Plumber Guides and Answers

Pasadena Pipe Works arranges a local plumber for homes in Pasadena and the nearby San Gabriel Valley cities, and these articles are the plain answers we wish every homeowner had before the first phone call. They cover what common plumbing jobs cost, what moves the price, what you can safely check yourself and when the law says a contractor has to do the work. When you are ready, you can ask for a written quote, or read how a job works on the how it works page.

Prices on these pages are guides taken from published sources, not quotes. The written price comes after a visit.

Where should I start if something is leaking or has stopped working?

Start with the article that matches what you can see: water where it should not be, no hot water, a toilet that will not stop running or a drain that will not clear. If water is escaping fast, shut off the main valve first, then read the burst pipe and leak articles below. For any gas smell, leave the building and call SoCalGas from outside. The area pages cover each city we serve and who handles permits there.

The guides by topic

Every guide on this site is listed below under the kind of job it covers, from water heaters and leaks to toilets, repiping, gas lines and permits. Each line says what the page answers, so you can pick the one that matches your problem and skip the rest.

Center box labeled plumbing guides linked to six topic boxes.

Water heaters (repair, replacement, tankless)

A. O. Smith water heater repair in Pasadena: A. O. Smith water heater repair in Pasadena: read the rating plate, know the common faults, check the warranty, and decide whether to repair or replace.
Anode rod water heater replacement in Pasadena: What a water heater anode rod does, how often a Pasadena heater needs a new one, the signs it is spent, and whether to swap it yourself or have a plumber do it.
Apartment building with no hot water: what to do: No hot water in an apartment building: what tenants should check, what managers should call a plumber about, and how to report it to the City of Pasadena.
Electric water heater thermostat replacement: Replacing an electric water heater thermostat in Pasadena: signs one has failed, how upper and lower thermostats work, safe steps, cost ranges and when to call.
Emergency water heater repair in Pasadena: what to know: Emergency water heater repair in Pasadena: what counts as urgent, what to shut off first, what a rush visit costs and how to request a written quote.
Gas valve replacement on a water heater: Is your water heater's gas valve failing? Signs, what a replacement involves, why it is not a DIY job, typical costs and when a new heater makes more sense.
Gas water heater replacement cost in Pasadena: A 40 or 50 gallon gas tank swap in the Pasadena area typically runs $1,700 to $3,500 installed. What the price includes, what adds to it, and how to compare.
Hot water heater element replacement: Electric water heater element replacement: signs of a burned-out element, how it is done safely, parts and plumber costs, and how hard water shortens life.
Hot water pressure low: causes and fixes: Weak hot water but normal cold? Check the heater valve, sediment, scale and old galvanized pipe. Causes, fixes and when to call a plumber in Pasadena.
How much is a hot water heater replacement?: What a hot water heater replacement costs near Pasadena: price ranges for gas, electric and tankless, extras like permits and bracing, and how long a heater lasts.
How often does a water heater need replacing in Pasadena?: A tank water heater usually lasts 10 to 15 years, a tankless one 20 or more. See the warning signs, what shortens life in Pasadena and when to replace.
How to repair a leaking water heater: Find where a water heater leak starts, learn which leaks can be repaired and which mean a new tank, and see typical repair costs in Pasadena.
Instant water heater repair: Instant, on-demand water heater repair in Pasadena: common error codes, scale from hard water, what you can check yourself and when to call a plumber.
Navien tankless water heater installation in Pasadena: What installing a Navien condensing tankless heater involves in Pasadena: sizing, venting, gas line, condensate, scale in hard water, permit and typical cost.
Navien tankless water heater repair in Pasadena: Navien tankless heater showing an error code or running cold in Pasadena? What common codes mean, what hard water does to the heat exchanger, and who to call.
No hot water at the shower: Shower has no hot water? Find out whether it is the water heater or the shower valve, what to check first, and when a Pasadena plumber is needed.
No hot water but the pilot light is on: Pilot light burning but no hot water from a gas heater? The usual culprits (thermocouple, gas valve, thermostat, dip tube), safe checks, and when to call a plumber.
No hot water from an electric water heater in Pasadena: An electric water heater with no hot water usually has a tripped breaker, a tripped reset button, or a failed element or thermostat. Check these in order, safely.
Noritz tankless water heater repair: Noritz tankless water heater showing code 11, 16, 29, 73 or 90? What each means, what you can check yourself, why Pasadena scale matters and when to book a plumber.
Plumber for a water heater leak: A leaking water heater needs the right first steps and the right plumber. Where the water comes from, what is fixable, and Pasadena's permit and install rules.
Plumber for water heater replacement: Hiring a plumber for water heater replacement in Pasadena: what the job includes, permit and code items, how to check a contractor license and what to ask.
Rheem gas water heater repair: Rheem gas water heater with no hot water, a pilot that will not stay lit, or a flashing light? Likely causes, safe checks, Pasadena install rules and when to call.
Rheem tankless water heater installation: What installing a Rheem tankless water heater in Pasadena involves: gas line, venting, permit, hard water care and a typical 2026 price range as a guide.
Rheem tankless water heater repair: Rheem tankless water heater not working? Symptoms, error codes, descaling in hard water, what you can safely check and what needs a plumber in Pasadena.
Rinnai tankless water heater installation in Pasadena: Rinnai tankless water heater installation in Pasadena: gas line size, venting, condensate, low-NOx rules, permits and what the job costs, before you buy a unit.
Rinnai tankless water heater repair: Rinnai tankless showing an error code or running cold? What common codes mean, what you can check yourself, what repairs cost and why hard water matters in Pasadena.
Tank vs tankless water heater in Pasadena: Tank or tankless water heater for a Pasadena home? Costs, energy savings, gas line and venting needs, hard water wear, and when each one makes sense.
Tankless hot water heater installation cost in Pasadena: Gas tankless installs in Southern California run about $3,500 to $5,500 for a swap and up to $8,500 with gas line and venting work. Line-by-line costs.
Tankless water heater installation service in Pasadena: What tankless water heater installation involves in a Pasadena home: gas line, venting, permit, cost, rebates, hard-water care and what to ask before booking.
Thermocouple water heater replacement: A pilot that keeps going out often means a failed thermocouple. What it does, how to tell, what replacement costs as a guide, and who should do the work.
Water heater dip tube replacement: A broken dip tube leaves a water heater lukewarm and drops white flakes in faucets. How to spot it, what replacement costs, and when a Pasadena plumber helps.
Water heater expansion tank replacement in Pasadena: A failed water heater expansion tank lets pressure spike and drips the relief valve. Learn the signs, how a tank is tested and replaced, and who should do it.
Water heater pilot light repair: Water heater pilot light keeps going out? Common causes, a safe relight outline, what a thermocouple fix costs and when to leave it to a plumber in Pasadena.
Water heater relief valve replacement: A dripping or stuck water heater relief valve needs attention. Learn what the valve does, why it leaks, what replacement costs and why it must never be plugged.
Water heater repair plumber in Pasadena: Water heater repair in Pasadena: what can be fixed, what it costs, when to replace, and the permit and strapping rules. Book a visit and a written quote.
What water heater replacement costs in Pasadena: What water heater replacement and repair cost in Pasadena in 2026: price ranges by size and fuel, tankless, thermostat and element repairs, permits and rebates.
Why is there no hot water in my house?: Why there is no hot water: gas pilot, tripped breaker, failed element, sediment or a dead tankless unit. What to check safely and when to call a plumber.

Drain cleaning and clogs

Clogged drain vent: A clogged drain vent causes gurgling, slow drains and sewer smells in several fixtures at once. How to confirm it, what clears it, and when to call a plumber.
Clogged washer drain: what to check and how to clear it: Washing machine drain clogged or the standpipe overflowing? How to tell a pump filter problem from a drain line clog, how to clear each and when to call a plumber.
Dishwasher drain clogged: what to check and when to call: A dishwasher that will not drain usually has a clogged filter, hose, air gap or disposal plug. Check each in order and learn when the blockage is deeper.
How to unclog a bathroom sink: Clear a slow or blocked bathroom sink in a Pasadena home: pop-up stopper, plunger, P-trap and snake steps, what to avoid and when to call a plumber.
How to unclog a bathroom sink drain: A slow bathroom sink is usually hair and soap on the pop-up stopper or in the P-trap. Clear it step by step, skip the chemicals, and know when to call a plumber.
How to unclog a drain in the shower: Slow shower drain? Clear hair clogs by hand, skip the chemicals, and learn when a Pasadena plumber with a cable or hydro jet is the better call.
How to unclog a kitchen sink: Kitchen sink backed up? A step-by-step order from plunger to P-trap to auger, what to skip (chemical cleaners), and when the problem is the main line.
How to unclog a kitchen sink drain: Grease, food scraps and disposals cause most kitchen sink clogs. How to clear one safely, what to skip, and when a Pasadena plumber is the better call.
How to unclog a sink drain: Sink full of water and not moving? A safe order of fixes, from a plunger to the P-trap to a hand snake, plus the signs it is time to call a Pasadena plumber.
How to unclog a tub drain: Clear a clogged bathtub drain in four steps: pull the hair, plunge with the overflow sealed, snake the trap, and know when a plumber or a main line check is next.
Plumber for a clogged shower drain: Shower water pooling around your ankles? When a clogged shower drain needs a plumber in Pasadena, what the visit involves, and a typical 2026 price range.
Plumber for a clogged toilet in Pasadena: Toilet won't clear? When to stop plunging and call a plumber in Pasadena, what a visit costs as a guide, and how to book a written quote.
What it costs a plumber to unclog a toilet in Pasadena: Plumbers commonly charge about $100 to $300 to unclog a toilet. Prices for drains and hydro jetting, what raises the bill, and how to compare quotes in Pasadena.

Leaks and burst pipes

Burst pipe and slab leak repair cost in Pasadena: Burst pipe, wall leak and slab leak repair costs around Pasadena: price ranges by repair type, what changes the bill, and stopgap fixes until a plumber arrives.
Burst water pipe: what to do in the first hour: Water pouring from a burst pipe? The first five minutes matter: find the main, kill the water, protect electrics, then decide what a plumber must fix.
Ceiling water leak repair: Water coming through a ceiling in a Pasadena home: stop the flow, stay safe, find the source, dry it and repair the drywall. When a plumber or roofer is needed.
Does insurance cover a burst pipe?: Homeowners insurance often pays for sudden water damage from a burst pipe but not slow leaks or the pipe itself. What to do first and how to protect a claim.
Emergency plumber for a burst pipe in Pasadena: Burst pipe in your Pasadena home? Shut the water off, make the safe calls, and ask for a plumber. What it costs, who pays, and what to do first.
How to know if a pipe burst: Signs a pipe has burst in your Pasadena home, how to check under the house and inside walls, plus how to stop a leaking plastic joint until a plumber arrives.
How to prevent a burst pipe at home: Burst pipe prevention for Pasadena homes: high pressure, old pipe, hoses left on, and the rare freeze. A short checklist and when to call a plumber.
How to repair a leaking copper pipe: Pinhole or joint leak in copper pipe? Stop the water, choose a temporary patch or a proper repair, and learn why Pasadena copper pinholes and when to repipe.
Plumber for leaks in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley: Water leak or burst pipe in Pasadena? Shut-off steps, how to track down a hidden leak, what repairs cost and how we arrange a local plumber and a written quote.
Slab leak repair or repipe in Pasadena: what to know: Slab leak in a Pasadena home: how to spot one, how spot repair, rerouting and a full repipe compare, what each costs and how to request a written quote.
Water leak in the ceiling: what to do: Water leaking from a ceiling? Immediate steps, how to trace the source, burst pipe repair time, and the 24 to 48 hour window before mold becomes a risk.
Water spots on the ceiling but no visible leak: A ceiling stain with no visible drip can be condensation, an AC drain, a slow pipe leak or an old roof problem. Learn how to tell, what to do first and when to call.
What causes a pipe to burst?: Why pipes burst in Pasadena homes, in winter and in summer, and the early signs of a leak or burst pipe to watch for before water damage spreads.

Faucets, sinks, showers and disposals

Can a leaky faucet cause a high water bill?: A dripping faucet adds to your Pasadena water bill, usually by tens of dollars, not hundreds. See the math, other causes of a high bill and how to test your meter.
How to fix a leaky faucet: Fix a dripping kitchen, bathroom, tub or outdoor faucet: which part has failed, a step-by-step repair, what it costs, and when a Pasadena plumber is the better call.
How to fix a leaky outdoor water faucet: A dripping hose bib wastes water and can rot a wall. Find where it leaks, tighten or repack it, replace a worn washer, and know when the whole spigot must go.
How to fix a leaky single-handle faucet: Single-handle faucet dripping at the spout or the base? How to tell cartridge from ball and ceramic disc, the parts to replace, and when to call a plumber.
How to fix a leaky tub faucet: A leaking tub faucet depends on when it drips: spout off, shower on, around the handle or behind the wall. Fixes, Moen cartridge tips and when to call a plumber.
How to fix a two-handle leaky faucet: Fix a dripping two-handle faucet by finding its valve type: washer, cartridge or ceramic disc. Steps, parts, Pasadena hard water tips and when to call a plumber.
How to repair a leaking pipe under the sink: Find and fix a leak under a Pasadena sink: supply line, shutoff valve, faucet connection or drain trap. Safe DIY fixes, temporary patches and when to call.
Low water pressure at the kitchen sink: Weak flow at only the kitchen sink is usually a clogged aerator, a half-closed valve or a worn cartridge. Check them in order, and know when to call a plumber.
No water pressure in the bathtub but plenty everywhere else: Weak flow at the tub or shower while other fixtures run strong points to a local fault. Diverter, cartridge, scale and leaks explained, with when to call a plumber.
Plumber for garbage disposal, shower and faucet repair in Pasadena: A plumber for a jammed disposal, a leaking shower or a dripping faucet in Pasadena. What gets fixed, typical 2026 prices as a guide, and how to book.
Shower water pressure is low: Weak shower spray? Find out whether the showerhead, the valve or the whole house is the problem, how to test pressure, and when a Pasadena plumber is needed.
What a plumber charges to install a faucet in Pasadena: What a plumber charges to install or replace a faucet, a garbage disposal or fix a shower in Pasadena: price ranges, what moves them, and how to compare quotes.

Plumber

Cheap plumber near me: what plumbing costs in Pasadena: What a plumber costs in Pasadena: hourly rates, minimum charges, emergency fees, and how to keep the bill low without hiring someone who lacks a license.
Emergency plumber in Pasadena: what to do first: What counts as a plumbing emergency in Pasadena, what to shut off first, what an after-hours call costs, and how to book a local plumber.
Finding a best rated plumber near you in Pasadena: How to pick a well-reviewed plumber in Pasadena, what to check on a California contractor license, and what to do when you need one on a Sunday or tonight.
How much should a plumber cost per hour?: Plumber hourly rates in Pasadena run about $150 to $250 a visit hour, higher after hours. See call-out fees, per-job prices and how to read a plumbing estimate.
How to stop water leakage from a plastic pipe: Stop a leaking plastic water pipe in Pasadena: shut off, dry, clamp or couple it, then know when PVC, CPVC or PEX needs a plumber to book a proper repair.
Maintenance plumbing services in Pasadena: What a maintenance plumber checks, a yearly home plumbing checklist, what hard water does to pipes and heaters, and how often supply lines need replacing.
Plumbing in an attic or crawlspace in Pasadena: Pipes, heaters and gas lines in a Pasadena attic or crawlspace: what the work involves, who to book, how plumbers and HVAC pros differ, and how to get a quote.
Plumbing services in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley: Plumbing services in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley: what a plumber handles, what drives the price, and how to book a visit with the price on paper first.
Water hammer sound: why pipes bang and how to stop it: Banging or thumping pipes when a faucet or appliance shuts off? What the water hammer sound means, why it happens, how to quiet it, and when to call a plumber.
Why is my water bill so high this month?: A sudden jump in the water bill usually means a hidden leak, a running toilet or irrigation. Test the meter, tell leaks from habits, and cut the bill.

Toilets

How to fix a running toilet: A running toilet is usually a worn flapper, a high water level or a dirty fill valve. Check them in order, with Pasadena hard water in mind.
How to repair a leaking toilet: Water on the floor or a toilet that fills by itself? Find which of six leaks you have, fix the easy ones, and know when the base or a cracked tank needs a plumber.
How to repair a loose toilet seat: A toilet seat that slides or wobbles is usually a quick fix. Find your bolt type, tighten without cracking the bowl, and learn when to replace the seat.
How to repair a toilet fill valve, flapper and supply line: Fix a toilet fill valve step by step, replace a worn flapper, and learn what to do if a toilet supply line bursts. Includes what a running toilet does to your bill.
Plumber for a toilet leak in Pasadena: Toilet leaking onto the floor? How to find where the water comes from, what stops it for now, when a plumber is needed and what the repair tends to cost.
Plumber for toilet repair in Pasadena: Toilet leaking, running or rocking in Pasadena? What you can fix yourself, what needs a plumber, typical costs and how we arrange a visit and written quote.
Toilet flapper repair: A worn toilet flapper makes the tank leak into the bowl and the toilet run. Test it with dye, replace it in minutes, and know when a Pasadena plumber is needed.
Toilet flush repair: valve, handle and float problems: Toilet runs on after a flush, flushes weakly or has a sticky handle? Find the worn tank part, fix it for a few dollars and learn when to call a Pasadena plumber.
Toilet repair shut off valve: A toilet shut-off valve that drips, sticks or will not close: causes, safe fixes, when to replace it and what Pasadena permit rules say about valve work.
What a plumber charges to replace a toilet in Pasadena: What a plumber charges to replace a toilet in Pasadena in 2026: labor, the toilet, wax ring and flange extras, store installs and a side-mount handle swap.

Repiping and pipe replacement

Cast iron pipes in an older home: Cast iron drain pipes in a Pasadena home: how long they last, signs of failure, replacement cost per foot, whether you need a permit, and how long a repipe takes.
PEX repipe cost: What a PEX repipe costs for a typical Pasadena house, how copper compares, what a two-bathroom home runs, and the extras that move the bill.
PEX vs copper: which pipe for a Pasadena home?: PEX or copper for a Pasadena repipe? Compare cost, lifespan, flow and the pinhole-leak risk in hard local water, with price ranges and what to ask.
Polybutylene pipe in Pasadena: risk, repiping and cost: Polybutylene pipe in a Pasadena home: how to spot it, what the leak risk is, what a repipe costs, and how copper and PEX compare. Get a written quote.
What it costs to repipe a house in Pasadena: What repiping a house costs in 2026 as a guide: PEX versus copper, price per square foot, what pushes a Pasadena quote up, and how to compare bids.
Why repipe a house in Pasadena?: Why repipe an old Pasadena house: polybutylene, galvanized steel and pinholed copper, the warning signs, what repiping costs and how long it takes.

Water pressure and valves

How to adjust a water pressure regulator valve: Adjust a home water pressure regulator with a gauge and a wrench: where the valve sits, how far to turn it, how long it lasts, and when to call a plumber.
Plumber for low water pressure in Pasadena: what to know: Low water pressure in a Pasadena home: what causes it, how to test it, where the pressure regulator sits, what a fix costs and how to book a visit.
What a water pressure regulator costs to install in Pasadena: A pressure regulator usually costs $250 to $650 installed. What drives the price in Pasadena, what a replacement involves, and how to compare quotes.
Where is a water pressure regulator located?: Where to find the water pressure regulator in a Pasadena home: near the front hose bib, the garage or a crawlspace. What it looks like and how to test it.
Whole house water pressure regulator: A whole house pressure regulator caps street pressure before it reaches your pipes. How to test your pressure, spot a failing valve, and what replacement costs in Pasadena.
Why is my water pressure low?: Low water pressure in a Pasadena home: test it with a gauge, then sort the causes by symptom, from a failing regulator to rusted galvanized pipe.

Water softeners and treatment

Removing hard water scale at home in Pasadena: Pasadena water is very hard. How to remove scale from faucets, showerheads and heaters, what dissolves it safely, and when a softener or a plumber is the answer.
Signs of hard water on hair and skin: Dull, tangled hair, dry skin and white crust on fixtures can all point to hard water. What the evidence says, what Pasadena's water is like, and what to do.
Water hardness by ZIP code in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley: How hard is the water in Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena and Arcadia? Published hardness by water supplier, how to read it and when a softener makes sense.
Water softener installation in Pasadena: Water softener installation in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley: how hard the local water is, what the plumbing involves, brine rules, and what it costs.
Water softener installation: doing it yourself: Thinking of installing a water softener yourself in Pasadena? Hardness numbers, the steps, the permit and drain rules, and when to hire a plumber instead.
What water softener installation costs in Pasadena: What a whole-house water softener costs to install in Pasadena, from unit price to labor, drain and permit extras, plus brand price ranges and how to compare quotes.

Gas lines

Earthquake gas shut-off valve installation cost in Pasadena: What an earthquake gas shut-off valve costs to install in Pasadena, what a new gas line costs per foot, and what sets the price. Ranges drawn from published guides.
Emergency gas shut-off valve for earthquakes in Pasadena: Manual versus automatic gas shutoff after an earthquake in Pasadena, what SoCalGas says to do, installed price guide and who may fit the valve.
How to reset or install an earthquake gas shut off valve: What to do when your earthquake gas shut off valve trips, why SoCalGas advises a professional reset, and how installation works for Pasadena homes.
Plumber for gas line work in Pasadena: Gas line installation, repair, capping and relocation in Pasadena. Who may do the work, what a run to a stove or fireplace costs, and how to get a quote.

Commercial plumbing

Commercial plumber vs residential plumber in Pasadena: Commercial and residential plumbers hold the same California license class but work differently. See how the jobs, codes, hours and pricing differ, and who to call.
Commercial plumbing services in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley: Commercial plumber for Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley businesses: kitchens, offices, retail, apartments. What we arrange, backflow rules, how to book.
Emergency commercial plumber in Pasadena: Emergency commercial plumber in Pasadena: what qualifies, what to do first, how after-hours pricing works, and how to request a visit.
What a commercial plumber charges per hour in Pasadena: Commercial plumber hourly rates run about $110 to $225 in Southern California guides. What changes the rate, master versus journeyman, and how to compare bids.

Permits, codes and inspections

Backflow testing in Pasadena: who needs it and who can do it: Pasadena backflow devices need a yearly test by a tester the county has approved. Who needs one, what a test involves, a price guide and failed devices.
Backflow testing in the San Gabriel Valley: Backflow testing for Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley properties: who must test, how often, what a visit involves, what it costs and what a failed test means.
How backflow testing works in Pasadena: In Pasadena you cannot test your own backflow preventer. Here is who may test it, what the visit involves, what a failed test means, and how permits work.
What plumber inspections and backflow tests cost in Pasadena: What plumbing inspections, sewer camera scopes and backflow tests cost in Pasadena, plus permit basics and how to compare quotes without surprises.

Sewer lines

How to get rid of sewer smell in your house: Sewer odor in a Pasadena house usually has one of five causes. How to find yours, which fixes work, and when a cracked line means a plumber and a camera.
Plumber for sewer smell in your house: A sewer smell in your house usually has a simple cause, like a dry drain trap, but it can point to a broken sewer line. Here is how to tell, and who to call.