Keep Everything Flowing

A few tips on all things plumbing.

Preventative maintenance is much easier and less costly than repairs. With just a few simple preventative measures you can save some money and extend the lifetime of your plumbing. We think these few tips can help make your life that much easier by keeping your plumbing in tip-top shape, working effortlessly day in and day out.

Our Plumbing Tips

Water filtration and conditioning systems extend the life of all fixtures and provide healthier water for drinking and bathing.
Washerless faucets offer the best performance and least maintenance. Next time you have a leaky faucet, instead of replacing washers or inserts, upgrade your faucet to a center control / mix washerless variety.
Shower and bathtub drains should have strainers that stop hair and soap from entering the drain. Clean strainers regularly to avoid clogs.
Remove mineral deposits from your showerhead to maintain good water flow. If it is severely clogged, replace it.
Don’t flush Kleenex or feminine hygiene products in toilets even if the label says the product is flushable. The paper fibers do not disintegrate like toilet tissue and can cause clogs.
Maintain toilet tanks and prevent water waste by replacing the ball or flapper once a year, and upgrade to the most modern tank fill system.
Don’t put items like chicken skin, carrots, celery, potato or banana peels in the garbage disposal. The disposer can’t properly grind them up and they may clog the drain.
Flush water heater annually to remove lime and sediment build up at the bottom of the tank that would cause the heater to become inefficient and reduce the life of the unit.
Open and close your shut off valves monthly to keep them from getting stiff or breaking when you need them in an emergency.
Turn all faucets and showers on and off every month to keep them from sticking or getting stiff. This will also keep P-traps full on unused or rarely used fixtures, which keeps sewer gases from entering your home.
Don’t use cleaning products in the toilet tank with corrosive chemicals (i.e. bleach, chlorine) this can warp your flapper and deteriorate your seals which can result in leaks.

What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

The size of your water heater depends on factors like the number of people in your household, your hot water usage patterns, and the heater’s fuel source. Generally, a family of four may require a 40 to 50-gallon tank. However, it’s best to consult a professional to determine the right size for your specific needs.

While it’s possible to install one yourself, it could be dangerous. If your water heater is not properly installed it can explode, start a fire, or leak carbon monoxide. We recommend hiring professionals to correctly measure and install a new hot water heater according to local code requirements and remove your old one.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

The lifespan of a water heater depends on factors like water quality, maintenance, and the type of heater. On average:

Conventional tank water heaters last about 10-15 years.
Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more.
Regular maintenance, such as flushing to remove sediment, can extend a heater’s life.

In tankless water heaters, there is no tank for sediment to build up, but limescale can develop in the pipes. This will reduce water heater efficiency. Tucson Plumbing offers professional descaling of the system to keep it running at its best.

Inside every tanked hot water heater is an anode rod that protects the heater from absorbing harmful minerals in the water. It should be checked every two years and replaced every four to five. If your home uses a water softener, you will need to replace the Anode rod more frequently.

Call today to set up a water heater flush and a complete home plumbing inspection.

What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency in Tucson?

We treat plumbing issues such as burst pipes, sewer backups, no water in the home, gas odor near a water heater or gas line, and major flooding from a failed sump pump or water heater as emergencies. If you're dealing with any of these, call (520) 881-6000 right away rather than waiting for a standard appointment.

Is Tucson Plumbing available 24 hours a day for emergencies?

Yes. Tucson Plumbing responds to plumbing emergencies around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Call (520) 881-6000 any time.

How fast can a Tucson Plumbing technician get to my home?

Response time depends on your location and current call volume, but emergency calls are prioritized ahead of scheduled service. Call and we'll give you the most accurate estimate for your area.

What should I do while waiting for an emergency plumber?

For a burst pipe or major leak, shut off your home's main water valve if you can safely access it. For a gas odor, leave the house immediately and call from outside before calling us.

Do you charge more for emergency or after-hours plumbing calls?

We are upfront about all costs before any work begins, emergency or not. Our technicians inspect the situation and give you a clear price before touching anything. There are no hidden fees added after the job is done.

Can you fix the problem on the first visit?

Most emergency repairs are completed on the first visit. Our trucks are stocked with common parts and materials, which we call our warehouse on wheels. In rare cases where parts must be ordered, we will secure the situation and return as quickly as possible.

70+ years serving Tucson