FAQ
Plumbing & restoration questions, answered
Real answers from First Call Plumbing & Restoration - licensed plumbers and IICRC-certified restoration technicians serving the Inland Empire 24/7.
Plumbing Emergencies
- Who do I call for a burst pipe at night in San Bernardino?
- Call First Call Plumbing & Restoration at (909) 751-2323 - the line is answered 24/7 by a real person, including nights, weekends, and holidays. We are based in San Bernardino and serve Riverside and San Bernardino counties, with emergency arrival typically in 1-2 hours depending on your location and call volume. While you wait, shut off the main water valve. Learn more about our 24/7 emergency plumbing.
- What should I do first when a pipe bursts?
- Shut off the water at your home's main shutoff valve first - it is the single most important step. In many Southern California homes the main shutoff is outside on the front or side of the house near a hose bib, or in the garage. Next, stay away from water near outlets, turn off your water heater, call an emergency plumber, and take photos for insurance. Our burst pipe guide walks through each step.
- Is a leak an emergency or can it wait until morning?
- A leak is an emergency if water is spraying, coming through a ceiling or wall, reaching electrical outlets, or will not stop at the fixture's shutoff valve. Sewage backing up into the house is also an emergency. A slow faucet drip, a running toilet, or a small under-sink leak you have already stopped can usually wait for a regular appointment.
- What should I do if I smell gas in my house?
- If you smell gas, leave the house right away and call your gas company from outside. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off on your way out, since a spark can be dangerous. Once the gas company has made the home safe, a licensed plumber can find and repair the leak. First Call Plumbing & Restoration provides gas leak detection and repair with pressure testing and permitted, code-compliant work.
- What do I do if sewage is backing up into my house?
- Treat a sewage backup as an emergency: keep people and pets out of the area, stop running water in the house, and call a plumber right away. Sewage is Category 3 water that can carry harmful bacteria, so cleanup should be done by professionals with protective gear. First Call Plumbing & Restoration can clear the line and handle the cleanup and sanitizing with one team.
- Who do I call after a house fire in the Inland Empire?
- Once the fire department says it is safe, call a fire and smoke damage restoration company to secure the home and start cleanup. First Call Plumbing & Restoration provides emergency board-up and tarping, soot and smoke odor removal, contents cleaning and pack-out, and full reconstruction across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. We also document the damage for your insurance claim. See our fire and smoke damage restoration service.
Water Damage & Insurance
- How much does water damage restoration cost?
- Water damage restoration averages roughly $3,500 to $3,900 nationally, and most homeowners pay about $1,400 to $6,400, according to national cost guides from HomeAdvisor and Angi. These figures are approximate, and Southern California prices can differ. The biggest cost drivers are how dirty the water is, how much area got wet, drying time, and how much has to be rebuilt. See our water damage cost guide.
- Does homeowners insurance cover water damage in California?
- Most California homeowners policies cover water damage that is sudden and accidental, like a burst supply line or a water heater that suddenly fails. They usually do not cover damage from slow leaks over time, poor maintenance, or flooding from outside, which needs a separate flood policy. Every policy is different, so read your own wording and talk to your agent. Our California insurance guide explains the details.
- Does homeowners insurance pay to fix a burst pipe?
- Often no - many policies pay for the water damage a burst pipe caused, but not to repair the pipe itself. Many policies also cover opening a wall, ceiling, or floor to reach the broken pipe. If the pipe failed because the whole system is worn out, like corroded galvanized pipe, replacing it is usually treated as maintenance. Ask your insurer how your policy handles this.
- Does homeowners insurance cover a sewer backup?
- Often not, unless you added a water backup endorsement to your policy. Water that backs up through a floor drain, toilet, or sewer line is commonly excluded from standard homeowners policies. If you have had a backup before, ask your agent whether you have this coverage, and consider a sewer camera inspection to find the cause so it does not happen again.
- Can First Call Plumbing & Restoration help with my insurance claim?
- Yes - First Call Plumbing & Restoration documents the damage and can work with your insurance adjuster, but we cannot promise your claim will be approved. Our IICRC-certified techs take photos, record daily moisture readings, and write a scope of what was done and why, which we can share with your adjuster. Coverage decisions and any settlement are between you and your insurance company.
- Do I have to use the restoration company my insurance recommends?
- No - California regulations say an insurer cannot require you to use a specific repair company. You can choose a licensed contractor you trust and share its documentation with your adjuster. Whoever you hire, look up their license with the Contractors State License Board. First Call Plumbing & Restoration is CSLB Lic. #798425.
Mold
- How fast does mold grow after water damage?
- Mold can start growing on damp materials within 24 to 48 hours, which is why the EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within that window. Early growth is usually too small to see and often hides behind drywall, under carpet pad, or inside cabinets. A musty smell or high moisture readings are better warning signs than what you can see. Learn more in how fast mold grows.
- Does homeowners insurance cover mold in California?
- Mold coverage in California homeowners policies is often limited or excluded. Where mold is covered, it is usually only when it resulted from a covered, sudden water loss, and it may have a low dollar cap - limits of $1,000 to $10,000 are common. Mold from long-term humidity or an old leak is usually excluded. Check your policy, and dry water damage fast to protect both your home and your claim.
- What is the difference between mold remediation and mold removal?
- Mold removal usually means cleaning or tearing out the mold you can see, while mold remediation is a full process that also fixes the cause. Remediation finds and repairs the moisture source, contains the area so spores do not spread, removes damaged porous materials, cleans with HEPA filtration, and confirms the area is dry before rebuilding. See mold remediation vs. mold removal.
- How much does mold remediation cost?
- Professional mold remediation typically costs roughly $1,200 to $3,750, or about $10 to $25 per square foot, according to national cost guides such as This Old House and Angi. Large whole-home jobs can run $10,000 to $30,000 or more. These are approximate national averages, and the size, location, hidden growth, and rebuild work drive the real price. First Call Plumbing & Restoration inspects first and gives an up-front quote.
- Can I clean up mold myself?
- You can usually clean mold yourself if the area is smaller than about 10 square feet, roughly a 3-foot by 3-foot patch, according to the EPA. Fix the water problem first, wear gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator, then scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry them completely. Call a professional for larger areas, hidden mold, sewage water, suspected HVAC mold, or anyone in the home with health concerns.
- Can mold grow in a dry climate like the Inland Empire?
- Yes - mold grows in Inland Empire homes, but it usually comes from plumbing and appliance leaks rather than the weather. Common sources include slab leaks under concrete floors, clogged AC condensate lines, leaking swamp coolers, water heaters, worn supply lines, and winter storm leaks. Warm indoor temperatures do not slow mold down, so any leak that stays wet for a day or two can lead to growth. See our mold remediation service.
Plumbing Repairs & Installs
- What are the signs of a slab leak?
- The most common signs of a slab leak are a water bill that rises without more use, warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when everything is off, and a water heater that runs constantly. Damp carpet, warped wood floors, loose tiles, and a musty smell near the floor are also clues. To check, turn off all water and watch your meter for two hours. See signs of a slab leak.
- When should I repipe my house?
- Consider repiping when you have had more than one leak, your pipes are old galvanized steel or aging copper, or you also have low water pressure or discolored water. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside, and when one section fails, others are often close behind. A repipe replaces the water lines with new copper or PEX and ends the cycle of repeat repairs.
- What is the difference between snaking and hydro jetting?
- Snaking uses a rotating cable to break through or pull out a clog, while hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of the pipe clean. Snaking is a quick, affordable fix for a single clogged drain. Hydro jetting is better for grease buildup, tree roots, and clogs that keep coming back, because it clears the pipe walls so the line stays open longer. Learn more about drain cleaning and hydro jetting.
- Can a sewer line be replaced without digging up the yard?
- Often, yes - trenchless sewer repair can reline or replace many sewer lines through small access points instead of a long trench. The two main methods are pipe lining (CIPP), which forms a new pipe inside the old one, and pipe bursting, which pulls new pipe through while breaking apart the old line. A sewer camera inspection shows whether your line is a good fit for a trenchless repair.
- Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house?
- Yes - a sewer scope is worth it before buying a home, because a standard home inspection usually does not check the buried main sewer line. The camera can find roots, cracks, sags, collapsed sections, and old clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe, which are common in older Inland Empire neighborhoods. Schedule it early in your escrow investigation period. See our sewer scope guide for buyers.
- Should I get a tankless or tank water heater?
- A tank water heater costs less up front and is usually a direct swap, while a tankless heater costs more to install but uses less energy and lasts longer. National cost guides put a tank replacement at about $880 to $1,830 and a tankless install at about $1,400 to $3,900 (approximate), before any gas line or venting upgrades. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates 10-15 years for tanks and 20+ years for tankless.
Hard Water & Water Treatment
- How hard is the water in the Inland Empire?
- Most Inland Empire homes have hard to very hard water. Riverside Public Utilities' 2025 water quality report lists an average of 197 mg/L, about 12 grains per gallon, and Eastern Municipal Water District's sources ranged from about 4 to 19 grains per gallon. The hardness comes from local groundwater and imported Colorado River water. Read our Inland Empire hard water guide to find your own number.
- Is hard water safe to drink?
- Yes, hard water is safe to drink - calcium and magnesium are not considered a health concern, and there is no federal health-based limit for hardness. Hard water is mainly a maintenance problem. It leaves white scale on faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes, and sediment or scale inside water heaters, which makes them work harder and wears out valves and fixtures sooner.
- Are water softeners banned in the Inland Empire?
- New self-regenerating salt softeners are banned in some Inland Empire cities, but not everywhere. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency prohibits new or replacement self-regenerating softeners in Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland. Existing units can stay, and exchange-tank softener service is an allowed alternative. Other agencies may have their own rules, so we check what is allowed at your address before recommending anything.
- What is the difference between a water softener, a water filter, and reverse osmosis?
- A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium that cause scale, a whole-home carbon filter reduces chlorine taste, odor, and some contaminants, and reverse osmosis removes most dissolved minerals and many contaminants at a single tap. Softeners protect plumbing and appliances, filters improve water at every tap, and RO is usually installed under the kitchen sink for drinking and cooking. Many homes pair a water softener with RO.
- Does hard water damage tankless water heaters?
- Yes, hard water causes scale to build up inside a tankless water heater's heat exchanger, which can reduce hot water flow, trigger error codes, and shorten the unit's life. Manufacturers such as Navien recommend descaling at least once a year, and more often with hard water. Many Inland Empire homeowners pair a tankless heater with a water softener or exchange-tank service to reduce scale.
Pricing, Specials & Payment
- How does First Call Plumbing & Restoration price its work?
- First Call Plumbing & Restoration gives you an up-front price that you approve before any work begins, so there are no surprises on the invoice. Because every home and problem is different, we inspect first and then quote, rather than guessing over the phone. For water damage, you get a written, up-front quote before work goes beyond emergency mitigation. Call (909) 751-2323 any time, 24/7.
- What is the $69 drain snaking special?
- The $69 special covers snaking one problem drain line plus a FREE HD camera inspection of your main sewer line through an existing, accessible ground-level cleanout. We snake the drain line only, not the main sewer line. Homes without an accessible cleanout may need extra access, which is quoted separately and approved by you first. The offer is for owner-occupied homes in our service area. See current specials.
- Is the camera inspection really free?
- Yes - First Call Plumbing & Restoration includes a free HD camera inspection with any service we provide. We run the camera through your line and show you the footage, so you can see exactly what is going on before you spend money on repairs. Learn more about the free camera inspection.
- Do you offer discounts for seniors, teachers, or first responders?
- Yes - seniors, teachers, and first responders such as firefighters and police officers get 10% off their service from First Call Plumbing & Restoration. It is our year-round thank-you to the people who serve our community. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers and are limited to one per household. Mention it when you call (909) 751-2323.
- How much does slab leak repair cost?
- Slab leak repair averages about $2,280 nationally, with most jobs between roughly $630 and $4,400, and leak detection typically around $150 to $400, according to HomeAdvisor. These are approximate national figures. Your cost depends on whether the fix is a spot repair, a reroute, or a repipe, and how much flooring and concrete must be opened. We locate the leak first and quote each option up front.
- What payment options do you accept?
- Call us at (909) 751-2323 and we will walk you through the payment options for your job. Either way, you get an up-front price to approve before any work starts. For insured water, fire, or mold damage, we document the loss and can work with your adjuster, but your deductible and any settlement are between you and your insurance company.
About Us & Service Area
- Is First Call Plumbing & Restoration licensed and insured?
- Yes - First Call Plumbing & Restoration is a licensed, bonded, and insured California contractor, CSLB Lic. #798425. You can look up the license on the Contractors State License Board website before you hire us. Our restoration technicians are also IICRC-certified, which means they are trained in industry standards for water damage drying and mold remediation.
- What areas does First Call Plumbing & Restoration serve?
- First Call Plumbing & Restoration serves 25+ cities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, plus Yorba Linda, Brea, and Placentia in north Orange County. That includes San Bernardino, Riverside, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Corona, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, Redlands, and many more Inland Empire communities. See the full list on our service areas page.
- Where is First Call Plumbing & Restoration located?
- First Call Plumbing & Restoration is located at 1330 W 25th St, San Bernardino, CA 92405, and sends crews across the Inland Empire from there. The business is ACR Services dba First Call Plumbing & Restoration of the Inland Empire, an independently owned and operated franchise. Our phone, (909) 751-2323, is answered 24/7 by a real person.
- Can one company fix the leak and repair the water damage?
- Yes - First Call Plumbing & Restoration is a combined plumbing and restoration company, so one team can fix the leak and repair the damage it caused. Licensed plumbers stop the source, and IICRC-certified techs extract water, dry the structure, handle mold if needed, and rebuild drywall, flooring, and paint. You get one point of accountability instead of juggling contractors. See our restoration services.
- What does IICRC-certified mean?
- IICRC-certified means a technician has trained in the standards of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, such as the S500 standard for water damage and the S520 standard for mold remediation. These standards cover how to classify water, dry a structure, contain mold, and confirm the work is done. First Call Plumbing & Restoration's restoration techs are IICRC-certified.
- Does First Call Plumbing & Restoration guarantee its work?
- Yes - First Call Plumbing & Restoration backs its work with a workmanship guarantee. Every job also starts with an up-front price you approve before work begins, and you can watch the camera footage on drain and sewer jobs yourself. Ask us to walk you through the guarantee for your specific job before we start, or contact us with questions.
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