Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Plumbing Services in Tucson Arizona
Welcome to the Tucson Plumbing Pros FAQ page. We understand that plumbing issues can be confusing, stressful, and disruptive to your daily life in the Old Pueblo. Whether you are dealing with a sudden emergency in the middle of the night or planning a major renovation for your kitchen, you likely have questions about how your system works and what to expect from a professional service. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to answer the most common inquiries we receive from residents and business owners in Tucson Arizona. Our goal is to provide you with clear, helpful information so you can make informed decisions about your home or business. We serve the entire Tucson metropolitan area, including the foothills, Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, and Sahuarita.
General and Emergency Plumbing Questions
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to your property, your health, or your ability to access essential water services. Common examples include a burst pipe repair need that is flooding your home, a sewer line backup that is pushing waste into your bathtub, or a total loss of water service. If you are searching for an emergency plumber near me because water is actively damaging your floors, drywall, or cabinetry, that is an emergency. We act as a 24 hour plumber to address these critical issues. We offer 24 7 plumbing help because we know that disasters do not adhere to standard business hours.
Do you offer services on weekends and holidays?
Yes, we do. Plumbing problems often happen at the most inconvenient times. We are a weekend plumber and a weekend plumber open on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure you are never left without support. Whether you need a same day plumber for a clogged toilet on a Saturday morning or an after hours plumber for a water heater failure on a holiday, Tucson Plumbing Pros is ready to assist.
I smell gas in my home. What should I do?
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: If you smell sulfur, rotten eggs, or hear a hissing sound near a gas line, do not attempt to find the leak yourself. Do not use any electrical switches, phones, or open flames. Go outside call 911 immediately as this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention. Once the emergency responders and the utility company have declared the area safe, you can contact us. We provide gas line repair and gas line installation services to correct the issue and get your gas service restored safely.
How quickly can you respond to a call in Tucson?
We pride ourselves on being a fast response plumber. Because we are locally based in Tucson Arizona, we can navigate the local streets and neighborhoods quickly. Our response time depends on the volume of calls and traffic conditions, but we prioritize emergencies such as active floods and sewer backups. When you contact us, we will provide you with an estimated arrival time.
Do you service commercial properties?
Yes, we are a full service commercial plumber. We understand that businesses in Tucson have different needs than residential homes. We handle commercial drain cleaning, urinal and toilet repair, and commercial water heater maintenance. We work efficiently to minimize downtime for your business, whether you operate a restaurant on 4th Avenue, a retail store, or an office building.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line FAQs
Why is my drain cleaning liquid not working?
Chemical drain cleaners found in grocery stores are often ineffective against tough clogs and can actually damage your pipes. They rely on caustic chemicals that generate heat to dissolve the clog. However, they can corrode older metal pipes and soften PVC pipes, leading to leaks. Furthermore, they often only burn a small hole through the sludge, leaving the bulk of the blockage behind. We recommend professional drain cleaning using mechanical snakes or hydro jetting. This removes the obstruction completely without damaging your plumbing system.
What is hydro jetting and when is it needed?
Hydro jetting is an advanced method of sewer drain cleaning. It uses high pressure water streams to scour the interior surfaces of your pipes. Unlike a traditional snake that just punches a hole in the clog, hydro jetting removes grease, scale, and invasive tree roots from the pipe walls. It is essentially a power wash for your sewer line. We recommend this service for restaurants with grease buildup, homes with recurring root intrusion, or any property in Tucson that experiences frequent backups.
How do I know if I have a main sewer line blockage?
A main line stoppage affects all the drains in your home, not just one. Common signs include:
- Multiple Clogs: If your toilet, bathtub, and kitchen sink are all draining slowly or backing up at the same time.
- Water Backing Up: If you flush the toilet and water rises in the shower drain.
- Gurgling Sounds: If you hear bubbling noises coming from the toilet when the washing machine runs.
This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from a professional. We are the best plumbing company to diagnose and resolve main line issues.
Can tree roots really damage my pipes?
Yes, tree roots are one of the leading causes of sewer line failure in Tucson Arizona. In our dry climate, roots from Mesquite, Palo Verde, and other native plants aggressively seek out moisture. They can enter your sewer pipes through tiny cracks or loose joints. Once inside, they grow rapidly, feeding on the nutrients in the waste water. Over time, they can form a dense mat that blocks flow or expands enough to shatter the pipe. We utilize cameras to identify root intrusion and hydro jetting or pipe replacement to solve the problem.
What should I do if my kitchen sink is clogged?
A clogged kitchen sink fix often involves removing grease and food debris. First, avoid using the garbage disposal if the sink is full of water. You can try a plunger, but if the water drains into the other side of the sink, you may have a blockage in the trap or the arm. If basic plunging fails, contact us. We act as a local plumber with the right tools to clear the blockage deep in the wall pipes where grease tends to solidify.
Water Heater Repair and Installation FAQs
How long does a water heater typically last in Tucson?
In Tucson Arizona, the lifespan of a water heater is often shorter than the national average due to our extremely hard water. A traditional tank water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. If your unit is approaching this age range, it may be time to consider water heater replacement before it fails and floods your home.
Why is my water heater making a popping noise?
Popping, banging, or rumbling noises coming from your water heater are caused by sediment buildup. The minerals in our hard water settle at the bottom of the tank and harden into scale. When the heating element turns on, steam bubbles get trapped under this layer of sediment. When they escape, they make a popping sound. This makes your heater less efficient and can lead to overheating and tank failure. We offer water heater maintenance to flush out this sediment.
Should I switch to a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters offer several advantages. They provide endless hot water, which is perfect for large families or homes with soaking tubs. They are also more energy efficient because they do not store hot water standby. However, they have a higher initial cost and may require upgrades to your gas line or electrical panel. As a tankless water heater install expert, we can evaluate your home and help you decide if a tankless system is the right choice for your needs.
What causes a water heater to leak from the bottom?
If you see water on floor near water heater or notice the unit is leaking from the bottom, it usually indicates that the internal glass lined steel tank has cracked due to corrosion. This is a non repairable failure. The only solution is replace old water heater with a new unit. Do not ignore a small leak, as the tank can rupture completely. Contact us immediately for emergency water heater replacement.
Why do I have no hot water?
If you have a water heater not staying hot or no hot water at all, it could be due to several factors. On an electric unit, it might be a tripped breaker, a failed heating element, or a broken thermostat. On a gas unit, it could be a bad thermocouple, a gas supply issue, or a faulty gas control valve. We act as a no hot water plumber to troubleshoot the system and perform the necessary water heater repair.
Pipes, Leaks, and Repiping FAQs
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a water leak that occurs in the copper or plastic water lines buried beneath the concrete foundation of your home. This is a common issue in Tucson due to the shifting caliche soil and chemical reaction between the concrete and the pipes. Because the leak is hidden, it can go undetected for a long time, causing structural damage and wasted water.
How do you detect a slab leak?
Since we cannot see through concrete, we use advanced electronic leak detection equipment. We use acoustic listening devices to hear the sound of water escaping the pipe. We also use thermal imaging to detect heat signatures on the floor. This allows us to pinpoint the location of the leak accurately. Once located, we can perform a slab leak repair by opening the concrete or rerouting the pipe through the walls to bypass the leak entirely.
What are the signs of a hidden water leak?
You might need professional leak detection if you notice:
- A sudden increase in your water bill.
- The sound of running water when all taps are off.
- Warm spots on the floor.
- Damp or discolored drywall (wall leak repair needed).
- Wet spots in the yard that never dry.
- Low water pressure throughout the house.
Why is my water pressure low?
Low water pressure can be caused by several issues. It might be a municipal supply problem, but often it is internal. Hard water scale can build up inside galvanized pipes, restricting flow like a clogged artery. A hidden leak can also divert water, dropping pressure. We act as a low water pressure plumber to diagnose the cause. In some cases, it may be a failing pressure reducing valve that needs adjustment or replacement.
Do I need to repipe my house?
If your home in Tucson was built with polybutylene piping (common in the 80s and 90s) or has old galvanized steel pipes, repiping is highly recommended. These materials are prone to failure. Polybutylene degrades from chlorine, and galvanized steel rusts shut. We provide comprehensive repiping services using durable PEX or Copper piping. This eliminates help with rust colored water from taps and prevents future floods.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
A burst pipe is a major emergency. First, locate your main emergency water shut off valve and turn off the water to the entire house. Open faucets to drain the remaining water. Then, contact us immediately. We handle burst pipe repair and frozen pipe repair in winter. We will arrive quickly to repair the section of pipe and restore your water service.
Kitchen and Bathroom Fixture FAQs
My garbage disposal is humming but not working. Can it be fixed?
Yes, a humming sound usually means the garbage disposal is jammed. The motor is trying to turn, but something is blocking the blades. Do not put your hand inside. Contact us for garbage disposal repair. We can safely unjam the unit and reset the overload protector. If the motor is burned out, we can provide garbage disposal installation for a new unit.
What can I put down my garbage disposal?
You should only put soft, biodegradable food scraps down the disposal. Avoid fibrous items like celery and corn husks, starchy items like pasta and potato peels, and hard items like bones and fruit pits. Never put grease or oil down the drain, as it causes clogs. If your garbage disposal jammed won’t turn, it is often because of these prohibited items.
Why is my toilet running constantly?
A toilet that keeps running is usually caused by a worn out flapper that is not sealing the tank drain, or a faulty fill valve that won’t shut off. This wastes hundreds of gallons of water a day. If you are wondering toilet keeps running what to do, contact us. We provide toilet repair to replace these internal components. If the toilet is old or the porcelain is cracked, we also offer toilet installation services.
Can you help with low pressure in my shower?
Yes, low pressure in a shower can be caused by a clogged shower head (mineral buildup) or a faulty shower valve. We provide shower repair and shower valve replacement. If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom, we are the plumber to install new shower fixtures, including rain heads and body sprays, to improve your shower experience.
Do you install appliances?
Yes, we install a variety of water connected appliances. We act as a dishwasher hookup plumber to ensure your dishwasher is installed correctly with the proper drainage loop. We install ice maker water line kits for refrigerators. We also handle washing machine hoses and utility sink faucets.
Service Area and General Business FAQs
What areas do you serve?
Tucson Plumbing Pros is dedicated to serving the entire metropolitan area. Our primary service area is Tucson Arizona. We also provide full services to the neighboring communities of Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, and Sahuarita. Whether you are in a new development or an established neighborhood, we are the local plumber near me that you can trust.
Do you help with high water pressure?
Yes. While low pressure is annoying, high water pressure is dangerous for your plumbing. Municipal water pressure in Tucson can sometimes exceed safe levels (typically over 80 PSI). High pressure can cause pipes to burst, appliance hoses to fail, and toilet fill valves to wear out premature. We can check your pressure and install a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) to regulate the flow entering your home.
How do I find the main water shut off valve?
Knowing the location of your emergency water shut off is critical. In most Tucson homes, it is located outside near the front hose bib (spigot) or in a ground box near the street. It may be a lever handle or a round wheel handle. We recommend testing it periodically to make sure it is not seized. If you cannot find it or it is broken, we can locate it and replace it for you.
What is hard water and how does it affect my plumbing?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Tucson has some of the hardest water in the country. These minerals precipitate out of the water and form scale on heating elements, inside pipes, and on fixtures. This scale reduces efficiency, restricts flow, and causes corrosion. We recommend regular plumbing maintenance and water heater flushing to combat the effects of hard water.
Do you do plumbing inspections for home buyers?
Yes, we offer plumbing inspection before buying house services. Buying a home is a huge investment, and you do not want to inherit a plumbing disaster. Our home plumbing inspection includes checking the water pressure, water heater condition, fixture operation, and a camera inspection of the main sewer line. This gives you peace of mind and leverage during negotiations.
Why do I have rust colored water?
Rust colored water usually comes from corrosion inside galvanized steel pipes or a rusting water heater tank. If the water is rusty only when using hot water, it is likely the water heater. If it is rusty from cold taps too, it may be the piping. We can help with rust colored water from taps by diagnosing the source and recommending repiping services or water heater replacement.
Can you fix a leak in the ceiling?
Yes, a leak in the ceiling is often caused by a plumbing fixture on the floor above. It could be a leaking toilet wax ring, a shower pan failure, or a leaking supply line in the wall. We act as a ceiling leak plumber to trace the water back to its source. We perform the necessary pipe leak repair or fixture repair to stop the damage.
What should I do if my garbage disposal smells bad?
Odors are caused by rotting food particles trapped in the grinding chamber or the splash guard. You can try grinding ice cubes and lemon peels to clean the blades and freshen the smell. If the odor persists, there may be a buildup in the drain line. We can perform a professional cleaning or check for a kitchen sink drain keeps backing up issue that is trapping waste water.
Do you handle outdoor plumbing?
Yes, we install and repair outdoor fixtures. This includes hose bibs, yard hydrants, and backflow preventers. We also install the outdoor gas line for grill setups, allowing you to connect your barbecue directly to your home’s natural gas supply. We handle underground water line leak issues in the yard as well.
How can I prevent frozen pipes in Tucson?
While freezing temperatures are rare in the desert, they do occur. To prevent a frozen pipe repair in winter, we recommend disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor spigots, insulating exposed pipes in the attic or garage, and letting a faucet drip slightly during freezing nights to keep water moving. If you have exposed PEX or copper lines outside, they should be insulated.
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
If your dishwasher is full of water, check your garbage disposal. The dishwasher drains into the disposal. If the disposal is clogged or if the knockout plug was not removed during a new installation, the water has nowhere to go. We provide dishwasher hookup plumber services to correct installation errors and ensure proper drainage.
Do you fix noisy pipes?
Yes, noisy banging pipes in walls, also known as water hammer, occur when fast moving water comes to a sudden stop (like when a solenoid valve on a washing machine closes). This shockwave shakes the pipes. We can install water hammer arrestors to absorb the shock and secure loose pipes to stop the noise.
What makes Tucson Plumbing Pros different?
We are a plumbing company that focuses on the specific needs of our local community. We do not use high pressure sales tactics. We prioritize education, quality workmanship, and long term solutions. We are the trustworthy plumber who wants to build a relationship with you, not just complete a transaction. We are experts in everything from faucet installation to main water line repair.
How do I contact you?
You can reach us by clicking the “Contact Us” button on our website. We are ready to answer your questions and schedule your service. Whether you need a quote for a remodel or immediate assistance for a leak, our team is standing by.
Tucson Plumbing Pros
Serving Tucson, AZ and surrounding areas.
Service Area Zip Codes:
85701, 85704, 85705, 85706, 85708, 85710, 85711, 85712, 85713, 85714, 85715, 85716, 85718, 85719, 85730, 85737, 85741, 85742, 85743, 85745, 85746, 85747, 85748, 85749, 85750, 85755, 85756, 85757, 85641, 85629, 85653, 85658
Plumbing Pro Services
Committed To Flowing Water & Peace Of Mind
Reliable plumbing solutions for residential and commercial needs. We ensure your pipes, drains, and fixures are working perfectly.
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Don’t gamble with your plumbing. We combine years of experience with modern technology to deliver lasting repairs and installations. Our team respects your time and your property.
- Fixture Installation
- Leak Detection
- Modern Diagnostics
- Drain Cleaning