All Things Plumbing & HVAC: The Orange Coast Plumbing Blog

Need to know what’s an emergency and which problems can wait? Which problems you can solve DIY? The Orange Coast Plumbing blog helps you understand common plumbing, heating,  and air conditioning issues.

A dirty toilet tank

Cleaning a toilet tank is an unglamorous task.

It doesn’t make for exciting TitTok videos or Instagram posts. But neglecting this often-forgotten area of home maintenance can lead to unpleasant odors, stains, and even plumbing problems.

Tree root wrapped around a sewer pipe

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

For trees, that treasure is sewage.

Sounds disgusting, right? But think about it — sewage is packed with all those nutrients trees love. Your sewer pipe is like an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Inserting a plumbing snake

Dealing with a clogged drain is a frequent frustration for any homeowner with older plumbing. Or toddlers. Or teenagers who dump who knows what down the pipes.

Sometimes, a few pumps with a plumber’s friend will clear it, or even a concoction of baking soda and vinegar.

Other times, no amount of plunging or concocting will clear that stubborn clog. Even drain cleaning products may not work, and there’s always a risk of damage to your pipes.

Draining a water heater

Unlike dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens, water heaters are usually tucked away in a closet or some dark corner. It’s easy to forget about them until something goes wrong.

By then, you may be looking at costly repairs or even replacement. In a hard water zone like Southern California, neglecting your water heater leads to mineral buildup, compromising appliance life, efficiency, and your cherished hot water supply.

Moen inline water leak detector

Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face. From burst pipes to leaky appliances, water damage can wreak havoc on your home and cause thousands of dollars in repairs. That’s why it’s important to invest in an inline home water detector. These devices can detect leaks and shut off your water supply before any major damage occurs. One of the best inline home water detectors on the market is Flo by Moen.

Saving water in the shower

The average person uses about 17 gallons per minute in the shower alone! That might not seem like a lot, but if you multiply that by minutes in your showers or baths each day, it starts to add up fast. The good news is that there are some easy ways to save water and money that you can start doing today.

Testing the water temperature

Tankless water heater, continuous water heater, or instant water heater. These terms all describe the same thing: a powerful, compact water heater delivering near-instant hot water for as long as needed. Near-instant, virtually continuous, and without a water storage tank.

Tankless heaters are the latest and greatest water heaters on the market, and they offer an easy way to save energy, water, and money while boosting convenience and comfort. While they’re relatively new to the USA, the technology is nearly a century old.

Moen inline water leak detector

But what if we told you there’s a simple and affordable way to keep your water bill low and detect even a pinhole leak anywhere in your plumbing system — before it causes significant damage?

We’re talking about a smart water leak detector, a Wi-Fi-enabled device that attaches to your plumbing and monitors water use in your home — including tiny increases in water use or activity in your pipes due to pinhole leaks.

The best of the breed is the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff.

Tankless water heater

Buying a new water heater can be overwhelming. It’s not a question of finding one — that’s easy enough on the internet — but knowing what to buy.

In the old days of black-and-white TV, there was one water heater type—the old boiler-style tank heater—and your “choice” came down to size, fuel type, brand, and dealer. Even your brand choice was vanishingly small. Life was so much simpler then.

Moulding damaged by a water leak

Some California cities have issued orders for all leaks to be fixed within 48 hours. These orders are enforced with notices and fines depending on the city and whether the leak is repaired within their timeframe. With the rising concerns about water usage and fear of fines, unless a leak is big and noticeable, how will you know you have one until it’s too late?

Using a hydro jet to clear a drain

Hydro jet drain cleaning uses high-pressure water streams to clear clogged pipes and sewer lines.

A plumber inserts a pipe inspection camera into the line to locate the clog, then follows up with a hydro jet treatment.

Radiant floor heating

Radiant heating uses infrared radiation to warm surfaces rather than the air in a room. It heats people and objects directly, like the sun’s infrared energy. A forced air furnace, in comparison, pushes hot air through ducts and vents into a room.

Radiant heating feels more natural than forced air, especially in areas with high ceilings or large open spaces, where traditional heating methods may struggle to maintain comfort. Radiant elements are warm to the touch but never hot enough to burn.