Plumbing Services FAQ

Backflow occurs when the water pressure in your pipes drops below the pressure of the water supply, allowing water to flow backward into your pipes. This can cause serious health risks, as it can introduce harmful substances into your drinking water like pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals, and sewage.

Backflow can happen due to various reasons, such as:

• Frozen pipes
• Broken pipes
• Fire hydrants being used
• Power outages

Backflow testing is the process of checking water quality in your plumbing system to ensure there is no contamination from outside sources. Backflow testing involves attaching a device to your water meter or faucet and measuring the pressure difference between your pipes and the water supply. If the device detects any backflow, it will indicate a problem with your plumbing system that needs to be fixed.

Backflow testing should be performed by a licensed plumber at least once a year. It is required by law for certain types of properties like restaurants, schools, and hospitals.

If your water heater is not providing hot water for your home, there are a few possible problems:

• Faulty thermostat
• Leaky tank
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Gas valve problem
• Main water line break
• Clogged or frozen pipe

To restore hot water, you need to identify the source of the problem and either repair or replace the faulty component. Another possibility is that your water heater is too small for your household demands. This could happen if you have a lot of people using hot water at the same time, or if you have installed new appliances that use more hot water than before. To fix this, you need to either reduce your hot water usage or upgrade to a larger water heater.

A dripping faucet can be annoying and wasteful. The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. The washer is a rubber ring that seals the valve seat and prevents water from leaking out.

To fix a dripping faucet, you'll need to turn off the water supply, remove the handle and the stem, and replace the washer with a new one. You can find washers at any hardware store or online. Make sure you get the right size and shape for your faucet.

A leaky pipe can cause water damage and increase your water bill. The most common causes of a leaky pipe are corrosion, cracks, or loose joints.

To fix a leaky pipe, you'll need to locate the source of the leak, turn off the water supply, and apply some plumber's tape or epoxy putty to seal the leak. You can also use a pipe clamp or a rubber sleeve to cover the leak. If the leak is severe or the pipe is damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace the pipe entirely.

A toilet flapper is a rubber flap that covers the flush valve and controls the flow of water into the bowl. A worn-out or damaged flapper can cause your toilet to run constantly or not flush properly. To replace a toilet flapper, you'll need to turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to empty the tank, remove the old flapper and chain, and install the new flapper and chain. You can also adjust the chain length to ensure that the flapper closes properly.

If you’ve noticed low water pressure, there are several possible causes and solutions:

• Clogged faucet or aerator: This can reduce the water flow at a specific fixture. To fix it, you need to unscrew the faucet end and clean or replace the aerator.
• Faulty water pressure regulator: This is a valve that controls the water pressure in your home. If it is set too low or malfunctioning, it can affect the whole house. To fix it, you need to adjust or replace the regulator.
• Leaking pipes: Leaks cause water loss and low pressure in your system. To locate and repair the leak, call a plumber ASAP.
• Water heater issues: If you notice low pressure only with hot water, your water heater is probably the culprit. To fix it, you need to check the shut-off valve on your water heater and make sure it is fully open.
• Low water supply from the city: Is low water pressure affecting your whole neighborhood? To fix it, install a water pressure booster pump for your home.

A clogged drain can cause water to back up and overflow in your sink, tub, or shower. The most common cause of a clogged drain is hair, soap scum, or food particles that accumulate over time.

To unclog a drain, you'll need a plunger, a wire hanger, or a drain snake. First, try using a plunger to create suction and dislodge the clog. If that doesn't work, try using a wire coat hanger to break up, poke at, and pull out the clog. Be careful not to scratch or damage your pipes. If that doesn't work either, try using a drain snake to reach deeper into the pipe and break up the clog.

Clogged toilets are some of the most common plumbing repairs. Aside from the ol' plunger, there are some simple DIY methods to clear blockages:

• First, turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent the water from overflowing and making a mess. You can usually find a valve behind or near the base of the toilet. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
• Next, pour some hot water into the bowl. This can help soften the clog and make it easier to flush. You can use a kettle or a pot to heat up the water, but don't boil it. (Boiling water can crack the porcelain of the toilet!) Pour about a gallon of hot water slowly and carefully into the bowl.
• Add some dish soap or baking soda and vinegar. These ingredients can help break down the clog and create bubbles that can push it through the pipes. You can use any liquid dish soap or a few tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before trying to flush.
• Use a wire coat hanger or a toilet snake for stubborn clogs.

If you’re dealing with a leak, it is important to know how to shut off the main water shut-off valve and prevent further damage. Your meter box contains the customer shutoff valve. In California, the meter box is usually near the street at the front of your property.

We get it—sometimes you’re just too busy to hassle with a little leak, so you stick a bucket under it and forget about it. However, a plumbing leak isn’t just a minor inconvenience. If not properly repaired, a burst pipe or other leak puts you and your home at risk of the following issues:

• Mold and mildew growth
• Higher water bills
• Structural damage/slab leak
• Water damage (including wood rot, warping, swelling, and staining)

To handle water leaks with speed and precision, call California United Plumbing ASAP.

The best way to prevent a costly plumbing problem is to perform regular maintenance on your plumbing system.

• Check for leaks and fix them as soon as possible
• Clean your drains regularly with natural drain cleaners
• Replace worn-out washers, seals, and gaskets
• Use strainers or drain covers to catch debris
• Insulate your pipes to prevent freezing or bursting
• Flush your water heater tank once a year
• Install a water softener if you have hard water
• Avoid putting grease, oil, food scraps, hair, or other items down your drains or toilets

Drain cleaning is an essential maintenance task for any homeowner in California. It helps to prevent clogged drains, leaks, backups, and odors in your plumbing system.

We recommend scheduling a drain cleaning every six months to remove any buildup of grease, soap scum, hair, food particles, and other debris. If you have hard water deposits, a garbage disposal, a dishwasher, or a washing machine that uses a lot of water and detergent, you may want to clean your drains more often because these appliances create more waste and residue that sticks to your pipes and create clogs.

Low water or low water pressure from faucets or shower

These are indications that you have a serious clog or blockage in your pipes that needs to be cleared as soon as possible. Don't ignore these signs or try to fix them yourself with harsh chemicals or DIY methods. Call our certified plumbers to safely and effectively remove the obstruction and restore your drainage system.

California United Plumbing provides a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services in Santa Fe Springs, CA and surrounding areas. Our professional plumbing services include:

• Drain cleaning
• Leak detection and repair
• Sewer line inspection and replacement
• Sink, faucet, toilet, shower, and tub repair and installation
• Water heater repair and installation
• Tankless water heater service and installation
• Commercial dishwasher installation
• Backflow testing and prevention
• Emergency plumbing services 24/7