Like everything else in your home, your pipes have a cap on how long they’ll remain functional. It can be difficult to figure out exactly what that lifespan is, especially because a lot of your home’s plumbing is hidden. Here at Hansen’s plumbing made this guide to help you determine which pipes to replace right away and which ones you can put off for at least a few years to save on your Fillmore Plumbing repairs.

Repairs Right Away

There are some materials that were used to construct pipes at one time or another that we now understand are either extremely dangerous or are prone to breakage. These pipe materials include:

Lead
Lead was one of the first materials used in plumbing in part because of its stability and its malleability. We now know that it is an incredibly toxic material that can lead to poisoning and even death. The Romans knew this well, as they were one of the main players in the creation of modern plumbing. Ancient Romans suffered from lead poisoning quite often. Due to the lead contamination in their water, and the lead plates and glasses they used. So, Lead was banned from being used in the transportation of drinking water and other uses as well.

Polybutylene
Polybutylene pipes were used extensively from 1978 until 1995 because of the low cost of materials and installation. They were even viewed as the “pipe of the future” and were looked as a replacement for copper pipes. Unfortunately, what homeowners didn’t know at the time was that polybutylene is an incredibly brittle type of plastic. That is prone to breaking or shattering which could cause water damage in your home needing Fillmore plumbing repairs.

Future Plumbing Repairs

Aside from lead and polybutylene pipes, most other materials should last a long time in your home, and without major issues. For a breakdown of the lifetimes for each material, see below:

Copper – 70-80 years

Brass – 80-100 years

Galvanized Steel – 80-100 years

Cast Iron – 80-100 years

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – 25-40

Plumber repairing metallic water pipes with manometer

If you think the pipes in your home are reaching the end of their lifetimes, then don’t hesitate to contact Hansen’s Plumbing for a consultation. We’ll help you with Fillmore plumbing repairs or if it’s time for a full repiping of your home’s plumbing. Call Hansen’s Plumbing today or visit our website to learn more about how we can help make your plumbing more efficient in Fillmore!

Between preparing meals, managing your staff, and running your restaurant, the last thing you need is to unclog restaurant drains. Whether you regularly pump your kitchen grease traps on a monthly basis or a couple months apart, problems may occur. The pipes going into your grease traps may be filling up with grease without warning. After a period of time grease in sink pipes can cause untimely backup problems. With knowledge and help from Hansen’s Plumbing, an effective plan and preparation, grease line backups can be avoided and unclogged.

Signs Your Restaurant Grease Lines Need to be Cleaned

Grease buildup in pipes is a particular challenge for restaurants. Pipes that use a lot of grease during their cooking process and who also have busy traffic throughout the day. Depending on those factors in addition to the frequency of maintaining drains all comes into play. The likelihood of a backup due to grease is common. If you’ve noticed slow drainage in your floor drains, sink drains, and even dishwasher drain this can be a sign before a backup occurs. Back-ups are the number one sign that there has been a failure of some kind in your piping system. With the right maintenance and planning, back-ups like these can be prevented, thus avoiding having to unclog restaurant drains

How to Unclog Grease in Kitchen Drains

The process of unclogging or servicing a routine cleaning of grease removal from your kitchen’s pipes is through “jetting.” Jetting is similar to a pressure washer for your drains except with special heads that are specifically designed to unclog restaurant drains. For the best results to unclog restaurant drains or plan for a routine cleaning, call Hansen’s Plumbing to coordinate the cleaning of the kitchen drain lines with your existing pumping company. Once the grease trap is pumped and clean, the pipe specialist jets the kitchen grease lines and evacuates the waste back into the grease trap.  The pumping company then simply cleans the waste from the trap and your restaurant grease system is fully cleaned. Often these types of jobs can be done at night so that there are no disruptions to business operations during the day.

Unclog restaurant Drains

It’s easy to overlook grease to build up in your restaurant’s kitchen drains while running a fast paced restaurant. Unclog restaurant drains and regularly cleaning your kitchen grease lines can be obtainable with the right maintenance, planning, and scheduling. Avoid backup emergencies due to grease build-ups today by calling Hansen’s Plumbing in Ventura County.

When you finally decide it’s time to do a bathroom remodel, but don’t know where to start. The road to that perfect bathroom is not so straightforward, especially if you embark on it with little planning. There are numerous, yet equally important, factors to consider as you plan your bathroom remodel. With the proper due diligence, your new bathroom will feel every bit as sweet as what you just envisioned. Hansen’s Plumbing is here to help you every step of the way.

Here are a few things to consider before begin your bathroom remodel:

Hash Out Your Bathroom Issues

If you’re looking to improve your home, bathroom remodeling is a great place to start. However, the sake of your wallet and schedule, it’s important to determine what you want. If your plumbing is still performing well but your tub’s acrylic is cracking, there are cheaper solutions. Fitting it with a tub liner will address your issue without having to commit to a full-scale remodel. Conversely, a pristine tub means nothing if the water filling it is yellowed from rusting, depreciated pipes. In that instance, wholesale bathroom remodeling may be in order.

Consider the Needs of Others

The best advice can be applied to virtually every aspect of life. If you’re not the only one using your bathroom, it’s important to gauge your family’s visions of the perfect bathroom. If you have elderly or handicapped family members living with you, take their needs into account. Discuss what kinds of safety or accessibility features they might require.

Determine Your Exact Budget

You may not know how much your bathroom remodeler will charge, you should know how much you’re willing to spend. and, even further, how much wiggle room you have to cover the cost of the unexpected – a harsh reality when you remodel your bathroom. Take your time zeroing in on that rock-solid figure, subtract labor costs once you have a good idea what they’ll be from your initial consultation, and use the remainder to prioritize which aspects of your bathroom need the most attention.

Scheduling and Sequencing

When you’re creating your project schedule, account for more than just installation time. You’ll also have to concede time for less-obvious tasks like purchasing, shipping, and custom fixture construction. Also, tackle your remodeling tasks in a logical order. If you plan on ripping out your walls and plumbing, take a step back. Wait to install your replacement tub until the end to avoid any undue damage from tools or debris.

Take Exact Measurements

This part certainly doesn’t make bathroom remodeling fun, but not doing it will make your project even less rewarding, at least as it unfolds. Measure the dimensions of your bathroom and fixtures and have them at the ready during your consultation. It’s also important to know where your plumbing and electrical wiring are oriented, especially if you’re opting for the D.I.Y. approach.

Bathroom Remodel

For many, the bathroom is a personal sanctuary to decompress from daily stresses, so it makes sense if you believe you’re the best one to remodel it. However, it’s important to remember that, whether you’re looking for a one-day bathtub replacement or a full-scale remodel, there are many details to consider and plan for. Executing a flawless D.I.Y. remodel is a personal triumph, for sure, but it’s rare to completely avoid any and all setbacks.

Hiring professional and experienced contractors can greatly reduce the likelihood of setbacks, thus preserving your schedule and budget. To learn more about our bathroom remodel services, call or visit Hansen’s Plumbing to connect with one of our specialists in Ventura County.

Having a plumbing issue is the last thing anyone needs, especially in the summer season. Encountering Oxnard clogged drains before you head off to the beach or host a summer BBQ can put a damper on your summer plans. Hansen’s plumbing is here to take the stress out of Oxnard Clogged drains and get you back to enjoying your summer. Before you get stressed out by Oxnard Clogged drains, we’ve listed out some simple steps that can fix your plumbing issues.

Here’s how you can use a snake to fix your plumbing problems.
First let’s define what we mean by a “snake.” In the plumbing industry, a snake is also called a drain auger. This long, bendable metal coil can either be used manually or it comes in a power version.

Step 1

When faced with Oxnard clogged drains, your first offense is a good plunger. Creating a good vacuum and then forcing air into it with a plunger, is often all you need to do the trick. However, every once is a while tough Oxnard clogged drains won’t release with just a plunging action.

Step 2

This is where the plumber’s snake slithers in. The snake, which is usually about 1/4 inch think, is made to extend down into the drain to reach the root of the clog and push it forward. Plumbing experts at Hansen’s Plumbing, have special drain augers that are powerful enough to grapple with stubborn stuck Oxnard clogged drains. Homeowners can get their hands on plastic models that are capable of getting rid of difficult hair clogs, but aren’t strong enough to crack piping if used too forcefully. It’s important when using a plumbing snake to have a bucket on hand to collect the cause of the clog. It’s also advisable to wear protective goggles especially if you’ve already poured a chemical drain cleaner down the pipe.

Step 3

To use the snake, slowly feed the snake down into the drain and use the crank to move it deeper. As the snake meets the clog the rotation of the coil will help to break up the clog and also entangle it in the coil so you can pull it out with the snake.

Step 4

Detach the debris from the coil and run the faucet or flush the toilet to make sure the drain is completely clear.
If you’ve struggled to clear a clog, and your snake is coiled up hissing in the corner, it’s time to call Hansen’s Plumbing. Sometimes a homeowner can do more damage to their plumbing by underestimating a clog or forcing a clog deeper into the drain.
Our Len The Plumber experts have professional-grade augers that can powerfully clear a clog that a common snake won’t touch.
Occasionally, a clog comes with some pipe issues that require advanced tools. If that is happening at your home, you need the expertise and experience of a company who has the advanced tools to diagnose the problem and get the job done. The Len The Plumber team can accurately diagnose your plumbing problem with a video pipe inspection. Call Hansen’s Plumbing for all your plumbing needs in Oxnard.

Summer is almost everyone’s favorite season, and about that time for plumbing pipe service. People go on vacation, kids are home from school, and there’s something to do every weekend. Everyone can’t help but feel good from all the vitamin D they’re soaking up. Among all the other things that happen during the summer, there are also changes to your plumbing ecosystem happening every year. Warm months can be hard on your plumbing. The heat and activity put your pipes and fixtures under new and varied strains. The best way to handle these new strains are to be prepared for them with a plumbing pipe service. Check out the most common summer plumbing issues and how to address them.

More people in your home leads to more stress on your plumbing system.During the summer, there are more people at home all at once. Kids are out of school and home more often, and usually less cognizant of plumbing best practices than adults. Pay closer attention to common plumbing problems like clogged drains, garbage disposal best practices, and the like. This attention can help you keep small problems from getting big in the face of increased summer foot traffic.Having a plumbing pipe service will prevent many problems from occuring.

Outdoor plumbing fixtures commonly develop rust, cracks, and leaks during off months. It’s high time you check on your outdoor plumbing fixtures. This includes looking at outdoor faucets for cracks and leaks, your gutters for back-ups, and sprinklers. Sprinklers especially. If you water your lawn or have kids at home, your sprinkler is likely a close friend during the summer. They can cause a lot of waste if they’ve developed unnoticed cracks or leaks during the cold months. Fix them with a plumbing pipe service early in the season so you can enjoy them without upping your water bill later on.

Plumber tools and pvc plastic tubes on the bowl in bathroom. Plumbing repair service. 3d illustration

Gas or sewer line disturbances due to summer planting. June, July, and August are an ideal season for gardening. Whether you’re planting tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, or squash – you have to pay attention to where it’s going. Gas and sewer lines are frequently located in your yard. Know where they are before you dig and make sure you’re not about to cut into any pipes with your shovel.
No matter the time of year, day of the week, or hour of the day, Hansen’s Plumbing has your back. Call us when you need help protecting your home’s plumbing in the summer, or any other time of year in California.

Since bathrooms receive more daily use than other areas in your house, it makes sense that they would occasionally need shower repair. Thankfully, a plumbing contractor can help you find the cause of a leaky shower so you can save money in the long run. Continue reading to learn the 3 signs you need bathroom shower repair. For more information, call Hansen’s Plumbing today.

Clogged Shower Drain

Does your bathroom sink drain slowly? A clogged sink can make water drain slowly so it appears to be standing. Most of the time, a clogged sink drain can be fixed with a pipe snake or drain cleaner. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to call Hansen’s Plumbing as soon as possible. A break in the pipe could be stopping water from draining properly.

When you own a house, it’s important that you fix plumbing problems as soon as possible. A clogged shower drain is more than just an inconvenience—it can also leave a bad impression on friends, family, and other guests.

Dripping Shower

A dripping shower can cost you money in the long run if it isn’t repaired by a plumber. While a leaky shower may not seem like a high priority, each drop of wasted water accumulates over time. The sooner you schedule leaky shower repair, the less water you’ll waste.

Sometimes a dripping shower can be a sign of a larger problem. If this is the case, don’t wait until you need an emergency plumber to call. Unresolved plumbing problems can lead to water damage and mold if not fixed as soon as possible. For example, a dripping shower could be a sign of high water pressure, which adds stress to your entire home’s plumbing system.

Low Water Pressure

Turn on you shower and watch how much water freely flows. If only a trickle of water is able to escape, you most likely have low water pressure. Low water pressure not only makes it difficult to use the shower in your house, but can be a sign of clogged pipes. A pipe bursting can also lead to low water pressure, as well as water damage.

If you suspect your home has clogged pipes, you’ll need to contact local plumbers as soon as possible. A contractor with experience in home plumbing will be able to find the cause of low water pressure so you can avoid expensive repairs.

Contrary to popular belief, high water pressure isn’t preferable to low water pressure. High water pressure adds stress to your house’s plumbing and can decrease the lifespan of dishwashers and other appliances. Signs of high water pressure include leaky showers, banging pipes, and running toilets.

Call Hansen’s Plumbing for a free estimate in California.

When remodeling a bathroom, you’ll need a plumbing contractor to do the jobs you can’t do on your own. If you only have one bathroom in your house, adding a second bathroom is a worthwhile investment. Prospective buyers want a house that will accommodate them and their families. As a result, they may pass on your house if there’s only one bathroom for more than three bedrooms. A new bathroom increases the value of your home and helps it stand out among the competition. Even small bathroom renovations can add value to your home. Keep reading to learn our bathroom plumbing tips for remodeling.

Upgrade to a Full Bath

Each home should have at least one full bath. A full bath features a sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub. If you don’t already have a full bath, making the upgrade can increase the value of your home and make it easier to attract prospective buyers. During bathroom renovations, a plumbing contractor will be able to transform a half bath (sink and toilet) or 3/4 bath (sink, toilet, and shower) into a full bath that looks and feels luxurious. A bath remodel adds value to your home and your life.

Add a Second Bathroom

If you are adding an extra bathroom to your home simply to add value, you’ll want to create a full or three-quarter bathroom. According to TheNest.com, adding a bathroom with a luxury shower or tub can increase the resale value of your home by about 20%. In comparison, a half bath only increases your home’s value by an average of 10.5%. In other words, the bigger the bathroom, the better your return on investment.

If you don’t have enough space for a full or three-quarter bath, you can still add some value to your home through a half bath. Prospective homebuyers with families can definitely appreciate an extra bathroom. If you plan on staying in your home, a small bathroom remodel can give you just as many benefits if it is tailored to your lifestyle. For example, a shower remodel is useful if you don’t have the time to draw a bath.

Use Space Efficiently with plumbing Contractor

If you have a small bathroom, you’ll want to use the space as efficiently as possible. This might mean installing a sink in the corner or getting rid of an extra vanity sink to make room for more countertop space. A plumber can help you make the best use of the space you have in your bathroom so it’ll feel more spacious and luxurious.

Respect Time Frames: Ask a Contractor

Does the bathroom need to be completed by a certain date? This can be the case if you plan on having another family member living under your roof soon or you need to move by a certain date. If you are under a time crunch, you’ll need to talk with a plumbing contractor about what is going to be feasible to complete within your timeframe.

Hire a plumbing contractor Experienced in Bathroom Remodeling

Hire a plumbing contractor for the stuff you can’t DIY. For example, painting your bathroom is something that can easily be done, unlike new shower installation. Use your best judgment and remember that a plumbing contractor will be able to do the job efficiently with professional results. Call Hansen’s Plumbing today for a free estimate in California.

Early plumbing leak detection needs to be a priority in California, for both home and business owners. Water pipes succumb to leaks for several reasons, primarily from corrosion.

Hansen’s Plumbing Leak Detection Specialist will preform a Non-Invasive leak detection assesment. Water dripping behind walls, under floors, and a lot of other places most people don’t notice, until significant damage is done. The longer they are allowed to continue, the damage is done.

Beside the high repair costs and water loss, there are also health risks associated with a water leak. Harmful mold and mildew, along with contaminants which can make the water harmful to consume.

Early Water Leak Detection

Keep an eye on your water bill. If it is higher than normal it can mean you have a leak. Test your water meter by turning all water and water using appliances off. Check the reading on the water meter. Check back in about 20 to 30 minutes. The meter should have the same reading and should not be showing a consumption.

Listen for any sounds of water running when everything is turned off. If you can hear it, you may have a leak.

Warm areas on the floor is an indication of a slab leak. Check for any discoloration or stains on the walls or floors. Also, look for any unexplained mold or mildew. Or if you notice a musty odor inside your home.

Because plumbing pipes are mostly contained behind the scenes, finding them isn’t always easy. That’s why it is typically more economical to have the help of a Hansen’s Plumbing professional.

Save in the Long Run

Simple leaks can quickly turn into costly problems, often times we don’t notice the problem until it’s too late. It’s important to stay up to date and vigilant with your homes or business maintenance. Call Hansen’s Plumbing today for a free estimate in California.

Ventura Roto Rooter fixes Main Sewer Line Blockage

A Ventura roto rooter will fix any main sewer line blockage. Your sewer line is one of the most vital parts of your household plumbing – and if it becomes damaged or clogged, it could wreak unwelcome issues on your property. Offset or damaged pipes could cost a lot to repair or replace. The sooner you detect a sewer line breakage or clog, the more likely it is you’ll be able to fix it with a Ventura roto rooter. Damage tends to worsen over time.

Watch out for these warning signs that your sewer line might be blocked:

SLOW DRAINING SINKS AND BATHTUBS
When you have a sewer line problem, your sinks, toilets and even bathtub might drain slowly or not at all. Multiple fixtures may be affected by this problem. For instance, if you run the washing machine and the toilet overflows or the laundry room sink backs up, that’s a definite sign of a blockage somewhere in the drainpipes – after all, the water has to go somewhere.

In addition, if you hear gurgling sounds when you flush that could be a sign of a blockage in the drain system. In fact, these noises may be an indication that tree roots are to blame for your blockage; root systems are one of the biggest culprits of main sewer line issues. So if you have a large tree near your sewer line, its roots could be the problem. This is particularly true if you have an older sewer made of clay or concrete because roots can work their way inside the pipe via the pipe joints. Tiny feeder roots find their way inside seeking moisture. Once inside, they will grow larger, acting like a net to catch toilet paper and waste until a clog forms and a Ventura roto rooter is needed.

CONSTANT NEED TO PLUNGE
If it seems you’re experiencing more toilet clogs than you used to, that’s an indication that the real clog problem might be farther downstream in your drainage system. The same is true with your kitchen sink. Is it clogging or running slowly more often than it used to? The fact is that if you have more than one slow drain in your house, or multiple slow drains, that’s the best indicator that the source of the problem is a clogged sewer. At this point you will need a Ventura roto rooter.

GET SOME HELP
A sewer clog cannot be treated with a plunger or with over-the-counter chemicals. To clear the sewer line of roots and debris, a professional cleaning is required with a heavy-duty Ventura roto rooter machine. These electric drain and sewer cleaning machines have a strong, stiff steel cable with a sharp blade on its tip. The cable spins as it travels through the sewer pipe so it cuts away obstructions. It will even shave roots right down to the pipe walls to restore full flow in your sewer pipe. If the Roto-Rooter machine can’t get through the pipe, your service technician can request a video camera inspection of the sewer pipeline to ascertain where the blockage is and its cause. A trained eye will then be able to recommend repair options to the homeowner.

When the evidence suggests that your main sewer line is clogged and you’ll need a Ventura roto rooter, you should get in touch with Hansen’s Plumbing who can sort it out for you. Call Hansen’s Plumbing today for more information.

Professional Plumbers Tips For Simple Plumbing Clogs, a Snake is a Charm!

Here’s how you can use a snake to fix your plumbing problems. First let’s define what we mean by a “snake.” To professional plumbers, a snake is also called a drain auger. This long, bendable metal coil can either be used manually or it comes in a power version.

Plumbers Tip: Step 1

When faced with a clogged drain, your first offense is a good plunger. Creating a good vacuum and then forcing air into it with a plunger, is often all you need to do the trick. However, every once is a while a tough clog won’t release with just a plunging action.

Professional Tip: Step 2

This is where the professional plumbers snake slithers in. The snake, which is usually about 1/4 inch think, is made to extend down into the drain to reach the root of the clog and push it forward. Plumbing experts like our Len The Plumber professionals, have special drain augers that are powerful enough to grapple with stubborn stuck clogs.

Homeowners can get their hands on plastic models that are capable of getting rid of difficult hair clogs, but aren’t strong enough to crack piping if used too forcefully. It’s important when using a plumbing snake to have a bucket on hand to collect the cause of the clog. It’s also advisable to wear protective goggles especially if you’ve already poured a chemical drain cleaner down the pipe.

Plumbers Tip: Step 3

To use the snake, slowly feed the snake down into the drain and use the crank to move it deeper. As the snake meets the clog the rotation of the coil will help to break up the clog and also entangle it in the coil so you can pull it out with the snake.

Professional Plumbers Tip: Step 4

Detach the debris from the coil and run the faucet or flush the toilet to make sure the drain is completely clear.

If you’ve struggled to clear a clog, and your snake is coiled up hissing in the corner, it’s time to call in professional plumbers. Sometimes a homeowner can do more damage to their plumbing by underestimating a clog or forcing a clog deeper into the drain.

The experts at Hansen’s Plumbing have professional-grade augers that can powerfully clear a clog that a common snake won’t touch.

Occasionally, a clog comes with some pipe issues that require advanced tools. If that is happening at your home, you need the expertise and experience of professional plumbers who have the advanced tools to diagnose the problem and get the job done. The Len The Plumber team can accurately diagnose your plumbing problem with a video pipe inspection. Call Hansen’s Plumbing for professional plumbers who will get the job done right in California.