Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Santa Fe Springs Plumbing Pros
Welcome to the Santa Fe Springs Plumbing Pros Frequently Asked Questions page. We understand that plumbing issues can be confusing and stressful. Whether you are dealing with a sudden emergency or planning a renovation, you likely have questions about the process, the technology, and what to expect. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to answer the most common inquiries we receive from residents and business owners in Santa Fe Springs California. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your home or commercial property. If you do not see your specific question listed here, please contact us directly. We are your dedicated local plumber ready to assist with all your plumbing needs.
General Plumbing and Emergency Services
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is generally defined as any situation that poses an immediate risk of water damage to your property, creates a health hazard, or leaves you without essential services like water or sanitation. Common examples include a burst pipe flooding a room, a main sewer line backup that sends waste into your bathtubs, a complete lack of water supply, or an overflowing toilet that cannot be stopped. If you are unsure, it is always safer to err on the side of caution. Waiting to address these issues can lead to significant structural damage and mold growth. Santa Fe Springs Plumbing Pros offers fast emergency service to mitigate these risks and restore safety to your home.
Do you offer after hours or weekend services?
Yes, we do. Plumbing disasters do not adhere to a convenient nine to five schedule. A pipe can burst at midnight, and a water heater can fail on a holiday. We operate as a 24 hour plumber and a weekend plumber because we know you need support when the unexpected happens. You can count on us for 24 7 plumbing help throughout the year. We are committed to being available whenever our customers in Santa Fe Springs California need an emergency plumber near me.
What should I do while I wait for the plumber to arrive?
If water is actively leaking, the most important step is to stop the flow. Locate your main water shut off valve and turn it to the off position. This valve is typically found where the water line enters your home, often near the front of the house or in the garage. If the issue is with a specific fixture like a toilet or sink, you can use the isolation valve located directly behind or under that fixture. If you are dealing with a sewer backup, do not run any water or flush any toilets. Clear the area around the problem site to give our technicians easy access, and move any valuable items or furniture away from wet areas to prevent damage.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency?
Response times can vary based on the current volume of calls and traffic conditions in Santa Fe Springs, but we prioritize emergency calls. We strive to be a same day plumber for urgent issues. Our team is locally based, which allows us to reach neighborhoods in Santa Fe Springs California faster than companies dispatched from far away. When you contact us, we will provide an estimated arrival time so you know when to expect help.
Do you service commercial properties as well as homes?
Absolutely. We provide a full range of commercial plumber services. We understand that commercial plumbing systems in restaurants, office buildings, and industrial facilities are larger and more complex than residential ones. We handle commercial water heater repair, grease trap maintenance, industrial pipe repair, and more. We work efficiently to ensure that your business experiences minimal downtime during repairs or installations.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line Questions
Why is my drain draining slowly?
A slow drain is usually the first sign of a developing clog. Over time, debris such as hair, soap scum, grease, and food particles accumulate on the inner walls of your pipes. This narrows the passageway for water. In Santa Fe Springs, mineral buildup from hard water can also contribute to this issue. If not addressed with professional drain cleaning, a slow drain will eventually become a completely stopped drain. We recommend addressing slow drains early to avoid a complete blockage later.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
We strongly advise against using harsh chemical drain cleaners found in supermarkets. These products rely on caustic acids or lye to burn through clogs. While they might provide temporary relief, they can generate intense heat that damages plastic pipes and corrodes metal ones. Furthermore, if the chemical fails to clear the clog, it remains in the pipe, creating a hazardous situation for the plumber who eventually comes to fix it. Mechanical snaking or hydro jetting are much safer and more effective methods for clogged drain repair.
What is hydro jetting and do I need it?
Hydro jetting is an advanced drain cleaning method that uses high pressure water streams to scour the interior of your pipes. Unlike a traditional snake that punches a hole through a clog, hydro jetting removes grease, sludge, scale, and even tree roots from the pipe walls, restoring them to a near new condition. You might need hydro jetting if you have recurring clogs, a heavy buildup of grease (common in kitchen lines), or roots invading your main sewer line. It is the most thorough way to perform sewer drain cleaning.
How do I know if I have a main sewer line blockage?
A main sewer line blockage affects all the drains in your home, not just one. Signs include multiple slow drains, water backing up into the bathtub or shower when you flush the toilet, or gurgling noises coming from sinks when the washing machine runs. If you notice water pooling around the floor drain in your basement or utility room, this is also a strong indicator. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from a professional plumber to prevent sewage from entering your living space.
What causes tree root intrusion in sewer lines?
Tree roots naturally seek out sources of moisture and nutrients. Your sewer line contains water, oxygen, and organic matter, making it an attractive target. Roots can enter through tiny cracks or loose joints in older clay or concrete pipes often found in Santa Fe Springs California. Once inside, they grow rapidly, catching debris and eventually crushing or blocking the pipe. We use video camera inspections to identify root intrusion and rooter machines or hydro jetting to clear them.
Water Heater Repair and Installation FAQs
Why do I have no hot water?
A lack of hot water is a major inconvenience. For gas water heaters, this could be due to a pilot light that has gone out, a faulty thermocouple, or a gas supply issue. For electric heaters, it is often a tripped circuit breaker or a burned out heating element. In some cases, the thermostat may be malfunctioning. We act as your no hot water plumber to diagnose the specific cause and perform the necessary water heater repair to get your system running again.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
This decision depends on the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the frequency of breakdowns. The average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is about 8 to 12 years. If your unit is nearing this age and requires a major repair, water heater replacement is often the more cost effective choice in the long run. New models are more energy efficient and reliable. If the tank itself is leaking, replacement is the only option. We can help you evaluate the condition of your current unit and weigh the pros and cons.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters, also known as on demand water heaters, heat water only when you need it. This eliminates the standby energy loss associated with keeping a large tank of water hot 24 7. The primary benefits include lower energy bills, an endless supply of hot water (you never run out during a shower), and a longer lifespan (often 20 years or more). They are also wall mounted, saving valuable floor space. As a tankless water heater install expert, we can help you decide if this technology is right for your home.
Why is my water heater making a banging noise?
Loud banging, popping, or rumbling noises coming from your water heater are usually caused by sediment buildup. In areas like Santa Fe Springs with hard water, minerals settle at the bottom of the tank. As the burner heats the water, steam bubbles get trapped under the sediment layer and explode as they escape. This is not only noisy but also causes the tank to overheat and can lead to premature failure. Regular water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank, can prevent this issue.
Urgent Safety Warning: Gas Water Heaters
Many water heaters run on natural gas. If you smell a rotten egg odor around your water heater, hear a hissing sound, or suspect a leak, do not attempt to investigate it yourself. Do not touch any electrical switches or use a phone nearby. You must go outside call 911 immediately as this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention. Once emergency services have secured the area, contact us for professional assistance.
Pipe Repair, Repiping, and Leak Detection
What are the signs of a hidden water leak?
Hidden leaks can cause extensive damage before you even see a drop of water. Watch for unexplained spikes in your water bill, the sound of running water when all taps are off, warm spots on the floor (indicating a hot water line leak), damp or discolored patches on walls or ceilings, and a musty smell of mold. If you suspect a leak, our leak detection specialists use advanced equipment to pinpoint the source without tearing up your home unnecessarily.
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a leak in the water lines that run beneath the concrete foundation (slab) of your home. These are common in Santa Fe Springs California due to shifting soil and chemical reactions between copper pipes and the concrete. Slab leaks are serious because they can compromise the structural integrity of your foundation and cause water damage to flooring. We offer specialized slab leak repair services, including direct repair or rerouting the plumbing overhead.
When is repiping necessary?
Repiping is the process of replacing the hot and cold water supply pipes in your home. You should consider repiping services if you have an older home with galvanized steel pipes that are corroding. Signs include rust colored water, low water pressure across multiple fixtures, and frequent pinhole leaks. We offer copper and PEX repiping options to improve your water quality and protect your home from water damage.
Why is my water pressure low?
Low water pressure can be caused by several factors. It might be a simple issue like a clogged aerator on a faucet. However, if the low pressure is consistent throughout the house, it could be due to a failing pressure regulator, a hidden leak, or corrosion inside old galvanized pipes that restricts flow. We can test your pressure and inspect your system to determine the root cause and provide a low water pressure plumber solution.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
A burst pipe is a major emergency. Act fast to minimize damage. Turn off the main water supply immediately. Open faucets to drain the remaining water from the system. If the burst is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity at the breaker box if it is safe to do so. Then, contact Santa Fe Springs Plumbing Pros for emergency plumber for burst pipe services. We will arrive quickly to repair the pipe and get your water back on.
Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not grinding?
A humming noise usually indicates that the flywheel is jammed, preventing the blades from spinning. This often happens when a hard object like a bone, fruit pit, or utensil falls into the disposal. The motor is trying to turn but cannot. Turn off the switch immediately to prevent the motor from burning out. Do not put your hand in the disposal. Contact us for garbage disposal repair. We can safely unjam the unit and reset the overload protector.
Can you fix a faucet that drips constantly?
Yes, a dripping faucet is one of the most common issues we fix. It is usually caused by a worn out washer, O-ring, or cartridge inside the faucet handle. While a drip seems minor, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time and stain your sink. We provide leaking faucet repair for all types of kitchen and bathroom faucets.
My toilet runs constantly. Is this a problem?
A running toilet is a significant waster of water and money. It is typically caused by a faulty flapper valve that does not seal the tank properly, or a fill valve that does not shut off when the tank is full. We offer toilet repair services to replace these components and ensure your toilet flushes and refills correctly. If your toilet is old and inefficient, we can also perform a toilet installation with a new water saving model.
Do you install customer supplied fixtures?
Yes, we are happy to install fixtures that you have purchased yourself. Whether it is a new kitchen faucet, a bathroom vanity, or a shower head, we can ensure it is installed correctly and leak free. However, we recommend consulting with us before you buy to ensure the fixture is compatible with your existing plumbing setup in Santa Fe Springs.
Gas Line Services
Can you install a gas line for a new BBQ grill?
Yes, we specialize in gas line installation for outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and BBQ grills. Running a dedicated gas line allows you to use your grill without the hassle of refilling propane tanks. We ensure the line is sized correctly to provide adequate fuel and is installed according to all safety codes in Santa Fe Springs California.
How do I know if I have a gas leak?
Signs of a gas leak include the distinct smell of rotten eggs (added to natural gas for detection), a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance, dead or dying vegetation near a buried gas line, or bubbles in standing water outside. If you notice any of these signs, follow the safety warning below immediately.
Urgent Gas Safety Warning
Gas leaks are critical emergencies that can lead to fires or explosions. If you suspect a gas leak repair is needed, do not turn on or off any lights, use a flashlight, start a car, or use a phone in the vicinity. You must go outside call 911 immediately as this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention. Do not re-enter the building until it has been declared safe by emergency responders or the utility company.
Preventative Maintenance
How often should I have my plumbing inspected?
We recommend a professional home plumbing inspection at least once every two years. If you live in an older home, an annual inspection is better. During an inspection, we check water pressure, inspect pipes for corrosion, test shut off valves, and flush the water heater. Preventative maintenance helps catch small issues before they become major, expensive repairs.
What can I do to maintain my drains?
To keep drains flowing smoothly, avoid pouring grease, fats, or oil down the kitchen sink. Use drain strainers in the shower and tub to catch hair. You can also use a biological drain cleaner (enzyme based) monthly to eat away at organic buildup. Avoid using chemical drain openers. If you have a garbage disposal, run cold water while grinding and avoid putting fibrous foods like celery or onion skins down the drain.
How do I prevent pipes from freezing?
While Santa Fe Springs California has a mild climate, temperatures can drop occasionally. To prevent frozen pipe repair needs, insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, or garages. On particularly cold nights, you can open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks and let a faucet drip slightly to keep water moving.
Why Choose Santa Fe Springs Plumbing Pros
Are you a local company?
Yes, Santa Fe Springs Plumbing Pros is a locally based company. We are proud to serve the Santa Fe Springs community and the surrounding areas. Being local means we understand the specific plumbing challenges of the region, from the soil conditions affecting underground pipes to the water quality affecting heaters and fixtures. It also means we can get to your home quickly when you need us.
Why don’t you offer quotes over the phone?
Plumbing systems are complex, and every home is different. A “clogged drain” could be a simple hair blockage in the trap or a collapsed sewer line under the driveway. To provide an honest and accurate assessment, we need to see the issue in person. This allows us to diagnose the root cause and explain the necessary work clearly. We believe in transparency and want to avoid surprises for our customers.
What makes you different from other plumbers?
We strive to be the best plumbing company in Santa Fe Springs by focusing on reliability, quality, and customer service. We do not look for quick fixes; we look for long term solutions. Our technicians are highly trained and equipped with the latest technology. We respect your time and your property, ensuring a clean work area and a job done right the first time. We are the partner you can trust for all your plumbing needs.
Miscellaneous Questions
What is water hammer?
Water hammer is a loud banging or thumping noise that occurs when a faucet is turned off quickly or a washing machine valve closes. It is caused by a shock wave of water stopping suddenly in the pipes. Over time, this vibration can damage pipes and joints. We can install water hammer arrestors to absorb the shock and eliminate the noise, protecting your plumbing system.
How do I locate my main water shut off valve?
Knowing where your main water shut off is located is crucial in an emergency. It is often found on the perimeter of the house, on the side facing the street. It usually looks like a wheel or a lever handle coming out of the ground or the wall. It may also be in a utility box near the sidewalk (curb stop). If you cannot find it, ask our technician to show you during our next visit so you are prepared for any future emergency water shut off needs.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, it is likely due to bacteria reacting with the magnesium anode rod in your water heater. Replacing the rod with an aluminum one can often solve this. If the smell is in both hot and cold water, or coming from the drain, it could be a dry P-trap allowing sewer gas to escape. Running water into rarely used sinks can seal the trap.
Can you help with high water bills?
Yes, a sudden increase in your water bill is often the first sign of a hidden leak. It could be a running toilet, a slab leak, or a leak in the irrigation system. We offer leak detection services to find the source of the water loss and repair it, helping you return your utility costs to normal.
Contact Us for More Information
We hope this FAQ page has answered many of your questions. If you have a specific concern that was not addressed here, or if you are ready to schedule a service, please contact Santa Fe Springs Plumbing Pros. We are here to help you with everything from routine maintenance to major emergency repairs.
We are dedicated to providing the residents and businesses of Santa Fe Springs California with the highest level of service. Contact us today and let us take care of your plumbing system so you can focus on what matters most.
Service Areas and Zip Codes
We are proud to serve Santa Fe Springs California and the surrounding communities. Our technicians are frequently in your neighborhood helping homeowners with their plumbing needs.
Santa Fe Springs Zip Codes:
90670, 90605
Nearby Service Areas:
Whittier (90601, 90602, 90603, 90604, 90605)
Norwalk (90650, 90651, 90652)
Downey (90239, 90240, 90241, 90242)
La Mirada (90637, 90638)
Pico Rivera (90660, 90661, 90662)
Los Nietos (90606)
Plumbing Pro Services
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Don’t gamble with your plumbing. We combine years of experience with modern technology to deliver lasting repairs and installations. Our team respects your time and your property.
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