Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common plumbing questions. Can’t find what you need? Call us at (760) 846-5673.
What clogged my drain and what can I do about it?
More like what doesn’t clog your drain, am I right? Beauty products, hair, dirt, grease
and food waste are all day-to-day culprits that can lead to blocked drains. At home you
can help avoid build up by installing a drain catcher to catch physical debris. After that,
a great way to address small clogs is by pouring a mixture of hot water, baking soda,
and vinegar down your drains to loosen the build-up. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call
Magnum Plumbing!
So… what can I put in my garbage disposal?
Here’s our first big tip regarding garbage disposals, don’t put actual garbage in them.
We’re talking your food wrappers, your tissues, your bills, or your general this-and-that
trash. Stuff like this gets caught between blades and causes build-up trouble in no time.
Here are things plumber approved things to put down the disposal: ice cubes, dish
soap, soft food, non-grease liquids, and cold water. Avoid fibrous foods, grease, oils,
and sticky things to keep your disposal working in tip top shape.
What causes low water pressure?
Low water pressure is an annoyingly common and annoyingly… well, annoying…
problem that a lot of homeowners face. Here’s the 411: low water pressure is caused by
a whole slew of different things, including but not limited to: malfunctioning shut off
valves, clogged pipes, crimped water lines, or water meter allocation issues. While
there’s no set reason why it happens, there is a set solution to fixing it: contact us today,
and can point out the specific cause of your low pressure and, in turn, fix it.
Why is my faucet leaking?
There are many reasons your faucet could be leaking. There could be a problem in the
o ring, a small disc that holds the faucet handle in place and, if worn out, can cause
leaking. There could be valve corrosion, problems with the washer, worn out seals, or
general (and unfortunate) broken pipes or fittings. While this list of potential problems
may seem daunting, they’re all problems that can be easily fixed by one of our plumbing
experts.
Is there really a difference between hard and soft water?
Yes. Hard water, in short, is water that contains an excessive quantity of dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, and so on. Soft water, on the other hand, is treated so harmful minerals don’t build up. For comparison, natural rainwater is soft, not hard. Hard water can cause considerable damage to plumbing fixtures, pipes, and the things water in your home touches such as laundry and even your skin. If you suspect you have a hard water problem, we recommend getting in touch with a Magnum Plumbing professional to get it fixed before it causes any expensive, long-lasting damage to your plumbing.
Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?
Toilets will continue to run when the flapper inside he toilet is not closing or sealing
properly. Sometimes, this is due to the toilet handle getting stuck, if you give the handle
a jiggle this my resolve the issue. If you find yourself having to do this frequently, it is
time for you to have your flapper replaced.
Emergency Plumbing
Do you offer 24-hour emergency plumbing?
Yes. Magnum Plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for plumbing emergencies in Oceanside, CA..
How fast can you respond to a plumbing emergency?
We strive to respond to emergency calls within 1-2 hours in the Oceanside area. Our team is always on standby to help.
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
Burst pipes, major water leaks, sewer backups, gas leaks, and no hot water are all considered plumbing emergencies requiring immediate attention.
Commercial Construction
Are you licensed for commercial plumbing in California?
Yes, Magnum Plumbing Company Inc is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for commercial plumbing work in California.
What types of commercial projects do you handle?
We handle all types including new construction, tenant improvements, retail, restaurants, hospitality, medical facilities, car washes, and industrial buildings.
Can you handle multi-story commercial plumbing?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience with multi-story commercial riser systems, high-volume supply lines, and complex drainage systems.
Water Heaters
How long does a water heater installation take?
Most standard water heater installations are completed in 2-4 hours. Tankless conversions may take 4-8 hours depending on the scope.
Should I switch to a tankless water heater?
Tankless systems offer endless hot water, energy savings, and a longer lifespan. We can assess your home’s needs to determine if tankless is right for you.
How often should a water heater be serviced?
We recommend annual water heater maintenance to flush sediment, check the anode rod, and ensure safe, efficient operation.
Re-Pipes
How do I know if my home needs a re-pipe?
Signs include discolored water, low water pressure, frequent leaks, pinhole leaks, and pipes older than 40 years (especially galvanized or polybutylene).
How long does a whole-house re-pipe take?
Most residential re-pipes are completed in 2-3 days. We use techniques that minimize wall openings and disruption.
What pipe material do you recommend?
We typically recommend PEX or copper depending on the application. Both offer excellent durability and performance.
Sewer Issues
What causes sewer line failure?
Common causes include tree root intrusion, pipe aging and deterioration, ground shifting, corrosion, and buildup of grease and debris.
Do you offer trenchless sewer repair?
Yes, when conditions allow, we offer trenchless methods like pipe bursting and pipe lining that minimize yard disruption.
How can I tell if I have a sewer problem?
Watch for slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds, sewage odors, wet spots in the yard, or sewage backups.
Gas Lines
Can you install a gas line for my outdoor grill?
Yes, we install gas lines for BBQ islands, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, pool heaters, and other outdoor gas appliances.
How do I know if I have a gas leak?
Signs include a rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near gas pipes, or a spike in gas bills. If you suspect a leak, evacuate and call us immediately.
Are gas line installations permitted?
Yes, all gas line work requires permits and inspection. We handle the entire permitting process and coordinate with the gas company.
Leak Detection
How do you detect hidden leaks?
We use advanced electronic listening equipment, thermal imaging, pressure testing, and video inspection to locate leaks non-invasively.
What are signs of a hidden leak?
Unexplained high water bills, damp spots on walls or floors, mold growth, musty odors, or the sound of running water when all fixtures are off.
Is leak detection covered by insurance?
Many homeowner insurance policies cover leak detection and resulting damage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider.
Still Have any Questions?
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Oceanside, CA
