AZ Archives - City Wide Plumbing

Apr 03

Hardest Water in Arizona

By City Wide Plumbing AZ, Hard water, Phoenix Plumbing, RO System, water softeners No Comments

WaterHardnessMap

As you can see in the map above, Arizona is known for having some of the hardest water in the country. Water hardness is measured in Grains Per Gallon (gpg). Water is considered hard when it measures 14.6 gpg.

Here is a list of some Arizona cities and their varying levels of hardness:

Goodyear – 10 – 38 gpg
Mesa – 12 – 22 gpg
Tempe – 8 – 23 gpg
Yuma – 10 – 22 gpg
Scottsdale – 12 – 20 gpg
Chandler – 5 – 20 gpg
Phoenix – 12 – 17 gpg
Gilbert – 12.9 Avg. gpg

If your city is not listed you can visit the US EPA website here, and look for your city’s specific water quality report.

This is a great link to see the effects of hard water vs soft water.

And another link to check out the benefits of installing a Reverse Osmosis system in your home.

City Wide Plumbing

If you feel like the water in your home is too hard or are interested in installing a water softener system contact City Wide Plumbing today for a free consultation. Servicing Phoenix AZ and the surrounding cities for over 30 years, City Wide has all the tools and expertise necessary to help with whatever plumbing problem you encounter. Licensed, bonded and insured, let City Wide be your go-to plumbing guru and leave you with peace of mind.

Apr 01

4 Steps to Flush Out Your Water Heater

By City Wide Plumbing AZ, Gas Water Heaters, hot water, leaking water heater, Phoenix, Phoenix Plumbing, rusted water heater, water heaters No Comments

1-Turn Off Water Supply

If you have a gas heater turn the thermostat to the “pilot” setting, if your heater is electric turn off the power at the breaker box. Connect a hose to the drain valve located close to the thermostat, but do not open the valve yet. Turn off the cold water supply that feeds the water heater.

2-Drain the Hot Water

In order to prevent a vacuum from forming in the water line, go inside your home and open up one of the hot water faucets in one of your sinks or tubs. Go back to the water heater and open up the drain valve to drain hot water out of the tank. Make sure the other end of the hose is draining in a safe location, an outside driveway would be ideal.

3-Flush Out Remaining Sediment

Once the water stops flowing out of the far end of the hose turn the water supply back on. This will flush out any remaining sediment left behind in the heater. Once the water runs clear from the end of the hose close the drain valve. Dont forget to turn the hot water faucet inside your house back off.

Every water heater tank is different and you should always read the warnings and instructions in order to prevent damage.

4-Test the Pressure Release Valve

After the tank has filled with water turn the power supply back on at the breaker box or thermostat. Once the water temp has been brought back up, test the pressure relief valve per manufacturers instructions. This valve is designed to prevent overheating and excess pressure build up inside the tank. If it is faulty contact City Wide Plumbing to have it replaced.

City Wide Plumbing

Servicing Phoenix AZ and the surrounding area for more than 30 years, City Wide has all the tools and expertise necessary to assist you with whatever plumbing problem you may encounter. Licensed, bonded and insured, contact City Wide and let our plumbing professionals take care of all your plumbing needs. Servicing these East Valley Cities and many more, Tempe, Apache Junction, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Higley, Sun Lakes and The Metro Phoenix Area.

Mar 26

Hard Water vs Soft Water

By City Wide Plumbing AZ, conserve water, Licensed Professional Plumber, local plumber, Phoenix, Phoenix Plumbing, water softeners No Comments

Many homes in Phoenix AZ have water softeners as Arizona is known for having some of the hardest water in the country. Hard water is easiest to detect when doing household chores. It leaves clothes looking dingy as well as water spots and residue on dishes, and is tougher on your appliances. The elements in hard water do not react well with soap leaving the lather less rich and bubbly, even hair washed in hard water can feel sticky and dull.

Hard Water Image

Natural rainwater falls in a soft state, as it is absorbed in the ground and our waterways it picks up minerals like lime, calcium, chalk and magnesium. Some people prefer drinking hard water because of the health benefits of the minerals contained in the water. As the minerals are removed from hard water during the softening process the sodium content increases, thus some people also prefer the taste of hard water over soft water.

Benefits of Soft Water

Installing a water softener will prolong the life of your appliances. Taking the elements out of the hard water allows your dishwasher, washing machine and water heater to work less hard. Because of this energy bills are noticeably lower in homes with water softeners. Soap will lather better and items will be left cleaner. Clothes and skin will be softer, hair will look healthy and glasses will sparkle.

Soft water is not suggested for those with heart or circulatory problems, or others who may be on a low sodium diet.

City Wide Plumbing

For water softener repair, maintenance or installation let the plumbing professionals at City Wide take care of it. Servicing Phoenix and the surrounding area for over 30 years, City Wide Plumbing has all the tools and expertise necessary to handle any plumbing problem you may encounter. Licensed, bonded and insured, contact City Wide Plumbing at (480) 966-8795 and schedule a water softener check-up today.

Mar 19

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

By City Wide Plumbing AZ, conserve water, find a plumber, hot water, leaking water heater, Licensed Professional Plumber, local plumber, no hot water, Phoenix, Phoenix Plumbing No Comments

A traditional water heater continually heats water in a tank regardless of whether its being used. By comparison the newer tankless water heater designs heat water only when there is a demand for it. Meaning it only heats water when you turn on your hot water tap or your showers hot water knob. This type of water heating system has been popular in Europe and Japan for quite some time and is just now gaining steam in the United States. Why is this significant to you? Keep reading. As a Phoenix, AZ homeowner, the advantages will be very clear shortly.

Whole House vs Point of Use Systems

The whole house system can supply hot water to more than one plumbing fixture. The point of use system is small enough to fit in a cabinet and will only supply hot water to a specific plumbing fixture. If you want hot water in the kitchen and in the shower you will need two point of use systems. The whole house system can be connected to your dishwasher, shower, and kitchen faucet etc.

The Tankless Advantages

30% of the average homes energy budget is consumed by heating water. A tankless water heating system demands less energy and only heats water as needed. Here is what you have been waiting for: It will not only save you money on your electricity bill but on your water bill as well. Tankless heating systems are known to last as long as 20 years almost doubling that of a traditional heater of 7-10 years. The maintenance and repair on tankless systems is also less demanding saving you money on repair expenses and your valuable time.

City Wide Plumbing

If you need help deciding if a tankless system will fit all your hot water needs contact City Wide Plumbing at 480-966-8795. Let our plumbing professionals help with all your water heating system needs, from installation, to maintenance and repair. City Wide Plumbing has been your local Valley plumber for over 30 years. Licensed, bonded and insured, we have all the tools and experience necessary to help you, the Phoenix, AZ homeowner with all of your plumbing needs.

Mar 13

6 DIY Tips to Avoid a Plumbing Emergency

By City Wide Plumbing AZ, local plumber, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble No Comments

Plumbing emergencies are never a good thing and always happen at the worst times. With regular maintenance from a plumbing professional and a few DIY tips, you can drastically reduce your chances of having to deal with a plumbing disaster. Try these 6 tips to help prevent potential plumbing disasters and water emergencies in your home.

Know Where the Water Shut off Valve is Located
Usually located by the front door of you home, shutting off the main valve to the house can stop a small problem from turning into a disaster. If that valve does not work call your local city water department and they will shut it down at the meter.

Fix Problems Quickly
Even small leaks can corrode pipes and cause significant water damage or mold. Re caulk showers and tubs to prevent leaks.

Never Use an Exposed Pipe as a Hanger
Hanging laundry from exposed pipes can be tempting but it can loosen joints and fasteners and cause unwanted plumbing problems.

Avoid Chemical Drain Clearing Products
Chemical products seem like a quick fix but repeated use can erode pipes and cause leaks.

Reduce Water Pressure
High water pressure stresses out your pipes and increases the likelihood of leaks. Have your home water pressure tested, go to Home Depot or Ace Hardware and buy a gauge that screws on your hose bib.

Turn Off Water While on Vacation
Use the shut off valve and turn off your water next time you go out of town. A small leak left unattended for just a few days can cause exponential water damage and even start fires if the water reaches electrical wiring.

City Wide Plumbing

Follow these 6 tips and if you ever feel like you are in over your head don’t pause to give us a call, City Wide Plumbing @ 480 966 8795. We are the local Valley plumber for over 30 years, we have all the expertise and tools necessary to handle any plumbing emergency you encounter. Licensed, bonded and insured.

Dec 05

Phoenix, Arizona Residents Rest for the Holidays

By City Wide Plumbing AZ, holidays, Phoenix, Phoenix Plumbing No Comments

Are you living in Phoenix or have a vacation rental in Phoenix, AZ?

Well, we want you to know that here at City Wide Plumbing, we have your best interest at heart.

We have trained and experienced plumbing technicians that are friendly and willing to get you out of your plumbing distress. Let’s face it, if you are calling us, it’s because things are probably not going well at home with your plumbing.

Plumbing distress at the holidays is never good weather it’s in Phoenix Arizona or Port Huron, Michigan. It can pretty much be expected as that’s when you need it to work the most since family is visiting and there are more people in the home using all the facilities. You know what I mean. You need to buy more bathroom tissue… top grade too!

We want you to know that we are grateful for your trust in us over the last 30+ years and we will not let you down. We are here if you need us. We wish all your Holidays will be filled with great cheer and rest… after the family has all left!

Just remember to call us if you want us to check into those pesky things like drips and leaks that you have maybe been ignoring. Don’t let it go before the family arrives… that’s just asking for trouble. City Wide Plumbing is here for you. Call 480-966-8795 and Rest!

If it is your bathtub or toilet or any other fixtures, we can fix it at City Wide Plumbing Service Co.

Nov 01

Another Dumb Criminal Story

By City Wide Plumbing AZ, local news, Phoenix Plumbing No Comments

As the holiday season approaches scrap metal theft rises. Protect your backflow preventers and service risers with a vandal guard security cages.

Check out this recent story courtesy of azfamily.com to see how one criminal not only left his finger print.. but his whole finger behind.

Originally found: http://www.azfamily.com/news/Cut-off-finger-points-Glendale-police-to-theft-suspect-229945451.html

Criminal leaves finger and finger print behind. Call 480-966-8795 if you are looking to secure your backflow devices to keep from becoming a statistic.