Plumbing FAQ - Pasadena, CA

Historic homes in neighborhoods like Bungalow Heaven and Old Pasadena typically need fixture replacement every 15-20 years due to hard water damage and aging components. Original fixtures may need more frequent maintenance due to mineral buildup affecting washers and cartridges.

Yes, historic homes in Pasadena often require careful preservation of period features while updating plumbing systems. Some areas have historic district requirements, and original plaster walls and hardwood floors need special care during pipe access and repairs.

Rust-colored water typically indicates corroded galvanized pipes common in pre-war Pasadena homes. After 80+ years, these pipes develop severe internal corrosion that releases rust particles, especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of non-use.

Pasadena's mature street trees and established landscaping create aggressive root systems that seek out moisture in aging clay sewer lines. Roots can completely block pipes and cause expensive backups, particularly in areas with original pre-war sewer infrastructure.

Clay sewer lines in Pasadena homes from the 1920s-1940s typically need replacement after 80-100 years. Signs include frequent backups, root intrusion, and camera inspection showing cracks or collapsed sections, especially common near the Rose Bowl and historic districts.

Sewer odors often indicate cracked or damaged clay pipes that are common in Pasadena's older neighborhoods. Ground settling in the foothill terrain combined with root damage can compromise pipe integrity, allowing sewer gases to escape into your yard.

A water softener is highly recommended in Pasadena to prevent mineral buildup that damages fixtures and reduces appliance lifespan. Hard water is especially problematic in historic homes where it accelerates deterioration of aging plumbing systems and creates unsightly deposits on period fixtures.

Pasadena Water and Power uses chlorine for water treatment, which can create taste and odor issues, especially in areas with older distribution pipes. The taste is more noticeable during high-demand periods and when water sits in aging pipes for extended periods.

Yes, Pasadena requires backflow prevention devices for irrigation systems and commercial properties, with annual testing mandatory. Many homes near the Huntington Library and other areas with extensive landscaping need these devices to protect the public water supply from contamination.

Due to Pasadena's hard water, annual flushing is recommended to remove sediment buildup. Homes in historic neighborhoods like Bungalow Heaven with older water heaters may benefit from more frequent flushing to prevent noise and maintain efficiency.

Historic Pasadena homes often have undersized water heaters that don't meet modern demands. Craftsman and Spanish Colonial homes typically need 40-50 gallon tanks or appropriately sized tankless units, considering the home's bathroom count and current plumbing configuration.

Yes, Pasadena Water and Power offers rebates for high-efficiency water heaters as part of their conservation programs. These rebates are particularly beneficial for historic home renovations where upgrading from older, inefficient units can significantly reduce energy costs.

We provide same-day emergency service throughout Pasadena, from Old Pasadena to Altadena. Our familiarity with the area's historic homes and common plumbing issues allows us to diagnose and address emergencies efficiently, whether it's in Bungalow Heaven or near the Rose Bowl.

Yes, locate your main water shutoff valve, typically near the street or where water enters your Pasadena home. Older homes may have vintage shutoff valves that require a water meter key, and it's important to know their location before an emergency occurs.

Immediately evacuate the property, avoid electrical switches and flames, and call the gas company and our emergency service. Historic Pasadena homes often have aging gas lines that can develop leaks at fittings, making professional inspection crucial for safety.

Pinhole leaks in copper pipes are caused by water chemistry, age, and the mineral content in Pasadena's water supply. These tiny leaks can cause major damage over time, especially in slab foundations where they're difficult to detect and access for repairs.

Hidden leaks behind walls or under slabs are common in Pasadena's older homes, where pipes may be deteriorating inside walls or foundations. With Pasadena Water and Power's tiered pricing, even small leaks become expensive quickly and require professional leak detection.

We use electronic leak detection and thermal imaging to locate leaks without damaging historic plaster walls, original hardwood floors, or period architectural details. This is especially important in Craftsman homes where preserving original character is a priority.

PEX is typically recommended for repiping older Pasadena homes due to its flexibility, durability, and ease of installation through existing wall cavities. This minimizes damage to original plaster walls and hardwood floors while providing modern reliability.

Modern repiping techniques minimize disruption to historic features by routing new pipes through basements, crawl spaces, and attics when possible. We take special care to preserve original plaster, hardwood floors, and architectural details during the repiping process.

Yes, complete repiping requires permits from the City of Pasadena Building Division, including multiple inspections during the process. Historic homes may require additional approvals if located in designated historic districts, and we handle all permit coordination for your project.

Original galvanized gas lines in 1920s-1940s Pasadena homes should be inspected and likely replaced. These aging lines, common in Craftsman and Spanish Colonial homes, may not meet current safety standards and can develop dangerous leaks at fittings.

New gas appliances often require line sizing upgrades and proper connections that meet current codes. Historic homes may need significant gas system updates to safely accommodate modern ranges, water heaters, or fireplaces while meeting Pasadena's safety requirements.

Gas odors around fireplaces or older appliances in Pasadena's historic homes require immediate professional attention. Original built-in features and vintage gas appliances may have deteriorated connections or faulty shutoff valves that create safety hazards.

Commercial properties in high-traffic areas may require additional capacity for restroom facilities and must meet city requirements for water conservation and backflow prevention. Event-related businesses need systems that can handle peak demand periods.

Pasadena requires annual testing of backflow prevention devices for all commercial properties. Restaurants, medical facilities, and businesses with irrigation systems must maintain current testing certificates to protect the public water supply.

Commercial plumbing work requires permits from the City of Pasadena Building Division, with more extensive requirements than residential work. Historic commercial buildings may need additional approvals, and we coordinate all permitting for business owners.

Adding bathrooms to historic homes requires careful planning for drain lines, water pressure, and code compliance. Many Craftsman and Spanish Colonial homes need supply line upgrades to support additional fixtures while preserving architectural integrity.

Kitchen remodels in older Pasadena homes often benefit from complete supply line replacement, especially when walls are opened. This is an ideal time to upgrade from galvanized pipes to modern materials and install proper shutoffs for new appliances.

Some Pasadena neighborhoods have historic preservation requirements that may affect exterior work like sewer line replacement or meter relocations. We're familiar with these requirements and coordinate with historic preservation staff when necessary to ensure compliance.