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: Can A Cracked Toilet Tank Be Repaired?
Have a crack in your toilet tank? Depending on the size and severity of the damage, fixing it can be an easy repair. The most important thing to do is get a professional to do the repair for you. That way, you can guarantee that it’s properly fixed and...
Ask Pete: Should I Turn Off My Water When I Go On Vacation?
So, the question is, “Should I turn off my water when I go on vacation?” It depends! I know you hear that a lot from me, but it’s true. In many cases you won’t need to turn it off and in some cases you will absolutely need to do so. Mostly for those of us …
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
Homeowners in the East Valley of Arizona, along with most other regions of the country, are familiar with the problems tap water can have. Everything from bad taste to local contamination alerts can affect how we feel about this vital resource. The...
Shut-off Valve Types and Where to Find Them
Shut-off valves are an important part of your home’s plumbing system. They’re a simple but crucial tool that helps you control your house’s water flow and easily make repairs. If you’ve never heard of them, now is the time to learn about the different...
Ask Pete: Why Are My Pipes Knocking When I Flush The Toilet?
If you hear a knocking sound every time you flush the toilet, you might feel concerned about a possible plumbing issue. This noise, also called a “water hammer,” often sounds like someone is knocking on the walls of your home every time a person flushes...
Choosing A Reverse Osmosis System
If you want to remove pollutants, harmful chemicals, and other contaminants from your drinking water, a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system is the solution. RO systems are the most effective at filtering away things like heavy metals, bacteria,...
Imagine The Possibilities Of Instant-Hot Water!
We are all a little spoiled by our modern life. Faster and better just keeps getting faster and better! Now that innovation has come to your kitchen sink, because not only can you have amazing faucets that practically do the dishes for you (mostly kidding)...
Ask Pete: What is the difference between hard water and soft water?
If you live in Arizona you have probably heard the complaints about our famously hard water and know about the debate about hard water versus soft water. What exactly does all of that mean, and what is the difference between hard water and soft water?...
Spring Tips For Outdoor Plumbing
Are you ready to make the most of Arizona’s beautiful spring weather? There are so many ways to create an amazing outdoor oasis right in your own backyard so that every day can start and end with a mini vacation. With our ‘Spring tips for Outdoor Plumbing’...
How To Run Plumbing For A Garage Workshop
Converting your garage into a workshop, added living space, or an Airbnb room can improve your home’s resale price while giving you the space you need. To do this, you’ll need to have running water in your garage so that you can install necessities like a...
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.