Plumbing in Sunnyvale, CA

Homes in Sunnyvale: what pros run into

The city runs its own wastewater plant near the Bay. Las Palmas Park is known for its Easter Island-style sculptures.

Afternoon breezes off the Bay are common in summer. Mid-century homes often still have original copper supply lines and cast iron drains, both now well past 60 years old. Many homes are Eichler or ranch houses from the 1950s and 1960s.

Dry years bring watering limits and a lot of interest in low-flow fixtures, and many yards now run on drip irrigation. Eichler homes often have radiant heating pipes in the slab.

Signs you should call

Sound familiar?

• Dripping or leaking pipes under a sink
• Slow or clogged drains
• Running toilet

From call to visit

1. Tell us your ZIP code and what's happening.
2. A plumber with openings near Sunnyvale gets the details.
3. You hear from the pro directly about when they can come.

Permits, licenses and your utility

Your drinking water comes from the City of Sunnyvale, and wastewater goes to the city's Water Pollution Control Plant. When a drain backs up, the question is where the blockage sits: inside the house or in your private sewer lateral is usually the owner's job, while the public main belongs to the utility. California licenses plumbing contractors through the Contractors State License Board, which has an online license check.

Who runs what: the City of Sunnyvale for water, the city's Water Pollution Control Plant for wastewater and the City of Sunnyvale Community Development Department for permits. Sunnyvale grew from fruit orchards into a center of the tech industry. Murphy Avenue is the historic downtown street.

Before the visit

Shut off the water to the fixture or the whole house if a leak is active, and put a towel or bucket down.

Snap a photo of any labels or serial plates you can reach safely.