Archive for Plumbing Services
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.
Sprinkler Systems
Posted by: | CommentsHere in the Valley, we know the only showers we’ll be seeing for awhile will be coming from our sprinkler systems. Is yours ready for the long, hot summer?
Do you have leaks that are wasting valuable water and money? It’s a great time to have sprinkling systems checked and repaired. Don’t forget other costly plumbing leaks like toilets, faucets, and outside valves. Make getting them repaired/replaced part of your spring cleaning and sprucing up.
Qualtire Plumbing and Construction is offering a complete inspection of your sprinkling system for $59.00 through the month of May. Take advantage of this offer, and save money on that summer water bill.
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.
Memories
Posted by: | CommentsI’ve been thinking a lot recently about my late father-in-law, Guy J. Qualtire. He started in the Phoenix plumbing repair business back in the late 50′s, early 60′s and opened Qualtire Plumbing in 1964. He loved the plumbing service and supply business and loved to chat with customers.
As I’ve been reminiscing, I’ve wondered what he would think of the company today. I hope he would be proud. He was such a believer in providing quality plumbing service and taking the time to build a rapport with his customers, and we have worked hard to maintain the integrity and quality that he found so important.
So as I write this today, I also wonder what Guy would have thought of blogging. I really think he would have loved being able to carry on a continuous dialogue with his friends and clients. Thanks, Guy, for the memories, and for the opportunity to continue to provide our clients with quality plumbing services and repairs.
