Have a plumbing question in Gilbert, Arizona? You are in the right place. Second Opinion Plumbing’s trusted technicians answer the most common questions we receive from homeowners and small businesses. If you need personalized help, call 480-365-9555. We provide free estimates, straightforward pricing, and same-day service when available. Our licensed and bonded, experienced plumbers are on duty daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several issues can shorten your hot water supply:
- Sediment buildup: Minerals settle at the bottom of tank heaters, reducing capacity and insulating the burner. Annual flushing restores performance.
- Failing dip tube: A broken dip tube mixes cold water at the top of the tank, creating lukewarm output.
- Thermostat or element problems: Electric units have two elements and thermostats; if one fails, recovery slows.
- Undersized system or higher demand: New fixtures, larger families, or added bathrooms may exceed capacity. Consider a larger tank, a hybrid heat pump, or tankless system with recirculation. We diagnose quickly and provide clear repair vs. replacement options with transparent and affordable pricing.
Proper drain cleaning is essential to keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly. From removing buildup in branch lines to addressing main sewer issues, professional cleaning helps prevent clogs, odors, and costly repairs. Here’s what you should know:
- Drain cleaning addresses branch lines inside the home, such as kitchen, bath, laundry, and floor drains.
- Sewer cleaning targets the main line that carries waste from your home to the municipality or septic system. We often start with cabling and, for heavy buildup, recommend hydro-jetting. If clogs recur, a camera inspection helps locate offsets, bellies, or roots so we can fix the root cause. Ask about our no overtime charges policy and free estimates.
Dealing with household drain problems can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps makes all the difference. From simple DIY fixes to calling in the pros, you’ll want to address issues quickly to avoid bigger plumbing headaches. And if you’re struggling with stubborn toilet blockages, don’t wait—our clogged toilet repair service is just a call away.
- Try a sink strainer or remove the P-trap if accessible to clear local debris.
- Use a plunger on sinks and tubs; block overflow openings with a wet rag for better suction.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes and pose safety risks. If plunging fails or multiple fixtures back up, call our licensed and bonded team. We offer same-day service, and our experienced plumbers carry professional equipment to clear tough clogs safely.
Freezing is less common in the Valley of the Sun, but cold snaps occur:
- Insulate exposed exterior pipes and hose bibbs. Use frost covers.
- Disconnect garden hoses.
- Keep garage doors closed and cabinet doors open on exterior walls during hard freezes.
- Maintain indoor heat at or above 55°F if you are away.
- Know your main shutoff valve location. If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water immediately and call us. We provide high-quality, speedy service and can help with repairs and winterization tips.
Common causes include:
- Worn flapper: Replace the flapper to stop water from leaking into the bowl.
- Faulty fill valve: If water continuously feeds the tank, replace the fill valve.
- Chain issues or misadjusted float: Ensure the chain isn’t stuck and the float shuts off at the proper waterline. Running toilets waste water; we can often fix them quickly during a routine visit with straightforward pricing.
Watch for:
- Unexplained high water bills
- Warm or damp spots on floors, walls, or ceilings
- Musty odors, blistering paint, or mildew
- Continuous water meter movement when all fixtures are off
We perform precise leak detection using acoustic and thermal tools, then present repair options. Financing is available for larger projects like repipes or slab leak repair.
Potential causes of low water pressure include:
- Failing pressure-reducing valve (PRV)
- Partially closed or faulty shutoff valves
- Scale buildup in older galvanized lines and aerators
- City supply fluctuations or issues at the meter
- Leaks reducing system pressure
We test static and dynamic pressure, inspect valves and regulators, and clear aerators or lines. If your system needs upgrades, we will provide options with transparent and affordable pricing.
In hard-water areas like Gilbert, AZ:
- Tank heaters: Flush annually to remove sediment and protect efficiency and tank life.
- Tankless units: Descale heat exchangers every 12–24 months, depending on water hardness and usage. Regular maintenance helps prevent noise, error codes, and a reduced hot water supply. Ask about same-day service when available.
Hard water is common here and can cause:
- Scale buildup in heaters, fixtures, and appliances
- Poor soap performance and spotting on glassware
- Reduced efficiency and premature equipment failure
A properly sized softener or conditioner protects plumbing and appliances. We provide free estimates and straightforward pricing on softeners and prefilters to match your home and usage.
A slab leak is a pressurized water line leak beneath your home’s concrete slab. Signs include:
- Warm floor spots or damp flooring
- Running water sounds when fixtures are off
- Moldy smells or unexplained high bills
We use non-invasive leak detection to pinpoint the location, then discuss repair methods such as direct access repairs, reroutes, or repipes. We can coordinate restoration if needed and offer financing.
In most cases, no:
- They can corrode metal pipes and degrade rubber gaskets
- They can create hazardous fumes, especially in enclosed areas
- They often push clogs deeper rather than removing them
Use mechanical methods (plunger, hand auger) or call a professional for drain cleaning services. We cable, hydro-jet, and camera-inspect lines to solve the cause, not just the symptom.
- Locate the valve where the /services/water-line-repair/water line enters the home, often in the garage, utility area, or a curbside box.
- Turn the handle clockwise (or quarter-turn for ball valves) to shut off.
- Label the valve for all household members.
In an emergency (burst pipe or significant leak), shut off water immediately and call 480-365-9555. We offer high-quality, speedy service and no overtime charges.
Consider repiping if you have:
- Frequent leaks in multiple areas
- Galvanized or polybutylene piping
- Severe corrosion or rust-colored water
- Chronically low pressure unrelated to PRVs or valves
We offer copper and PEX options, along with phased scheduling and financing options. Our trusted technicians will explain the scope, timelines, and post-repipe care with straightforward pricing.
- Flush water heaters and descale tankless units
- Inspect PRVs, shutoff valves, and supply lines
- Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove scale
- Schedule a whole-home plumbing inspection
- Hydro-jet high-use kitchen lines, if needed
Preventive checks save money and prevent surprises. We provide free estimates and transparent and affordable pricing for all maintenance services.
Want to learn more about who we are and how we work? Visit our About Us page to learn about our story, values, and why neighbors trust our licensed and bonded professionals for free estimates and straightforward pricing.
Call 480-365-9555 to schedule service or request a free estimate. Second Opinion Plumbing proudly serves Gilbert, Arizona, and nearby communities with same-day service when available and a commitment to Better prices. Better service.
