Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – El Mirage Plumbing Pros
Welcome to the El Mirage Plumbing Pros FAQ page. We understand that plumbing issues can be confusing and stressful. Whether you are dealing with a sudden emergency, planning a renovation, or simply have questions about maintaining your home’s plumbing system, we are here to help. As your local plumbing expert in El Mirage and Youngtown, we believe in educating our customers. Below you will find detailed answers to the most common questions we receive regarding our services. If you do not see your specific question listed here, please contact us directly. We are ready to assist you.
General Plumbing Questions
Why is El Mirage Plumbing Pros the best choice for my home?
We are a locally focused plumbing company dedicated to serving the El Mirage community. We understand the specific challenges of our area, such as the hard water conditions and the shifting desert soil that affects underground pipes. We prioritize customer service, punctuality, and high quality workmanship. When you search for a plumber near me, you want someone who treats your home with respect. We use drop cloths, clean up our work area, and provide honest assessments of your plumbing needs.
Do you offer service on weekends or holidays?
Yes. Plumbing problems do not adhere to a standard business schedule. A pipe can burst or a water heater can fail at any time. We are a 24 hour plumber offering availability for emergencies on weekends and holidays. We understand that some issues, like a sewage backup or a major leak, cannot wait until Monday morning. You can count on us for 24 7 plumbing help.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve El Mirage and Youngtown, but our service area extends to the greater West Valley. This includes Surprise, Sun City, Peoria, Glendale, Litchfield Park, and Waddell. We know these neighborhoods well and can respond quickly to calls within these zip codes.
Emergency Plumbing FAQs
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is generally any situation that poses an immediate threat to your property or your health. This includes:
- Burst pipes: Water flooding your home requires immediate attention to prevent structural damage.
- Sewage backups: Waste entering your home is a biohazard.
- No water: Losing access to potable water is a critical issue.
- Gas leaks: A potential gas leak is a life threatening situation.
- Water heater failure: Major leaks or signs of overheating.
If you are unsure, it is better to be safe. Contact us, and we can help determine the urgency of your situation.
What should I do if I smell gas?
URGENT SAFETY INSTRUCTION
If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, hear a hissing sound near a gas line, or suspect a gas leak for any reason, you must go outside and call 911 immediately.
This is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention from professional emergency responders and your utility provider. Do not use any electrical switches, do not use your phone inside the house, and do not light any matches. Once the area is declared safe by the authorities, you can contact us for gas line repair. Your safety is our top priority.
My house is flooding. What should I do before you arrive?
First, remain calm. Locate the main water shut off valve for your home. It is usually located on an exterior wall near the front of the house or in a ground box near the street. Turn the handle or valve to the “off” position (clockwise). This will stop the flow of water to the entire house. Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the remaining water in the pipes. Then, move any valuable items or furniture away from the wet area. Contact us immediately for emergency plumbing service.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line FAQs
Why are my drains moving slowly?
Slow drains are usually caused by a buildup of debris over time. In the kitchen, this is often grease, food scraps, and soap. In the bathroom, it is typically hair, toothpaste, and beauty products. In El Mirage, hard water scale can also narrow the pipes, restricting flow. If multiple drains are slow simultaneously, it could indicate a blockage in your main sewer line. We offer professional drain cleaning to restore full flow to your system.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
We generally advise against using harsh chemical drain cleaners found in grocery stores. These chemicals create heat reactions that can damage plastic pipes and corrode metal ones. Furthermore, they often only burn a small hole through the clog rather than removing it entirely. They can also be dangerous for our technicians if we have to work on the pipe later. We use mechanical methods like snaking and hydro jetting, which are safer for your plumbing and more effective at removing the blockage.
What is hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting is an advanced method of drain cleaning. It uses high pressure water streams to scour the interior of your pipes. Unlike a snake that just breaks up the clog, hydro jetting removes grease, sludge, scale, and even tree roots. It flushes the debris away, leaving your pipes in a nearly new condition. It is an excellent preventative measure for homes that experience frequent backups.
How do I know if I have tree roots in my sewer line?
Tree roots are a common issue in El Mirage. They seek out the moisture inside sewer lines and can enter through tiny cracks. Signs of root intrusion include gurgling noises from your toilet, frequent clogs, and sewage backing up into the bathtub. We use video camera inspections to visually confirm the presence of roots. If we find them, we can remove them using heavy duty cutting blades or hydro jetting and then repair the pipe.
My toilet is overflowing. What should I do?
Turn the valve behind the toilet clockwise to shut off the water to the fixture. This will stop the water from rising. Do not flush it again. If a plunger does not clear the blockage, contact us. It could be a deep clog or an issue with the sewer line. We provide clogged toilet plumber near me services to resolve the issue quickly.
Water Heater FAQs
Why do I have no hot water?
A lack of hot water can be caused by several issues. If you have a gas water heater, the pilot light may be out, or the gas valve may have failed. If you have an electric unit, a heating element may have burned out, or the thermostat may be malfunctioning. It could also be a tripped breaker. We can troubleshoot your unit to find the exact cause and perform the necessary water heater repair.
How long does a water heater last?
Traditional tank water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. In El Mirage, the hard water can shorten these lifespans if the unit is not flushed regularly. If your unit is over 10 years old and requiring frequent repairs, we may recommend water heater replacement as a more reliable option.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
A tankless water heater heats water on demand rather than storing it in a large tank. This means you never run out of hot water, which is great for large families. They are also more energy efficient because you are not heating standby water all day. They take up less space, mounting on a wall instead of sitting on the floor. We are experts in tankless water heater installation and can help you decide if it is right for your home.
Why is my water heater making a rumbling noise?
Rumbling, popping, or banging noises are usually caused by sediment buildup in the tank. The minerals in our water settle at the bottom of the tank and harden. When the burner turns on, water trapped under the sediment boils and bubbles up, creating the noise. This makes the unit work harder and can lead to leaks. We offer water heater maintenance services to flush this sediment out and protect your tank.
Can you repair a leaking water heater tank?
Unfortunately, if the tank itself is leaking, it cannot be repaired safely. The glass lining inside has likely cracked, and the metal is rusting through. Attempting to patch a tank is dangerous. In this case, the unit must be replaced. However, if the leak is coming from a valve or connection, we can often repair those specific parts.
Pipe and Water Line FAQs
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a leak in the water lines that run underneath or inside the concrete foundation of your home. They are common in El Mirage. Signs include warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when taps are off, damp flooring, and unexplained high water bills. Slab leaks can cause structural damage if left untreated. We use electronic leak detection to locate the leak and offer options for slab leak repair.
What is repiping?
Repiping is the process of replacing the old hot and cold water supply pipes in your home with new materials. This is often necessary for older homes with galvanized steel pipes (which rust) or polybutylene pipes (which are prone to bursting). We typically use Copper or PEX for repiping. A whole home repipe improves water pressure, eliminates rust colored water, and prevents leaks.
How do I know if I have a hidden leak?
Hidden leaks can be tricky. Look for a sudden increase in your water usage on your utility bill, musty odors or mold growth, peeling paint or wallpaper, damp spots on drywall or ceilings, or the water meter dial spinning when all water is turned off. If you suspect a leak, contact us for a plumbing inspection. We have the tools to find leaks behind walls and underground without destroying your home.
What causes low water pressure?
Low water pressure can be frustrating. It can be caused by debris in aerators, pressure regulator failure, hidden leaks, or corroded pipes. We can diagnose the cause and provide a low water pressure plumber solution.
Fixture and Garbage Disposal FAQs
My garbage disposal is humming but not working. Can you fix it?
Yes. A humming sound usually means the flywheel is jammed, or the motor is seized. This often happens if a hard object like a bone or fruit pit falls into the disposal. Turn off the switch immediately to prevent the motor from burning out. Contact us for garbage disposal repair. We can safely unjam the unit. If the motor is dead, we can perform a garbage disposal installation with a new, powerful model.
What should I not put down my garbage disposal?
To prevent jams and clogs, avoid putting these items down the disposal: Grease, oil, fat, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables like celery and corn husks, bones, fruit pits, and pasta and rice.
Do you install customer supplied fixtures?
Yes, we can install faucets, toilets, and showerheads that you have purchased yourself. However, we also carry a line of high quality professional grade fixtures. When we supply the fixture, we can ensure it is a quality product that is compatible with your plumbing system. Whether you buy it or we supply it, we provide expert fixture installation to ensure it works perfectly.
My toilet runs constantly. Is this a problem?
Yes, a running toilet is a major water waster. It can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. It is usually caused by a worn out flapper that is not sealing properly or a faulty fill valve. We can repair this quickly and affordably. If your toilet is old and inefficient, we can also install a new water saving toilet.
Can you help with hard water stains on my fixtures?
Hard water stains are a constant battle in El Mirage. While we can replace fixtures that are damaged by scale, the best long term solution is to address the water quality. We install water softeners that remove the minerals responsible for the scale. This protects your fixtures, your appliances, and your plumbing pipes.
Commercial Plumbing FAQs
Do you provide commercial plumbing services?
Yes. We serve businesses, restaurants, property management companies, and HOAs in El Mirage. We understand that commercial plumbing issues can impact your revenue and operations. We offer fast, discreet service for commercial water heater repair, grease trap issues, urinal repair, and large scale pipe repairs.
Do you offer maintenance plans for businesses?
Yes. Preventative maintenance is crucial for commercial properties. We can set up a schedule to inspect your plumbing systems, clean drains, and test water pressure to prevent emergencies. This helps you avoid unexpected downtime and costly repairs.
General Service FAQs
What should I do if my pipes freeze?
While rare in the desert, freezing temperatures can happen. If you wake up to no water on a cold morning, your pipes may be frozen. Do not try to thaw them with an open flame. This is a fire hazard and can damage the pipe. Turn off the main water valve and open the faucets. Contact us for frozen pipe repair. We can safely thaw the pipes and repair any splits that may have occurred.
Do you help with kitchen and bathroom remodels?
Absolutely. We are the plumbing partners for many home renovation projects. We handle the bathroom remodel plumbing, including moving drain lines, installing new shower valves, and setting new tubs. For kitchens, we handle sink installation, pot fillers, and gas line reconfiguration. We work alongside other contractors to ensure your project stays on schedule.
How can I lower my water bill?
If your water bill is high, start by checking for leaks, including running toilets and dripping faucets. Upgrading to high efficiency fixtures is another great step. Low flow toilets and aerated faucets reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Installing a hot water recirculation pump can also save water by giving you instant hot water at the tap, so you do not have to let it run while waiting for it to warm up.
Why do I have rust colored water?
Rust colored water usually points to one of two things: a rusting water heater tank or corroded galvanized iron pipes. If the rust only appears when you run hot water, it is likely the water heater. If it appears with cold water too, it may be your pipes. We can perform a plumbing inspection to determine the source and recommend a solution, such as a water heater replacement or a whole home repipe.
Contact Us
We hope this FAQ page has answered some of your questions. At El Mirage Plumbing Pros, we are dedicated to transparency and helpful service. If you have a question that was not addressed here, or if you are ready to schedule a service, please contact us. We are your trusted local plumber for all things plumbing in El Mirage and Youngtown.
Service Areas and Zip Codes
We are proud to serve the following communities and zip codes. Our technicians are frequently in these areas ensuring fast response times.
- El Mirage, AZ: 85335
- Youngtown, AZ: 85363
- Surprise, AZ: 85374, 85378, 85379, 85387, 85388
- Sun City, AZ: 85351, 85373, 85375
- Peoria, AZ: 85345, 85381, 85382, 85383
- Glendale, AZ: 85301, 85302, 85303, 85304, 85305, 85306, 85307, 85308, 85310
- Litchfield Park, AZ: 85340
- Waddell, AZ: 85355
We serve the greater Phoenix West Valley area. If you do not see your zip code listed but are nearby, contact us to see if we can assist you.