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.

At Hansen’s Plumbing, it is our job to care about Ventura drain service 365 days a year. But for most homeowners, the drains only seem to be a concern when things start to go awry. Some problems are big and some are small, but you can avoid major damage by educating yourself on the warning signs that usually signal drain service is ahead.

Slow Ventura Drainage Service

This is the most common red flag and it could mean any number of things. Some blockages are caused by hygiene products, hair or other foreign objects. But some are related to drain pipe problems and those are the ones you should be concerned about. If you start to hear a slight gurgling noise when you flush the toilet, this is not something you should ignore. This is your home telling you that either your main drain pipe or one of its branches is not working properly. While you might not listen to your spouse, these words from your drains are to be taken seriously.

Service Tree Roots

If you have a tree in your yard that has been there for awhile, it could be threatening your drain pipes line. If it penetrates the walls, it could mean expensive problems for you. This is why we suggest that all of our customers have regular video inspections of their drain pipes. This will help us solve problems like tree root damage before they get out of control.

Frequent Drain Use

If you have a family of 4 or 5, odds are you are using your drains and plumbing far more than a single person would. This means you have to do drain and plumbing maintenance more frequently than others. This includes pipe inspection, drain service and informing young children of what should and shouldn’t go down the drain.
You don’t have to go at it alone. The plumbing and drain service experts at Hansen’s Plumbing have been servicing the Ventura area for years. We have seen it all and we would love to help you minimize the impact of drain and plumbing related problems.We have the best Ventura drain service.

Plumbing pipe – new construction sprinkler system
** Note: Soft Focus at 100%, best at smaller sizes

To schedule drain service in Ventura, call (805) 647-0113 or visit Hansen’s Plumbing on the web!

Unclog Drains

If you’re fighting a clog inside your sink or bathtub, or you’re feeling crushed after failed efforts to unclog drains, it’s time to reach for the elbow grease and unleash your true drain cleaning potential. Hansen’s Plumbing is here to help.

Clogged drains are a common problem. Causes could range from food getting stuck in your garbage disposal to foreign objects in the drain or a build up of hair in the bathtub.
Whatever the source, use these tips to unclog drains:

Use Your Resources to unclog drains

A clogged drain can be remedied with the tools you have in your own home. Instead of throwing out that old metal hanger in your closet, try transforming it into a drain cleaning tool. Simply straighten the hanger and bend the tip into a hook so you can grab whatever is lodged in the drain.
If the old hanger trick is failing you, reach for the plunger. Yes, your plunger can be used in places other than your toilet. Be certain your sink or tub has a few inches of water inside, and plunge away. However, make sure the plunger has water inside and not air, as this will yield more success.
Still stuck? Now’s the time to find your wet/dry vacuum. But before you start, you might want to grab a few old towels or sheets to protect the floor and furniture around you — this could get messy. Create a tight seal and get to work.

Ditch the Harsh Chemicals

Don’t let harsh chemicals be your last resort as you attempt to clear your clogged drain. In fact, the chemicals could even be making the clog worse if they sit atop the clog. They also pose health risks to you and those around you. Especially if you’ve already dumped chemical drain cleaner down the drain, adding other liquids could cause dangerous reactions.
Instead, opt for natural alternatives, ask Hansen’s Plumbing about environmentally friendly drain cleaners.

Call the Experts

Perhaps the problem is worse than you thought. If you’re unsuccessful in your unclogging efforts, let the experts take the reins. Besides, if you’re not careful with your own efforts, you could end up damaging your pipes or actually make the problem worse.
Hansen’s Plumbing is ready to take on your challenge. Our punctual plumbers have the tools and expertise to unclog drains and get your home’s plumbing system working properly again. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give Hansen’s Plumbing a call for your plumbing needs in California.

Santa Paula Plumbing

Prevent Clogging

Plumbing problems are thangs that everyone wants to avoid and at certain times of the year we are more prone to issues more than others. The spring time presents some challenges for your plumbing in Santa Paula. Here at Hansen’s Plumbing, we have your best interest in mind and will help in every way that we can. The best way to avoid clogs is to put a stopper over your shower and sink drains. This will catch any potentially hazardous items before they make their way down your drain and start causing problems.

Upgrade Plumbing

Water pressure is great, but it can also put some unnecessary stress on your pipes. Adding a low-flow shower head or pressure reducer can decrease the risk of pipe bursts during spring time. This is a difficult time for your plumbing in Santa Paula, and these additions will help take a little bit of the load off.  

Clean Santa Paula Sewer Lines

You don’t want to deal with sewer or drain blockages in your plumbing during a rainstorm, so it might be a good idea to get ahead. If you have municipal sewers, you should have your line snaked once a year to avoid major problems down the road. If you have a septic system, this is a great time to call Hansen’s Plumbing to have your tank pumped. This time of year just works better for all of us!

At Hansen’s Plumbing we take pride in our ability to get the job done in a timely and affordable manner in Santa Paula. We can help with drain clogs, plumbing fixtures and septic tanks so you can get everything you need in one place. If you live in the Santa Paula area, let Empire help get you ready for the spring season!

When Do You Need to Change Your Water Heater?

A deteriorating water heater isn’t an issue until you take your first icy cold shower. Now comes the big question: repair or replace? How do you know if your water heater is just acting up or burned out for good? Take a look at a few tips below to determine when you need to call Hansen’s Plumbing.

Changing your water heater is definitely something you don’t want to wait too long to do, as costly water damage can occur. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your water heater needs to be replaced.

As a rule of thumb, water heaters should be changed every 6 to 12 years. After this point it can begin having issues and start deteriorating. To avoid costly water damage, be sure to observe the signs below so you will know when to call Hansen’s Plumbing to change out your water heater.

One of the most obvious signs is when you turn on your shower and the water doesn’t get warm. Cold water is the first sign that something is wrong. If it’s an old unit, most likely you need to change it out.

Most people assume their water heater is working fine until they experience cold water. Yet, age is not the only sign that it needs to be replaced. Your water heater could be older and still work perfectly fine. It’s important to pay attention to signs that your heater is deteriorating such as leaks and a rusty color.

If your hot water is a rusty color, this is a clear warning sign that your water heater is corroding and needs to be replaced. When your tank rusts, the rust gets into the water and turns it a dirty brownish color. Yet, this also could be an issue with the public water supply or corroding iron plumbing. To test this, simply turn on the cold water. If it is the same rusty color then, most likely it’s due to an external factor.

If your tank is leaking, it’s an obvious sign that it’s time to get your water heater replaced as soon as possible to avoid water damage. Because it is usually an internal issue, it is rarely fixable and is best to replace.

If it isn’t flushed once a year, sediment builds up inside and this will eventually result in irreversible damage. When it reaches the point where water won’t drain then it can’t be repaired and will need to be replaced.

Once a year, having the heater tank flushed to remove sediment will help it last longer. Another thing to check is the anode rod. This collects corrosive elements and should be checked about every three years and replaced if needed.

Call Hansen’s Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs in California.