Phoenix Plumbing & Electrical Blog
Get expert advice from George Brazil’s highly trained technicians. Our blog covers everything Phoenix homeowners need to know about plumbing, electrical systems, drain cleaning, and water heater maintenance. With 35+ years serving the Valley and 2,800+ five-star reviews, we share solutions to your most common home service challenges- from monsoon storm preparation to hard water problems and desert climate maintenance.
How a Generac Automatic Transfer Switch Backs Up Your Gilbert Home
Learn how a Generac transfer switch detects outages, starts your generator, transfers power, and reconnects utility service to keep electricity flowing.
How Much Does a Generac Generator Cost in Gilbert?
Explore Generac generator costs in Gilbert, including equipment, installation, electrical work, permits, fuel connections, and maintenance.
How Many Watts Does It Take to Power a Gilbert House?
Air conditioning, lights, refrigerators, washing machines — how many watts does it take to run a house? Here’s what you need to find the right generator.
What Size Generac Generator Do I Need for a Gilbert Home?
Get a practical guide to help you figure out what size generator you need for your house in Gilbert, AZ.
Gilbert Generac Home Standby Generator Buyer’s Guide
Compare Generac home generator sizes, costs, installation requirements, dealers, transfer switches, maintenance, and whole-house backup options.
Clogged Drains in Sun City: The Complete Guide to Causes, Quick Fixes & When to Call a Pro
Learn what causes clogged drains which DIY fixes are safe, and when professional drain cleaning in Sun City is necessary.
Washing Machine Drain Overflowing? Common Causes in Older Sun City Homes
A washing machine drain clogged in Sun City can get messy fast. Find out what to do when a washing machine drain is clogged near you.
Baking Soda & Vinegar for Clogged Drains: Does It Actually Work?
Can I use baking soda and vinegar for a clogged drain? Find the best way how to clear a clogged drain.
Why Your Kitchen Sink Keeps Clogging: Grease, Disposals & Bad Habits
Learn why kitchen sinks keep clogging, how grease and food waste cause buildup, and when a clogged sink drain needs professional cleaning.
Clogged Shower Drain? How to Clear Hair Clogs Without Wrecking Your Pipes
Learn how to remove hair from a clogged shower drain safely, which methods to avoid, and when to call a professional plumber.
EV Charger Installation in Scottsdale: The 2026 Homeowner’s Guide (Cost, Permits & Rebates)
Find out how much an EV charger installation near you in Scottsdale will cost, available APS EV charger rebates, and how the installation process works.
Does Your Scottsdale Home Need a Panel Upgrade Before Installing an EV Charger?
Learn how a certified electrician for EV charging installation determines whether your Scottsdale electrical panel can safely support a Level 2 EV charger.
Arizona EV Charger Rebates & Incentives: How Scottsdale Drivers Save in 2026
Explore SRP and APS EV charger rebates, smart-charging rewards, Arizona EV incentives, and federal incentive changes for 2026.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 EV Charging: What Scottsdale Homeowners Actually Need
Compare Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging speeds and costs, plus how to find a Level 2 charger installer in Scottsdale.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Level 2 EV Charger at Home in 2026?
Learn what Level 2 EV charger installation costs in Arizona, including equipment, permits, wiring, panel upgrades, and electrician to install an EV charger.
Mesa Hard-Water Home Protection Guide
In Mesa, we have very hard water. It’s just a fact of life, and it’s been that way for more than a hundred years as the water we use winds its way through mineral-rich soil before it heads to your local water system for treatment. Much of it begins as surface water from the Colorado…
How Long Do Mesa Water Heaters Last in Hard Water
About 85% of the nation’s drinking water meets the definition of hard water, according to the U.S. Geologic Survey. If you live in Mesa, you know this all too well. The water here is very hard and it can impact your water heater’s lifespan, especially if you’re not scheduling routine maintenance. How long do water…
Tankless Water Heaters And Mesa Hard Water: Descaling
About half of the water in Mesa comes from the Colorado River through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). Another 40% is from the Salt River Project (SRP), and about 8% comes from wells. All of this water flows through mineral-rich Arizona soil, so by the time it’s treated and gets to your home, the water’s…
Water Softener Vs Conditioner Vs RO For Mesa Homes
If you live in Mesa, you’re probably dealing with hard water. Throughout Arizona, the water is considered very hard, much harder than in other parts of the country. And it often leaves spots on dishes, creates white scale on faucets and showerheads, makes soap harder to rinse away, and allows scale to build up inside…
Why Mesa Water Heaters Fail Faster in Hard Water
Hard water may not pose any health risk, but it can be hard on your plumbing systems. And in the Valley, there’s an abundance of hard water. In Mesa, the water hardness ranges from 12-22 grains per gallon, indicating a relatively high amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium found in the water. In other words,…
Glendale Monsoon Home Protection: Surge, GFCI, Storm Safety
In 2025, we had 122 days at or above 100°F. No matter how well you deal with heat, that’s hot. But summers in Glendale are about more than just extreme heat. When monsoon storms arrive, they can bring lightning, high winds, blowing dust, heavy rain, flash flooding, and sudden power interruptions. That combination can stress…
Why Monsoon Storms Set Off Your Alarms and Sensor Lights
We get about half of our total annual rainfall in Glendale during monsoon season. These sudden downpours, high winds, and lightning can affect more than roads, roofs, trees, and outdoor furniture. They can also affect the electrical and low-voltage systems that help protect and light your home. So, if you’re seeing an outdoor motion sensor…
Whole-Home Surge Protection For Arizona Storm Season
We get a double whammy in the summer here. July and August are usually the two hottest months of the year, and also when we get more than half of the entire year’s precipitation. The monsoon rains can bring relief from the high temperatures and drought conditions, but they also bring flooding, lightning, and lots…
How Many GFCI Outlets You Need, And Where, In A Glendale Home
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles are mandatory in any area where water and electricity might come together. Outlets must be installed within six feet of any potential water source or in unfinished or damp spaces to cut the power when moisture is detected or electricity leaks. You’ve…