SP
Sandra Pinela
★★★★★
Dec 2025
GOOGLE
Very professional and Honest! They came on time, check my shower, found the leaked and repaired all with in 4 hours. I am very happy with they service and honestly I highly recommend.
Emergency 1: Water
Active water leak or burst pipe.
If water is actively spraying, pooling, or flooding, every minute matters. Shut off the supply first, then call us.
1
Find your main water shut-off
Most Inland Empire homes have a house shut-off valve where the main line enters the house, usually on an outside wall near the front hose bib or in the garage. If you can't find it, the water meter box near the street has a valve too, but it usually takes a meter key. The valve on top of the water heater only shuts off the water heater, not the house.
Tip If you've never located your shut-off, do it now while everything is calm. We label every shut-off we find on every service call: it's a small step that can prevent a lot of damage.
2
Turn the valve off
Most main shut-offs are ball valves (a lever) or gate valves (a round wheel). Turn ball valves a quarter turn until the lever is perpendicular to the pipe. Turn gate valve wheels clockwise until they stop. Don't force them past the stop point.
Old gate valves Older gate valves can break or seize when turned. If yours feels stuck, don't force it. Close the valve in the meter box instead (it takes a meter key), then call us. We can replace a failed shut-off.
3
Open the lowest faucet to drain the lines
Once the main is off, open a faucet at the lowest point in the house (often a hose bib at the front, or a garage utility sink). This relieves pressure and drains standing water out of the pipes, reducing the size of the leak. Then turn the water heater's gas control to OFF, or switch off its breaker if it's electric.
4
Call Sweetwater Plumbing
Call (909) 312-4516. We answer and dispatch 24 hours a day, every day. If there is significant water damage, we can document the cause for your insurance claim.
Emergency 2: Gas
If you smell gas, leave the building.
A gas smell (like rotten eggs or sulfur) means a natural gas leak. Gas leaks can cause explosions and asphyxiation. Take these steps in order. Do not skip any of them.
1
Leave the building immediately
Take everyone with you, including pets. Do not pack or collect belongings. Just go.
2
No light switches, no electronics, no car
On your way out, don't flip switches, start your car, or use any electrical device. A spark can ignite gas. Don't even unplug appliances on the way out.
3
Once outside, call SoCalGas: 1-800-427-2200
Then call 911, also from outside. SoCalGas will send a technician to check the leak and make the line safe.
4
Do not re-enter until cleared
SoCalGas will tell you when the home is safe to re-enter.
5
Call Sweetwater for the repair
Call (909) 312-4516. Once SoCalGas has made the line safe, we locate, repair, and pressure-test the gas line so service can be safely restored.
Emergency 3: Sewer
Sewer backup or major drain overflow.
If sewage is coming up through floor drains, tubs, or showers: stop using all water immediately. Every flush, sink, or shower adds to the backup.
Stop all water use
No flushing toilets, running sinks, dishwasher, or laundry. Tell everyone in the house.
Keep clear of electrical
Stay out of standing water. If sewage is near outlets, baseboards, or appliances, shut off the breaker for that area only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot without touching water. If you can't, keep everyone out and call us.
Block off the area
Keep kids and pets out. Sewage carries serious bacteria, and anything it touches needs to be cleaned with disinfectant.
Call us for a camera inspection
Most sewer backups are caused by root intrusion, grease buildup, or a collapsed line. We clear the line, run a camera through it, and give you your options in writing before any repair.
Your line or the city’s? Check the cleanout.
Your sewer cleanout is a capped pipe, usually 3 or 4 inches across, coming out of the ground near the house or along the path the sewer line takes to the street. If you can find it, loosen the cap slowly and stand to one side, because a backed-up line can push water out.
- The cleanout is dry, but drains inside are backing up: the blockage is between the house and the cleanout, in your own drain line. Call us.
- The cleanout is full of water or sewage: the blockage is further along, between the cleanout and the street. Most often that’s still your sewer line (roots, grease or a broken section). If your neighbors are backing up too, the city’s main line may be blocked, so call your city’s sewer department as well.
- Can’t find a cleanout, or would rather not open it? Leave it closed and call us. We’ll find it.
After the First Steps
Once the immediate danger is handled.
Once you've taken the first steps and we're on the way, here's what's worth doing while you wait.
📸 Document the damage
Take photos and short videos of the leak or sewer overflow before cleanup. Insurance adjusters will ask for these later. Capture the source, the affected area, and any damage to flooring, walls, or contents.
📞 Call your homeowners insurance
Most policies cover sudden, accidental water damage, such as from a burst pipe or a failed water heater. They usually don't cover gradual leaks or wear and tear, and many cover sewer backups only with an added endorsement. Open the claim early so the adjuster can be scheduled.
💨 Start drying immediately
If the water is clean and it's safe to do so, move soaked rugs and furniture out, open windows, and run fans. Leave sewage-soaked items for a professional cleanup. Mold can start to grow quickly in wet materials. If the damage is significant, your insurance can recommend a water mitigation contractor, and we can coordinate our repair with them.
📝 Don't sign anything yet
Some restoration companies show up uninvited at flood scenes and ask homeowners to sign work orders on the spot. You don't have to. Talk to your insurance company first, then choose a contractor on your own terms.
What customers say
Real reviews from real customers.
JA
John Amos
★★★★★
Apr 2026
GOOGLE
Freddy worked his tail off without stopping. Had to dig 4 feet down to find leaking water pipe. Cleaned the bathroom professionally. Never knew he was there after cleaning up.
KT
Kelly Torres
★★★★★
Dec 2025
GOOGLE
Freddy, Matt, John, Angel, and everyone else at Sweetwater is 100% 10/10 highly recommend. They have worked on all my plumbing at this point between installing a neat hot water heater, main water lines, and general plumbing issues. They cover it all with…
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions.
How much does plumbing service cost in the Inland Empire?
We look at the job first, then give you your options in writing before any work begins, each with one flat-rate price. The price you approve is the price you pay. Our customers tell us our pricing is honest and fair.
Are you licensed for plumbing service in California?
Yes. Sweetwater Plumbing is a licensed C-36 Plumbing Contractor (California CSLB #889182), fully bonded with $2M general liability insurance.
Where do you offer plumbing service?
We provide plumbing service throughout the Inland Empire, including Montclair, Ontario, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Chino Hills, Pomona, Claremont, Fontana, Riverside, and 14 other cities. Call (909) 312-4516 to confirm coverage.