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: How Do I Flush A Water Heater?
When you become a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibilities, and one of them is managing household appliances, like the water heater. Today, we’re going to ask Pete a few questions about maintaining a water heater, and specifically how to flush a water...
Ask Pete: How To Fix Cloudy Tap Water?
Homeowners in the Gilbert-Mesa area tend to have decent tap water, but problems can occur anywhere. When your tap water gets a little strange looking, you will want to know how to clear it up. Is your tap water suddenly cloudy? Hear what Pete recommends!
Ask Pete: Why Do We Run Out Of Hot Water So Quickly?
It is not pleasant to start a lovely hot shower and end up rinsing off in ice cold water! Its also annoying when you are doing dishes or trying to get your laundry clean. Pete has the 411 on why this happens and what we can do to help you make sure it...
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 …
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...
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?...
Ask Pete: How Can I Check If I Have A Leak?
There’s hardly anything more stressful than suspecting your home’s plumbing has a leak. Figuring out if you do have a leak can be simple. Finding out where that leak is might be more challenging. But Pete’s here to help, so let’s ask him.
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?
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...
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.