Plumbing FAQ - Covina, CA

Most of Covina's neighborhoods like Charter Oak and North Covina were built during the 1950s-1970s suburban boom when galvanized steel was the standard plumbing material. After 50-70 years, these pipes are severely corroded from hard water, causing rusty water and reduced flow throughout the house.

Covina's mature landscaping and established trees naturally seek water sources, infiltrating the clay sewer pipes common in older neighborhoods. Areas like South Hills and Hollenbeck Canyon with large trees experience frequent root intrusion, especially during dry periods when roots aggressively pursue moisture in sewer lines.

San Gabriel Valley Water Company delivers moderately hard water to Covina, with mineral content higher than coastal areas but not as extreme as some desert regions. The aquifer-sourced water creates noticeable scale buildup on fixtures and appliances, particularly affecting homes throughout Charter Oak and Covina Hills neighborhoods.

Covina's moderately hard water from San Gabriel Valley Water Company accelerates sediment buildup in water heater tanks, causing premature failure and reduced efficiency. The mineral-rich water creates deposits that coat heating elements and tank bottoms, particularly problematic in areas like South Hills where mineral content is higher.

We provide same-day emergency service throughout Covina, typically arriving within 2 hours for urgent issues like burst pipes or slab leaks. Our familiarity with local neighborhoods from Charter Oak to Hollenbeck Canyon helps us navigate quickly and stock the parts commonly needed for the area's 1950s-1970s construction.

We use electronic leak detection and thermal imaging to locate slab leaks in Covina's post-war tract homes without damaging floors. The concrete construction typical of neighborhoods like Vincent and Eastland requires specialized equipment to pinpoint leaks in embedded copper pipes before excavation or rerouting.

Most 1950s-1970s Covina homes with galvanized pipes benefit from complete repiping since the entire system is likely deteriorating. Partial repiping often leads to continued problems as remaining old pipes fail, making whole-house replacement more cost-effective for homes in established neighborhoods like Charter Oak.

Yes, Covina building codes require seismic gas shutoff valves for safety in earthquake-prone San Gabriel Valley area. These automatic valves shut off gas supply during seismic activity, particularly important for homes with original gas lines that may be more vulnerable to earthquake damage.

We handle all commercial plumbing for Covina businesses, including restaurants near Eastland Shopping Center, offices around the Metrolink station, and retail establishments throughout the city. Services include backflow testing, grease trap maintenance, and compliance with commercial plumbing codes.

Bathroom remodels in Covina typically require building permits when moving plumbing or making structural changes. Simple fixture replacements may not need permits, but relocating pipes in the area's concrete slab construction usually requires city approval and inspection for code compliance.