AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Thousand Oaks, CA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Thousand Oaks?

In Ventura County, just 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, you will find Thousand Oaks. In 1874, it was merely a stagecoach stop in the Conejo Valley. Now, it is known as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

The outstanding history of this area is still evident today. At the Chumash Indian Museum, you can view 2000-year-old cave drawings that were left behind by the Chumash people. This has perhaps led to what is now a very diverse cultural experience for all residents and visitors.

Today, the downtown area centers around various shopping centers that are enjoyed by residents. People of all ages and races come together and give it a population of more than 128,000 people. Once you leave the downtown and pass through the suburbs, you can find natural wonders that set Thousand Oaks apart from other nearby areas.

With so many people in one area, it is hard not to wonder about water quality and possible plumbing issues that may happen in this valley. Here are some of the most common plumbing issues we have in Thousand Oaks:

Drought

One of the first things homeowners in Thousand Oaks notice is drought. As per the City of Thousand Oaks, “California is becoming hotter, precipitation is becoming more erratic, and California will need to be prepared for multi-year or even decade-long droughts”. Soil contraction can put a lot of pressure on pipes under the ground causing them to break or crack. Call us and we can help prepare your house for drought when water restrictions come in place.

Clogged Drains and Pipe Leaks

Clogged drains and leaks are one of the most common issues in Thousand Oaks. Clogs cause leaks, and leaks can silently cause structural and expensive damage. So, it is important to call a professional plumber like us if you see early signs of clogs and leaks before it’s too late. 

You can also report leaks or water waste anywhere in the City to the City water conservation hotline at (805) 375-5747 or email the information to publicworksmsc@toaks.org.

Faulty Water Heaters

Water heater is one of the most important parts of your home. You would know if you have a faulty water heater if you see any signs such as discolored water, water that has metallic taste, and your heater makes a popping or rumbling noise. It’s best to call us before the damages are too great to repair and you could save yourself money in the end.

Basically, besides drought, the same plumbing issues that happen everywhere in the world are also likely to happen in Thousand Oaks. 

How Does the Water in Thousand Oaks Affect Your Plumbing?

Thousand Oaks does have water that can pose potential hazards to your plumbing, though it is overall good water. As a city, it gets water from the State Water Project, meaning that surface water is imported from Northern California where it originates from Lake Oroville. It is treated, filtered, and cleaned at the Metropolitan Water District’s Jensen Filtration Plant before reaching its destination in Thousand Oaks.

California is known for having hard water. Ventura County is no exception, with between 20 to 50 grains per gallon. To qualify as hard water, you only need an estimated value of 10.5 grains per gallon of magnesium carbonates and calcium. In Thousand Oaks, the water is also quite hard and there are other chemicals in it.

What does it do for your plumbing? There is a risk of corrosion and clogs that can stem from having hard water in your home. Hard water may shorten the lifespan of certain appliances, such as your dishwasher or your hot water heater. Of the other chemicals mentioned in the report, damages can also stem from them. For instance:

• Fluoride: May weaken metal plumbing parts.
• Synthetic and Volatile Organic Chemicals: Generally, does not damage plumbing.
• Microbial Contaminants: May cause corrosion in some pipes.
• Pesticides: Naturally in runoff flows. Should not affect pipes.

With all this, you may wonder if the water is good enough to drink. The report shows that the water is overall good quality unless you are immunocompromised in some way. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Thousand Oaks?

Plumbing cost is something that is very difficult to predict. There are so many variables to the price, and each job is unique to that person, in that home, or business. However, if you are looking for a basic idea of your expected cost: the average is between $120.00 and $870.00. To break it down even further, most homeowners average spending around $490.00.

It is important for you to understand that just because your neighbor spent that much on plumbing repairs, your out-of-pocket cost could be more or less. Here are some of the top factors that may play into any plumbing job. 

Difficulty

Not all jobs are easy. If you call us to unclog your drain, and we find that there is a much bigger problem to fix, then you may have to pay a little more for the job to be done. For instance, a severe clog could also mean that the pipe has already burst. You could have a slow leak somewhere in your home or under the house. 

Difficult plumbing situations may also come up if you have trees that are invading your septic tank, your water lines, etc. The harder the job is for us, the more the cost will go up. The same is true for times when we feel that it is going to be a large or complicated job, and it ends up being easier. Your estimated cost will go down. 

Plumbing Emergency

In the world of plumbing, unexpected things can happen at any time. However, if it happens on the weekend, holidays, or evening hours, you will likely have to pay more for the repair. If you are worried, haven’t had your plumbing inspected recently, or have older plumbing; now is the time to get it checked; before an emergency comes up. 

Extras

This is where all the added things are going to come into your cost. If there are permits, inspections, parts, new appliances, etc. In the event that you need all new piping from your septic to your toilet, the price of parts, equipment, and labor will be added here. If you want a new water softening system, that will be paid for by you, as the homeowner.

The “extras” are things that you need for the job to be completed to your satisfaction. It is perhaps the biggest cost-influencer, and the most difficult to predict without seeing the job first. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Thousand Oaks?

If you have an older home in Thousand Oaks, there may be some potential for you to save money by upgrading your plumbing. Instead of relying on an old water heater, especially one bearing 20-years old, you should consider upgrading. Water heaters today are much more efficient. They have thicker insulation and other benefits that make them save money.

Low-flow faucets and toilets are also more efficient and can save homeowners money on water. Just imagine how much you would save if your showerhead only used 1.5 GPM rather than 2 to 2.5 GPM. Over a span of five minutes in the shower, that is a lot of money going down the drain that doesn’t need to be there. A lot of homeowners hesitate to make the switch to low-flow fearing that it will cost them water pressure. This is not the case. They use less water, but often have more air pressure and store water to ensure the pressure stays where you want it to be.

By upgrading, you are also ensuring that you are less likely to have to deal with an emergency water situation. This can also save you money. It can also save you from having issues at the worst possible time, such as when you have guests over or are saving money for a vacation. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Thousand Oaks vs Hire a Plumber?

Water issues are always tough. They are rotten to deal with because it means you are either without water or with a plumbing expense that you may not be prepared to pay. You may want to call the water company, but this doesn’t mean they are going to do anything, especially if it is a problem they consider yours. Then if you call for the wrong reasons, they may charge you to come out and tell you that it is your problem to repair. As if there aren’t enough fees with having water as it is!

Do you know who to call for plumbing problems around your home?

As a general rule, anything on the other side of your water meter is going to be something the water company will help with. This means, if you see water flooding your lawn, you should turn off the main water supply to your home. By doing this, you are testing to see if the water is yours or the city’s water. Your meter will stop climbing if it is a water issue on their end. If it continues to climb, you will need to call us.

You should call us when you:

• Have a Leak
• Have a Clogged Sink or Toilet
• Have Sewage in Your Yard
• Need Hot Water Tank Repaired
• Need Pipes Replaced
• You Lose Water Pressure or Water to Your Shower

Call the water company when:

• There is Water in Your Street
• There is Water Flooding a Vacant Lot
• You Need Water Turned On or Off
• You Lose Water Pressure or Water to Your Entire Home

If you are still unsure who to call, most of us will give you a free estimate for services. You can call us and ask for advice. That is what we are here for and we are more than happy to help you out. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Thousand Oaks?

Not every area of the United States requires a permit for basic plumbing needs. In Thousand Oaks, you will need one. You will need a permit for a variety of different plumbing projects. This includes:

• Replacement of Water Heaters
• Replacement of Sinks and Toilets
• Repair of Gas, Water, or Sewer Lines
• Replacement of HVAC or Furnaces
• Swimming Pool Pipes
• Water Softening Systems
• Etc.

For the most part, you can apply online when seeking a permit for basic plumbing. However, when you submit the plumbing application, you will need to have a California Licensed Contractor’s Declaration number and name for the forms. This is done to ensure that your job is done right and safely. 

Some of these repairs and replacements will also require a site plan drawing, equipment needed, and other information. Instead of trying to deal with the confusion yourself, you will need help from a licensed plumber, like us. It will save your sanity and ensure that everything goes smoothly for you as it is required of the city.