Welcome to Genteel Plumbers, your go-to plumber in Hillsborough. Whether you’re dealing with slab leaks under your elegant 1920s home or need a quick fix for a clogged sink in Emerald Hills, we’re the local team that’s got you covered.
Hillsborough homes are beautiful—and often tricky: deep foundations, older cast-iron plumbing, steep driveways, and strict aesthetic rules. We get it. We’ve tackled everything from serious sewer issues under manicured lawns to leaking fixtures in gated estates on Mulberry Drive. We work quietly, cleanly, and with the respect your home deserves.
About Genteel Plumbers
When we created Genteel Plumbers, our goal was simple: be the kind of plumbers we’d want in our own elegant neighborhoods. No confusing jargon. No mess left behind. No inflated bills.
We’re licensed, insured, and committed to honest work. We understand Hillsborough—not just the homes, but the homeowners. Our goal? Keep your plumbing quiet, efficient, and reliable so you enjoy comfort without surprises.
What We Do in Hillsborough
Emergency Plumbing in Hillsborough
Old-growth oak roots, shifting soil, gravel-filled driveways—and those hillside foundations—combine to make plumbing in Hillsborough unpredictable. Emergencies strike: burst supply lines in historic homes off Crest Road, broken backyard irrigation pipes near I-280, flooded walk-in wine cellars.
We respond fast—day or night. One Crest Road home had a major slab leak at midnight. We shut it down, repaired it, and prevented costly structural damage before sunrise. No panic, just solid service.
Drain & Sewer Cleaning With Visual Inspections
Even in upscale neighborhoods, kitchen grease, hair buildup, and slow-flowing fixtures sneak up on you. And sometimes the issue lies in the grand sewer lateral buried under your estate lawn.
We clean sinks, tubs, main lines, and follow up with camera inspections. One Hillsborough residence on Cathedral Drive avoided a complete sewer cave-in—because we found root incursion early, showed video, and fixed it before it tore through the basement.
Hydro Jetting to Restore Flow
When a snake and chemicals won’t cut it—especially in deep sewer laterals—we go hydro jetting. High-pressure water blasts through years of buildup, clearing even stubborn clay or cast-iron lines under your lawn or driveway.
Once, after heavy rain, a property on Broadmoor Drive saw chronic backups. With one session we cleared roots and sludge—and life returned to normal.
Leak Detection & Hidden Repair
Leak Detection & Hidden RepairHillsborough homes with slab foundations need precise tech to avoid damage. We use thermal imaging and acoustic gear to pinpoint leaks without invasive digging.
On Hillsborough Blvd, we located a slow leak under a marble floor in the foyer. We repaired it cleanly and patch-repaired the tile—no major demolition, no regrets.
Whole‑House Repiping
Legacy homes often have old galvanized or lead lines—and that’s a ticking time bomb. We repipe entire homes with modern copper or PEX—improving water clarity, pressure, and reliability.
One family on Cavalier Drive had visible corrosion in hidden pipes. We switched them out, completed work in just four days, and restored the piping infrastructure so it’s set for decades.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
Hillsborough homes with multiple bathrooms often run out of hot water or use obsolete units. We replace them with compact, efficient tankless heaters that fit tight spaces like laundry rooms or storage closets—and deliver endless hot showers.
We installed one for a homeowner with a three-tank system; now she’s hot water–happy, energy-smart, and freed up space.
Toilet Repair & High‑Efficiency Upgrades
Even in upscale bathrooms, a leaky flange or running mechanism causes high water bills. We do repairs or install modern, low-flow toilets with quiet operation.
One estate off Emerald Hills Drive saved hundreds a year by upgrading toilets and fixing constant flapper issues.
Trenchless Sewer Replacement & Lawn Rescue
Worried about heavy machinery ruining your lawn? Us too. We offer trenchless sewer replacement to preserve turf and landscaping grace. A Claybourne Drive estate got a full sewer-lateral for half the cost quoted elsewhere—and their front yard was untouched.
Water Heater Repair & Replacement
Water Heater Repair & ReplacementNot every hot water problem needs replacement. We repair thermostats, heating elements, valves—or replace tanks responsibly when it’s more efficient.
On Irving Drive, we repaired a 12-year-old tank. Same day, no extra cost, and they’re still running smoothly.
Hillsborough Success Stories
Preserving A Mansion’s Foundation
A heritage home near Frederick Drive had a slow leak under the foundation. We detected it early and replumbed key sections, preventing major structural damage.
Wine Cellar Rescued
A slab leak in a custom wine cellar off Edgewood Road was discovered by water stains near the cooling unit. We fixed it overnight—no climate damage, no loss to their collection.
Green-Friendly Fix in an Eco‑Home
A homeowner on North Ranch Road wanted both trenchless sewer repair and low-flow toilet installation—part of her earth-friendly remodel. We handled both, helping her win accolades from her green-building community.
Why Hillsborough Chooses Genteel Plumbers
- Local & respectful: We know HOA standards, permit lines, and hillside requirements.
- No wrecking ball repairs: We fix accurate—leave your marble, trim, and foliage intact.
- Clear upfront pricing: No hidden charges, no bait-and-switch.
- We clean up: You won’t find dust or tools after we leave.
- Solid warranty: We don’t vanish after the job. We come back if needed.
- Word-of-mouth trusted: We’re recommended by realtors, estate managers, and neighbors.
Smart Tools & Tips
- Pressure tank making noise? It’s sediment or air shock—call us before it bursts.
- Sinking lawn near sewer line? Have us camera inspect—it could be a slow collapse.
- Frequent low-water-flush alarms? Your washer drain may need a bigger vent or relief breaker.
Hillsborough Service Area
We serve all corners of Hillsborough, including:
- Crestmoor & Emerald Hills areas
- Cathedral & Crestmont neighborhoods
- Grandview, Claybourne, and Mulberry Drives
- West Hill, Southgate, and Broadmoor
- Estates near I-280 and Skyline Boulevard
- And the entire greenbelt area
FAQ
1. Do you work with Hillsborough permit requirements?
Yes, we work closely with the city to make sure all jobs meet code and pass inspection.
2. Can you replace my old sewer line without digging up my yard?
In many cases, yes. Our trenchless replacement methods are clean and fast.
3. What types of water heaters do you work on?
Gas, electric, tankless—you name it. We repair and install all major brands.
4. Are you available on weekends?
Yes, we offer 24/7 service—including weekends and holidays—for emergencies.
5. Do you offer maintenance services?
Yes! We provide drain cleanings, inspections, and water heater flushes to prevent major problems.
Handy Local Hillsborough Links
- Town of Hillsborough – Permits & Public Works
https://www.hillsborough.net/publicworks - Hillsborough Municipal Code – Plumbing & Sewers
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Hillsborough - BAWSCA – Water Conservation Rebates
https://bawsca.org - PG&E Rebates – Water Heater & Fixture Efficiency
https://www.pge.com - San Mateo County Environmental Health
https://www.smcgov.org/eh
Let’s Fix That Hilltop Problem Today
No stress. No questionable charges. Just honest, clean, reliable plumbing services right here in Hillsborough.
When you need a plumber in Hillsborough, call Genteel Plumbers—always local, always ready.