Plumbers in the Phoenix area: hard water and leaks

AZ Business Directory lists local plumbers around the Phoenix area, each with a phone number. In a plumbing emergency, shut off the water first, then call. The Valley's hard water is behind many of the calls plumbers get, from worn water heaters to clogged fixtures.

What should you do in a plumbing emergency?

1. Shut off the water. Find the main shutoff valve, usually near the street, at the side of the house or in the garage. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Learn where it is today, before you need it.
2. Stay away from electricity near water. If water is near outlets or the electrical panel, do not touch anything. Call a pro.
3. Open a faucet to drain the lines and slow the leak.
4. Move belongings out of the wet area and take photos for your records.
5. Call a plumber and describe what you see and hear.

If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas company or 911.

How do you choose a plumber?

• Are you licensed? Check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at roc.az.gov.
• Do you offer emergency service? Ask about hours and extra fees.
• Is there a trip charge? Ask whether the fee goes toward the repair.
• Do you give written estimates? Get the price before the work.
• What is your specialty? Water heaters, drains, repipes and leak detection are different work.
• What is the warranty? Ask for it in writing.

What does hard water do?

Valley water carries lots of minerals. They build up inside water heaters, on faucets and showerheads, and in pipes. Water heaters can lose efficiency and wear out when sediment collects in the tank. Ask a plumber about flushing the tank, the age of your heater, and whether a water softener or reverse osmosis system makes sense for your home.

Dominick Plumbing in Scottsdale is a small family-owned shop doing water heaters, leak repair, drain cleaning, and water softener and reverse osmosis installs. Apple Plumbing in Scottsdale is a family-owned residential company run by a husband-and-wife team, serving the Valley with no trip charge and free estimates. Kendall Plumbing & Rooter in Mesa lists water heaters, repipes and sewer camera work.

What are the signs of a slab leak?

Many Valley homes sit on concrete slabs, and some water lines run beneath them. A leak there is hidden. Possible signs include:

• a water bill that jumps with no change in use
• the sound of running water when everything is off
• a warm spot on the floor
• damp carpet or wet baseboards
• low water pressure

You can test the meter. Turn off all water in the house and look at your water meter. If the dial still moves, you may have a leak. A plumber can locate it without tearing out a whole floor.

Not sure who to call? Ask the directory helper or browse every listing in Phoenix.

Questions people ask

How long does a water heater last in Arizona?

Hard water can shorten the life of a tank. A plumber can check yours, tell you its age and say whether to repair or replace it. Ask about flushing it on a schedule.

Should I fix a leaky faucet myself?

A dripping faucet is often a simple fix if you turn off the water at the fixture first. Anything behind a wall, under a slab or involving the main line or gas should go to a plumber.

What should I ask before a plumber starts work?

Ask for the price, the time it will take and what the warranty covers. Ask them to explain the problem plainly and what happens if they find something else.

See every plumber in Phoenix