Plumbing issues can be a nightmare, especially when they happen unexpectedly, and you don’t know what to do.
California is home to many plumbing issues that are unique to the area due to its diverse climate and infrastructure. As a homeowner or renter in California, it’s essential to have basic knowledge about the most common plumbing issues that can arise in your home or business.
In this article, we discuss the top 8 plumbing issues affecting homes in California and possible solutions for each of them. And, as always, you can trust your friendly neighborhood Western Rooter plumbers to take care of any plumbing issues you may have if you’re unable to DIY a solution yourself!
Leaky Faucets
One of the most common plumbing issues in California is a leaky faucet. This problem often arises due to a damaged washer, gasket, or O-ring. The sound of dripping water can be annoying and can lead to a significant waste of water. To fix this issue, you can replace the damaged component or call a professional plumber to fix it for you.
Common Causes of Leaky Faucets:
While wear and tear can be a common cause of leaky faucets, other causes can include:
- Improper installation: If the faucet isn’t installed correctly, it can cause issues with water flow and lead to leaks.
- Faulty gaskets or O-rings: If these components become damaged or worn out, then the faucet won’t be able to maintain a proper seal and will leak.
- Dried out seals: Oftentimes, dried out seals can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks.
- Corrosion from hard water: Hard water can cause corrosion in the faucet’s components over time, which can result in leaking.
How to Fix Leaky Faucets
The best way to fix a leaky faucet is to replace the damaged component. If you’re not sure which part needs replacing, a professional plumber can help you identify and fix the problem. However, if you’re feeling up to it, here’s how to do it yourself:
- Turn off the water supply: Before attempting any repairs, be sure to turn off the water supply that feeds into the faucet.
- Remove existing parts: Use a wrench to remove the existing washers, gaskets, and O-rings.
- Replace with new parts: Once you’ve removed the worn out components, replace them with new ones that are designed for your specific faucet.
- Reassemble: Finally, reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a prevalent plumbing issue in California homes. They can happen in sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers due to hair, soap, grease, or other foreign objects. To unclog a drain, you can use a plunger or a drain snake. If that doesn’t work, you can try a chemical drain cleaner or call in a professional plumber.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be caused by a few different factors, including:
- Hair: Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains in California. It can accumulate and form a blockage in the pipes.
- Soap residue: When soap mixes with grease and oils from food or personal care products, it can form a thick, sticky residue that can clog drains.
- Foreign objects: From small toys to toothbrushes, anything that isn’t meant to go down the drain can get stuck and cause a blockage.
How to Unclog Drains
If your drain is clogged, you may need to use a plunger or a drain snake. Plungers are great for quick, easy unclogging and can usually take care of the problem without any fuss. If your drain is still clogged after using a plunger, you may need to use a drain snake. These tools are effective but can be more time-consuming.
If these methods don’t work, chemical drain cleaners are another solution, however, you want to always be cautious when considering using a chemical drain cleaner.
Also, at Western Rooter, we offer drain cleaning services to quickly and effectively unclog drains. We provide long-term solutions for any clogged drain, so you can rest assured that your problem will stay solved.
Running Toilets
A running toilet is another common plumbing issue that homeowners face in California. It can cause a significant rise in your water bill and waste hundreds of gallons of water per day. A running toilet often results from a faulty flapper valve or a damaged fill valve. To fix this issue, you can replace the valve, adjust the float, or call a professional plumber.
Common Causes of Running Toilets
Wondering why your toilet keeps running? It could be caused by a few different issues, including:
- Faulty flapper valve: A faulty flapper valve can cause water to leak from the tank into the bowl, resulting in a running toilet.
- Damaged fill valve: If your fill valve is damaged or clogged, it can lead to a steady flow of water and result in a running toilet.
- Incorrect float adjustment: If the water level is too high or low, it can result in a running toilet.
How to Stop a Running Toilet
To stop a running toilet, you may need to check or adjust the flapper valve and fill valve. If these components are damaged, they should be replaced with new ones.
In addition, you can adjust the float to ensure that the water level is set at the proper height. If these actions don’t stop the running toilet, it may be best to call in a professional plumber for assistance.
At Western Rooter, we have experienced technicians who can help diagnose and fix any plumbing issue you may have—so you don’t have to worry about dealing with the headache of a running toilet on your own!
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you want to take a shower or fill up your pool. It can be due to mineral buildup, corrosion, or a leak in the waterline. To fix low water pressure, you can clean the aerator or showerhead, replace the waterline, or call a professional plumber.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure In Home
Low water pressure can be caused by a few factors, including:
- Mineral buildup: Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate in the pipes and restrict the flow of water.
- Corrosion in pipes: If your home has older plumbing, it may have corroded pipes that are reducing the water pressure.
- Leaks in the waterline: A leak in the main line can reduce your home’s water pressure.
How to Address Low Water Pressure
If you’re experiencing low water pressure, there are a few ways to fix it.
- First, check for mineral buildup or corrosion in your pipes—this can easily be done by having a professional plumber inspect and test the pipes.
- You can also clean the aerator or showerhead to remove any sediment that may be clogging up the flow of water.
- If these solutions don’t work, you may need to replace the waterline altogether. This isn’t something you should attempt on your own, however…
…and here at Western Rooter, we are experienced in replacing waterlines and addressing low water pressure efficiently and safely. We can help you get your water pressure back to normal so that you can enjoy your showers and swimming pool again!
Broken Water Heater
A broken water heater can be a nightmare, especially during the winter season. It can be due to a faulty thermostat, a damaged heating element, or a sediment buildup. To fix this issue, you can replace the damaged component, flush out the sediment, or call a professional plumber.
Common Causes of Broken Water Heaters
Water heaters are built to last roughly 10-15 years, but a few components can break over time. Common causes of broken water heaters include:
- Faulty thermostat: If the thermostat has gone bad, it may prevent the water from heating up or cause it to run cold.
- Damaged heating element: Heating elements typically last around 8-10 years, but they can sometimes fail prematurely.
- Sediment buildup: Over time, sediment can build up in the tank and reduce the efficiency of the water heater.
How to Fix a Broken Water Heater
To fix a broken water heater, you may need to replace the damaged component or flush out any sediment buildup in the tank. Replacing the thermostat or heating element should be done by a professional, so it’s best to call in a plumber for assistance.
At Western Rooter, we specialize in water heater repairs and replacements. Our technicians have years of experience with all types of water heaters, so you can trust that your problem will be solved quickly and effectively.
Burst Pipes
Pipes can burst due to freezing temperatures, aging, or water pressure. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage to your home or business. To avoid this issue, you can insulate your pipes, monitor your water pressure, or call a professional plumber for immediate repair.
Common Causes of Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can be caused by a few issues, including:
- Freezing temperatures: If the temperature drops below freezing, water expands and puts pressure on your pipes—causing them to burst.
- Aging or corrosion in pipes: Older pipes are more prone to bursting and should be inspected regularly for any signs of corrosion.
- High water pressure: When the water pressure is too high, it can put excessive strain on your pipes and cause them to burst.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes
To prevent your pipes from bursting, you should take a few precautionary measures, such as:
- Insulating all exposed pipes to protect against freezing temperatures.
- Monitoring your water pressure to ensure it’s not too high.
- Calling a professional plumber for yearly inspections and maintenance.
If you find yourself dealing with burst pipes, don’t wait to call in the professionals! At Western Rooter, we specialize in fast pipe repair and replacement services—so you can get the problem solved quickly.
Sewer Line Backup
A sewer line backup can be a severe health hazard and can cause significant water damage to your property. It can be due to tree roots, aging pipes, or a clog in the main sewer line. To fix this issue, you can use a sewer line snake or call in a professional plumber.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Backup
Sewer line backups can be caused by several issues, including:
- Tree roots growing into pipes: Tree roots often grow near pipes and can damage the pipes over time.
- Aging or corroded pipes: Old metal or clay pipes may corrode and cause blockages in your sewer line.
- Clogs in the main sewer line: Grease, hair, and other debris can build up over time and cause blockages in your sewer line.
How to Address Sewer Line Backup
If you’re dealing with a sewer line backup, there are a few ways to address it.
- If tree roots are causing the blockage, you can use a sewer line snake to cut away the roots and clear the pipe.
- If aging or corroded pipes are causing the blockage, you’ll need to replace the damaged sections of pipe.
- If there’s a clog in the main sewer line, you may need to call in a professional plumber for assistance with clearing the pipe.
At Western Rooter, we specialize in sewer line services and can help you unclog your pipes quickly and efficiently. We understand how important it is to get your sewer lines running again, so don’t hesitate to call us for reliable service!
Garbage Disposal Problems
Garbage disposal problems can be due to food buildup, clogged drains, or a damaged motor. To fix this issue, you can avoid putting hard or fibrous materials down the drain, use cold water when grinding, or call a professional plumber.
Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Problems
Garbage disposal problems can be caused by a few issues, including:
- Food buildup: Leftover food particles can build up and cause clogs in the drain.
- Clogged drains: Grease or other debris can accumulate over time and block the passage of water.
- Damaged motor: Motors can burn out over time or become damaged due to the grinding of hard objects.
How to Fix Garbage Disposal Problems
To fix garbage disposal problems, you should take a few steps, such as:
- Avoid putting hard or fibrous materials down the drain—stick with soft food waste instead.
- Use cold water when grinding your food waste—hot water can cause grease and fat to accumulate in the drains.
- Call a professional plumber for assistance if you’re unable to fix the problem yourself.
At Western Rooter, our team of expert plumbers can help you diagnose and repair any garbage disposal issues quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues can be frustrating, but with basic knowledge, you can fix some of the common plumbing issues that are unique to California.
We hope this article has been informative and has given you an insight into the top 8 most common plumbing issues that homeowners and renters face in California. If you’re facing any of these problems and need a professional plumber, don’t hesitate to call Western Rooter & Plumbing.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable plumbers offers a wide range of plumbing services that will help you fix your plumbing issues and ensure that your plumbing system functions correctly.
