A Homeowner’s Guide to the 6 Most Common OC Plumbing Problems

When your OC plumbing is functioning seamlessly, it's easy to overlook the system as a whole. It’s only when leaks cause a nuisance or your pipes cause problems that you may start paying attention to them. Plumbing problems are a hassle to deal with, and while some are more dramatic than others, all are cause for concern and can become major plumbing issues if you are not careful or seek professional help, such as a skilled plumber in Orange County.

While every situation is unique, there are a number of problems that the team of plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Orange County encounters on a more regular basis. From leaks to clogs to problems with your water coming up from your fixtures, here are six common OC plumbing problems we encounter in Orange County.

Leaky Faucets, Fixtures, or Pipes

Chances are, you’ve experienced the slow drip of a leaky pipe or faucet at some point—maybe you’re hearing one right now. Whether that persistent drip is keeping you up at night, or you’ve noticed your water bill is increasing, a leak in your OC plumbing system is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Ignoring this common plumbing issue can lead to burst pipes, mold growth, extensive damage, and costly repairs down the road.

A handy homeowner in Orange County may be able to fix the leaking faucet or pipe themselves, by replacing the worn-out washer or O-ring and tightening any loose connections. However, if you’re not comfortable working with your Orange County plumbing system, you may want to contact a licensed plumber for the fix. After all, if you’re not careful, you could exacerbate the leak, or cause additional damage. Not to mention, especially in the case of pipe leaks, unless you find water damage in one spot, it can be hard to accurately locate the source of the leak.

An experienced plumber will have access to specialized tools and equipment to expertly locate the leak, and provide effective leak repairs with minimal disruption to your home.

Running Toilets

A continuously running toilet may seem like a minor problem, but it will result in high water bills and potentially cause water damage to the bathroom floor and surrounding areas. The cause of this common OC plumbing problem is likely either an internal link or a faulty flapper, both issues which won’t go away if you ignore them.

While you can try tightening the hardware or replacing the flapper yourself, it's best to call a professional plumber for toilet repair to ensure that the issue is fixed properly and to prevent any further damage. Additionally, a plumbing expert can conduct a thorough inspection to identify any other potential problems with your toilet.

Clogged Pipes or Drains

A clogged drain or pipe can appear in a number of ways. You could hear unusual noises coming from your pipes, water can be slow to drain in your shower or bathroom sink, a foul odor can waft up from your drain, or there could be sewage back-ups from your drains or toilets. Whatever the case, if not dealt with, it will result in costly water damage and potential health hazards. Therefore, it's crucial to address these issues promptly by seeking professional help to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home.

There are some DIY repairs you can try to clear blockages from your drain pipes. For example, you could try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your bathroom sink, and after 20 minutes, chase it with boiling hot water. You could try chemical drain cleaners or get a plumbing snake from your local hardware store and try to clear out the drain clog yourself. But if you would rather not attempt a DIY method, or if the issue still persists, it’s best you contact an experienced plumber.

Not only can they find the exact location of the clog, they can clear it without causing further damage to your pipes. Whether they blast away gunk and build-up using HydroScrub® Jetting techniques, bio-based enzymatic drain solutions or drain snaking or augering methods, they have the expertise and tools necessary to tackle even the toughest clogs with drain cleaning services. Plus, hiring a professional plumber ensures that the job is done correctly and reduces the risk of any potential mishaps or accidents that could occur during the DIY process.

Water Heater Issues

Few people enjoy having a freezing cold shower at the end of their day. Even if you do, you likely don’t want to have to clean dishes with cold water. A busted water heater can quickly turn these simple everyday tasks into inconvenient and uncomfortable experiences. Attempting a DIY repair on a hot water heater can be tempting, but it's important to consider the risks involved. Unless you have extensive experience in plumbing, electrical, or gas connections, it’s probably best to hire an expert plumber or an HVAC specialist for your water heater repair in Orange County.

Whether you have a tankless water heater or a traditional hot water tank, if you’ve experienced any of these issues, you should call an expert:

• Fluctuating Temperatures: If the water temperature coming out of your plumbing fixtures fluctuates between hot and cold, your water heater may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Decreased Hot Water Supply: If your water is getting colder faster than it used to, it could be a sign you need to replace your water heater.
• Water Quality Changes: Discolored, or foul-smelling water can be a sign of a decaying anode rod in your water heater.
• Leaks: Any puddles around your unit could indicate there's a water leak in your unit, and it should be switched off until an experienced plumber can inspect it.
• Unusual Noises: Strange noises coming from your unit could be a sign of sediment buildup in the tank, impacting its efficiency.

Hiring a professional plumber with expertise in water heater repairs can ensure any repairs are done safely and effectively, saving you time and potential headaches in the long run.

Low Water Pressure

The California Plumbing Code states that water pressure should not exceed 80 psi, but too low of a pressure can cause issues for a home as well. Ideally, residential water pressure would be around 45-60 psi (pounds per square inch), with anything under 40 psi being considered low, and anything below 30 considered very low. Any lower than that can cause problems with appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, not functioning properly and can also result in poor water flow from faucets and showers. It's important to monitor the pressure and address any issues to avoid potential damage.

You can measure your home’s water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to a faucet and turning it on. Once the water is running, the gauge will display the pressure. If you’re having issues with your home’s water pressure, you may want to contact a local plumber to determine if there are any issues causing pressure problems in your OC plumbing system, such as leaks, clogged pipes, or a malfunctioning pressure regulator. A professional plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs to restore proper pressure in your home.

Sewer Backups

A sewer backup is never a good thing to wake up to. Whether it’s flooding across your basement floor or coming up from your shower drain, dealing with the aftermath can be a daunting task. It not only causes significant damage to your property, but also poses health risks due to the presence of harmful bacteria and contaminants.

There are a number of early warning signs that you could have an issue with your sewer line. Dealing with these when you first encounter them can help prevent costly repairs and frustration. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact an expert plumber right away for a sewer line replacement or repair service:

• Slow drainage
• Gurgling noises from drains
• Foul odors wafting from your fixtures
• Water backup from multiple drains

While it’s best to leave the repairs to the experts, there are a number of things homeowners can do to prevent sewage backups.

Firstly, by ensuring you’re following proper disposal practices and not washing food waste or kitchen grease down the drain, you can ensure your pipes stay clean and clear of any food debris or grease. The same thing applies to products such as paint or chemicals that should not be disposed of down the drain. It is important to dispose of these items properly by taking them to designated recycling or disposal centers in order to protect the environment and prevent clogs in your OC plumbing system.

Secondly, do not flush anything that should not be flushed. This included feminine hygiene products, dental floss, paper towels/wipes, and any other items not designated as flushable. These items can clog the pipes and lead to costly plumbing problems. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

Finally, you can perform regular maintenance such as drain cleaning and annual plumbing inspections done to ensure the health of your system. Be careful not to cause further damage to your OC plumbing system, and if you are experiencing recurring problems, contact a skilled plumber to take a look at it. While the average homeowner is pretty handy, your OC plumbing system is intricate, and mistakes can cause costly water damage or worse. If you don’t have the experience or confidence to do it yourself, our team of OC plumbing professionals can help you out.

Experiencing OC Plumbing Issues? Call The Experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Orange County!

If you’re having issues with your drains or want an expert opinion, the experienced team of plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Orange County can help you out, solving your common plumbing problems or plumbing emergencies. With their dedication to exceptional service, complete customer satisfaction, years of industry experience, and guaranteed part and labor, you can trust your plumbing service will be completed effectively and efficiently.

Contact us today, and learn how we can take care of your OC plumbing needs. Whether you’re in Anaheim, Brea, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, or another nearby area, we deliver reliable OC plumbing maintenance and repairs to keep your home in check!