CSLB #872354


(530) 906-3445


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)



If you can't find the answer to your question, do not hesitate to give our office a call

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked plumbing questions we receive regarding leak detection, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, well pump services and emergency plumbing situations.



General Company & Service Questions





Question: Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?


Answer: Yes. All of our plumbers are fully licensed professionals, and our company is fully bonded and insured. This ensures all work meets local codes and protects you from liability or property damage during a service call.


Question: What services do you offer?


Answer: We are a full-service plumbing company specializing in drain cleaning, leak detection, water heater repair and installation (tankless and traditional), main water and sewer line services, fixture replacement, and smart home plumbing installation.


Question: Do you offer a warranty on your work?


Answer: Yes. We stand behind our expertise. We offer a 1 Year warranty on labor for all repairs and new installations. We will also provide the manufacturer warranties for all parts and fixtures installed. This warranty excludes items provided by others and stoppages.


Question: Can you provide a written estimate?


Answer: Definitely. We can provide written estimate outlining the scope of work and the exact total cost before any repair work begins.



Question: What do I need to do to prepare for the plumber's visit?


Answer: Please do two things: 1) Clear the area around the fixture, drain, or pipe that needs service, allowing our technician enough space to work. 2) If you know how, please locate your main water shut-off valve, as we may need to quickly access it during the diagnosis.


Question: What services do you offer?


Answer: We are a full-service plumbing company specializing in drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation (tankless and traditional), main water and sewer line services, fixture replacement, and smart home plumbing installation.



Common Household Plumbing Problems





Question: My water bill is suddenly very high. What's the most likely cause?


Answer: An unexplained spike in your bill is almost always due to a hidden leak. The most common culprits are a silent running toilet (constantly sending water down the overflow pipe) or a leak in your main water service line.


Question: Why is my toilet constantly running?


Answer: A running toilet is typically caused by a worn-out flapper (the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank) or a broken fill valve. Replacing the faulty component is usually an inexpensive fix, but it should be addressed quickly to stop the water waste.


Question: What causes low water pressure?


Answer: Low water pressure is usually caused by a failing pressure regulator (if you have one), mineral or sediment buildup inside the pipes (especially in older, galvanized systems), or a hidden water leak. If the issue is isolated to one faucet, it may just be a clogged aerator.


Question: Can I use chemical drain cleaners for a clog?


Answer: We strongly advise against it. Chemical cleaners can corrode and damage your pipes over time. They often only burn a hole through the clog, allowing it to quickly reform. We recommend professional drain snaking or hydro-jetting for a safe and permanent solution.


Question: My water heater is making a loud 'popping' noise.


Answer: This noise is a sign of severe sediment and scale buildup at the bottom of the tank, a common issue with hard water. The noise is caused by water trapped beneath the scale boiling. This reduces efficiency and can shorten the unit's lifespan, requiring professional flushing or replacement.


Question: Where is my main water shut-off valve?


Answer: The main shut-off is usually located where the water supply pipe enters your home—often in the basement, a utility closet, or near the water meter outside. Every homeowner should know its location and how to turn it off in an emergency.



Well & Septic Questions (Living in the Foothills)





Question: Why is the water scale so bad here, and how can I fix it?


Answer: Limescale (white, crusty buildup) is caused by the hard water common throughout the region, which has high mineral content. The best way to permanently solve this issue is by installing a whole-house water softener system. This protects your pipes, water heater, and appliances from damaging buildup.


Question: How does the rocky terrain affect pipe repair?


Answer: The rocky, sloping terrain makes traditional trenching for main line repairs extremely costly and labor-intensive. We use equipment like excavators and trenchers to help our technicians get through the rocky terrain.


Question: How often should I have my septic system pumped?


Answer: We recommend a professional septic tank inspection every three years and routine pumping every 3 to 5 years. If you use a garbage disposal, your tank will need to be pumped more frequently due to the added solids.


Question: I have well water, and my pressure is inconsistent. Why?


Answer: This typically points to a problem with your well system's mechanical components. The most common issues are a failing well pump, a malfunctioning pressure switch, or a waterlogged pressure tank. We specialize in diagnosing and repairing these complex private well systems.


Question: How do I protect my exterior pipes from freezing during winter cold snaps?


Answer: Turn off and drain your hose bibs. Locate the interior shut-off valve supplying your outdoor spigot, turn it off, and then open the exterior spigot to release any trapped water. You should also properly insulate pipes in unheated crawlspaces or garages.


Question: Do I need a backflow prevention device on my well system?


Answer: Yes, a backflow prevention device is crucial, especially if your well system has any temporary or permanent connection to an external source (like a garden hose used with pesticides, or a secondary irrigation source). Backflow prevention devices, such as double-check valves, protect your drinking water supply from contamination caused by pressure changes.



Flow By Moen Automatic Water Shut-Off Valve





Question: Why should I hire a plumber to install the Flo by Moen Shutoff?


Answer: The device must be installed in-line on your main water service line, which requires safely cutting and fitting the pressurized pipe. Our licensed plumbers ensure correct sizing, proper placement (after the meter and manual shutoff), and a leak-free installation that complies with all local codes.


Question: How does Flo by Moen know when to shut off my water?


Answer: The device uses FloSense™ AI technology to learn your home’s unique water habits. It detects abnormal usage (e.g., high flow for too long) and performs nightly MicroLeak™ tests. If it detects a catastrophic leak, it automatically closes the valve, and you receive an alert on your phone.


Question: Does the device require Wi-Fi or a monthly fee?


Answer: It requires a reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal for alerts and remote control. No monthly fee is required for the core features (monitoring, automatic shutoff, and alerts). An optional subscription is available for extended warranties and enhanced features.


Question: The water was shut off automatically! What should I do?


Answer: 1. Check the App: Immediately check the Moen App for the reason (e.g., "High Flow"). 2. Inspect: Look for a burst pipe or running fixture. 3. Restore Water: Once you confirm it is safe, you can turn the water back on remotely via the app or by using the manual knob on the device. 4. Call Us: If you cannot locate the source of the leak, call us right away for an inspection.


Question: What if my Wi-Fi or power goes out?


Answer: The device is still protected. It has a battery backup that allows it to continue monitoring and executing an automatic shutoff command if a critical leak occurs during a power outage. If Wi-Fi is down, it cannot send alerts or be controlled remotely, but its internal defenses remain active.


Question: I got a false alert for "High Water Usage" during a long shower. What can I do?


Answer: The system hasn't fully learned that event yet. You can either 1) Put the device in Sleep Mode before starting the activity, or 2) Go to the FloSense™ settings in the app and adjust the sensitivity slider to a less-sensitive setting. This tells the device to allow a wider range of "normal" usage before alerting.



If you need plumbing service in Auburn or anywhere in Placer County including Meadow Vista, Colfax or Lincoln, contact Hopper’s Plumbing today to schedule an appointment or request emergency plumbing assistance.





HOPPERS PLUMBING



PO Box 8055 Auburn, CA 95604 | Phone: 530.906.3445