Category: Plumbing Maintenance

Today, we want to take the time to answer a question we get pretty often from homeowners: “How can I tell when I’m experiencing a plumbing emergency?” As you know, when you have a plumbing problem, you’re either going to schedule an appointment for a standard service call or call for emergency plumbing services. It can be difficult to determine what constitutes a true plumbing emergency. Many of your plumbing issues can seem quite urgent because so many of them involve potential water damage. We’re here to make it simple today.

We’re experts in everything plumbing in Peoria, AZ. We want to help you figure out when you need to make that after-hours call versus what can wait. Let’s get into a few instances that you should call us urgently below. 

Reasons to Call for Emergency Plumbing

These are the questions that you should ask yourself if you’re trying to determine if you’re having an emergency plumbing problem or not.

What’s the Weather Like?

So let’s start off by checking the weather. We know that this may seem like we’re getting off topic, but it actually has a lot to do with your home’s plumbing services. Here in Arizona, the weather you’re going to want to watch out for is our extreme warm weather. This is the weather we’re experiencing here more often than not and it can exacerbate certain plumbing issues. If you’re having a sewer issue during a heat wave, the heat combined with the scent of a sewer can make your home quite the unpleasant place to inhabit. This can potentially escalate an otherwise benign situation into a plumbing emergency.

Will There Be More Damage If I Leave the Problem Alone?

Now you should weigh the risk of waiting. Let’s say that you determine whatever you’re experiencing isn’t a plumbing emergency. This problem struck outside of normal HVAC hours and you’re going to wait until tomorrow morning to call a plumber to address the issue. Is this going to put your home at risk? Things like major leaks or gas line problems can put your home at risk and we suggest bumping these up into the emergency zone. 

Can You Turn the Appliance or Fixture Off?

If you’re having trouble with a minor leak and you can shut off the water flow to that fixture, this might not be a plumbing emergency. We suggest taking this route if possible and then calling a professional to get them out to your home at their earliest availability. 

Do You Need to Use this Plumbing System Soon?

The frequency that you use a certain plumbing system can actually determine whether something is a plumbing emergency or not. If you have one bathroom at home and you’re having no water flow from your showerhead, then this would automatically become a plumbing emergency. The same logic would apply if you were having an issue like this with your toilet. Don’t wait if you need a fixture or appliance urgently. 

Contact The Trusted Plumber when you want quality emergency plumbing services in the area.

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If you’re on the market for a new water heater system, then the main thing you need to decide is if you’re going to go for a tank or tankless model. Most people in our area go for a tank water heater system. This is more than likely what you’ve got at home right now. When it’s time to upgrade, most homeowners only consider getting an updated version of their current system. We want you to know that this isn’t your only option.

You can come to us when you’re looking for great water heater service in Glendale, AZ. You can trust our professionals because we’re knowledgeable and eager to share this knowledge with you. We want to make sure that you’re receiving the best possible service whether you go tank or tankless. 

The Benefits of Tank Water Heaters

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider a tank water heater system.

Water on Standby 

Standard water heaters are known as “standby” water heaters because they heat your home’s water and leave it waiting for you. While this can be inefficient in some cases, it can be an asset in many others. 

Cheaper Installation

If you’re concerned with the cost of your water heater installation, then a standard water heater is what you should go with. 

Familiarity

There’s nothing wrong with going with what you know. If choosing a standby water heater is what’s going to help you feel comfortable with your home performance, then it might be a good idea for you to choose this system. We can help you find an updated model of your current system that can help you in your home.

The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider a tankless water heater model.

Longer Lifespan

Tankless water heaters last longer than tank systems. These units typically last you about 20 to 30 years. They’re an investment that’s worth the time and effort. 

Unlimited Hot Water

Tankless water heaters start producing hot water when you turn on one of your taps. This means that you’re never going to lose out on hot water by having it waiting around for you in a tank. It’s right there when you need it and you can never run out of it.

Cost Savings

Tankless water heaters are great because they save you money over time. You can save money over the life of a tankless water heater because it’s such an efficient system. 

Go for Professional Service Either Way

It really doesn’t matter whether you use a tank or tankless system for your home, you need to go with professional service either way. Professional service is going to ensure that either system you choose can actually work for you. Your water heater is nothing without the right installation services. This is why it’s so important to schedule an appointment with our team members when you need quality service. We’re always here to provide you with the work you need most.

Contact The Trusted Plumber to schedule an appointment for your plumbing services.

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We all have enough to worry about when it comes to our health and well-being. Worrying about how clean and safe our home’s water is, shouldn’t be one of them.  Here are some reasons you may need a water filtration system and if you notice any of the following, you should have your water tested.

Your water supply is near a septic systemYour home’s plumbing system is agedYour notice staining when you do laundryYour water tastes “funny”You live near an area of intensive farmingYour water has a salty tasteYou had a chemical or fuel spill near your water supplyYou got a notice from your water supplier of a boil-water alert

You can have your water tested by contacting your local health department or you can contact a state-certified laboratory. You can find the laboratory serving you by contacting the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or on the EPA website.  Also, the experts at Len The Plumber can also provide you water analysis testing for things such as pH, Iron and other mineral contents that can be unsafe and undesired in your water.

Determining what is in your water will help when choosing the right water filtration system for your home. Water filtration systems can remove contaminants such as:

LeadMicrobesRadonArsenicPesticides

6 Popular Water Filtration Options

A water filtration system can be installed at an individual faucet which will only affect the water quality at that particular point-of-use or it can be installed at the juncture where the water enters the home.

The most basic water filtration option is a carafe system that uses a manual-filled pitcher with a filter cartridge. It’s inexpensive but also labor intensive for homes that go through a lot of drinking water daily.A simple option is attached to a faucet for an easy and quick filtration The downside is not every faucet works with faucet-mounted filters.One of the most commonly used filtration systems is one that is installed under the sink and uses cartridges which trap chemicals, metals and other contaminants.Another popular system is an ion exchange filter system. This system uses positively charged ions to collect ions that are harmful such as magnesium, barium and other harmful chemicals.Reverse osmosis units, which filters water through a membrane, is often used as an effective system to remove nearly all contaminants from the water. The filter does its job, but does require upkeep to make sure it is running smoothly and efficiently.Whole house water treatment systems treat all the water entering the home not just the water used for drinking. These systems are convenient and effective, and the most comprehensive. A professional plumber can evaluate your home’s plumbing and how it would integrate with a filtration system. If your home is on a well water system, a whole home water filtration system might be the best option for you.

Which Water Filtration System Should I Choose?

Before selecting a water filtration system, consider how you expect to use the filter and determine your budget. High-demand homes might be best with a system the provides ample filtered water daily.

Give yourself peace of mind knowing that your water is the safest it can be for you and your family. If you are considering a water filtration system, our experts at Len The Plumber can help. Call us today for a free analysis of your plumbing system. Len The Plumber is your Mid-Atlantic professional plumbing company.

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We’re happy to report that warm weather is ahead, and we can (hopefully) put this past winter behind us. If you’re planning on doing some spring cleaning outside this month, you’ll more than likely need to turn your outdoor faucet (commonly known as a hose bibb) back on.

The winter weather temperatures may have caused some models of hose bibbs to crack. If the problem isn’t caught early enough, all that water leaking from your outdoor faucet can result in water damage and allow for mold to potentially grow inside your home – not to mention all the wasted water and energy!

Follow These Steps Before Turning On Your Water

Follow these simple steps to see if your hose bibb was damaged this past winter:

Place your thumb over the spigot. If you have small thumbs, you may want to use your whole hand to cover the opening.Turn the water on.If you can hold the water in, with your hand or thumb, that means there is a crack somewhere in the piping and water is leaking out.However, if you feel a lot of pressure and you can’t hold back the water, you should be fine!

Hose Bibb Repair & Replacement

If your hose bibb is leaking, either visibly or based on our thumb test, you’ll likely need a professional to locate the source of the problem and resolve it. This can mean repair of specific components of your hose bibb or the pipes leading to it, or it could mean needing to replace the entire structure. You may have to choose between repairing and replacing your hose bibb, depending on the severity of the damage. Repairing costs less, but may leave worn components in place where they will fail in subsequent winters.

To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Len The Plumber at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 or schedule online

What to Do If Your Hose Bibb Is Still Leaking

At Len The Plumber, we’ve seen all too often what can happen to outdoor faucets affected by cold winters, and the problem doesn’t always reveal itself until spring. A leaky hose bibb or cracked supply line can result in damage to your home and also an increase in your water bill.

If you suspect that you have a water leak, give us a call today to diagnose the problem. We can even install a frost-proof outdoor hose faucet and our technician will teach you how to properly winterize your new fixture.

We’re here to provide you with same day service, seven days a week – and remember, there’s never an extra charge for evening or weekend service. 

Leak detection and repair are among the most important services we offer for plumbing in Glendale, AZ. No homeowner wants leaky pipes or fixtures in their house since this wastes water and can lead to mold growth and building damage. Since most of the piping in a house is hidden from sight, locating leaks is difficult and requires plumbers with the right skills and tools.

We’re going to answer four common questions people have about the hidden leaks they may have in their homes. We hope this helps you deal with potential problems and avoid the worst outcomes of leaky plumbing.

1. Is there anything I can do to prevent leaks from starting?

Yes, but you cannot stop all leaks through preventive measures. Unfortunately, one cause of hidden leaks is a type of corrosion that occurs in copper pipes called formicary corrosion. This corrosion leads to pinhole leaks, which are difficult to catch. Formicary corrosion comes from chemicals in the water or in the air of a house, and it’s hard to stop it from happening. The best way to avoid leaks is to have repiping done for the house if the plumbing is old (more than 50 years).

2. Can I locate hidden leaks on my own?

It’s possible—but you won’t be able to locate them with the precision necessary to repair the leaks, nor do you have the equipment and training necessary to excavate the pipe, remove the leaking section, and replace it. You can do detective work to determine that you have hidden leaks by checking the water meter, but once you know about the leaks, it’s best to leave the detection/repair job to licensed professionals. 

3. How much water does one of these leaks waste?

When we talk about something called a pinhole leak, it doesn’t sound intimidating. Yet the cumulative water waste from these leaks can be staggering. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, with a total for the country of one trillion gallons wasted through leaks a year. As a basic guideline, if a family of four has water use per month in excess of 12,000 gallons, it means there are major leaks. 

4. How do professionals find hidden leaks?

The methods and techniques of leak detection continue to advance with each year, and our plumbers use the best tools and the most up-to-date training. Detection starts with plumbing knowledge to narrow down where leaks are most likely occurring. Once our plumbers have a general sense of the problem and where it’s coming from, they use tools such as acoustic listening discs to hear the sound of water escaping and special thermal scanners that pick up on temperature differences and pressure rises in areas where water is leaving a pipe. Video camera equipment inserted into the plumbing can pinpoint leaks and their size with great precision. 

We have emergency services available to handle your home’s leak problems. If you aren’t sure about hidden leaks in your house, scheduling leak detection is an excellent preventive measure that helps you get ahead of problems.

Trust The Trusted Plumber.

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Homeowners don’t often think of “preventive plumbing” for their homes. Usually, the only major planning people do for their plumbing is to avoid pipe freeze during winter. That’s not something we need to worry about here in Arizona. But there are several preventive measures you can take to stop problems, large and small, in the future. We’ll go over six of them below.

1. Schedule routine drain cleaning

This one we often recommend to our customers. Rather than waiting for clogs to start to happen, you can keep them from happening—all around the house. Drain cleaning is great for getting rid of major clogs when they strike, but it’s also a maintenance service. Our plumbers will use the finest tools available to return your home’s drains to “like-new” condition, making it unlikely there will be clogs in the future. This also prevents drain flies, foul odors, and helps the drain pipes last longer. 

2. Arrange for leak detection

You may have leaks around your home that you aren’t aware of… yet. Hidden leaks are a common problem, and they both waste water and eventually cause building damage and mold growth. We advise our customers to schedule professional leak detection every couple of years. If you’ve never had leak detection done, it’s time to check this one off. That way you’ll have leaks addressed before they become major problems.

3. Install an automatic shut-off valve

This is a defense against flooding because of a major plumbing accident, the sort of disaster that might occur when you’re on vacation and which can keep you from relaxing. The shut-off valve works with leak detection devices around the house in key areas where flooding might occur, and when water begins to accumulate they’ll shut off the water main. The valve will also close if there is a sudden drop in water pressure. The newest in shut-off valve technology will even send an alert to your phone regarding the problem.

4. Install a water softener

Your house may not need this one, but many homes in the area do, so we recommend you ask plumbers about the presence of hard water in your home. Hard water does extensive damage to plumbing and can wreck water heaters. A water softener is attached to where the water main enters the home and counteracts the hard water minerals with sodium to “soften” the water. 

5. Have the water heater flushed

You should schedule maintenance for your water heater each year to ensure it works effectively, efficiently, and safely. Your plumbers will be able to tell you when it’s time to flush out the water heater, which will remove silt build-up that will increase energy efficiency and help with the water heater’s longevity. 

6. For an older home, repipe

If your house was built before 1970, it likely has aging pipes in it made from outdated materials. It’s a good idea to consult with our plumbers about the state of your pipes (such as during leak detection) and find out if it’s time to do a partial or full repiping. 

For all your needs for plumbing in Peoria, AZ, we’re the plumbers to call.

Trust The Trusted Plumber with your plumbing in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

Did you miss our previous article…
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You don’t want your house to have the smell of a sewer drifting through it, but this can sometimes happen to even the cleanest house because of troubles with the plumbing. If your house has terrible odors making daily life unpleasant, you’ll want to know the source and have it corrected.

We’re going to look at common causes of foul smells from plumbing in Peoria, AZ. This can help you know what to do about them. Our plumbers are ready to help make your house smell fresh again, and we have 24-hour emergency service to correct any plumbing disaster you run into.

ONE: Problems with the sewer line

We’ll start with a worst-case scenario, but unfortunately a common trouble for residential plumbing systems. The sewer odors in your house may actually be emanating from the sewer line itself. When the sewer line is in regular working shape, it moves wastewater from the drains in your house out to the municipal sewer line without you noticing. But if the line develops breaches, clogs, or root infiltration, it will begin to push sewer gas the wrong direction through the plumbing. The odors are a warning: unless the sewer line issue is addressed, actual sewage backup will eventually occur. You need professional plumbers on the job ASAP!

TWO: Blocked drain vents

Drain vents are the pipes that allow sewer gas to escape up through outlets in the top of the house. This prevents a buildup of pressure between the sewer line and the drains. If these escape-route pipes become clogged, they will push gas up through the drains. 

THREE: The dried p-trap

Here’s an easy one you can fix yourself. Can you track the bad odors to a single drain? If so, is this a drain that hasn’t been used in a few weeks? Then the trouble is that the p-trap—the curved section of pipe that holds a barrier of water—has dried out and sewer gas is rising through it. Simply run water down the drain for a minute or so to restore the p-trap’s water barrier. 

FOUR: The dirty garbage disposal

When you consider how much food waste goes down your kitchen’s garbage disposal on a regular basis, it’s surprising that it doesn’t develop odors more often. But disposals are designed to rapidly move ground-up waste into drain lines and leave little residue. The residue can build up over time, and if the disposal is malfunctioning it can cause a large accumulation of rotten food. The disposal may need to be cleaned, although for older units (more than 10 years) it may be better to replace it.

FIVE: Bacteria

This an issue you may encounter from the shower drain. Bacteria can develop within a substance called “biofilm” that grows inside shower drains because of soap, shampoo, and other body-cleaning products accumulating. It can affect other drains as well, and the best approach to solving this problem is with drain cleaning. No, don’t use chemical drain cleaners! They won’t solve the issue. It takes professionals drain cleaning to wipe out a biofilm buildup in drains. 

Trust The Trusted Plumber! Call us for emergency plumbing repair in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas. 

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No homeowner sets out to wastewater on purpose. There’s no reward in that! The problem is that it’s easy to unintentionally wastewater and then continue to let it happen. You’re probably using more water than you need to right now and be unaware of it. Even higher bills may not alert you, because if the problem has been going on long enough, the bill will always be high!

When it comes to household plumbing in Surprise, AZ, we’re the experts. We’ve often helped our customers enjoy better plumbing and save water, so we know about the many ways households can wastewater. We’re going to look at seven ways you may be wasting water and what you can do about it.

ONE: Overlong showers

Yes, you’ve heard this one. We want to repeat it, because cutting down on the time spent running water in the shower can make an enormous difference in monthly water consumption. We recommend you time your showers. If they are over five mins, even if it doesn’t seem long to you, it’s still too long. 

TWO: Unfixed leaks

Hidden leaks is the source of one trillion gallons of water going to waste across the country each year. Of course, it’s difficult to notice a leak that’s hidden, but you can watch for signs. If you suspect hidden leaks or you’ve never had your house checked for them, call our plumbers for leak detection services.

THREE: Running the dishwasher that’s not full

Did you know that using the dishwasher to handle cleaning the dishes uses less water than washing them by hand? It’s true—but only if the washer is used to the fullest, i.e. when it’s full. Running a half-loaded dishwasher is wasteful. (We also recommend using the “light” setting on the dishwasher to help reduce consumption.)

FOUR: Running a half-full laundry load

This is similar to the washing machine mistake. You’ll conserve water if you only run the washing machine when it’s loaded to maximum capacity. You may also wish to install a new washing machine with water-saving features if your current one is more than ten years old. (Look for the WaterSense label.)

FIVE: Keeping an old toilet

The standard toilet, depending on its age, uses from 2–6 gallons per flush. New low-flow toilet models use less than 1½ gallons per flush. Making the change from an old toilet to a low-flush one will have a big impact on water use in your house because the toilet accounts for the highest amount of indoor water consumption. We install low-flow models and are happy to help you with the upgrade.

SIX: Running the water while you brush your teeth

We don’t know why people often have the faucet running during their teeth-brushing regimen, but it’s common. Try to break this habit, because it does make a difference. 

SEVEN: Unnecessary toilet flushes

Please don’t use your toilet as a trash can! It’s only for human waste and toilet paper. Using it to dispose of other items not only wastes water, it risks creating clogs. 

We’re here to help you to save water: new installations, leak detection, and more much more.

You can trust in The Trusted Plumber! Call us for plumbing service in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

Did you miss our previous article…
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Are you wondering when you should get yourself a new water softener for your home? It’s a great question to ask yourself. Especially when this time of year rolls around. Fall is a season that provides enough relief from extreme temperatures long enough to allow you to think about the finer details of your home comfort.

One thing we’d like you to focus on is your water quality. If your water quality is a little on the lackluster side, we suggest that you consider some means of bringing it up to par. One way you can do this is through services with your water softener in Surprise, AZ. Let’s go through everything you need to know.

What Is “Soft” Water?

We find that people typically throw around the term “soft” water without defining it first. We want to make sure you understand what it is. Soft water is balanced water that’s removed of excessive mineral content. What makes water “hard” is the amount of minerals suspended in it.

The minerals that often make their way into your water are things like calcium and magnesium. They come from the municipal water supply and groundwater seepage, and fortunately are completely benign to humans. Although they aren’t going to harm you, they’re definitely going to make life harder for your plumbing system. This is why “soft” water is sought after and water softeners are a great investment. 

Do You Need a Water Softener?

Now let’s determine if your home could benefit from a water softener. These are a few signs that you could:

• You Have Scale Buildup: Have you noticed that every time you pull a dish out of the dishwasher, it’s covered in little scale spots? This is a byproduct of hard water.
• Your Hair, Skin, and Nails Are Dry: Have you noticed that your body is uncharacteristically dry? This can actually be a side effect of hard water. It will only get worse the more time you allow to go by.
• Your Water Bills Are Too High: If there’s a spike in your water bill that you can’t pinpoint the source of, it could be due to reduced water capacity due to buildup in your home’s pipes. This is a great reason to get yourself a water softener. 

How to Get the Most from Your Water Softener

Once you’ve decided you need a water softener, the focus switches from wondering if you need one to purchasing the right one and using it correctly. 

The one thing that you need to do is make sure that you have your water softener installed and maintained by a professional. There’s no way around this. We know that the allure of DIY work or amateur work is tempting. It seems like a feasible way to save yourself some money on your installation services. This isn’t the case. It’s likely you’ll spend more money trying to save on your water softener services. We often repair issues that arise from poor installation. We’re available to help you get the installation work done right. 

Contact The Trusted Plumber today to schedule an appointment with our team members. 

Did you miss our previous article…
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You’ve got your loofah sponge and your deep conditioning hair rinse, but your bathroom fixtures could use a little self-care too. Here are some easy ways to make sure your bathroom fixtures are clean and functioning for their best life.

Head to Your Shower

As you face your shower and let the water stream down on your head, how many of us have actually opened our eyes and looked at how dirty our shower head actually is? Areas with hard water can plainly see the build-up of calcium and other minerals that might be blocking your shower head spray. Not to mention, icky bacteria and mildew that can thrive on your shower head. And if all that hasn’t convinced you of the need to scrub down your shower head, how about the errant spray from the shower head that hits in all the wrong places because the tiny holes have been plugged with gunk?

Okay – ready now?

Shower Head Cleaning Options

• You can clean your shower head without taking it down. Simply fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attach it to the shower head using a rubber band. After about an hour, remove the bag and turn on the shower to rinse. Voilà!
• For really crusty shower heads, use a wrench wrapped in a towel to protect the shower head finish and detach the head from the arm. Dunk the shower head into a mix of 2 cups of vinegar to 4 tablespoons of baking soda and leave it there overnight. Use an old toothbrush to give it a good scrub and a pin to unclog the holes. Rinse and replace.

Down the Drain

Lots of self-care happens over top of your sink. And your sink’s drain pays the price of beauty. Have you noticed water isn’t draining from your sink efficiently? That’s because all that toothpaste, shaving cream, bits of hair and soap scum are settling in your drain. So, while you’re rinsing your pores, your water can’t pour down the drain. Here’s what you can do:

• Remove any debris in the drain that you can see. Pull up the stopper and clear away hair or chunks of toothpaste that might be blocking water from flowing down the drain. Tougher clogs might need the help of a drain snake. If your drain is blocked and not easily cleared, you may need the help of a professional plumber who can safely clear your drains without damaging your pipes or creating a larger issue by pushing a blockage farther down your system.
• To help mitigate foul odors coming from your drain, try using hydrogen peroxide or other non-corrosive/natural cleaning products to help break up the bacteria inside your drain. Avoid hard drain cleaners that might temporarily help your drain but do longer-term damage to your pipes.
• You may also hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to do the trick.

Potty Talk

Despite a bad rap, our toilet bowl is an MVP in our home and should be treated as such. Regular cleaning will reduce odors and increase the longevity of your toilet. Here’s how to give the porcelain god the TLC it deserves:

• When cleaning out the bowl, reduce the water by pouring a half bucket of water into the bowl. This will allow for your disinfectant to not dilute and more properly sanitize the bowl.
• Use antibacterial cleaners that contain bleach. Scrub thoroughly and rinse. Use a spray disinfectant on your toilet brush prior to storing.
• Wipe down the exterior of the toilet with wipes (do not flush) or with a sponge/paper towels and disinfectant.
• Start with the toilet handle, then work your way down to the seat and exterior.

Clean bathroom fixtures are better for your health and the cleanliness of one of your most-used rooms. A dirty bathroom fixture can make it malfunction; but sometimes bigger plumbing issues are to blame. If your bathroom fixtures are backing up your morning routine, call the experts at Len The Plumber.

Whether you are looking for routine maintenance or need a major repair, our professionals will be able to help you no matter how big or small the problem is. Contact Len The Plumber today by calling (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619.

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