I have been a self-employed plumber for over 25 years and I have had many interesting experiences during that time. I get to experience the good feeling when I really help out a homeowner through a sometimes harrowing situation, and help to make everything turn out well.

I will never forget one call I made in the middle of the summer in Phoenix, Arizona where I live and work. The call mentioned a plugged up toilet, and they were getting desperate. This sounded interesting already.

When I arrived at the home, the wife was in tears and the husband had that far away look of despair. The husband said,” follow me”. He took me to the bathroom that went with the mother in law room, and the toilet was full to the rim with feces and sewage. He said that he had tried to get it loose with the snake he had purchased at Wal-Mart, but to no avail. I said, “hmmm, let’s go up on the roof”.

I really thought that instead of attempting to go through the mess in the bathroom, I would just go on the roof with the power snake and make short work of this project. The problem was, though an hour later we still had no progress from the roof of breaking through. I asked the husband where the cleanouts were, and he didn’t know. I walked around the house, and found the only one clear at the other end of the house.

So, I tried things from the other end, still with no luck. The house was a ranch, seemingly with a long, straight shot for the main line, which seemed to run the full length of the house. What ever was stopping the line was probably somewhere in the middle. The puzzling factor, though was that I was certain my power snake had run the entire length of that line.

When coming in from the other end of the house didn’t seem to solve anything, I went back to the original bathroom and found that the contents of the toilet had receded out of the bowl. A thought came to me, which can at times, be dangerous. This one almost was.

I decided to remove the commode from its moorings and attack from the hole in the floor. I knew I had some extra wax donuts on the truck, so I figured we might as well go all out. I spent the next four hours running my power snake back and forth pulling out tissue all the while. It seemed that a slurry of tissue was caught in the pipe, and my snake would go right through it, and back, while the tissue would just plug up again.

As I came back through and out again, I noticed some movement and sounds of gurgles, which prompted me to keep the snake moving until I could get a sort of wave going. The more I moved, the more the back and forth pressure, until finally it broke loose and down to the city sewer it went. Victory, sort of.

Now the entire bathroom was a mess, but the people were cheering me on right beside me as I retrieved my equipment and reattached the commode. Yes there was a good bit of cleanup to do, but the folks were happy, and so was I. Just another job in the day of a plumber.

Plumbing problems are usually frustrating and annoying, and every homeowner in Phoenix, AZ knows that. There are some issues that you can easily deal with by using a plunger or making a visit to the hardware store. When you have a plumbing problem that keeps coming back or getting worse, you will need to call a professional to help you out. Below are some issues that you need to get the services of a professional plumber for them to be fixed.

1) Leaking Pipes
Sometimes you can easily know when your pipes are leaking. You can find a puddle of water accumulating under the sink when you open the cabinet or you feel the pipe is wet when you touch it. Another sign that you might be having a problem with leaking pipes is when your water bill is high despite no change in how you are using water. The leak can be easily stopped by using a pipe compounding product or a joint, but this fix is temporary. You can easily get these from your local hardware store or home improvement store.

Whether it is general wear or tear or corrosion that is causing the leak, you don’t have to stress because our plumbing professionals will be able to come and fix the problem when you call.

2) Drain Clogs
One of the most common plumbing problems is a clogged drain. This happens when something is stuck in the garbage disposal. Stringy, starchy, and fibrous foods are not good when it comes to your kitchen sin. Using an Allen wrench can sometimes help in opening the drain, but there are other causes of clogs such as tree roots or unseen elements invading the piping system in the ground. If this is the case, you will need to call a plumbing professional because you cannot fix this on your own.

If your bathroom sink or tub drain is clogged, you can dislodge hair clogging it from the surface. But if the clog is as a result of sediment or soap scum, and you cannot see it, you will not know what is causing the clog and where it is. If you happen to have such drainage issues, the best course of action is calling a professional plumber who will be able to look at the problem and find the best possible solution.

Plumbers are able to deal with such complicated issues because they have the necessary tools and experience needed to deal with the drainage problems you might be having.

3) Lack of Hot Water on a Regular Basis
When we get calls from homeowners complaining of not having enough hot water, we sympathize with them. There is no one looking forward to starting their night routine then realizing that the water they need to take a bath or shower with is not hot.

There are different causes of this, with a common one being a residue building up in the tank, especially for people using the older water heater. One good way of avoiding such a problem is by making sure your tank has been flushed at least once every year. The best time to do this is during spring. Another cause is having a water heater that is you do not have the right size that is able to provide hot water for the occupants in your home.

Plumbingemergencyphoenix.com will be able to deal with these issues no matter the cause of the problems. Just pick up the phone and give us a call, and we will be there to fix the problem.

4) Low Water Pressure
There are minerals in the water that will cause the clogging of the aerator screwed to the faucet. You can fix this problem by soaking the aerator in white vinegar or replacing it. This problem is usually gradual, but if it just happens out of the blue and you notice there isn’t enough pressure, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. It could be caused by an underground leak in a pipe delivering water to the house or a broken sewer line. Another cause is the water pressure reducing valve not working properly. The valves reduce the water pressure from the municipal line to a safe level for your water system. Have a look at the water pressure reducing valve to see whether it is working the way it is supposed to.

If this has a problem, you will need to call a plumbing expert who will solve this problem.

A water heater can last for a very long time if properly cared for and maintained. If ignored, then it’s going to die sooner than expected. The last thing you want is to find yourself with no hot water during your morning shower. Here is a simple maintenance task you can complete at home that is guaranteed to improve the lifespan of your water heater.

Flushing The Tank

Experts suggest flushing your hot water heater tank once every 1 to 3 years. It’s always best to take the safe route and flush the tank on an annual basis. It’s extremely simple and takes only a few minutes of your time.

The point of flushing the tank is to remove any unwanted sediment build-up that has occurred inside of the tank. If ignored, that sediment can eventually clog water lines and even lead to leaks. It also reduces the overall efficiency of the tank, which results in increased energy prices. The simple act of flushing the tank solves both of these problems.

To accomplish this, start by turning off the electricity to the water heater or the gas if it is a gas heater. Next, shut down the cold water that flows into the heater. Take a standard garden hose and connect it to the outgoing drain valve. The end of the hose should be outside of the home in an area that won’t be harmed by hot water.

Open the pressure relief valve and the drain valve. Wait a few moments as the tank drains completely. After all of the water has drained from the tank you can close the drain valve and disconnect the hose. Close the pressure relief valve. Now walk around the house and turn on each tap with hot water. Turn on the cold water flowing into the tank. Return to the taps one at a time and turn them off as water begins to flow. Finally, after all spigots are turned off, return power to the tank.

While You’re There

Any time you are flushing the tank is also a great time to check the integrity of the pressure valve. All tanks have a temperature and pressure valve that functions as a safety mechanism. You can check this valve while flushing the tank after you turned off the electricity or gas to the heater as well as the cold water input.

After shutting off the cold water you should place a bucket directly beneath the pressure relief valve. There will be a trip lever nearby. Pull the lever and you should see water, air, and possibly vapor exit from the valve. This is a sign that the valve is working properly. You can now continue with flushing the tank. If the valve is not working, then you should still continue with flushing the tank, but then replace the valve before restoring power and cold water input.

Flushing a tank and checking the valve shouldn’t take any longer than thirty minutes. Albeit, you should expect it to take slightly longer if you need to physically replace the valve. These simple maintenance steps can add many years to the lifespan of your water heater.

Burst water pipes can result in thousands of dollars in damages, and this is why many people take measures to ensure this doesn’t happen. There are times when the pipes can burst, no matter how much you do to prevent it. When you get this problem, you will need to deal with it in the shortest time possible and minimize the damage. Below are some of the things you will need to do when you have a burst pipe.

1. Shut off the water
The first thing you will need to do is turning off water at the mains. This is important because it will stop the flow of water into your home and this prevents any further damage. If there is still a flow of water, drain the water in your system by flushing your toilet many times until the flow dries up. If there are any electrical sockets affected, then turn off the main switch of your electricity immediately.

Open the faucets
It is a good idea to open the faucet because when the main valve has been shut off, there will still be pressure inside the pipes. Opening the faucets will let out any remaining water and there will be no pressure in the pipes. This will make it easier during the repairs because the pipes will have no water.

Call a plumber
Unless you have experience with repairing broken pipes, you will need to call a plumber to do the work at some point. There are a number of things you can do before calling the plumber, and it is important in order to reduce the damage caused by the burst pipe. A plumber will help you with tips to prevent further damage and how to deal with the problem while waiting for the plumber to get to your home.

Getting rid of the water
Take a mop, bucket, and a shop vacuum then start getting rid of the water because you don’t want everything in your home soaking in water. Cleaning up as soon as possible will help in preventing molds. When getting rid of water, see whether there is contact with any electrical wires or equipment with water because you don’t want to get shocked in the process.

Having a burst pipe is a big problem, but what you do after it determines the damage it is going to cause. Use the above tips and you will have an easier time dealing with the burst pipe.

A leaking water heater can cause huge problems in the house. A simple leak can cause damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and floor. If not detected early, this can affect the house’s structural integrity. Larger leaks will almost always cause flooding resulting in more expensive repair bills. Outlined below are 6 of the common causes of a leaking water heater.

1. A malfunctioning cold-water inlet valve. A malfunctioning water inlet valve can be a reason for a leak in the house. A leaky outlet pipe might also be the reason for the pool of water on the water heater.

2. Rusted pipes. Corroded pipes might also be a reason for a leak. Check both the outlet and inlet pipes to see if they are leaking or a pool of water on the heater.

3. Failing temperature and pressure relief valves. The T&P (Temperature and Pressure relief) valve is usually installed on the top or side of the tank. A loose or failing valve will at times, cause a leak. Ensure no water is leaking from the valve.

4. Broken/failing drain valve. This could be another reason for the leak. A failing or broken valve will cause a leak. Inspect the bottom of the tank for wetness or a pool of water.

5. Internal tank failure. The inner tank may fail if it isn’t drained regularly. Draining the tank regularly reduces the rate of sediment build-up hence lowering the risk of the tank failing altogether.

6. Condensation. Condensation may occur just outside the heater. This is however completely normal.

These are the most common causes of a leaking water heater. To identify the problem, cut off the main water supply and gas/electricity. You may start diagnosing the problem yourself or call an expert to help out. You can contact a plumbing expert (Smith and Son Plumbing) in Frisco, TX, for professional help.

We have been handling plumbing problems and installations for a long time, hence have the expertise required to deliver high-quality work and satisfaction guarantee. Book an appointment with us.

How frequently do you change the oil in your car? Depending on the model and make, it is possible that this occurs every 3000 to 5000 miles or 3 to 5 months. Changing the oil in your car regularly contributes to everything running smoothly while extending the overall life-span of the car. The same applies to water heaters. The majority of the manufacturers suggest flushing these water heaters at least every 12 months. Yet there is also a major warning: You have to ensure you maintain your water heater consistently, in the way of making sure you drain it out at least once a year, or you could experience a very leaky mess. Here is more information on what you need to know about draining a water heater.

The Reason Why Being Consistent With Draining A Water Heater Is So Important

When sediment starts to accumulate along the bottom of a water tank, this debris is typically not distributed evenly and usually collects in specific spots. These are the areas that are then exposed to higher heat, as this sediment starts to displace the water that is lying in the bottom area of the water tank.

This increase in heat breaks the steel down faster in these areas, which results in thinner metal and more potential failure areas. An inspection conducted every 6 to 12 months by a plumber that is certified can remove the sediment and make sure your Water Heater remains in the best condition.

Avoid Doing It Yourself

After many years of the sediment building up, the steel might have become thin enough that it now has small holes in it. The current sediment usually acts as a “plug” for these weakened areas in the tank. Think about what would happen when the tank is flushed out after a number of years of accumulated sediment. This sediment is flushed from these holes or thinning areas which is followed by your tank springing one or more leaks.

This is the reason why regular maintenance becomes so important. If you have not flushed the water heater for a number of years or ever, never risk trying to do this on your own. Rather contact the professionals at Smith and Son Plumbing to conduct a thorough inspection and for maintenance procedures for your water heater. We take the utmost care to examine water heaters followed by the appropriate course-of-action.

It is very easy to forget about maintenance for your water heater, so you may want to think about our Maintenance Agreement to ensure you never forget, and that your water heater is always serviced on time. If you are looking for more information about the processes involved in draining water heaters, schedule your appointment or ask us today!

Do you have a broken water heater? It can be hard to decide whether to get it repaired or just replace it and move on.

However, we will make this an easy decision for you. Just ask yourself the following 3 questions and once you have your answers, you will know exactly what you should do.

1. How serious is the problem?

Is the tank on your water heater leaking and corroded? That is something you really can’t salvage. So your only option in that situation will be to replace it. However, you can repair a pressure-relief valve or leaky drain valve.

For the different problems that can potentially be repaired, it is recommended by consmerreports.org that you get a repair estimate first. Then you can weigh that versus the expense of having to buy a new water heater.

The cost of a new water heater will depend on:

– The cost of the water heater itself
– The plumber’s installation rates

However, Homewyse.com has provided the following general estimates:

The average cost for replacing a hot water heater: $616.06-$785.99.

The average cost for installing a tankless hot water heater: $835.52-$1,063.38.

Note: Installing a tankless water heater might cost more than what is mentioned here since extra plumbing might need to be done if you haven’t had a tankless water heater before.

If repairs are costing you close to half or more than what it would cost to buy a new water heater, then you should consider replacing your old one and buying a new water heater. The older that a water heater is the less you should tolerate the cost of having to repair it.

2. How old is your water heater?

The following are the average lifespans for water heaters:

– Tankless water heater: 20 years or longer
– Storage water heater: 10-15 years

If you have never had any yearly water heater maintenance done, then the lifespan of your water heater is going to be a lot lower compared to the averages, so just remember that.

If your old water heater is almost at the end of its average life and isn’t covered under warranty any longer, then it is a good idea to invest in a new water heater. Even when your repair costs are not high.

Why is that?

Because there is a good chance that next year you will have to repair it. And you will really be kicking yourself for spending money on a water heater that was about to die.

3. How often do I complain about my hot water?

Are you complaining a lot about not having enough hot water? Are your water heating bills high? Do you have low water pressure?

If so when combined with the factors of old age and expensive repairs, it is time for your water heater to be replaced.

Tankless vs. storage water heaters

If you make the decision to replace your old water heater, you will want to consider whether to get a tankless (on demand) or storage water heater.

Obtain accurate estimates

For accurate water heater installation or repair estimates, call Plumbing Emergency Phoenix for assistance.

We serve the plumbing needs of Phoenix, AZ area homeowners.

While occasionally, a water leak may be easy to spot. Other times, you won’t be so lucky. Unfortunately, water leaks can be very subtle. This is especially true in cases where the leaks are naturally hidden. The good news, any leak will leave various signs that you should be able to spot to help you address the issue before it’s too late. Here are some of the signs you should be looking for when you are dealing with a leak.

1. Your Water Bill Is Increasing For Some Unknown Reason

Unless your water usage habits have changed or you added more people to your home, you are likely to notice a spike in your water bill if you have a leak. Usually, you can look at your day to day water usage and tell if things have changed. Your water bill should generally fluctuate here and there, but there shouldn’t be a dramatic spike. If you notice that you are suddenly paying an extremely high amount compared to the usage in the past, it is likely a sign of a sure-fire leak.

2. Your Meter Continues To Run

If you actually shut off the main water valve yet your water meter continues to rise, this is a very easy telltale sign that you are dealing with a leak somewhere in your home. Your meter should stop once you shut off your water.

3. You Smell Mold

You likely won’t spot mold or mildew in your daily life. It can grow hidden behind your walls or even in the dark corners of your home. Because of this, you might not notice it until you can smell it. You will likely begin to notice a musty odor eventually. If you begin smelling mold, it is a very good indicator that you are dealing with a leak that is causing excess moisture buildup somewhere in your home. If you don’t spot an obvious source, it is likely a hidden leak.

4. Warping and/or Bubbling

Having warped walls or bubbling in your ceiling isn’t something that is normal. Typically excess moisture is the cause of these issues. Therefore, if you notice that your walls have begun to warp or your ceilings are bubbling, you are likely dealing with an undetected leak.

What Should You Do About It?

If you begin to spot any of these signs in your home, you will want to be certain that your first step is calling a professional plumber. A professional plumber will have the experience and expertise to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and they will be able to correct the issue efficiently.

Due to the high costs of repairs, any kind of leak in the plumbing can be a major issue. One type in particular that causes a lot of damage is a leak in the slab. Keep reading to learn what slab leaks are, how to find them, and what type of damage can happen if they are not found soon enough.

Defining Slab Leaks

The slab refers to the foundation of your home, which is made of concrete. Two major pipes run under this foundation, which are the sewer and water lines, and they are essential to the plumbing system in a home. Slab leaks occur when any one of them leaks beneath your slab. The resulting water eventually works its way up through your slab, which then leaks into the home. Unfortunately, this happens too often without homeowners realizing it until the damage is extensive, and then it’s impossible to avoid the costly repairs at that point. This is what makes these types of leaks very dangerous.

Finding Leaks

Professional equipment must be used to find the slab leak’s exact spot. That said, there are some ways you can figure out if this is the kind of leak you have:

Start by shutting off every water appliance inside the home and checking the water meter. You probably have a leak in your plumbing system somewhere if you still notice it’s running.

Try listening for any water running. The best time to do this is when it’s quiet and you can walk around because slab leaks typically occur on the home’s bottom floor. If you do hear any running water anywhere that shouldn’t be, then there’s a good chance that you might have a leak in your slab beneath your floor.

Luckily, Plumbing Emergency Phoenix provides services for slab leaks in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Give us a call to schedule a plumbing consultation today.

Even a small plumbing leak has the potential of becoming a disastrous issue. Many people think of plumbing leaks as a dripping faucet or a small drip located under the sink. Although these leaks are annoying, most people do not worry about fixing them; however, these small issues can become a catastrophic issue if you do not deal with it quickly and properly.

A plumbing leak can occur anywhere in the home where your plumbing pipes are located. This means a leak can occur in your basement, in your crawl space, in your floors, in your ceilings and in your walls. Because the pipes can be out of sight, you may not realize that you have a leak until it develops into a catastrophic leak. Continue reading to learn what to do if you find a leak.

* What to Do if You Have a Burst Pipe

During the winter, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As the pipe thaws, air is released, which can cause pressure to build up inside your pipe. This pressure can cause your pipe to break. This type of plumbing problem is called a burst pipe. If you experience a burst pipe, here is what you should do.

If your water freezes, turn on all of the faucets in your home to allow the air to escape and minimize the pressure inside your pipes. As the pipe thaws, you may hear a hissing sound coming from your pipes. This is normal and can help prevent a break. Next, turn off the main water valve. Finally, heat your home to help thaw your pipes. Do not place a space heater near your pipes or use a blow torch to thaw your pips as it can pose a fire risk and even damage your pipes.

* What to Do if You Have a Leak Near a Faucet

The first step to take with any plumbing issue is to turn off the main water supply. Once you have done this, you can either look for the leak or contact a plumber. A leak at your faucet could be caused by a broken seal, a break or even too much water pressure. A plumber can help determine the issue and correct it.

* What to Do if You Have a Leaky Toilet

As with the other plumbing issues, the first step is to turn off your main water supply. Because there are several reasons for a toilet to be leaking, contact your plumber. The plumber will assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.

* What to Do if You Have a Leak Inside Your Walls or Floor

This type of leak is the most difficult to fix. If you notice any water damage to your walls or floors, contact a professional plumber to inspect the plumbing system in your home.

To help minimize the damage from a plumbing leak, act quickly. Do not wait until a small leak turns into a burst pipe or larger plumbing issues as even the smallest leak can end up costing your thousands of dollars. Instead, contact a plumber to assess and correct any plumbing issues as soon as you notice them.