Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

Ways of Improving Your Rancho Santa Margarita Kitchen Plumbing

Monday, August 12th, 2013

Your kitchen is one of the most used and important rooms in your home. Whether you’re cooking or cleaning your kitchen’s plumbing system gets a ton of use as well. Homeowners are always looking for ways to improve their comfort and we often get asked about what ways people can improve the functioning of their kitchen’s plumbing. We thought it would be good to put together a few things that you can do to improve the operation of your kitchen plumbing.

Give us a call here at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. if you need Rancho Santa Margarita kitchen plumbing or if you have any questions for our expert plumbers.

Rancho Santa Margarita Kitchen Plumbing Upgrades

Here are some of the things that homeowners can do to keep their kitchen plumbing system working well.

  • Get regular cleaning – Probably one of the best ways that you can keep your plumbing system working well is to get it regularly inspected and maintained. Usually, kitchen plumbing issues like clogs and leaks develop slowly over time. Getting regular maintenance visits will allow your plumber to find those problems and fix them before they actually turn into full-blown repairs.
  • Get professional installation – Another important thing for homeowners to do is to make sure that their plumbing system gets installed by a professional plumber. Poor installation is one of the most common causes of plumbing issues that we see. If you’re remodeling your kitchen or building a new kitchen make sure that you get the plumbing system installed by a trained plumber.
  • Protect your plumbing – Many people assume that because their kitchen’s drain has a garbage disposal that they can put whatever they want down it. However, this is usually not the case. Things like melted fat, fruit pits, animals bones, starchy foods and stringy foods (celery) shouldn’t be put down your garbage disposal as they can cause issues in your drain.

Whenever you need any kind of Rancho Santa Margarita kitchen plumbing installation, repair or maintenance the experts at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. are here to help.

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Drain Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts for your Lake Forest Home

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Do you take care of your drains? We often think of our plumbing system as giving us pressurized water throughout the various appliances, fixtures, and faucets, but the other half is equally important. Our wastewater needs somewhere to go. Drainpipes, the sewer line, and your septic tank need to be routinely maintained just like any other part of your home that you want to perform well. But drain cleaning is not something that should be undertaken by just anyone. Only a professional plumber has the training, equipment, and know-how to ensure that your drains are cleaned thoroughly and safely. Amateur, DIY plumbing is not advised. You could end up causing more harm than good.

Call Saddleback Plumbing today for excellent drain cleaning services throughout the Lake Forest CA area.

  • Do. Make sure you hire a professional plumber for drain cleaning. When you call a certified plumber, you know that you’re dealing with an experience professional who knows exactly how to approach your drain cleaning need. Whether you have a partial blockage, slow drain, or simply want to stay ahead of any problems with a preventive plumbing solution, we can help. While plungers and augers are popular tools used to dislodge clogs, nothing beats hydro-jetting. This powerful method ensures that the interior of your drainpipe is cleaned thoroughly by utilizing the blasting power of a special compressor, and the range of a 360° swivel-head nozzle.
  • Don’t. Your drains are not invincible, and you cannot expect them to last long if you are indiscriminate about what goes down them. There are numerous clog removal products available at your local grocery store, and while it is tempting to allow a harsh chemical to do the work, it is not advisable. Putting harsh chemicals down your drains can lead to serious issues with your drainpipes. Attempting to use an auger in your home can also lead to pipe damage—not all augers are alike, so make sure that you hire a pro for any drain cleaning service.

The results of our Lake Forest CA drain cleaning speak for themselves.

Call Saddleback Plumbing today to learn more about how we can improve your home’s plumbing.

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What Type of Water Treatment System is Best for Me?

Monday, June 24th, 2013

We have the benefit of many modern luxuries in our homes these days, such as natural gas piped directly into the building for instant access and electricity. Running water, though, may just be the one luxury that has the biggest impact on our day to day lives. From brushing our teeth to doing the dishes and even making coffee in the morning, running water makes it all quick and convenient. If you are concerned about the quality of the water that comes into your home though, you may not be so enthused about the luxury. With the right water treatment system from the Irvine plumbing experts at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc., you can enjoy the great water quality that you deserve in your house.

A lot of people use point of use water filters to improve the quality of their tap water for drinking. Taking a whole home approach to water filtration, however, is a much more effective method. Of course, the type of filtration method will vary depending on the types of contaminants that you are concerned about.

From hard water problems to unwanted chemicals or bacteria, Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. has the right water treatment system for your Irvine home.

Specialty cartridges are also a great way to improve water quality in your home, and are used to target specific problems. While a water softener will help to eliminate a variety of different minerals and sediments that can lead to hard water, specialty cartridges offer a much more focused approach. Because of this, it is necessary to have your water tested to determine exactly what problems you are facing.

Finally, a reverse osmosis system is a very effective, if somewhat costly, water treatment option. Water is passed through two different liquids which are separated by a film that will only allow water molecules through. Note it is necessary to have these filters changed regularly by a qualified professional to maintain the effectiveness of such systems though.

To learn more about water treatment systems for your Irvine home, call the professional Irvine plumbers at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc.

We have the information you need to make an informed decision about how best to improve the w ter quality in your Irvine home. Contact us today to learn more.

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What is an Earthquake Emergency Gas Shut-Off Valve?

Monday, June 17th, 2013

California is a great place to live, but sometimes we get some pretty serious earthquakes. Earthquakes can sometimes be so powerful that they actually crack the gas lines coming into your home. If this happens, then fuel may start to leak into or around your home. Downed power lines or other sources of electricity and fire can cause the fuel to ignite, which would obviously pose a huge threat to your safety. A great way to potentially protect yourself from this danger is to get an earthquake emergency shut-off valve for your home’s gas line. We know that many homeowners may not even be aware of these components so we put together a quick explanation of how they work and why they’re so important.

The Irvine plumbing professionals at Saddleback Plumbing offer complete installation, repair and maintenance services for earthquake emergency gas shut-off valves.

Earthquake Emergency Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation

The installation process for an earthquake emergency shutoff valve should always be handled by a professional Irvine plumbing contractor. The project needs to be coordinated with your local gas company because the gas will need to be turned off in order to complete the installation. The Irvine plumbing professionals at Saddleback Plumbing have years of experience installing these kinds of components.

How Earthquake Emergency Shut-Off Valves Work

When you have an earthquake emergency shutoff valve installed at your home, you can rest assured that when an earthquake hits, your home will be protected from gas leaks. When your shutoff valve senses the seismic activity of the earthquake, it quickly closes its valve and stops the flow of gas into your home. If the gas lines in your home are damaged, there won’t be any gas flowing through them that would put your home or family in danger. The Irvine plumbing experts at Saddleback Plumbing can help you find and install a good shutoff valve for your home.

For all your Irvine plumbing needs, just contact the expert plumbers at Saddleback Plumbing. 

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Plumbing FAQ 5 : Tank or Tankless Water Heater?

Friday, May 24th, 2013

Are you satisfied with how much hot water you have at your disposal? Are you in the market for a water heater for your new home build? Today, homeowners can enjoy a wide range of brands, sizes, and types of water heaters. People often want to know whether tank or tankless water heaters are superior. Answering this question depends on your hot water needs, your home, as well as your budget. The decision is not as straightforward as it may seem. In today’s post, we’d like to review this FAQ: what are the differences between tank and tankless water heaters? Above all, you need to make sure your new water heater receives professional installation by a qualified plumber. Call Saddleback Plumbing for all of your Irvine plumbing needs.

Let’s break down the question by taking into consideration three factors: energy efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

  • Energy efficiency. A tank water heater operates by heating a large tank of water to a certain temperature and keeping it there until it is used. A tankless water heater operates according to an on-demand principle. It does not keep an entire tank of hot water ready for use because it is able to quickly and efficiently heat water as you need it. Therefore, there is less standby energy loss associated with tankless systems, and they may save you energy in the long term.
  • Performance. You need your water heater to perform. As long as it’s properly sized, it should do a fairly good job of meeting your hot water needs. If you have a tank model, you can depend on a large amount of water waiting to be used, but also to be used up. At a certain point, there may not be enough hot water left to take another shower. Tankless models have a virtually endless supply of hot water, but they are often taxed when they need to supply multiple appliances constantly.
  • Cost-effectiveness. Generally speaking, tank water heaters are less expensive to purchase and to install than tankless models. While tankless models boast greater energy savings in the long term, their upfront cost is typically more than tank storage models.

We hope this brief guide helps you make a better informed descision, but remember that only consultation from a professional plumber can ultimately match a water heater to your hot water needs. Call Saddleback Plumbing today for comprehensive Irvine plumbing services!

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Plumbing Tip: The Importance of Drain and Sewer Jetting

Monday, May 6th, 2013

The professional Irvine, CA plumbers at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. have performed a lot of plumbing services over the years. In many cases, the repair services that we found ourselves completing could have been avoided. Many homeowners fail to realize how serious seemingly minor problems, such as drain clogs, can actually wind up being. If you have any issues with clogged or slow moving drain and sewer lines, call Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. right away. You need the quality plumbing services that only a skilled professional Irvine CA plumber can provide. When it comes to plumbing in Irvine, CA, we’re the company to call.

When a drain is backed up or a sewer is moving slowly, it is the first instinct of many homeowners to reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. This may work decently enough to let some water pass through the drain or sewer, but it is far from a comprehensive solution. There is simply no way for you to know for sure that the clog has been cleared completely. If even a small piece of the clog is left behind, you may find that it has built back up again before long. By using our drain and sewer jetting equipment, our Irvine, CA plumbers can ensure that your clog is resolved completely and effectively.

Clogs can cling to the sides of the pipes in your drain and sewer system. This means that you can wash away the bottom of a clog with harsh chemicals, but the parts that are left will accumulate new debris quickly, reforming the clog. By using highly pressurized water to obliterate the clog entirely, a professional Irvine, CA plumber on our team can ensure that the job is completed properly. Plus, this equipment is much easier on your pipes than harsh chemical cleaners, and better for the environment. Only water is used in the process.

If you would like to learn more about drain and sewer jetting, or if you are ready to schedule service, contact Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. today. We have the years of training and experience to handle any plumbing job you need completed. For outstanding plumbing in Irvine, CA, just give us a call.

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Plumbing Tip: How You Know You Need a New Water Heater

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

We rely heavily upon our water heaters throughout the year. We use them every day to keep ourselves, our laundry and dishes clean. Our lives would be much less pleasant and convenient without them. Because of the amount of wear and tear they endure, water heaters require regular maintenance as well as professional repairs, when necessary. But if your water heater becomes old, or needs frequent repairs, then you may have to consider replacement as an option. But, how do you know? We’ve compiled a few ways to tell that you need a new water heater in this post. However, there’s no substitute for professional, hands-on diagnosis. For comprehensive Irvine CA plumbing services, call Saddleback Plumbing today!

  • Old age. If your water heater is old, and doesn’t heat the water as well as it once did, then it might be a good time to consider replacement. It’s best to speak to your local plumber about your options because such assessments truly need to be made in person.
  • Brown water. If your hot water looks rusty or brown, then you may have a serious rust problem in your water heater. While tank storage water heaters are equipped with a sacrificial anode rod to keep the electrolysis deterioration at bay, when this fully erodes, the water within your tank can begin to oxidize your tank lining. This often requires replacement.
  • Frequent repairs. Today’s water heaters, both tank and tankless models, are much more energy efficient than those of made just a decade before. If you spend a lot of time repairing your water heater, then you may be bolstering an obsolete inefficient system. Make sure that you’re making the right investment in the future of your home comfort. It may make more financial sense to purchase a new water heater that will operate more efficiently and effectively than your old model.

Make sure you speak with your local plumber today about whether a water heater replacement is right for you. For comprehensive plumbing services, call Saddleback Plumbing today!

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Plumbing Tip 12: What To Do In A Plumbing Emergency

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

We hardly think about the amount of water that travels through our home plumbing system until a pipe bursts, washing machine overflows, or the sewer main collapses. When such events happen, you need to ensure that you know exactly what to do. We’ve devised a brief guide of several things to keep in mind during a plumbing emergency. That said, different plumbing emergencies require different protocols, so it’s best to talk to your local Tustin, CA plumber about any concerns you might have. For excellent Tustin, CA plumbing services, call Saddleback Plumbing today!

  • Turn off the main water valve. Make sure you and other family members know where the main water valve is, so that in the event a pipe bursts or there is a major water leak, you or someone in the home can shut off the flow of water before it can cause any significant lasting damage.
  • Turn off your water heater. If you’ve shut off the water supply, then also make sure to shut off your water heater. Without a steady supply of water going into your heater, it can quickly overheat and raise the temperature of the water to potentially dangerous levels. Know where your circuit breaker to the water heater is and shut it off there, as well as the gas supply valve, if your heater is not electric.
  • What’s the damage? If you have successfully stopped the flow of water, then take a look around at what’s happened. The more information you can tell your plumber over the phone, the more he’ll be prepared before he gets there.
  • Call a plumber. Make sure you have the number of a reputable local Tustin, CA plumber on hand so that if a plumbing emergency occurs in your home, you’ll know exactly who to call.
  • Don’t use the plumbing. If you have a backflow issue, stemming from a collapsed sewer line, then be sure that you wait until it is repaired before using the water, or else you could cross-contaminate your supply and wastewater systems.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with a Tustin CA plumbing expert, call Saddleback Plumbing today!

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Plumbing Tip 13: Sump Pump Maintenance

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Your sump pump is designed to prevent water flooding in your basement, and the ensuing damage that can result. It is installed in the lowest part of your basement, and connected to a drainage system that removes the water from the premises. Depending on whether you have an upright or submersible unit, the maintenance tasks will vary. But as with any system, routine maintenance is the best way to keep it in tiptop shape. Because your sump pump may only operate occasionally, when there is flooding or a large storm, maintenance is all the more important. Don’t take any risks with your water insurance device. For Tustin CA plumbing, call the experts at Saddleback Plumbing today!

Here are some typical sump pump maintenance duties.

  • Check the electrical power supply. Make sure that your unit is plugged in, and that if you have a battery backup system, the batteries are in working condition. In the event of a flood or serious storm, your power may also go out, and if you don’t have a backup generator, then your sump pump cannot work. Battery backup is a great feature.
  • Thoroughly inspect all aspects of the pump. Your technician will inspect all aspects of the sump pump in order to ensure that any parts are properly lubricated and free of debris.
  • Clean pump inlet screen. The pump inlet screen filters the water that the sump pump absorbs so that the mechanical components do not get clogged with debris, typically small rocks, or clumps of dirt.
  • Test it out. Throw a pail of water into your sump pump pit in order to see if it’s working properly. Because your sump does not run constantly like other appliances in the home, this will give it a bit of practice, and you can monitor it to judge the performance.
  • Clean out the pit. Make sure that the pit itself is clean and clear, so that in the event of a flood, your sump pump will be ready to perform.

For more information about improving your sump pump, or to schedule a Tustin, CA plumbing service, contact Saddleback Plumbing today!

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Plumbing Repair Tip 14: When Should I Call a Plumber?

Monday, April 1st, 2013

When you need the services of a professional Laguna Hills plumbing repair technician, call the professional plumbers on the Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning team. A fully certified, extensively trained plumber from our staff will be able to handle any plumbing repair that you may need. Of course, before this can happen you actually need to contact us to schedule plumbing repair service. A lot of homeowners make the mistake of putting off plumbing repair services too long because they think that a problem is too minor. Even the smallest problems can cause big headaches if given the chance, though. Here are some tips about when to schedule plumbing repair in Laguna Hills, CA.

If your toilet frequently backs up, takes a long time to drain or flushes weakly then you should call a professional Laguna Hills plumber right away. A clog or backup in your sewer line, even if it is minor, can cause a lot of disruption in your home. For obvious reasons, a backed up or broken sewer line is not something that you will want to deal with. Let a professional plumber inspect and clear out your sewer line if it is not draining properly.

Another sure indicator that you need to call a plumber right away is the presence of water anywhere in or around your home where it should not be. You may think a slow or small leak is not a big deal, but this could not be further from the truth. Even the smallest leaks lead to wasteful use of water, and this in turn leads to increased water costs. Not only that, but a leak in one spot of your plumbing may suggest other leaks that have not been discovered yet. You should have your plumbing inspected immediately.

As a general rule, if you are toying with the idea of calling a professional plumber, chances are you should. It is easy to talk yourself out of doing so, of course, but you just may find yourself wishing that you hadn’t before too much time passes. Call Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning the moment you suspect you may be in need of Laguna Hills plumbing repair service.

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