AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Yorba Linda, CA

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Yorba Linda?

Known as the “Land of Gracious Living,” Yorba Linda has been recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the U.S. Homes in Yorba Linda are affected by plumbing problems that are common across the country, but there are some problems that are seen more often than others.

• Low Water Pressure: Yorba Linda’s water supply ranges from moderate to very hard. The hardness of your water is determined by the levels of specific minerals in your water; calcium, magnesium, and sodium. High levels of sodium indicate the water is softer, while high levels of calcium and magnesium indicate the water is harder. This can negatively affect your water pressure in the case of hard water. Calcium and magnesium, particularly when heated, harden and form mineral deposits that get stuck in your pipes, lowering your water pressure and contributing to clogs and slow drains.

Yorba Linda is also located along the San Andreas Fault, which is one of the most active faults globally, which means there are a higher number of earthquakes. Damage to pipes is very common after earthquakes, and some problems occur due to poor water supply after an earthquake. Additionally, clogged drains, problems with your water heater, and leaky faucets are common plumbing problems no matter where you live.

How Does the Water in Yorba Linda Affect Your Plumbing?

Most of Yorba Linda’s water supply comes from groundwater pumped from local wells, with the rest imported from the Colorado River and Northern California by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Water from the wells comes from a natural aquifer replenished by a combination of local rainfall, water from the Santa Ana River, and the Groundwater Replenishment System, managed by the Orange County Water District. According to the Yorba Linda Water District testing, both the groundwater supply and the water imported from the MWD are moderate to very hard. Hard water has higher levels of calcium and magnesium compared to higher levels of sodium in soft water. Hard water can cause mineral deposits to form in your pipes, resulting in low water pressure.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Yorba Linda?

Plumbing repairs can rapidly get expensive, particularly if other problems are discovered during the repair or there was a delay in addressing the issues. On average, plumbing costs in Yorba Linda are between $110 and $804. Costs for any necessary inspections or permits will generally increase these prices. Sales tax on materials is another factor that will increase your costs, and this varies from area to area. Some other things can factor into how expensive your plumbing repairs will be.

Extent of the Problem

Like most projects, the more extensive it is, the more expensive it is. The more severe the problem is will also increase your costs, and if you initially attempted the plumbing repairs yourself and inadvertently caused more problems, your cost will likely increase. Additionally, a leaking or slow drain might appear simple at first, but in a home where the plumbing is in poor condition, damaged pipes and mold can be uncovered, which are more expensive to fix.

Materials

The most common, as well as the most inexpensive, type of plumbing is PVC pipes. Other pipes, such as copper, stainless steel, or ABS pipes, are generally more expensive, and, unless necessary, our plumbers try not to use them. Sales tax for materials, which is currently 7.75%, will also factor into your cost. A project where our plumbers use a fixed charge generally factors the cost of materials into the charge, and these are typically straightforward projects such as toilet installations.

Hourly Charge vs. Fixed Charge

There are two different ways to price plumbing repairs, and both methods have benefits. A fixed charge is a set price given to you before the start of the job. This is most commonly used for installation projects where the time and materials do not usually vary much. Knowing how much the job will cost, regardless of how long it takes, is the biggest benefit of this method. An hourly charge, also known as time and material, is a simple calculation based on how long the job takes and how much the materials cost. We will give you a reasonable estimate and update you during the project about any problems that might crop up. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Yorba Linda?

Yes! Most plumbing projects will have a higher initial cost, but most of the time, in the long run, timely and proactive plumbing projects will end up saving you money. Better plumbing can prevent more expensive future repairs and save you money there, but you will also see savings on your utility bill. A dripping faucet can end up costing you around $20 a year. That might not seem like a lot of money, but it does add up. And it also wastes water, over 3,600 gallons a year, enough to fill an above-ground pool. Plus, since only 1% of the water on the planet is suitable for human consumption, it might seem like pouring money down the drain (pun intended). Plus, when is having an extra $20 in your bank account earning interest a bad thing? There are a few more ways that better plumbing saves you money.

• Having more efficient fixtures will conserve water and save you money on your utility bill. Additionally, the state of California offers rebates on energy-efficient washing machines as well as water heaters. The Yorba Linda Water District also has several water conservation rebate programs for both indoor and outdoor plumbing.
• Being proactive when it comes to your plumbing can also increase the value of your home. By promptly fixing leaks and slow drains, installing energy-efficient fixtures, as well as installing a dishwasher if you don’t already have one, you can significantly increase the value of your home, and there are often rebates you can take advantage of to decrease your property tax as well.

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Yorba Linda vs Hire a Plumber?

Oftentimes, most of your plumbing problems can be managed by our plumbers. However, there are some instances where you might need to call the utility company instead. It may be a problem that only the utility company can handle. Occasionally, it might be something our plumber is not able to do. If you are unsure about who to call, it is easy to have us come and check out the problem and let you know if you need to contact the utility company. Keep reading for some common issues where it might not be clear who to call.

If your house seems not to have any water, this is possibly an issue with the city water supply, which means you would need to call the utility company. Check with your neighbors first, though. If your neighbors are not having any problems, then it is likely a problem specific to your home, and it would be better to contact our experts instead.

According to the Yorba Linda Water District, they are responsible for leaks in the pipes on the “street side” of the meter, while homeowners are responsible for leaks in the pipes on the “customer side” of the meter. This means that a broken water main is the utility company’s responsibility, but leaks from pipes on your property are your responsibility. Our plumbers are a good first call to make if you suspect there is a break in your water line, and you do not know where the shut-off valve is, or if it does not work. However, depending on where the break is, you may ultimately need to contact your utility company.

If you notice a leak that seems to be coming from your neighbor’s home and they are not home, you need to call the utility company. You, or anyone else who does not work for the utility company, can not, legally, shut off someone else’s water. The utility company has to come out and determine if the water needs to be turned off. And if you think an adjustment to your bill needs to be made, this requires a call to the utility company.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Yorba Linda?

While it might seem like a good way to save time and money by fixing your plumbing without our professional plumbers, often the opposite is true, and you will end up spending more time and money and then still have to hire us. And for a lot of plumbing projects, you need a permit from the City of Yorba Linda. For repairs to existing appliances or other fixtures already in place, you do not need a permit, provided you do not need to replace or rearrange any pipes, fixtures, or valves. You also do not need a permit to repair or stop leaks or replace something that does not require water to operate, such as a toilet seat. Here are some situations where the City of Yorba Linda requires a permit.

• Adding or modifying a swimming pool
• Installing or modifying the plumbing  or piping system
• Installation, repairing or removing a well or a water softener system
• Adding or modifying any fixtures or drains
• Installing, repairing, or modifying a water heater
• Capping off pipes from fixtures that have previously been removed
• Installing a lawn sprinkler system or backflow prevention assemblies for lawn sprinkler systems 
• Installing a non-metallic (plastic or CVPC) plumbing system replaces a metallic (copper or galvanized steel) plumbing system. You also need to obtain an electrical permit in addition to a plumbing permit since you need to install a new grounding electrode in most cases.  
• Anything that involves sewer lines, sump pumps, or septic systems. A septic system cleaning does not require a permit, but it should always be done by a licensed professional.

For jobs that require a permit from the City of Yorba Linda, it is often easier to hire our plumbers. We know exactly which permits are needed and can obtain them for you quickly.