Plumbing Service in Florence, AZ
AZ Emergency Plumbing takes pride in the commitment we’ve had to the Florence community since day one. As a locally owned and operated company, we have solidified a stellar reputation as the area’s most dependable and trustworthy plumbing company. Our comprehensive insurance, bonding, and licensing ensure your complete confidence in the quality of our work. Our team only includes seasoned, diligent, and forthright professionals, each driven to exceed the expectations of our valued customers. Whether you find yourself in need of residential plumbing or immediate emergency assistance, it would be our pleasure to serve you. Don’t hesitate to contact AZ Emergency Plumbing today and allow us the opportunity to earn your satisfaction and loyalty.
Tips and Facts from Our Plumbing Service in Florence, Arizona
Gas Piping Services
How Gas Piping Systems Work
Gas piping networks use pressure as the mechanism to move natural gas into your home. In these systems, gas flows downhill in pressure, traveling through a series of pipes, a pressure regulator, your home’s distribution lines, and finally into household appliances. It all begins with gas originating at utility-controlled mainlines and moving through service lines, which also fall under utility company ownership. Every single part of the gas piping setup that exists downstream on your property is entirely your responsibility, both in terms of care and safety. When a gas-powered device like a stove or furnace is turned on, the gas pressure elevates just above air pressure, enabling the unit to ignite.
Six Most Common Gas Piping Materials
Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing is commonly used in small, hard-to-reach areas or in zones where the likelihood of natural disasters is high. While it offers flexibility and simple installation, the risk of cracking means it’s only recommended for indoor gas piping systems.
PVC is widely regarded as an excellent material for underground gas lines located outdoors due to its high resistance to corrosion and remarkable durability. Despite being cost-effective and popular among many plumbers, it is banned in certain areas because it has a tendency to crack or break during installation.
Copper piping usually lasts about 20 years, but has many regional restrictions because of complex building code requirements. Some jurisdictions have even gone so far as to outlaw the use of copper piping completely.
HDPE works much like PVC in that it serves as a dependable material for exterior underground lines. Made of a type of plastic, these lines are known for being affordable and offering some degree of flexibility. However, they’re still at risk of damage from tree roots or rocks hidden below the surface.
Black Iron is often the preferred material for both exterior gas lines and indoor piping systems. This material is resilient, durable, and highly resistant to heat, making it excellent for creating airtight connections. But black iron can eventually corrode, and the sealer used with it often wears out. If your home has black iron gas piping, regular upkeep should be scheduled.
Galvanized Steel piping is known for being durable and energy efficient, and it’s often applied in both interior and exterior gas lines or in water supply systems. However, its more labor-intensive installation compared to other materials means it has been phased out of most modern construction and is primarily present in older structures.
Got Low Water Pressure?
The problem might be the result of…
…a problem with your water supplier. If neighboring businesses or homes encounter similar water pressure troubles, the root cause may be the supply itself. Should this be the case, contact the water utility company and share that your neighbors and you are all experiencing the same issue.
…your main house shutoff valve or water meter valve being partially closed. This water meter valve, owned by the local water utility, controls water flow into your property, making it a crucial component of your plumbing system. The main shutoff valve within your home is generally positioned near the point where the city water line connects to your house’s plumbing. If either valve is not opened completely, you will experience lower water pressure throughout your property. Once you have confirmed that the main shutoff valve is open all the way, call the city to have them examine the water meter valve for potential problems.
…leaky pipes. Water leaks take many different forms and sizes, causing water to be misdirected and reducing the overall flow. Look carefully for signs of pooling water or damp spots, then contact AZ Emergency Plumbing promptly so we can resolve the issue before it worsens and requires expensive repairs.
…local regulations have changed. Occasionally, water regulations are updated suddenly, requiring water providers to quickly adapt and comply with the new rules. If you discover that this kind of change has recently happened in your municipality, it would be wise to consult your plumber about installing a water pressure booster system. Before proceeding with the professional installation of your booster, we will carefully inspect your plumbing system to confirm no other underlying problems exist.
…corroded pipes. Pipes that have been in place for many years are much more vulnerable to corrosion, but only a knowledgeable plumbing professional can accurately diagnose this concern. If your plumbing includes brass pipes older than 40 years, galvanized steel pipes exceeding 20 years, or copper pipes more than 50 years old, corrosion is likely the underlying cause.
…a failing pressure regulator. It’s important to note that not every building has a pressure regulator installed. If your property is equipped with one, you can employ a water pressure gauge to accurately assess the water pressure. Should the gauge display a number that’s lower than the expected pressure, the regulator is likely faulty. Also, if the gauge registers no pressure reading at all, this may also suggest a problem with the regulator. Your plumber will be able to quickly diagnose and replace the pressure regulator as needed.
…a faulty fixture. In cases where every fixture in the house suffers from poor pressure, it’s unlikely that the fixtures themselves are at fault. However, when low pressure is only noticeable in a single faucet, the cause likely lies within that fixture, whether it’s due to clogging, buildup, or the need for a new replacement fixture.
Got Shower Problems?
If the issue is a…
…clogged shower drain, common causes include mineral buildup, soap scum accumulation, hair tangled in the drain, a broken pipe, or a foreign object that’s become lodged and is blocking water flow. Chemical drain cleaners should never be used as a solution, since they tend to create a range of complications beyond just clearing a clog. If clearing the drain with a plastic drain cleaning tool is unsuccessful, our Florence plumbing company can intervene with professional equipment to properly clear the blockage.
…smelly shower drain, possible causes include sewage gas, mold growth, or bacteria present in the drain system. In cases where the guest bathroom is rarely used, a dry P-trap can permit gases to escape through the shower drain. This annoying problem can be promptly identified and remedied by your reliable plumber.
…dripping shower head, it is most likely due to mineral buildup on the head or a gasket that has become damaged or worn out. Hard water contains minerals including calcium, silica, lime, and magnesium, which contribute to the formation of deposits on your shower head. White lines or a chalky residue around the shower head usually reveal the presence of these minerals. Treating the buildup by soaking the head in vinegar may work, but if the problem continues or you need assistance replacing the gasket, our experts are available to help.
Five Most Common Plumbing Pipe Materials
Copper Piping is frequently installed for residential water delivery – especially in long-term or high-use areas. It’s commonly used in home fixtures such as tubs, showers, and sinks due to its resistance to leaching, its long-lasting build, and the easy-to-cut nature of the material. Although effective, it tends to come with a steeper price tag compared to other options.
Cast Iron Piping is most frequently encountered in homes that were built decades ago, when it was a popular choice for waste and sewer drainage during the 1970s and 1980s. Its appeal stemmed from its strong composition, impact resistance, and usefulness in major plumbing systems. Today, it’s no longer a standard material because it deteriorates, clogs sewers, is cumbersome to work with, rusts easily, and brings expensive repair bills that insurance generally refuses to pay.
PEX Piping has risen in popularity as a durable and flexible plumbing solution that offers fewer fittings, excellent rigidity, and cost savings. These qualities, along with its ease of installation and widespread compatibility, make it a top choice among licensed plumbers. White PEX is designed to handle both hot and cold water without any difficulty, cold water is routed through blue PEX, and hot water systems typically use red PEX piping.
CPVC Piping (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is a rigid and long-lasting polymer option that, in some ways, performs better than copper piping. It’s resistant to corrosion and is typically easier and faster to install. That said, CPVC comes with a few drawbacks – it doesn’t handle high heat as efficiently as copper, it’s not well-suited to regions with extreme temperature changes, it’s prone to brittleness, and it generally costs about double what regular PVC does.
PVC Piping is the standard material found in many residential and commercial waste line setups. Its appeal comes from being more budget-friendly than galvanized steel while also lasting longer. Despite these benefits, it should never be used with high-pressure water lines.
All About Frozen Pipes
Where and When Pipes Typically Freeze
In most cases, pipes are likely to freeze in spots like crawl spaces, exterior walls, and attics. While freezing may begin at 32 degrees, the greatest threat comes when the temperature drops under 20 degrees. Extended exposure to extreme cold increases the chances of pipes bursting. Water can become frozen inside pipes in only six hours.
What to Do When Your Pipes Freeze
If your pipes freeze, the first thing you need to do is turn off the main water valve immediately to stop water flow. Next, you have the option of either trying to thaw the pipes yourself or contacting your experienced local plumbers. Should you suspect the water meter is frozen, avoid attempting to thaw it yourself since this can lead to significant damage. Instead, contact your water company. It’s important to be proactive, so calling your plumber at AZ Emergency Plumbing as soon as frozen pipes are detected will help avoid cracked pipes, bursts, and expensive repairs.
How Our Insured Plumbers Insulate Pipes
No two homes are plumbed the same way, which is why your local plumbers in Florence will first determine the best way to approach pipe insulation. This might mean applying insulation to pipes located in attics without heat, external walls, or exposed crawl spaces. In some cases, based on system condition, heat tape or heat cables may be recommended as well.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
To avoid frozen pipes and related damage, such as burst or leaking lines, take important preventative actions in advance.
We recommend:
Drip cold water in the faucet farthest from the main valve to keep water moving
Run your faucets regularly
Keep under-sink cabinet doors open to keep pipes warm
Keeping your heater on (55 degrees or higher)
Ask your plumbing contractor to insulate your water tank and pipes
Before temperatures drop, shut off outdoor spigots and drain water from lines
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
- Reach out to neighbors to see if anyone else is experiencing frozen pipes. If they are also having trouble, the issue could stem from a broken water main rather than your individual plumbing system.
- Turn off your water at the main shutoff valve.
- Open each faucet throughout the home to relieve pressure.
- Gently use a hair dryer to warm the pipe and surrounding space, avoiding all flammable surfaces and materials.
- Turn your water back on slowly and look closely for cracks, pooling, or visible leaks.
If you’re still unable to thaw frozen pipes using this technique, feel unsure about doing it yourself, or notice signs that a pipe may be cracked or has already burst, be sure to reach out to your dependable 24/7 plumber at 480-547-9517. Attempting a DIY thaw can bring on multiple dangers, including pipe melting or cracking (if the heat source is too intense or uneven), hidden water damage (from undetected breaks), and other problems you may not anticipate. Your emergency plumber will get to you quickly and begin thawing or repairing the plumbing damage before it gets worse.
Got Leaky Pipes?
The problem could be caused by…
…pipe joint damage. Pipe joints consist of multiple parts and regularly carry significant amounts of water, which makes them particularly susceptible to damage over time. Factors like aging, high water pressure, or exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations can contribute to joint deterioration. When you notice banging or ticking sounds, especially ones that happen only while hot water is running, this usually indicates an issue with one of your pipe joints.
…clogged lines. Many factors such as gutter debris, chemical deposits, excessive hair, blockages in air handler drain pans, and other issues can cause clogs. When pipes burst without freezing, toilets overflow, or drains remain clogged, this usually signals a significant clog blocking your plumbing lines somewhere.
…intrusive tree roots. Tree roots are complicated networks that can travel deep below and spread widely across the earth, which makes them likely to intrude into water lines without difficulty. Should you have trees growing near your residence, experience a significant water pressure drop, notice damp patches on your property, or detect a sinkhole in your yard, contacting your plumber for a careful examination is necessary.
…corrosion. Plumbing systems consist of several components that inevitably deteriorate over time. Rust, along with other forms of corrosion (which are often caused by mineral buildup or pH imbalances), slowly eats away at your pipes and results in leaks. Typically, galvanized steel piping has a service life of about two decades, whereas brass piping can last as long as seventy years. If your water is foul tasting, discolored, or emits an unusual odor, it is quite possible that corrosion is impacting your plumbing.
…ground movement. Natural disasters including floods and earthquakes cause the soil to move and shift, which often results in pipes separating, twisting, cracking, or bending out of place. When underground leaks develop, symptoms like slow drainage or water supply interruptions may arise. The only person qualified to inspect and definitively confirm or deny this kind of damage is a licensed plumber.
…a crack appearing in a fixture. Most often, such issues are caused by some form of physical impact or force. If that is the source of your leak, clear damage will usually be visible on the pipes or fixtures.
…loose water connectors. The pipes and hoses that link your appliances to water sources can become loose over time due to movement or shifting, which often causes leaks. Damage to these connectors can also occur, with puddles appearing near the appliance or water leaking from your supply line as clear warning signs.
…a broken seal. Contractors rely on rubber sealant applied around appliance connections during installation to prevent leaks. When this sealant gradually wears out, you might detect signs of failure including condensation on the appliance or water collecting in puddles beneath or near it.
…improperly laid pipes. Should your pipes have been installed improperly or without a licensed plumber’s involvement, you may experience urgent and extensive leaks. Gravity’s pull and the flow of water demand that every pipe and joint be fitted with great accuracy and caution. A qualified technician from AZ Emergency Plumbing will be happy to inspect your plumbing system and provide expert feedback on its installation quality.
…high water pressure. Pipes are strong, but they can still develop leaks when continuously exposed to elevated water pressure levels. If pressure climbs above 60 psi, it might cause pipes to burst unexpectedly. Should you be unsure about the leak’s cause, your plumber will include pressure testing as part of their thorough investigation.
Whole Home Water Filtration
Benefits
Installing a whole-house water filtration system brings a wide range of valuable benefits to your home and lifestyle. It provides you with reliable access to clean, great-tasting drinking water, eliminating your concern about harmful contaminants in the tap. You’ll no longer need to rely on bottled water, which helps reduce your spending while also cutting down on the amount of plastic pollution entering the environment. These systems help combat mineral accumulation and limescale buildup, which in turn helps prevent plumbing problems and expensive service calls. Your clothing will feel softer and look brighter, your skin will be free of chemical irritants, and you’ll find yourself needing far less soap for everyday washing. Choosing whole-house water filtration is both a smart lifestyle upgrade and a responsible choice for your wallet and the planet.
The Filtration Process
A large number of homes rely on municipal water delivery systems. Before ever reaching the tap, water is treated in a facility using sediment pre-filtration, a combination of copper-zinc KDF and activated carbon, and a final post-filtration step to maximize water quality and safety. Home filtration units target and remove common water pollutants like hard minerals, pesticides, herbicides, PFOA, PFOS, contaminants, and heavy metals. Clean, filtered water improves both health outcomes and appliance, faucet, and plumbing longevity.
All About Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting involves the use of a professional hose that blasts high-pressure water through your plumbing. When performing this non-invasive cleaning method, we begin by sending a camera through your pipes to identify damage that would disqualify hydro jetting as an option. If the inspection confirms no issues, your hydro jetting service will proceed with the hose being inserted and connected to a pressurized tank. The proper location for hose insertion must be selected with care before beginning the full cleaning process.
The process begins as we use a strong hose, gravity, and fast-moving water – around 20 gallons per minute! – through backward-facing jets that pull the nozzle through the pipes, accompanied by a single forward-facing jet that loosens and flushes away the debris inside. Hydro jetting is highly effective in removing clogs and also eliminates buildup from mineral deposits, encroaching tree roots, grease, and numerous other debris sources that may otherwise lead to future plumbing trouble. Your trusted plumbing provider will typically recommend this solution when the clog is deeply located within the plumbing line.
Got Bathroom Sink Problems?
If the issue is a…
…malfunctioning drain stopper, the issue might be a faulty stopper. This mechanism lets the drain open and shut when the faucet knob is pulled upward, though one of the most common causes of trouble is a loose nut on the horizontal pivot rod.
…dripping faucet, contributing factors often include age-related wear, a faulty washer, a damaged o-ring, corrosion buildup, or a compromised valve seat. Our plumbers near you will determine the cause and carry out a quick fix to get your sink running normally again.
…deteriorated sink caulking, water is the usual culprit behind the damage. Caulking exposed to water can crack, peel, mold, or mildew with time. It’s best to replace caulking every five years.
…rotten egg-like odor coming from your sink, you most likely have a microbial infection in the drain or overflow passage. These issues are often easily remedied with 3% hydrogen peroxide. If the issue persists, contact AZ Emergency Plumbing and inquire about our plumbing services.
…clogged or slow drain, you may be dealing with hair accumulation, solidified product residue, or soap buildup over time. If a mechanical stopper is in use, inspect the pivot rod that sits just underneath the drain opening to see if that’s the clog location. If that area looks clear, contact us so we can identify and repair the issue.
Got Kitchen Problems?
If the issue is a…
…water leak on the cabinet beneath your sink, the issue is likely a leak at the drain pipe joint. However, faulty faucet water supply connections may also be the cause of the problem. Kitchen faucets today often include flexible hoses that link the faucet to the water supply pipes. Because these fittings are hand-tightened, there is a chance for human error when tightening them. Moreover, if the seals or caulking have deteriorated or are defective, splashed water can escape and leak into the cabinet below.
…dripping kitchen faucet, a cartridge replacement is often the straightforward solution. A single cartridge valve found in most modern kitchen faucets controls the flow of hot and cold water. Typically, this fix corrects the dripping problem entirely.
…slow sink drain, there may be food debris, soap scum, grease buildup, or a lodged object causing an obstruction inside the pipe. In cases like this, our plumbing technicians usually need to access the drain trap and snake it to remove the clog.
How We Install a Garbage Disposal
- Turn off the circuit breaker and carefully complete the electrical wiring for the disposal installation process.
- Install the drain flange firmly in place to support the unit.
- Install the gasket and mounting ring properly to prevent leaks.
- Prop up and mount the disposal securely onto the flange.
- Use pipe connectors to link the P-trap discharge pipe to the disposal outlet.
- Tighten all fasteners on plumbing and mounting components, then test for leaks by running water and operating the disposal.
Toilet Installation
When you call our Florence plumbing service to have a new toilet installed, the first step involves removing your old toilet carefully. After that, we will thoroughly inspect the flange, replace the wax ring with a fresh one, and correctly position the new toilet. Once the toilet is secured by bolting it firmly in place, we install the seat, tank, and lid to complete the assembly. We finish by testing the entire system for any leaks, guaranteeing your new installation works flawlessly. Some specialized toilets, including wall-mounted types, models with bidet attachments, or those with electrical components like heated seats, will require a few extra steps during installation.
Our plumbers can install all toilets, including:
Gravity-Fed
Comfort-Height
Waterless
Double-Cyclone
Wall-Hanging
One-Piece
Pressure-Assisted
Two-Piece
Dual-Flush
And More!
Got Toilet Problems?
If the issue is a…
…tank-to-toilet leak, water may drip steadily from the area where the toilet bowl and tank meet, signaling a seal problem. To fix this, your plumber must remove the tank after draining it and replace the faulty gasket underneath.
…toilet overflow, don’t hesitate to reach out to our plumbing service to diagnose the root of the problem. A blocked vent, a full septic tank, a clogged drainage pipe, or a sewage backup are all potential culprits. On many toilets, a valve located at the point where the pipe connects to the tank can be turned off to stop the water. In cases where that valve isn’t accessible, go ahead and shut off the water at the main. Keep both the valve and the water turned off until we finish the repairs.
…slow-flushing or clogged toilet, start with a plunger and see if that takes care of the issue. If plunging doesn’t work, your Florence plumbing contractor may need to snake the line to break up and remove the clog. Toilets that are older often develop a weak, “lazy” flush as lime, calcium, debris, and/or rust accumulate within the system. If we confirm that this is the root cause of your plumbing problem, we’ll likely suggest putting in a new toilet.
…leak at the toilet base, it’s usually because the wax ring is cracked, deteriorated, or wasn’t installed properly. Water may pool slowly during the day or appear quickly when the toilet is flushed. To complete this type of plumbing repair, we will shut off the water, drain the tank, remove the toilet, and install a new wax ring. A replacement toilet and tank may be needed, depending on how bad the damage is.
…toilet that keeps running, it may be because the flush valve at the base of your toilet tank has started to leak. In some cases, the problem comes from a fill valve that is either damaged or mispositioned.
…leaking water supply, you may notice a range of problems including stagnant water near pipes, unusually noisy plumbing, reduced flow at taps, or a higher water bill than usual. Once the main valve is shut off, contact us right away for plumber services to keep a small leak from becoming a major issue.
To learn more about our premier plumbing services or to dispatch us for emergency plumbing assistance, reach out to AZ Emergency Plumbing today at 480-547-9517.
