Shaws Plumbing & Heating has been serving homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses in Ceres and across Stanislaus County since 2016. We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work, from a dripping faucet to a sewer line replacement, and we make same-day and emergency service available when the job cannot wait. Whether you own a single-family home, manage a rental property, or run a commercial building, we show up ready to get the plumbing done right the first time. Call (350) 353-6289 for a quote.
For residential and commercial plumbing work alike, we cover everything from routine repairs to full system replacements. Homeowners call us for leaks and slow drains. Landlords and property managers count on us to turn around repairs quickly so tenants are not left without water. Apartment buildings, office spaces, and commercial facilities all get the same attentive service as the house down the street. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
A slow drain is easy to ignore until it stops working entirely. We clear clogs in sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains, and main lines using the right tool for the job, including hydro jetting for stubborn buildup and video pipe inspection to confirm the line is clear and identify any damage before it becomes a bigger problem. We work on both residential and commercial drain systems, so whether it is a kitchen sink or a floor drain in a commercial kitchen, we can get it flowing again.
Water leaks cause damage fast, and the ones behind walls or under slabs are the hardest to catch early. We use leak detection methods to locate the source before opening anything up, including slab leak detection for pipes running beneath the foundation. Once we find it, we repair or replace the damaged section of pipe and test to confirm the problem is resolved. Reach out and we'll get it diagnosed quickly.
No hot water is never convenient. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, diagnose the cause of failure, and get the unit back in service or swap it out when repair no longer makes sense. If you are thinking about upgrading to a tankless unit, we cover that in more detail in the featured services section below.
A running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a broken garbage disposal might seem like small problems, but they waste water and add up on your bill. We handle toilet repair and replacement, faucet repair, showerhead and bathtub fixture work, garbage disposal installation and repair, and outdoor hose bib replacement. If you are remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, we can handle all the fixture installation work from start to finish.
A sewer backup or slow main line is one of the most disruptive plumbing problems a property owner can face. We inspect, repair, and replace sewer lines and main drain lines running from the house out to the city connection. Video pipe inspection lets us see exactly what is going on inside the line, whether it is a root intrusion, a belly in the pipe, or a section that needs replacing. We speak to the line and the connection, not to any tank or field beyond it.
Low water pressure throughout the house is often a sign that the pipes themselves need attention. We diagnose pressure issues, replace failing shutoff valves, and perform whole-home repiping when older pipe materials have reached the end of their useful life. Galvanized steel pipe, in particular, corrodes from the inside out and is a common culprit in older Ceres homes. We also install pressure-regulating valves to protect fixtures and appliances from pressure swings on the supply side.
We answer the phone. We dispatch the plumber. We keep it simple.
When a pipe lets go, a water heater fails overnight, or a sewer line backs up into the house, you need someone who picks up and shows up. We make same-day and after-hours service available for urgent calls, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The calls we handle most often in emergency situations include burst pipes, major leaks, complete loss of hot water, and sewer backups that need immediate attention. We practice clear communication from the first call to the final test, so you always know what we found, what we are doing about it, and what it will cost before we start. Pick up the phone and we'll handle the pipes.
Ceres and the surrounding Stanislaus County area have specific plumbing demands that come with the territory. Hot, dry summers drive high hot-water use. The local water supply carries moderate to high mineral content, which shortens fixture and appliance life. And sitting in a seismically active region means earthquake preparedness is a real consideration for property owners here. The services below address those conditions directly.
Tankless water heaters are a strong fit for the Central Valley. They eliminate standby heat loss, which matters in a climate where hot water demand stays high year-round. A tankless unit heats water on demand rather than keeping a tank warm around the clock, which cuts energy use and frees up space. Installing one involves proper sizing for the household or building, connecting the gas line or electrical supply, and setting up the venting correctly. We size and install tankless units for residential and commercial applications, and we handle the full plumbing side of the job.
Water conservation is not optional in California's Central Valley. Drought conditions and local water rates make every gallon count, and upgrading fixtures is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce consumption without changing how you use the house. We install low-flow toilets, efficient faucets, and water-saving showerheads that meet current California standards. If you are replacing a fixture during a remodel or simply want to cut your water bill, we can handle the installation and make sure everything is properly sealed and tested.
Stanislaus County sits in a seismically active part of California. An automatic earthquake gas shutoff valve closes the gas line the moment it detects seismic movement above a set threshold, cutting the risk of a gas-fed fire after a quake. We inspect the existing gas line, install a code-compliant automatic shutoff valve at the meter, and confirm the installation is correct before we leave. We work on the gas line and the valve itself. No pressure and no gimmicks, just sound, lasting plumbing that protects your property when it counts.
We work with homeowners, renters, landlords, property managers, apartment building owners, office building managers, and contractors running remodel and renovation projects. Whether you need a single repair or a plumber to handle ongoing maintenance calls across multiple units, we can accommodate the scope. Kitchen remodels, bathroom additions, commercial build-outs, and full repipes all fall within what we do.
Our primary service area is Ceres, and we also serve customers throughout the surrounding region, including Modesto, Turlock, Salida, Riverbank, Hughson, and Keyes. Our reputation in this town is the only one we have. We take that seriously on every job, and we keep you informed from diagnosis to final test so there are no surprises when the work is done.
Getting your plumbing problem handled starts with a quick call. When you reach us, we gather the details, schedule a time that works, and send a plumber to your location. On arrival, we diagnose the problem, walk you through what we found, and give you a clear quote before any work begins. All work is performed by licensed plumbers, and we do not cut corners on materials or method. If the job is straightforward, we often complete it the same day. If it is more involved, we give you a realistic timeline and keep you updated as we go. Call (350) 353-6289 to request a quote or get a service call on the schedule.
A plumbing emergency is any situation where water or sewage is actively causing damage, or where a household or building has lost access to water or hot water entirely. Common examples include burst pipes, major leaks behind walls or under slabs, a sewer backup coming up through floor drains, and a complete loss of hot water. Call (350) 353-6289 and we will assess the situation and dispatch a plumber as quickly as possible.
Shut off the water supply to the affected fixture or to the whole house if the source of the leak is unclear. Avoid using any drains or fixtures if a sewer backup is involved. Do not attempt to open walls or access pipes yourself, as this can make the repair more complicated. Keep the area clear of children and pets so the plumber can work safely when we arrive.
Emergency and after-hours calls may carry a different rate than standard scheduled service. When you call (350) 353-6289, we will be upfront about any difference in cost before dispatching so you know what to expect. We do not believe in hiding fees until after the work is done.
Common signs include inconsistent or absent hot water, discolored or rusty water from the hot tap, a visible leak around the base of the tank, unusual popping or rumbling sounds during heating, and a unit that is more than ten years old and running less efficiently. Any of these symptoms are worth a call so we can assess whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
A deteriorating water heater can cause sediment to enter the supply lines, reduce hot water pressure at fixtures, and in the case of a tank failure, cause significant water damage to the surrounding area. Catching the problem early through a repair or planned replacement avoids the disruption and cost of an emergency situation.
Repiping is typically the right call when a home has galvanized steel supply lines that are corroding from the inside out, when pinhole leaks are appearing repeatedly in different locations, when water pressure has dropped significantly throughout the house, or when discolored water is coming from multiple fixtures. We assess the condition of the existing pipes and explain whether a targeted repair or a full repipe makes more sense for the situation.
Slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds from toilets and drains, sewage odors near floor drains, and recurring clogs that come back shortly after clearing are all indicators. Video pipe inspection lets us see exactly what is inside the line so we can confirm whether roots, grease buildup, a pipe offset, or a damaged section is the cause.
It depends on the work. Repairs to supply lines, shutoff valves, water heaters, and repiping projects typically require shutting off the water supply for part or all of the visit. Drain cleaning and sewer line work usually do not require a full water shutoff. We let you know before we start what to expect so you can plan accordingly.
Some plumbing work in California requires a permit and inspection, particularly for water heater replacements, gas line work, and repiping projects. We handle the permit process for jobs that require it and make sure the work is done to current code so it passes inspection. If a permit is needed, we will let you know upfront.
We ask that someone be present at the start of the visit so we can review the problem together and walk you through the quote before beginning. For longer jobs, you do not need to stay on site the entire time, but we will reach out if anything changes during the work that requires your input before we proceed.
At the water heater, we check the anode rod, pressure relief valve, thermostat setting, burner or heating element, and connections for signs of corrosion or leaking. On the main line, we assess flow, look for signs of root intrusion or buildup, and may run a camera inspection if the line is slow or has a history of problems. Shutoff valves get checked for full operation and for any signs of corrosion or slow seepage that could become a leak.
A tankless installation involves sizing the unit correctly for the household's hot water demand, connecting the gas line or electrical supply depending on the unit type, setting up the venting to meet current code, and testing the system fully before we leave. The Central Valley's high hot water demand and year-round warm climate make tankless units a practical choice for many households. Licensed plumbers handle all connections on both the gas and water sides of the installation.
Call this morning. Flowing this afternoon. That's how we work.
Shaws Plumbing & Heating is locally owned and has been handling plumbing repair and installation in Ceres and Stanislaus County since 2016. From a leaking pipe to a full repipe, from a clogged drain to a new tankless water heater, we are ready to help. Call (350) 353-6289 to request a quote or schedule a service call today.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work in Ceres and across Stanislaus County, from a dripping faucet to a whole-home repipe. The table below lays out what each service covers, who it fits best, and a practical note to help you decide what to do next. If you have questions about your specific situation, call us and we will walk you through it before you commit to anything.
| Plumbing Service | Scope of Work | When to Call | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-Home Repiping |
| older Ceres homes with corroded galvanized pipes, rust-colored water, or repeated pinhole leaks | Most whole-home repipes are completed in one to two days depending on the size of the property. We give you a realistic timeline before we start. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation |
| homeowners replacing worn fixtures or upgrading during a renovation | Upgrading a faucet is straightforward, but proper fitting and sealing matter. A poor installation leads to leaks behind the wall over time. |
| Water-Saving Fixture Upgrades |
| landlords, property managers, and homeowners looking to reduce water bills during drought cycles | Stanislaus County has lived through significant drought cycles. Upgrading fixtures across multiple units adds up to real savings on an annual water bill. |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement |
| homes or businesses with no hot water, inconsistent temperature, or an aging tank | Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. If yours is past that range and showing symptoms, replacement often costs less in the long run than repeated repairs. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service |
| properties with multiple slow drains, sewage odors, or confirmed line damage | When every drain in the house backs up at once, the problem is almost always in the main sewer line, not individual fixtures. Call before using any drains. |
| Pressure-Regulating Valve Installation |
| properties with water pressure that is too high, causing fixture wear and pipe stress | High incoming pressure from the municipal supply damages fixtures and fittings over time. A properly sized PRV protects the whole system. |
| Tankless Water Heater Installation |
| households ready to upgrade from a tank unit or reduce standby energy use | Tankless units are a practical fit for high-demand Ceres households. Work is performed by licensed plumbers and includes all gas and water line connections to meet code. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair |
| properties with noticeably low pressure or valves that no longer seal fully | Low pressure can trace back to corroded pipes, a failing PRV, or a valve that is not fully open. We diagnose the actual cause before recommending any repair. |
| Leak Detection & Repair |
| properties with unexplained water damage, high bills, or visible moisture | Slab leaks are a real concern in the Central Valley where soil movement stresses pipes under concrete. Early detection limits the damage and the repair cost. |
| Emergency Plumbing |
| any situation where waiting until next week is not an option | We offer same-day availability and emergency response across Ceres and Stanislaus County. Call us and describe the situation and we will get someone moving. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation |
| households with a constantly running toilet or a unit that needs replacing | A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Most repairs are completed in a single visit. |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal |
| any home or business with slow or blocked drains | Hydro jetting scours the full interior of the line, not just a temporary opening through the clog, which reduces how often the problem comes back. |
| Garbage Disposal Service |
| kitchens with a disposal that has stopped working, hums without turning, or leaks at the base | Many disposal issues are fixable without a full replacement. We assess the unit first and only recommend replacement when repair no longer makes sense. |
| Earthquake Gas Shutoff Valves |
| Ceres homeowners who want automatic gas shutoff protection after seismic activity | California code encourages seismic shutoff valves in active zones. Proper installation on the gas line at the meter is what makes the valve reliable when it matters. |
| Hot-Water Recirculation Pumps |
| households tired of waiting for hot water at fixtures far from the water heater | A recirculation pump keeps hot water moving through the supply loop so it arrives at the tap immediately without running the line for a minute first. |
How do I know if my water heater needs to be repaired or replaced?
Age is the first thing we look at. Most tank water heaters have a useful life of 8 to 12 years. If yours is in that range and showing signs like inconsistent temperature, rust-colored water, or a visible leak at the tank, replacement is usually the more cost-effective path. Younger units with a single failed component, such as a thermostat or pressure relief valve, are often worth repairing. We assess the unit when we arrive and give you a straight answer on which direction makes sense.
What causes drains to clog, and how do I know if the problem is in one fixture or the main line?
Single-fixture clogs are usually caused by grease, hair, or soap buildup close to the drain opening. When multiple fixtures are slow or backing up at the same time, the problem is almost always in the main sewer line. Kitchen drains clog most often from grease and food debris. Bathroom drains collect hair and soap scum. Main line issues can also involve root intrusion in older sewer lines. If every drain in the house is behaving badly at once, stop using them and call us right away.
How are hidden leaks found without tearing up walls or floors?
We use proven detection methods to locate leaks before we open anything up. That includes listening equipment, pressure testing, and thermal and moisture assessment depending on where the leak is suspected. Slab leaks are located by isolating sections of the supply line to find where pressure drops. Once we know where the leak is, we open only what is necessary to make the repair and restore the area properly.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
We offer same-day scheduling and emergency response for Ceres and the surrounding Stanislaus County area. When something goes wrong, call us and we will get a plumber moving.
What is the difference between a tank water heater and a tankless unit?
A tank water heater keeps a stored supply of hot water ready at all times, which means it uses energy continuously to maintain that temperature. A tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, which eliminates standby heat loss and the risk of a tank failure flooding a utility room. Tankless units work well for households with high daily hot-water demand and are a practical upgrade for many Ceres homes. The trade-off is a higher upfront installation cost, but the long-term energy savings often offset that over time.
What causes low water pressure, and can it be fixed without repiping?
Low pressure has several possible causes: a pressure-regulating valve that has failed or is set too low, a shutoff valve that is not fully open, mineral buildup inside older galvanized pipes, or a leak somewhere in the supply line. We diagnose the actual cause before recommending any work. In some cases, adjusting or replacing a PRV restores full pressure immediately. In others, corroded galvanized pipes are the real bottleneck and a repipe is the lasting fix.
How do I know if my older home needs repiping?
The most common signs are rust-colored or discolored water, a noticeable drop in pressure throughout the house, pinhole leaks that keep coming back in different spots, or pipes that are visibly corroded where they are exposed. Older homes in and around Ceres were often built with galvanized steel supply lines that corrode from the inside out over time. We assess the condition of the existing pipes and explain what we find before recommending anything.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We tell you what we found, what it takes to fix it, and what it costs before any work begins. No pressure and no surprises when the job is done.
What are the signs of a sewer line problem?
Slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds from toilets and drains, sewage odors inside or around the foundation, and wet or unusually green patches in the yard above the sewer line are all worth paying attention to. When multiple fixtures back up at once, that points to the main line rather than an individual fixture. Tree roots are a common cause in older neighborhoods where mature trees grow near the sewer lateral.
Do I need to be home while the work is being done?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the affected area, and we walk you through what we found and what the repair involves before we start. If the work is planned and you have a property manager or someone else on site who can authorize the work and provide access, that can work depending on the job. For emergency calls, having someone present who can show us the problem and confirm the scope is always the fastest path to getting it resolved.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job, whether it is a faucet replacement or a whole-home repipe, is handled by licensed plumbers who know the homes and pipes in this area.
When should I call a plumber instead of trying to fix it myself?
Simple tasks like replacing a showerhead or tightening a supply line connection under a sink are reasonable DIY territory. Anything involving the main water supply, gas lines, sewer connections, water heater replacement, or a leak you cannot locate and isolate is worth a call. Improper repairs on supply lines, water heaters, and sewer connections can create bigger problems and, in the case of gas lines, real safety risks. If you are unsure, call us and describe the situation. We can usually tell you over the phone whether it warrants a visit.
How does pricing work, and when will I know what the job costs?
We give you a clear quote before any work begins. Once we assess the situation on site, we walk you through what we found and what it will take to fix it, including the cost, so there are no surprises when the job is done. Plumbing costs vary depending on the scope of the work, the parts required, and the condition of existing pipes and fixtures, so we do not quote a firm number until we have seen the problem. What we do not do is start work without your approval.
What should I do while waiting for the plumber to arrive during an emergency?
If a pipe has burst or a fixture is actively overflowing, locate the shutoff valve for that fixture and turn it clockwise to stop the flow. If you cannot find the fixture shutoff or the water keeps coming, shut off the main water supply to the house. For a sewer backup, stop using all drains until we arrive. For a gas line concern, do not use any switches or appliances and get everyone out of the building, then call the gas company and then us. We will tell you exactly what to do when you call.
Every property and every plumbing problem is a little different, so call us at (350) 353-6289 and we will give you a straight answer on what your situation involves and what it will take to fix it.
(350) 353-6289