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City Wide Plumbing

May 10

Find a Plumber

By find a plumber, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing contract No Comments

Even in today’s modern world where services and conveniences for every possible problem exist, homeowners are faced with an overarching question: How to find a trustworthy plumbing company In Arizona to service their problem.

It is one thing to be dissatisfied with the work of your landscaper but it’s quite another to have a untrained, unlicensed, or unethical expensive plumbing service.

Because one bad apple spoils the whole barrel, at City Wide we want to educate everyone on how to find a competent plumbing contractor.

The best thing to do is to start researching plumbers before you need one. If you wait until there’s an emergency, you don’t have the time to do a lot of proper searching. Look at it this way, it doesn’t matter where you live, all homes have plumbing and fixtures that need attention. So, it stands to reason that at some point, you will need a plumber.

The second reason to start your research now is that the very best way to find a good plumbing service is through word-of-mouth referrals. So, you’ll want time to ask friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, about the best plumbing contractor they rely on. Call them ahead of time, see what you think about how they treat you on the phone and the time they take in speaking with you.

Now, a referral works okay in a pinch. But don’t stop there. Research the firms online, Google places, Yelp reviews. Check their Better Business Bureau rating. Compare them to the list of plumbing contractors in Arizona so that you’ll know if they’re properly licensed and insured.

When the time comes that you need a plumbing service, get a contract or estimate for the work in writing. Any plumber who refuses to use a contract should be shown the door, because they protect him as much as you.

May 10

Locate! Locate! Locate!

By home repairs, Phoenix Plumbing, plumber, plumbing, plumbing repairs, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, remodeling No Comments

I cannot stress enough how important it is to locate your utilities before starting a home improvement project. No matter how big or small the project, locating your utilities first will save  you spending money in unnecessary repairs later. Call Blue Stake before you dig for public utilities outside of your home. Call your local plumber or locating company for all private utilities inside your home.

This is an example of a small job gone wrong. A company came out to install a doggie door. As they cut into the block wall they got flooded with water. The tech installing the door cut through a copper water pipe. Luckily the homeowner is not out any money, the company is taking care of the repairs, but this could have all been avoided had they had the utilities located first. After the plumbing, concrete patch and paint, I’m sure the company is going to spend more on repairs then it cost to put the door in.

May 03

Water heaters replace or not to replace?

By hot water, plumber, plumbing tips, rusted water heater, water heaters No Comments

Plumbing Tip

If your water heater tank is leaking it needs to be replaced. You cannot repair the tank. Please do not try to use duct tape or epoxy to temporarily repair the tank. Call a licensed Arizona plumber to have it replaced immediately and save yourself from thousands of dollars’ worth of flood damage. Also if you notice rust on the bottom and it’s not leaking, yet… you just might want to call a plumber to replace your water heater. Estimated life of a water heater in Arizona is 6 – 8 years for electric and 10 – 12 for gas. Keep in mind there are different factors which could increase or decrease longevity.

rusted water heater

Apr 05

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.

By Gilbert Arizona, hot water, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, Slab Leaks, water heaters No Comments

Here at City Wide Plumbing we do our best to do our part in reducing, reusing, and recycling. We only install energy star rated water heaters, recirculation pumps and use low flow toilets, faucets and fixtures. We also recycle any old and broken material.  Not only do our efforts help keep trash out of the land field, it also helps out customers save money.

The following are some additional tips from the EPA’s WaterSense Program.

Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program encourages Americans to check and replace leaky plumbing fixtures and sprinkler systems, helping households save more than 10,000 gallons of water per year and as much as 10 percent on utility bills.

“Easy-to-fix household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, which is equal to the amount of water used by more than 11 million homes,” said EPA Acting Administrator for the Office of Water Nancy Stoner. “We’re not just wasting water; families also lose money from leaks with higher utility bills. That’s why Fix a Leak Week is so important, and why we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps that add up to make a significant positive impact.”

In just 10 minutes, businesses and homeowners can:

  1. Check winter water bills and fixtures for water waste;
  2. Twist and tighten pipe and hose connections; and
  3. Consider replacing broken or inefficient fixtures with WaterSense-labeled models.

If winter water usage for a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, it’s likely that the home has a leak problem. Here are some easy tips:

  • Check toilets for silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank at the back and, if after 10 minutes, color shows up in the bowl before flushing, it may be time to make an easy repair and replace the flapper.
  • Check outdoor hoses for damage from winter frost and tighten connections at the water source.
  • For in-ground sprinkler systems, a professional certified through a WaterSense-labeled program can inspect sprinkler heads and pipes for signs      of leakage and help homeowners maintain an efficient system and healthy lawn.
  • Check additional plumbing and outdoor fixtures for leaks. They may just need a quick twist or pipe tape.Learn more about fixing leaks, find a certified irrigation professional,      or search for WaterSense labeled plumbing and irrigation products: http://www.epa.gov/watersense.
Apr 03

Hot Water + 2 DJs = April Fools Joke gone bad

By april fools joke, dihydrogen monoxide, hot water, Phoenix Plumbing No Comments

Did you hear about the  April Fools joke gone bad for the two radio DJs?
Two longtime deejays at Gator Country 101.9 who perpetrated a hoax Monday morning involving Lee County water quality have been suspended indefinitely.

Tony Renda, general manager at the Bonita Springs country music station, said he immediately pulled Val St. John and Scott Fish off the air when he heard about the April Fools’ Day joke they had been playing on their 5 to 9 a.m. show. He added that the station has recanted the joke and aired an apology during station breaks.

“Every break we have we’re telling listeners it was a goof, a bad joke,” he said.

Renda said the pair have been doing their show for years and usually do a family friendly April Fools’ joke. “Every year they do a joke,” he said. ”But it’s been a fun joke.”

St. John has been with the station for 16 years and Fish for 10, Renda said, with St. John considered something of a station “institution.”

The radio station’s joke involved that “dihydrogen monoxide” was coming out of county residents’ taps. Renda said that “dihydrogen monoxide” is water. Despite that, he said, “We have a responsibility to our listeners.”

A search on the Internet showed that “dihydrogen monoxide” is a popular hoax term to describe water.

The joke immediately got the attention of Patty DiPiero from Lee County Utilities. She said Lee County residents began calling the utility Monday morning saying they heard on the station that county water was unsafe and should not be used for drinking, showering or for any use.

Jan 12

Prevent Frozen Pipes

By backflow device, freeze protection, Phoenix Plumbing, thaw pipes No Comments
  1. Keep your pool filters, pumps, and pipes from freezing. Run your pool equipment during the freeze. Change your timers to run the pool equipment at night and keep the equipment running if freezing temperatures continue into the day.
  2. Protect all outside exposed water line shut off valves including outside water faucet hose bibs, water softener equipment, pool equipment and/or sprinkler irrigation back flow preventers. All valves need to be completely protected not just water piping.
  3. Keep garage doors closed tightly if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  4. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors (During The Freeze Warning) and all other cabinet areas that are located on outside walls, to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to take all child safety measures that are necessary in your home.
  5. Protect all exposed water piping. Insulate all areas where water supply lines are unheated. Areas to look for are outside, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as fast as a cold water supply line can freeze if water is not running through the pipe.  Note: outside hose bibs and vacuum breakers cover with a towel.
  6. During cold snaps, do not alternate temperature settings on your thermostat. Keeping your thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night will help to keep pipe temperatures consistent. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, set your thermostats no lower than 60F.
  7. Open the attic access doors or stairs to allow warm air to circulate into attic for water pipes in the attic.
  8. How to keep your backflow preventer from freezing: The incoming valve should be turned off and both test ports having screw driver stops need to be turned to bleed the test ports down. Then insulate the above ground pipes with towels.
Dec 18

Emergency Water Shut Off

By Gilbert Arizona, holiday plumbing emergency, holidays, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks, water heaters No Comments

It is important to know where your water shut off valves are located. You also need to make sure that the valves are in proper working order. Internal shut off valves are usually located behind toilets, refrigerators, wash machines, under kitchen and lavatory sinks, and above water heaters. If any of those items malfunction you can quickly shut off the water to isolate the problem and have a lower risk of water damage. There is also a main water shut off valve located outside on the main service riser. If the valves inside are not working or you can not locate the valve you can shut off the water to the entire house. Some town homes, condos, or apartments may not have service riser shut off valve if this is the case or if the valve is not working you can call your local water company emergency line and have them shut off the water at the meter.

Call your local plumber for a location and inspection of your shut off valves. Also test them regularly, after time the valves can corrode and freeze.

Dec 07

What is a slab leak?

By Gilbert Arizona, holiday plumbing emergency, holidays, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks, SLIPP, water heaters No Comments

Leaking pipes inside or underneath the concrete of a house’s floor or foundations are called slab leaks.

What are signs of a slab leak?

  • Hear running water, when no water should be running.
  • Warm or hot spots on the floor
  • Cracks in walls or floor
  • Mildew, excessive moisture under carpet, or musty odor
  • High water bills

What to do if you think you have a slab leak?

Call a plumber who specializes in leak detection or a locating professional to pinpoint the location of the leak using thermal imaging, pipe locating, and sound equipment.

If a leak is detected, how does a plumbing professional repair it?

One option is to jackhammer the floor and repair the leak in the ground. A plumbing professional will take up some tile or carpet and jackhammer the concrete to reach the leaking pipe. They will then cut out the bad section of pipe and solder a new one in place, and most companies will rough patch the concrete. It us up to the homeowner to replace any tile or carpet but some home owners insurance will cover this type of repair.

 A second option is the reroute the line. This is where a plumber will run a new line from through the walls and attic to eliminate the leaking pipe in the ground. Most plumbers will only reroute one line unless you would like to re pipe the entire home. This option does cause some damage to the drywall and most insurance companies will not cover this type of repair.

Oct 16

When you need plumbing for your home away from home, call City Wide for all your plumbing needs.

By drain stoppages, holiday plumbing emergency, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks, water heaters No Comments

We have hundreds of satisfied Apache Junction Arizona customers, winter visitors, and out of state customers with property in the East Valley and Metro Phoenix. City Wide Plumbing is licensed, bonded, and insured. Call 480-966-8795 and we will help.

Our plumbers get many work opportunities due to the constant plumbing maintenance on winter vacation homes in the EastValley and Apache Junction. Our plumbers provide their services to commercial office buildings, hotels and residential homes.

Need a referral for another type of contractor?   We have names and phone numbers of tile setters, flooring contractors and air conditioning contractors that we have used for many years. This way you can hire contractors you can count on!

Jun 19

Huge Plumbing Warehouse Fire Gilbert

By Gilbert Arizona, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing No Comments

by Stacey Delikat

Email | Follow: @SDelikat3TV

GILBERT, Ariz. — The massive fire that blanketed the East Valley with thick, black smoke on Monday afternoon leveled a long-standing plumbing company and destroyed millions of dollars worth of supplies.

Jack Stapley, a co-owner of Farnsworth Plumbing Supply Company, estimated $8 million worth of supplies burned.

He said a warehouse was destroyed and an office building facility was also badly damaged.

The business has been in Gilbert near McQueen and Baseline roads for 18 years.

The fire started shortly after 3 p.m. Monday and burned intensely for nearly three hours. As of 10 p.m., crews were still working to put out hot spots and cool down the grounds.

Firefighters were still on the scene Tuesday morning to keep an eye some little fires that were still burning and make sure they didn’t blow up into another conflagration.

With Monday’s massive flames came a series of explosions as propane tanks on the property blew up.

Employees of nearby businesses reported hearing the explosions and feeling vibrations.

“It was not unlike a very sudden earthquake, you could feel it through your feet and through the windows, it was like a bomb went off,” said Carson Meyers, who works at a neighboring company that was evacuated as a precaution.

Other witnesses reported seeing debris fly through the air.

“Big, industrial shipping pallets flying 100 feet in the air,” Peter Wendt said.

Stapley said the other branches of the Farnsworth company, which include a waterworks and air conditioning business, were not impacted and will be open for business Tuesday.

Close to 200 firefighters were brought in from Mesa, Chandler and Tempe to help Gilbert crews battle the flames amidst intense temperatures that reached 113 degrees.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Originally from http://www.azfamily.com/Global/story.asp?S=28350056

Jun 14

GOOD LUCK PI KAPPA PHI

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing

City Wide Plumbing proudly supports the local chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in everything they do. We want to give a shout out and a good luck high five to all the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members who are about to embark on a wonderful 6 week cross country road trip with Build America.

To read more please click the link. http://www.statepress.com/2012/06/10/students-prepare-for-charity-road-trip/

If you would like to donate please visit – http://ipush.convio/goto/kquinn

Jun 01

Service Calls

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks, water heaters

Before You Call for Service:

  • Plan the best time for reoccurring smells or banging – it’s always frustrating if the problem doesn’t happen when the plumber arrives.
  • Locate any of the original paperwork or get the information off the appliance to help identify the model and part numbers so theplumber can come prepared.
  • Group plumbing problems together and make one call.

When Calling for Service:

  • Tell them, to the best of your knowledge, exactly what’s wrong when you talk to the office.
  • There are thousands of brands and of thousands of different parts, a plumber can’t be expected to carry them all. So, provide as much information as you can (i.e., size, part, model numbers and previous history etc.).
  • Make sure you give the dispatcher all of your information, gate codes, unit numbers, cell phones. Nothing is worse then when a tech in at the gate and is not able to reach you.
  • Don’t expect a quote over the phone. Yes sometime the issue is straight forward and you can get an average cost, but you have to remember the person on the phone can not see the problem and they usually are not a plumber. Free in home plumbing estimates.

Before the Plumber Arrives:

  • Remove or restrain pets from area. They maybe sweet and friendly to you but they may not like the stranger coming through the door.
  • Empty cabinets and sinks where work is to be performed.
  • Clear a path to water heater or crawl space entrance.

After the Plumber Arrives:

  • Explain what you see as the problem and everything that has been done previously. This will speed the work and lower your plumbing bill.
  • Ask for a quote, you should always know what to expect before the plumber starts the job.

Before the Plumber Leaves:

  • Inspect the work to ensure what you expected was done. Make sure everything every thing working properly.
  • Ask questions about this or future projects.
May 18

10 Water Saving Tips

By holiday plumbing emergency, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble

Here are some great ways to save water and keep some pennies in the piggy bank.

  1. Turn off then water when brushing your teeth. The average bathroom faucet runs 2 gallons per minute.
  2. Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models, not only will you save water but your local water company may also offer rebates for each toilet.
  3. Fix leaky faucets, you can save 140 gallons a week.
  4. Install water efficient shower heads, they can save you up to 750 gallons per month.
  5. Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up. Use that water for your pets or plants.
  6. Monitor your water bill. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
  7. We spend half the time in the shower avoiding the water while soaping up, for big water savings turn off the water while lathering up.
  8. Don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
  9. Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
  10. Know where your main water shut off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home in an emergency.

 

May 16

6 unusual ways to unclog a drain

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble

I was scouring the Internet today looking for different ways to try and unclog a drain with out calling a plumber.  Let me know if you have tried any of these or if you have any do it your self tips to clear that pesky drain.

1.  Pour 1/2 cup of salt down the drain followed by boiling water. Continue to flush with very hot tap water until the clog is clear.

2. Pour 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup vinegar down the drain, it should start to bubble with foam. Cover drain with a wash rag until it stops foaming, then run very hot water  for 2 – 3 minutes.

3. Wet dry vacuum, first set it to vacuum liquids, to prevent a mess cover the vent. Then create a tight seal over the drain. With the vacuum turned to the highest setting, it can be powerful enough to draw up the clog  into the vacuum.

4. For a hair clog, if you have a Nair hair remover laying around pour it down the drain, let it sit for about an hour then pour hot water down the drain.

5. Take a wire hanger, straighten it out and bend the end to make a small hook. Then push it past the drain cover and start fishing. You may get all sorts of nasty stuff out of the drain so if you have a weak stomach this may not be for you. When finish flush the drain with some hot water.

6. Pouring a cup of plain yogurt down the drain and leave for several hour. I’m not really sure how this works but several sources on the Internet swear by it.

 

Remember if non of these work the problem could be further down the line or you can have a more serious drain issue. Give us a call 480-966-8795 we offer same day service and free in home estimates.

May 14

Top 3 Reasons To Replace Your Water Heater

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, water heaters

No Hot Water!

The number one reason Chandler Heights homeowners replace their water heater is when their existing water heater stops working. There are a number of reasons water heaters stop working: if the problem is with the actual heating unit or controls, repairing the water heater may be possible. However, if the water heater is significantly damaged or the tank itself is leaking, water heater replacement is the only option. Cold showers are no way to start the day!

The End is Near!

Avoid the icy cold inconvenience of having your water heater fail. Water heaters have an expected useful life of 5-7 years for an electric water heater and 8- 10 years for a gas water heater, actual performance varies with family usage, water quality, environmental conditions, and a number of other factors. If your home water heater is over a decade old, you’ll want to start thinking about water heater replacement.

Save Energy, Save Money

Water heater technology has evolved significantly over the years. The big, old heavy water heaters we remember from our grandparent’s basements is yesterday’s news! Today, water heater manufacturers are leading the way with units that are extremely energy efficient.  Environmental pressures are growing more intense every day: every little bit we can do to save the planet helps! Additionally, the less energy you use to heat your home’s water supply, the lower your utility bill is going to be. That means extra money in your pocket

May 02

Satisfied plumbing customers speak out!

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips

My wash machine drain backed up and I had soap and grime all over my floor. I tried everything to clean it up but there was just slime all  over my floor.  My plumber from City Wide came out and took care of the drain, poor guy almost slipped and fell. He recommend that I call the company that cleans his office. Phoenix Janitorialcame out and cleaned up the mess. No more slip n slide!! I was so happy with their service I have actually hired them to clean my house once a month. Thank you City Wide for the great referral!!div>

Happy Mesa Customer
We are always happy to hear from our customers. Please drop us a note about your experience with our plumbing services. – City Wide Plumbing
Apr 18

How To Choose an Honest and Affordable Plumber

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing tips

How To Choose an Honest and Affordable Plumber

The last thing we want is to be taken advantage of by our service providers.  Most homeowners have no expertise when it comes to faulty or leaky water heaters, broken pipes, clogged drains, under slab leaks, sewage backing up in your house or any other horror story imaginable.

Choosing a great plumbing company before you have a plumbing emergency is the best strategy.  Then you won’t be as stressed when a plumbing problem strikes.

Let’s face it.  You are asking someone to come into your home or office to face a potentially messy situation that can possibly be quite expensive.  You want the best plumber you can hire, who can get the job done quickly and affordably.

Here are some tips to choose the right plumbing company.

  1. How long have they been in business?  If they have been around for a long time, you know they are solid citizens who are trusted by homeowners.
  2. Is the plumbing company licensed and insured?  A shady operator won’t be able to get or keep a contractor’s license or liability insurance.
  3. Do they offer free estimates?  You don’t want any surprises and either does a reputable plumbing company.  A good company will tell you what to expect before they start the repairs.
  4. Are the plumber’s service vehicles clean?  You can tell a lot about pride of workmanship by the condition of the company’s vehicles and equipment.
  5. Is the phone answered professionally or is it a “home business” where even a child may answer the phone?  You can tell if you’re working with professional technicians or just a handyman by how the phone is answered.
  6. Does the plumbing company promise fast response?  If your taking cold showers, have a broken pipe, or a backed up sewer line, you want a plumber who promises to get on the job in usually less than an hour.
  7. Does the plumbing company offer a warranty on the parts, equipment, and on their labor if something doesn’t function later?  You want to hire a company that stands behind their work.

These 7 tips were provided by: https://citywideplumbingaz.com/

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