Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Tustin Plumbing Pros
Welcome to the Tustin Plumbing Pros FAQ 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 causes of your issues, and the best solutions available.
We have compiled this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your plumbing. As your dedicated local plumber in Tustin, California, we are committed to transparency and education. We want to be the plumber near me that you trust not just for repairs, but for honest advice. If you do not see your specific question answered here, please contact us directly. We are always ready to assist you.
General Service Questions
What areas do you serve?
We are proud to serve the entire city of Tustin, California, and the surrounding communities. From the historic homes in Old Town Tustin to the modern developments in Tustin Ranch and the Tustin Legacy, we cover every neighborhood. We also extend our services to nearby cities including Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange, Villa Park, and Costa Mesa. If you are unsure if you are within our service area, simply contact us.
What makes Tustin Plumbing Pros different from other companies?
We are a locally focused business that prioritizes the specific needs of Tustin residents. We understand local infrastructure challenges, such as the prevalence of slab leaks in certain neighborhoods and the effects of hard water on plumbing fixtures. Our team is dedicated to providing the very best content and service to drive leads to call for plumbing services in Tustin California. We focus on building long term relationships with our customers through reliability, cleanliness, and technical expertise.
Do you offer preventative maintenance services?
Yes, absolutely. We believe that the best way to handle a plumbing emergency is to prevent it from happening. We offer comprehensive home plumbing inspection and maintenance services. This includes flushing water heaters, checking water pressure, inspecting drains with cameras, and testing shut off valves. An annual plumbing maintenance service can save you significant money in the long run by catching small leaks before they become major pipe bursts.
Do you handle commercial plumbing?
Yes, we are an experienced commercial plumber. We work with restaurants, office buildings, retail stores, and property management companies throughout Tustin. We understand that commercial systems have higher usage loads and different code requirements than residential systems. We handle everything from commercial water heater repair to grease trap plumbing and backflow prevention.
How do I know if I need a professional plumber?
While some minor issues like a loose toilet seat can be a DIY fix, most plumbing problems require professional attention to avoid water damage. If you have a persistent leak, low water pressure, slow drains, or no hot water, it is best to call a professional. Improper repairs can often lead to much larger issues down the road, such as mold growth or structural damage from hidden leaks.
Emergency Plumbing FAQs
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any situation that threatens to cause immediate damage to your property or poses a health risk. This includes burst pipes, sewage backing up into your home, overflowing toilets that won’t stop, water heater floods, and gas leaks. If you are unsure, ask yourself if the problem can wait until tomorrow without causing damage. If the answer is no, it is an emergency. We offer 24 hour plumber services to handle these critical situations.
What should I do while I wait for the emergency plumber to arrive?
The most important step is to stop the flow of water. You should locate your main water shut off valve and turn it off. This is usually located near the front of the house or in the garage. If the issue is isolated to a specific fixture, like a toilet or sink, you can use the angle stop valve located on the wall behind or under the fixture. Clear the area of furniture and valuables to prevent water damage.
Who do I call for a gas leak?
Gas leaks are life threatening emergencies. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound near your gas lines or appliances, or suspect a gas leak, you must go outside call 911 immediately as this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention. Do not turn any light switches on or off, do not use a flashlight, and do not use your phone inside the house. Once the fire department or utility company has shut off the gas and deemed the area safe, contact us to perform the necessary gas line repair and pressure testing to restore your service.
Are you available on weekends and holidays?
Yes, plumbing disasters do not respect the calendar. We are available as your weekend plumber and after hours plumber. Whether it is a Sunday afternoon or a holiday morning, we have technicians on standby to provide emergency plumbing help.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer FAQs
Why is my drain moving slowly?
Slow drains are usually caused by a buildup of debris over time. In the kitchen, this is often grease, soap, and food particles. In the bathroom, hair and soap scum are the usual culprits. If multiple drains are slow simultaneously, it could indicate a blockage in your main sewer line. We offer drain cleaning services to clear these blockages and restore full flow.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
We generally advise against using harsh chemical drain cleaners. These products rely on strong acids or caustics to burn through clogs. They can generate excessive heat that damages plastic pipes and can corrode older metal pipes. Furthermore, they rarely clear the entire clog, leaving a pathway for debris to build up again quickly. Professional snaking or hydro jetting is a safer and more effective solution.
What is hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting is an advanced method of sewer drain cleaning. It uses a high pressure stream of water (up to 4000 PSI) to scour the interior walls of your pipes. Unlike a snake, which punches a hole through a clog, hydro jetting removes grease, scale, sludge, and tree roots completely. It basically washes the inside of your pipe, returning it to a like new condition. It is the best long term solution for chronic clogs.
How do I know if I have tree roots in my pipes?
Tree roots are a major issue in Tustin. Roots seek out moisture and can enter sewer lines through tiny cracks. Signs of root intrusion include gurgling toilets, frequent backups, and sewage odors in the yard. We use sewer camera inspection technology to visually confirm the presence of roots and determine the extent of the damage before recommending a solution.
What causes a bad smell coming from my drain?
A rotten egg or sewage smell often means the P trap (the U shaped pipe under the sink) has dried out, allowing sewer gas to escape into the room. This happens in drains that are not used often. Pouring a bucket of water down the drain usually fixes this. If the smell persists, it could be a buildup of bacteria in the drain or a blocked vent stack. Our drain cleaning team can diagnose and remove the source of the odor.
Water Heater FAQs
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
This depends on the age and condition of the unit. The average lifespan of a tank water heater is 8 to 12 years. If your unit is within this range and needs a minor repair (like a thermocouple or heating element), repair is a good option. However, if the tank is leaking or the repair cost is more than half the cost of a new unit, water heater replacement is usually the wiser financial decision. We provide honest assessments to help you choose.
Why do I run out of hot water so quickly?
If your hot water runs out faster than it used to, you may have a broken dip tube (which directs cold water to the bottom of the tank) or a buildup of sediment taking up space in the tank. It could also mean your heating elements are failing. If your household has grown, your current tank size might simply be too small for your needs. We can help you upgrade to a larger unit or a tankless system.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. The primary benefits are endless hot water (you never run out) and energy efficiency (you are not paying to keep 50 gallons of water hot 24/7). They also take up significantly less space. However, tankless water heater installation often requires upgrading your gas line and venting system. We are experts in these conversions.
Why is my water heater making a popping noise?
Popping, banging, or rumbling noises are caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Tustin has hard water, which causes minerals to precipitate out of the water when heated. This layer of sediment traps water underneath it, which boils and pops. This can damage your tank. We recommend annual water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank, to prevent this.
What do I do if my water heater is leaking?
If you see water pooling around the base of your heater, turn off the cold water supply valve above the unit and turn off the gas or electricity. A leaking tank cannot be repaired and must be replaced immediately to prevent flooding. Contact us for emergency water heater repair or replacement.
Pipe Repair and Leak Detection FAQs
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
Hidden leaks can be tricky. Look for these signs:
– A sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill.
– The sound of running water when all appliances are off.
– Warm or damp spots on your floor.
– Mold or mildew growth on lower walls.
– Cracks in your foundation.
If you notice any of these, call us for leak detection services immediately.
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a leak in the pressurized water pipes buried beneath the concrete foundation of your home. They are common in Tustin due to soil conditions and copper corrosion. Slab leaks are serious because the water can erode the soil supporting your home, leading to structural damage. We specialize in slab leak repair and can often reroute pipes to fix the issue without destroying your floors.
My house has low water pressure. Can you fix it?
Low water pressure can be caused by several factors, including a failing pressure regulator, clogged aerators, hidden leaks, or corroded galvanized pipes. We can test your system to find the cause. If you have old galvanized pipes that are rusted shut, we may recommend repiping services to restore full flow to your home.
What materials do you use for repiping?
We use high quality materials for all pipe repair and repiping projects. The two most common options are Copper (Type L) and PEX (Cross Linked Polyethylene). PEX is flexible, resistant to scale buildup, and often more cost effective to install than copper. Copper is durable and bacteriostatic. We can discuss the pros and cons of each to help you decide what is best for your home.
Why do pipes burst?
Pipes can burst due to freezing (though rare in Tustin, it happens to exposed lines), high water pressure, corrosion, or physical damage. High water pressure is a common culprit; if your pressure regulator fails and allows city pressure (which can be over 100 PSI) into your home, it can blow out pipe joints. We can test and adjust your pressure to keep your pipes safe.
Fixture Installation and Repair FAQs
Why is my faucet dripping?
A dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn out internal washer, O ring, or cartridge. While it seems minor, a drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month. We perform leaking faucet repair for all brands. If the faucet is old or corroded, we may suggest a new faucet installation to improve the look and function of your sink.
My toilet is running constantly. Is this a problem?
Yes, a running toilet is a major water waster. It is often caused by a faulty flapper that isn’t sealing the tank properly, or a fill valve that won’t shut off. This dumps clean water down the drain continuously. We can fix this quickly with toilet repair services.
Can you install a bidet?
Yes, bidets and washlets are becoming very popular. We can install bidet seats on your existing toilet or install a full bidet fixture. Some models require access to a nearby electrical outlet and a hot water line, which we can help coordinate.
What is a “low flow” toilet?
Modern plumbing standards require toilets to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. These are “low flow” or “high efficiency” toilets. Older toilets can use 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush. Replacing old toilets with new ones is a great way to lower your water bill. We offer toilet installation for high performance models that save water without sacrificing flushing power.
How do I clean hard water stains on my fixtures?
White crusty buildup on faucets and showerheads is caused by the minerals in Tustin’s hard water. You can often clean this by soaking the area in white vinegar. However, if the buildup is severe, it can clog the fixture and restrict flow. We can replace aerators and showerheads or discuss installing a water softener to prevent the buildup in the first place.
Garbage Disposal FAQs
What can I put down my garbage disposal?
You should only put soft, biodegradable food waste down the disposal. Good items include fruit flesh, cooked vegetables, and small amounts of citrus peels (which help freshen the smell).
Avoid these items: Grease, oil, fat, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks), bones, pits, pasta, and rice. These items cause clogs and jams.
My garbage disposal is humming but not spinning. What is wrong?
This means the flywheel is jammed. A piece of food or a foreign object is stuck between the impeller and the shredder ring. Turn off the switch immediately. You can try to unjam it using the hex key (Allen wrench) in the bottom center of the unit. If that doesn’t work, or if you are not comfortable doing it, call us for garbage disposal repair.
My disposal won’t turn on at all. Is it broken?
If there is no sound, the internal overload protector may have tripped. Look for a small red reset button on the bottom of the disposal. Press it and try again. If it trips again immediately, or if the unit still doesn’t work, the motor may be dead, and you likely need garbage disposal installation for a new unit.
Why does my dishwasher back up into the sink?
The dishwasher typically drains into the garbage disposal. If the disposal is full of food debris or if the knockout plug was not removed during installation, the dishwasher water has nowhere to go. We can check your dishwasher hookup and clear the line to ensure proper drainage.
Commercial Plumbing FAQs
How often should I clean my grease trap?
For commercial kitchens, grease trap maintenance is critical. The frequency depends on the size of the trap and the volume of your kitchen, but it is typically required every 1 to 3 months. Failing to clean the trap can lead to massive backups and fines. We provide commercial drain cleaning and maintenance plans.
Do you handle backflow testing?
Yes, commercial properties are required to have backflow prevention devices tested annually to ensure contaminated water does not flow back into the clean municipal water supply. We are certified to test, repair, and install backflow preventers.
Can you work on plumbing while my business is open?
We understand that plumbing work can be disruptive. We strive to work discreetly and efficiently. For major repairs that requires shutting off water, we can act as an after hours plumber to complete the work when your business is closed to minimize impact on your customers and revenue.
Why Choose Us?
Do you provide estimates?
We provide clear, upfront pricing before we begin any work. We diagnose the problem and explain the necessary repairs so you know exactly what to expect. We do not believe in hidden fees or surprises.
Are your technicians experienced?
Yes, our team consists of highly trained and experienced plumbers. We stay up to date on the latest plumbing technologies and codes. Whether it is a simple repair or a complex installation, we have the skills to get the job done right the first time.
What happens if I have a problem after you leave?
We stand behind our work. If you experience any issues related to the service we performed, simply contact us. We are committed to your satisfaction and will make it right. We are building a reputation as the best plumbing company in Tustin, and that starts with happy customers.
Contact Tustin Plumbing Pros
We hope this FAQ page has answered your questions. If you need further assistance or would like to schedule a service, please contact us. We are ready to handle all your plumbing needs, from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. Let Tustin Plumbing Pros be your partner in keeping your home or business safe and comfortable.
Service Areas and Zip Codes
Tustin, California:
92780, 92781, 92782
Nearby Service Areas:
Irvine: 92602, 92603, 92604, 92606, 92612, 92614, 92617, 92618, 92620, 92697
Santa Ana: 92701, 92703, 92704, 92705, 92706, 92707, 92799
Orange: 92865, 92866, 92867, 92868, 92869
Villa Park: 92861
Costa Mesa: 92626, 92627, 92628