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Woods Brothers Water Softeners
Wood Brothers is a plumbing supply company that offers a line of water softeners specifically designed for the water found in Arizona. These water softeners are installed with an ion exchange system that can remove Calcium, Magnesium, iron, manganese, and other minerals from the water supply. This helps to protect pipes from corrosion, , reduce
What You Need to Know About Home Electricity
From outlets that allow you to plug in your devices, to switches that control the flow of electricity, to safety disconnects that allow you to turn off the power in case of an emergency, there are many components that make up a home’s electrical system. Understanding these components and how they work can help you
Water Conservation – How You Can Help!
Contrary to popular belief, water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource in the continental United States. Recent studies have shown that declining water levels in states such as Arizona and Colorado could lead to shortages as early as 2022. The good news is that it may not be too late to take action and reverse
Pipe Lining – What Are The Features and Benefits?
Everyone deserves to live happy and comfortable at home. But as any experienced home improvement lover will tell you, there’s a big difference between a touch of home repair, and taking action that prevents a lot of tough work later down the line. It’s the same with the pipes in your home. Keeping things
Trenchless Sewer Repair: A Guide for Homeowners
Traditionally, sewer repair and replacement involved a lot of invasive digging and hours of intensive labor. But throughout the 1990s and 2000s, a new sewer repair and replacement technology gained ground — trenchless sewer repair. Also known as “no-dig sewer repair”, this approach is faster, more affordable, and far less destructive than digging out
Water Quality
Everything You Need to Know About Residential Water Treatment How often do you think about your home’s water quality? Probably not that much, right? At least, until you have to scrub those hard water stains on the tub or your tap water starts tasting funny. Ever wondered what causes that strange-tasting drinking water or
Protect Your Christmas Gifts with a Whole-Home Surge Protector
After the year we have had, we would like to think Santa cut us all some slack and no one found any coal under their tree. Hopefully, you woke on Christmas morning to find some cool gadgets waiting for you! You will want to enjoy your fancy new devices for years to come. A
Get Your Home Up To Code With Home Safety Devices
Every three years the National Electrical Code is revised. The Code outlines the safe electrical installation minimal requirements. If you have an older home, it may not have an electrical system that cannot safely meet today’s electrical demands. When it comes time to renovate your home, think about maintaining a home that is electrically safe.
Working From Home? Make Electrical Safety A Priority!
If you are part of the growing crowd of people working from home, you need to understand the importance of electrical safety. Regardless of whether working from home is temporary, or it is a more permanent setup, here are a few tips for how to make electrical safety a priority: Reference from ESFI. Do
Simple Home Plumbing Maintenance Tips
If you perform regular maintenance on your home’s plumbing, you can reduce the risks of facing major repairs. You need to address several issues, so you can make sure that your home’s plumbing is up to par. Here are few simple maintenance tips that can help you keep your plumbing working its best: You
Using Bio-One, Bio-Clean, Etc. on Septic Tanks to Keep Them Working Right
It is not uncommon for septic systems to have problems. Many people have found that using Bio-One or Bio-Clean on their septic systems will keep them functioning better. Bacteria must eat in order to survive. All matter is broken down and recycled into food for plants by bacteria and enzymes. When you use Bio-One or
Different Bidet Toilet Seat Options for Your Bathroom
Bidet Type Toilet Seats There are several benefits to having a bidet toilet seat. It will save you money because it reduces the need for toilet paper. With less toilet paper use, it reduces the negative impact on the environment. Using less toilet paper will also reduce plumbing problems by cutting down on clogged septic
Why Is The Plumbing Code So Important To The Health And Safety Of The Consumer?
Some people look at plumbing codes as an inconvenience, or a part of the government overseeing activities, but plumbing codes are so much more than that. These codes were enacted to help ensure the health and safety of the public. Wherever you live, you will have a set of rules and statutes that indicate what
Tankless Water Heater – What You Need To Know
Tankless water heaters are a popular choice for homeowners seeking an alternative to the classic tank-style heater, which has been around in one form or another for over a hundred years. Homeowners who are looking for increased energy efficiency in their homes are increasingly choosing to upgrade to a tankless heater. Tankless heaters are
Why Electric Water Heaters Should Have A Timer
Why Electric Water Heaters Should Have A Timer Adding a timer onto your water heater can be very beneficial. A water heater timer can save you money on your electric and water expenses. If your water heater is located outside your home, a timer can save you a significant amount of money on your utility
Modern Temperature Control Type Shower Valves vs. Old Style
Modern Temperature Control Type Shower Valves vs. Old Style Choosing a shower valve can be a complicated process. Advanced design and technology have made more designs and features available. The modern showers have two kinds of temperature control valves and diverters for multiple component systems and either manual or digital control systems. Shower valves, even
What Is Water Hammer And How Do I Stop It?
What Is Water Hammer? If you have heard mention of water hammer, you may be wondering what that exactly is. Water hammer is hydraulic shock, which is a pressure surge or wave that results from the water that is in motion being forced to stop or change direction suddenly. This momentum change causes rattling pipes.
How Can I Prevent Frozen Pipes?
How Can I Prevent Frozen Pipes? The weather is starting to get colder, and with many colder days ahead of us, you want to be prepared and prevent plumbing issues by preventing frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can be stressful and expensive. There are several things that you can do to make sure your pipes are
What Are The Differences Between Hard Water And Soft Water?
You have probably heard the terms of hard water and soft water, but you may not be familiar with the differences between the two terms. When rain falls, it is soft. Soft water is a natural part of nature. As the water falls and is seeped into the ground, it will pick up various minerals,
Everything You Need to Know About Garbage Disposals
Everything You Need to Know About Garbage Disposals… and Why Your’s Might Not Be Working Hidden away under your sink, rarely seeing the light of day is your garbage disposal. The garbage disposal is perhaps one of the least appreciated appliances in the kitchen that does the worst job. It’s designed for grinding up
3 Tankless Water Heater Problems (and How to Solve Them)
Have a tankless water heater that’s giving you problems? If so, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll share: 3 common tankless water heater complaints The problem behind these complaints How to solve those problems Need professional tankless water heater help? Just contact us. 1. “My tankless water heater runs hot, then cold, then hot
Gas vs Electric: Which is Best Tank Water Heater for My Phoenix Home?
In the market for a new water heater? Not yet sure whether you should go electric or gas? Well, we generally suggest a gas water heater-if the homeowner has a choice. But not everyone has a choice. Here’s what we mean: If you don’t have access to natural gas, your choice is made for
Should I Turn Off My Water Heater When It’s Not in Use?
Many homeowners ask us if they should turn off their water heater between uses to save money. Our professional answer after crunching the numbers? No, unless you’re going on vacation for a month or longer, you shouldn’t turn off your water heater. Here’s why: You won’t see significant energy savings You’ll create more problems by
How to Choose the Best Light Bulbs for Every Room in the House
The lighting in a room can make or break its ambiance and/or functionality. But so many options exist when it comes to choosing light bulbs. And the worst part is that every room in your home has different lighting needs. So where do you start? Don’t worry. We’ll provide a quick and easy guide to
Are GFCIs Required in the Garage?
Yes, all garage outlets must be GFCI-protected-no exceptions. Since 2008, GFCI outlets have been required for “all 125-volt, single-phase, 15 and 20-amp outlets” in the garage. In fact, both the NEC (National Electric Code) and the IRC (International Residential Code) require this. The actual verbiage from the NEC states that GFCI outlets be installed in:
Best Types of Pipes for Repiping in Phoenix
If you’ve recently found yourself in need of whole-home or partial repiping, you’re probably wondering what type of pipe is best for the Arizona area and your needs. Well, various piping materials are out there but, in our professional opinion, the best materials for repiping Arizona homes include: Copper PEX PVC CPVC To help you
How to Reset Your Electric Water Heater in Phoenix, AZ
If your water heater has suddenly lost power, you can sometimes reset it via the reset button (also known as the “high limit switch” or the “ECO“- energy cut off switch). But here’s the thing: your water heater’s reset button is basically a “safety feature” that shuts off power to the water heater in the
How Long Does a Water Heater Last in Arizona?
A badly corroded water heater we replaced for an Arizona homeowner. The answer? Well, it’s significantly shorter than water heater lifespans in other areas of the country. In fact, in most places in the US… A gas tank water heater typically lasts around 10 years An electric tank water heater typically lasts around 11
What Size Electrical Panel Do I Need for My Arizona Home?
The only true way to determine the size panel your Arizona home needs is to have a professional calculate your home’s electrical load. You see, every home has different appliances with different electrical needs so it’s impossible to give you a true answer without first inspecting your home and the appliances you have/don’t have. But
3 Household Projects That Require a Professional
Are you a DIY kind of homeowner? If so, heads up-you’ll need a permit from the city to perform the following electrical and plumbing projects: Adding GFCI outlets (when mandated by code) Installing an appliance 30 amps or greater Replacing a water heater We know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, but just because something requires a
Help! My Electric Water Heater Thermostat Keeps Tripping
First off, your electric water heater can actually “trip” 2 different safety features: The reset button: a red button located on the water heater itself (just above the thermostat) that trips when the water temperature exceeds 180 F. The reset button is sometimes referred to as the “ECO” (emergency cut off) or “high limit switch”.
Ants in Your Outlet? Here’s How to Get Rid of Them
See ants coming out of your outlets? If so, that could mean that they’ve built a nest in your walls-in the midst of electrical wiring. Unfortunately, that’s a problem because ants can eventually damage your home’s electrical equipment. Don’t worry, though. In this article we’ll explain… How to get rid of ants in your outlets
Where to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Arizona Home
You definitely need to install CO detectors throughout your home to protect your family from being poisoned by CO-or worse-dying from it. That said, where exactly should you place CO detectors in your home? Well, we always suggest following the IRC (International Residential Code) when it comes to CO detector placement: “Carbon monoxide alarms in
What is Water Heater Recovery Time?
Here’s the official definition: A water heater’s “recovery time” (also called “recovery rate“) is the amount of hot water (in gallons) a tank water heater can provide in just one hour after being completely drained. Recovery rate basically gives you an idea of how fast a water heater can heat water. Now, knowing the recovery
5 Examples of Common Household Electrical Hazards
Every year we see homeowners make simple electrical mistakes that could lead to serious problems like electrocution or electrical fires. We’d like to see that change. So, we’ll share a list of 5 common electrical hazards you should avoid… Leaving or using appliances near water Using the wrong light bulb wattage Overloading power strips and
What to do when a Circuit Breaker Trips
A circuit breaker tripping happens pretty often if you have a lot of things plugged in and operating at once. When a circuit becomes overloaded, your system has a function in place to protect from damage or fire that will automatically cut power to that circuit. The overload is called a fault condition and the
Do Surge Protectors Drain Energy?
The answer? No, surge protectors themselves don’t “drain” energy. They simply monitor the amount of electricity flowing into the appliances they protect and absorb extra voltage if and when it comes along. But here’s the thing: while surge protectors don’t “drain” energy, the appliances they protect that are hooked into the surge protector DO drain
How Often Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance?
Tankless water heaters should be maintained by a professional at least once a year. But, you may need to get your water heater twice a year if… The area you live in has hard water Your water heater is set to a high temperature We’ll go into more detail about these 2 points later and
My Electrical Outlet Sparks When I Plug Something In
If you notice a spark at an outlet when you plug in an appliance, you’re probably wondering if there’s a problem that needs immediate attention or if this is normal. Well, it’s most likely normal if the spark: Is blue Lasts only for a brief moment Is infrequent (doesn’t happen every time you use
Why Is the Water in My Toilet Orange/Brown?
Wondering what’s causing that nasty rust color in your toilet? We’ll help you troubleshoot the problem. But first, do this: Turn on other cold/hot water taps in your house. Do you see that rust color in other plumbing fixtures (sinks/showers/etc.) as well? If so, you may have too much iron in your water. But if
My Outdoor Security Light Won’t Turn Off
If your outdoor security light won’t turn off, it’s most likely because of one of these problems: The sensitivity settings are too high The duration settings are too high It’s stuck in auto mode Something in the light itself is defective Not sure which one is your problem? Don’t worry, we’ll help you troubleshoot a
Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?
If you use them as directed, chemical drain cleaners may help to clear a partially clogged drain. But because they’re so powerful, we suggest using them as a last resort. So, yes, chemical drain cleaners can cause damage to your pipes, especially when: You have older, weak metal pipes You use them incorrectly with plastic
Why Is My Toilet Hissing?
If you hear your toilet hissing, you likely have one of the following 2 problems: Debris trapped in the fill valve A damaged float We’ll explain the 2 problems listed above, why they create a hissing sound and what you can do to fix it. Need a plumber to repair your hissing toilet ASAP? Just
Do Whole-House Surge Protectors Really Work?
Yes and no. You see, when it comes to protecting your home from dangerous high-voltage surges, yes, whole-home surge protectors work. But here’s the problem: Whole-house surge protectors claim to be the “first line of defense” against electrical surges. But the reality is that they don’t stop all surges. You see, whole-home surge protectors are
How Does a Water Softener Work?
A water softener works by stripping “hard” water of minerals such as calcium and magnesium and replacing those minerals with sodium or potassium. In other words, a water softener turns hard water soft. In this article, we’ll explain: What hard water is (and why many homeowners prefer soft water) How a water softener turns hard
Do Surge Protectors Wear Out?
Yes, all surge protectors will eventually wear out and need to be replaced over time. So how do you know when your surge protector is worn out? Well, that’s the tricky part. But we’ll show you what you can do to get a better idea of when you need to replace your surge protector. First,
Should I Change a Two-Prong Outlet to a Three-Prong?
Yes, if you have a two-prong outlet it’s an “ungrounded” outlet and is unsafe. A 3-prong outlet, on the other hand, is a “grounded” outlet and is a much safer upgrade for your home and family. In fact, in 1962 the NEC (National Electric Code) began requiring that all new houses be built with 3-prong
Why Is My Outlet Burnt?
Do you notice charred marks around your outlet? Or do you smell an acrid burning odor near a plug? Here’s what you should do first: Shut off power (at the circuit breaker) to the burned outlet Call a licensed electrician for help A charred or burnt outlet is a sign that something’s not working right
Is Limescale Harmful in Drinking Water?
The short answer? No. In fact, if your drinking water has a considerable amount of limescale, it’s considered “hard water” and hard water is actually healthy since it contains a high amount of minerals that we need in our daily diet. But while it isn’t “harmful” to drink, tap water with a high amount of
Should I Buy a Home With Polybutylene Piping?
The short and simple answer? No. Why? Because polybutylene pipes will fail, it’s just a matter of when it will happen. And if you’re not home when a pipe bursts (and it will), this can result in thousands of dollars in water and structural damages. So, if you’re absolutely in love with a home with
My Gas Water Heater Keeps Shutting Off
If you have a gas water heater that keeps shutting off, you most likely have one of these 4 issues: Dirty pilot light Faulty thermopile Bad gas valve Dirty or clogged air inlet Unfortunately, you’ll need a professional to fix any of these problems. But we’ll explain how each of these problems can cause your
Why Is My Outlet Hot to the Touch?
You go to unplug something into your electrical outlet, but you notice it feels warm. Should you be concerned? A warm outlet doesn’t mean your home is going to burst into flames or have severe electrical failure right away, but it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Think of a warm outlet as a symptom, like
Why Is My Water Bill So High?
A shockingly high water bill is always a cause for concern. Not only do you end up paying more than you’d like, but now there’s the possibility of a plumbing problem that could end up costing thousands down the road. So what’s causing your higher-than-normal water bills? Well, if you received a water bill that
Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes Explained
Uh-oh. You’ve heard about those tiny, destructive openings in copper pipes called pinhole leaks, and now you’d like to know what they’re all about. It’s good that you’re curious, because pinhole leaks can cause your home’s entire plumbing system to fail-not to mention cost you a small fortune on your utility bills. You’ve come to
Why Is My Sump Pump Constantly Running?
A sump pump that runs non-stop is problematic because it will: Eat up a lot of energy Overheat and require constant repairs Have a much shorter lifespan So what’s causing this? Well, it depends on the situation: If your sump pump runs non-stop and struggles to pump out water, you likely have one of
8 Signs You Need to Repipe Your Arizona Home
It’s every homeowner’s nightmare: A pipe bursts somewhere, flooding the home and costing thousands of dollars that might or might not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. It sounds like a situation that should be easy enough to avoid, but do you know the warning signs that your home’s plumbing is about to give out? (Most
7 Signs You Have a Slab Leak
Early detection is super important when it comes to a leak in your home’s slab foundation. If left undetected and unrepaired, a slab leak can eventually lead to thousands of dollars in water and structural damage to your home. So what should you be on the lookout for? Well, 7 signs that you have a
Why Is My Water Heater Hissing?
If your water heater is making a hissing noise, it could be due to: Condensation hitting hot surfaces during refills Leaks or fractures in the tank The temperature being set too high Sediment buildup Don’t worry, we’ll take a look at each of the above situations and explain whether it’s normal or whether you
What “Backstabbing” an Outlet Means and Why It’s Dangerous
“Backstabbing” an outlet is basically a shortcut to securing the wires on an outlet or switch. It was a common practice in the 1970s and 1980s but now quality electricians avoid it at all cost! Why? Well, it turns out that backstabbed wires are pretty dangerous and have even been found to cause electrical fires.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Keep Backing Up?
So you’ve got a nasty problem: every time you use your garbage disposal, you’re left with a sink full of grimy, smelly water. What’s the problem? Well, if your garbage disposal is constantly backing up, you most likely have a clog somewhere in the drain lines. We’ll explain what likely caused the clog and
How to Tell if Your Circuit Breaker Needs Replacing
So you have a specific breaker that’s tripping pretty frequently. Now you’re questioning if that means it’s bad and needs to be replaced. Well, not necessarily. Replacing a breaker that’s tripping is like disabling a car alarm system because the alarm goes off. The alarm is most likely trying to prevent someone from breaking into
3 Common Water Heater Problems (And How to Fix Them)
If you’re like most homeowners, you rarely think about your water heater. Until there’s a problem. And if your water heater is acting up, you don’t want to wait to get it fixed. To help, we’ve listed the 3 most common water heater problems along with some solutions that can help you protect your hot
Wall Switch Will Turn on Fan, But Not Lights
Is your fan working, but not your lights? Don’t worry-we’ve seen it before. But before you call an electrician, there’s a simple diagnosis and repair you can do yourself: Make sure your light bulbs are working properly. In the next section, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to safely check your light bulbs.
Water Heater Leaking From Top? Here’s What to Do
So your water heater is leaking from the top? Well, first off, relax. A leak at the top of your water heater is typically a much easier (and cheaper) fix than a leak at the bottom of your tank. But only if you find and fix the leak quickly! So, what’s causing your water heater
Why Does My Outdoor GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping?
Most likely, your outdoor GFCI outlet is tripping due to one of these 3 problems: There’s a ground fault somewhere in the circuit. Moisture invaded the receptacle box. The GFCI outlet is faulty. So, how do you know which one is your problem? Don’t worry. We’ll show you how to determine what’s tripping your outdoor
How Many Smoke Alarms Do I Need in My House?
Having the right number of smoke alarms in your home isn’t just a safety measure, it’s the law. In fact, Arizona follows the 2006 International Fire Code (IFC) with amendments when it comes to this question. So what’s the answer? Well, for the most part, the number of smoke detectors you need depends on how
How Long Do Smoke Detectors Last?
According to the U.S Fire Administration, smoke detectors usually last about 10 years. This is why Phoenix city ordinance G-5898-2014, section 1103.8.3.1 4 (titled “Smoke Alarm Replacement) says, “Smoke alarm shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture.” So, what exactly happens if you don’t replace the detector after
Water Heater Makes Popping Sounds When Heating? An AZ Plumber Explains
If your hot water heater produces a scary popping or bubbling noises, you’re probably wondering if that’s normal. Definitely not… This noise means your water heater is costing you money. And if the problem isn’t fixed soon, it could eventually damage your water heater. You see, if your water heater is making a popping sound,
Why Do My Motion Sensor Lights Keep Flashing On and Off?
Your motion sensor lights are supposed to give you a sense of security and peace of mind. Instead, they’re driving you crazy because they won’t stop turning on and off, regardless of whether there’s an actual intruder setting them off or not. If your motion sensor lights keep flashing on and off, you should try:
Why Does My Shower Water Pressure Drop When the Toilet Flushes
So you’re enjoying your morning shower when you hear the toilet flush. You cringe because you know what’s coming next: a drop in water pressure followed by a short blast of slightly hotter water. It’s nothing dramatic, of course. You still have enough water to keep showering and in 30 seconds everything returns to normal.
Heat Pump Water Heater vs. Gas Water Heater: Which Is Better?
If your home has access to natural gas, you might be wondering which water heater is better: a hybrid heat pump water heater or a gas water heater. Well, it really depends on what’s most important to you: energy efficiency and saving money in the long run? Or comfort? If comfort is more important, a
Tips on Preventing Swimming Pool Electrocution
If you’re an Arizona homeowner, you likely have a pool you’re thankful for during warmer weather. But swimming pool electrocution is something every family should be aware of. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 14 deaths related to electrocution in swimming pools from 2003 to 2014. So what’s causing swimming pool electrocution? According to
Why Is My Main Water Shut-Off Valve Leaking? A Phoenix Plumber Explains.
If you’ve noticed that your home’s main water shut-off valve is dripping water, you’re probably wondering if this is a sign of a larger plumbing issue. Well, it could be that you have a standard gate valve, which is prone to leaking, corrosion and damage. The long-term answer is to replace it with a ball-valve. These
Does my AZ Home Need a Sump Pump?
If you live in Arizona but don’t have a sump pump already installed in your home, you might be wondering whether you need one or not. Just because you live in Arizona doesn’t necessarily mean you need a sump pump. But with our infamous monsoon season, there’s a good chance you’d benefit from installing one.
Is My Arizona House at Risk for Flooding?
In Arizona, we may not get much rain, but when we do, we get a lot. So, it pays to know whether or not your house has a high risk of flooding or draining problems. There’s a good chance that your house is at risk for flooding problems if: Parts of the house are lower
How Can I Prevent Damage to My Appliances During a Power Outage?
As we head into Monsoon season, we may experience more power outages in Arizona than normal. The storms as well as the extreme heat are both common causes of Arizona’s blackouts. But the thing to remember with power outages is that the outage itself isn’t exactly what causes harm, it’s the sudden surge of electricity
My Water Softener Is Running But Not Softening My Water
If your water softener is operating but not softening your water, you most likely have one of the following issues: Water softener settings are off Salt bridges or salt mushing Too much water in the brine tank Dirty resin bed Water softener is old and needs to be replaced We’ll go through each of these
Who Is Responsible for Sewer Line Repair in Arizona: City or Homeowner?
Example of how tree roots can completely destroy your sewer line and leave you footing the bill. Photo source: George Brazil Plumbing So all of a sudden you’re faced with a nasty (and expensive) sewer issue. But now you’re wondering who’s actually responsible for sewer line repairs. Every city has slight variations to this rule
How to Troubleshoot a Water Leak in Your Front Yard
Water leaks aren’t something to ignore. If you’re suddenly paying higher water bills and notice water surfacing in your yard, the faster you act the better. Water leaks in your yard can cause damage to your home and cost thousands of dollars in repairs. The first step to fixing the problem is to find the
What Size Generator Do I Need to Power My House During an Outage?
So you’re tired of getting left in the dark during these infamous Arizona summer outages and you’re ready to invest in a backup generator. But you have no idea what size generator you need. Luckily, you’re in the right place. We’ll go over everything you need to do to make sure your generator matches your
Dead Electrical Outlet? Here’s How to Troubleshoot It
Have a dead electrical outlet in your home that you just can’t figure out? You might be able to take care of it without hiring an electrician. We’ll walk you through an easy, step-by-step guide to fixing some of the most common reasons for a dead electrical outlet. Here’s all you’ll need: A small, working
Why is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?
Have you noticed that your garbage disposal is leaking? The good news is that it’s relatively easy to find and repair the leak. First off, there are 4 possible sources of your leak: Garbage disposal body Sink flange Dishwasher hose Drain pipe Not sure which one it is? Start by wiping the entire unit dry
“Why Does My Circuit Breaker Trip Whenever it Rains?”
Everything works fine when the weather is dry. But you have a circuit breaker that trips every time it rains hard. And then when you try to reset it, it won’t reset. What’s the deal? Water is making contact with your electrical system somehow. If not corrected, this is a serious problem that should be
Why Do My Light Bulbs Burn Out So Quickly?
Just like candles, all light bulbs eventually burn out and die. But even light bulbs with the shortest lifespan should last around 2,000 hours. So if you find yourself replacing a bulb once a month or more, something’s wrong. Assuming that you’re using a bulb that is the correct wattage and size, the first step
Why Is My Toilet Making a Vibrating Noise After Being Flushed?
Do you hear a loud vibrating noise for about 30 seconds after your flush your toilet? Does the sound reverberate through your plumbing like the noise is coming from the pipes in your walls or floor? It may even be more of a humming noise like a fog horn. The culprit of the vibration is
“Can I Replace a 15-Amp Breaker with a 20-Amp One?” [FAQ]
A question we see often is “Can I replace my 15-amp breaker with a 20-amp breaker? My smaller breaker keeps tripping!” The answer: It’s possible, but not advisable without an electrician evaluating the situation. You should never just upgrade from a 15-amp breaker to a 20-amp one just because the current one is tripping. Otherwise,
What Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank? (And Why You Might Need One)
A water heater expansion tank is a small tank that attaches to your water heater. It helps protect your water heater tank from leaking or bursting. To show you how this works, we’ll look at the problem of thermal expansion and how an expansion tank helps. The problem: Water expands when it’s heated Water has
Do Circuit Breakers Ever Need to Be Replaced?
Yes, circuit breakers can wear out and need to be replaced. But, it’s infrequent. We say this because we get this question a lot when a circuit breaker: Keeps tripping or Is in the “on” position, but there’s no power to your outlets In these situations, homeowners have a tendency to immediately blame the circuit
How to Buy Surge Protectors for Your Home
Want to protect your expensive electronic devices (like that new 3D, 4k LED TV) from costly power surges? You’re in the right place. In this article we’ll cover: The 2 types of surge protectors you need Where you absolutely need surge protectors (and where you don’t) How to find the best surge protectors So let’s
Why Is My Electric Water Heater Tripping My Circuit Breaker?
The scenario: You noticed your electric water heater tripped the circuit breaker. So you went to your electrical panel and reset the breaker. But then a little later your water heater’s circuit breaker tripped again. So why’s this happening? The most likely causes are: Burnt out heating element Bad thermostat Wiring/electrical problem But before we
Why Does My Dimmer Light Switch Feel Hot to the Touch?
First of all, is the dimmer switch hot or just warm? It’s perfectly normal for a dimmer switch to be a little warm when your lights are on (or partially on). But if it’s hot, there could be a problem. Dimmer switches get warm because they have electronic devices inside of them to take care
How to Buy the Right Dimmer Switch for Your Arizona Home
Many homeowners choose a dimmer switch based on how it looks and the features it has. And those things are important. But the most important part is making sure the switch will work in the setup you have. After all, what good is a dimmer switch that looks great but doesn’t work? So in this
Everything You Need to Get Your Backup Generator Installed
A home backup generator can restore electricity to your home automatically so you’re never left without power. Get a generator that can backup your entire home or just the most essential items. And we have options that can run on: Natural gas Propane Diesel Ready to get started? George Brazil installs generators all over the
Tankless vs. Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters: Which is Better for Phoenix Homes?
Should you buy a tankless water heater or a hybrid heat pump water heater? Well, that choice depends on the type of energy source you have available: gas or electric. If you have gas, a tankless water heater makes more sense. Even though a hybrid heat pump is technically more energy efficient, gas is generally
Should I Preemptively Replace My Old Water Heater?
Your water heater is old, and you know it. And now you’re faced with the question, “Should I preemptively replace my 10-year-old+ water heater, or should I just wait until it dies?” On the one hand, you want to avoid the potential disaster that is 50 gallons of water flooding your home or garage. On
Tankless Water Heaters: Gas vs. Electric for Phoenix Homes
So, you’ve got your eyes on a tankless (on-demand) water heater. But you’re not sure which kind you should get: gas or electric. Answer this: Does your home currently have access to natural gas line? If so, then a gas tankless water heater is definitely worth considering. If you do not have natural gas, then
Why Is My Ceiling Fan Wobbling?
Uh oh. Is your ceiling fan looking a bit wobbly up there? Not only is it annoying with all the racket it’s making, but the vibration from the wobbling can damage the fan, shortening its life. Well, don’t worry. The problems are minor-as are the fixes! Ceiling fans usually wobble due to one of these
Why Does Tap Water in Arizona Taste so Bad?
Pure water (H2O) has no taste. So that bad taste isn’t actually the water, but the other ‘impurities’ in the water. In the Phoenix area, you’re most likely tasting one or both of the following: Chlorine Dissolved minerals (like magnesium, calcium and sodium) Let’s take a look at each of these impurities, how they get
Here’s Why Your Microwave Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker
One question we see floating around is “Why does my microwave keep tripping the circuit breaker?” The answer: The microwave is overloading the electrical circuit. In other words, the circuit is rated to handle a certain amount of amps (unit of electrical current), and the microwave is exceeding that amount, causing the breaker to trip.
Why Do the Lights in My Home Keep Flickering?
You’re annoyed. Multiple lights in a part of your home keep flickering, and it’s frequent enough to get you worried. What’s the issue? Could be a few things, including… 1) Bulbs are bad or not screwed in properly The simplest issue is one you can fix yourself. The bulbs may have come loose and just
