Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Plumbing Services in Lakewood California
Welcome to the Lakewood 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, planning a renovation, or simply have a question about maintenance, we are here to provide clear and helpful answers.
As a dedicated local plumber in Lakewood California, we believe that an informed customer is a happy customer. We have compiled this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to cover our full range of services, including drain cleaning, water heater repair, pipe leak repair, and fixture installation. If you do not see your specific question listed here, please contact us directly. Our team is always ready to assist you.
General Service Questions
What areas do you serve?
We are proud to serve the entire city of Lakewood California. We also extend our plumbing services to the surrounding communities. We cover all neighborhoods within the Lakewood zip codes (90711, 90712, 90713, 90714, 90715, 90716) as well as nearby areas like Long Beach, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Cypress, Paramount, and Signal Hill. If you are unsure if you are in our service area, just contact us.
What are your hours of operation?
We understand that plumbing problems do not stick to a 9 to 5 schedule. That is why we offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs. We are available for standard appointments during the week, and we also operate as an emergency plumber for urgent issues that happen after hours, on weekends, or during holidays. We are committed to providing 24 7 plumbing help when you need it most.
Do you service both residential and commercial properties?
Yes, we provide comprehensive plumbing solutions for both residential homes and commercial businesses. Whether you need a kitchen sink clog fixed in your family home or a commercial water heater repair for a restaurant or apartment complex, our team has the equipment and expertise to handle jobs of all sizes.
How do I schedule a service appointment?
Scheduling with us is easy. You simply need to contact us. We will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule. We strive to offer same day plumber availability whenever possible, especially for urgent repairs.
Emergency Plumbing FAQs
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is generally any situation that causes immediate property damage, poses a health risk, or leaves you without essential services. Common emergencies include a burst pipe repair need, an overflowing toilet that will not stop, a gas leak, a complete lack of water, or a sewer backup. If you are stressed or worried about water damage, it is best to treat it as an emergency and contact us immediately.
What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home?
If you experience a burst pipe, the first step is to stop the flow of water. Locate your main water shut off valve (usually found near the front of the house or in the garage) and turn it off. Open your faucets to drain the remaining water from the lines. Then, contact Lakewood Plumbing Pros immediately. We will dispatch an emergency plumber near me to repair the pipe and restore your water service.
I smell gas. What should I do?
Gas leaks are critical and require immediate action to ensure your safety.
Safety Warning:
If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, hear a hissing sound, or suspect a gas leak anywhere on your property, you must go outside call 911 immediately as this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention. Do not use any light switches, telephones, or electrical appliances inside the house, as a spark could ignite the gas. Once the area has been cleared by emergency responders, contact us to perform the necessary gas leak repair.
My toilet is overflowing. How do I stop it?
If your toilet is overflowing, locate the valve on the wall behind the toilet base and turn it clockwise to shut off the water. If there is no valve or it is stuck, take the lid off the tank and push down the flapper valve to stop water from entering the bowl. Do not flush the toilet again. Contact us for overflowing toilet help. This usually indicates a clog in the toilet trap or the main sewer line.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer FAQs
Why is my kitchen sink draining slowly?
A slow draining kitchen sink is often caused by the accumulation of grease, soap, and food debris inside the pipes. Over time, these substances create a sticky sludge that narrows the pipe. Chemical drain cleaners often fail to remove this buildup completely. We recommend professional drain cleaning to thoroughly clear the line. We can also check if the issue is related to a garbage disposal jammed won’t turn situation.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
We generally advise against using harsh chemical drain cleaners. These products can be corrosive and may damage your pipes, especially if you have older galvanized steel or brass plumbing. They can also be harmful to the environment and dangerous to handle. For a safe and effective clog removal, it is better to hire a professional for drain cleaning near me. We use mechanical snakes and hydro jetting that clean the pipe without damaging chemicals.
What is hydro jetting and do I need it?
Hydro jetting is an advanced method of sewer drain cleaning that uses high pressure water streams to scour the interior of your pipes. Unlike a snake that just punches a hole in the blockage, hydro jetting removes grease, scale, silt, and tree roots, restoring the pipe to its original diameter. You might need hydro jetting if you experience frequent clogs, have multiple slow drains, or if you are a restaurant owner with grease buildup issues.
How do I know if I have tree roots in my sewer line?
Tree root intrusion is a common issue in Lakewood due to our established trees. Signs include gurgling noises from your toilets, frequent backups in the lowest drains of your home (like the bathtub or shower), and wet spots in your yard. We can perform a video camera inspection to visually confirm if roots have invaded your sewer line and recommend the best repair or cleaning method.
Water Heater FAQs
My water heater is making a rumbling noise. Is it dangerous?
A rumbling or popping noise from your water heater is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. In Lakewood California, hard water minerals precipitate out of the water and settle in the heater. This sediment traps steam bubbles, which make a noise when they escape. While not immediately dangerous, it reduces efficiency and can cause the tank to overheat and eventually leak. We recommend scheduling water heater maintenance to flush the tank.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
The decision to repair or replace depends on the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the overall condition. If your water heater is over 10 to 12 years old, has a leaking tank, or requires frequent repairs, water heater replacement is usually the more cost effective long term solution. If the unit is newer and the issue is a minor part like a thermostat or heating element, a water heater repair is likely sufficient.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
A tankless water heater heats water on demand rather than storing it in a large tank. The benefits include:
- Endless Hot Water: You never run out, even with back to back showers.
- Energy Efficiency: You do not pay to heat a standby tank of water.
- Space Saving: Tankless units are compact and mount on the wall.
- Longevity: They typically last longer than traditional tank models.
We are tankless water heater install expert technicians and can help you decide if this technology is right for your home.
Why do I have no hot water?
If you have no hot water, it could be due to a variety of issues. For gas heaters, the pilot light might be out, or the gas control valve may have failed. For electric heaters, a breaker might have tripped, or the heating elements may have burned out. Contact us for a no hot water plumber diagnosis. We can quickly identify the problem and restore your hot water supply.
Pipe Repair and Leak Detection FAQs
How do I know if I have a hidden leak?
Hidden leaks can be tricky because you do not always see water. Look for these signs:
- A sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill.
- The sound of running water when all faucets are off.
- Warm or damp spots on your floor, particularly on concrete slabs.
- Mold or mildew growth on walls or baseboards.
- A musty odor in certain rooms.
If you suspect a leak, contact us for professional leak detection services. We use non invasive equipment to locate the source.
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a leak that occurs in the water pipes located underneath the concrete foundation (slab) of your home. These leaks can be caused by shifting soil, corrosion, or poor installation. Slab leak repair is a specialized service. We can locate the leak and offer solutions such as spot repair or rerouting the plumbing through the walls to bypass the damage under the floor.
My home has old galvanized pipes. Should I repipe?
Many older homes in Lakewood were built with galvanized steel pipes. Over time, these pipes rust from the inside, leading to low water pressure, rust colored water, and frequent leaks. If you are experiencing these issues, we highly recommend repiping services. We can replace old pipes with modern Copper or PEX piping, which provides better flow, cleaner water, and greater durability.
What is the difference between Copper and PEX piping?
Copper is a rigid metal pipe that has been the standard for decades. It is durable, fire resistant, and resists bacterial growth. PEX (cross linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic tubing that is easier to install in existing walls, resists scale buildup, and is less prone to freezing. Both are excellent choices. We can help you choose the best material for your specific repiping project based on your home’s layout and needs.
Fixture Installation and Repair FAQs
My faucet drips constantly. Can it be fixed?
Yes, a dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn out washer, O-ring, or cartridge inside the handle mechanism. While a small drip seems minor, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. We offer leaking faucet repair to fix the drip. If the faucet is old or corroded, we may recommend a new faucet installation to update the look and function of your sink.
Can you install a toilet that I purchased myself?
Absolutely. We are happy to provide toilet installation services for fixtures you have already purchased. However, we can also supply high quality toilets if you prefer. We ensure the toilet is installed correctly, sealed properly to the floor, and that all internal components are adjusted for optimal flushing power.
Why is my water pressure low?
Low water pressure can be frustrating. It can be isolated to a single fixture or affect the whole house.
- Single Fixture: Often caused by a clogged aerator or a faulty cartridge.
- Whole House: Could be a result of a failing pressure regulator, a hidden leak in the main water line, or corrosion in old galvanized pipes.
We can perform a plumbing inspection to determine the root cause and provide a low water pressure plumber solution.
Do you install garbage disposals?
Yes, we provide garbage disposal installation and repair. If your current unit is loud, leaking, or jammed, we can help. We can install reliable models that handle food waste efficiently. We also handle dishwasher hookup plumber requests to ensure your kitchen appliances are integrated correctly with your plumbing system.
Commercial Plumbing FAQs
What commercial services do you offer?
We offer a full range of commercial plumbing services for businesses in Lakewood. This includes maintenance for apartment complexes, restaurants, retail stores, and office buildings. We handle commercial water heater repair, urinal and toilet repair, grease trap plumbing, and backflow prevention. We understand the importance of keeping your business running, so we work efficiently to minimize downtime.
Do you offer maintenance contracts for businesses?
Yes, preventative maintenance is key for commercial properties. We can set up a schedule to inspect your plumbing systems, flush water heaters, and clean drains to prevent emergencies. Regular maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs and interruptions to your business operations.
Miscellaneous Questions
What should I not put down my garbage disposal?
To prevent a garbage disposal jammed won’t turn scenario, avoid putting the following items down the drain:
- Grease, oil, and fat (they solidify and clog pipes).
- Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, and onion skins.
- Coffee grounds and eggshells.
- Bones and fruit pits.
- Pasta and rice (they expand with water).
Why does my drain smell bad?
A foul odor coming from a drain is often due to bacteria growing on trapped food debris or hair. It can also be caused by a dry P-trap. If a sink or floor drain hasn’t been used in a while, the water in the trap evaporates, allowing sewer gas to enter the room. Pouring water down the drain usually fixes this. If the smell persists, you may need a professional drain cleaning.
What is a water hammer?
Water hammer is that loud banging or thumping noise you hear in your pipes when a faucet is turned off quickly or a washing machine changes cycles. It is caused by a shock wave of water stopping suddenly. Over time, this can damage pipes and loosen joints. We can install water hammer arrestors to absorb the shock and silence your plumbing.
How can I prevent frozen pipes?
While rare in Lakewood, freezing temperatures can occur. To prevent frozen pipe repair needs, insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics or crawl spaces. During a cold snap, you can leave a faucet dripping slightly to keep water moving. If you plan to be away during winter, consider shutting off the main water valve and draining the system.
Why is water pooling in my yard?
Unexplained puddles or soggy patches in your yard, especially when it hasn’t rained, often indicate a main water line leak or a sewer line break. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. We offer main water line repair and replacement services to address underground leaks before they cause foundation damage or waste significant amounts of water.
Why Choose Lakewood Plumbing Pros?
Why should I choose you over other plumbers?
We are a locally dedicated team that prioritizes quality, honesty, and reliability. We are not a national chain; we are your neighbors. We focus on building long term relationships with our clients. When you choose Lakewood Plumbing Pros, you get:
- Experienced Technicians: Skilled professionals who know how to solve problems correctly.
- Fast Response: We value your time and arrive promptly.
- Comprehensive Service: From small repairs to major installations, we do it all.
- Local Knowledge: We understand the specific plumbing needs of homes in Lakewood California.
Do you provide help with bathroom and kitchen remodels?
Yes, we love helping homeowners transform their spaces. We provide kitchen remodel plumbing and bathroom remodel plumbing services. We work alongside you or your contractor to move drain lines, install new fixtures, and ensure that your new layout functions perfectly. Whether you are adding a second sink or moving a toilet, we have the expertise to execute your vision.
Contact Us
We hope this FAQ page has answered some of your questions. If you need more information or are ready to schedule a service, please contact Lakewood Plumbing Pros today. We are standing by to assist you with all your plumbing needs.
Service Areas
We proudly serve the following zip codes in Lakewood California and the surrounding regions:
Lakewood Zip Codes:
90711, 90712, 90713, 90714, 90715, 90716
Nearby Service Areas:
Long Beach (90805, 90807, 90808)
Bellflower (90706)
Cerritos (90703)
Hawaiian Gardens (90716)
Cypress (90630)
Paramount (90723)
Signal Hill (90755)