Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in West Covina?
- 2 How Does the Water in West Covina Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in West Covina?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in West Covina?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in West Covina vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in West Covina?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in West Covina?
As you might expect, West Covina homeowners all experience some plumbing issues from time to time. Most often, they’re minor problems like a faucet that drips or a clogged drain. We see this type of plumbing issue all the time, and most minor problems can generally be resolved in a few minutes. Bigger plumbing problems, on the other hand, can cause serious disruptions to your family. Some of the plumbing issues we encounter in West Covina include:
Galvanized Steel Pipes
In the past, galvanized steel pipes were used for plumbing homes in West Covina and across the country. It was a relatively inexpensive material that promised to deliver reliable service. However, this type of pipe tends to get corroded on the inside, which leaves behind a layer of rust. When water is forced through the pipe, it picks up the rust and sends it rushing towards your faucets. You end up with unappetizing, rust-stained water that often also has a peculiar odor. The only way to eliminate this problem is to have the galvanized steel pipes removed and replace them with copper, CPVC, or PEX pipes.
Hidden Water Leaks
We get calls all the time from West Covina homeowners who are experiencing a spike in their water bills with no explanation. In the vast majority of cases, the additional water usage can be attributed to a leak. Some leaks are very obvious. You’ll hear the dripping, see the water running from the damaged area, or see evidence of the water. Leaks that happen inside a wall, under floors, or crawl space often go unnoticed for long periods. Unfortunately, the more prolonged water leaks into a confined space like a wall, the more damage it does to the building materials and the more likely mold and mildew are to grow.
Shoddy Plumbing Repairs
Plumbers, like us, have to go through training to be licensed to make plumbing repairs and installation. On the other hand, you and your local handyman are probably not trained, licensed, or experienced with plumbing. When amateurs attempt plumbing installation and repairs in West Covina, it rarely turns out well. Improper connections, incorrect pipe sizes, and various other issues can turn your cheap plumbing fix into an expensive plumbing nightmare.
How Does the Water in West Covina Affect Your Plumbing?
The City of West Covina gets its water primarily from the Covina Irrigation Company (CIC). The water CIC supplies comes from the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin and the San Gabriel River. As with most Southern California cities, the water in West Covina is considered very hard, due in part because of where it comes from. Hard water can cause a host of problems for your plumbing including:
- Mineral build-up inside pipes and fixtures
- Clogged showerheads and faucets
- Diminished water volume and pressure
- Corrosion on fixtures and plumbing connections
- Clogged lines on water appliances
- Water heater issues
- Hard water stains on clothing and laundry
- Hard water spots on glassware, fixtures, and tiles
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in West Covina?
In West Covina, the cost to hire us varies, and it’s not possible to give you an accurate estimate without seeing your plumbing problem ourselves. However, you can expect to pay an average of $488 for a plumber. Plumbing costs normally range from $118 to $859. The actual rate depends upon a few factors. We ask ourselves questions like:
How Complex Is the Plumbing Issue?
We love a good challenge, and we are ready and willing to take on even the most challenging plumbing issues. Suspect a water leak under the crawl space or inside a wall? No worries. We’re on it. Whether it’s an elusive leak or you need a creative way to solve another plumbing issue, we’re up to it. But, complex plumbing problems take time, special equipment, and additional help. Because of the additional difficulty, highly complex plumbing issues are always pricier than simple, run-of-the-mill plumbing repairs.
What’s the Scope of the Work?
To accurately estimate the cost of a plumbing job in West Covina, we need to know exactly how much work needs to be done. For example, are we repiping the entire house or just the downstairs bathroom? Once we know what needs to be done, we can determine the number of hours it will take to finish the job and how many hands we need to meet the deadline. We have enough experience to know that plumbing jobs can be tricky, and we always allow for enough time to work through difficult spots.
Emergency Repairs or Scheduled Service?
In almost every instance, when a homeowner calls for emergency plumbing services in West Covina, there’s a serious problem. Perhaps a pipe bursts and water is spewing inside the house, or sewer water is backing up in the toilet, tub, or sinks. Whenever plumbing emergencies happen, additional costs will apply, such as cleaning, sanitizing, and repairing water damage. It’s always cheaper to schedule regular plumbing repairs and maintenance services.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in West Covina?
Old pipes and hard water are a costly combination. Ultimately, you spend more money trying to fight the effects of the minerals and rust than you need to. Your washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, and water heater are affected by the suspended rust, minerals, and other contaminants suspended in the water too. Clogged water inlet hoses, damaged internal parts, corrosion, and premature appliance failure are all symptoms of hard water problems.
Once you address your hard water problem, however, you’ll find that your appliances work better and more efficiently. Not only that, but you’ll also find that you and your family use less soap, shampoo, and detergents. Your skin will feel softer, your hair will be smoother, and you’ll use fewer personal care products, saving you money every month. Plus, your clothes will lose that dingy color; they’ll look and feel better and last longer. You’ll also spend less time cleaning, but your glassware will be cleaner, and your bathroom and kitchen sparkle.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in West Covina vs Hire a Plumber?
It’s not easy to know if you should call us or if it’s something the Public Works Water Utility Division is the right choice. In West Covina, the answer is pretty straightforward. If the plumbing problem is happening on your side of the meter, whether indoors or out, it’s up to you to take care of it. So, a pipe that’s leaking inside your bathroom wall would be a job you’d hire us for.
The City of West Covina’s Water Utility Division handles everything that pertains to the water and sewer lines operated by the city. So, if there’s a water main that’s clearly broken, spilling water onto the street, and the water in your home is cut off, it’s the city’s issue to resolve. The same holds true for sewer main backups and breaks. If it’s on the city’s side of the meter, they’re responsible for repairs.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in West Covina?
The short answer is yes. A plumbing permit is required for any plumbing repairs, replacements, or installations made to your home. We’re well-versed in California Building Codes and the specific requirements for the City of West Covina. Whenever we do plumbing work in the city, we make sure all the proper permits are obtained before any plumbing work begins. Once the permit is approved and the work is completed, we also schedule the required inspections to ensure everything meets the code requirements. Just a few of the things we commonly pull plumbing permits for include:
- Installation of a new drain, vent, or waste piping, traps, and valves.
- Installation of new plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, etc.
- Installation of floor drains where none existed.
- Installing water appliances like washing machines and water softeners.
- Water heater installation or replacement
- Relocating, replacing, or installation of a dishwasher
- Installation of a new lawn sprinkler system.
- Installation and repair of underground plumbing lines and sewer lines.
Under certain circumstances, you do not need a permit for plumbing work in West Covina. If your plumbing project involves any of the following, you don’t have to worry about the extra hassle or expense of getting a permit:
- Removing and replacing plumbing fixtures to the exact location. This gives you a chance to repipe fixtures such as sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, washing machines, and water softeners to stop leaks or upgrade the system. If, however, anything has to be moved or otherwise altered, it’s considered a new plumbing installation, and you’ll need to get that permit after all.
- Regular plumbing maintenance services like repairing leaks and clearing clogs don’t require a permit as long as you’re not replacing any valves, pipes, traps, or other components. Again, any alterations to the setup of the pipes are considered a new project, and a permit will be necessary to continue.