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.
When To Do A Sewer Camera Inspection
If you are worried about what is happening in your home’s sewer line but you don’t know what is causing it, you might have heard about high tech camera inspections. But how do you know when to do a sewer camera inspection? And what is involved in a camera...
Ask Pete: Why Is My Bathroom Sink Draining Slowly?
The Question: Why Is My Bathroom Sink Draining Slowly? A slow draining bathroom sink is one of the most common calls we get. Other than an overflowing toilet, there are few plumbing issues that are as obvious as that sink full of water — and other stuff....
Signs That Your Water Heater Is Going Out
There are few things more stressful for homeowners than worrying about your important appliances suddenly failing and causing damage to your property. It’s hard to tell how they are doing, since we can’t see inside them, and it seems like they can just go...
Ask Pete: Can I Snake A Drain Myself?
A clogged drain is nothing more than a bother. You might even try to ignore it or find a quick fix with liquid drain cleaners (hint – these can wreck your plumbing system). But if you really want to fix a clog once and for all, using a snake is the best...
Ask Pete: What Happens If Tree Roots Get Into The Sewer Line?
Are you experiencing clogged drains? Gurgling sounds? Inexplicable sinkholes in your yard? There’s a chance a tree root has gotten into your sewer line. If you’re wondering how this can happen, you’re not alone. Your sewer line runs out of your house...
Ask Pete: Are Touchless Faucets Worth It?
One of the most common questions I get is people asking me: “are touchless faucets worth it?” These questions mostly come from future-forward or new homeowners who want all the latest technology in their homes. Or home chefs that want to avoid dirtying...
6 Signs That Your Sewer Line Is Clogged (And What To Do About It)
We can all imagine the consequences of a clogged sewer line — where is all that sewer water going? Puddled up in your yard. Causing bad odors. Toilets overflowing. Yuck. Nobody wants that. So here are the six signs that your sewer line is clogged — and...
How To Increase Water Pressure In The Shower
Taking a shower with low water pressure is an unpleasant experience – especially if you’re someone who looks forward to taking a long, relaxing shower. If you’re looking to fix this bothersome problem, we’re here to help. Trust our expertise on how you can...
4 Ways Rain Affects Your Plumbing
Although Arizona isn’t known as the rainiest place in the United States, it still has heavy rainstorms. That’s because the Sonoran Desert – which spans southern and southwestern Arizona as well as Baja California– has two rainy seasons: one in the winter...
How to Choose: Cup Plungers vs. Flange Plungers
Looking to buy a new plunger to unclog that sink or toilet? Having a plunger on hand is vital when you experience a clog. You probably didn’t even know that there was more than one type of plunger. Now that you do, having the right one will make all the...
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.