• Jason shares a special for our Arizona listener’s.

Callers:

• Jim – The water pressure at his kitchen sink is very low. Any idea why it would be doing this?

Recommndation – After investigating, it sounds like it’s a water line that was damaged during construction. Jason talks about a way to test the system.

• Stan – His rental has a partially clogged toilet. He suspects something is stuck in the trap. Is there a trick to clearing this?

Recommendation – He can buy a toilet auger specifically designed for this. If he pulls off the wax ring and the ring was damaged that could be blocking the drainage as well. He can pick up an auger at ACE hardware for a fair price.

• Rosie reminds you to join us at the Arizona Capital Museum for Arizona’s Statehood Day!
• Jennifer has a question about a high-end American Standard toilet line. What happens when it breaks?.?.? It takes a plumber…..you wouldn’t work on your own Lamborghini!
• Cost comparisons for bathrooms and kitchens.

Caller:

• Ken – Is this a wive’s tale……”should he run 5 gallons of water through the system monthly to keep the system clean”

Recommendaton – Jason thinks this is a good idea for kitchen sinks but he’s never heard of it in toilets. It won’t hurt, but the benefit shouldn’t be that great. Make sure that the water level inside the tank is high enough.

• Dee – Her home is all electric and everytime she uses a washer, the electricity interferes with our broadcast signal?

Recommendation – We’re going to send an electrician out to Dee’s house to investigate.

• Brandon – He bought a tankless water heater and he’s wondering if there is maintenance on them and our overall opinion?

Recommendation – Tankless water heaters do require annual maintenance and he should be sure to read the owner’s manual for instruction. Some need a specific cleaner that should be used. Jason loves them “In the proper application.”  He does not like electical tankless water heater unless it’s attached to a solar water heater. With gas, it’s great.

*Listen to the full details on Tankless Water Heaters and when they are a good installation and when to avoid them.

Callers:

• Kurt – His gas water heater creates a lot of heat and he wants to move it outside. Should he use copper piping or pex piping?

Recommendation – Jason says, “when it’s not a challenge to run copper, run copper. If the access requires pex, than use that.” He uses that all the time. It’s a 50/50 opinion from qualified plumbers.

• Chad – His home is 15 years old and he’s having a problem getting hot water into the shower and has a unique way of getting the water hot. What could be causing this?

Recommendation – There is something going on inside the fixture that is creating a pressure issue. We recommend taking a picture of the fixture and taking it to Van Marcke Trade Supply (formerly San Plumbing Supply) to investigate.

• Don – Where can he find an under the sink water heater in Tucson?

Recommendation – Unless you are going to use this water heater all the time, don’t do it. It heats the water up so much it can create a foul odor and make your water taste bad.

Text From a Listener:

• How long should a water heater be drained?

Recommendation – Simple. Once a year. (Unless you haven’t done it in years!)

• Is there a way to prevent sediment buildup in water heaters short of installing a water softener?

Recommendation – No. The water will need to be treated somehow.

If you’re in Tucson and need a plumber, contact Intelligent Design Plumbing!