Plumbing Services
At Burkell Plumbing, we cover all phases of residential and commercial plumbing, including new construction, remodeling, service, and repair. From a leaking faucet or clogged sewer line to a full bathroom renovation or complete plumbing system installation for a new home, our highly experienced plumbing and heating technicians are equipped to handle projects of all sizes with precision and care.
Since 1945, Burkell Plumbing has proudly served homeowners and businesses throughout Marin County with dependable plumbing solutions, quality workmanship, and personalized customer service. As a third-generation family business, we understand how important reliable plumbing systems are to the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your home or commercial property.
services we offer & brands we use
- Lateral replacements and repairs
- Sewer laterals and cleanings
- Lateral inspections
- Kohler
- Kalista
- Jado
- Newport Brass
- Sigma
- Zurn
- Water jetter cleanings
- Sewer jetters
- Grohe
- KWC
- Danze
- Delta
- Chicago
- Dornbracht
- Hansgrohe
TL;DR:
Plumbing Services at Burkell Plumbing
- Residential and commercial plumbing services
- Sewer repairs, inspections, and cleanings
- New construction and remodeling plumbing
- High-efficiency plumbing solutions
- Serving Marin County since 1945
Certified Pumps
- Zoeller
- Liberty
- Little Giant
- Pentair Hydromatic
Certified Earthquake Valves
- Assi
- Koso
- Little Firefighter
- Pentair Hydromatic
Certified Backflow Testing
Burkell Plumbing has two (2) Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers.
High-Efficiency
Toilets
Radiant Heat,
Boilers & Hydronics
Traditional
Water Heaters
Tankless
Water Heaters
Reliable Plumbing Solutions & Preventative Maintenance
At Burkell Plumbing, we believe quality plumbing work starts with experienced technicians, ongoing training, and attention to detail. Our team stays current with modern plumbing technology, energy-efficient systems, and updated industry practices to better serve homeowners and businesses throughout Marin County.
Customers continue to trust Burkell Plumbing because we focus on reliable service, experienced technicians, quality workmanship, and long-term plumbing solutions tailored to the needs of each property.
Why Should Homeowners Consider High-Efficiency Plumbing Products?
At Burkell Plumbing, our technicians receive ongoing training on the latest energy-efficient plumbing and heating technology. As a Licensed Green Plumber, we actively encourage homeowners and business owners to consider environmentally responsible plumbing solutions that help conserve resources without sacrificing performance.
We offer a wide selection of high-efficiency plumbing products including water-saving toilets, radiant heating systems, traditional water heaters, and tankless water heaters. Many high-efficiency products may also qualify for available tax credits or rebates depending on the product and installation.
What Plumbing Brands Do You Work With?
Some of the brands we commonly work with include Kohler, Delta, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Newport Brass, Dornbracht, Zoeller, Liberty, and Pentair Hydromatic. Using trusted plumbing products helps improve system reliability and long-term durability for both residential and commercial projects.
What to Expect When Scheduling Professional Plumbing Service
Once we’re on site, we’ll evaluate the affected plumbing and determine what is causing the problem. Our work includes residential and commercial plumbing services, repairs, remodeling, new construction, sewer lateral work, inspections, cleaning, and other plumbing needs.
After identifying the issue, we’ll explain what we’ve found and discuss the appropriate next step. Depending on the condition of the plumbing, that may involve repair, cleaning, replacement, or a larger improvement to the system.
Our goal is to address the underlying problem rather than simply the most noticeable symptom while helping you understand what your plumbing system needs before work moves forward.
Warning Signs Your Home May Have an Aging Plumbing System
Recurring leaks, frequent drain problems, inconsistent water pressure, discolored water, corrosion around visible piping, and fixtures that repeatedly need repair can all be reasons to have the plumbing evaluated. Unexplained increases in water use or moisture appearing around walls, ceilings, or floors should also be investigated.
Older plumbing doesn’t automatically need to be replaced simply because of its age. The material, condition, repair history, and performance of the system should all be considered before determining what work is necessary.
We can evaluate problem areas and help identify which components can continue to be maintained and which may be approaching the point where repair or replacement should be considered. Addressing these concerns earlier can also help reduce the risk of more disruptive plumbing problems later.
What to Expect During a Sewer Lateral Inspection
A professional inspection allows us to evaluate the condition of the sewer lateral and identify potential blockages, deterioration, or other problems that may be interfering with normal drainage. Burkell provides sewer lateral inspections along with cleaning, water jetting, repair, and replacement services.
Once the source of the problem has been identified, we can determine the appropriate next step. Some situations may require cleaning or water jetting to restore flow, while damaged or deteriorated piping may require repair or replacement.
Our goal is to understand why the sewer problem is occurring before recommending a solution, particularly when backups or drainage problems continue returning after basic drain cleaning.
Warning Signs Your Sewer Lateral Needs Attention
Recurring clogs are one of the most important signs to watch for. If the same drains repeatedly slow down or back up after being cleared, there may be a problem farther into the drainage system. Multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time can also indicate that the issue extends beyond an individual sink, tub, or toilet.
Other warning signs can include sewer odors, gurgling drains, wastewater backing up into lower-level fixtures, or unusual wet areas around the property.
These symptoms don’t tell you exactly what’s wrong with the sewer lateral, which is why professional evaluation is important. We can inspect the system and determine whether cleaning, water jetting, repair, or replacement may be necessary based on the condition of the line.
What Should You Know Before a Plumbing Remodel?
Plumbing should be considered early when you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or other remodeling project. Decisions about fixture locations, cabinetry, appliances, sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets can all affect the plumbing work required behind the finished surfaces.
Keeping fixtures in their existing locations may simplify certain projects, while changing the layout can require water supply and drainage lines to be relocated. The condition of existing plumbing should also be considered, particularly in older properties where opening walls during remodeling may reveal an opportunity to address aging components.
We provide plumbing for remodeling projects along with new construction, allowing us to coordinate the functional requirements of the plumbing with the overall project.
Before construction begins, we recommend finalizing major fixture and layout decisions so plumbing requirements can be planned accordingly. Taking care of these details early helps reduce avoidable changes after walls, cabinetry, tile, and other finished materials are installed.
Why Choose Burkell Plumbing?
At Burkell Plumbing, we believe quality plumbing work starts with experienced technicians, ongoing training, and attention to detail. Our team stays current with modern plumbing technology, energy-efficient systems, and updated industry practices to better serve homeowners and businesses throughout Marin County.
Customers continue to trust Burkell Plumbing because we focus on reliable service, experienced technicians, quality workmanship, and long-term plumbing solutions tailored to the needs of each property. Contact us today to get started.
Plumbing FAQs
Common signs of a leak include higher-than-usual water bills, damp spots on walls or ceilings, musty odors, and the sound of running water when everything is turned off. A licensed plumber can use specialized tools to locate hidden leaks.
Slow drains, recurring backups, sewage odors, soggy areas in the yard, and multiple drains clogging at the same time may indicate sewer lateral issues that require professional inspection.
Traditional water heaters store hot water in a tank, while tankless systems heat water on demand. Tankless systems are often more energy efficient and provide continuous hot water when properly sized.
High-efficiency fixtures help reduce water usage, lower utility costs, and support environmentally responsible water conservation while maintaining strong performance.
Routine plumbing inspections are especially helpful for older homes, remodeling projects, recurring plumbing issues, or properties experiencing leaks, drainage problems, or inconsistent water pressure.
If a plumbing emergency occurs, immediately shut off the main water supply, gas supply, or individual fixture shut-off valve if it is safe to do so, and stop using the affected plumbing fixture. Acting quickly can significantly reduce water damage while protecting your home. Once the situation has been stabilized, contact Burkell Plumbing & Heating so the problem can be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
Hidden plumbing leaks often reveal themselves through higher-than-normal water bills, wet spots on floors or walls, the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, sewer odors, or even increased mosquito activity around the property. Detecting leaks early helps prevent structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. Burkell Plumbing & Heating can locate hidden leaks before they become major problems.
Boilers can make unusual noises because of failing components, gas supply issues, worn pumps or valves, system leaks, or improper operating pressure. Banging, rattling, or whistling sounds should not be ignored, as they often indicate developing mechanical problems. Annual servicing helps identify these issues before they result in costly repairs or system failure.
Boilers should be professionally serviced once each year. During maintenance, the system should be flushed, components inspected, air purged from the system, and operating controls tested to ensure safe and efficient performance. Annual maintenance helps maximize equipment life while reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
Plumbing emergencies include burst water lines, gas leaks, sewage pipe failures, overflowing toilets in homes with only one toilet, ceiling leaks, sprinkler line leaks, major water leaks inside or outside the home, and backed-up main sewer lines. These situations should be addressed immediately to minimize damage and protect occupant safety. Less urgent issues, such as slow drains or dripping faucets, can often be scheduled during normal business hours before they become larger repairs.
Most homes benefit from a professional plumbing inspection every one to two years, while older homes with aging plumbing may require more frequent evaluations. Regular inspections help identify worn components, small leaks, corrosion, and developing issues before they become costly repairs. Routine inspections also provide homeowners with greater confidence in the overall condition of their plumbing system.
Daily use, hard water minerals, aging internal components, corrosion, and normal wear gradually affect faucets, toilets, valves, and other fixtures. Eventually these components become less reliable and may begin leaking or operating inefficiently. Routine maintenance can often extend the lifespan of many plumbing fixtures.
A single clogged drain is often an isolated problem, but drainage issues that repeatedly return can indicate that clearing the immediate blockage isn't addressing the underlying cause.
When several fixtures are affected or clogs continue returning after cleaning, the problem may be located farther downstream in the sewer lateral. Accumulated debris, buildup, deterioration, or another condition within the line can interfere with wastewater leaving the property properly.
Rather than continuing to treat each backup as a separate problem, we can evaluate the sewer system to determine whether there is a larger issue. Burkell provides sewer lateral inspections, cleaning, water jetting, repairs, and replacement, allowing the recommended service to be based on what is actually happening inside the system.
Identifying the cause is particularly important when drainage problems become a pattern. The goal is to address the condition responsible for the recurring backups rather than repeatedly restoring flow without determining why the problem keeps returning.
High-efficiency plumbing fixtures are designed to reduce water consumption while still providing the everyday performance your household needs. When choosing new fixtures, consider where water is used most frequently and whether replacing an older fixture could provide a meaningful improvement.
Toilets, faucets, showerheads, and other water-using fixtures are common areas to consider. Product specifications and recognized efficiency ratings can help you compare water usage between available options.
However, efficiency shouldn't be the only consideration. Fixture size, compatibility with existing plumbing, household usage, performance expectations, and overall project goals should also influence your decision.
As a Certified Green Plumber, we can help you explore plumbing options designed around water and energy efficiency while considering how those products will function within your existing system. Rather than replacing fixtures simply because a more efficient product exists, we focus on improvements that make sense for the property, your water-use habits, and the plumbing work you're already planning.
If you're interested in reducing water or energy use, you don't necessarily need to replace every plumbing fixture at once. Focusing on areas that experience frequent use can provide a more practical starting point.
Bathrooms are often a good place to look because toilets, showers, and faucets are used regularly throughout the day. Kitchens and laundry areas can provide additional opportunities depending on the age and efficiency of existing fixtures and equipment.
Water heating should also be part of the conversation. Heating water requires energy in addition to the water being consumed, so improvements involving hot-water equipment or fixtures that reduce hot-water demand may address both areas.
We recommend looking at the property as a complete system and identifying where upgrades make the most sense. As a Certified Green Plumber, we can help evaluate high-efficiency plumbing and heating options based on your existing equipment, usage patterns, and goals rather than assuming every home needs the same upgrades.
