Frequently Asked Questions

Owning a home often means tackling DIY repairs, especially with the abundance of online how-to guides making plumbing projects more accessible than ever. While some tasks, like replacing a faucet gasket, can be cost-effective and manageable, others may be too complex, time-consuming, or risky without professional help. It's crucial to weigh the cost of materials versus labor, since plumbers typically charge by the hour or project. It’s always important to consider the potential for costly mistakes if you're unsure of the process. Licensed plumbers bring the expertise, tools, and understanding of local codes necessary to ensure repairs are done right, including handling special instructions, permits, and inspections. For any plumbing needs, big or small, you can call us!

Hard water has a high amount of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, which it picks up as it flows through rocks and soil like limestone. Many California homes deal with hard water issues. Naturally, pure water is soft and free of these minerals. Soft water, on the other hand, contains little to no added minerals and can occur naturally or be created using water treatment systems that remove the hardness-causing elements.

Jetting equipment offers a more effective way to clean sewer lines than traditional drain snakes. By using high-pressure water, jetters can cut through grease and debris that commonly accumulate in pipes, especially in commercial buildings, and flush it out for removal, resulting in a deeper, more thorough clean. To maintain clear lines, enzyme-based products like Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield® or Drain and Grease Trap Treatment can be automatically dispensed into the system. These enzymes break down grease and food waste, turning them into a liquid that easily rinses away, helping to prevent future clogs and backups.

Low water pressure at home can be frustrating, but here are six steps to help identify and resolve the issue:

1. Ask Around Check with neighbors or your landlord to see if they’re experiencing similar issues. If so, it could be a municipal water supply problem.
2. Check the Water Meter, Shut-Off Valve, or Regulator Make sure the main shut-off valve is fully open and your pressure regulator (if you have one) is working properly, as it can cause pressure drops if malfunctioning.
3. Look for Leaks Turn off all water, record your water meter reading, wait 20 minutes, and check again. A changed reading indicates a leak. Check toilets, sinks, tubs, water heaters, and appliance hoses.
4. Inspect Faucets and Fixtures If outdoor pressure is fine but indoor pressure is low, mineral buildup or worn washers in faucets and showerheads could be the issue.
5. Consider Clogged Pipes Older iron or galvanized pipes may have years of buildup restricting flow. If no other issues are found, call a Roto-Rooter plumber to inspect and clean your pipes.
6. Have Your Water Pressure Tested & Plumbing Inspected Roto-Rooter technicians are just a call away to have your water pressure tested. Our technicians will not only test your water pressure, but inspect all other home plumbing fixtures and provide you with a custom solution to your home.

If a toilet frequently clogs or won’t flush properly, it may indicate a blockage in the main sewer line. To check for this, flush the problem toilet five or six times in a row without walking away. If it starts to back up, it's a strong sign of a main line issue, and you should call a professional plumber to inspect and clear the line.

Hard water, caused by high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can lead to buildup in pipes and on appliances such as sinks, toilets, and dishwashers. This buildup, or limescale, can damage plumbing over time and even impact water quality. While products like CLR can remove surface deposits on fixtures, they're not a long-term or safe solution for inside pipes, especially since they're toxic. Vinegar can dissolve calcium buildup but requires flushing and may leave a lingering taste. Since treating the inside of copper pipes isn’t safe or approved, the best long-term solution is installing a water softener or replacing mineral-prone pipes with PEX plastic, which resists buildup and improves water flow. A Roto-Rooter plumber can inspect your system and recommend the right fix.

Drain lines need to be de-rooted because tree roots enter through small gaps or joints in the pipes. When you cut roots from inside the pipe, the part lodged in the joint stays behind and continues to grow each year. Over time, this growth puts increasing pressure on the pipe, much like roots splitting rocks in nature, eventually causing cracks or breaks. Once the pipe is damaged, surrounding soil can start to enter and clog the line. That’s why it’s crucial to have your drain line inspected with a camera to see the extent of root intrusion to help you plan ahead for potential pipe replacement.

Tree roots are a major cause of sewer clogs, especially in older homes where root systems have had time to expand. Roots enter through small cracks or joints in sewer pipes, feeding on moisture and waste until they grow large enough to block the line, leading to backups and potential property damage. Here are four effective ways to handle tree root intrusion:

1. Try a Sewer Jetter A sewer jetter uses high-pressure water to flush out roots and debris. Some come with spinning root-cutting nozzles. While effective, professional models can be costly.
2. Use a Coil Rodder Also known as a drain cable machine, this tool has a rotating steel cable with a cutting blade to slice through roots. It’s typically used by professionals to clear entire sewer lines.
3. Call Roto-Rooter For safe and thorough root removal, call a Roto-Rooter expert. We recommend RootX, a professional-grade root treatment. With over 80 years of experience, Roto-Rooter has the tools and expertise to clear roots quickly and affordably.

There’s a big difference between simply clearing a drain and thoroughly cleaning it. Many low-cost drain services use underpowered equipment that can’t handle large sewer pipes, only poking small holes in clogs to temporarily restore flow, often leading to recurring blockages within days or weeks.

Roto-Rooter takes a professional approach, offering upfront, flat-rate pricing and always using the right equipment for the job. For sewer lines, we use a heavy-duty machine with a thick cable and a sharp steel blade that expands to cut through roots, wipes, and debris. After clearing the clog, we clean the entire pipe from end to end, removing all residue to help prevent future blockages. We don’t just get the water moving again, we leave your pipes nearly as clean as new.