So, it turns out that my previous recipes of baking soda and vinegar can only take you so far :( I recently called a plumber (from Discount Plumbers) to fix a kitchen-sink jam that three rounds of baking soda and vinegar couldn't. Since he was here, he changed the aging/corroded p-trap and drain, and "descaled" the bathroom sink. I have summarized what I learnt today as an advisory to all unit owners Informational Advisory to Unit Owners Topic: Drain Line Descaling in Cast-Iron Branch Lines As our building approaches approximately 15 years of age, some units may begin to experience persistent slow drains, most commonly in bathroom sinks. In certain cases, standard snaking clears debris but does not restore normal drainage, or the issue recurs shortly thereafter. A recent inspection by a licensed plumber identified internal scale buildup in cast-iron drain lines serving a unit. This buildup gradually reduces the effective internal diameter of the pipe and can significantly impair flow, particularly in 1.5-inch branch lines, which are more sensitive to diameter loss than larger pipes. Descaling as a remediation option When appropriate, mechanical descaling may be used to remove accumulated mineral and corrosion scale from the interior of cast-iron drain pipes. This process differs from snaking, which primarily clears localized obstructions (for example, hair or debris). Descaling can: Restore effective pipe diameter Resolve chronic slow-drain conditions after snaking fails Extend the service life of existing cast-iron piping Reduce repeated maintenance calls for the same fixture Descaling is typically considered only after conventional snaking has proven ineffective. Cost considerations Descaling is a specialized service and not low cost. In the observed case, the cost was approximately $1,100 per sink entry, reflecting the equipment and labor involved. For this reason, it is generally pursued selectively rather than as routine maintenance. Scope and responsibility This advisory is informational only. It does not indicate a building-wide issue or require any action. Larger diameter lines (2-inch and 4-inch), including shared vertical stacks, are generally much less affected by scale-related flow loss. Unit owners should consult their own licensed plumber regarding conditions specific to their unit and applicable responsibility boundaries. FAQ (Technical Summary) Why does snaking sometimes stop working? Snaking clears discrete blockages but does not remove uniform internal scale. When scale buildup significantly reduces pipe diameter, snaking alone may provide little or only temporary improvement. Why are 1.5-inch pipes more affected? Loss of even a few millimeters of internal radius in a 1.5-inch pipe represents a large percentage reduction in flow capacity. Larger pipes tolerate the same scale thickness with far less impact. Is descaling chemical or mechanical? In cast-iron systems, descaling is typically mechanical, using specialized rotary equipment designed to remove scale without damaging sound pipe walls. Is this an urgent or mandatory issue? No. Descaling is condition-based. It is an available option for owners experiencing persistent slow drains that do not respond to standard cleaning. This notice is intended to share practical, technical information as the building infrastructure matures, so owners are aware of available remediation options should the need arise. Best, Sharon. read more

Title: Exceptional Service and Expertise: Antonio at Discount Plumbers Introduction: I recently had the pleasure of working with Antonio from Discount Plumbers, and I must say that his professionalism, expertise, and dedication to providing top-notch service were truly outstanding. From start to finish, Antonio went above and beyond to ensure that my plumbing needs were met efficiently and effectively. I am delighted to share my experience and highly recommend Antonio for any plumbing requirements. Prompt and Reliable Service: Antonio's punctuality and reliability were truly commendable. He arrived at my home promptly at the scheduled time, fully equipped with the necessary tools and materials. His commitment to being on time demonstrated his respect for my schedule and the urgency of the plumbing issue at hand. Antonio's promptness set the tone for the entire service, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Expertise and Professionalism: Antonio's extensive knowledge and expertise in plumbing were evident from the moment he assessed the situation. He carefully listened to my concerns, asked relevant questions, and thoroughly inspected the plumbing system to identify the root cause of the problem. His attention to detail and ability to diagnose the issue accurately were impressive. Throughout the repair process, Antonio displayed a high level of professionalism. He explained the necessary repairs in a clear and concise manner, ensuring I understood the steps involved and the expected outcome. Antonio's professionalism extended beyond his technical skills; he maintained a friendly and respectful demeanor, making the entire experience comfortable and stress-free. Efficient and Effective Solutions: Antonio's ability to provide efficient and effective solutions was truly remarkable. He worked diligently to resolve the plumbing issue promptly, minimizing any disruption to my daily routine. Antonio's attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident in his workmanship. He took the time to ensure that the repairs were completed to the highest standard, leaving no room for future complications. Customer Satisfaction: Antonio's dedication to customer satisfaction was evident throughout the entire service. He patiently addressed all my questions and concerns, providing valuable insights and recommendations to prevent future plumbing issues. Antonio's commitment to ensuring my satisfaction extended beyond the completion of the repairs; he followed up to ensure that everything was functioning smoothly and that I was completely satisfied with the service provided. Conclusion: In conclusion, Antonio from Discount Plumbers exceeded my expectations in every aspect of the service. His promptness, expertise, professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction were truly exceptional. I highly recommend Antonio to anyone in need of plumbing services. With his outstanding skills and dedication, he is undoubtedly an asset to Discount Plumbers. read more

Our 10+ year old water heater started leaking and caused the ignition unit to fail. It needed to be replaced. Previous to calling Discount Plumbing, we called the Plumbing Company which name rhyme's with "Newer Bat" and recently merged with the company whose name rhyme's with "Belly Bells" Their dispatcher was very professional. However, when their technician arrived, he started looking around exclaiming "this and this are non-compliant with Daly City code, and must be replaced." I got the feeling I was being "jacked", because I *explicitly* stated the new water heater to be the same height (to better fit the existing infrastructure). However, this technician said "We want to replace this tall water heater with a squat, shorter heater, and I'll be back tomorrow morning." He never showed. So my wife and I checked out Yelp! We saw the good reviews for Discount Plumbing, and talked to their *very* knowledgeable Dispatch person. She listened to our issue, took down everything, including the broken heater Model number, and scheduled an appointment for us, with a TWO hour window (vs. 4 hours and the no-show). Discount Plumbing's technician, Tony L. arrived within an hour of the window time. The service provided by Tony L. for replacing my water heater was absolutely fantastic. He was prompt, and super professional at accessing the modifications needed to install the (same sized) new water heater and replace the previous one. He explained exactly what he was going to do (draining, replacement hoses, etc), and was done in far less time than I expected. He also left my garage exactly as it was before the replacement, and the final job not only looked great-it was braced nice and tight (earthquake proofed). The best part- their estimate was *SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER* than the company that (IMO) tried to Jack us! My wife and I are happy customers. Discount Plumbing and Tony L. will be our first call for future needs! read more

I recently had a major plumbing project completed at my home, and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. From the very beginning, Steven was honest, straightforward, and accurate in diagnosing the problem. He took the time to explain what was going on, answered my questions, and never tried to upsell unnecessary work. His honesty and professionalism gave me confidence that I was making the right decision. Gabriel and his entire crew were equally impressive. They were professional, courteous, hardworking, and incredibly respectful of my home throughout the entire project. Even though this was a large and challenging job, they kept the work area clean and organized and paid close attention to every detail. Gabriel was especially helpful, keeping me informed throughout the process and ensuring everything was completed properly. The quality of the workmanship and the team's dedication to customer service exceeded my expectations. It's not often that you find a company that combines expertise, honesty, and exceptional customer service so well. A heartfelt thank you to Steven, Gabriel, and the entire crew for all of their hard work. I truly appreciate everything they did and would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone in need of plumbing services. Thank you for a job exceptionally well done! Highly recommended!! read more

Amazing company with amazing employees. Just had a 50 gallon natural gas water heater installed in my basement in San Francisco. It took the company less than one day to return my email, got a text confirmation and an appointment the following day. Received a text and a voicemail the next day that the technician can come earlier than scheduled which was a pleasant surprise. I obviously agreed to meet and got another text with a picture of the plumber that he was a few minutes away. Upon arrival we talked about the issues of the water heater and he knowledgeably answered my questions and gave me a quote. I was satisfied with the number after asking for a possibility of lowering the price. Another pleasant surprise with the help of the company manager. Onan, the plumber/technician with the help of his sidekick installed the new water heater albeit with a few hiccups. He made it happen, he made it work even though the water heater was located in a dark, tight space with low ceiling. Onan was very patient, very gracious, very handy, very professional and very meticulous about his work. He and his partner made sure that the place was tidy after they finished the job. I'm a happy, satisfied customer and this company that is family owned is very highly recommended. read more

I couldn't be more pleased with the exceptional service I received from Marcus, When I initially contacted them to address a plumbing issue in my home, they responded promptly and arrived right on time. From the moment they stepped through the door, it was evident that I was dealing with a true professional who takes pride in their work. Marcus not only skillfully resolved the plumbing problem at hand, but their diligence and attention to detail were truly remarkable. They took the time to explain the issue, the steps they were taking to rectify it, and even provided some useful maintenance tips to prevent similar problems in the future. It was evident that their expertise and experience were second to none. But what truly sets Marcus apart is their commitment to customer satisfaction. A whole year after they completed the initial work, when we had a issue in the same area where we had fixed in 2022 , I was pleasantly surprised when they offered to come by and inspect the plumbing to ensure everything was still in perfect working order. This level of dedication and care is unparalleled in the service industry, and it speaks volumes about Marcus's professionalism and genuine concern for their clients' well-being. read more

DISCOUNT PLUMBING is absolutely amazing! As renters in Atherton, we've relied on their services multiple times over the past couple of years for everything from water heater repairs to preferred fixture installations. Every time, they've exceeded our expectations. This time we called them we had a pretty serious problem that they were able to diagnose and fix promptly (view video below) *viewer digression advised We've had Connor and Simon come out for several jobs, and each time, they've been incredibly professional, efficient, and courteous. Whether it's performing non-invasive procedures to get our drain lines running smoothly again or tackling more complex issues, they've always found solutions that work perfectly. Their expertise, combined with their friendly service, makes Discount Plumbing a top choice. We'll definitely recommend them to our friends and won't hesitate to call them again if any future plumbing issues arise. Thank you, Discount Plumbing, for your reliable and exceptional service! read more

Would like to say thank you to the owner Kevin & phone receptionist Ressa for helping my grandmothers rental house on price street in Daly city, my grandfather has past long ago and my grandmother is in a rest home in Burlingame, tenets have been reporting slow drainage for a a while now and we have had 2 other plumbing company's come out for estament who reported something called a dig was necessary to replace a 4inch. Main drain to street, both companies quoted more than 10k plus to repair,.. the income from rental home barely covers care needed for my grandmother, so I kept looking and spoke with Ressa by phone who suggested I speak to the owner Kevin, he understood the problem and sent a tech out with sonar scanner and was able to isolate the blockage in main drain of 18 inches and this portion was removed and replaced solving problem the following day and completed shortly after lunch, saving our family thousands... thanks again Kevin for trouble shooting the problem and prompt service....sean read more

I never write reviews, with 5 years experience as a Building Manager in San Francisco in Russian Hill and Marina neighborhoods and 3 years Construction Management at Intel Santa Clara building cleanrooms, I can tell you Antonio (Plumber) is "excellent", he went above and beyond in solving our plumbing issue at our house and operated in the auspice as if it were his. After 3 calls to other companies, Discount Plumbing from the first call in speaking with a pleasant representative to obtain a appointment time, too their two update notifications regarding our appointment in providing a prior picture of Antonio as our confirmed representative and the message notifications of expected time of his arrival was spot on and literally perfect. From this 55 year old experienced life I say with the utmost confidence, you need not look further to solve your plumbing emergencies or needs! Thank you Antonio! Mike Abrahamsen 5th generation San Franciscan read more

Ricardo from Discount Plumbing Is an Absolute Lifesaver -- Outstanding After-Hours Service I cannot say enough good things about Ricardo. I had a complete sewer blockage that shut down my entire house -- no sinks, no showers, no toilets, nothing. It happened after hours, and I was truly stuck. Ricardo arrived quickly, diagnosed the issue immediately, and worked tirelessly to clear a total blockage deep in the line. Within a short time, everything was flowing again. His professionalism, expertise, and calm, reassuring demeanor were exceptional. What really stood out was Ricardo's dedication. Even after a long day, he treated my emergency as if it were his own -- no shortcuts, no upselling, just honest, skillful work delivered with genuine care. If you ever need a plumber you can trust, especially in an emergency, Discount Plumbing is the one to call. I'm incredibly grateful for his help and cannot recommend him highly enough. read more

I called Discount rooter yesterday to get a price on repair or replacement of my water heater, as the gas valve had failed. They had a $300 discount on water heater replacement which made their price very competitive. Carlos Anguiano came promptly within the time frame with an advance calling to advice of time of arrival..Upon consulting with Carlos he said he could either replace the gas valve or the whole water heater...my choice. Even though this is an older water heater I elected to have the gas valve replaced; hoping for a few more years service...He happily did so, and while he was here I also asked him to run a water line to my rooftop garden from it's original location in the light well where it was of limited use to me....All this for $515 minus the $50 off internet coupon, net $465...I am very satisfied with his work and pleasant and helpful demeanor. I recommend this service provider for fast efficient service. read more

We have been using Discount Plumbing for years, and they are truly the best in the business, especially when it comes to sewer lateral replacements. As a realtor, it's essential to have reliable partners, and Discount Plumbing always delivers! Kevin and Jason are incredibly communicative, efficient, and always get the job done right. They go above and beyond to keep us updated every step of the way, which makes the process so smooth for both our clients and sellers. Their pricing is unbeatable, and the quality of their work is top-notch. We've referred them to countless clients, and everyone always has glowing feedback. If you're looking for a plumbing company that's dependable, affordable, and professional, I highly recommend Discount Plumbing. They have been a fantastic partner to our team, and we look forward to working with them for many more years! Thank you, Kevin and Jason, for your outstanding service! read more

Everytime I call Discount Plumbing they have been dependable. You really get a sense that they care about the people they help, everyone from the office staff to their technicians provide quality service. Recently had an issue with the main water line in our house and Elmer and Omar came over, were respectful and friendly, and did their work efficiently. They made sure they had the right parts and did a great job. And if I have any other issues, I know they're going to make things right. I also want to acknowledge Stephen and Omen for their role in assisting us with a shower drain leak. I was really impressed by their teamwork and I appreciate how Stephen took the time to provide some education on certain plumbing aspects in our home. That, and all the reasons I mentioned above, is the type of service that I can't get anywhere else, and it's a huge reason I'll continue to trust the people from Discount Plumbing read more

I was taking a shower and once I finished, the water wouldn't go down anymore. There was a weird smell and my husband tried to see what was wrong, but he didn't know how to fix it. We decided to leave it, but the next day it got worst. We used the other restroom we have here at home, and the next thing we know the pipe in the garage is leaking. The shower had overflowed with water, so now it was leaking downstairs. So I called Discount Plumbing and told them my problem. They sent someone over and his name was Fred. He was extremely helpful and explained the situation. It was just hairs that clogged the drainage in the shower. He was super friendly and accomodating. He worked quickly and efficiently. After about 10 minutes he was finished. The water was now going down the drain. I was extremely pleased with how he helped. Definitely recommend Discount Plumbing. read more

We had an excellent experience with Carlos. He was extremely thorough and detail-oriented from start to finish. He took the time to inspect everything carefully, even going up on the roof to fully diagnose the issue instead of rushing to a quick fix. What really stood out was his dedication to resolving the problem properly. He explained what he was doing, why it was happening, and explored all possible solutions to make sure the issue wouldn't return. At the end of the service, he went above and beyond by educating us on proper maintenance, especially how to reduce grease buildup in our kitchen sink and prevent future clogs. That extra guidance was very helpful and much appreciated. Overall, this was a very professional, knowledgeable, and honest service. We truly felt taken care of and would highly recommend him to anyone needing a reliable plumber. read more

I just had to share about the fantastic experience I had with Israel and Gilmar when they installed two hot water heaters at my place! These guys were absolute pros from start to finish. They really know their stuff and took the time to understand exactly what I needed. Throughout the process, they were super friendly and made sure to keep me in the loop with everything they were doing. I was really impressed by their attention to detail and how they went above and beyond to make sure everything was installed perfectly. Plus, they were just a pleasure to have around - punctual, respectful, and happy to answer any questions I had. Now, thanks to Israel and Gilmar, I've got reliable hot water whenever I need it. Seriously, if you're looking for top-notch service, these are the guys to call! read more

Woke up this morning to find out our toilet wasn't working and was a huge mess. Recently our toilet clogged up and the water would not go down at all no matter how many times we've tried. It became messy fast so we looked up a plumbing service nearby. We came across Discount Plumbing and gave them a call right away. They were able to get us an appointment so quickly. They sent over Fred and we showed him our toilet. He looked it over and told us what was wrong, and the procedure to fix it. Then he got right to work on it having all the necessary supplies with him already. In no time our toilet was unclogged and clean. He was really nice and told us what to do next time this happened again. Would highly recommend Discount Plumbing as they are fast and dependable in service and quality! read more

Our hot water heater stopped working & we were off site. The repair tech came quickly and on time from Discount Plumbing. He was polite and informed us when he arrived at the house and provided a clear and detailed explaination of the problem and outlined the repair costs. He also noted that there was a sticker from another company on the hot water heater and that it was possible that it was still under warranty and suggested that I reach out to them. This type of honesty and integrity is so very much appreciated & we will make Discount Plumbing our "go to" from this point on for any issue. Further we will request Antonio S. by name as not only was he well informed & professional and took the time to communicate with us but his ethincal code is something we all should aspire to. read more