Author Archives: Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter

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!

Your bathroom should be more than just a place to shower and “do your business”. It may seem silly to spend money on your bathroom but there are very good reasons why you should consider a bathroom remodel.

Create a Soothing Space.

In an ideal world, we’d all be able to go on a vacation whenever we needed to, or at least take a personal day. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world and most of us don’t go on vacations regularly- but we can make a little personal oasis for ourselves. Remodeling your bathroom can turn your old bathroom into a beautiful, relaxing oasis. The average person spends up to a year and a half of their lives in the restroom- why not make that time better? Installing something as simple as a new shower head, or as advanced as a spa level bathtub can transform your daily bathing routine from mediocre to luxurious.

Add Value to Your Home.

In addition to making your own oasis, a bathroom remodel can add an amazing amount of value to your home. If you’re thinking of selling your home eventually then updating your bathroom can make a drastic difference in the asking price. Fixing defective pipes and fixtures is only part of the whole remodeling process. New fixtures and luxury additions like garden tubs and full body shower panels can turn your bathroom into a showpiece.

If you’re looking to add value to your home, or to create an in-home oasis through a quality bathroom remodel call Southwest Plumbing & Rooter at (310) 454-2010 today!

Keep your garbage disposal in top shape with these tips! While you might think that your garbage disposal can shred anything, this is not the case. Throw these items in the trash or compost instead to avoid the need for garbage disposal repairs.

Eggshells

It’s a common household myth that eggshells are okay to put down the disposal. In reality, eggshells can cause multiple problems. The slimy membrane will coat the garbage disposal blades, causing them to lose their sharpness. Meanwhile, the shell itself can only be ground into sand-like granules which can build up and clog your drain over time.

Oil and Grease

Like the eggshell membrane, oil and grease coat your garbage disposal blades and dull them. Grease also poses a clog threat, since it will harden into a solid mass in your cold pipes. Avoid a smelly, nasty clog and throw these items away instead.

Fruit Pits

If you’ve ever accidentally bit into a cherry pit, you know it’s hard as a rock. Even the most powerful garbage disposals will not be able to break apart pits from avocados, peaches, plums, and similar fruits. Do not try to grind them up or you could seriously damage your garbage disposal.

Extremely Fibrous Foods

While some very powerful garbage disposals may be able to break down tough, fibrous foods, it’s best to not risk it. Your disposal will have to work extremely hard to break down foods such as raw sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and similar veggies. Compost them instead!

Non-Food Items

Your disposal was designed to shred food into tiny pieces so it can pass easily through your pipes. However, small bits of non-food items can cause trouble in your pipes, even if they seem harmless. Plant clippings, twist ties, plastic bags, cat litter, soil, and other items should go in the trash.

If you need garbage disposal repair in West Los Angeles, CA, call Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter at (310) 454-2010 today!

‘Tis the season for lots of holiday parties! The last thing you want is to have one of your parties interrupted by plumbing problems. Here are some ways to prevent trouble so your holiday season go smoothly.

Have a trash can set up where it is clearly visible so your guests have a place to throw away any scraps of food, napkins, and plastic ware. If you are using plates and silverware, have a basket or storage container set out for dirty dishes to be placed in. This prevents food and eating utensils from being dumped into the sink where it could accidentally end up in the drain and caught in the disposal.

Kitchen waste disposals aren’t meant to break down large pieces of food, bone, or metal so items becoming trap in it while the motor is running could result in the disposal breaking. To help keep the disposal clear, run cold water in the sink before and after using it to rinse the sink and drain of debris.

When you cook with oil, you’ll want to drain it into either the trash or a small container to throw out after the oil solidifies. Draining the oil into the sink, even with hot water running, risks the change of oil solidifying in the pipeline. This can cause the pipe to clog and overflow.

If your kitchen drain needs a little help for the holidays, contact Sunset West Plumbing! Our plumbers can come out right away to take care of any leak, clog, or break in your plumbing. Contact us today at (310) 454-2010 for dependable plumbing services in Los Angeles, CA.

Whether you plan on staying in your home long-term or you may move soon, it’s a good idea to keep your home’s value in mind. If you’re looking into a renovation, our plumbing company has a few kitchen remodel ideas that will pay off when you sell your home.

Update Appliances

If your kitchen currently has mismatched or dated appliances, you may want to look into upgrading them. Buyers like to see homes with newer stainless-steel appliances since it makes the entire space feel newer. Another thing to keep in mind is efficiency. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances will end up saving you money while you live in the home, as well as down the line when you sell it.

Countertops

You don’t want to change the entire style of the home if you hope to add value. However, you also shouldn’t let the kitchen to be stuck in the past. If you want to upgrade the countertops, make sure to stay in line with your home’s style and color scheme. For example, a historic home with a modern kitchen may not sell as well as a historic home with an updated kitchen. Granite countertops are always a huge seller, but even quartz should increase your home’s value!

Upgrade the Sink and Faucet

Especially if your home is older and still has its original sink and faucet, chances are it may make your kitchen feel dated. Even just switching these out in favor of newer fixtures will upgrade the entire space. Plus, installing a garbage disposal if you don’t have one already is a great investment. A spray hose will also make for easier cleaning while you live in your home!

You can count on our plumbing experts to update the kitchen plumbing in your home. Call us at (310) 454-2010 for more kitchen remodel ideas in West Los Angeles, CA!

If you have a plumbing problem, it’s already stressful enough to make time for a plumber visit. To make matters worse, there are plumbing scams out there that will cost you more money in the long run. Below are a few indicators that the plumber you’re dealing with may be a scammer.

More Than One Plumber

Most simple plumbing jobs, like fixing sink leaks and unclogging drains, do not take more than one plumber. If more than one person shows up to fix your toilet, this is a cause for suspicion. Often, when two or more plumbers show up for the job, you’ll pay an hourly rate plus additional fees for the extra set of hands.

Upcharging in Nice Neighborhoods

If you live in a nicer neighborhood with more expensive houses, a plumber may raise their rates according to what they think you can pay. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, call around and get quotes from several plumbers, including those outside your area so you know what to expect to pay for a given service. You will get the best deal by putting a little more research into your hunt for a plumber.

Lowball or Over-the-Phone Estimates

Some unsavory plumbers will trick homeowners by first quoting an affordable price and then later charging you more for “extra work.” As said above, it’s best to call a few different plumbers so you know what price to expect in your area.

Another indicator of plumbing scams is quoting an estimate before they have checked out your problem. It is one thing for plumbers to charge reasonable fees for travel or upfront inspections fees. It is another thing entirely for them to quote you over the phone before really knowing if the cause of the leak is a broken pipe or simply a loose gasket. You’ll typically end up paying more if you get an over-the-phone quote than an in-person quote.

Sunset West Plumbing & Rooter Inc. is a company of professional plumbers who can be trusted to deliver superior services in the Santa Monica, CA area. Avoid the plumbing scams by calling us for any plumbing needs at (310) 454-2010!

Having the drains in your home cleaned and the pipelines inspected for debris is a great way to keep your plumbing equipment running efficiently and preventing a problem from ever occurring. Do you have a professional plumber scheduled to come out to your home to perform preventative maintenance?

Having the pipelines inspected during scheduled maintenance means you have less of a chance of being surprised by an unexpected leak or burst pipe in your home. If we find a pipeline that is wearing out, we can replace it with little mess so your plumbing works without fail.

Cleaning the drains will also help prevent problems with build up in the plumbing. If you have a slow drain it could be more than just a minor blockage. Build up inside a pipe can cause stress that slowly wears down the section of pipeline. For the more stubborn build up, we offer hydro jet service to clear the pipeline and prevent build up in the future.

Preventative maintenance saves you money in the long run. By inspecting the pipelines and keeping the drains clear, you lessen the chances of having to deal with a broken pipe or water damage to your property.

We offer camera inspections which allows us to inspect the plumbing easily with higher detail so that we can find any indications of cracks or wear and tear inside the pipelines. Need drain cleaning and a plumbing inspection in West LA, CA? Call Sunset West Plumbing and Rooter today at (310) 454-2010.

So you’ve found another puddle of water under your sink or maybe around the toilet yet again. What could be this time? There are things that happen pretty frequently that causes water to escape your pipes.

Change of Temperature

There is either cold or hot water running throughout your house constantly. These changes in temperature within the pipe can cause cracks or burst all all together. During the frigid temperatures later on in the year, your pipes can begin to contract  and when water runs through them, it causes them to expand again. This constant fluctuation can cause creases and crevices to form, which eventually will result in a leak.

Clogs

There are a number of things that can lead to clogs in your plumbing, including small articles of clothing, air, grease, food, toilet paper, and various other things. Once the clog forms, a common sign of them is slower than normal pipe drainage in your sinks or showers. Rather than using those DIY drain chemicals that may or may not work, call one of our experts to take a look at it for you as soon as possible. The longer you wait to resolve it, the more damage that could be caused.

Deterioration and Shifting

Your plumbing has more than likely been in place for quite some time and may begetting pretty old. With age comes deterioration of your pipes and natural shifting of your house’s foundation. Cracks and leaks can sometime form in the crevices of different places due to rust. The shifting of the foundation can loosen the joints of the pipes or sometimes even separating it entirely, thus leading to leaks.

 

So if you’re finding these constant puddles near your sinks or toilets, don’t hesitate to call the plumbing professionals at Sunset West Plumbing. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem can potentially become. Call us today at (310) 454-2010.