Blog

The faucet is dripping in the kitchen sink. While the constant dripping is incredibly annoying, that’s not your only concern. The drip could be wasting gallons of water.

The US Department of the Interior calculates that just one faucet could cost over a 100 gallons of water a year if it drips once every 20 seconds. However, most drips occur more frequently and could easily double or triple that number. That’s a lot of water.

What Causes The Faucets To Drip?

In order for the water to escape, the faucet isn’t sealed off properly. While this can be many things, here’s just a few common causes:

Most kitchen faucets use rubber and plastic parts such as the washers and o-rings. These parts are great at sealing the water. However, they can become warped, cracked, hardened, or out of place causing the faucet not to seal off the water anymore. They may just need replaced to restore the seal on the water.

Many different broken parts on a sink could cause dripping. Broken or cracked pipes are more severe problems requiring immediate attention from a plumber. However, the problem is generally more simple. For instance, the handle or spout of the sink might be worn out and unable to seal. Even the valves the cut the water off can become corroded. It’s best to have a plumber check it out.

If the water pressure is too high, the water can actually begin to backup and cause problems. Generally, the faucet will only leak under certain conditions if the problem is water pressure.

If you’re constantly hearing that annoying drip in the faucet, it’s time to call out the professionals. At Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter Inc., we take care of our customers. Call us with any plumbing problem in West Los Angeles, CA at (310) 454-2010.

Your kitchen is the room that is used the most, so improving the look makes a lot of sense. While this is a great benefit of remodeling your kitchen, there are other benefits that make kitchen remodels an excellent investment. Below are the benefits of remodeling your kitchen space.

Increase Your Home’s Value

The home improvement project that is going to bring value to your home is a kitchen remodel project. It won’t just increase the value of your home, but when it comes time to resale, the kitchen is the one room that seals the deal.

Better Functionality

If you have a kitchen that doesn’t have enough storage or counter space, this can be a real bummer. Fortunately, with a kitchen remodel, you can make your kitchen a more functional space.

Improved Energy Efficiency

This isn’t the first thing that homeowners think of when considering a kitchen remodel, but updating their kitchen’s appliances can lower energy costs. Not only will you get newer and better appliances, you will also be saving money in the long run.

Eco-Friendly

In regards to the materials you use for flooring, cabinets, and countertops, and also the fixtures and appliances you choose, you can have a kitchen that is environmentally friendly. Feel good about your kitchen remodel by protecting the environment in the process.

If you are interested in a kitchen remodel for your West Los Angeles, CA Home, call Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter today at (310) 454-2010 to schedule an appointment.

We have all undoubtedly heard the debates concerning the new wave of smart appliances and gadgets for your home. One of these, the tankless water heater, claims to offer endless hot water without the danger of tank leaks. The producers and users of this product claim to have saved hundreds in energy costs as well as enjoying the benefit of having immediate hot water.

The Truth- Revealed

The hard-hitting truth about tankless water heaters, however, is that these people are right. Tankless water heaters can, in fact, offer immediate and endless hot water, energy cost savings, and even maintenance costs. So why doesn’t everyone have a tankless water heater? Typically, it’s because of one little word- expense. These systems are not cheap. The can cost about twice the price of traditional water heaters, but they can last longer, too. These systems don’t hold water so sediment buildup and damage is not an issue. However, coming up with the initial cost of the system can prove to be a challenge.

Benefits, Explained

The rumors that you have heard about tankless water heaters are true. These heaters can save substantial cost on energy bills because they don’t hold water that needs to be kept at a certain temperature. Therefore, this system only heats the water it’s pushing currently. As soon as you turn your hot water on, these systems heat it by running it through lines with heating elements. The water is heated and immediately pushed out for use. This means that there is always an endless supply of water and it can be heated immediately.

If your family can handle the substantial upfront cost of the tankless hot water heater, it can be a great investment for your home. If you would like to know more about how a tankless water heater works, or how it can save you money, call the professionals at Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter at (310) 454-2010 today.

Most modern homes with concrete foundations have plumbing encased within the slab. This occurs as a practical consideration, and because it’s easier as a component of construction. Unfortunately, this makes leaks difficult to detect and repair. A slab leak occurs when your foundation shifts enough to cause leaks in the contained pipes. Slab leaks can do a lot of damage if not addressed, so stay vigilant for these signs.

Pools of Water

Though this can seem obvious, homeowners who do not know about slab leaks may fail to make the connection. A puddle can get dismissed as an accident, especially when no pipes appear to leak within the house.

Hot Floors

If sections of your home’s floor suddenly feel hotter than others, a slab leak is the likely culprit. Your water heater sends hot water through the pipes in your slab. If one of these begins to leak, the water will heat the surrounding concrete, which in turn heats the floor of your home.

Cracked Floors

This appears as one of the more serious signs of a slab leak. If the leak has begun to crack your floors, then it has persisted for a good while. You need immediate detection and repair, else you will face an even more expensive problem.

Low water pressure and higher bills can also indicate a slab leak. If you have questions or think you have a slab leak in Los Angeles, CA, give Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter a call at (310) 454-2010. We’re the local experts for detection and repair of water leaks.

There are multiple small plumbing tasks that many people like to try to tackle on their own, whether it be to save money, to feel accomplished, or just out of boredom. However, there are some plumbing tasks that you should always call in a professional to take care of for your safety and the safety of your family.

Sewage backup in your tub or toilet

While this may seem like a simple case of drain opener, sewage backups in your tub or toilet are actually a pretty good sign of a sewer main backup. The location of your backup could be anywhere from your home to the street, and a professional will have the tools on hand that the job needs to be completed.

Low Water Pressure

Again, this seems like a harmless matter for most homeowners to fix in a weekend. However, low water pressure could be a sign of a serious problem- a water main break. If you notice a considerable and sudden drop in your water pressure, contact a professional to examine the issue immediately. Calling a professional could prevent further and much more serious damage.

Frozen Pipes

It’s important that you call for assistance as soon as you realize your pipes are frozen to prevent a pipe burst. The seals on plumbing pipes are more susceptible to cold than most of us realize, and waiting to call a repair technician can end up costing you exponentially more.

While many plumbing issues around your home are easily tackled by the average do-it-yourselfer, keep a vigil eye out for more serious underlying problems. When you think it’s time to call in a professional, call (310) 454-2010 for the professionals at Sunset West Plumbing, and get your repairs finished fast.

When you are looking for plumbing help in California, you have quite a few choices, with over 50,000 plumbers to choose from. To find a reputable plumbing contractor, there are several different factors you will want to take into consideration. Below, we have some useful tips designed to help you find the best plumber for your home!

Look For Experience And Quality

California has a strict set of plumbing codes and procedures, and it is vital that you find an experienced plumber that thoroughly understands these procedures. It is particularly important to keep in mind that plumbers are not required to have a license to work as a plumber in this state. Therefore, look for an experienced plumber, preferably with a license, that has a fully trained team of employees.

Make sure you know how long the company has been in business, and don’t be afraid to ask for references! Additionally, it is smart to look for plumbers that use newer technologies, such as hydro-jetting and sewer camera inspections. These procedures are less invasive and less expensive than older plumbing methods.

Thanks to the internet, you can also easily search for reviews online. However, be sure to look at reviews that can’t be changed by businesses. The BBB, Yelp, and Angie’s List are all great places to search for reviews. If you are looking for a qualified plumber that meets all of these requirements, and puts clients first, give us a call at (310) 454-2010 and get started today!

 

 

Our toilets are one of the most used plumbing systems we have in our homes. Because of this, it is important to have a toilet that is fully functioning. Like many plumbing systems in our home, there will be times when we need replacements. Knowing when you need a toilet replacement can save you stress and money in the long run. Here are five signs that your bathroom needs a toilet replacement.

Your Toilet Is Older

It doesn’t necessarily have to go with aesthetics, although that’s a reason some homeowners get a new toilet, older models of toilets are less efficient and can waste water and hike up water bills.

Constant Clogs

If your toilet is constantly clogging and needs frequent repairs, it is probably time for a toilet replacement. Toilet repairs could actually be costing you more than it would be to just replace the toilet altogether.

Your Toilet Leaks

Regular leaks is a good indicator that it is time for a new toilet. When your toilet bowl continues to leak on the floor, it can cause a lot of damage to the floor and any rooms underneath the bathroom. Not only do they cause damage but you are probably paying more in water bills.

The Toilet Is Wobbly

This could be a simple fix of just tightening up the bolts, but sometimes a wobbly toilet is a sign for a toilet replacement. This is because the floor is either damaged or your toilet is old.

Are you in need or a toilet replacement or repair in West Los Angeles, CA? Give our plumbers a call today at (310) 454-2010.

 

All of your home’s drains lead to the sewer line. A problem there can spell serious problems for several areas of your house, including the floors and foundation. Unfortunately, sewer lines get buried beneath the ground. Since you cannot easily check for a sewer leak, you should pay attention for a few telltale symptoms. If you live in west Los Angeles and notice any of the following indicators, call Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter today.

Sewer Leak Indicators

• Running Water: If you can hear water running through your pipes, even when all taps remain closed, if can indicate a need for sewer service.
• Unpleasant Odors: These can show up in a couple spots when a sewer line leaks. The smell of mildew inside the house can develop from water leakage in the walls. If you notice a sewage smell in your yard, then you’ve got an underground leak.
• Foundation Cracks: Leakage from your sewage line can make the ground beneath your home unstable. This can result in shifts to your foundation, along with accompanying cracks.
• Unusual Lawn Patches: As water and sewage leaks beneath your yard, it can cause odd growth patterns. You may notice dead patches, killed by an influx of bacteria; at the same time, you may see sunken, unusually lush areas.
• Influx of Pests: Insects and rodents will become attracted to the leaking sewer elements. If you notice a sudden uptick of these pests around your house, you may have a sewer-related issue.

These five signs serve as the usual indicators for problems in your sewer line. Though municipal property, the sewer line beneath your yard remains your responsibility to fix. If you suspect problems, don’t hesitate: call Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter today at (310) 454-2010.

 

It’s easy to forget about your water heater, as it is often tucked away in your garage or a closet. However, your water heater does need maintenance and repair just like any other appliance in your home. Eventually, it will need replacing, too, so keep an eye out for these signs that you need a new water heater.

Weird Noises

Do you hear a rumbling or popping sound from your water heater? Any other weird noises? Your water heater should operate with little to no sound, so unusual noises are a definite problem. This frequently indicates that the water in the tank is boiling or sediment is being burned off. Both are bad problems that may require repair or replacement. Check to make sure the thermostat is set properly before calling a plumber for help, and remember to use extreme caution around the hot water.

Rust-Colored Water

If you turn on the hot tap in your kitchen or bathroom and see a red or orange tinge to the water, it could be a sign of rust in the tank. Once this happens, you will need to replace your water heater. However, if you drain and inspect the tank and find no problems, you could have a rusted pipe. Consult a professional plumber if you ever see rust-colored water in your home!

Leaks

Once your water heater starts leaking, it is on its way out. While some leaks can be repaired, most stem from age and deterioration that requires replacement. Most tank-style water heaters last 8-12 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, keep an eye out for problems.

When you notice these signs that you need a new water heater in Los Angeles, CA, call Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter at (310) 454-2010 for professional repair and installation!