Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions | Laveen Plumbing Pros
Welcome to the Laveen Plumbing Pros FAQ page. We believe that an informed homeowner is an empowered homeowner. Plumbing systems are complex networks of pipes, valves, and fixtures that usually work silently in the background. However, when something goes wrong, it can be stressful and confusing. We have compiled this extensive list of frequently asked questions to help you understand your plumbing system, recognize common problems, and know when it is time to call a professional. Whether you are dealing with a water heater not staying hot, a slow drain, or a burst pipe, you will find answers here.
We serve the entire Laveen Arizona area, including the communities of Laveen Village and Komatke. If you do not see your specific question listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We are always happy to help our neighbors understand their homes better.
General Plumbing Questions
Q: How do I know if I have a plumbing emergency?
A: A plumbing emergency is generally defined as any situation that causes immediate property damage, poses a health risk, or leaves you without essential services for an extended period. If you have a burst pipe flooding your home, a sewer backup pushing waste into your bathtub, or a gas leak, these are undoubtedly emergencies. If you are searching for an emergency plumber near me because you have no water at all or a major leak that cannot be contained by turning off a valve, call us immediately. We offer 24 7 plumbing help for these critical situations to minimize damage to your structure and belongings.
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We are a local company dedicated to Laveen Arizona and the surrounding region. We serve the following zip codes and communities:
- Laveen: 85339
- Phoenix (South/West): 85041, 85043
- Komatke: 85339
- Laveen Village
Q: Do you offer preventative maintenance?
A: Yes. Regular plumbing maintenance is the best way to avoid unexpected failures. We offer inspections where we check your water pressure, flush your water heater to remove sediment, inspect drains for slow flow, and test shut off valves to ensure they work. This helps catch small issues like corrosion or pinhole leaks before they turn into a burst pipe repair emergency. In the harsh climate of Laveen Arizona, where thermal expansion causes stress on pipes, maintenance is vital.
Q: Why is my water pressure low?
A: Low water pressure can be caused by several factors. It might be mineral buildup in your aerators (common in Laveen due to our hard water), a failing pressure regulator, or a leak in your main water line. If the pressure is low at only one faucet, check the aerator for grit. If it is low everywhere in the house, you likely need a low water pressure plumber to diagnose the main system. It could also indicate a hidden slab leak diverting water away from your fixtures.
Q: How do I turn off my main water supply?
A: Every homeowner should know this location. Your main shut off valve is typically located where the water line enters your home (often in the garage or on the front side of the house) or in a concrete box near the street. In an emergency, turning this valve clockwise (or perpendicular to the pipe for a lever handle) will stop the flow of water to your entire home. We recommend testing this valve annually to make sure it has not seized up.
URGENT SAFETY WARNING: GAS LEAKS
Q: What should I do if I smell gas?
A: If you smell a rotten egg odor, hear a hissing sound near a gas line, or suspect a gas leak, you must act immediately. Go outside and call 911. Do not touch any electrical switches, do not use a phone inside the house, and do not light any matches. This is a life safety emergency. Do not attempt to find the leak yourself. Once the area is declared safe by emergency responders, you can contact us for gas line repair services.
Emergency Plumbing FAQs
Q: Do you offer services on weekends and holidays?
A: Yes. Plumbing disasters do not follow a calendar. We are an emergency plumber available for weekend plumber needs and holiday calls. We act as your after hours plumber because we know that waiting until Monday is not always an option when you have a sewage backup or a flood. We are committed to being there when Laveen residents need us most.
Q: What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber?
A: First, shut off the main water valve to stop the flooding. If it is a localized leak (like a toilet), shut off the valve behind that specific fixture. If there is water near electrical outlets, do not enter the room. If possible, open a lower level faucet (like an outdoor hose bib) to drain the remaining water from the pipes. Then, wait for our fast emergency service team to arrive. Moving furniture or valuables away from the wet area can also help save your property.
Q: My pipes are making a banging noise. Is this an emergency?
A: This is called “water hammer.” While it might not be an immediate flood risk, it can damage your pipes and joints over time, leading to a burst pipe. It happens when a valve closes suddenly and the water slams into the pipe wall. We can install water hammer arrestors to fix this. It is best to address it sooner rather than later to protect your plumbing infrastructure.
Q: What do I do if my pipe bursts in the middle of the night?
A: Shut off your main water supply immediately. Then call Laveen Plumbing Pros. We are a 24 hour plumber and will dispatch a technician to repair the burst pipe and get your water turned back on safely. Do not try to wrap the pipe with tape as a permanent fix; the pressure is usually too high.
Water Heater FAQs
Q: Why is my water heater not staying hot?
A: If your hot water runs out quickly, it could be a broken dip tube (which directs cold water to the bottom of the tank), a failing heating element, or simply sediment buildup taking up space in your tank. We can diagnose the specific cause and perform the necessary water heater repair. In Laveen Arizona, sediment buildup is the most common culprit due to our mineral rich water.
Q: How long does a water heater last?
A: Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. If your unit is over 10 years old and needs frequent repairs, water heater replacement is often the more prudent choice.
Q: What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
A: Tankless units heat water on demand, so you never run out of hot water. They are more energy efficient because they do not keep a large tank of water hot 24/7. They also take up much less space. We are your local tankless water heater install expert and can help you decide if it is right for your home. This is a popular upgrade for families in Laveen.
Q: Why is my water heater making a popping noise?
A: That sound is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The sediment traps water underneath it, which boils and pops as the burner heats up. This can overheat the tank and cause leaks. Regular water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank, prevents this and improves efficiency.
Q: My water heater is leaking from the bottom. Can it be fixed?
A: If the tank itself is leaking, it usually cannot be repaired and must be replaced. A leaking tank is a sign of internal corrosion. If the leak is coming from a valve or connection, that can be repaired. Contact us immediately if you see water on floor near water heater.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer FAQs
Q: Why does my kitchen sink clog frequently?
A: Kitchen sink clogs are usually caused by grease, oil, and food particles. Grease may be liquid when you pour it down, but it solidifies in the cool pipes. Over time, this creates a sticky trap for other debris. We recommend avoiding pouring grease down the drain. If it happens often, professional drain cleaning is needed to remove the buildup.
Q: Can I use chemical drain cleaners?
A: We advise against it. Chemical cleaners rely on strong acids or caustics that create heat to melt the clog. This heat can damage PVC pipes and corrode older metal pipes. They are also dangerous to use and harmful to the environment. Mechanical snaking or hydro jetting is safer and more effective.
Q: What is hydro jetting?
A: Hydro jetting is a powerful drain cleaning method that uses high pressure water to scour the inside of your pipes. It cuts through tree roots, grease, and scale buildup, restoring your pipes to a “like new” condition. It is excellent for commercial properties and homes with recurring sewer line issues.
Q: How do I know if I have a main sewer line blockage?
A: If multiple drains are backing up at the same time (for example, the toilet and the bathtub), or if flushing the toilet causes water to come up in the shower, you likely have a main line blockage. This is a serious issue that requires sewer drain cleaning immediately to prevent sewage from entering your home.
Q: My toilet keeps clogging. What is wrong?
A: If your toilet clogs often, it could be due to flushing non flushable items (like wipes or feminine hygiene products), a weak flush due to mineral buildup in the rim jets, or an obstruction further down the line. We can perform a video inspection to see exactly what is causing the toilet clog repair issue.
Q: Why does my drain smell like rotten eggs?
A: This odor is sewer gas. It can happen if the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink) dries out, allowing gas to escape.
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