AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Scottsdale, AZ

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Scottsdale?

A lot of plumbing issues are universal. Whether you live in Scottsdale or somewhere else in the United States, you’ll eventually encounter a running toilet or leaking tap. For Scottsdale’s residents, some issues are more common than others. Here are the three that we encounter most often and why they plague Scottsdale homes:

• Leaks from your appliances. If you feel like you have a lot of problems with your washing machine or other appliances, you aren’t alone. You can blame our dry, hot weather. The hoses that attach to these appliances dry out in our weather pretty quickly, causing them to crack and leak. Most washing machine hoses only last a couple of years before they need a replacement. Consider investing in braided stainless steel ones instead. They will last up to five years. It’s a good idea to inspect any appliance hoses and connections regularly for signs of damage and replace them right away if you see any issues. 
• No hot water. When you have no hot water, your water heater is almost always to blame. Water heaters can be especially problematic in Scottsdale. That’s mostly due to our hard water. The minerals in our water can start to build up in the heater, causing it to either get clogged or trigger a mechanical failure. Annual maintenance on your water heater will help. Our plumbers can inspect the water heater for signs of mineral buildup and replace any affected parts. That can help keep your repair costs low and keep your current water heater working longer.
• Low water pressure. If you notice a drop in your water pressure, very often there is a leak in your pipes somewhere. Leaks are common, thanks to the conditions of our rocky soil here in Scottsdale. The pipes bringing water to your home are sitting in the ground, surrounded by small, sharp rocks. These rocks can damage the pipes and create leaks. Not only will this affect your water pressure, but it will also affect your monthly water bill. You’ll want to find and repair leaks as soon as possible.

How Does the Water in Scottsdale Affect Your Plumbing?

There are a lot of great things about living in Scottsdale, but unfortunately, our water isn’t one of them. Scottsdale has very hard water, according to the USGS water hardness scale. Hard water means there are more minerals in our water than you’d find in soft water. These minerals, mostly calcium carbonate and magnesium, come from the rocks the water passes through before it enters our water system. While they are safe to drink, they can cause plenty of issues with your plumbing.

The first issue with hard water that most homeowners notice is the scale buildup. Over time, the minerals in the water can leave behind a white or pale yellow, chalky residue called scale. While this scale isn’t harmful to you, it can be difficult to remove from your plumbing fixtures. You might notice buildup around the head of your faucet or in watermarks left on your shower door. It’s also responsible for the watermarks on your glasses when they come out of the dishwasher.

The problems with these minerals are more than just aesthetic, though. After a while, those minerals can build up in your plumbing system and cause several issues. It can cause slow drains, clog up pipes, and wear out your appliances sooner. 

There are some things you can do to combat the effects of water hardness on your plumbing: 

• Soak your shower head and taps in white vinegar to dissolve the scale
• Run white vinegar through your appliances once a month to help prevent the buildup 
• Have your appliances maintained regularly, to prevent breakdown

A water softener may be a more permanent solution for your household. Our experts can offer you quotes on a water softening system if you want to have one installed.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Scottsdale?

Wondering how much it will cost you to bring in a plumber? On average, Scottsdale residents paid around $400 on their final plumbing bill. That amount included the labor, materials, and permits required for the job. Those three factors will affect how much you’ll pay, so it’s important to understand their impact on your final bill.

Labor

Our plumbers in Scottsdale are in line with the national average when it comes to their fees. You’ll pay around $60 an hour for our experienced plumbers during normal business hours. If you need an emergency service in the evening or over the weekend, though, you should expect to pay somewhere around $100 an hour for their labor.

Materials

This is really where your costs can vary. Some plumbing jobs only need a $5 replacement float for the toilet tank; other jobs can require thousands of dollars worth of piping. What you pay in this category will depend on what your project is and the type of fixtures required. You can ask our plumbers to give you an estimate on the cost of materials. Discuss your budget with them, too, so they can help you stay in the right range. 

Permits & Miscellaneous Charges

The City of Scottsdale requires you to get a plumbing permit for most installation, alteration, and repair work. How much you’ll pay for the permit depends on the project. You’ll need to cover these costs, though our plumbers can apply for the permit on your behalf. There may be other costs associated with your project, too. Our professionals always provide a comprehensive quote so that you know what to expect on the final bill.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Scottsdale?

Definitely. When you invest in your plumbing, you’ll end up saving money in the long run. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. You just need to make sure you are getting quality materials. Here’s how better plumbing can help you save money: 

• Fewer repairs. When you pay for our experienced plumbers, they’ll not only fix your plumbing issue; they’ll prevent it from happening again in the future. That means fewer visits from us and less money spent on repair bills. 
• Less frequent replacement. All plumbing fixtures need replacing sooner or later. When you buy quality name-brand fixtures, though, they’ll last a lot longer. That means you’ll require fewer replacements over the years, saving you a lot of money on plumbing in your lifetime. 
• Lower monthly water bills. Water conservation is a big deal in Scottsdale. We’re living in the desert, after all. Cheap plumbing fixtures and poorly done repairs can result in leaks. Leaks are water conservation’s worst enemy. A leaky toilet can waste up to 26 gallons of water a day. Not only is that bad for the environment, but it’s also hard on your bank account. You’ll pay for every gallon of water wasted, and that can quickly add up. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Scottsdale Vs Hire a Plumber?

If a plumbing issue is happening on your property, then it’s your responsibility to fix it. That means you’ll need to hire our plumbers, even if you believe the issue is because of the water or sewer mains coming off of the city pipes. Once those mains cross onto your property, they are your responsibility to maintain and fix. Our master plumbers can determine the cause of your issue and access those pipes if necessary. 

If, however, you see a plumbing issue on city-owned property, then you should report it to the City of Scottsdale Water Department. That includes leaks from fire hydrants, backed-up storm drains, or issues of water waste. They’ll investigate the report and take care of it with city contractors.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Scottsdale?

You will need a permit for most plumbing projects in Scottsdale. The only exceptions are for the repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures that don’t require alterations to the current pipework. So if you need to unclog your toilet or replace your sink, there is no need for a permit.

For everything else, you’ll need to apply for a plumbing permit. That includes: 

• Replacing a hot water heater
• Repairing broken water lines
• Installing natural gas lines
• Installing a water softener
• Repairing a sewer line

For most plumbing permits, you can apply and pay online, getting your permit within a few hours. For more complicated projects, you’ll need to submit plans and wait for a city engineer to approve them. This will ensure your project is up to code and meets the minimum requirements for safety. 

This is where hiring our experienced plumbers can help you save both time and money. Our experts know how to apply for the necessary permits and understand what’s required to get approval. They can walk you through the process or do it on your behalf, making it faster and easier to get your plumbing project moving forward.