The downtown valley and Alhambra Creek
The town was laid out in 1849 and became county seat in 1850, which makes the downtown some of the oldest development in the county. Alhambra Creek runs through the densely built downtown valley, so older buildings often sit close to a creek bed, with soil that stays damp and lines that settle.
Old homes and storefronts here are the kind where clay or cast iron drains and early water lines can still be in service. A sewer camera inspection shows what is there, and sewer line repair covers fixes when the pipe has shifted.
Courthouse and downtown offices
Small offices and shops need hot water and working restrooms to stay open. Emergency dispatch is available around the clock. See commercial plumbing.
Waterfront and the Carquinez Strait
Damp air near the strait is hard on exterior fittings and hose bibs, so we check them on every outdoor call.
Alhambra Valley edge
Rural lots may have long service lines and wells or private lines. We trace the line before quoting.
Older residential blocks
Burst and pinhole leaks lead the calls. Same-day appointments when available. See burst pipe repair.
If a pipe bursts or water is leaking in Martinez
Close the main
Rotate the main valve clockwise. It is often near the meter at the front of the lot.
Cut power if wet
Turn off breakers for any wet room only if the panel is dry to reach.
Lift and clear
Pick up rugs and electronics, and keep people out of the water.
Dial the 24/7 line
(855) 575-2890. We book the next visit and can talk you through the curb stop if the house valve fails.
Permits and the county seat
Martinez publishes a water heater handout that cites California Plumbing Code items such as seismic straps and relief drains, and it notes that replacements can be issued over the counter. We use that handout as a checklist on every Martinez tank job and confirm the permit steps with you before we start. See our water heater replacement page for what a proper install includes.
Martinez ZIP code we serve
Martinez is covered by a single ZIP, 94553, which runs from the waterfront and courthouse area through the older neighborhoods and out toward Alhambra Valley. That one ZIP is also the page's primary ZIP, and the same 24/7 line answers for every address in it.
Refinery town, working town
Martinez has had refineries since 1904, with the Shell refinery opening in 1916 and still running. Many residents work shifts, so after-hours plumbing calls are routine here and not an inconvenience. We answer the same at 2 a.m. as at 2 p.m.
Work in Martinez follows the California Plumbing Code, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and the city's own water heater handout lists the items its inspectors look for.
Questions from Martinez
Yes. The line is answered 24/7, and we book same-day visits when a plumber is available.
Yes. Martinez uses 94553, which covers the waterfront, downtown by the courthouse, the older residential blocks and the edge toward Alhambra Valley.
About 12 minutes from Pleasant Hill. Arrival depends on dispatch.
The city handout says installations need a permit and replacements can be issued over the counter. Confirm with the building division.
It depends on the address. Mt. View Sanitary District serves the central part of Martinez and Central San serves portions of it, so check which district covers your street before lateral work. MVSD says the lateral is the owner's responsibility and encourages a backwater overflow device.
Yes. We camera it first, then explain repair or relining.
We can, for homes in the Martinez ZIP. Tell us the address when you call.
Still have a question about your situation? Call (855) 575-2890 any hour and describe what you are seeing.