Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about plumbing service, mountain-home maintenance, and what to expect when working with Brimer Plumbing.
We serve the California side of Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, including Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Homewood, Tahoma, Olympic Valley, Alpine Meadows, Dollar Point, Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner, Glenshire, Donner Summit, Soda Springs, Norden, and Agate Bay. We are not licensed in Nevada.
Yes. For urgent issues like burst pipes, active leaks, or gas concerns, call us at 530-587-0733 for the fastest response. We prioritize emergency calls and can often respond same-day.
Winterization involves draining water lines and fixtures, adding antifreeze to traps, shutting down the water heater, and setting up monitoring. We offer professional winterization services and can also install smart water monitoring systems for year-round protection.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, do not attempt to thaw it with open flame or excessive heat. Turn off the water supply as a precaution and call us at 530-587-0733. We use controlled, professional methods to restore flow safely and prevent the pipe from bursting.
Absolutely. We regularly coordinate with property managers for seasonal homes, providing winterization, spring startup, emergency response, and ongoing maintenance. We communicate clearly and can work with your preferred scheduling and access arrangements.
Tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years, though hard water and altitude can shorten that. Tankless units often last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Annual inspections help catch issues early and extend the life of your system.
It depends on your usage patterns, home size, and whether the home is used seasonally. Tankless units offer continuous hot water and easier winterization, but they cost more upfront. We'll assess your situation and give you honest pros and cons for both options.
A smart leak shutoff system, like Moen Flo, installs on your main water line and monitors flow, pressure, and temperature continuously. If it detects a leak, unusual usage, or freeze risk, it can shut off your water automatically and alert you via a smartphone app.
Seasonal-use homes are where these systems provide the most value. A leak or freeze event in an unoccupied home can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Smart monitoring gives you 24/7 protection and peace of mind, and may qualify you for insurance discounts.
Yes. We install, repair, and inspect gas lines for all types of appliances — ranges, fireplaces, outdoor grills, water heaters, and dryers. All gas work includes pressure testing and leak verification.
Yes. We install gas lines for outdoor kitchens, built-in grills, fire pits, and patio heaters — all to code and properly sized for the appliance.
Common signs include a sulfur or rotten-egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near outdoor lines, or higher-than-expected gas bills. If you suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and call us or your gas utility.
We do. If you've selected your own faucets, toilets, or fixtures, we'll install them properly. We're happy to advise on compatibility or quality if you'd like input before purchasing.
Yes. We handle rough-in plumbing for remodels — including relocating supply and drain lines, installing new fixtures, and coordinating with your contractor on timing and access.
We follow a consistent process: diagnose the issue carefully, present clear options with pricing before work begins, protect your home's finishes while we work, and verify everything is working properly before we leave. You'll have clear communication throughout.
Yes. We are licensed plumbing contractors in California, fully insured, and have been serving the Truckee and North Lake Tahoe area since 1997.
For non-emergency requests, we typically respond within one business day. For emergencies like burst pipes or gas leaks, call us at 530-587-0733 for priority response — we can often be on site the same day.
We offer annual water heater maintenance and can schedule seasonal plumbing checkups. Regular maintenance extends equipment life, prevents unexpected failures, and is especially valuable for homes that sit unused between seasons.
Common causes include partially closed valves, mineral buildup in supply lines, undersized piping, or pressure regulator issues. We'll diagnose the specific cause and recommend the right fix.
No. We are licensed in California only and serve the California side of Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. We do not provide service in Nevada communities such as Incline Village, Crystal Bay, or Stateline.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you promptly.