Plumbing questions, answered plainly.

Sewage backing up into the home, a burst or leaking pipe you cannot stop, no water at all, water near electrical equipment, or a water heater that is leaking. Shut off the water if you safely can and call 818-538-4958. If you smell gas, leave first and call SoCalGas or 911 from outside.

Yes. New Flow Plumbing answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays, for the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and Los Angeles County.

Find the main shutoff where the water line enters the property, often near the meter, in the garage, a utility room or on an exterior wall. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. Do not force a valve that will not move. Our emergency guide walks through fixture shutoffs too.

No. If the main line is blocked, chemical cleaner sits in the pipe, can damage older lines and creates a hazard for whoever opens the drain next. If several fixtures are backing up, stop using water and call for a diagnosis.

Warning signs include several drains backing up at once, gurgling toilets when the washer drains, sewage odors indoors or in the yard, water coming up from a floor drain or cleanout, and backups that keep returning after a drain is snaked.

Our homepage special is a $199 sewer camera inspection. Promotion availability and service-area eligibility are confirmed when scheduling.

A snake punches a path through a clog. Hydro jetting scours the full pipe wall, removing grease, scale and roots, so the line stays clear longer. On older or damaged pipes we inspect with a camera first.

It is a way to repair or replace a sewer line through small access points instead of digging a trench. The two main methods are pipe lining and pipe bursting. A camera inspection shows which one fits your line.

In the City of Los Angeles, property owners are generally responsible for their sewer lateral from the house to the connection with the public main. Other cities can differ, so check with your local public works department.

It depends on the age of the unit, the failure and whether the tank itself is leaking. A leaking tank usually means replacement; a failed thermostat, igniter or valve is often repairable. We explain both options on our water heater page.

Watch for an unexplained jump in your water bill, the sound of running water when everything is off, warm spots on the floor, damp drywall, or a water meter that moves with all fixtures closed. Our leak detection service pinpoints the source.

Common causes include a partially closed valve, a failing pressure regulator, mineral buildup in aerators and fixtures, a leak in the supply line, or corroded galvanized pipe in older homes. If pressure dropped suddenly across the house, call to rule out a leak.

Yes. Findings, options, timing and pricing are reviewed with you before work begins. For major sewer repairs, we inspect first so the estimate is based on what the camera shows.

Yes. We schedule around tenants, document findings for your records and offer care plans for rentals and multi-unit buildings.

Yes. Use the request service form for inspections, repairs and estimates. For emergencies, call 818-538-4958 instead.