Phoenix plumbing deals with very hard water and extreme heat. Minerals build up as scale in pipes, fixtures and water heaters, slab leaks are common in homes built on concrete, and summer heat stresses pipes and equipment in attics, garages and outdoor spaces.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent plumbing provider that serves the Phoenix area, where one is available for your ZIP code. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Common plumbing problems in Phoenix
Very hard water
Phoenix water is very hard, leaving mineral scale that clogs aerators, shower heads and water heaters.
Water heater wear
Scale settles in tank water heaters, which makes them work harder and wear out sooner.
Slab leaks
Most homes sit on concrete slabs, and leaks in pipes beneath them can go unnoticed for a long time.
Heat
Extreme summer heat stresses pipes and equipment in attics, garages and outdoor spaces.
Areas across Phoenix
Sifixit connects callers across the city of Phoenix, including neighborhoods such as Arcadia, Ahwatukee, Maryvale, Deer Valley, Camelback East and Laveen, and in nearby cities such as Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria and Gilbert.
Sifixit does not have an office or staff in Phoenix. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses, and availability depends on your ZIP code and the job.
Permits and local rules
Cleanup itself does not usually need a permit, but the repairs that follow often do. Inside the city of Phoenix, larger drywall, electrical and plumbing repairs can require permits from the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department. Homes in other cities, such as Scottsdale, Tempe or Mesa, follow the rules of that city or county.
In Arizona, contractors must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, and you can check a license online.
Seasonal risks in Phoenix
If you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 or your gas company from outside. If water is near electrics, stay out of it.
- Summer: heat strains water heaters and outdoor plumbing.
- Monsoon season: heavy rain can overwhelm drains.
- Winter: rare freezes can crack outdoor pipes.
- All year: hard water scale builds up.
Be prepared
- Flush your water heater once a year
- Consider a water softener to reduce scale
- Clean aerators and shower heads regularly
- Watch for warm floor spots or a rising water bill
- Cover outdoor pipes and backflow devices on rare freezing nights
Learn more before you call
Our main plumbing guide explains the warning signs, what affects the cost, what you can safely handle yourself and the questions to ask before you hire. It applies in Phoenix just as it does everywhere else.
Phoenix questions
Why is Phoenix water so hard?
It comes from rivers and groundwater that carry dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The water is safe to drink but leaves scale.
Do plumbers need a license in Arizona?
Plumbing contractors must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Check a license before hiring.
Who fixes a leak on the city side of the meter?
City of Phoenix Water Services handles leaks on the city side. Leaks on your side of the meter are your responsibility.
Does Sifixit have an office in Phoenix?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses that serve the Phoenix area.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.