Do I Need a Pressure Regulator?

Posted on August 13, 2011 by admin

Do you hear loud banging noises when your plumbing fixtures shut off after use? Or maybe you can hear the water flowing through the pipes when you use your plumbing. These are signs of excessive water pressure. If the water pressure to your home exceeds 85 lbs., the Uniform Plumbing Code (the code that regulates plumbing in AZ) says you need a pressure regulator.

Maybe you already have a pressure regulator but it is out of adjustment, or needs to be repaired. A properly adjusted pressure regulator will extend the life of your plumbing system, reducing the pressure on your plumbing fixtures makes them less prone to leaks and drips. And excessive water pressure is a mortal enemy of your water heater. The pressure is easily checked with a pressure gauge attached at your hose bib. In order to get an accurate reading, any present leaks must first be fixed before the test. Sav-On Plumbing will be happy to test your pressure at no charge. Call us today to schedule a free, no charge look.

If you need a pressure regulator, we will be happy to give you a free estimate on the purchase and install of one. We can also fix any other plumbing problems you may have. Call us today.

Posted in plumber, plumbing costs, pressure regulators | 1 Comment

Why a Phone Estimate is Not Such a Good Idea

Posted on June 25, 2011 by admin

waterheater leaked and caused over $9000.00 in damages.

We get a lot of phone calls from customers asking for a “phone estimate”. Usually, these customers are just checking prices, looking for the “best deal”. The problem here is that it is unreasonable to expect a phone estimate, given sight unseen, to be a firm price the customer can hold the contractor to, and it is unfair to expect it to be accurate, given all the variables involved in a plumbing repair job.

At Sav-On Plumbing, we offer a free on-site estimate and we will give you a full description of what we will do and a firm price you can hold us to, given that the work involved is what we estimate it to be. Sometimes, when the work is hidden from view this is not possible. Our policy in this case is to give an estimate based on what we think is involved, and once the problem is exposed (for instance, a leak behind the wall), we will confirm what the actual job is and the actual cost. We do NOT want to be the guy who quotes a low price over the phone just to get to the job, and once we’re there say “Oh, this job is much more involved and blah, blah,blah, and it’s going to  cost you two/three times the original phone estimate. Their hope is that once they’re there, you’ll figure “I might as well have them fix it”, and you end up paying through the nose for it. At best, they have wasted your time. We are not looking to waste your time or ours. Call a few companies and get their phone estimate; then call us and we’ll look at the job and give you a price you and we can live with. You’ll save time and money dealing with us-That’s why we’re Sav-On Plumbing.

Posted in free estimate, leaks, plumber, water heaters | 1 Comment

Water Heater Pans

Posted on June 25, 2011 by admin

Water Heater Pans – A Low Cost, High Return Insurance Policy.

Water heater leaked without a pan for about a year causing over $9,000 in damage.

A water heater pan, or water heater drain pan, is a great insurance policy against possible water heater leaks. Sooner or later, no matter how good of a water heater you install, it will eventually leak. This includes you “lifetime warranty” water heaters also. Unfortunately, not all homes are set up so that you can have a water heater pan. But if you can, a water heater pan can save you costly repairs from water damage, including drywall damage, carpet, cabinet, furniture and even “black mold” damage.

The basic premise is simple: put a water heater drain pan under the heater, and hook up a drain line that takes the leaking water outside the home, garage, utility room, etc. The easiest time to do this is when a new water heater is installed. It’s probably an even better idea to install one under an older water heater, because it is going to leak-sooner rather than later.

Call Sav-On Plumbing and we will give you a free look and discuss your options. Once your heater starts leaking and the damage is done, it’s too late. Call now!

 

Posted in water heater, water heater pans | Leave a comment

Why Do I Smell Sewage in my Bathroom?

Posted on April 19, 2011 by admin

The most common reason for “sewer gas” smell in a bathroom is a deteriorated wax ring under the toilet. Other possible causes for this smell could be a broken or leaking p-trap under the shower or bath tub, or a leaking p-trap under a bathroom sink. One additional cause could be a build-up of hair in the sink drain mechanism that is decaying. While this is not technically sewer gas, the smell of decaying hair is remarkably similar to sewer gas and is often mistaken for this. This smell is the most easily remedied, as the solution is to clean the hair out of the trip lever mechanism.

If the smell is from the toilet, it will be necessary to pull the toilet up  from the floor, remove the old wax ring, and install a new wax ring. New floor bolts should also be included in this repair; and a new shut off valve and toilet supply line are always a good idea. Then, caulking should be applied around the fixture to complete the repair. If the caulking is not done, air will get under the toilet and dry out the wax ring and cause it to shrink, putting you back at square one all over again.

If the cause is a broken or leaking p-trap, if it is under the sink, the repair requires a new p-trap to be installed. If the leaking p-trap is under the shower or bath tub, this is definitely a job for a professional as it will most likely require the removal of the shower or bath tub to make this repair.

At Sav-On Plumbing, we are qualified to diagnose the cause of the problem and to make the repair. Cal us for a free consulation on the cause of your sewer gas smell and a free estimate on the repair.

Posted in pipes, plumber, toilets | Leave a comment