Author Archive
A Whirlpool Tub for You
Posted by: | CommentsWell, here it is July, and it’s still hot! Looks like we will have to find a way to cool off. I’ve got an idea; how about a new whirlpool bathtub? Just think, sitting in that tub with the Diamondbacks game on TV; well maybe, the World Cup instead.
New whirlpool tubs have come down in price over the last couple of years, so now it is affordable for almost any budget.
Talk about sprucing up your bath this month, that will certainly do it. In fact, you probably won’t be able to get the kids or grandkids out of it. Our granddaughters sure look forward to the whirlpool tub when they stay the night at our house!
When thinking of remodeling that bathroom, check this out for a real nice addition to your master bath.
Enjoy a Whirlpool Tub
This particular one is a corner tub, but different sizes are available. Remember July is bathroom remodel month at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction. Call 602.246.0656 if you have any questions.
Rocking Toilets
Posted by: | CommentsToday’s topic is rocking toilets. You know how annoying it is to sit down and have the toilet move, don’t you? Well, the solution may be as simple as placing a wooden shim under the base to stop it from rocking back and forth. If that doesn’t work, then you may need to remove the toilet, add a new wax ring and bolts, and re-set the toilet. The worst-case scenario would be to have to replace the closet flange in the floor. Now unless you’re really handy with plumbing repairs, you may need to hire a professional service technician (some still like to say plumbers) for the last two solutions. So anyway, say good-bye to rocking toilets!
We love to talk to our customers here at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction and want you to know that we are always here to discuss your plumbing repair questions. Home maintenance is an ongoing issue for homeowners, we know, and it’s always something it seems! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog, and remember even though we like to refer to ourselves as your Phoenix plumbing company, we serve the entire valley.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July.
Smelly Water
Posted by: | CommentsWell, I’m back. I’ve been gone from my writing position for the last week or so as the powers that be (namely my wife and office staff) decided that my material wasn’t up to their standards. Anyway, they apparently found out how difficult it is to produce these blogs and came crawling back on hands and knees saying that my “Smelly Water” blog was okay after all, so here goes.
Does your water have an odor? Now, I’m not talking about a smelly drain which may indicate that you need to clean your drain. I’m talking about actual smelly water. Here are a few inexpensive solutions.
If the water has an odor at the kitchen sink, try installing a simple drinking water filter system with a separate tap. For ice cubes, an in-line carbon filter will make your ice cubes smell fresh. As far as the shower or tub, a whole-house filter at the service pipe will give you clean, pure water throughout.
Whether it is smelly water or other plumbing repairs and home maintenance issues, remember Qualtire Plumbing & Construction is here to answer your questions. We have been your Phoenix plumbing company serving the valley since 1964 and are always just one phone call or email away. We would love to hear from you. See you next time.
Pesky Leaks Under the Sink
Posted by: | CommentsI’m sure many of you have experienced opening that cabinet underneath a sink, and everything is wet. Oh great, a leak – what to do!! Typically, a leak such as this will come from one of three sources.
If you see that the water drips all the time, even when not using the faucet, then your angle stops (valves under sink) and supplies will probably have to be changed. If the water leaks only when you use the faucet, then the drain lines are probably the culprit and should be changed. Thirdly, the problem may be the faucet. This can happen with the water off or on. So if one of those pesky leaks under your kitchen or bathroom sinks occur, you can do a little detective work of your own.
Remember, as always, your Phoenix plumber is only a phone call away if you have any questions concerning pesky leaks or other plumbing repairs and maintenance.
Water Pressure too High?
Posted by: | CommentsWe’ve had some calls recently from customers concerned about their water pressure being too high. Why would this happen? Well, the water provider decides what the water pressure should be, and sometimes this can cause a problem.
Usually, anything over 60-70 lbs. of water pressure is too high. Your plumbing fixtures are not built to handle high water pressure. A solution is to add a pressure regulator on your water service, and this will keep your pressure below 75 lbs. per square inch. This will also facilitate maximum life expectancy for your plumbing fixtures.
Now what about low water pressure? Sometimes it’s as easy as removing the aerator from a faucet and cleaning it. Other times, it could involve increasing the volume of water to your house. This can be achieved by increasing the size of your water service and water line in the house.
As your Phoenix plumber, we have been providing plumbing repairs and home maintenance in Phoenix and the greater valley since 1964. We are always just one phone call away to answer your questions and offer advice.
To Flush or Not to Flush (that water heater)
Posted by: | CommentsLet’s talk about flushing the sediment out of your water heater. In order to maintain your heater at optimum efficiency, you should consider flushing it out periodically as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. The water quality in your area is also a factor in the frequency of flushing your tank. Here a few tips to assist you.
1. Connect your garden hose onto the drain valve and run it into the yard, preferably where runoff will not get into planters.
2. Turn drain valve on and let run three minutes.
3. Close drain valve and remove hose.
See, it’s that easy. Just don’t burn yourself, and make sure your children and pets are not in close proximity. In addition, if you haven’t flushed your water heater in a long time, it’s probably better not to. Calcium has likely already built up in the bottom of the tank, and flushing it now might just cause a leak. Once you have replaced the water heater, regular flushing will optimize the efficiency and longevity of your tank.
As always, your Phoenix plumber is here ready to assist you and answer your questions concerning your plumbing repairs and maintenance. Feel free to use our website to contact us or email us at info@qualtire.com with your questions and concerns.
No Hot Water? (Gas Water Heater)
Posted by: | CommentsNow let’s say you step into that cold shower and you have a gas water heater. The first thing to do would be to see if your pilot light is lit. If it isn’t, follow the instructions listed on your water heater to re-light.
If problems continue with your gas water heater, you will need additional repairs. You could have a loose or bad thermocouple or a defective thermostat. If your water isn’t hot enough, you may want to check the setting on the thermostat. Sediment building up in the bottom of the tank can cause slow recovery if you have not flushed out your water heater in awhile (will cover water heater flushing next time).
If you smell gas, remember to call the gas company immediately to have them check for leaks. In addition, please remember that when dealing with gas, it is important to have a qualified technician make your repairs. Proper installation and ventilation is extremely important with gas water heaters.
As with an electric water heater, if the tank is leaking from the bottom, a new water heater installation will be necessary.
As your Phoenix plumber serving the valley since 1964, we are always available to answer questions concerning your plumbing repairs and maintenance.
No Hot Water? (Electric Water Heater)
Posted by: | CommentsReady to hop into the shower, and no hot water? I know it’s happened to me, and odds are it’s happened to you, too.
Now if you have an electric water heater, you probably want to check to see if the electrical breaker has been tripped. If it has, then go ahead and re-set. If it trips again, you will need a technician to come out and inspect the water heater (or, if handy, you can inspect it yourself).
An electric water heater can be rebuilt with new elements and controls. If it is out of warranty, chances are it’s an older heater and may not be worth the money it would cost to repair. You may want to consider a new water heater at this point.
If your electric water heater is leaking from the bottom, replacement is the only solution. If under warranty and older than a year, then labor would be the only cost incurred.
As your Phoenix plumber since 1964, we are hear to assist you. If you ever just have a question concerning plumbing repairs or maintenance issues, don’t hesitate to call. If we can help you over the phone, we would be happy to do so.
Ghosting Toilets?
Posted by: | CommentsThe house is quiet, and you suddenly hear the toilet tank filling with water unexpectedly. Sounds like a ghost? Plumbing companies refer to this as a “ghosting toilet.” Now what do you do?
To see if your toilet is in need of repair, here’s a little test to try. Place some red food dye in the tank and wait 30 minutes. If red dye shows up in the bowl, the water is leaking out of the tank into the bowl and then down the drain. This can be costing you hundreds of dollars per year.
You have some options depending on your budget and your needs; plumbing solutions I like to refer to as good, better, and best.
Good – Change the toilet flapper only. This is the least expensive and may or may not solve the problem.
Better – Remove the toilet tank and install a new flush valve and flapper. We offer a 30 day warranty on this toilet repair.
Best – Remove the toilet tank and replace all parts with new. We would offer a six month warranty on this solution.
As your Phoenix plumbing company since 1964, we hope you find this information helpful. If you are unable to make your own toilet repairs, we hope you will consider giving us a call.
Plumbing Emergencies
Posted by: | CommentsWhen that toilet backs up or that pipe bursts, you don’t need an answering machine to tell you someone will call you back tomorrow. You need plumbing service now and a knowledgeable person you can talk to. Being in business in the valley as a reliable Phoenix plumber for over 45 years, we know that good service never goes out of style. So please remember the next time that plumbing emergency arises, call us for that good, old fashioned service. We want to help you maintain your plumbing system and make those emergencies a little less painful.
