If you own a home in Pasadena, you’ve likely dealt with at least one plumbing headache. Between older Craftsman-era homes, hard water from the San Gabriel Valley, mature tree roots, and Southern California’s slab foundations, certain issues pop up again and again.
Pershing Plumbing, your local Pasadena plumbing company, put together this homeowner-friendly guide to the most common plumbing problems, how to spot them early, what you can safely try yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional.
- Dripping Faucets and Leaky Fixtures
- What’s happening: Worn-out washers, O-rings, or cartridges let water seep through. Hard water minerals common in Pasadena can accelerate wear and buildup.
- Signs: Persistent dripping, mineral crust on the spout, rising water bill.
- Try this: Shut off the fixture’s water supply, clean or replace the aerator, and swap the washer or cartridge if you’re comfortable with basic tools.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: Shutoff valves are stuck, the fixture is wall-mounted or specialty, or the drip persists after a cartridge swap.
- Running Toilets
- What’s happening: A failing flapper, misadjusted float, or worn fill valve causes the tank to refill continuously.
- Signs: Hissing sounds, water movement in the bowl, food-coloring dye test leaks from tank to bowl.
- Try this: Replace the flapper, adjust the chain, and set the water level about an inch below the overflow tube.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: You’ve replaced the flapper and fill valve and it still runs, bolts are corroded, or you see moisture around the base.
- Slow or Clogged Drains
- What’s happening: Kitchen drains collect grease and food particles; bathroom drains catch hair and soap scum. Over time, pipes narrow from buildup.
- Signs: Water pools around your feet in the shower, sinks drain slowly, gurgling sounds.
- Try this: Use a hair snake, remove and clean the P-trap, and flush with hot water and an enzyme cleaner. Avoid harsh chemical drain openers—they can damage pipes.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: Clogs keep returning, several fixtures are slow at once, or you smell sewer gas. That can indicate a deeper blockage or venting issue.
- Clogged Toilets
- What’s happening: Too much paper, non-flushables, or older low-flow models with weak flushes can jam the trap.
- Try this: Use a flange plunger with steady, forceful plunges. A closet auger can break deeper clogs safely.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: The toilet clogs repeatedly, you see water backing up into a tub or shower, or you suspect a main line issue.
- Low Water Pressure
- What’s happening: Clogged aerators, a failing pressure-reducing valve (PRV), or aging galvanized pipes common in older Pasadena homes restrict flow. Leaks can also drop pressure.
- Signs: Weak shower streams, pressure that varies, hammering noises, or high/low pressure throughout the house.
- Try this: Clean aerators and showerheads. Check your home’s pressure with a gauge; the sweet spot is typically 50–70 psi.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: Pressure is low everywhere, your PRV is older than 10 years, or you have galvanized piping. We can diagnose, replace the PRV, or repipe with copper or PEX for lasting results.
- Leaking Pipes and Slab Leaks
- What’s happening: Corrosion, movement, or pinhole leaks in pipes under your slab can waste water and damage your home.
- Signs: Warm spots on floors, unexplained high water bills, hissing sounds, mildew, or hairline cracks. Watch your meter—if it spins with all water off, you may have a hidden leak.
- Don’t delay: Slab leaks are common in Southern California. Pershing Plumbing offers non-invasive leak detection and can advise on spot repair, reroutes, or other solutions to protect your foundation.
- Water Heater Troubles
- What’s happening: Sediment buildup from hard water causes rumbling, poor performance, and shortened tank life. Components like thermocouples or elements can fail.
- Signs: Not enough hot water, temperature swings, discolored water, popping sounds, or a leaking tank.
- Try this: If safe, drain a few gallons to check for sediment and flush the tank annually. For tankless units, schedule descaling to maintain efficiency.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: The unit is 8–12 years old, you see leaks, or you’re relighting a pilot repeatedly. We also ensure Pasadena code compliance, including earthquake strapping and proper TPR discharge piping.
- Garbage Disposal Jams and Leaks
- What’s happening: Fibrous foods, bones, or foreign objects jam the impeller; seals can wear and leak over time.
- Try this: Turn off power, press the reset button on the bottom, and use the included hex key to free the impeller. Run cold water and small batches of food only.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: Leaks persist, the motor hums but won’t turn, or the unit is rusted out.
- Sewer Line Backups and Tree Roots
- What’s happening: Many Pasadena homes still have clay or aging sewer laterals, making them susceptible to root intrusion from mature trees.
- Signs: Multiple fixtures backing up, gurgling, slow drains on the lowest level, or sewage odors outside near the cleanout.
- Don’t delay: Pershing Plumbing can camera-inspect your line, hydro-jet roots and sludge, and discuss trenchless repair options like pipe lining or bursting to minimize yard disruption.
- Outdoor Leaks and Irrigation Issues
- What’s happening: Aging hose bibs, cracked irrigation lines, and failing anti-siphon valves waste water—especially costly during drought-conscious seasons.
- Signs: Wet spots in the yard, mold near exterior walls, hissing near valves, or a constantly running irrigation meter.
- Try this: Inspect your irrigation controller, replace damaged emitters, and check vacuum breakers.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: You suspect a main line or anti-siphon valve issue. We’ll pinpoint the leak and repair efficiently.
- Water Hammer and Noisy Pipes
- What’s happening: Quick-closing valves (like on washing machines or ice makers), high pressure, or loose pipe straps cause banging or rattling.
- Try this: Ensure pipes are secured; verify your PRV is maintaining proper pressure.
- Call Pershing Plumbing if: Noise persists. We can install water hammer arrestors or update your pressure regulation.
Prevention Tips Pasadena Homeowners Swear By
- Use strainers in sinks and showers to catch hair and debris.
- Flush your water heater annually; consider a softener or conditioner to combat hard water scale.
- Replace rubber supply lines with braided stainless lines for toilets, faucets, and appliances.
- Know your main shutoff valve location and test it.
- Monitor your water bill; sudden spikes often indicate leaks.
- Schedule an annual whole-home plumbing checkup with Pershing Plumbing to catch small issues before they become big repairs.
Why Pasadena Chooses Pershing Plumbing
- Local expertise: We know Pasadena’s housing stock, from historic bungalows to newer townhomes, and the unique issues that come with older pipes and mature trees.
- Clear communication: Upfront options, transparent pricing, and practical recommendations so you can choose what works for your home and budget.
- Quality workmanship: Licensed, insured professionals who respect your home and stand behind their work.
When It’s Time to Call A Pasadena Plumber
- Water anywhere it shouldn’t be
- Repeated clogs or backups
- Sudden pressure changes
- Gas or sewer odors
- Any plumbing issue you’re not comfortable tackling safely
Pershing Plumbing is here to help. Whether you need fast leak detection, drain cleaning, water heater service, or a full repipe, contact Pershing Plumbing—your trusted Pasadena plumbing company—for friendly, expert service and real solutions that last.
Ready to fix a nagging issue or schedule a preventative inspection? Reach out to Pershing Plumbing in Pasadena today and get your home’s plumbing running right.