Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – Buena Park Plumbing Pros

Welcome to the Buena Park Plumbing Pros Frequently Asked Questions 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 want to know more about maintaining your home’s systems, we are here to provide clear and helpful answers. As your trusted local plumber in Buena Park California, we believe in transparency and education. Below, we have compiled a comprehensive list of questions covering our full range of services, from emergency repairs and drain cleaning to water heater installation and pipe replacement. If you do not see your specific question answered here, please contact us directly for personal assistance.

General Service Questions

What areas do you serve?

We are proud to serve the entire city of Buena Park California and the surrounding communities. Our technicians are locally based, allowing us to respond quickly to calls throughout the region. We provide plumbing services to single family homes, condos, apartments, and commercial properties in the following zip codes and neighborhoods:

Buena Park: 90620, 90621, 90622, 90623, 90624
La Palma: 90623
Fullerton: 92831, 92832, 92833, 92835
Anaheim: 92801, 92802, 92804
Cypress: 90630
Stanton: 90680

Whether you live near Knott’s Berry Farm, the Buena Park Mall, or the quiet residential streets bordering Los Coyotes Country Club, we are your nearby plumbing experts.

Are you available for emergency service?

Yes, absolutely. We know that plumbing disasters do not respect standard business hours. That is why we operate as an emergency plumber and 24 hour plumber. We are available to take your call and dispatch a technician 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. We are your weekend plumber and after hours plumber. Whether you have a burst pipe at 3 AM or a sewage backup on Thanksgiving, you can count on us for 24 7 plumbing help.

Do you service commercial properties?

Yes, we are a fully equipped commercial plumber. We understand the unique needs of businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, and property management companies. We handle commercial drain cleaning, grease trap maintenance, large scale water heater repair, and commercial fixture installation. We recognize that plumbing issues can disrupt your business operations, so we prioritize commercial calls to minimize downtime.

How do I find a trustworthy plumber?

Finding a trustworthy plumber involves looking for a local company with a strong reputation in the community. You should look for a service provider that offers clear communication, respects your property, and stands behind their work. At Buena Park Plumbing Pros, we strive to be the best plumbing company in the region by prioritizing customer satisfaction and honest service. We do not use high pressure sales tactics, and we always explain the recommended repairs before beginning work.

Emergency Plumbing FAQs

What should I do if a pipe bursts in my house?

A burst pipe is a serious emergency that requires immediate action to prevent extensive water damage. If you have a burst pipe repair situation, follow these steps:

Shut off the water: Locate your main water shut off valve. It is usually located where the water line enters your home, often near the front of the house or in the garage. Turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water to the entire house.
Open faucets: Open the cold water faucets to drain the remaining water from the system and relieve pressure.
Turn off the water heater: Turn off the power or gas supply to your water heater to prevent it from overheating while empty.
Contact us: Call Buena Park Plumbing Pros immediately. We are the fast response plumber who will arrive quickly to repair the pipe and restore your water service.

What constitutes a plumbing emergency?

Generally, a plumbing emergency is any situation that causes water damage to your home, poses a health and safety risk, or leaves you without essential services like water or sanitation. Common emergencies include:

Burst pipe repair or frozen pipe repair
Sewage backups or overflowing toilets
No hot water
Major water leaks inside walls or ceilings
Gas leaks (see safety warning below)
Slab leaks

If you are unsure if your situation is an emergency, it is always safer to contact us. We can help you assess the situation over the phone.

What do I do if I smell gas?

URGENT SAFETY WARNING: If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance, or suspect a gas leak in any way, you must go outside and call 911 immediately. Do not use your cell phone or landline inside the house. Do not turn any light switches on or off, and do not light any matches. A gas leak is a life threatening emergency that requires the immediate attention of professional emergency responders and your utility company. Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself. Once the authorities have declared the area safe, you can contact us for gas line repair and safety inspections.

Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line FAQs

Why are my drains moving slowly?

Slow drains are usually caused by a buildup of debris over time. In the kitchen, this is often grease, soap scum, and food particles that create a sludge on the pipe walls. In the bathroom, hair and soap scum are the primary culprits. Over time, this buildup narrows the pipe, causing water to drain slower and slower until it stops completely. We offer professional drain cleaning to remove this buildup and restore full flow. If you have multiple slow drains, it could indicate a main sewer line issue.

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

We generally advise against using harsh chemical drain cleaners found in stores. These chemicals rely on caustic reactions to eat through the clog. They can be very damaging to your pipes, especially in older homes with galvanized or cast iron plumbing. They can corrode the metal, leading to leaks and premature failure. Furthermore, they often only clear a small hole in the clog, providing temporary relief. Professional drain cleaning using snakes or hydro jetting is a safer and more effective long term solution.

What is hydro jetting and do I need it?

Hydro jetting is an advanced drain cleaning method that uses high pressure streams of water to scour the interior of your pipes. Unlike a traditional snake that just pokes a hole through a blockage, hydro jetting removes everything, including grease, scale, sand, and tree roots. It essentially washes your pipes clean, restoring them to a near new condition. We recommend hydro jetting for:

Restaurants: To remove heavy grease buildup.
Sewer lines: To cut through tree roots and remove sludge.
Recurring clogs: If you have a clog that keeps coming back, hydro jetting is often the solution.

How do I know if I have a main sewer line blockage?

A main sewer line blockage affects all the drains in your home. Signs include:

Multiple backed up drains: If your toilet, shower, and kitchen sink are all draining slowly or backing up.
Water backups in strange places: If water comes up in the shower when you flush the toilet, or if the toilet bubbles when you run the sink.
Gurgling sounds: If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains when water is running elsewhere.
Sewage odors: Foul smells coming from your drains or yard.

If you experience these issues, contact us immediately for sewer drain cleaning and a camera inspection.

Water Heater FAQs

My water heater is making strange noises. What does that mean?

Rumbling, popping, or banging noises coming from your water heater are usually caused by sediment buildup. Buena Park California has hard water, which contains high levels of minerals. When water is heated, these minerals settle at the bottom of the tank. The sediment traps heat, causing the water underneath to boil and create steam bubbles that pop. This noise is a sign that your heater is working harder than it should, which can lead to overheating and tank failure. We offer water heater maintenance services to flush the tank and remove this sediment.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

The decision to repair or replace depends on the age of the unit, the cost of repairs, and the nature of the problem. generally, if your water heater is over 10 years old and requires a major repair, replacement is often the more cost effective choice. If the tank itself is leaking, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. However, if the issue is a minor component like a thermostat or heating element, and the unit is relatively new, a water heater repair is usually the best option. We provide honest assessments to help you make the right decision.

What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing it in a large tank. The benefits include:

Endless hot water: You never run out of hot water, even with back to back showers.
Energy efficiency: You do not pay to heat water you are not using, which can lower your energy bills.
Space saving: Tankless units are compact and mount on the wall, freeing up floor space.
Longevity: Tankless units typically last longer than traditional tank heaters (20 years vs. 10 to 12 years).

We are tankless water heater install expert technicians and can determine if your home is a good candidate for a tankless upgrade.

Why do I have no hot water?

If you have no hot water plumber issues, check the pilot light if you have a gas unit. If it is out, you can try relighting it. If you have an electric unit, check your circuit breaker. If these simple fixes do not work, it could be a faulty thermocouple, a broken heating element, or a gas valve issue. Contact us for water heater repair same day service, and we will diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

Pipe Repair and Leak Detection FAQs

What is a slab leak?

A slab leak is a water leak that occurs in the plumbing pipes running beneath the concrete foundation (slab) of your home. They are common in Buena Park due to soil conditions and copper pipe corrosion. Symptoms include:

A sudden increase in your water bill.
The sound of running water when all faucets are off.
Hot spots on the floor.
Damp or moldy carpets or flooring.
Low water pressure.

We specialize in slab leak repair and detection. We use electronic listening devices to locate the leak without destroying your floor.

My house has galvanized pipes. Should I repipe?

Many older homes in Buena Park were built with galvanized steel pipes. Over time, the zinc coating wears off, and the pipes rust from the inside out. This leads to restricted water flow (low pressure), rust colored water, and frequent leaks. If you are experiencing these issues, we highly recommend repiping services. We can replace your old pipes with modern Copper or PEX piping, which are durable and resistant to corrosion. This will improve your water quality and pressure significantly.

How do you find a hidden leak?

We use advanced leak detection technology to find hidden leaks behind walls or underground. This includes acoustic listening equipment, thermal imaging cameras, and moisture meters. These tools allow us to pinpoint the source of the leak non invasively. Once located, we can perform a targeted wall leak repair or ceiling leak plumber service, minimizing the amount of drywall that needs to be removed.

What causes low water pressure?

Low water pressure can be frustrating. It can be caused by:

Clogged aerators: Mineral buildup on your faucet fixtures.
Corroded pipes: Rust buildup inside galvanized pipes restricting flow.
Pressure regulator failure: The valve that controls water pressure entering your home may be failing.
Main line leaks: A leak in the underground line from the street.
Municipal issues: Problems with the city water supply.

We act as a plumber to fix low water pressure by systematically checking these potential causes and providing the appropriate repair.

Fixture and Kitchen Plumbing FAQs

Why is my garbage disposal humming?

A humming sound usually indicates that the motor is getting power, but the flywheel is jammed. This often happens when a hard object like a bone, fruit pit, or utensil falls into the disposal. Do not put your hand in the disposal. Turn off the switch and try using the hex wrench provided with the unit to manually rotate the flywheel from the bottom. If this does not work, or if you are uncomfortable doing it, contact us for garbage disposal repair. If the motor is burned out, we can perform a garbage disposal replacement.

Can you fix a running toilet?

Yes, a running toilet is a common issue that wastes a significant amount of water. It is usually caused by a worn out flapper that does not seal properly, or a fill valve that does not shut off. We can diagnose the specific cause and replace the internal components. We also handle clogged toilet repair and new toilet installation.

My faucet is dripping. Can it be repaired?

Yes, a dripping faucet can usually be repaired. It is often caused by a worn out washer, O ring, or cartridge. We provide leaking faucet repair for all types of faucets, including compression, ball, disc, and cartridge faucets. Fixing a leak promptly saves water and prevents staining on your sink.

Do you install dishwashers and ice makers?

Yes, we offer dishwasher hookup plumber services and ice maker water line installation. Proper installation is crucial to prevent leaks behind your cabinets. We ensure the water supply line and drain hose are connected correctly and that there is an air gap or high loop to prevent backflow.

I am remodeling my bathroom. Can you help?

Absolutely. We specialize in bathroom remodel plumbing and kitchen remodel plumbing. We can help you move water and drain lines to accommodate a new layout. We install new tubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and faucets. We work with you or your general contractor to ensure the plumbing phase of your remodel goes smoothly and meets all local building codes.

Maintenance and Prevention FAQs

How can I prevent clogged drains?

Prevention is the best medicine for your drains. Here are some tips:

Kitchen: Do not pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the sink. Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps.
Bathroom: Install hair catchers in your shower and tub drains. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, as they do not break down and can cause clogs.
Regular Cleaning: Periodically flushing your drains with hot water can help melt minor grease buildup.

We also offer preventative plumbing maintenance services where we can inspect and clean your drains annually.

What is hard water and how does it affect my plumbing?

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. In Buena Park, hard water is common. It causes scale buildup on fixtures, inside water heaters, and in pipes. This scale can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and shorten the lifespan of your appliances. We can install water softeners or water conditioners to treat hard water and protect your plumbing system.

How often should I have my plumbing inspected?

We recommend a professional home plumbing inspection at least once every two years. If you have an older home or have experienced frequent issues, an annual inspection is better. Regular inspections allow us to catch small leaks, corrosion, or wear and tear before they turn into major emergencies. A plumbing inspection before buying house is also essential for any real estate transaction.

Commercial Plumbing FAQs

How often should grease traps be cleaned?

Grease trap cleaning frequency depends on the size of the trap and the volume of grease your business produces. However, most municipalities require regular cleaning to prevent grease from entering the sewer system. We can help you establish a maintenance schedule that keeps you compliant and prevents costly backups.

Do you handle tenant improvements?

Yes, if you are opening a new business or renovating an existing space, we can handle the plumbing requirements. We install new restrooms, break room sinks, commercial kitchens, and more. We ensure all work meets commercial building codes and ADA requirements.

Why Choose Buena Park Plumbing Pros?

What makes you different from other plumbers?

We are a locally focused company that values long term relationships with our customers. We are not a large, impersonal franchise. We are your neighbors. We distinguish ourselves through:

Responsiveness: We answer our phones and show up on time.
Expertise: Our technicians are highly skilled and trained in the latest plumbing techniques.
Integrity: We provide honest assessments and transparent explanations.
Cleanliness: We respect your home and clean up after our work.
Full Service: We handle everything from a dripping faucet to a whole house repipe.

Do you guarantee your work?

We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship. We want you to be completely satisfied with our service. If you have any issues with a repair or installation we have performed, please contact us, and we will make it right. We believe in doing the job right the first time.

Contact Us

How do I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment is easy. simply contact us through our website or give us a call. We offer flexible scheduling options to fit your busy life. For emergencies, we are available 24 hours a day.

Do you offer estimates?

Yes, we can provide you with an assessment of the work needed. For many standard jobs, we can give you a clear idea of what to expect. For more complex projects like repiping or remodels, we will perform a thorough inspection to provide an accurate proposal.

Thank you for visiting our FAQ page. We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any other questions or need immediate plumbing assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Buena Park Plumbing Pros. We are the residential plumber and commercial plumber you can trust for all your plumbing needs in Buena Park California.

Remember, safety first. If you suspect a gas leak, go outside and call 911 immediately. For all other plumbing services, we are here to help.

Plumbing Pro Services

Committed To Flowing Water & Peace Of Mind

Reliable plumbing solutions for residential and commercial needs. We ensure your pipes, drains, and fixures are working perfectly.

We Deliver Expert Results

Don’t gamble with your plumbing. We combine years of experience with modern technology to deliver lasting repairs and installations. Our team respects your time and your property.

CALL NOW

Frequently Asked Questions