Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions | Lake Havasu City Plumbing Pros
Welcome to the Lake Havasu City Plumbing Pros FAQ page. We believe that an informed customer is a happy customer. Plumbing systems are complex, and when something goes wrong, it can be stressful and confusing. We have compiled this extensive list of frequently asked questions to help you understand your plumbing system, recognize common problems, and know when it is time to call a professional. Whether you are dealing with a water heater not staying hot, a slow drain, or a burst pipe, you will find answers here.
We serve the entire Lake Havasu City Arizona area, including the communities of Desert Hills and Havasu Heights. If you do not see your specific question listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We are always happy to help our neighbors.
General Plumbing Questions
Q: How do I know if I have a plumbing emergency?
A: A plumbing emergency is generally defined as any situation that causes immediate property damage, poses a health risk, or leaves you without essential services. If you have a burst pipe flooding your home, a sewer backup pushing waste into your bathtub, or a gas leak, these are emergencies. If you are searching for an emergency plumber near me because you have no water at all or a major leak that cannot be contained, call us immediately. We offer 24 7 plumbing help for these critical situations.
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We are a local company dedicated to Lake Havasu City Arizona. We serve the following zip codes and communities:
- Lake Havasu City: 86403, 86404, 86405, 86406
- Desert Hills: 86406
- Havasu Heights: 86404
- Cactus Flats: 86404
Q: Why is my water bill so high?
A: A sudden spike in your water bill usually indicates a leak. It could be a running toilet, a dripping faucet, or something more serious like a hidden slab leak or an underground water line leak. We recommend checking your toilets first. If they are not running, contact us for professional leak detection services to locate the source of the wasted water.
Q: Do you offer preventative maintenance?
A: Yes. Regular plumbing maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs. We offer inspections where we check your water pressure, flush your water heater, inspect drains, and test shut off valves. This helps catch small issues like corrosion or slow leaks before they turn into a burst pipe repair emergency.
Q: Why is my water pressure low?
A: Low water pressure can be caused by several factors. It might be mineral buildup in your aerators (common in Lake Havasu City due to hard water), a failing pressure regulator, or a leak in your main water line. If the pressure is low at only one faucet, check the aerator. If it is low everywhere, you likely need a low water pressure plumber to diagnose the main system.
Q: How do I turn off my main water supply?
A: Every homeowner should know this. Your main shut off valve is typically located where the water line enters your home (often in the garage or on the front side of the house) or in a box near the street. In an emergency, turning this valve clockwise will stop the flow of water to your entire home.
URGENT SAFETY WARNING: GAS LEAKS
Q: What should I do if I smell gas?
A: If you smell a rotten egg odor, hear a hissing sound near a gas line, or suspect a gas leak, you must act immediately. Go outside and call 911. Do not touch any electrical switches, do not use a phone inside the house, and do not light any matches. This is a life safety emergency. Once the area is declared safe by emergency responders, you can contact us for gas line repair services.
Emergency Plumbing FAQs
Q: Do you offer services on weekends and holidays?
A: Yes. Plumbing disasters do not follow a calendar. We are an emergency plumber available for weekend plumber needs and holiday calls. We act as your after hours plumber because we know that waiting until Monday is not always an option when you have a sewage backup or a flood.
Q: What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber?
A: First, shut off the main water valve to stop the flooding. If it is a localized leak (like a toilet), shut off the valve behind that specific fixture. If there is water near electrical outlets, do not enter the room. If possible, open a lower level faucet to drain the remaining water from the pipes. Then, wait for our fast emergency service team to arrive.
Q: My pipes are making a banging noise. Is this an emergency?
A: This is called “water hammer.” While it might not be an immediate flood risk, it can damage your pipes and joints over time, leading to a burst pipe. It happens when a valve closes suddenly and the water slams into the pipe wall. We can install water hammer arrestors to fix this. It is best to address it sooner rather than later.
Q: What do I do if my pipe bursts in the middle of the night?
A: Shut off your main water supply immediately. Then call Lake Havasu City Plumbing Pros. We are a 24 hour plumber and will dispatch a technician to repair the burst pipe and get your water turned back on safely.
Water Heater FAQs
Q: Why is my water heater not staying hot?
A: If your hot water runs out quickly, it could be a broken dip tube (which directs cold water to the bottom of the tank), a failing heating element, or simply sediment buildup taking up space in your tank. We can diagnose the specific cause and perform the necessary water heater repair.
Q: How long does a water heater last?
A: Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. If your unit is over 10 years old and needs frequent repairs, water heater replacement is often the more cost effective choice.
Q: What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
A: Tankless units heat water on demand, so you never run out of hot water. They are more energy efficient because they do not keep a large tank of water hot 24/7. They also take up much less space. We are your local tankless water heater install expert and can help you decide if it is right for your home.
Q: Why is my water heater making a popping noise?
A: That sound is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The sediment traps water, which boils and pops as the burner heats up. This can overheat the tank and cause leaks. Regular water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank, prevents this.
Q: My water heater is leaking from the bottom. Can it be fixed?
A: If the tank itself is leaking, it usually cannot be repaired and must be replaced. A leaking tank is a sign of internal corrosion. If the leak is coming from a valve or connection, that can be repaired. Contact us immediately if you see water on floor near water heater.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer FAQs
Q: Why does my kitchen sink clog frequently?
A: Kitchen sink clogs are usually caused by grease, oil, and food particles. Grease may be liquid when you pour it down, but it solidifies in the cool pipes. Over time, this creates a sticky trap for other debris. We recommend avoiding pouring grease down the drain. If it happens often, professional drain cleaning is needed to remove the buildup.
Q: Can I use chemical drain cleaners?
A: We advise against it. Chemical cleaners rely on strong acids or caustics that create heat to melt the clog. This heat can damage PVC pipes and corrode older metal pipes. They are also dangerous to use and harmful to the environment. Mechanical snaking or hydro jetting is safer and more effective.
Q: What is hydro jetting?
A: Hydro jetting is a powerful drain cleaning method that uses high pressure water to scour the inside of your pipes. It cuts through tree roots, grease, and scale buildup, restoring your pipes to a “like new” condition. It is excellent for commercial properties and homes with recurring sewer line issues.
Q: How do I know if I have a main sewer line blockage?
A: If multiple drains are backing up at the same time (for example, the toilet and the bathtub), or if flushing the toilet causes water to come up in the shower, you likely have a main line blockage. This is a serious issue that requires sewer drain cleaning immediately to prevent sewage from entering your home.
Q: My toilet keeps clogging. What is wrong?
A: If your toilet clogs often, it could be due to flushing non flushable items (like wipes or feminine hygiene products), a weak flush due to mineral buildup in the rim jets, or an obstruction further down the line. We can perform a video inspection to see exactly what is causing the toilet clog repair issue.
Q: Why does my drain smell like rotten eggs?
A: This odor is sewer gas. It can happen if the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink) dries out, allowing gas to escape. Try running water for a minute to refill the trap. If the smell persists, you might have a blocked vent stack or a leak in the drain line.
Pipe Repair and Repiping FAQs
Q: What are the signs of a hidden water leak?
A: Look for unexplained high water bills, the sound of running water when everything is off, warm spots on the floor (indicating a slab leak), or damp drywall. Mold or mildew growth is also a strong indicator. Our leak detection services can pinpoint these issues without destroying your home.
Q: My home has galvanized pipes. Should I replace them?
A: Yes. Galvanized steel pipes were common in older homes but are prone to internal rust. This rust restricts water flow (causing low pressure) and can leach into your water supply. We offer whole house repiping services to replace these with modern Copper or PEX pipes for clean, reliable water.
Q: What is PEX piping?
A: PEX (cross linked polyethylene) is a flexible, durable plastic piping material. It is resistant to scale buildup and less likely to burst in freezing temperatures compared to rigid pipes. It is also faster to install, making it a cost effective option for repiping.
Q: How do you fix a slab leak?
A: A slab leak is a leak in the copper water lines buried under your concrete foundation. We can fix it by jackhammering the floor to access the pipe (spot repair) or, more commonly, by rerouting the water line through the attic or walls to bypass the leak entirely. This is often less invasive.
Q: What should I do if my pipes freeze?
A: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out during a cold snap, your pipes may be frozen. Keep the faucet open. You can try to warm the pipe with a hair dryer (never an open flame). If you cannot locate the frozen section or if the pipe has already burst, call us for frozen pipe repair immediately.
Fixture Installation FAQs
Q: Can I install a new faucet myself?
A: While some homeowners can handle simple swaps, professional installation ensures it is done right. We often see DIY installs with leaks, loose connections, or reversed hot/cold lines. A professional faucet installation ensures the fixture is secure and watertight.
Q: My toilet runs constantly. Can it be fixed?
A: Yes. A running toilet is usually caused by a worn out flapper valve or a faulty fill valve. This wastes a tremendous amount of water. We can perform a quick toilet repair to stop the waste and lower your water bill.
Q: Do you install customer purchased fixtures?
A: Yes, we can install fixtures you have bought yourself. However, we recommend consulting with us first. We can advise on reputable brands that hold up well in Lake Havasu City’s hard water environment. We also supply high quality fixtures if you prefer us to handle the sourcing.
Q: What is a frost free hose bib?
A: A frost free hose bib is an outdoor faucet designed to prevent freezing. The shut off valve is located deep inside the warm wall of the house rather than outside. We recommend these for all homes in Lake Havasu City to prevent frozen pipe repair issues in the winter.
Q: Can you install a bidet on my existing toilet?
A: Yes. We can install bidet seats and washlets. We connect the necessary water supply lines and ensure proper operation. This is a popular upgrade for bathroom comfort and hygiene.
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Q: My garbage disposal is humming but not working. What is it?
A: This usually means the flywheel is jammed. The motor is trying to turn, but something is blocking it. Turn it off immediately to prevent the motor from burning out. We can clear the jam and reset the unit. If you are uncomfortable doing this, call us for garbage disposal repair.
Q: What should I not put down my garbage disposal?
A: Avoid fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), starchy foods (pasta, rice, potato peels), grease, oil, bones, and coffee grounds. These items can cause clogs or damage the blades.
Q: Why is my disposal leaking?
A: Leaks can come from the top flange (sink connection), the dishwasher hose connection, or the bottom of the unit. A leak from the bottom usually means the internal seal is broken and the unit needs garbage disposal replacement.
Q: Do you install garbage disposals for kitchen remodels?
A: Yes. We provide garbage disposal installation for new sinks and remodels. We ensure the unit is mounted securely and the plumbing is configured correctly for proper drainage.
Gas Line FAQs
Q: Can you run a gas line for my new outdoor grill?
A: Yes. We provide gas line installation for outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and pool heaters. We ensure the line is sized correctly to provide enough fuel for your appliances and is buried at the proper depth for safety.
Q: I am switching from an electric stove to gas. Can you help?
A: Absolutely. We can install the new gas line needed for your range. We will check your current gas capacity to ensure your system can handle the new appliance.
Q: How do you test for gas leaks?
A: We use specialized pressure gauges to test the integrity of your gas lines. We pump air into the system and watch for pressure drops. We also use electronic sniffers to locate the exact source of any leak for precise gas leak repair.
Commercial Plumbing FAQs
Q: Do you service commercial properties?
A: Yes. We act as a commercial plumber for businesses, restaurants, office buildings, and property management companies in Lake Havasu City. We understand the need for fast response times to minimize business interruptions.
Q: Do you install grease traps?
A: Yes. Grease traps are essential for restaurants to prevent grease from entering the city sewer system. We install and maintain these units to ensure you stay compliant with local regulations.
Q: Can you handle large scale repiping for an apartment complex?
A: Yes. We have the team and the experience to handle large commercial repiping projects. We work efficiently to minimize the impact on your tenants.
About Lake Havasu City Plumbing Pros
Q: Why should I choose Lake Havasu City Plumbing Pros?
A: We are committed to quality, honesty, and local service. We are not a national chain. We are your neighbors. We offer:
- Fast Response: Same day plumber service availability.
- Expert Techs: Skilled professionals who know local plumbing codes.
- Transparent Service: We explain the problem and the solution clearly.
- Comprehensive Care: From leak detection to water heater installation, we do it all.
Q: How can I schedule an appointment?
A: You can contact us by phone or through our website. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your busy life. If you have an emergency, please call our 24 7 plumbing help line immediately.
Q: Do you help with water softener loops?
A: Yes. New homes are often built with a “loop” pre plumbed for a softener. We can install the softener system onto this loop. For older homes, we can retrofit the plumbing to accommodate a water softener, which is highly recommended for Lake Havasu City’s hard water.
Troubleshooting Tips
Q: My toilet is overflowing. What do I do?
A: Locate the shut off valve on the wall behind the toilet near the floor. Turn it clockwise to stop the water. If there is no valve, lift the tank lid and push down the flapper valve to stop water from entering the bowl. Then, call us for overflowing toilet help.
Q: The water in my shower goes cold when someone flushes the toilet. Why?
A: This is caused by a lack of pressure balance. When the toilet fills, it steals cold water from the shower line, leaving you with only hot water. We can install a pressure balanced shower valve to prevent this scald hazard.
Q: Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
A: This is usually caused by a reaction between the magnesium anode rod in your water heater and bacteria in the water. We can replace the magnesium rod with an aluminum zinc rod to eliminate the smell.
Q: How do I find a reliable plumber for a remodel?
A: Look for a plumber with experience in renovation work. Remodels often involve moving pipes and bringing old systems up to code. We specialize in bathroom remodel plumbing and kitchen remodel plumbing to ensure your new space works as good as it looks.
Contact Us
If you have a question that we did not answer here, please reach out. We are here to provide the information and services you need. Lake Havasu City Plumbing Pros is your trusted partner for all plumbing solutions.
Contact us today for service in Lake Havasu City, Desert Hills, Havasu Heights, and beyond.