Author Archives: On Call Plumbing

• Backed up and blocked. Sewage backups will happen occasionally, but if every flush is backing up, it is probably in the main sewage line. Every drain in your home relies on the main sewer line, and if it is blocked, you’re going to have back up, and only sewer repair to the mainline is going to fix that.  
• Foul odors and smells. The main sewer line that is intact will be airtight, and nothing smelly is escaping. So, when there are foul, nasty odor coming out, you have a main sewer line break. This issue isn’t an easy fix and will need a professional plumber for sewer repair.
• Mildew and mold. If you’re noticing mildew and mold on the walls of your home, the culprit could be the main sewer line is damaged. A crack in the sewer line will allow water to leak into your home, and leaking water creates mildew and mold. It may not be your sewer line; it may be an incoming plumbing line. Either way, you need a professional plumber to inspect the situation. 
• Slow draining. Slow drains are an ordinary plumbing matter, and usually, it is a clog that can be fixed with a drain cleaner or plunger. If those simple methods to unclog don’t work, it could be down in the main sewer line, and that deep of a clog will need professional sewer repair.  If you’re fortunate, the plumber may be able to fix the sewer line without digging, and with cameras and new technology today, they can do sewer repairs without tearing up your yard. 
• Lush green grass in patches. If your lawn has an area of lush green grass, it could be a busted plumbing line that sewer repair is needed. 
• Lawn indents. A lush green area in your lawn is just one indication. The other is an indention in your lawn, usually where the lush green area is located. Professional sewer repair is the only option.
• Foundation cracking and sinking. When the main sewer line is damaged, it can be more than a nuisance. It can also damage the foundation and structure of your home. Broken sewer lines under the foundation are bad news, and that will require a professional plumber and possibly jackhammering the floor inside your home or digging underneath it – both options are expensive.
• Wastewater pooling. If you are noticing wastewater pooling up around the exterior of your home and it has a foul odor, you probably have a busted main sewage line. 
• Insects, critters, and pests.  A damaged main sewer line will attract things you don’t want around your home, like insects, rats, and other critters. Leaking pipes are an attraction, and they can make their way through any crack or gap and into your home. 
• Constant common fixes aren’t working. If you are continually experiencing backed-up toilet and non-draining sinks, you need a professional plumber. 

How long does it take to repair a sewer line?

Several factors can determine the time it will take to complete your sewer repair. Among those factors are the pipe size, location of the problem, the condition of the existing pipes, and which method the plumber needs to use. 

The traditional method for sewer repair is three to five days.  If they can use the trenchless method, it could be done in one to two days.  Your plumbing contractor will be able to advise you which method when they inspect the situation. 

How often should sewer lines be replaced?

Sewer pipes are durable for the most part, but eventually, like anything that is used daily, and mostly when buried underground, replacement is needed eventually. How often is that depending on the type of pipe, the depth it is buried, and soil conditions? Clay sewer lines can last up to 60 years and cast iron sewer lines up to one hundred years.  PVC to date is timeless! 

In fact, burst pipes and the leaks that develop from might go undetected for some time. That’s why it’s good to have your pipes inspected regularly to make sure no damage is present. Once winter does come, however, and you do need burst and frozen pipe repair in Santa Clarita, CA, you can always rely on the professionals at On Call Plumbing. We can be reached for any plumbing services by calling 661-201-6016.

How do you know if your pipes froze?

In winter, if you’re wondering whether your pipes have frozen, the first thing to note is that it has to be freezing outside for the pipes to freeze. That means outside temperatures have to be 32 degrees or below before pipes can freeze. Of course, even if it’s below freezing, your pipes might not freeze. Some ways to tell if pipes have frozen include:

• Frost appears on the outside of the pipe.
• Nothing comes out of the faucets. If you can’t get water to come out of your faucet, your pipes are probably frozen.
• Strange smells coming from the faucets or drains. When your pipes are blocked with ice, odors can’t escape down them, and so travel back up the pipes.

If you think your pipes are frozen, you’ll need to act fast to get them thawed. You don’t want to let them thaw on their own. This is most often when they’ll burst, and you’ll need frozen pipe repair. 

Will frozen pipes thaw on their own?

Yes, frozen pipes thaw on their own as temperatures get above freezing. This is actually more often the time when the pipes burst, as the melting water in the pipe begins to rush through the pipe. If you’ve discovered your pipes are frozen, you want them to thaw, but you want them to thaw slowly. To get them to thaw slowly and try to prevent them from bursting, you can try several methods like the following:

• Wrap a towel around the pipe, from top to bottom, and pour hot water over the towel. This will slowly warm the pipes. 
• Shut off the main water valve to keep any more water from coming down the pipe.
• As a preventative measure, before winter comes, insulate the pipes with pipe sleeves.
• If you know a freeze is in the forecast, leave a trickle of water running through the pipes before the freeze hits.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to keep the pipes under sinks warm.

If the pipes do burst, you will need to get a frozen pipe repair as soon as possible.

At what temperature do pipes burst?

Pipes can burst anytime they freeze. A freeze, of course, means any temperature 32 degrees or below. Ice that forms inside the pipes can cause it to expand and burst or as the ice thaws, and the water warms and begins to flow again, the pipe can burst.

Will pouring hot water down drain unfreeze pipes?

You can actually pour warm water down a frozen pipe to get it unfrozen. This can only be done a short time after the pipes have frozen. After several hours, you risk bursting the pipe. You’ll want to heat the water on the stove to bring it almost to boiling, then slowly pour the water down the drain. Frozen pipe repair will be necessary if the pipe bursts.

Freezing pipe to repair it

While having your pipes freeze is never a good thing, some plumbers actually freeze pipes intentionally to repair them. This repair technique requires a special kit that uses refrigerants like CO2 to freeze pipes. This type of repair is usually performed when there is a lack of shutoff valves to make a normal repair. It’s a repair technique that is best left for professionals.

Is frozen pipe covered by insurance

When it comes to frozen pipe burst repair and insurance you may or may not have coverage from your insurance. The water damage from a burst pipe is normally covered, especially if the pipe burst suddenly. These repairs typically include any repairs to walls caused by the water repairs to carpeting or drywall, and water removal efforts, especially to prevent mold growth. The frozen pipe repair itself or other plumbing damage might not be covered. Certain stipulations, however, might apply. The water damage might not be covered, for instance, if the pipe burst is a result of negligence, such as poor maintenance or preventative measures hadn’t been taken to keep the pipe from bursting. Individual policies will vary, so check with your insurer before filing a claim.

If you’re the one that just flushed it and your waste isn’t backing up and overflowing to the floor, yeah, that may be a clogged toilet emergency. In the world of plumbing, no, it is not a reason to call an emergency plumber. Unless there is only one toilet in the house, this could change the outlook. 

Your toilet is no doubt an important part of your home, it gets used every day. When the only toilet in the house is clogged, most of the time, it will unclog itself. Toilets haves a natural system where there is internal pressure in the tank that work with gravity, so in most of the time, it will take care of its own clog. Do not keep flushing it hoping for better results!  Give some time and before long, you’ll hear the toilet flush itself own through, clearing the bowl. 

If you were to call an emergency plumber service, they will likely walk you through some things to try, such as plunging the toilet. If you do not have a plunger, it is worthwhile to make that investment (under $5) and have it on hand.

However, there are times that a clogged toilet doesn’t unclog itself or keeps getting clog after clog.  This could indicate more than a clogged toilet issue, something like the sewer line could be clogged, or even broken. Emergency plumbers will advise homeowners to have a routine of pouring a mixture of one cup baking soda with two cups of vinegar in the toilet bowl. 

The mixture will break down blockages so that they can flush on through to the sewer pipe. If you don’t have those items on hand, you can use two cups of dish liquid which may loosen the blockage and allow it to flush on through. 

However, if none of these steps are working, you definitely need the services of a professional plumber, hopefully you can wait until business hours to avoid that additional cost for overtime for an emergency plumber. A professional plumber will be equipment with the proper tools that get to the source of the clog and get your toilet flowing again. This may require replacing damaged or old pipes, or other types of repairs, like the sewer line. 

Is a leak an emergency?

There are particular signs that make it clear you need an emergency plumber. Such a sign would be if the plumbing problem can cause damage to your home or has placed you and your family in danger. A good rule of thumb is if you can contain the problem can in a bucket or temporarily thwart the problem until an emergency plumber arrives, like the next day, then you do not have an emergency plumbing issue. Some plumbing emergency examples would be: 

• Damaged or leaking water pipes
• Hot water not adhering to the water heater settings
• Bathroom or kitchen sink overflowing 
• Water heater leaking
• Sewage backing up in drains, showers, toilets, or tub
• Water pipes frozen 
• Water pipes shaking or vibrating

How long do emergency plumbers take?

There is no set time frame for an emergency plumber service call because of all the potential problems that they may need to address. For instance, an emergency plumbing and drain problem could be addressed inside the house within an hour. 

However, if the problem is under the house or in the sewer line, this could require digging, trenching, and maybe jackhammering the foundation. Those type of repairs can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. 

Hopefully, our article has clarified for you what should constitute making an emergency plumber call and when it is something that can wait. Calling a plumber for an emergency when it isn’t deemed an emergency upon their arrival isn’t the same as calling 911. If you feel it is an emergency, it is your home and your bank account, by all means, make that call. For your plumbing emergency needs, call 661-201-6016 today.

Is commercial plumbing hard?

People can become as dependent on computers and robots all they can and want, but when it comes to their plumbing needs, that take human interaction.  Humans rely on plumbing technology, and they will for as far as anyone can tell.

With that need, comes the need for experienced, skilled, trained plumbers that can install, repair, and perform maintenance on the plumbing systems. Among the career path of plumbers, there specialties, each just as important as the other. From residential plumbing, industrial plumbing, and commercial plumbing work, the jobs are plentiful.

Is it a hard trade to learn? Not anymore than other manual jobs, but they all have their challenging days, challenging jobs, even in commercial plumbing. Sometimes, even the most experienced plumber will have commercial plumbing questions on a situation and may call upon co-workers and superiors for help. No matter how experienced a plumber may get, especially in commercial plumbing, there will always be something new to learn.

What are the commercial plumbing basics?

The basics of commercial plumbing are like any other type of plumbing: installing and maintaining plumbing systems. However, it is typically on a larger scale than for residential, but commercial plumbing and drainage isn’t as involved as it may be from some industrial plumbing jobs.

An example of industrial plumbing, the waste removal is often more detailed due to environmental concerns. Where commercial plumbing differs from residential is the size of drains and pipes. They must be larger, and there are typically more plumbing pipes in commercial properties than residential properties.

Between commercial plumbing, industrial plumbing, and residential plumber, they all have emergency type work, but commercial plumbing has the most. Businesses cannot have a disruption in their business, especially in the entertainment and restaurant industries. Any of those could be open 24/7 and they need commercial plumbing contractors that can respond promptly and complete the job as needed.

Once a commercial structure is up and occupied, the need for commercial plumbing experts isn’t done. There will always be plumbing issues, and not by fault of the installation job, but day to day use and abuse by the occupants will necessitate the need for an experienced commercial plumber.

A busted sewer or water line can be replaced by using the pipe bursting process, also referred to as trenchless sewer belly repair. This trenchless method sewer line replacement process entails the use of a machine that breaks the old pipe at the same time it is installing a new pipe. Trenchless plumbing repair is done by the plumber creating two entry holes: one where for the sewer line going into the house; one that connects to the main sewer line. The new pipe is the same diameter which allows the flow from your house to the main sewer line to remain the same.

The other option your plumber may consider is lining the existing pipe with a resin-coated flexible pipe that is blown into the old pipe or pulled through the old pipe. Next, the new flexible pipe is then inflated and the resin hardens, resulting in a new pipe inside the old pie. The drawback to this trenchless plumbing repair option is it lessens the diameter by one-fourth of an inch. This is a small difference, and, in most homes, the impact is minimal to non-existence.

How long does Pipe Lining last?

This method of trenchless plumbing repair isn’t a choice made because it is less expensive. They designed it to keep from having to dig up yards, ruin landscaping, and have a life expectancy of fifty years or more.

Is trenchless sewer repair cheaper?

Write it out on paper, the less expensive option for sewer repair is the traditional method. When you face needing this type of work done, because the trenchless plumbing repair isn’t as commonplace as the traditional method, it isn’t as easy to find an experienced trenchless plumbing company.

There aren’t any homeowners that look forward to hearing they need sewer or water line replacements. That is one thing that we can guarantee you! The traditional method of digging that was required to make it all better has always been a huge undertaking that left a mess behind. Homeowners wondered if their landscaping and lawn would ever revive.

However, today, trenchless plumbing repair technology can get the job done in less time with less mess. So, if affordable trenchless plumbing is available and can be done quicker with less interruption to your life, why are so many homeowners reluctant to go this route?

The first thing you need to know is that not every sewer or water line repair or replacement can be done by the trenchless plumbing repair process. If there isn’t enough of the old pipe in good enough condition, then the traditional method is the only option. Here are some facts to keep in mind should your home be faced with this issue:

• The Upfront Costs: No two projects will have the same cost whether they use the traditional or trenchless plumbing repair methods. The traditional method can range as low as $50 per foot up to $250 per foot. The factors that can make a difference in pricing are pipe location and pipe materials as well as other issues. With ten feet of pipe used based on that per square foot rate, the job could cost up to $2,500 for the labor and materials. However, most jobs take more than 10 feet of line.
• Hidden Costs: There are additional costs when making repairs the traditional method, such as the excavation of the old pipe. This makes the biggest mess and takes the most time and cost as much as $12 per square foot. If there is anything sitting on top of the sewer or water line, it may need to be moved, creating another additional cost. Then there is the cost of repairing the landscaping and lawn after the job is completed.

If trenchless plumbing repair is possible, most of those hidden expenses won’t happen because it needs only two holes. One hole where the plumbing contractors insert the liner and one hole to pull it on through. Even if there is a garden shack or tool shed sitting on top of the line, it won’t be disturbed.

Once the plumber arrives, they will assess the situation and advise you if water heater repair or replace the unit is the best scenario, and provide you a water heater repair estimate or give you a quote on a new water heater unit. Before you make that phone call for water heater repair, try to restart the water heater yourself.

How do you restart a water heater?

Sometimes, when the water won’t get hot, the water heater needs to be restarted, almost like rebooting your computer. If the water is getting too hot, the reset switch will trip and resetting that switch may fix the problem and you can avoid an expensive water heater repair service call:

If you have an electric water heater, check the reset switch. This is a red button found on the upper end of the thermostat once you remove the access panel, push it.  If there is a reset button on the lower thermostat, push it. If this doesn’t get the water heating, then there may be another problem with the unit. Other issues that could cause the water heater not to work are:  

• The high-limit switch is malfunctioning, causing the water to overheat and trip the switch.
• Loose wiring in the heating element can cause the switch to trip.
• The heating element has gone out or is going out can cause the switch to trip.
• It could be a problem with the circuit breaker that powers the water heater.

Water heater repair by a professional plumber can fix the high-limit switch, loose wiring to the element, or replace the element. If it is the circuit breaker, however, you must call a professional electrician in which the plumber will determine that is necessary.  

How long do hot water heaters usually last?

The average lifespan of a water heater is eight to twelve years. If you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance steps, you may extend that lifespan to 20 years. It is the recommendation of most plumbers that by your water heater’s 10^th birthday, it would be a good idea to consider your next water heater, like going with a tankless style. By planning, you could replace your existing water heater before needing to make an emergency water heater repair service call at the most inconvenient time.

What are the signs your hot water heater is going out? 

If your water heater hasn’t hit that 10^th birthday yet, other indicators that the unit may go out are:  

1. Rust coming from the faucets or you notice rust around the connections and valves of the water usually indicates the tank has rusted inside. If there isn’t any water leaking from the tank or the connections now, there will be soon.  
2. Regardless of your water heater is electric or gas, they all get a build-up of sediment in the tank’s bottom. As that sediment accumulates, the drain valve becomes clogged. If your water heater is a gas-powered model, you’ll begin hearing popping noises each time the burner ignites.  
3. Water leaking from the tank, connections, lines, or valves.  Sometimes, a water heater repair service calls, the plumber can repair, tighten or replace connections, water lines, or valves to stop the leaking. If the tank is leaking, it is time to buy a new water heater. 
4. With an electric water heater, the heating element can go out, which you can replace yourself or call for a professional water heater repair service by a plumber.

What is the most common problem with water heaters?

A hot water heater that is leaking is the most common problem among water heaters. The problem can be from a broken drain valve, which a water heater repair service call can get that fixed. Sometimes, the tank has had too much pressure building up will cause the tank to leak, or if the tank has rusted inside. In that case, you need to replace your water heater.  

Your water heater is something your household depends on, more than you may realize until it isn’t working.  Taking the maintenance steps can help keep it going for many years, and if you aren’t comfortable performing those steps, it is worth the expense of a water heater repair service call. For all of your water heater needs in Santa Clarita, CA, dial 661-201-6016 today!

Why is my faucet dripping?

Faucets are an essential part of every home and it is important to keep them in working condition. A leaking faucet disturbs sleep, increases the water bill, and can lead to a catastrophe if not addresses. 

The average cause for a leaky faucet is caused by corrosion from the mineral deposits on the internal parts like the O-rings, valves, or washers. A homeowner with a handful of the right tools and a general idea and knowledge can do most of the time about plumbing. 

• THE O RING: The faucet handle is held in play by a stem screw that has an O-ring attached to it. A dripping faucet can often be from his area when that O-ring wears out over time because it doesn’t seal up when the handle is turned off. The faucet repair for this problem is simply to replace the O-ring will fix this. 
• THE VALVE SEAT: A valve seat connects the faucet and spout at the compression mechanism. Here, water-sediment accumulates, causing it to corrode which doesn’t let it seal and the leaking begins. A regular cleaning of this can give it a longer lifespan and require less frequent faucet repair. 
• THE WASHER: This is the most common cause of a dripping faucet. Each time you use the faucet, the washer and valve seat are forced together, creating a constant friction. That repeated friction causes the washer to wear out, and the faucet leaks. The faucet repair for this is simply replacing the worn-out washer. 
• IMPROPER INSTALLATION: Often, when the faucet repair is replacing the washer, if it is installed improperly or the wrong washer size is used, the faucet will either not quit leaking or will start again soon. 

What are the parts of a faucet?

If you need to do a faucet repair, it is helpful to know the parts of the faucet: 

• Gasket or O-Ring: These make the joints watertight and come in metal or rubber. 
• Flanges: Also called an escutcheon and are installed behind the faucet to cover the hole where the pipe comes up. 
• Adaptors and Aerators: These parts are attached to the faucet and alter the water flow to be more environmentally friendly. 
• Controls, Handles, and Levers: These turn the faucet on and off. 
• Stems: This part is attached to the sink and water flows from the end. 
• Washers: Washers attach the aerator and faucet stem. 

Can a handyman replace a faucet?

Yes, most handymen can do faucet repairs, not all plumbing repairs require a licensed plumber. An experienced handyman will know if a job is beyond his capacity and may refer your job to a licensed plumber. 

How do you fix a spray in bathroom faucet?

A bathroom faucet spout is equipped with aerators that direct the flow of water. Mineral deposits and sediment collect inside the aerator and weaken the water flow. This causes the faucet to spray water around the edges and onto the vanity. This is a simple faucet repair with the following steps: 

1.   Wrap the faucet aerator with a rag then unscrew it with pliers using moderate pressure.

2.   Scrub the aerator on all sides using an old toothbrush to remove loose debris and scaling.

3.   Put the aerator in a bowl of white vinegar and let it sit overnight.

4.      Replace the aerator, screwing by hand, careful not to over-tighten. 

How Much Does it Cost to Repipe a House?

The cost of repiping will depend on the scope of the job and the material of the pipe. The cost to repipe a house with copper pipe varies between eight thousand dollars and sixteen thousand dollars. This averages out to approximately three to eight dollars per linear foot. For replacing galvanized drain, waste, and vent pipes with corresponding copper pipes, it can average out to around thirteen to fifteen dollars per linear foot.

What is Included in a Repipe?

Would you like to find out more about how a repipe occurs? Please review the following bullet-pointed list to find out more about this important process.

• All water lines in the home that connect to a plumbing fixture will be replaced.
• New hose connections will be installed.
• All new valves will be installed under sinks and toilets.
• New supply lines will be installed.
• Your home or property will receive a new main shutoff to the home and to the water heater.
• A new laundry box with valves and ice maker box will be included.

How Long Does it Take to Repipe a Whole House?

A whole-home repipe will generally take between two days to an entire week to finish. Of course, this estimate does not factor in if the job is extensive. Usually, a qualified, licensed and insured plumbing company will discuss the overall parameters of the job with the homeowners. A reputable plumbing company will also keep the homeowners informed of any plumbing estimate changes.

Does Insurance Cover Repiping?

Repiping services are a necessary part of home improvement. But are they covered by insurance? It’s a great question. And the answer is that it depends. Whether or not your homeowner’s insurance will have a provision for repiping depends upon your specific policy details, and if the plumbing issue has happened because of neglect or lack of maintenance. Generally speaking, homeowners insurance does not cover things that result from lack of maintenance. 

Can I Repipe My Own House

With a little courage and experience, anything is possible. That is, except for undertaking any plumbing problem without at least five years of training and experience as a certified licensed plumber. Only after three years of experience will a plumber begin to see a true increase in their ability to plumb. The true answer to whether or not you can repipe your own house is ‘no.’ Unless you are a certified, licensed and insured plumber with a decade of experience, it’s not a worthy undertaking. Your prospects are much better if you contact a master plumber. However, there are a number of different projects that you can undertake to improve the value of your home. One of these is new windows in Irvine, CA. New windows improve the energy efficiency of your home and increase your curb appeal.

How to Repipe a Mobile Home with Pex

There are a number of considerations to undertake if you are considering repiping a mobile home with PEX material. For instance, repiping a mobile home with PEX material generally costs between two to four thousand dollars depending on the size of the mobile home and the model. There are a number of different materials that are standard for mobile homes. These materials include CPVC, PEX, and PolyPipe. In metal varieties, copper, stainless steel and galvanized steel are popular. As previously mentioned, it is always best to leave plumbing installations to plumbers. Plumbers have the wherewithal, the insurance, and the certifications to back up any assertions they have. Additionally, the comfort and security of your home is best left in the hands of the professionals.

How to Repipe a Slab House

If your pipes have been laid out in a concrete slab, it will be important for you to figure out how best to reroute those lines. A professional, licensed plumber will show you the ins and out of this procedure. This is, after all, a very complex plumbing problem. The plumber will need to assess where the pipes are routed and diagram a plan of action.

Our company can help you with your whole home repipe. Our staff at On Call Plumbing are ready to take your phone call at 661-201-6016. Discover more about what a great repipe in Santa Clarita, CA can do for your property!

Ways to Reduce Sewer Charges

The main question to answer is “How do you reduce sewer charges?” While it can feel impossible to get those costs down, there are in fact several things you can do that will provide significant impact. 

• Bathroom: A great place to start with lowering sewer charges is in the bathroom. You can have a low-flow shower head, helping to reduce the amount of water used in the shower. We also suggest simply taking shorter showers, using less water in the bathtub, and more. 
• Kitchen: Rather than running the sink the entire time while washing dishes, fill the sink up and only use that water. Run the dishwasher only when it is full and install an instant-water heater directly on the kitchen sink to reduce the amount of time needed to make it hot. 
• Outdoor Watering: One of the best ways to save money on water outdoors is to have a plumber install a rain sensor. This will indicate to your automatic watering system not to water the lawn if it is raining. Believe it or not, this action alone can save you between $10 and $60 each bill. 
• Leak Checks: Leaking toilets are the number one culprit for increased sewer and water bills. Check your toilet is okay by dropping in a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If you notice the coloring in the bowl after about 30-minutes, you have a leak. That needs to be fixed as soon as possible to start saving you money. 

One of the few exceptions might be if you need busted, rusted and broken pipe repair, you might not notice an immediate drop in your utility bills. They might still reflect the amount of water used before the repairs, depending on when they were scheduled and when the month starts for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is my sewer service so high?
  • Generally, the reason your sewer service bills may be higher has to do with an increase of water consumption. This could be because of a leak or because more household members using water. 
• How is sewer service charge calculated?
  • Basically, the charge is based on the amount of water actually used each month for a property. The city gets to that answer by multiplying the cubic feet of water used by the established sewer rate. 
• How much should my water and sewer bill be? 
  • The total amount will depend on how often you and your household members are using water in the house. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $70/month for water whereas households that use less water pay around $35/month.
• What is submetered sewer service?
  • This is applicable to property owners that may have multiple properties on the same water and sewer line. Submetered sewer services would be calculated with a formula to determine how much each unit uses from the same source. 
• Can sewer service be shut off?
  • If you miss a payment or do not pay your utilities all together, and you use city water, then the city can turn your water off. There is also usually a way to turn off water flow to your home temporarily if there is a leak or problem with the plumbing.

How do I know if my plumbing is bad?

There are outward signs that can point to plumbing issues, some so severe that you may need an emergency plumbing service. Other issues may be the culmination of small signs such as lower water pressure than normal or slow draining sinks. There are some signs that can point to bad plumbing such as higher or lower than normal water bills which can point to leaks or clogs that are blocking water from entering the property. Other signs can be seeing discolored water which can point to pipe corrosion or build up in your water heater. With aged pipes or water heaters, you’ll typically see these signs emerge along with regular appearances of clogs or leaks in multiple locations of the property. The regularity of these issues will typically alert a plumber that piping materials or water units need replacements with newer and more improved materials.

What are the most common plumbing problems?

Common plumbing problems that may befall your property can range from your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, pipes and more! The most common issues can be thought to be clogs and leaks. Clogs can be formed through the build up of soap scum or with things going down the drain that form a block in the water flow of the pipe. With kitchen sinks, you may see jammed garbage disposals from sticky items such as oils or coffee grounds sticking to the inner lining of the pipes. Other times you may have fruit pits or other items jamming the blades. Other plumbing issues can concern leaks, this can be due to pipe punctures, corrosion, cracks or loosened connections. Typically the location of a leak can point to different issues such as worn faucets, plumbers putty or other aged connections. Emergency plumbing and drain issues can be common from slow draining sinks to lower water pressure. These can signify build-ups, faulty water heaters, clogs or leaks within the pipe system. Shower or bath drains can also be susceptible to standing water when clogs are deep within the pipeline.

How do you unclog a drain naturally?

You can unclog a drain naturally with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. First, you will pour boiling water down the drain, then you’ll add half a cup of baking soda. Let that rest for a few minutes and then pour a mixture of one cup of hot water and one cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with the plugin order to keep the reaction below the drain surface and let that sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Once the time has passes flush the drain one more time with a pot of boiling hot water. Basically, the initially hot water and baking soda will loosen the grime on the drain, then the chemical reaction with the vinegar will separate it from the drain. The final hot water step will rinse the remainder of contaminants down the drain.

If you’re in need of an emergency plumbing service in Santa Clarita, CA call 661-201-6016 with On Call Plumbing!