How Southern California Water Restrictions Impact Your Home Plumbing—and What You Can Do About It

khull on August 1, 2025

Living with Water Restrictions in Southern California

For homeowners in Glendora and the greater San Gabriel Valley, water conservation is more than just a good habit—it’s a necessity. Ongoing drought conditions have led to strict water restrictions throughout Southern California, affecting how and when you can use water in your home and yard.

But what many residents don’t realize is that these water restrictions can have a lasting impact on your home’s plumbing system. In this blog, we’ll break down what these restrictions mean, how they affect your plumbing, and what proactive steps you can take to protect your home while staying compliant.

Understanding Southern California’s Water Restrictions

Due to low rainfall and long-term drought conditions, state and regional water agencies have implemented:

Limits on outdoor watering (e.g., no watering on certain days or during specific hours)
Mandated reductions in water usage
Fines for overuse
Encouragement of drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient fixtures

These rules vary by city, but for residents in Glendora and the San Gabriel Valley, adhering to these restrictions is essential—not only for the environment but also to avoid penalties.

How Water Restrictions Impact Your Plumbing System

Water-saving rules may sound simple, but they can lead to some unintended consequences for your plumbing system if not managed properly.

1. Reduced Water Flow Can Lead to Sediment Build-Up

When water usage is reduced, water flow in your pipes may slow down. This can allow minerals and sediment to accumulate inside your pipes and fixtures—especially in homes with older plumbing or hard water issues.

2. Dry Drains and Sewer Odors

Lower water usage can lead to dry P-traps in unused drains, which causes unpleasant sewer gas odors to seep into your home. This is common in guest bathrooms or laundry sinks that aren’t used often.

3. Stress on Older Plumbing Fixtures

Some older toilets and faucets may not work properly under reduced water pressure, which can lead to inefficiency, leaks, or even damage.

4. Irrigation Systems Need Retrofitting

Cutting back on landscape watering might affect irrigation systems, especially if they’re outdated. Leaks or inefficiencies can go unnoticed and waste water, even under restrictions.

What You Can Do: Smart Plumbing Solutions for Water Conservation

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort or plumbing health to comply with water restrictions. Here are some expert tips from Good News Plumbers to help you save water and protect your home:

✅ Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures

Modern low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets use significantly less water while maintaining strong performance. This is a smart investment that pays off in compliance, utility savings, and plumbing efficiency.

✅ Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

A professional inspection can catch issues like hidden leaks, corroded pipes, or inefficient appliances that may be wasting water. It also ensures your plumbing is working efficiently under new water usage norms.

✅ Install a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless systems heat water on demand and use up to 30% less water than traditional tanks, making them a great fit for eco-conscious homeowners.

✅ Use Water-Saving Landscaping (and Smart Irrigation)

Replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants and using smart irrigation timers helps you stay within city watering guidelines while keeping your yard healthy.

✅ Flush Unused Drains Regularly

Run water through unused sinks or showers weekly to prevent sewer odors and keep your plumbing system in balance.

Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters More Than Ever

With water restrictions in place, even minor plumbing inefficiencies can add up to major waste or costly fines. Routine maintenance helps you:

Extend the lifespan of your plumbing system
Save money on water bills
Avoid penalties from local utilities
Reduce your environmental impact

Trust the Local Plumbing Experts in Glendora, CA

At Good News Plumbers, we’re proud to help Glendora and San Gabriel Valley homeowners stay compliant with local water restrictions while keeping their plumbing systems in peak condition. Whether you need an inspection, fixture upgrade, or leak detection, we’ve got your back.

Contact Good News Plumbers Today
Let’s make your home more water-efficient, eco-friendly, and plumbing-smart—without compromising comfort or compliance.

📞 Call Now | 🌐 goodnewsplumbers.com

Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters: Which One’s Right for You?

khull on July 1, 2025

Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters: Which One’s Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home, two popular options stand out: tankless water heaters and traditional tank water heaters. Each type has its unique advantages and considerations, and the right choice depends on your household needs, budget, and energy efficiency goals. At Good News Plumbers, serving the San Gabriel Valley and Glendora communities, we’re here to help you understand the differences so you can make the best decision.

What is a Traditional Water Heater?

A traditional water heater stores a large volume of hot water in a tank, typically ranging from 30 to 80 gallons. The water is heated continuously and kept warm until you need it. These are the most common water heaters found in homes and are known for their straightforward installation and lower upfront cost.

Pros of Traditional Water Heaters:

Lower initial purchase and installation costs
Reliable and simple technology
Provides hot water even during power outages (for gas models)

Cons of Traditional Water Heaters:

Higher energy costs due to continuous heating (standby heat loss)
Limited supply of hot water (tank size limits flow)
Takes up more space in your home

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, heat water only when you need it. Instead of storing hot water, they rapidly heat water as it flows through the unit, providing an endless supply of hot water without a bulky tank.

Pros of Tankless Water Heaters:

Energy-efficient: no standby heat loss
Unlimited hot water supply
Compact size saves space
Longer lifespan compared to traditional heaters

Cons of Tankless Water Heaters:

Higher upfront cost and installation complexity
May require upgrades to your home’s electrical system or gas line
Limited flow rate – may need multiple units for larger households

Which Water Heater is Right for Your Home?

Consider Your Household Size and Water Usage

Small to Medium Households: Tankless water heaters are ideal if you want energy savings and don’t mind a higher upfront cost.
Large Families: A traditional water heater with a large tank might be more suitable, or a combination of multiple tankless units for high demand.

Think About Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Tankless water heaters can reduce your energy bills because they only heat water when you use it. Over time, the energy savings can offset the initial higher cost. Traditional heaters, while cheaper initially, tend to have higher monthly energy costs.

Space and Installation

If space is tight, a tankless water heater’s compact design is a big advantage. However, installation may require modifications that add to costs. Traditional heaters need more room but usually have simpler installation.

Maintenance and Lifespan

Tankless water heaters generally last longer (up to 20 years) and require less maintenance. Traditional water heaters typically last 10-15 years and may need more frequent repairs.

Why Choose Good News Plumbers for Your Water Heater Needs?

At Good News Plumbers, we provide expert water heater installation, repair, and maintenance services throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Glendora areas. Whether you’re interested in switching to a tankless system or need to replace your traditional water heater, our licensed plumbers offer honest advice, competitive pricing, and professional workmanship.

Contact us today to schedule an assessment and find the perfect water heater solution for your home.