Hot Water Problems

When the air cools, you may find a longer, hotter shower quite inviting. Hotter and longer showers put additional stress on your water heater, requiring more energy to maintain the heat. Before cooler temperatures arrive, we recommend that you have your water heater inspected. At Rooter Hero Plumbing, our technicians check the following during a routine inspection: • Pilot light (gas models) • Temperature sensor • Pressure relief valve • Wiring and connections We can also flush your water heater to get rid of built-up sediment and clean the tank for optimal performance.

Frozen Pipes

A hard freeze in the Phoenix or Tucson area is not a common occurrence, but temperatures can fall enough for this to happen from time to time and it can take homeowners by surprise. Outside water lines that are not turned off can freeze when this happens and burst. Indoor piping may be better protected, but if it is not insulated well freezing can occur. We recommend that Arizona residents have a plumber take a look at their pipes before the weather has a chance to turn cold. If you have an older property, your piping may not be insulated well enough to handle this sudden change in temperature. Also, protect your plumbing system by draining and disconnecting outdoor hoses when not in use. If a pipe does burst, locate the main water shut-off valve and turn off the water before you call a plumber. This one small action can prevent flooding and extensive damage to your home.

Clogged Drains

The winter months seem to coincide with an increase in clogged drains. We attribute this rise in service calls to the increased amount of entertaining during the holidays and staying indoors more. To protect your drains, we urge our customers to use common “drain” sense when using toilets, sinks, bathtubs or showers. Many clogs can be prevented with regular drain cleaning services like hydro-jetting. You can also protect your drains and sewer by doing the following: • Only use septic-safe toilet paper • Do not treat your toilet like a trash can • Avoid flushing non-organic material down the toilet such as cleansing wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper products other than toilet paper • Dispose of grease, cooking oils, and fat in a mason jar or in the trash can. Do not put these substances in kitchen sinks or grind them up in the garbage disposal. A little bit of drain sense goes a long way toward preventing drain and sewer problems.

Don’t Let Colder Weather Take You by Surprise

Arizona is a climate that boasts beautiful weather year-round, but sometimes Mother Nature likes to throw a curve ball. Be prepared during the winter months to protect your plumbing system from failure and expensive repairs. A quick call to Rooter Hero Plumbing can help you prepare for falling temperatures. Rooter Hero Plumbing operates in major metropolitan locations such as Phoenix and Tucson, service communities like Buckeye, Gilbert, and Oro Valley. Call us today to see if we service your area.