Southern California Plumbing FAQs

At Nexgen, we’ve spent years addressing everything from routine maintenance concerns to urgent plumbing emergency calls, and we’ve compiled this guide to help you understand your plumbing system better.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or trying to prevent further damage, these FAQs cover both everyday situations and emergency scenarios in Southern California.

What is causing my leaky faucet?

Leaky faucets are usually caused by worn rubber washers, which give out over time due to valve seat friction. A dripping faucet can increase your water bill and is often caused by worn washers or seals. Inspecting faucets and listening for sounds can help check for leaks in your bathroom plumbing.

How can I prevent my pipes from freezing during unexpected cold snaps?

Southern California rarely sees extended freezing temperatures, but cold snaps do occur—particularly in mountain communities and desert areas where temperatures can drop significantly overnight. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate any exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls using foam pipe sleeves or heat tape.

During rare cold weather events, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the water supply lines. Keep garage doors closed to protect pipes running through that space, and open cabinet doors under sinks along exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing fixtures. These simple precautions can save you from the costly damage that burst pipes cause when temperatures rise and ice thaws.

What should I do if my garbage disposal stops working?

Start by locating the reset button on the bottom of your garbage disposal unit. Press it firmly and wait a moment before trying the disposal again. If that doesn’t work, check whether the unit is jammed by using an Allen wrench in the manual rotation slot underneath to free any stuck components.

Never put your hand inside the disposal, even when it’s turned off. Common items that cause jams and should never enter the disposal include grease, fibrous vegetables like celery, pasta, rice, coffee grounds, and bones. These materials either wrap around the blades, expand with water, or create stubborn clogs further down the drain. If the reset button doesn’t solve the problem persists, or you hear grinding without results, calling a professional plumber prevents damage to the unit and your plumbing system.

Why is my water pressure suddenly low throughout my house?

Low water pressure affecting your entire home typically stems from one of several causes. Mineral buildup inside pipes is common in Southern California due to hard water conditions (calcium and sedite accumulate over time and restrict flow). You might benefit from water softening systems to address this ongoing issue.

Your pressure regulator may have failed, causing pressure to drop below the ideal 40-60 PSI range. Hidden leaks within walls or under your foundation can also reduce pressure throughout the system while increasing your water bill. Additionally, municipal water supply issues occasionally affect neighborhoods in Anaheim and Los Angeles, particularly during high-demand periods. If your neighbors experience similar problems, contact your water utility provider before calling for repairs.

Older homes in Anaheim specifically often have galvanized steel pipes that corrode and narrow over time, leading to low water pressure.

How do I know if I have a slab leak?

Slab leaks—leaks in the water lines running beneath your concrete foundation—present specific warning signs. You may notice unexplained hot spots on floors, hear the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, or see a sudden spike in your water bill. Water stains appearing on floors or lower walls, along with musty odors indicating moisture buildup, also suggest slab leaks.

Southern California’s soil conditions and foundation settling make slab leaks more common in our region than in many other areas. The shifting clay soils put stress on pipes running beneath slabs, eventually causing cracks or joint failures. Professional detection using acoustic equipment and thermal imaging pinpoints the exact location without unnecessary damage to your home, allowing for targeted repairs rather than exploratory demolition.

Should I be concerned about my old galvanized pipes?

Galvanized steel pipes were standard in Southern California homes built before the 1970s. In our climate, these pipes typically last 40-70 years, but they inevitably corrode from the inside out. Warning signs include rusty or discolored water, reduced water pressure at multiple fixtures, and visible corrosion at exposed joints.

Pipe corrosion doesn’t just affect water pressure—it can affect taste and quality of your drinking water as rust particles flake off inside the lines. When multiple sections show corrosion or you’re experiencing repeated plumbing issues, repiping the entire home becomes more cost-effective than ongoing minor repairs. Modern options like PEX or copper provide decades of reliable service without the corrosion concerns of galvanized steel.

What causes my toilet to keep running after flushing?

A running toilet wastes significant water and increases your water bill unnecessarily. The most common cause is a faulty fill valve or worn flapper valve at the bottom of the toilet tank. The flapper creates the seal that holds water in the tank—when it deteriorates, water continuously leaks into the toilet bowl, triggering the fill mechanism repeatedly.

Check the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper; it may be too tight or tangled, preventing a proper seal. The overflow pipe may also be set too low, causing constant drainage. Many running toilet fixes are straightforward, but if simple adjustments don’t resolve the issue, internal components may need replacement. A skilled plumber can diagnose whether you need a simple part or whether deeper complex plumbing issues exist.

How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?

For most Southern California households, annual drain cleaning maintains optimal flow and helps prevent clogged drains before they become emergencies. Homes with larger families, older plumbing systems, or heavy kitchen usage may benefit from cleaning every six months.

Professional drain cleaning using methods like hydro jetting removes accumulated grease, soap residite, and mineral buildup that household efforts can’t address. Many older homes in the Los Angeles area have narrower drain pipes and aging connections that make them more susceptible to blockages. Regular maintenance prevents the sewage backups and emergency calls that disrupt your life and cost significantly more than preventive service. While drain covers and careful disposal habits help prevent clogged drains, professional cleaning reaches buildup far beyond what a drain snake or chemical drain cleaners can address.

Preventive inspections help catch issues before they become costly.

What are the warning signs of a failing water heater?

Water heaters typically last 8-12 years in Southern California, though our hard water conditions can shorten that lifespan. Warning signs of failure include inconsistent hot water temperature, rusty or discolored water from hot taps, rumbling or popping noises during heating cycles, and visible corrosion on the tank exterior.

A pool of water around the base indicates a damaged pipe or failing tank—call a plumber immediately to prevent a major leak. If you’re experiencing insufficient hot water despite normal usage patterns, sediment buildup may be insulating the heating elements from the water. The pressure relief valve may also show signs of failure through dripping or corrosion. Regular maintenance including annual flushing extends water heater life, but aging units eventually require replacement for both reliability and energy efficiency.

Is it worth upgrading to a tankless water heater in Southern California?

Tankless water heaters offer compelling advantages for Southern California homeowners. They provide hot water on demand without standby energy losses, reducing utility costs over time—particularly relevant given local electricity and gas rates. Their compact size saves valuable space in smaller homes common throughout Anaheim and Los Angeles.

Installation considerations include ensuring adequate gas lines or electrical capacity and proper installation of venting for gas models. While upfront costs exceed traditional water heaters, tankless units typically last 20 years or more with regular maintenance, compared to 10-12 years for tank models. For homes with high hot water demands or limited utility space, the long-term savings and convenience often justify the investment.

Why does my bathroom smell like sewers?

Sewer odors in bathrooms usually indicate dried P-traps—the curved pipe sections beneath drains that hold water to block sewer gases. Guest bathrooms and other infrequently used fixtures often develop this problem. Running water in all drains for a few minutes typically solves it.

If running water doesn’t eliminate odors, vent pipe problems common in older Southern California homes may be the cause. Blocked or damaged vents prevent proper air circulation, allowing gases to enter living spaces. In more serious cases, problems with your main sewer line or septic system could be responsible. When sewer odors persist after running water or appear throughout your bathroom plumbing, call an experienced plumber promptly—prolonged exposure to sewer gases presents health concerns.

How can I tell if tree roots are affecting my sewer line?

Tree root intrusion into sewer lines causes slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds from drains when water runs elsewhere, and recurring clogs despite cleaning efforts. Southern California’s mature landscaping creates particular challenges, as roots naturally seek the moisture and nutrients inside sewer pipes.

If you notice these symptoms, a camera inspection provides definitive diagnosis without guesswork. Preventive measures for new plantings include maintaining appropriate distances between trees and sewer lines and selecting slow-growing species with less aggressive root systems. For existing root problems, professional removal followed by preventive treatments can extend sewer line life, though severely damaged lines may require repair or replacement.

What should I do during a plumbing emergency?

During any plumbing emergency, your first action should be locating and turning off your main water shutoff valve. Every homeowner should know this location—typically near the water meter at the front of your property or where the main line enters your home. Shutting off water immediately prevents a major leak from causing extensive damage.

For burst pipes, turn off the water supply and open faucets to drain remaining water and relieve pressure. For overflowing toilets, turn off the supply valve behind the toilet tank immediately. Place towels or containers to contain water and move valuables away from affected areas. Document damage with photos for insurance purposes, then contact a reliable plumbing service for emergency repair. Taking these damage prevention measures while waiting for help minimizes the extent of repairs needed.

How do earthquake safety codes affect my plumbing system?

California-specific seismic requirements influence plumbing system design and installation throughout Southern California. Flexible connectors on water heaters, proper installation with seismic strapping, and secured water supply lines all help prevent failures during earthquakes. Gas lines must include seismic shutoff valves in many jurisdictions.

When undertaking renovations or a bathroom remodeling project, local regulations require bringing systems up to current code standards. This may include installing water hammer arrestors to prevent pipe damage from sudden pressure changes and adding earthquake straps to water heaters. A licensed plumber familiar with local codes ensures your system meets requirements while protecting your home and family.

How do I know if my toilet is leaking?

To check if your toilet is leaking, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank and see if the color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes. Tightening the t-bolts and replacing the wax ring can fix a toilet that leaks at the base. If the source of leak is somewhere else, or unknown, please call a professional plumber.

What do I do if my toilet is clogged?

A clogged toilet can often be resolved using a plunger or a mixture of dish soap and boiling water.

When should I call a professional plumber versus trying DIY repairs?

DIY repairs work well for simple plumbing tasks: replacing a flapper valve in a clogged toilet, unclogging drains with a plunger or drain snake mixed with dish soap, fixing leaky faucets, or replacing showerheads. These minor repairs pose minimal risk if done incorrectly.

Homeowners in Anaheim, CA frequently ask about fixing stubborn drain clogs, addressing low water pressure, repairing running toilets, and managing aging pipe issues like corrosion or tree root intrusion.

Call a reliable plumber for anything involving water heaters, sewer line work, gas lines, low water pressure throughout your home, or hidden leaks within walls or floors. Plumbing services requiring permits or inspections should always involve professionals to ensure code compliance. Improper repairs often create larger problems, turning minor issues into emergencies and voiding warranties. When in doubt, the cost of professional diagnosis typically saves money compared to fixing problems caused by well-intentioned but incorrect DIY attempts. Common plumbing issues in Anaheim include low water pressure from old pipes, hard water sediment buildup in water heaters, and frequent drain clogs.

Professional plumbing inspections also make sense before purchasing a home, after seismic events, or when you notice unexplained changes in water quality or pressure. Schedule plumbing inspections annually for older homes to catch developing problems before they become emergencies. Residents in Anaheim should consider annual plumbing inspections, particularly for older homes with galvanized piping. A reputable plumber serves as your partner in maintaining your home’s most essential systems—the infrastructure that provides clean water and removes waste safely every day.

Plumbing maintenance should be performed every 18 months to two years, or whenever an issue arises with your plumbing.

If you are considering professional services, be aware that plumbing services may be subject to local taxation and could be covered by insurance depending on your policy. Always consult professionals to understand your specific needs and local regulations.

For upgrades or water-saving advice, consider low flow toilets. These models are water-efficient, often feature low gallons per flush (GPF), high MaP scores for performance, and WaterSense certification for quality and efficiency.