With the cooler weather on the way, is your plumbing up to it? One has to ask what maintenance is of any real consequence in a desert climate. Or perhaps there is a small leak you have been meaning to get to that will not let you forget it?
We at PHD Home Services (PHD Plumbing) are in the business of making sure the plumbing in and around Yuma, Fortuna Foothills, San Luis and other communities in the area is in good order year round. A phone call to (928) 597-1680 and we can put you on the right path.
You will not find a fall like Yuma’s anywhere else. There are no hard freezes or the kind of frozen pipes you see in the north. Yet you cannot afford to be lax with your plumbing. The cooler evenings, the shift in water use with the season and the toll of a long hot summer have their effect. Attend to it now and you will be sparing yourself some trouble down the road.
Why Put Off Maintenance in the Desert?
The heat here is unforgiving to a home over the summer months; water heaters, supply lines and seals are under a lot of stress. Come fall you can put an end to the issues of summer before they become costly. It is also a time when most households have a lighter schedule so work can be done with less of an inconvenience.
Our winters may be mild but an unseasonable cold spell in the Foothills or San Luis is enough to make a nuisance of exposed outdoor plumbing. Prevention is all it takes.
A Few Fall Checks
Any homeowner can put in the time for these before the season turns:
- Have a look at the hose bibs and outdoor faucets for any slow leaks
- Make sure garden hoses are disconnected and drained
- See if there is any sign of corrosion, moisture or mildew under the sinks
- Time how fast the hot water comes on to test the heater
- Debris should be cleared from exterior plumbing and cleanouts
- Let the water run in the guest bath or other fixtures you do not often use to fill the traps
- Toilets that are running are a quiet waster of water, month in and month out, so check for them
It does not take much time and is what seasonal maintenance is for.
Water Heater Care
After the exertion of the summer, the water heater could use some attention. Years of sediment in the tank will cut into its efficiency and life span. Should you be hearing rumbling or popping, or the hot water is depleting quicker than it used to, or you see rust in the water, it is something to look into.
Flushing the unit is straightforward but doing it wrong does more damage. When in doubt, have a pro do it.
Slow Drains and Septic
Do not expect a drain to remedy itself after being sluggish all summer. Tackle the buildup in the fall before the holidays and the kitchen gets busy. For those with septic systems, a little upkeep is necessary to keep things moving as they ought to. We do our share of septic tank service in addition to the rest of our work.
If there is standing water by the tank or you are put off by a gurgling drain or bad smell, do not put it off. Those are early indications of a problem.
When You Need a Pro
There are jobs for a licensed plumber. Our technicians at PHD Home Services are all state licensed. We are fully insured and hold Master Plumber License #265203 and Contractor License #265202. Being locally owned and operated, we have been part of this community for close to 50 years through the founder’s family.
We are open Monday to Friday from 7:00am until 5:00pm. But if an emergency arises outside of regular hours we have 24/7 service so one is not left to fend for himself.
We price our work honestly and with no surprises, and back it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our estimates do come with a fee unless you go ahead with the repair, in which case the diagnostic is waived. Financing can be arranged through our partners. If you would rather have a professional look things over, our plumbing inspections can catch small problems before they grow.
To have your plumbing in proper shape for the season, ring us at (928) 597-1680. PHD Home Services is here to see your home is well protected this fall and into the future.