions to keep your home’s plumbing system in top shape. Today, we’re tackling a common but often perplexing problem many homeowners face: a constantly spinning water meter. If you've noticed this issue and can't seem to find the source of the leak, you're not alone. Let's dive into the possible causes and what you can do about them.
Hidden Leaks: The Silent Water Wasters
Leaks can be sneaky, occurring in places you can't easily see or access. Pipes hidden within walls, under floors, or buried underground can develop leaks due to various reasons, including wear and tear, corrosion, or damage. These hidden leaks can waste significant amounts of water and might only be noticeable through an unexpectedly high water bill, the sound of running water when everything is turned off, or signs of water damage in unexpected places.
The Usual Suspect: Toilet Leaks
Toilets are often behind unnoticed water waste. A slow, silent leak from the tank to the bowl can be difficult to detect but can lead to a significant loss of water. A simple dye test with food coloring in the tank can reveal whether water is leaking into the bowl without flushing. If you see color seeping into the bowl, it’s time to fix that leak.
Outdoor Culprits: Irrigation Systems
An irrigation system is a boon for your garden but can become a source of water loss. Leaks can occur in parts of the system that are underground and not immediately visible, especially in systems that have seen years of service or have been inadvertently damaged.
The Invisible Leak: Service Line Issues
The line that connects your home to the municipal water supply can also develop leaks. Since this line often runs underground from the water meter to your home, detecting leaks can be challenging without professional help. Unusually wet spots or lush growth in the area of the service line might indicate a leak.
Appliances and Fixtures
Sometimes, what seems to be a leak is actually an appliance using more water than it should. This could include water softeners cycling too frequently, furnace humidifiers, or internal leaks in cooling systems. Additionally, don't overlook outdoor taps and fixtures, which can drip unnoticed.
Diagnosing the Leak
To start diagnosing a leak on your own, make sure no water is being used in or around your home. Note the reading on your water meter, wait an hour without using any water, and check the meter again. If it shows water use, you likely have a leak.
For those tricky, hard-to-find leaks, or if you're unsure of your next steps, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Local Plumbing, we’re equipped with the latest in leak detection technology, from acoustic detectors to thermal imaging cameras, allowing us to find and fix leaks efficiently and with minimal disruption to your property.
Local Plumbing: Your Partner in Leak Detection and Repair
Finding and fixing leaks promptly can save you from high water bills and potential damage to your home. If you suspect a leak or if your water meter won't stop spinning, contact Local Plumbing. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help you solve any plumbing issue, big or small. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule a consultation. Remember, in the world of plumbing, being proactive is always better than reactive. Let’s keep your plumbing system leak-free and efficient!
I am happy to annouce Local Plumbing will be taking part in the Cool Petaluma Future Fest 2025 on Sunday, May 4th, at the Petaluma Community Center at Lucchesi Park! The Future Fest is all about promoting climate action, and we’re proud to be part of the movement, particularly in our home town. On the day we’ll be showcasing the latest in energy-efficient home technology — specifically, we have a nice feature on Heat Pump Water Heaters, with a physical demo Heat Pump there to see. Heat pump water heaters are one of the smartest upgrades homeowners can make today. They use up to 70% less energy than traditional gas water heaters, helping to significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Learn how heat pump water heaters work See a real unit up close Talk to our expert plumbers about installation, rebates, and how switching can make a big difference for your home and the environment We’re passionate about helping Petaluma move toward a more sustainable future — and we’d love for you to stop by, say hello, and discover how easy it is to upgrade your home's water heating system. Event Details: 📍 Petaluma Community Center at Lucchesi Park 📅 Sunday, May 4, 2025 ⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Come check out our display, meet our team, and enter for a chance to win fun prizes! Let’s build a cooler, greener Petaluma — together.
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Powering Comfort: Local Plumbing & Rocky Hill Electric's Seamless Collaboration on Heat Pump Installations in San Rafael
This week we just moved into to our new office and warehouse location in San Rafael, which is a more central location for us to work out of as part of serving the Marin area. We just got the keys this week and over the next few weeks we will continue to build out the area to make our work flow more efficient. With plans for a plumbing technical training area along with a live fire water heater testing section, to ensure our plumbing and boiler technicians are the best trained in the Marin area. With Local Plumbing's move to San Rafael we ensure an even more efficient plumbing service response time for all our clients. We will continue to update you all on our progress here as well as our social channels.
Discover the benefits of radiant heating boiler system installation in Corte Madera, CA. Contact Local Plumbing for professional installation and service.
Backflow prevention devices are an essential part of protecting your home’s drinking water from contamination. If you’re a homeowner in Marin County, you may be required to install a backflow prevention device on your water service—whether it’s for your domestic water supply, fire sprinkler system, or irrigation. But when is it necessary, and what are the requirements for Marin Water customers? At Local Plumbing, we specialize in backflow prevention installations, testing, and repairs. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your water safe and in compliance with local regulations. What Is a Backflow Prevention Device? A backflow prevention device is a specialized valve designed to stop water from flowing backward into the public water supply. Backflow can occur when there’s a sudden drop in water pressure—like during a firefighting event or a major pipe break—causing contaminated water from private plumbing systems to siphon back into the municipal supply. Common contaminants include: Fertilizers and pesticides from irrigation systems Household cleaning chemicals Bacteria and debris from stagnant or non-potable water sources To prevent this, Marin Water requires certain properties to have backflow prevention assemblies installed and tested annually. When Do You Need a Backflow Prevention Device? Marin Water’s regulations specify that backflow prevention is required in situations where there is a potential risk of contamination. You may be required to install one if: 1. You Have a Fire Sprinkler System Fire sprinkler systems are often connected to the municipal water supply but contain standing water, which can stagnate over time. If backflow occurs, this water could re-enter the drinking supply. To prevent this, Marin Water requires all homes with fire sprinkler systems to have an approved backflow prevention assembly. 2. You Have an Irrigation System Irrigation systems can introduce contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria into your home’s plumbing. If your property has an irrigation system connected to Marin Water’s supply, a backflow prevention device is likely required. 3. Your Home Has an Alternate Water Source If you use a well, rainwater harvesting system, or any other alternative water supply, you are required to install a backflow prevention device to prevent cross-contamination between these sources and the public water system. 4. You Own a Multi-Unit Property or Commercial Building Certain commercial and multi-residential buildings are required to have backflow prevention in place to ensure the safety of all occupants and the broader community. How to Stay in Compliance with Marin Water’s Backflow Regulations Marin Water requires: Initial installation: If you are adding a fire sprinkler, irrigation system, or another potential backflow hazard, a backflow device must be installed by a licensed professional. Annual testing: Once installed, backflow devices must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester to ensure they are functioning properly. Repairs and replacements: If your backflow prevention device fails a test, repairs or replacement may be required to remain compliant. Why Backflow Prevention Matters for Your Home Besides meeting local regulations, installing a backflow prevention device helps: ✅ Protect your drinking water from potential contaminants ✅ Prevent costly plumbing issues caused by backflow contamination ✅ Ensure your home is in compliance with Marin Water’s requirements ✅ Avoid fines or water service interruptions due to non-compliance Need a Backflow Prevention Device Installed or Tested? We Can Help! At Local Plumbing, we specialize in installing, testing, and repairing backflow prevention devices for Marin homeowners. If you’re unsure whether your home requires one or need annual testing, give us a call!
If you’re a homeowner in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, CA, you know that plumbing problems can arise at the worst possible times. Whether it’s an aging water heater, a clogged drain, or a sudden leak, having a reliable local plumber is crucial. At Local Plumbing, we specialize in residential plumbing services in Marin County, ensuring that your home's plumbing system runs smoothly year-round. Top Plumbing Issues in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, CA 1. Aging Pipes and Leaky Fixtures Many homes in Lucas Valley-Marinwood were built decades ago, meaning they often have aging plumbing systems. Over time, pipes corrode, joints loosen, and leaks develop, leading to water damage, high water bills, and reduced water pressure. If you’ve noticed a spike in your water bill or damp spots on walls or ceilings, it may be time to schedule a plumbing inspection with our experts at Local Plumbing. 2. Sewer Line Blockages & Tree Root Intrusion One of the most common plumbing emergencies we handle in Marinwood and Lucas Valley is sewer line backups caused by tree roots and ground shifting. These blockages can result in slow drains, foul odors, or sewage backups in your home. Our team at Local Plumbing provides trenchless sewer repair and hydro-jetting services to remove blockages and restore flow—without tearing up your yard. If you’re experiencing slow or gurgling drains, don’t wait! Call us today for a video sewer line inspection. 3. Water Heater Repair & Installation Is your water heater struggling to keep up? Whether you have a traditional tank-style heater or a tankless system, regular maintenance is key to preventing costly breakdowns. Hard water in Marin County can cause sediment buildup, which reduces efficiency and shortens the lifespan of your unit. At Local Plumbing, we offer: Water heater flushes & maintenance New tank & tankless water heater installation Water heater repairs for all major brands If your hot water is running out too quickly or your system is over 10 years old, call us for a free estimate on a new energy-efficient water heater today! 4. Drain Cleaning & Hydro-Jetting Slow drains? Recurring clogs? If DIY methods aren’t cutting it, you may need professional drain cleaning services. Our team at Local Plumbing specializes in: Hydro-jetting – High-pressure water clears out grease, debris, and tree roots Snaking & drain augering – Removes stubborn blockages without damaging pipes Preventive drain maintenance – Keep your pipes flowing smoothly year-round If you’re experiencing frequent drain backups in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, contact us today for a same-day drain cleaning service. 5. Emergency Plumbing Services – 24/7 Support Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we! At Local Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, so you’re never left dealing with a crisis alone. Common emergency calls we handle include: Burst pipes & major leaks Sewer line backups No hot water issues Gas leaks & emergency gas line repairs If you need fast, reliable emergency plumbing in Marin County, give us a call anytime—we’re here to help! Why Choose Local Plumbing? Licensed & insured local plumbers Fast response times & same-day service Fair, upfront pricing with no hidden fees Trusted by homeowners in Lucas Valley-Marinwood for years Schedule Your Plumbing Service Today! Whether you need drain cleaning, a water heater upgrade, sewer line repair, or emergency plumbing in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, CA, Local Plumbing has you covered. Call us today at 415-484-0454 or schedule your service online for fast, friendly plumbing you can trust.
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If your home or business has plumbing fixtures below the main sewer line, you need a sewage ejector pump or sump pump to keep things flowing smoothly. These essential systems prevent flooding, water damage, and costly repairs by efficiently managing wastewater and groundwater. At Local Plumbing, we specialize in sewage ejector pump installation, sump pump replacement, and emergency pump repairs. Read on to learn why these pumps are critical for your plumbing system and how our expert team can help. What Is a Sewage Ejector Pump? A sewage ejector pump is designed to move wastewater from lower levels, such as basements or below-grade bathrooms, up to the main sewer line. These pumps are essential for homes with basement bathrooms, laundry rooms, or utility sinks that sit below the gravity-fed sewage system. Without a properly functioning sewage ejector pump, waste and water can back up, leading to messy and expensive problems. Signs You Need a Sewage Ejector Pump Replacement: Frequent clogging or backups in basement plumbing Unusual noises or vibrations from the pump Sewage odors near the pump area Pump fails to turn on or off properly Standing water in the pit If you experience any of these issues, it may be time to replace your sewage ejector pump. Our licensed plumbers at Local Plumbing can assess the condition of your pump and recommend the best solution for your home or business. What Is a Sump Pump? A sump pump protects your basement or crawl space from flooding by removing excess groundwater. It sits in a sump pit and automatically activates when water levels rise, pumping water away from your foundation to prevent moisture damage and mold growth. Do You Need a Sump Pump? Do you have a basement or crawl space prone to flooding? Have you noticed dampness, mold, or musty odors in your lower levels? Has your current sump pump failed or aged beyond its lifespan (typically 7-10 years)? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a new sump pump installation or replacement could save you from costly water damage. Choosing the Right Pump for Your Home At Local Plumbing, we help homeowners and businesses choose the right sewage ejector or sump pump based on their specific needs. We install and service top brands like Zoeller, Liberty, and Wayne to ensure reliable, long-lasting performance. Our team also offers battery backup sump pump installations to keep your home protected even during power outages. Expert Pump Installation and Repair When it comes to sewage ejectors and sump pumps, proper installation is crucial to avoid failures and inefficiencies. Our skilled technicians handle everything from pump sizing to professional installation, ensuring your system runs smoothly for years to come. We also provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services for unexpected pump failures. Why Choose Local Plumbing? Licensed and insured plumbers with years of experience Fast, reliable service for repairs and replacements Top-rated customer reviews and satisfaction guarantees Affordable pricing and upfront estimates Schedule Your Pump Service Today Whether you need a new sump pump installation, a sewage ejector pump replacement, or emergency repairs, Local Plumbing has you covered. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. Protect your home from backups and flooding with expert plumbing solutions!
