Quality Van Nuys Plumbers

Common Plumbing Problems

• No hot water. Some water heater breakdowns are relatively simple to fix, while others require a full replacement to solve the problem – like when you have a leak or rust at the bottom of the storage tank. Industry studies have shown that water heaters typically last 12-15 years. If yours is beyond that time frame consider replacing it rather than face an emergency somewhere down the road. The replacement cost will be largely paid back in a few years thanks to reduced energy and water usage characteristic of newer models. The best way to ensure you don’t get caught by surprise is to have your water heater regularly checked and serviced once a year.
• Clogged drains. Many of these calls could be avoided by taking greater care of what you put down drains — especially the kitchen sink drain, the most used and most clogged drain in the house. Read our “Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts” blog for more detailed advice. Our plumbers in Van Nuys also recommend regular treatment with Bio-Clean, a biological drain cleaner sold only through plumbing contractors, another feature of our Family Plan service agreements.
• Dripping faucets. The washers and internal cartridges in faucets wear out over time, especially in areas with high mineral content (hard water). Sometimes we can replace the internal components but the service dispatch and labor cost of doing so usually make it more cost-effective to simply replace the faucet. Many homeowners replace faucets not only when they break down but for decorative reasons as well. Some people buy a faucet from a home center and then call Van Nuys plumbing pros to install it. This is okay, but be forewarned that in these cases we cannot guarantee the faucet’s performance. If you buy it from us, we’ll guarantee performance and replace it at our own expense if something doesn’t work right.
• Running or leaking toilets. Leaky toilets can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in excessive water bills if the leaks persist for a long time. If you hear a low humming noise, or if water continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, it indicates that some part of the mechanism is out of order. Sometimes a little jiggling of the ballcock or flush valve mechanism solves the problem. Otherwise you may need to call our Van Nuys plumbers to replace the flushing mechanism.
• Malfunctioning garbage disposal. This can be a messy headache for homeowners. Be sure to always run cold water when grinding the disposal to move the waste all the way down the drain line. Fats and grease congeal and harden in cold water and can be flushed through the system. Hot water should not be used because it can dissolve fats and grease, which may then accumulate in the drain line.