Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions | Bullhead City Plumbing Pros
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. At Bullhead City Plumbing Pros, we believe that an informed customer is a happy customer. We understand that plumbing systems can be complex and often confusing. When something goes wrong, you naturally have questions about what happened, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again. We have compiled this extensive list of common questions covering all our services, from emergency repairs to water heater installations. If you do not see your specific question listed here, please contact us directly. We are your local plumbing expert ready to provide clear answers and effective solutions for your home or business in Bullhead City.
General Plumbing and Service Questions
Why should I hire a professional plumber instead of doing it myself?
While DIY projects can be fun, plumbing requires a specific set of skills and tools to ensure the work is done correctly and safely. A professional residential plumber understands local building codes, proper venting requirements, and the correct materials to use for different applications. A small mistake in a DIY repair, such as using the wrong pipe fitting or overtightening a connection, can lead to slow leaks that cause extensive water damage inside walls or under floors. By hiring Bullhead City Plumbing Pros, you are investing in the long term health of your home and ensuring that the job is done right the first time.
Do you offer services for commercial properties?
Yes, we are a full service commercial plumber. We understand that the plumbing needs of a business are different from those of a home. Commercial systems often see higher usage volume and require heavy duty fixtures and larger diameter piping. We handle everything from commercial water heater repair and grease trap maintenance to urinal repair and system upgrades. We also offer after hours plumber services to ensure that repairs can be made without disrupting your business operations or inconveniencing your customers.
What areas do you serve?
We are proud to serve the entire Bullhead City area and the surrounding communities in Mohave County. This includes Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Oatman, Topock, and Golden Valley. We are a local plumbing company dedicated to our neighbors. Whether you live in a historic home near the river or a new construction property on the outskirts, we are your plumber near me for reliable service.
How can I tell if I have a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is generally any situation that threatens your property, health, or ability to use essential facilities. This includes burst pipes, sewage backups, gas leaks, and a complete lack of water service. If water is actively flooding your home or if you cannot use your toilet due to a blockage, you need an emergency plumber. We offer 24 hour plumber services to address these critical issues. If the issue is a slow drip or a planned upgrade, it can likely wait for a scheduled appointment, but we always recommend erring on the side of caution and contacting us if you are unsure.
Emergency Plumbing Questions
What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive?
The first and most important step is to stop the flow of water. You should locate your main water shut off valve, which is usually found where the water line enters your home or in a meter box near the street. Turning this off will prevent further flooding. If the issue is an electrical appliance like a water heater, turn off the breaker at the electrical panel. If you are dealing with a sewer backup, avoid running any water in the house, including flushing toilets or using sinks. Once you have stabilized the situation, clear the area for our technician to work and wait for our fast response plumber to arrive.
Are you available on weekends and holidays?
Yes, plumbing disasters do not respect the calendar. We function as a weekend plumber and a holiday plumber to ensure you are never left without support. Whether your kitchen sink clogs on Thanksgiving or a pipe bursts on a Sunday morning, we have technicians on standby. We are your 24 7 plumbing help resource in Bullhead City.
What causes pipes to burst suddenly?
Pipes can burst for several reasons. In colder climates, freezing is a common cause, and while rare here, frozen pipe repair is sometimes needed during cold snaps. More commonly in Arizona, pipes fail due to age, high water pressure, or corrosion. Old galvanized steel pipes rust from the inside out, weakening the walls until they split. High water pressure can also stress joints and seams. We can install a pressure reducing valve to protect your pipes and provide repiping services if your infrastructure is outdated.
Water Heater Repair and Installation
My water heater is making a rumbling noise. Is it dangerous?
A rumbling or popping noise from your water heater usually indicates sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. In Bullhead City, our hard water contains minerals that settle out when heated, forming a layer of scale. The noise is caused by steam bubbles trapped under this sediment escaping. While not immediately explosive, this buildup causes the heater to overheat and work inefficiently, which can lead to premature tank failure. We offer water heater maintenance services to flush the tank and remove this sediment.
Should I repair my old water heater or replace it?
This depends on the age and condition of the unit. The average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is about 8 to 12 years. If your unit is within this age range and requires a minor repair like a thermostat or element replacement, repair is often a good option. However, if the tank itself is leaking or if the unit is over 12 years old, water heater replacement is usually more cost effective. Investing in a new, energy efficient model can save you money on utility bills and prevent emergency floods.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
A tankless water heater heats water on demand rather than storing it in a large tank. This means you never run out of hot water, which is ideal for large families. They are also more energy efficient because they do not waste energy keeping a standby tank hot. Additionally, tankless units take up significantly less space, often mounting on a wall. We specialize in tankless water heater installation and can assess if your home is a good candidate for this technology.
Why is my hot water rust colored?
Rust colored hot water is a sign that the inside of your water heater tank is corroding. Every tank is equipped with an anode rod designed to attract corrosive elements and sacrifice itself to save the tank. If this rod is depleted, the tank begins to rust. If caught early, replacing the anode rod can help. However, if the rust is significant, you likely need a new water heater. If the rust appears in both hot and cold water, the issue may be with your galvanized pipes requiring repiping services.
Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line Services
Chemical drain cleaners didn’t work. What should I do?
We strongly advise against using liquid drain cleaners. They rely on caustic chemicals that generate heat to dissolve clogs. This chemical reaction can damage your pipes, especially older metal ones or plastic fittings. Furthermore, they often fail to clear solid blockages like hair or food, merely punching a small hole that clogs again quickly. If chemicals failed, you need professional drain cleaning. We use mechanical snakes and hydro jetting to physically remove the blockage without damaging your plumbing.
What is hydro jetting and do I need it?
Hydro jetting is a high pressure washing system for your pipes. It uses streams of water to scour the interior walls of the drain, removing grease, scale, roots, and sludge. Unlike a traditional snake that just pokes a hole in the clog, hydro jetting cleans the pipe to a like new condition. This is the best plumbing service for recurring clogs, commercial kitchens with grease issues, and main sewer lines with root intrusion. It restores full flow and helps prevent future blockages.
How do I know if I have a main sewer line blockage?
A main sewer line blockage affects all the drains in your home. Common symptoms include multiple drains backing up at the same time, water coming up in the shower when you flush the toilet, or gurgling sounds coming from the drains. You might also see sewage seeping out of the cleanout cap in your yard. This is a serious sanitation issue. You need a same day plumber to perform sewer drain cleaning immediately to prevent sewage from entering your living space.
Can tree roots really damage my pipes?
Yes, tree roots are a leading cause of sewer line damage. Roots seek out moisture and nutrients, and a sewer pipe is a perfect source. They can enter through tiny cracks or loose joints in older clay or concrete pipes. Once inside, they grow rapidly, catching debris and causing blockages. As they expand, they can break the pipe completely. We use cameras to inspect for roots and hydro jetting or specialized cutting blades to remove them. In severe cases, we perform water line replacement to install root resistant materials.
Leak Detection and Pipe Repair
I have a high water bill but no visible leak. What is wrong?
A sudden spike in your water bill is a classic sign of a hidden leak. You may have a leak in the service line running from the meter to your house, or a slab leak under your foundation. Even a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons. We offer leak detection services using sensitive acoustic equipment to listen for the sound of escaping water underground or in walls. Finding and fixing these leaks quickly pays for itself in water savings.
What is a slab leak and how is it fixed?
A slab leak is a water leak occurring in the copper or plastic pipes buried beneath the concrete foundation of your home. It can be caused by friction, corrosion, or ground shifting. Symptoms include warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water, or cracks in the tiles. Slab leak repair can involve jackhammering the floor to access the pipe, but we often recommend rerouting the pipe through the walls or attic. This abandons the compromised line under the slab and eliminates the risk of future leaks in that section.
What type of pipe is best for repiping my home?
For most repiping services, we recommend PEX (cross linked polyethylene). PEX is flexible, durable, and resistant to the scale and corrosion issues that affect copper in Bullhead City’s hard water environment. It is also faster to install and requires fewer connections, reducing the potential for leaks. However, we also install copper piping for specific applications or customer preference. We will discuss the pros and cons of each material to help you make the best choice for your home.
How do I stop a pipe from freezing?
While freezing is less common in our desert climate, it does happen. To prevent frozen pipe repair needs, ensure that pipes in unheated areas like attics or crawl spaces are insulated. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets in the winter. If a freeze is forecasted, you can leave a trickle of water running in a faucet furthest from the main line to keep water moving. Moving water is harder to freeze.
Fixtures, Faucets, and Toilets
Why does my toilet run constantly?
A running toilet is usually caused by a faulty flapper that fails to seal the tank drain, or a fill valve that is not shutting off correctly. This allows water to continuously flow into the bowl. It is a common issue that wastes a significant amount of water. We provide toilet repair to replace these internal components. If the toilet is very old or the porcelain is cracked, we may recommend toilet installation of a new, high efficiency model.
My water pressure is low. Can you fix it?
Low water pressure can be caused by mineral buildup in the aerators of your faucets, a partially closed valve, a failing pressure regulator, or hidden leaks. If the low pressure is only at one fixture, it is likely a local clog or cartridge issue. If it is throughout the house, it could be the main regulator or a main line issue. We perform a plumbing inspection to diagnose the cause. We act as your local plumbing expert to restore proper pressure for showers and cleaning.
Can I upgrade my bathroom fixtures without a full remodel?
Absolutely. Replacing old, dated faucets and showerheads with modern fixtures is a great way to refresh your bathroom without the cost of a full renovation. We offer plumbing fixture installation for sinks, tubs, and showers. We can install rainfall showerheads, handheld sprayers, and modern widespread faucets. This not only improves the look of your space but can also improve functionality and water efficiency.
What is a backflow preventer and do I need one?
A backflow preventer is a device that prevents dirty water (from irrigation systems, pools, etc.) from flowing backward into your clean drinking water supply. This can happen if there is a sudden drop in municipal pressure. Most homes with irrigation systems are required to have one. We test, repair, and install these devices to ensure your family’s drinking water remains safe and uncontaminated.
Kitchen Plumbing and Garbage Disposals
My garbage disposal is jammed. How do I fix it?
If your disposal is humming but not turning, it is jammed. First, turn off the switch. You can try using the hex key (Allen wrench) that came with the unit to manually turn the flywheel from the bottom. If it moves freely, press the reset button on the bottom and try again. If it is still jammed or making a loud grinding noise, contact us. We offer garbage disposal repair to safely remove obstructions. Never put your hand inside the disposal.
What can I safely put down my garbage disposal?
Garbage disposals are designed for soft, biodegradable food scraps. Safe items include fruit and vegetable scraps (excluding fibrous ones), cooked meat, and small amounts of citrus peels. You should avoid putting hard items like bones and fruit pits, fibrous items like celery and corn husks, and starchy foods like pasta and rice down the drain. Also, never pour grease or oil into the disposal as it solidifies and causes clogs. Proper usage prevents the need for a clogged kitchen sink fix.
Why does my dishwasher water back up into the sink?
The dishwasher typically drains through a hose connected to the garbage disposal or the sink tailpiece. If the disposal is clogged or if there is a blockage in the drain line past the trap, the water has nowhere to go but up into the sink. It can also be caused by a missing air gap or high loop in the drain hose. We can inspect the dishwasher hookup plumber connections and clean the drains to ensure the dishwasher empties correctly.
Gas Line Services
I want to switch from an electric stove to a gas range. Can you help?
Yes, we provide gas line installation to run new piping to your kitchen. We can size the pipe correctly to handle the BTU load of your new appliance. We also install lines for gas dryers, water heaters, and outdoor amenities like fire pits and barbecues. We ensure all connections are tight and pressure tested before we leave.
What should I do if I smell gas?
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING
If you smell the distinct rotten egg odor of natural gas, hear a hissing sound near a pipe or appliance, or suspect a leak, you must take immediate action. Go outside call 911 immediately as this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention. Do not turn any light switches on or off, do not use a phone inside the home, and do not attempt to locate the leak yourself. A spark from a switch or phone could ignite the gas. Once the emergency responders have declared the area safe, contact us to perform the necessary gas leak repair.
Local Bullhead City Plumbing Issues
How does the hard water in Bullhead City affect my plumbing?
Our region has very hard water, meaning it has high levels of calcium and magnesium. This causes scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. Over time, this scale reduces water flow, makes valves stick, and causes heating elements to burn out. It also leaves unsightly white spots on your faucets and glass shower doors. We recommend water heater maintenance to flush sediment and can discuss water softening solutions to protect your entire plumbing system.
How does the desert heat affect my plumbing?
The extreme heat in Arizona can cause the ground to shift as it dries out, which puts stress on underground water and sewer lines. It also causes pipes in attics (like CPVC) to become brittle over time. Additionally, the heat causes water in exposed pipes to expand, increasing pressure. We are the best plumbing company for understanding these local environmental stressors and recommending durable materials and installation practices.
I have an older home in Bullhead City. Should I be worried about my pipes?
Many older homes in the area were built with galvanized steel pipes or early generation plastics like Polybutylene. Galvanized pipes eventually corrode and restrict flow, while Polybutylene is known for sudden failure. We offer home plumbing inspection services to evaluate the condition of your pipes. If we find these outdated materials, we can provide a quote for repiping services to modernize your home and prevent water damage.
Hiring Bullhead City Plumbing Pros
Do you offer free estimates?
We provide clear, upfront communication about the scope of work. While we cannot always diagnose complex issues over the phone without seeing the problem, we strive to be transparent. For larger projects like remodels or repiping, we can discuss the options and costs involved. We do not use the term “free estimates” loosely, but we ensure you understand the work required before we begin. We focus on value and quality rather than just cheap rates.
Why should I choose Bullhead City Plumbing Pros?
We are a locally dedicated team that cares about our community. We combine technical expertise with exceptional customer service. We are punctual, clean, and honest. We do not try to sell you services you do not need. When you have a problem, we provide a solution. From the moment you contact us to the completion of the job, we aim to exceed your expectations. We want to be the best plumber you ever hire.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contacting us is easy. You can call our office to speak with a friendly representative who will schedule a time that works for you. Whether you need a plumbing inspection before buying house, a routine drain cleaning, or an emergency repair, we are ready to serve. We serve all zip codes in the Bullhead City area and look forward to earning your business.
Service Areas and Zip Codes:
We are proud to provide comprehensive plumbing services to residents and businesses throughout Bullhead City and the surrounding Mohave County region. Our service areas include:
- Bullhead City, AZ: 86426, 86429, 86430, 86439, 86442
- Fort Mohave, AZ: 86426, 86427
- Mohave Valley, AZ: 86440, 86446
- Oatman, AZ: 86433
- Topock, AZ: 86436
- Golden Valley, AZ: 86413
Plumbing Pro Services
Committed To Flowing Water & Peace Of Mind
Reliable plumbing solutions for residential and commercial needs. We ensure your pipes, drains, and fixures are working perfectly.
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Don’t gamble with your plumbing. We combine years of experience with modern technology to deliver lasting repairs and installations. Our team respects your time and your property.
- Fixture Installation
- Leak Detection
- Modern Diagnostics
- Drain Cleaning