Most traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Local water conditions in Los Angeles can affect longevity, which is why regular flushing and inspections are recommended.
Common signs include inconsistent hot water, water that runs out quickly, unusual noises from the tank, rusty or discolored water, leaks around the unit, or a water heater that is over 10 to 12 years old. In Los Angeles homes, hard water can cause internal buildup that shortens a water heater’s lifespan.
Tank water heaters are usually more affordable upfront and work well for smaller households. Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water and higher energy efficiency, making them a popular choice for Los Angeles homeowners looking to reduce energy costs, have more luxury features, save space and have a long lasting water heater.
This is often caused by sediment buildup inside the tank, a failing heating element, or an undersized water heater. Los Angeles water contains minerals that can collect at the bottom of the tank, reducing capacity and efficiency over time.
If your water heater is over 10 years old and needs a major repair, replacement is usually the better option. Newer units are more energy efficient and reduce the risk of leaks or sudden failure.
At Premium One Plumbing, we understand what it's like not to have hot water, so we make it an effort to prioritize customers in this situation. Once you approve our estimate, your replacement water heater could be installed and running within 24 hours.
Flushing the tank annually, installing a water heater blanket, lowering the temperature setting, and upgrading to a high efficiency or tankless system can improve performance and reduce energy usage in your Los Angeles home.
Flushing your tank water heater yearly is required by the manufacturer, especially in Los Angeles where hard water causes scale buildup. Our maintenance membership includes 1 flush per year!
Flushing your tankless water heater is required yearly just like a traditional tank water heater. However, if you have a water softener, you only have to maintain once every few years.
A sulfur or rotten egg smell is often caused by bacteria reacting with the anode rod inside the tank. This is common in water heaters and can usually be fixed with maintenance or part replacement.

A salt based water softener removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water through an ion exchange process. In Los Angeles, hard water is very common and can cause scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. We install HALO salt based systems that soften water effectively while pairing well with filtration to improve overall water quality.
Yes, Los Angeles has moderately to very hard water depending on your neighborhood and water source. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of appliances and cause soap scum and scale. Installing a HALO water softener helps protect plumbing systems and improves water efficiency throughout your home.
No, a softener isn't a requirement for a home, but without one many homeowners experience the negative effects of hard water like dry skin, damaged hair, acne, scale buildup and frequent plumbing problems.
Salt based softeners are generally safe, but they do add a small amount of sodium to softened water and remove minerals from drinking water. Homeowners pair their HALO softener with a reverse osmosis system to have a purified alkaline water source.
Salt usage depends on household size, water hardness, and system efficiency. Modern HALO systems are designed to regenerate efficiently, using less salt and water compared to older softeners while still delivering consistent soft water.
No, salt based softeners actually help protect plumbing by removing minerals that cause scale buildup. In Los Angeles homes with older pipes, reducing scale can improve water flow and extend the life of plumbing and water heaters.
Yes, softened water reduces mineral scale buildup inside water heaters. This is especially important in Los Angeles where hard water can reduce efficiency and shorten equipment life. Many homeowners install a HALO softener to protect both tank and tankless water heaters.
Most homes need to add salt every 4 to 8 weeks depending on water usage. HALO systems are designed for efficiency and include easy access brine tanks, making maintenance simple for homeowners.
No, salt based water softeners only remove hardness minerals. That’s why we often install HALO softeners alongside HALO whole house filtration systems, which are designed to reduce chlorine, chloramines, and other common Los Angeles water contaminants.
Yes, for many homeowners it is. Hard water in Los Angeles can cause damage to appliances, plumbing, and fixtures. A HALO water softener helps reduce maintenance costs, improve water efficiency, and make daily water use more comfortable.
Softened water can feel smoother because soap rinses cleanly without mineral residue. This is normal and is often one of the first benefits homeowners notice after installing a HALO salt based water softener.
Professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure proper sizing, drain connections, and performance. Our experienced technicians install HALO systems correctly for Los Angeles homes and local plumbing conditions.
Yes, there are compact HALO softener options suitable for smaller homes and condos common in Los Angeles. Proper sizing ensures efficient operation without taking up unnecessary space.
A water softener removes hardness minerals, while a filter removes contaminants like chlorine and sediment. Many Los Angeles homeowners choose a HALO softener combined with a HALO filtration system for complete water treatment throughout the home.
HALO softeners have a 10 year warranty when paired with a whole house filtration system and 5 without. HALO products are built for durability and long term performance, making them a reliable choice for Los Angeles homeowners dealing with hard water.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Hard water is very common in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California due to the local water supply and geology.
Hard water leads to issues like scale buildup, dry skin, damaged hair, acne, faded laundry, reduced lather, clogged plumbing, and poor water heater performance.
Scale buildup clogs up your pipes, fixtures appliances over time. Faucets, shower heads, laundry machines, and pipes see reduced water flow, reduced efficiency, and shorter lifespans due to mineral buildup.
Yes, hard water reduces the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, breaks down the fibers of your clothes quicker, and causes clothes to fade quicker resulting in stiff, rough and faded laundry.
Yes. Scale buildup acts as insulation inside water heaters, forcing them to work harder to heat water. This increases energy usage and monthly utility costs.
Yes, hard water damages your scalp and hair which leads to hair loss. If you're experiencing dry, brittle hair or an itchy scalp, a softener could help eliminate those issues.
Yes, hard water can cause acne by leaving mineral and soap residue on the skin which clogs pores, leads to dryness, inflammation, and irritation, and distrupts the skin's protective barrier.
Yes, hard water damages hair by leaving a film over your hair which blocks moisture making hair dry, brittle, frizzy, and prone to breaking. Many customers see an immediate difference in their hair after installing a softener.
Common signs include scale buildup on fixtures, dry skin and hair, cloudy dishes, soap scum, and reduced water heater efficiency. A professional water test can confirm hardness levels which we offer free of charge!
Hard water can dry out skin, clog pores, and worsen conditions like eczema or irritation. Many people notice itchy or tight skin after showering in hard water.
Hard water leaves mineral spots and film on glassware and dishes, even after running them through the dishwasher. The spots appear when the hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium dry on the surface of the glassware or dishes.
Yes. Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, coffee makers, and tankless water heaters can suffer from scale buildup, reduced efficiency, and shorter lifespans due to hard water.
Yes. Over time, mineral buildup inside pipes and fixtures can restrict water flow and cause noticeable drops in pressure.
That chalky white residue is mineral scale left behind when hard water dries. Over time, it can clog fixtures and reduce water pressure.
The most effective solution is a Halo CK10 salt based softener. Although water conditioners help reduce scale in pipes by altering the properties of the minerals, a salt based softener completely removes the minerals.

A reverse osmosis system removes contaminants like chlorine, lead, arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, PFAS, heavy metals, and dissolved solids that affect taste, smell, and safety. RO systems are one of the most effective ways to get clean, great-tasting drinking water in Los Angeles.
Yes. RO water is safe for daily use and commonly recommended for drinking and cooking. Modern RO systems are designed to provide clean water while maintaining proper filtration standards for household use.
Reverse osmosis does remove most dissolved minerals. Many systems include a remineralization stage to add beneficial minerals back for improved taste and balance.
An RO system pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants while allowing clean water molecules to pass through. Multiple pre-filters and post-filters help protect the membrane and improve water quality.
For drinking water, yes. RO systems filter far more contaminants than basic carbon filters, especially dissolved solids and heavy metals that standard filters cannot remove.
With proper maintenance, an RO system can last 10 to 15 years. Filters usually need replacement every 6 to 12 months, while the RO membrane needs replacement every 3 years.
Yes. Most residential RO systems are designed for under-sink installation and include a small storage tank and dedicated faucet.
Yes, a good RO systems removes contaminants but also remineralizes your water to bring the PH to its ideal, healthy range
Yes. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective filtration methods for reducing fluoride in drinking water.
Yes! After your tap water goes through the extensive amount of filtration of an RO system, it comes out tasting unbelievably good!

Common signs include slow drains throughout the home, frequent clogs, gurgling sounds from toilets or drains, sewage odors, water backing up into tubs or showers, and unusually green or soggy areas in the yard.
Many LA homes have older clay or cast iron sewer pipes that crack over time. Tree roots, ground movement, grease buildup, and improper disposal of wipes or paper products are also major causes.
Tree roots naturally seek moisture and can enter small cracks in sewer pipes. Once inside, they grow larger and block the flow, eventually cracking or collapsing the pipe.
Yes. Sewer backups and leaks can expose your home to harmful bacteria and gases. This can lead to unpleasant odors, mold growth, and potential health risks if not addressed quickly.
Most sewer inspections are done using a sewer camera. A small camera is inserted into the line to locate blockages, cracks, root intrusion, or collapsed sections without digging.
Yes. A camera inspection allows accurate diagnosis, prevents unnecessary digging, and helps determine whether cleaning, repair, or replacement is needed.
In many cases, yes. Trenchless sewer repair methods allow damaged sections to be repaired or replaced with minimal disruption to landscaping, driveways, or concrete.
Trenchless sewer repair involves repairing or replacing pipes underground using specialized equipment, avoiding large trenches and reducing property damage.
Minor repairs or cleanings can often be completed the same day. Full replacements may take one to two days depending on the severity and access.
Clay pipes often last 50 to 60 years, cast iron about 75 years, and modern PVC sewer pipes can last 100 years or more with proper use.
Wipes, paper towels, feminine products, grease, and food scraps should never be flushed. Even so-called flushable wipes can damage sewer lines.
Yes. Grease hardens inside pipes and traps debris, leading to blockages that restrict flow and cause backups.
Costs vary based on pipe length, depth, damage, and repair method. A camera inspection is the best way to get an accurate estimate.
If your sewer line shows signs of failure, replacing or repairing it before selling can prevent deal delays and increase buyer confidence. Furthermore, when a buyer does an inspection, the inspector can quickly find a sewer line that need replacement with a camera inspection.
You should call a licensed plumber immediately if you notice recurring clogs, sewage smells, multiple slow drains, or any signs of sewage backup.

A water conditioner treats hard water by altering the structure of minerals so they do not stick to surfaces. Unlike softeners, conditioners do not remove calcium or magnesium from the water.
Water softeners remove minerals using salt and ion exchange. Water conditioners like the HALO ION and HALO 5 prevent scale formation without salt, discharge, or added sodium by altering the properties of the calcium and magnesium making them less likely to stick to your pipes.
Yes. Quality systems like HALO water conditioners are proven to reduce scale buildup in plumbing systems, water heaters, and fixtures when installed correctly.
Water conditioners do not create the slippery feel associated with softened water, but they help prevent scale and improve water efficiency throughout your home.
Yes. Los Angeles has moderately hard water, and water conditioners are an effective solution for reducing scale while keeping minerals intact. Although it wont completely remove the hardness minerals, it will reduce the effects it has on your pipes and water heaters.
No, HALO water conditioning systems are maintenance-free and do not require salt refills, backwashing, or filter replacements.
A Halo 5 is a 2 in 1 whole house water filtration system and conditioning system! It has an industry leading 10 year warranty and since its a 2 in 1, it will be more affordable than a full 2 tank system.
HALO ION 2.0 is a proprietary water treatment device that is designed to reduce scale in your pipes and appliances. This tiny conditioning device can prevent detrimental damage to your plumbing using its advanced proprietary technology.
The HALO ION 2.0 requires no maintenance!
The Halo 5 requires no maintenance.
Yes, since both the Halo ION 2.0 and Halo 5 have no saltwater discharge, it is very safe for the environment.
The HALO 5 and HALO ION serve different needs depending on water quality, home size, and goals. A professional evaluation from Premium One Plumbing ensures the best fit for your Los Angeles home.
Premium One Plumbing is a certified Halo installer. Contact us and we can test your water and help you decide what system is best for your needs.

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