Stories from under the floorboards.
Editorial index for the Phend journal — how-tos, neighborhood stories, and the occasional repair post-mortem from our crew in Mesa, Gilbert, and across the East Valley.
Ask Pete: Are Low-Flow Toilets A Good Idea To Save On Water?
We have all heard the strong opinions people have about low-flow toilets, but what is the reality? People want to know if low-flow toilets are a good idea to save on water. Let’s ask Pete and find out! Pete, Which Type of Toilet Uses the Least Amount of Water?
Installing Gas Lines For Your Indoor Fireplace
Winter is coming. Wouldn’t a beautiful indoor fireplace be a great addition to your family room or master bedroom? Imagine the romance, visual warmth, and drama of a fireplace without the mess, hassle, and restrictions you have to put up with when you...
Ask Pete: Why Does My Shower Suddenly Start Dripping?
In this edition of “Ask Pete,” Pete answers your questions about your shower. Specifically, why does it suddenly start dripping out of nowhere; not just that it drips constantly, but when it releases water all of a sudden. Let’s find out what could cause...
Water Heater Maintenance Tips and Tricks
A water heater is key to staying comfortable in your home. It gives you warm and hot water for bathing yourself and washing your clothes. When a hot water heater breaks, it can cause serious flood damage to your home. It’s hard to know when your hot water...
What Dissolves Tree Roots in Sewer Lines?
When you learn that as a homeowner you are responsible for all of your home’s plumbing, including the parts that cross your yard, it’s hard not to worry about all that can go wrong. You have surely heard about how tree roots can get into your sewer lines,...
Can I Have a Fire Pit In My Back Yard?
Can you have a fire pit in your Arizona backyard? Yes. Fire pits are a great way to stay warm, gather with friends, and create a gathering space in your backyard. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your fire pit and adhere to local...
Ask Pete: What can I put in my garbage disposal?
We’ve all had that moment where we pause and even panic a little after depositing some item down the drain. Uh oh, can that go down the disposal? We don’t need to worry anymore because Pete has all the answers to “What can I put in my garbage disposal”...
How A Toilet Works: Parts Of A Toilet Tank
You have probably not considered how a toilet works unless you have had trouble with it. And then you are on the phone with the plumber describing what is wrong, and the plumber is trying to translate your layman’s terms into actual plumbing lingo. Let’s...
Pressure Regulator Valve
What is a Pressure Regulator Valve and What Does it Do? A water pressure regulator valve does exactly what it sounds like. It regulates the pressure of the water coming into your house. It affects everything from your shower pressure to your water heater,...
Ask Pete: What Is An RO System?
Today’s “Ask Pete” is all about Reverse Osmosis Systems. Let’s check in and see what Pete has to say about this intriguing home system. Pete, what is an RO System? First of all, the RO system stands for Reverse Osmosis System which is a household appliance...
Got a plumbing question we should answer?
Email the crew or call us — if it is a question your neighbors are asking, we will write it up.