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.
Types Of Valves In Plumbing
Valves are an essential part of any home’s plumbing system. They play a critical role in controlling the water that runs throughout your house. Understanding the types of plumbing valves in your home can help you quickly identify plumbing troubles and stay...
10 Tips On Dealing With Burst Pipe Flooding
Just hearing the words “burst pipe” can send shivers down the spine of any homeowner and then throw in the threat of flooding from that burst pipe and it reaches nightmare status. Never fear, though, because we have the cure. These are the top ten tips on...
What Are The Types Of Urinals?
Businesses know they need urinals for the men’s restroom, but did you know they can even be installed in your home, too? Learn about the various types of urinals that are available for your home and for your businesses and you can decide for yourself if a...
6 Summer Plumbing Problems
Phoenix’s extreme summer temperatures are here, and they might affect your plumbing system. If you’re wondering whether your home will be affected by any common summer plumbing problems, it’s important to know exactly what they are. Keep reading to learn more.
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,...
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.