AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Mesa, AZ

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Mesa?

Mesa, Arizona has relatively hard water compared to many other areas of the country. With its high average temperatures and less than 1″ of average rainfall most months of the year, Arizona citizens cannot rely on surface water for their washing, drinking, and bathing needs. As a result, water throughout Arizona often has a high mineral content, which means that Mesa residents may face some distinct challenges as sediment and mineral content build up in their pipes and water tanks. Common challenges include:

Low Water Pressure

Did you turn on your faucet, expecting a gush but receiving only a trickle? Whether you’ve noticed lower water pressure coming out of a single faucet or throughout your entire home, sediment buildup caused by the high levels of calcium and magnesium in Mesa’s water could be to blame. Over time, those molecules will build up in the pipes and in your fixtures. They often leave a chalky white residue behind, and as that residue builds up, it can start to clog up your pipes and fixtures. 

There are two common solutions for removing mineral buildup and improving the overall state of your pipes. First, have a professional plumber like Mr. Blue Plumbing come out and clean your system, which can help eliminate the immediate problem. To help reduce buildup in the future, discuss the benefits of a water softening system with us. 

Leaking Pipes

Most homes in Mesa have copper slab piping that is installed directly into the native soil around the home. That means they are sitting on Arizona soil filled with sharp rocks. Those sharp rocks can lead to faster pipe degradation and ultimately to leaks in those pipes. If unchecked, leaking pipes could mean costly water bills and damage to your home, your driveway, and your yard.

Clogged Drains 

Clogged drains can occur for a variety of reasons. Most often, the root of the problem is things going down the drain that aren’t intended to be there, including grease and hair. The high levels of sediment in Mesa water, however, can cause drains to clog more easily and that buildup to toughen faster, which can make it harder to address. Clogged drains can cause sewage to back up into the drains, leaving you with a serious mess to clean up. Sometimes, they can also lead to leaking onto the foundation of your home, which can cause substantial damage. 

No Hot Water

Since you live in the hot climate of Mesa, Arizona, you might assume that you should be able to get hot water whenever you need it. Unfortunately, the sediment present in Arizona water can build up in the hot water heater just like it can in your drains, fixtures, and pipes. That buildup, which is often invisibly contained within your hot water heater, can corrode the tank and make your hot water heater less efficient, which may mean that your hot water runs out faster or that even with your hot water all the way on, your water feels barely warm. Over time, that sediment buildup can lead to more serious damage to your hot water heater, which may ultimately require replacement. 

Dripping or Leaking Faucets

Dripping faucets are a serious potential problem no matter what area of the country you live in. They’re annoying to listen to, they increase your water bill, and frankly, they waste water – a real concern in places like Mesa, where water is a precious resource. Over time, your faucets may wear down, and the seals may degrade or break. Sometimes, replacing these simple parts can eliminate the dripping water issue in your home. 

How Does the Water in Mesa Affect Your Plumbing?

You may have noticed from the description of the plumbing problems seen frequently throughout the Mesa area that the water in the area has a significant impact on your plumbing. Mesa, Arizona water is usually hard water. If you don’t have a water softening system installed in your home, chances are, you will, at some point, find yourself dealing with some of these challenges related to mineral buildup – and even with a water softener, you may find it difficult to avoid those challenges altogether. Hard water in Mesa, Arizona may make it much more difficult to maintain your plumbing. Water hardness in Mesa can range from 12 grains per gallon to 22 grains per gallon. Not only can this high mineral content impact the taste of your drinking water, but it may also leave you with calcium and magnesium stains (usually a chalky white) in your plumbing, from your pipes to your fixtures, and as it builds up over time, it may damage your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Mesa?

Plumbing costs may vary throughout the Mesa area depending on the type of work you need to have done. The average cost for services is around $350, but anywhere in the range of $100 to $600 is normal. Consider these key factors. 

Cost Factor: The Cost of Labor

The cost of labor for plumbing repairs may vary depending on the specific services you need to have performed. If you need extensive repairs that require specialized knowledge, you may pay more for the cost of labor than you will for relatively commonplace repairs. 

Cost Factor: The Timing

Sometimes, you can schedule our plumbers to come out during business hours, at a time that is convenient for both you and our plumbers. Other times, however, you may have a plumbing emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately, water gushing out of a pipe in your front yard that you cannot shut off, for example. If you need emergency plumbing repairs, especially repairs that could cut off water to your home until you have a chance to fix them, you may need to pay more for emergency services. 

Cost Factor: The Cost of Parts

The more parts you need to replace, the more your repairs will cost. For example, if your home does not have a water softening system, you may need to consider installing one – and the associated cost – in order to reduce the cost of future repairs. If you need to replace a clogged faucet, rather than cleaning it, it may cost more than the cost of simply repairing your existing system.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Mesa?

Better plumbing, as well as better plumbing solutions for your home, can help save you considerable money over time. First and foremost, better plumbing can help you eliminate leaks throughout your home. A leaking faucet can lose hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a year or more, and those leaks often grow worse, not better, over time. 

Better plumbing may also, for many Mesa homeowners, include the installation of a water softening system, which can help save you substantial money on repairs over time. With your water softening system, you can decrease mineral deposits in your pipes, in your fixtures, and in your hot water heater, all of which may see enhanced performance over a longer period of time as a result of that decision. 

Working with an experienced plumber like Mr. Blue Plumbing can also help you identify any potential invisible leaks throughout your home. Leaking pipes don’t always mean a steady stream of water or a clear puddle where you can see them. Pinprick holes can lead to considerable water damage over time, and may leave you with expensive repairs to contend with. Our plumbers, on the other hand, can find those problems before they lead to significant expenses.

When Should You Call the Water Company in Mesa vs Hire a Plumber?

If you have an issue inside your home related to your plumbing, chances are, you will need to call out our plumber to help deal with them. However, there are several times when you will need to call your Mesa water provider instead of calling us.

You will need to contact the Mesa Water Company if:

You do not have any water moving into your home.

You turn on the faucets and nothing comes out, and you’ve noticed the problem suddenly, rather than watching a faucet’s performance degrade steadily over time as sediment builds up. If no water is moving into your home, it’s probably a problem at the source, and you should contact the Mesa water company to get a better idea of what’s going on and when your water will be restored. 

You notice a puddle in your lawn or driveway, or in the street nearby, that seems to come from underground pipes.

If you notice a puddle that does not seem to go away or that bubbles up from the ground, it likely indicates a leak somewhere outside your home. Turn off all the water valves inside your home, then check your water meter. If the meter isn’t running, the leak is outside your home, on the water company’s side and they’ll need to send someone out to deal with it. On the other hand, if the meter is running, the leak is probably on your side and you’ll need to call us to address it. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Mesa?

Do you need a permit for plumbing services in Mesa? In short: yes, under many circumstances. An experienced plumber like the ones at Mr Blue Plumbing will be able to let you know when you’ll need a permit for your renovation or to help you address a plumbing challenge. Contact us if you have specific questions about when you’ll need a permit in Mesa. In general, you should expect to need a permit if:

• You’re installing a new water heater
• You’re remodeling, including plumbing work
• You’re conducting demolition that involves your plumbing systems
• You’re planning to modify your existing plumbing systems
• You’re working with an internal sprinkler system or fire suppression system

While permits may seem like an expensive investment, they’re designed to protect you and to ensure that the work on your home is done properly. Don’t worry! We can help you sort out whether you need a permit for your latest plumbing project or need and what it will mean for your home modifications.