Author: Eric

There are certain things you should know to never flush down the toilet in order to protect your plumbing. A broken toilet and a hefty bill are more than enough reasons to be mindful of what you are flushing down your toilet, but flushing the wrong things can lead to even more issues. In fact, flushing some household items rather than throwing them in the garbage might block drain pipes, pollute the water supply, or even harm the environment.

At Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we have compiled a list of ten things that should never be flushed down the toilet so that you can avoid any and all toilet repairs. 

1. Flushable Wipes

Flushable wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, despite what the box may say. These wipes don’t deteriorate quickly; therefore, they can potentially clog pipes by becoming lodged there. Toss wipes in a sealed trash can that you keep in your bathroom instead.

2. Feminine Hygiene Products 

Tampons, pads, and other menstrual products are made to collect liquid and, in some cases, inflate to a size that is far greater than it was originally. Menstrual products have the potential to clog pipes leading to the sewage or septic system, and fill up with water when flushed. This can lead to the backup of sewage that will overflow to back up and flood the area. Always throw away feminine hygiene items in the garbage to be safe.

3. Paper Towels and Tissues

Paper towels and tissues are not a suitable alternative if you are out of toilet paper because they can have a negative impact when flushed. The durability of paper towel materials is frequently praised by the producers. But all this endurance comes with a drawback: The paper won’t dissolve like toilet paper does, increasing the likelihood that it may create blockages within the pipes. This is because it is designed to remain durable when exposed to liquids. 

4. Fats, Oils, and Grease

Clogged pipes are a nightmare. Generally speaking, you should never dump food down the toilet, but fats, oils, and grease can be particularly harmful to drains. These substances may initially be liquid, but they have the ability to harden and adhere to the inside of your pipes. Food can obstruct the passage of other objects, resulting in a blockage. Grease from cooking coagulates when it’s cooled down, so it will also solidify in your pipes. Before discarding the leftover fats, oils, and grease after cooking, let them cool to room temperature and harden.

5. Kitty Litter

In contrast to human waste, cat excrement should never be flushed down the toilet. Cat feces and litter can absorb water and obstruct pipes, and flushing them down the toilet can bring potentially hazardous parasites into the drainage system. Additionally, because toilets are designed to eliminate water-soluble waste, cat feces from the litter box shouldn’t be flushed because the litter dehydrates the waste. Cat waste and litter should always be bagged and disposed of in the trash.

It’s critical to keep in mind that a toilet does not serve as a substitute for your trash can. Follow these recommendations to safeguard your plumbing, and if in doubt, dispose of it in the garbage as opposed to flushing.

Kahuna Comfort: Anaheim Plumbing Services Fit For Your Home

Looking for plumbing repairs in Anaheim? Look no further. If you are in need of a professional to take a look at the plumbing system in your home, Kahuna Comfort is here to help. We provide premier services fit for your home to get your plumbing back into quality shape. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and say goodbye to your toilet worries!

A faucet that won’t stop dripping can be bad news in a household. If you’re currently experiencing this, that means that your pipes may need to be professionally looked at or repaired. 

If you’re unsure about the quality of your pipes or whether you have a leaky faucet, our professional plumbers at Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, & Air are here for you! We put the well-being of your home first by providing professional sink repairs in Anaheim! We’ll also provide you with knowledge on DIY tricks that can help you fix this issue.

Possible Causes For Constant Dripping

While your sink is completely turned off, you may notice your faucet is still dripping water. There could be many reasons why it’s doing this, but common reasons could be a loose O-ring, a worn-out washer, loose packing nuts, or broken pipes. Leaks are also commonly caused by poor piping connections or blocked water supply pipes.

3 DIY Tricks To Troubleshoot A Leaky Faucet

If you’re in need of help with your plumbing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a professional plumber who can help you tackle the problem. However, if you’re looking to fix a leaking sink yourself, there are steps you can take to find a solution.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water

Shutting off your sink’s water supply is an important step to help you assess what may be causing a leaky faucet. You can do this by utilizing the shut-off valves that are located underneath the sink. When you notice that the leak has stopped at the sink, you have shut off the water correctly.

Step 2: Dismantle The Faucet

Taking apart the faucet will help indicate what may be causing the leak. It’s important to do this step because you need to look for any worn-out pieces that are inside the faucet. 

Step 3: Inspect The Pipes Below The Sink

Looking at the pipes that are beneath the sink should help indicate whether there is anything that looks out of place. It’s important to look for any standing water below them as well to try and see where the leak was coming from. Once you find the problem, you’ll be able to provide any repairs that need to be done!

Kahuna Comfort’s Inspection Checklist

When you need an inspection or professional help, Kahuna Comfort will be by your side. Here’s what you can expect from our team during an inspection visit:

• Test and inspect the sink
• Turn off the water
• Inspect the pipes below the sink
• Pinpoint what is causing the leak
• Provide any necessary pipe repairs

When you schedule a plumbing service with us, your sink will be in good hands. We have professional plumbers who know what to look for when they inspect your pipelines for complications, so you can trust our reliable pipe repair services!

Why Regular Plumbing Service Is Important

It’s important to schedule regular plumbing services for your home! The plumbing services we provide at Kahuna Comfort are focused on fixing any issues that your plumbing system may be experiencing, as well as keeping your pipes clean. Having clean pipes comes with benefits for your plumbing system because it extends its life and improves your home’s water quality. It’s important to take care of your pipes because you rely on them to provide you with clean water that helps you wash your clothes, brush your teeth, and shower.

Rely On Kahuna Comfort’s Plumbing Services

If you’re experiencing a sink that won’t stop dripping or you need any plumbing services, contact Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air today! We have professional plumbers who can come out to your home to identify and fix the issue. Our plumbers can also provide you with tips on ways to avoid these plumbing issues in the future. We’re here for you and any of your plumbing needs here in Anaheim!

A clogged drain is a common problem that homeowners will encounter from time to time. Buying those chemical-based solutions at the store may be handy, but the costs can build up over time, and the chemicals can affect your sink’s plumbing system. Luckily, you can find a natural drain cleaner right in the pantry of your home. Our specialists at Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, & Air want to share four natural unclogging solutions you can use without having to leave home.

What Could Get Clogged In Your Drain?

A lot of things go down your kitchen drain daily. What are some things that are more likely to get clogged? Some of these items include:

• Fat, oil or grease
• Starches
• Coffee Grounds
• Soap Scum
• Stringy or hard food scraps

For most of these types of clogs, there are chemical-based solutions that could clear your drains. While they do often work, they can also damage your pipes further. The harsh chemicals could wear out your pipes and lead to cracks and leaks in your system. Regardless of what’s in your clogged drain, there are also natural ways to get them removed.

Need To Clean Your Pipes Of Food?

If you have food scraps in your drain, there is a homemade solution you can use. All you need is boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar.

First, pour the water into the drain. Then, add half a cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar mixed with hot water. From there, all you need to do is let the mixture sit for 20 minutes and then flush the drain with hot water. This will break down those food scraps and get your pipes draining again.

Need To Clear Grease Clogs?

Grease clogs happen often in kitchen sinks. Grease is one of those things that you shouldn’t pour down your drain, but it can happen accidentally. To clear out a grease clog, you’ll need a mixture that is ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of salt.

Pour this mixture down the drain with a quart of boiling water. This mixture will scrape the grease from the pipes. After that, you can let the mixture sit overnight and flush it down in the morning. This should remove any grease that’s sticking to your pipes.

Need To Remove A Large Item?

 When you have a large, solid item in your drain that is making it difficult to pump water into it, try one of these two tools to remove the clog.

Hand Auger

Hand augers pull whatever is clogging your drain out from the top. It’s a long cable with a corkscrew-like end that will latch onto your clog. All you need to do is insert the tip into the drain and push it until it reaches the clog. Once it grabs hold, simply pull the clog out from the surface. From here, you can properly dispose of the item.

Plunger

Plungers are a great tool to use for clogged drains. They push the clog through the pipes by creating a vacuum between the clog and the opening. In order to use the plunger properly, you must have at least 1 inch of standing water in your sink. Pump the plunger in the drain a couple of times until you have loosened up the clog. 

Kahuna Comfort And Our Anaheim Drain Services

If you need tips on how to unclog a drain, Kahuna Comfort can help! We offer plumbing services to get your pipes cleared of any debris, as well as any at-home installations you may need. If you’re having trouble clearing a clog, contact us today!

Imagine this scenario: your throat is so parched that it feels as dry as the desert. You rustle through your kitchen cupboards for a glass and then walk over to your sink to grab a drink. However, after filling up your cup, you notice that the water is cloudy with clusters of particles floating around in it! What has happened to your tap water? 

Here at Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re dedicated to answering that question anytime our clients struggle with water supply issues. Between water heater installations, repiping, and more, our expert technicians are devoted to keeping your tap water clean every time they walk through your door!

Read on for some strategies that can help you recognize rust in your water, or chat with one of our friendly team members at any time! 

Signs Your Tap Water Is Contaminated 

Wondering how you’ll be able to identify pollutants in your water? Contaminants such as large amounts of oxidized iron can create rust and change a liquid’s odor, taste, and appearance. Some signs to watch out for are:

• Sediment, such as dust or dirt collecting in your sink
• Strange metallic smells 
• Stains around the rim of your sink or on your clothes
• Cloudy or reddish-brown water 
• Low water pressure from your faucet

How Does Rust Pollute Your Water Supply?

Interested in learning how oxidized iron can cause your water to become rusty? Depending on where you live, large amounts of iron may be present in your water supply, which can build up in your pipes and damage your appliances and health. When iron is exposed to oxygen and becomes oxidized, it can coat the walls of your pipes and create rust, which will eventually flake off into your drinking water. 

Pipe Replacements And Ways to Protect Your Tap Water

Looking for ways to improve the quality of your water if it’s contaminated? Here at Kahuna Comfort, we’re always happy to offer pipe replacements, but there are quite a few other routes you can take to clean your tap water and get rid of rust. Two of the most common are:

Water Purifiers 

Water purifiers are innovative appliances that can filter out minerals and particles that create hard water. Reverse osmosis systems are one example of this through the ways they utilize filters and pressure to purify your tap water.    

Water Conditioners

Water conditioners, not to be confused with water softeners, are reliable appliances that can remove unwanted tastes and odors from your tap water. This device filters out substances like chlorine, lead, and many other minerals and gases so that you can enjoy the purest water possible. 

Improve Your Water Quality With Our Plumbing Services in Anaheim 

Are you ready to enjoy tap water without worrying about rust or other particles polluting it? At Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’ve got your back when it comes to making sure your tap water is safe to drink and won’t negatively affect your well-being. If you think your water is contaminated, feel free to contact us through our website to set up an appointment or give us a call today!

We all want our home to be as safe as possible. With many homes operating off natural gas, there is a potential for leakage and spills. Because natural gas is mostly methane, it can do a lot of damage in a short time. Methane negatively affects people, vegetation, and even the house itself. These leaks can also be flammable, creating a massive fire risk for your house. Here at Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air, we know that some problems need a solution fast, which is why we use visual help and diagnostics. Gas leaks are highly dangerous, so spotting them early is key to your family’s health.

Signs That You Have A Gas Leak

There are a lot of warning signs that you will notice if there is a gas leak in your home. For instance, you may notice a very pungent odor of rotten eggs that will float through your home. This smell is almost unignorable. If you’re unsure whether that smell is a gas leak, you can also look for:

Dead Plants and Trees

Methane, which is a dangerous component in gas leaks, is detrimental to plant well-being. If you notice your plants are dying at a fast rate, there may be an excess of natural gas in the air.

High Gas Bills

While gas usage can go up due to other factors, a high spike is a very telling sign of a leak. As the methane escapes to your house, the meter that reads how much you use will detect the escape and measure it as usage.

Hissing Sound

If there is a loud hissing sound that you cannot find in your home, it could very well be because of a leak. Sometimes the hissing will transition into a light whistle, but the hissing sound will happen in proximity to the leak. This means it doesn’t have to be heard in all components of the house.

Physical Symptoms

If you’re noticing a lot of flu-like symptoms paired with headaches and dizziness, you may be inhaling too much methane. Natural gas poisoning is 100% percent treatable, but showing symptoms means you need to evacuate the area fast. Do not attempt to fix the leak by yourself, as you will get very sick.

What can I do to Prevent Leaks?

The best way to prevent leaks is to schedule regular gas pipe repair and inspection. Allowing pipes to go neglected for long periods of time without interference will lead to more leaks, which will cost you more in the future. For safety’s sake, always make sure to reach out to professionals to check the quality of your pipes and natural gas.

Needing Emergency Gas Pipe Repair?

Nothing is worse than facing emergency repairs on your own. Luckily, Anaheim plumbing services are only a call away with Kahuna Comfort! With diagnostic services and friendly customer service, we are here to help you with anything you need. Gas leakage can be a scary experience for anyone to go through, so call today to schedule regular maintenance or emergency repairs!

If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to start looking at other options that could benefit your home. One option is to simply replace your water heater with another traditional unit, or you could switch to a tankless water heater. Both types of units benefit homes in their own ways, so homeowners should consider which type of unit would be best suited for their home. 

Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, & Air provides excellent services for those wanting either of these water heater installations in their home. Let’s compare how these two units differ from installation to home performance.

Water Heater Size: Tankless Water Heaters Are Smaller

Tankless water heaters are great for smaller homes and homes without a basement. The average traditional water heater holds about 55 gallons of water, which means it can be about 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. If you want a unit that takes up less space, tankless water heaters may be the better option for you. 

These types of units don’t store water themselves. Instead, tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to increase the temperature of the water flowing through them. Because they don’t need to store water, these units average about 2 feet tall and a foot wide. If the size of your water heater is an important factor for you, consider getting a tankless water heater to replace your current unit.

Water Heater Installation Prices: Traditional Water Heaters Are Less Expensive

If you already have a traditional water heater in your home, the installation is less expensive and easier to replace. This type of installation is a basic plumbing job that some homeowners find they can do themselves. With this basic plumbing job, the average installation costs between $600 to $800, depending on the plumber and if your unit has compatible hookups.

Tankless water heaters take more effort to install, and plumbers will charge more for the labor and time. These installations cost anywhere between $800 to $1,500 because of the other hookups. Tankless water heaters have different venting and gas supply requirements, so plumbers will need to install larger pipes in your home. For those looking to save money on the initial installation, traditional water heaters would be a more accessible option.

Water Heater Energy Usage: Tankless Water Heaters Use Less Energy

The energy usage rate of each unit varies based on gas or electric models, but overall, tankless water heaters use less energy for the same results as a traditional unit. For performance, each type of tank has similar flow rates and meets and maintains a steady 120°F. The difference in these units comes from how efficiently they are producing that consistent temperature. Here is an average breakdown of how much each type of unit costs based on the average price of $10.86 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas:

• Traditional Gas Water Heater: $245
• Traditional Electric Water Heater: $580
• Tankless Gas Water Heater: $195
• Tankless Gas Electric Water Heater: $535

Tankless water heaters function more effectively than traditional units and can start saving you money over time.

If You Have To Make a Choice, Choose Kahuna Comfort!

If you have any additional questions or need installation services, Kahuna Comfort would love to help. Our specialists can help homeowners decide what unit will work best in their home and offer ideas to make their living space comfortable. If you’re looking for an Anaheim water heater replacement, contact us through our website for a consultation today!

Sewage backup from one or multiple plumbing appliances in your home is a stressful situation. At Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we know that not only is it a major inconvenience, but it can also lead to costly repairs and have harmful effects on your health. The best way to prevent a sewer backup is to stay on top of regular plumbing maintenance and always keep an eye out for any of the common signs that something could be wrong.

What Causes Sewer Backup?

Ultimately, many reasons could cause your sewer system to back up. Anything from stubborn clogs, aging systems or even the shifting of your home’s foundation has the potential to damage your sewage pipes and lead to unexpected plumbing problems.

Signs Of Sewer Backup

Several signs could indicate a sewer backup. The most obvious signs of a backup include:

Slow Drainage

One of the first signs of a sewer backup you’ll probably notice is moderate to significant slowing of wastewater draining down your toilet and sometimes even in the sink and shower. The first thing you should check for in this situation is if the line is clogged. In an attempt to dislodge the clog in your sewer line, you can try gently using a plunger to push water down the toilet with a more accurate force than flushing.

Unpleasant Smells

Another common sign of a backup is unpleasant smells that linger. Musty sewage odors in your bathroom that seem impossible to get rid of could indicate that there’s a blockage somewhere in your lines. These smells are actually the result of harmful gases released during the breakdown of human waste, and they have the potential to negatively affect your health over time. If you’re experiencing these persistent unpleasant odors, you should contact a professional to address it right away.

Gurgling Sounds And Air Bubbles

You should never ignore gurgling sounds and air bubbles coming from your toilet. This is typically a definitive sign that there is some sort of blockage preventing water and waste from moving through the pipes as they’re meant to. This causes a negative airflow to push back up through your drain.

Random Patches Of Lush Grass

Although many homeowners take pride in having a luscious green lawn, random patches of lush grass on your property could potentially indicate an underground leak. Sewage waste contains natural fertilizers that cause vegetation to thrive, and the longer the issue persists, the worse it’ll get. If you’ve recently noticed any otherwise unexplainable patches of green grass in your yard coupled with other signs of backup, it’s time to contact a professional.

Preventative Maintenance

Backups can’t always be prevented, but there are several ways to considerably decrease the chance of it happening to you. One of the most important tips to keep in mind is to only flush toilet paper down your toilet when you use the bathroom. Things like wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, or anything besides toilet paper aren’t safe for your plumbing and could cause damage. It’s also a good idea to get your sewer lines cleaned professionally once every two years or so.

Sewer Service In Anaheim

If you suspect your home has a sewer backup, you should get your plumbing inspected by a professional. One of our courteous technicians at Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air will be able to determine the root of the problem and provide a solution. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

Imagine this scenario: You arrive home after a long, exhausting day of work, and all you want to do is take a hot shower and unwind. You hop into the bathroom and turn on the faucet with gusto. A measly trickle of water is all that gurgles out of the shower head. You try not to panic as you make your way down to the basement to check on your water heater. Much to your dismay, there is water leaking from the bottom!

At Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air, we are all too familiar with these kinds of plumbing inconveniences. If you’re looking for certified plumbers who are experts when it comes to water heater installations and repairs, our dedicated team members are the ones for you! We offer reliable services for all household plumbing emergencies and can get the job done right, no matter what. Keep reading for more information about how we combat water heater leaks, or continue to browse our website at any time!

Water Heater Abnormalities You Should Watch Out For

Figuring out how to identify signs of a leak in order to prevent permanent water damage in your home is essential. Some issues you should pay close attention to are:

• The age of your water heater
• Running out of hot water quicker than normal
• Erratic water temperature
• Low water pressure
• Water stains or wet spots
• Mold growth
• Discolored or rusty water coming from your appliances
• Skyrocketing water bills

Malfunctions You Can Fix

Though water heater repairs can seem complex and complicated, there are a few problems you can fix yourself. These include:

A Tripped Switch

If your water heater is not generating hot water, this may mean a switch has been tripped, and the device is not getting enough power to function properly. Checking the unit’s heating elements and ignition could reveal the problem. A tripped switch can also result in too much hot water, requiring your thermostats to be reset.

Loose Parts

If you spy water dripping from your heater or the pipes connected to it, this could be a sign that a major leak is on its way, if left unchecked. Examining your tank and all its connecting parts may help you identify pieces and components that need tightening or replacing due to corrosion.

When To Call A Professional

Some specific situations in which it’s best to hire a plumber are when your water heater needs a valve replacement or is emitting strange noises. Valve replacements can be tricky processes that involve many steps, including turning off your heater’s power and draining the tank. It is often smarter and more efficient to schedule an appointment with a professional plumber because they have the right tools and experience for the task.

If you hear unusual sounds coming from your water heater, this may indicate that elements within your device are broken and need replacing before the unit is damaged. Hiring a professional to flush your system and perform a maintenance checkup can save you lots of money on repairs in the long run.

Contact Kahuna Comfort Today!

Don’t let your water heater’s leak keep you from enjoying a nice, hot shower. Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air can fix your unit at any time! Contact us through our website to set a date for annual maintenance, or give us a call today!

There’s nothing more unpleasant than walking into your kitchen and being hit with the lingering smell of last week’s food scraps. Your first instinct is to glare at your trash can in disgust, but we’ll save you time and tell you that it’s not your trash can to blame. Your garbage disposal is the one to worry about.

The way your garbage disposal smells can tell you whether or not the problem is food not being disposed of correctly or if a more serious issue is at hand. Kahuna Comfort has found that many smelly garbage disposal situations can be solved in a few easy ways.

Read below to find out how you can cure and avoid offensive smells lingering at your disposal.

Rotting Food

Sharp smells are often caused by rotting or decaying food that has become stuck on the disposal blades or crusted onto the drainage pipes. The best way to ensure your food does not become stuck on any surface is to confirm the scraps are properly ground and flushed in the following ways: 

• Run cold water down your drain before raking in the food
• Turn on the hot water as you shovel the scraps into your disposal
• Have your disposal go for 30 to 40 seconds to ensure everything is ground and drained

Mold or Mildew

If your disposal smells like mold or mildew, those two have likely made a home down there. It is not uncommon for a dish rag or sponge to slip down your drain. Mold and mildew can quickly build up on items gone unnoticed in your system. 

If this happens, remove and dispose of the items. Sprinkle baking soda, vinegar, and warm water into your drain to eliminate the mold.

Oils and Fats

Flushing oils, greases, and fats down your train is a tricky thing to do. These substances congeal and don’t slide through your pipes like any other liquid. 

This build-up can cause odors and clog your pipes by preventing other food from getting through. The next time you want to get rid of these items, allow them to cool and throw them in your trash can.

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Your disposal should be thoroughly rinsed after every use, but it should get an intentional cleaning weekly. Here are some of the best ways to keep your disposal clean and odor-free.

Soap and Water

Hot water and soap go a long way in keeping your system clean. Use a grease-cutting soap, and coat it as best you can around the sides of your drain.

Garbage Disposal Pods

The pods have become an effective and popular option in maintaining disposal systems. Drop one of the cleaning pods as you run your disposal and flush with hot water.

Ice Cubes 

An excellent cleaning option is to use a cup of ice cubes. Pour a cup of cubes into your drain and turn on your disposal. The ice helps break away old food grime lodged in any of the system’s components. 

Baking Soda and Vinegar

We all know the old baking soda and vinegar science experiment, but it is far more than just your entertainment. The mixture will cause any stuck food particles to break down further. This method will also double as an odor eliminator due to the baking soda.

Is The Odor Still There?

If you’ve tried our tricks to beat the offensive smells and you’re still having trouble, you may need a garbage disposal repair. Call a plumbing expert to help you identify your issue. Consider a garbage disposal replacement as well. If you find that you are using your disposal frequently and using it to break down large quantities, you should consider that your home may need a more extensive system.

Low water pressure can present itself in various ways, all of which can cause significant inconveniences. Taps may take forever to fill your bathtub, or the showerhead may not spray water efficiently. Either way, your daily activities are slowed down.

Sometimes the issue comes from the municipal water supply. Homes on these lines are often limited to a maximum water pressure that is determined by the municipality; if you feel a sudden change in your water pressure after a visit from your water meter reader, you can call and ask if they adjusted your water pressure.

In this case, the best way to deal with lower pressure in your home is to add showerheads and faucet heads that inject some air into your shower, which adds a bit of pressure back in without needing to increase the water flow. This can be an economical way to lower your water bills anyway, as it gives you the pressure you crave without using as many gallons per hour.

If the water pressure is not caused by municipal settings, then it is probably due to something in the home. You can experience low water pressure in one area of the house or the whole house. When the whole house is affected, then it means that a bigger problem is at hand. When you notice a change in water pressure, the best thing to do is to contact a plumber to help you diagnose the cause. If there is leakage, then first terminate the water flow at the main valve.

So, what plumbing issues can bring about low water pressure?

1. Outdated Fixtures

An outdated fixture is one of the most common causes of low water pressure in homes. Old galvanized steel water pipes can corrode so much that they significantly restrict the water flow. A build-up of mineral deposits, such as sediments and limestone, can obstruct the fixtures, preventing water from flowing freely.

This not only impacts the water pressure, but it can also affect your water quality. Although the water pipes corrode on the inside, you’ll tell when it happens even without seeing the scale build-up. The build-up of materials inside your pipe can gradually close the line.

This problem takes years to develop. That’s why water pressure reduction is very gradual. However, if you move into a home with outdated steel pipes, the issue may start sooner.

2. Faulty Pressure Regulators

Pressure regulators are control valves that regulate the pressure in your piping system. They play a significant role in reducing the pressure to a safe level that won’t damage your pipes.

These appliances aren’t found in all homes, but a failing or clogged regulator can lead to low water pressure. You might also experience the opposite effect: a spike in water pressure.

Although you can replace a pressure regulator all by yourself, it’s in your best interest to have it checked out by a professional. A licensed technician can assess the situation and either fix the control valve or install a new one.

3. Water Valves

Generally, you have two main shut-off valves that control your home’s water flow, one at the meter and the other inside your home. If any of these valves are entirely or partially turned off, it will reduce your water pressure.

When your water is temporarily shut off and then turned on again, one of the valves can accidentally remain partially closed. If you suspect that a closed water valve is the reason for low water pressure, then check both the main valves to ensure that they’re fully opened.

4. Clogged Water Pipes

What happens if you first turn on your faucet? Does the water spray out at normal pressure, then immediately slow down with noticeably less pressure? If yes, then your water pipes might be clogged.

Generally, pipes become clogged over time as rust, mineral deposits, and other debris build up inside the lines. This, in turn, restricts the flow of water. Clogging often occurs in galvanized pipes. That’s why they’re no longer a common material for new pipes. However, it used to be the material of choice, and you can still find them in many homes.

Some of the clogging materials include sand, water minerals, pollutants, and dirt. These materials can get into your water pipes via your sink or through small pipe cracks. Clogging can often happen if your pipes are also closer to or above the ground.

5. You Share Pipelines

Shared pipelines are those that supply water to more than one house. This means that your water pressure will be reduced if your neighbor is washing a car or taking a shower. This is much more common in apartments than in homes with individual water supplies, but it can happen with a shared well line.

Here, changing your routine and experimenting with your timing might help.

6. Leaking Pipes

A pipe leak can significantly lower the water pressure in your home. While large leaks are easy to spot in your home, smaller leaks that are intermittent with the use of water that is not always on, like from a garden hose line or the drain of your washing machine, may be harder to notice until they become larger.

Leaking pipes are often hidden behind walls or inside floors. However, you can find leaks on intake pipes by checking your water meter. If nothing in your house is using water but your meter is running, you have a leak. This technique doesn’t work on the outlet pipes that drain sinks and appliances, however.

A professional plumber can help diagnose and solve the problem effectively.

7. Corroded Plumbing

It’s one thing to have a small section of piping that needs replacement. However, in worst cases, your home’s entire piping system can corrode, requiring a complete replacement service. This can significantly reduce the water pressure in your home as flakes of corrosion can clog joints in your plumbing.

Another thing to check is whether to enlarge the branch lines. If you’ve made changes to your home’s plumbing fixtures, then the branch lines might be too small. So, although corrosion isn’t the problem in such a case, you’ll still experience the same effect of reduced water pressure. This is because the narrow interior of the branch line limits the flow of water in the pipe.

Consult a Professional

Low water pressure issues should be dealt with by a professional. After all, you don’t want to worsen things with DIYs. When you want to check on your Anaheim, CA, plumbing system or encounter a plumbing problem, reach out to Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, & Air.

We offer comprehensive commercial, residential, and emergency plumbing services such as drain cleaning and plumbing repairs. We want to take care of all your needs, including, but not limited to, reduced water pressure in your home. We’ve received A+ ratings with the BBB, and we’re highly rated on Angie’s List.

Contact us today for more information on our services and learn more about how we can help you enjoy high water pressure all year round.