Phoenix Home and Living

In Phoenix, Arizona, life is wonderful. But life can be even better if you stay tuned for our inspiring ideas for home improvement. We've got a fantastic collection of tips and tricks specifically designed for residents of our fair community. As the number one provider of emergency plumbing services in town, we know what works and what doesn't. So count on Pheonix Plumbing & Drain Co when you need fast and affordable plumbing!

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Tips for Reducing Waste During the Holidays from Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Company in Phoenix, AZ

It’s holiday time again, the season of giving. Here at Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Company in Phoenix, AZ, we believe one of the best ways to give back is to have a truly green holiday. Recycling, eliminating food waste, and saving energy can make all the difference for future generations - and what better gift is that? So here are some tips to get on the right, eco-friendly holiday track. First, recycle: wrapping paper, gift cards, and holiday cards should all be set aside for the recycling bin. Or save them to re-use. You can send electronic holiday cards to eliminate paper waste all together. And when it comes to wrapping paper, newspaper is a terrific way to recycle right from the start. Another great choice: use eco-friendly reusable wrapping ,like scarves or carry-alls for your gifts. And pass up the ribbons and bows for natural decorations like evergreens or dried flowers that can be composted after the gifts are unwrapped. If you choose a live tree and wreath for decoration, be sure to recycle them when the holiday season ends, too. You can also buy a live, potted tree and replant it after the holidays. And, when you go shopping, eliminate paper and plastic bags by utilizing reusable cloth bags. Second, make gift giving choices based on charitable donations or choose an experience worth remembering. Giving gift certificates for a meal or a spa day, or tickets to a concert or sports event means no unwanted, difficult to recycle gifts. Homemade gifts are great too - and it’s important to let children of all ages know that homemade gifts are valuable. And when buying commercially made products, look at the item’s recyclability, and whether recycled materials are included in how it’s made. Third, go rechargeable! Rechargeable batteries reduce waste material and save costs. Look for battery powered products that operate on solar power. Fourth, save energy by unplugging holiday lights during daylight hours, which not only saves on electricity and reduces energy consumption costs, it helps lights last longer. Fifth, help prevent food waste. Make reasonable rather than excessive amounts of holiday treats. Give leftovers to charitable organizations or send home to friends and family. Dispose of used cooking oil carefully. Not only can it clog drains, but oils harden in pipes and can cause sewage line back-ups and wastewater issues throughout an entire community. Save oils in a container and dispose of it in the trash or, if your community has a recycling program for oil, take advantage of it! Happy Green Holidays!

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Tips for Kitchen and Bath Remodeling from Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Company in Phoenix, AZ

Considering a remodel for kitchen or bath? You’ll know when it’s time to alter what are likely the two busiest rooms of the house. At Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Company in Phoenix, AZ, we know that sometimes even regular plumbing service and careful drain cleaning won’t prevent ongoing clogged toilet repair once fixtures age. And in the kitchen, garbage disposal repair can become a regular occurrence on older models. If you’re already looking at kitchen sink replacement for an aging, stained, or crumbling sink, replacing all kitchen fixtures may make a lot of sense.   The question is not when should you start remodeling, but where and how. With kitchen remodels, some homeowners prefer to start with a search for upgraded appliances. Others with overall design - adding an island, a double-sink, or new cabinets. The real trick is deciding what’s needed in terms of layout and lifestyle. And of course, it’s important to find the professional help you need for electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry. Then comes the decision making process in regard to everything from light fixtures to flooring, kitchen sink, faucets, and appliances. Color, size, and price are all-important considerations. With bathrooms, whether you’re looking at a complete overall or have a more simple need for basics like shower head installation or bathroom sink installation, choosing what’s right depends very much on the parameters of the bathroom: the size, the age of fixtures, individual luxury items versus overall fix up. The essential idea is to start with the most basic needs: toilet, tub, and sink. From there, selecting faucets, shower heads, cabinets, mirrors and more will follow. Consider types of sinks and tubs such as fiberglass versus porcelain and tile, counter top sinks with under-mounts that can require more time consuming installation versus drop-in sinks. For limited space, think about a pedestal or wall-mounted sink if a counter or vanity are not necessary. As to toilets, it’s all about the efficiency and green, water-saving capabilities as well as style and design. And in regard to tubs - do you want jets or soaking tub depth? Or the standard, child-friendly sixty foot regular size tub? In short, what do you need to make your bathroom comfortable, energy efficient, and modern? Do you need to expand your bathroom, or add on an entirely new bath facility? Options abound and many are quite cost-effective. The best tip we can provide: think about your needs carefully, and take a good hard look at the efficiency and savings of modernization.

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Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Co.: Advice About Automatic Earthquake Shutoff Valves in Phoenix, AZ

In Phoenix, AZ, having an automatic earthquake shutoff valve for natural gas lines makes a lot of sense. When an earthquake occurs, the shaking to a home can cause damage to both gas pipes and appliances, damage that can result in natural gas leaks, fires, and explosions.  Earthquakes can’t be prevented, but fires from broken gas lines certainly can be. The installation of a shutoff valve can put a stop to the pervasive fire risk, one that is a contributing factor in one out of four fires following an earthquake. At Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Co., we believe that earthquake and over-surge protection can be a real life-saver. And it’s also vitally important to reduce the possibility of a gas leak through regular gas line and appliance maintenance, and repair when necessary. Electronic gas line leak detection is another important safety tool. Make sure your water heater and all appliances that use natural gas are anchored, and that they utilize flexible pipe connections. Flexible pipes are very important, as much gas line plumbing uses decidedly unflexible black iron piping. An earthquake can all too easily break the joints in these types of pipes, and flood a home with flammable gas. There are several kinds of shut off valves available, including valves that are earthquake-activated, excess flow valves, methane detectors, and manual shut-offs, as well as methane detectors. Both earthquake activated valves and excess flow valves should be state certified and installed on the house line that connects your meter to your actual gas. Earthquake shutoff valves can be installed right next to your gas meter, so that when an earthquake hits with a larger than 5.4 magnitude, a seismic actuator releases, and gas is prevented from entering your house. The result? A simple and effective way to reduce danger in the event of an earthquake.

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Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Co. Believes in the Benefits of Walking in Your Phoenix, AZ Neighborhood

At Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Co., we’re big on the idea of getting out and walking, particularly in your own Phoenix, AZ neighborhood. Why? Because walking is great for your health, and walking on your own home turf is even healthier. In fact, walking in your community leads to social connections, neighborhood safety, and a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Walking the streets of your community will help you stay fit - averaging two miles a week results in a body weight of six to ten pounds less than a resident who doesn’t walk, according to health studies. It’s a solid fact: walking is a great way to exercise regardless of your age. It can help prevent or reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes, it counters the rising incidence of obesity, and lengthens the average person’s lifespan. And you won’t just be helping yourself, you’ll also be helping the environment. Using your own two feet as transportation reduces another kind of footprint - your carbon footprint. You aren’t burning fossil fuels when you’re walking, or wasting money on automobile expenses. You’ll be saving all sorts of “green.” After all, traveling on foot instead of by car means steps taken toward a reduction in both pollution and personal costs. You’ll also be helping to keep your neighborhood safe - crime takes a nose dive when people are out walking, watching the neighborhood, and supporting local businesses.    Keeping an eye out means keeping your community safe from crimes of opportunity. And, you’ll make connections with other residents, too. When you’re walking, chances greatly increase for casual conversations with the neighbors, or getting to know local shopkeepers. That support makes neighborhoods thrive. Locally run businesses succeed in communities where people walk to shops and restaurants, where neighbors know each other. Instead of driving to a big box store in another area, make a point to stroll a few blocks to the local hardware store or eatery. Walk by yourself, or form a group of neighbors or friends.  No matter how you walk,  only 30 minutes a day, five days a week can add an average  year and a half to your life. That’s a big benefit to stepping out!  

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Tips on Water Heater Maintenance and Replacement in Phoenix, AZ

At Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Co. in Phoenix, AZ,  we know that a water heater can be easily ignored - maybe even taken for granted. Until one morning, you wake up to a cold shower! That’s why water heater service from a certified contractor is so important. Whether you have a gas, electric, or tankless water heater, it’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance before you need water heater repair or replacement. Maintenance is just as important as installation. Making sure your water heater stays in good shape means that it will not need replacement for a significantly longer time as well as work more efficiently. This efficiency will reduce your costs and energy consumption. Along with regular maintenance, water heaters should be insulated, to reduce heat loss - which will also reduce water-heating expenses. Depending on the type of water heater you have, your maintenance needs will differ. Traditional hot water heaters, whether they’re gas or electric, should have the pressure relief valve inspected by discharging it several times, and examining it for any leaks. The water heater tank should also be drained to remove sediment if necessary, and the tank and connections both thoroughly examined to check for wear, rust, or corrosion. If necessary, worn anode rods should be replaced as well. Replacing a rod is much more cost efficient than replacing your water heater. A tankless water heater requires different maintenance procedures, such as checking for debris in the in-line screen filter, and flushing the unit to remove any lime or scaling. So in Phoenix, AZ how long can you expect your water heater to last? Approximately eight to twelve years is the average. But, by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule you can extend the life of your water heater well beyond that average.         water heater repair, installation, water heater service, replacement, contractor

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Electrical Panel Contractor Service in Phoenix, AZ - Service Tips from Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Co.

        Electrical Panel Installation and Home Re-Wiring Tips At Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Company, we know that residential rewiring, installation and upkeep of electrical panels, as well as circuit breaker installation requires the experience that a residential wiring contractor in Phoenix, AZ can offer. With that in mind, here is some basic information about house re-wiring and electrical panel inspection tips. One of the most important considerations involving electrical panel installation and home wiring and re-wiring is that this type of work can be dangerous in untrained hands. You need to be aware of national and local electrical codes, power must be turned off, and you should use a non-contract voltage tester to be absolutely certain no hot wires are left in the circuit before work has begun. Sometimes electrical panel boxes are poorly marked, so double checking is always key, and one of the first things any professional does. Basic house wiring starts at the main service panel. This is where the main breaker is located. Installing a new panel is a large job, and while adding a circuit is less onerous, it still requires precautions and precision. For one thing, there are a variety of different types of circuits in the home, including 240 volt circuits which are used for large appliances like stoves, hot water tanks, and dryers. Like wiring, circuit breaker types vary and depend on usage. A single pole breaker is one that’s designed to work on one side of a 240 volt service, while a double pole breaker picks up both poles, and is used for major appliances. GFCI Breakers or ground fault circuit interrupters are used for circuits where water is present, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or outdoors. Arc fault circuit interrupters are required to protect against fires in bedroom and living space areas in homes built after 2008. Half size or mini breakers are also available, and used commonly to add more circuits to an existing panel. Because circuit breakers are usually specifically tied to a panel manufacturer, it’s important to make sure that any replacements or additions are compatible. For all these reasons, choosing a professional to handle your electrical panel installation and home rewiring can be the best choice for homeowners.

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How An Electronic Slab Leak Detection Inspection in Phoenix, AZ Can Save Money and Prevent Home Damage

Here at Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Co. in Phoenix, AZ, we know that electronic slab leak detection service can find below ground leaks before they result in insurmountable costs and damage to your home. A certified contractor with equipment to detect leaks below ground can save homeowners literally millions of gallons of water, as well as preventing expensive property damage. Electronic leak detection allows you to discover leaks in both water and sewer lines without having to resort to heavy digging equipment, and major disruption to your home. Electronic detection can reveal problems that are hidden under slabs, underground, and in walls. Routine inspection means prevention before problems get out of hand. Signs of a water leak may be small and ignored, the first signs being receiving an unusually high water bill, or hearing the sound of water running when there’s no water turned on or toilets flushed inside the home. If you feel a hot spot on the slab floor or in a wall, you’re likely looking at a leak. Technological advances in slab leak detection and repairs help homeowners discover problems quickly, and offer solutions fast. Both discovery and solutions are far less time consuming and costly than they’ve ever been. No need to dig in with a jackhammer - today’s equipment can effectively pinpoint a leak’s location without having to tear up cement slab foundations just to locate a problem. And once a problem has been found, spot repair and re-piping or re-routing can be quickly and easily performed. Spot repair is a simple solution that involves opening the slab where the leak is located, and repairing that spot only. If there’s a section of line that is leaking, or plumbing systems are over ten years old, re-piping or re-routing repair is the way to go, again causing minimal invasion to the slab itself. Non-invasive electronic leak detection? Add that to your home maintenance list and prevent serious issues down the line.

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Finding the Right Electrician in Phoenix

Don’t let the need for an electrical repair or upgrade in your home become a “shocking” situation! Too often, homeowners wait until an emergency is at hand before finding the best licensed electrician to assist with installation, repair, or upgrading of the wiring in their home. At Phoenix Plumbing & Drain Company, we’re firm believers in locating a skilled electrical contractor in Phoenix, AZ to handle house rewiring, fix a faulty outlet, or handle any electrical repair, such as installing electrical panels. Wiring home upgrades is a major task and not a good choice even for dyed in the wool do-it-yourselfers. Tackling electrical repairs and additions are just not meant to be handled casually. You need an expert to assure the safety of your home. You’ll also need to have an expert at the ready should any residential emergency services become necessary. Electrical emergencies can happen at any time in a 24 hour day. Being prepared in case of a problem can prevent serious trouble. Start by finding an electrician based locally - travel charges not only waste time and cost you money, they can cost you in terms of ensuring the safety of your home. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the skills an electrician can offer, in regard to repairs, upgrades, and the use of cost saving fixtures such as lighting control through motion detector switches. And if you’re considering rewiring a property, the electrician you’ll want working on this project is one who has experience with updating homes, repairing damaged wiring, and staying abreast of material costs. Rewiring can be a necessity to accommodate today’s appliances, computers, and entertainment systems. Being able to handle such a complex task is a sign of an experienced electrician. Checking the references and skill level of an electrician will help you achieve your home’s optimal electrical needs, whether you’re seeking assistance with a full upgrading of the wiring in your home, or trouble shooting a broken switch or fixture. After all, you may want to spark a conversation, but you don’t want to create a spark-inducing situation in your home.

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Using a Plumbing Video Camera Inspection in Phoenix

Are plumbing inspections really necessary? The short and decisive answer is yes. It’s important to get a sewer line inspection, and get drain lines examined as well. In other words, getting the kind of regular plumbing inspections that provide electronic leak detection will help you watch for plumbing problems, including pinhole leaks. Inspections like these are basically a part of routine preventative maintenance. Preventing plumbing problems, are addressing them before they can cause any damage to your home is key to general good home maintenance. Inspections prevent another kind of damage, too - to your wallet. While you can’t necessarily prevent tree roots from reaching sewer lines, and naturally age can take a toll on any pipe, using a video camera inspection in Phoenix to examine your sewer and drain lines allows you to see the condition of your plumbing, including small problems that can turn into large ones untreated - like rust, tiny cracks, or the build-up of waste products. Video inspection involves the use of a very small and unobtrusive camera inserted down your branch lines, which are the pipes leading all the way from your bathtubs and faucets to your home’s sewer line; or they can be inserted down your home’s sewer line which leads from your home all the way to  the municipal sewer line on the street. The camera allows you to see the lines in detailed close-up images. Video cameras are a very important plumbing tool, waterproof, and suspended on a flexible rod, they can fit pipes anywhere from two inches to thirty six inches. The images can be saved to document findings, too. Using video inspection also means you can find the physical location of any trouble spots, for accurate diagnosis and solution. A video camera inspection can uncover issues like tree root intrusion and pipe breakage, or identify leaks and clogs. Whether used to address specific problems like repeated clogs or slow drains, or simply as preventive maintenance, inspections are simple and thorough. Finding out information about any deteriorating pipes, rusted sections, or clogged pipe sections means you’ll be able to find a swift solution. After all, if you find a needed repair early, you won’t have to resort to heavy digging or major disruptions. Trenchless sewer line repairs can handle even major issues, quickly and economically. The trick to easy repair is early discovery. And one of the best roads to early discovery is a video camera inspection.

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Summer Water Saving Tips for Phoenix

Summer drought is a very real concern in Phoenix. Conserving water is key to saving a vital resource and, practically speaking, lower your water utility bill. Average personal water use is around 400 gallons per household. That’s a large figure that you can help reduce. There are many ways, small and large for you to conserve. Making even a few changes can result in water savings up to hundreds of gallons each year. So, here are some basics that make it easy to save more than just a drop in the bucket. Let’s start at the sink. When you brush your teeth, turn off the tap. With water running an average 2.5 gallons - yes, gallons - per minute, don’t let it run down the drain while you’re scrubbing your pearly whites. Wet the brush, then keep the water off until you’re ready to rinse. And don’t stop with your dental care. When you wash your hands, you don’t need to leave the water running. Wet your hands, soap up, then turn the faucet on again when you’re ready to rinse. In the shower - don’t waste the water you’re letting warm up. An on-demand water heater can save money and water, or try this simple, low tech solution: bring a bucket in the shower to fill while your shower water warms. You can use that bucket of water for cleaning, or even flushing your toilet! And speaking of showers, replace older fixtures with more water efficient showerheads - this is an easy and inexpensive fix to save money and water. Speaking of efficiency, toilets use more water than any other water consuming part of your household. Switching to a high efficiency toilet will save thousands of gallons of water a year for an average family for four - up to twenty thousand gallons, in fact. Pay attention to water used for other appliances too: choosing a dishwasher or washing machine that is Water Sense rated also saves money and water. And, be sure to get any leaks anywhere - bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or outside faucet - under control, fast. Fixing a leaking faucet or pipe not only prevents damage and waste, it means water savings. Average water loss from leaking faucets can add up to over a hundred gallons of water wasted - weekly.

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Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Drain Your Summer Fun in Phoenix

Seasons come and seasons go - and so can drain problems here in Phoenix. In the summer time, there are some common drain issues that can occur relating to the season. One trouble spot is a clogged garbage disposal. This issue can crop up frequently with summer bar-b-q’s in full swing. It’s all too easy to pour used grill cooking oils down the drain, but this can be a real drain and disposal defying hazard. And then there’s helpful guests getting rid of leftover watermelon rinds or corncobs.  How to prevent disposal and drain disasters? First, dispose of hard fruits and veggies the old fashioned way - in a trash can, separated for compost purposes if you’re so inclined. With oils, run water through your disposal before and after using it, to clear food that can combine with grease to create clogs or damage disposal blades. And with grease from a grill? Preferably, dispose of it in a container rather than down your drain. Another potential summer plumbing bummer? Scrub a dub dub - washing machine woes can also cause summertime blues, when pool or beach wear is frequently tossed in the wash, putting more stress on your machine, and more potential clogs - vacation spot beach sand, anyone?-  in the drain lines. Sand, sun screen and hair can be a drain clog waiting to happen in tubs or sinks this time of year too. Be sure to run plain water after you take a shower or even wash hands to help keep drains running well. It’s a great idea to invest in an inexpensive filter to put over your drains - catch that hair and sand before it causes a problem. Last but not least, if a clog should occur, keep a professional plumber’s phone number handy to help you out and help you keep on track for a happy summer!

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Phoenix Sewer Line Problems and Solutions

It’s not easy being a sewer line in Phoenix! Whether made of clay, fiber, or cast iron,  sewer lines do the true heavy lifting of your home’s plumbing system, moving and removing all your waste water. If a sewer line problem or damage occurs, it needs to be addressed quickly and professionally -it’s not a do-it-yourself task. What causes problems? Tree root intrusion is one big offender. Roots edge their way into the pipe, seeking water and moisture through any small crack or leak. Age itself is also an issue, as pipes can deteriorate with time, leaking or even bursting due to weak or rusted sections. By far the most common problem: natural debris accumulation. Over time soap, solid waste, lint - it can all come together, creating a dam that prevents water from flowing through the pipes. The best solution to these potential problems? Preventive maintenance. Keep an eye on those sewer pipes through regular inspection, using non-invasive plumbing cameras which can show any problems in the making. Cleaning sewer lines can often prevent other issues from occurring. Without check ups and cleaning, often severe sewer line problems build up over time, unnoticed. Your first sewer line damage indicator could be a soggy spot with a bad odor in your yard. Another sign of potential sewer line issues is any back-up in sinks, toilets, or any household drains. Slow drainage itself can also be a sign of obstruction. Staying vigilant to any potential sewer line problems means the difference between simply handling sewer line issues quickly and efficiently without risk to your property - or risking major damage to your home. In fact, should sewer line repair be necessary, it can be handled efficiently and easily, without the conventional digging process, by using pipe lining or bursting. Pipe lining is done by pulling a resin-coated, flexible tube through the pipe line, inflating it to anchor it in place, and form a solid pipe. Pipe bursting involves digging two holes and bursting a pipe outward to insert a new pipe. These non-intrusive measures are called “trenchless” and require no heavy equipment or widespread displacement. They’re fast, simple, and affordable.

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Make Your Summer Green in Phoenix

It’s going to be a long, hot summer - and one of the best ways to keep cool is to do it the green way! This not only helps the environment but helps your wallet, too. Air conditioning is often awesome - that blast of cold, pure air on a hot day - but it’s an expensive way to stay cool. In fact in many homes, a/c use is about half the summer bill for electricity. But what’s the alternative? Use fans whenever you can. Ceiling fans save energy and are proven to reduce temperature by around six degrees. Plus the motion of the air itself makes things just feel cooler. But if you’re going out - turn them off, because they use power, too. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher and leave it there - but if you’re away at work all day, set it even five degrees higher. A good way to handle this is by investing in a programmable thermostat. Those nifty devices are inexpensive, easy to install, and with one in place, you can program your home’s temperature to fit your schedule. To make you’re a/c more efficient when you do use it, you should clean or change your air conditioner’s filter yearly to make sure your unit is working well. Dirty filters mean less air flow and less efficiency. When it’s time to cook a meal, use the range or the microwave, or whip up a cool salad  - using the over creates a lot of heat in the kitchen, and uses energy. Another time and energy saving tip - cook several meals at once, preferably in the evening, when things have cooled down for the day. And what about your dishwasher or dryer? These also use a lot of energy and generate a lot of heat. So consider doing dishes by hand so that you can avoid that heat setting on the drying cycle. Wait until you’ve filled the dishwasher before you run it to save energy. And dry clothes if you can in a series of loads - that way the dryer doesn’t have to reheat over and over again. But the biggest tip with these appliances? Try to use dishwasher, dryer, and stove after the sun goes down or early in the morning - that way you won’t be adding more heat to your home when it’s hot outside in Phoenix.

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24 hour plumber in Phoenix

Your shower drain is clogged. You have an important meeting in the morning and you can’t take a shower in a foot of standing water - with black goop oozing up out of the drain. Why is it that plumbing emergencies always seem to occur at the worst times? What to do, what to do? Sometimes, waiting until daylight on a week day just isn’t an option. Plumbing issues like pinhole leaks in piping can be easily addressed quickly, but become nightmares of damage if you wait until morning. Preventing damage to your home - or being able to take a shower before that important meeting - means fast action. And that fast action is only possible with a plumbing service that’s “on call” 24/7. 24 hour plumbers know that when you call, you need help quickly. Their absolute focus is on helping you, regardless of an unorthodox time frame. Customers come first, ‘round the clock. Because they don’t have any idea what they’re dealing with, they can usually handle a wide range of situations, whether your water heater has just stopped working or a pipe cracked. Although every minute counts in an emergency, you should still ask some questions before you pick the first available assistance you can get. Make sure the plumber is licensed, and that he or she carries both workers comp and liability, so that you’re not the one responsible if an accident occurs. And ask how soon they can come to you. Choosing a close-to-home 24 hour plumber is key, because driving a long distance delays response time, and increases the chance of damage to your home. Local, responsible, and ready - that’s the 24 hour plumber in Phoenix that residents should find and trust.

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Summertime and the Living is Phoenix Easy

Summer’s almost here in Phoenix. So what are you doing to start the season? Of course, there’s the outdoor bar-b-q. Make yours healthy with grilled veggies or fish. Or try a veggie burger! On the beverage front, make that lemonade - or adult beverage - more lively with one of this season’s new flavor favorite add ins like lavender, or ginger. Heading pool side? Stock up on that sunscreen, and don’t forget a hat. The sun is fun - and a great source of Vitamin D, but overexposure and sunburn can take all the fun away. A personal favorite of mine are the new beach umbrellas that allow you to twist them easily into grass or sand, no more digging and hoping the wind won’t carry your handiwork away. By the pool, portable umbrellas that can be clipped to loungers or tables are a great help if you need shade. Exercise! Get outdoors when you can. Take a swim or an evening run instead of staying on that treadmill at the gym. This is the time to take on a new activity, whether it’s early morning tennis or weekend golf. Or maybe just a game of Frisbee in your backyard or local park. Get your house ready for the season. Maybe you need a new ceiling fan to cool your halls, or you have an air conditioner that needs servicing. With all the summer entertaining you’re sure to do, check your drains - sun screen or sand can clog your shower; grease from your grill become a hazard for your sink. Staycation or vacation? Whichever you have in mind, sometimes the pleasure is in the planning. Whether you’re taking a family road trip to the Grand Canyon, heading off for a weekend cruise to Mexico, or looking into a new painting class at the community center, looking at your options can create new ideas and make the summer fun last even longer.

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24 Hour Plumber in Phoenix

Is it 2 AM? And you hear the sound of water coming from somewhere in your house...and everyone else is asleep? Well, this might be the very first time you’ve even considered calling a plumber. And now you need that plumber in the middle of the night. What to do? Find a 24 hour plumber in Phoenix, of course! Sure, you’d like to wait until daylight, but sometimes you just can’t do it, whether it’s a broken pipe or a flooding toilet. So how do you find the right plumber? Especially when it’s the middle of the night, and you have no idea who to call? Well, the first trick is to find a local resource. Whether a plumber is available 24 hours or not, if he or she is an hour away, that’s an hour during which major damage could occur to your home, not to mention another hour of lost sleep! Local should be your first pick in the middle of the night - or frankly, any time of day. Having a plumbing resource that’s convenient is key to maintaining your home’s plumbing system. And maintenance is important to help you avoid those emergency calls in the first place. Not that they can always be avoided. But you can decrease the likelihood of a middle of the night plumbing wake up call if you routinely check the pipes you can see, note if drains are slowing or toilets making a “funny sound.” Beyond going local, how should you choose an emergency plumber? References - which can be hard to get admittedly, during such an emergency situation, and website. Seeing the resources a plumber can offer, perhaps reading what he or she has to say about plumbing, these can help reassure you that you’re working with a pro. Even if you haven’t met that plumber before you 2 am!