Frequently Asked Questions
Your Guide to Plumbing Solutions
Welcome to the Orange Plumbing Pros Frequently Asked Questions page. We understand that plumbing issues can be confusing and stressful for homeowners and business owners alike. Whether you are dealing with a sudden emergency or planning a renovation, you likely have questions about the process, the technology, and the best course of action. We have compiled this extensive guide to answer the most common inquiries we receive from residents in Orange California. Our goal is to provide you with clear, helpful information so you can make informed decisions about your home’s plumbing health. If you do not see your specific question listed here, please contact us directly. We are your local plumbing expert, ready to assist you.
General Service Questions
What areas do you serve?
We are proud to serve the entire city of Orange California and the surrounding communities. We cover all neighborhoods within Orange, from Old Towne to the hills. We also extend our services to nearby cities such as Villa Park, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Tustin, Placentia, Garden Grove, and Yorba Linda. We are a local plumber dedicated to our specific region, which allows us to respond quickly to your needs.
Do you offer services for both homes and businesses?
Yes, we are a full service plumbing provider equipped to handle both residential plumbing and commercial plumbing needs. Our team works with homeowners on everything from kitchen sink clogs to water heater replacements. We also partner with local businesses, restaurants, property management companies, and office buildings to maintain their commercial plumbing systems. Whether it is a large industrial water heater or a multi stall restroom facility, we have the expertise to manage it.
How do I know if I need a professional plumber?
While some minor issues like a loose handle might be a quick DIY fix, most plumbing problems require professional attention to prevent further damage. If you have a persistent clog that plunging does not fix, a leak you cannot locate, low water pressure throughout the house, or any issue involving gas lines, you should call a professional immediately. Attempting complex repairs without training can lead to water damage, mold growth, and safety hazards. We are the trusted plumber you can rely on to diagnose the root cause and provide a lasting solution.
Emergency Plumbing FAQs
What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is generally defined as any situation that poses an immediate risk of water damage to your property, a health hazard to your family, or a complete loss of essential services. Examples include a burst pipe, a sewage backup into your home, an overflowing toilet that will not stop, a water heater that has flooded the garage, or a gas leak. If you are unsure, it is better to be safe and contact us. We operate as an emergency plumber offering 24 hour plumber services to address these critical situations.
Do you offer service on weekends and holidays?
Yes, plumbing disasters do not respect the calendar. We are available as a weekend plumber and an after hours plumber. We understand that a backed up drain on Thanksgiving or a cold shower on a Saturday morning is a major disruption. We provide fast emergency service to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
What should I do while waiting for the plumber to arrive?
If water is actively leaking or flooding your home, the most important step is to stop the flow of water. If the leak is coming from a specific fixture like a toilet or sink, turn off the isolation valve located behind or under the fixture. If the leak is major or you cannot find the isolation valve, locate the main water shut off valve for your house and turn it off. This is usually located near the front of the house or at the street. If you have an emergency water shut off situation where the valve is stuck, tell our dispatcher so we can prioritize your call.
Drain and Sewer FAQs
Why is my drain moving so slowly?
A slow drain is usually a sign of a partial blockage. Over time, materials like soap scum, hair, grease, and food particles accumulate on the walls of the pipe, narrowing the opening. This restricts the flow of water. If you notice slow drainage in multiple fixtures, such as the shower and the toilet, it could indicate a blockage in the main sewer line. We offer drain cleaning services to clear these buildups and restore full flow.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
We generally advise against using harsh chemical drain cleaners found in grocery stores. These products rely on caustic chemicals that create heat to melt the clog. While they might offer temporary relief, they can damage your pipes over time, leading to corrosion and leaks. They are also harmful to the environment and can be dangerous to handle. Professional drain cleaning using mechanical snakes or hydro jetting is a safer and more effective way to solve the problem without damaging your plumbing system.
What is hydro jetting and when is it needed?
Hydro jetting is a specialized drain cleaning method that uses high pressure water to scour the interior of your pipes. It is like a pressure washer for your sewer line. It is highly effective at removing grease, sludge, sand, and even tree roots. We often recommend hydro jetting for commercial kitchens or for residential lines that have heavy root intrusion or recurring clogs. It cleans the entire diameter of the pipe, rather than just punching a hole through the blockage.
How do I know if I have tree roots in my pipes?
Tree root intrusion is a common issue in Orange California, especially in established neighborhoods with mature trees. Roots seek out the moisture inside sewer lines and enter through tiny cracks. Signs of root intrusion include gurgling noises from toilets, frequent backups in lower drains like bathtubs, and slow drainage throughout the house. We use video camera inspection technology to look inside your pipes and confirm if roots are the culprit. If they are, we can use cutting blades and hydro jetting to remove them.
Water Heater FAQs
My water heater is making a rumbling noise. Is it dangerous?
A rumbling, popping, or banging noise coming from your water heater is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. In areas with hard water, minerals settle out of the water and form a layer of rock like scale. When the burner turns on, steam bubbles get trapped under this layer and escape with a popping sound. While not immediately dangerous, this sediment overheats the bottom of the tank, reduces efficiency, and can lead to premature tank failure. We recommend regular water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank, to resolve this.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
The decision to repair or replace depends on the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the overall condition of the tank. If your water heater is over 10 years old and requires a major repair, water heater replacement is often the more cost effective choice. New models are more energy efficient and reliable. However, if the unit is relatively new and the issue is a minor component like a thermocouple or thermostat, water heater repair is likely the better option. If the tank itself is leaking, it must be replaced.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing it in a large tank. This offers several benefits. First, you never run out of hot water, which is great for large families. Second, they are more energy efficient because you are not paying to keep 40 gallons of water hot 24 hours a day. Third, they take up much less space, often mounting on a wall. We specialize in tankless water heater installation and can help you determine if your home is a good candidate for this technology.
Why do I have no hot water?
If you have no hot water, check to see if the pilot light is out (for gas units) or if a breaker has tripped (for electric units). If those are fine, the issue could be a faulty gas valve, a broken heating element, or a bad thermostat. Our no hot water plumber experts can diagnose the issue quickly. For gas units, there are specific safety sensors that might shut the unit down if they detect a problem.
Pipe Repair and Leak Detection FAQs
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Hidden leaks, often called slab leaks or pinhole leaks, can cause significant damage before they are seen. Signs include a sudden increase in your water bill, the sound of running water when no appliances are in use, damp or warm spots on the floor, mold growth on walls or baseboards, and low water pressure. If you suspect a leak, contact us for professional leak detection. We use advanced equipment to pinpoint the leak without tearing up your home unnecessarily.
What causes low water pressure?
Low water pressure can be caused by several factors. It might be a result of mineral buildup inside older galvanized pipes, a hidden leak diverting water, a partially closed shut off valve, or an issue with the municipal water supply. If the pressure is low at only one faucet, the problem is likely the aerator or the fixture itself. If it is low throughout the house, it points to a larger issue. We act as your low water pressure plumber to identify and fix the restriction.
What is the difference between spot repair and repiping?
Spot repair involves fixing a specific section of pipe that has leaked or burst. This is appropriate for isolated incidents. However, if your home has older pipes that are corroding throughout, fixing one leak often leads to another leak appearing somewhere else shortly after. In this case, whole house repiping services are recommended. This involves replacing all the hot and cold water supply lines with modern Copper or PEX piping. This provides a permanent solution to chronic plumbing issues.
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a leak that occurs in the water lines buried underneath the concrete foundation of your home. In Orange California, this is a common problem due to soil conditions and chemical reactions with copper pipes. Slab leak repair is critical because the escaping water can erode the soil supporting your foundation, leading to settling and cracks. We can repair slab leaks by jackhammering through the floor or, more commonly, by rerouting the plumbing overhead to bypass the failing pipe entirely.
Fixture Installation and Repair FAQs
My toilet runs constantly. Can it be fixed?
A running toilet is a common issue that wastes a tremendous amount of water. It is usually caused by a worn out flapper valve, a misadjusted float, or a leaking fill valve. These are relatively simple repairs for our technicians. We offer toilet repair services to stop the waste. If the toilet is old or cracked, we can also perform a toilet installation to upgrade you to a high efficiency model.
Can you install a faucet I purchased myself?
Yes, we are happy to perform faucet installation for fixtures you have selected and purchased. We will ensure it is installed correctly, sealed properly, and connected to your water lines without leaks. However, we can also supply high quality fixtures if you prefer. We work with all major brands and styles.
My garbage disposal is jammed. What should I do?
If your disposal is humming but not turning, it is jammed. Safety First: Never put your hand inside the disposal. You can try pressing the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If that does not work, call us for garbage disposal repair. We have the tools to unjam the motor safely. If the motor is burned out or the housing is cracked, we can provide garbage disposal installation for a new unit.
Do you install customer supplied dishwashers?
Yes, we provide dishwasher hookup plumber services. Installing a dishwasher requires connecting the water supply line and the drain line correctly. The drain line must be looped or connected to an air gap to prevent dirty sink water from backflowing into the dishwasher. We ensure the installation meets all codes and functions perfectly.
Gas Line and Safety FAQs
What should I do if I smell gas?
This is the most critical safety question.
URGENT SAFETY WARNING
If you smell gas (which often smells like rotten eggs), hear a hissing sound near a gas line, or suspect a gas leak for any reason, you must stop what you are doing immediately. Do not touch any electrical switches, including light switches. Do not use your phone inside the house. Go outside immediately and call 911. This is a life threatening emergency that needs urgent attention. Once the fire department or utility company has cleared the area and deemed it safe, you can contact us for repairs.
Can you install a gas line for my new stove or dryer?
Yes, we provide gas line installation services for all types of appliances. Whether you are switching from electric to gas or moving the location of your appliance, we can run the new piping. We use proper materials and pressure test every connection to ensure there are absolutely no leaks. We also install gas lines for outdoor barbecues and fire pits.
Commercial Plumbing FAQs
How is commercial plumbing different from residential?
Commercial plumbing systems are generally larger, more complex, and subject to heavier usage than residential systems. They often involve larger diameter pipes, higher water pressure, and specialized fixtures like flushometers and grease traps. Commercial buildings also have stricter code requirements regarding accessibility and sanitation. As a commercial plumber, we have the specialized equipment and knowledge to handle these demanding environments.
Do you offer maintenance plans for businesses?
Yes, we know that plumbing downtime costs businesses money. We offer preventative maintenance services for commercial clients. This includes regular drain cleaning to prevent backups, water heater inspection, and checking for leaks. By catching issues early, we help you avoid emergency shutdowns and keep your operations running smoothly.
Pipe Materials and Quality FAQs
What is better, Copper or PEX?
Both Copper and PEX are excellent materials for repiping, but they have different strengths. Copper is a rigid metal that has been the standard for decades. It is durable, fire resistant, and recyclable. PEX is a flexible plastic tubing that is easier to install in existing walls because it can be snaked around corners. It is also resistant to scale buildup and freezing. We can help you decide which material is best for your specific home and budget during a consultation.
Why is my water discolored?
Brown or yellow water is often a sign of rust. If it only happens when you use hot water, the issue is likely your water heater. If it happens with cold water, it usually indicates that you have older galvanized steel pipes that are rusting from the inside. This is a common issue in older Orange California homes. Repiping is the only permanent solution to eliminate rusty water caused by deteriorating pipes.
Troubleshooting and Advice FAQs
Why does my shower temperature change when the toilet is flushed?
This is caused by a drop in pressure in the cold water line when the toilet fills, which means less cold water reaches the shower while the hot water stays constant. This can result in scalding. This is common in older plumbing systems. We can solve this by installing a pressure balance shower valve or a thermostatic mixing valve during a shower valve replacement. These valves automatically adjust to pressure changes to keep the temperature steady.
How can I prevent kitchen sink clogs?
The best way to prevent kitchen clogs is to be careful about what goes down the drain. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the sink, as these solidify inside the pipes. Do not put fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, or corn husks in the garbage disposal. Run cold water for a few seconds before and after using the disposal to help flush waste through the line. Regular drain cleaning can also prevent buildup.
Contact and Scheduling FAQs
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can contact us via our website or by phone to schedule a service. We offer flexible scheduling windows to accommodate your busy life. For urgent issues, simply let us know, and we will dispatch an emergency plumber as soon as possible.
Are you a local company?
Yes, Orange Plumbing Pros is locally focused. We live and work in the community. We are not a giant national chain; we are your neighbors. This means we care about our reputation and strive to provide the highest level of service to our fellow residents in Orange California.
Service Areas and Zip Codes
We are proud to serve the entire city of Orange California and the surrounding communities. Our service area includes the following zip codes in Orange:
- 92856
- 92857
- 92859
- 92861
- 92862
- 92863
- 92864
- 92865
- 92866
- 92867
- 92868
- 92869
We also extend our expert plumbing services to nearby cities and towns including:
- Villa Park (92861)
- Santa Ana (92705, 92706)
- Anaheim (92806, 92807)
- Tustin (92780)
- Placentia (92870)
- Garden Grove (92840)
- Yorba Linda (92886)