When there’s a plumbing problem in your home, your first instinct might be to call a plumbing company. They have the experience needed to diagnose and solve many plumbing issues, meaning it’s a surefire way to get the problem fixed correctly. Likewise, there are some instances where homeowners may instead attempt to repair the issue on their own.

In general, more complicated and serious problems should be trusted to a professional, while minor, simpler issues can sometimes be tackled DIY. To save you some time and make your decision easier, let’s take a quick look at several problems and whether or not it’s better to call an expert plumber for assistance.

What Plumbing Problems Should You Call a Professional For?

Burst Pipes and Serious Leaks

Some plumbing problems are too dangerous or complicated for DIY plumbing repairs, making it necessary to call a plumber. Major leaks or burst pipes, for example, can cause extensive damage to your home’s plumbing systems and water supply. A professional plumber can address the problem quickly, as they have specialized tools needed to restore your plumbing to normal.

Sewer Line Issues

Sewer line problems, such as backups or blockages, are another issue that requires a professional plumbing service. Diagnosing and resolving sewer line issues often involves advanced equipment, such as cameras for inspections or hydro-jetting machines for unclogging drains. Attempting a DIY fix in these situations could result in costly repairs, so it’s best to leave it to the pros.

Water Heater Concerns

For hot water heater malfunctions, including inconsistent hot water or strange noises, it’s important to hire a licensed plumber. Water heaters can be dangerous to repair without the proper tools and knowledge. An experienced plumber can determine whether the unit needs a simple repair, maintenance, or a full replacement.

Gas Line Problems

Gas lines are especially risky to work on without professional training. If you suspect a gas leak, contact a local plumber immediately. Licensed plumbers are equipped to handle gas line issues safely, preventing potential hazards to your home and family.

Which Issues Can Homeowners Fix on Their Own?

Addressing Clogs

Not all plumbing tasks require professional plumbing services. Some minor plumbing issues are manageable for homeowners with basic tools and a bit of patience. For instance, unclogging drains is a common DIY plumbing task that can often be resolved with a plunger, drain snake, or non-corrosive cleaning solution. However, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage your plumbing systems over time.

Fixing Faucet Leaks

Fixing dripping or leaky faucets is another task that may be better suited for DIY plumbing. Problems like worn faucet washers or loose connections can often be repaired without professional assistance. A DIY fix involves disassembling the faucet, replacing the faulty part, and reassembling it with proper tools.

Stopping Running Toilets

Fixing running toilets is another straightforward repair. A running toilet is often caused by a worn-out flapper or misaligned float valve. Both components are inexpensive and easy to replace, making this an ideal project for homeowners who are comfortable with DIY repairs.

For Professional Plumbing Assistance, Call Fiscor Plumbing & Air

If you ever need professional plumbing repairs in Camp Verde or drain cleaning services to eliminate a tough clog, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to the team at Fiscor Plumbing & Air to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the ways we can make your Arizona home a safer place to live.

Given how hot water is so important in our daily lives and activities, having access to a reliable water heater is an absolute must. That’s why when your water heater stops working unexpectedly, it can really throw off your routines and become a major inconvenience.

Because water heaters can be relatively complex systems, there are a number of potential things that can go wrong with them. If you aren’t sure why your electric or gas water heater isn’t working, here are six possible culprits to be on the lookout for.

A Thermostat Issue

A faulty thermostat can disrupt the heating process by inaccurately regulating the water temperature. If the thermostat temperature setting malfunctions, it might lead to water that is too hot or inadequate hot water reaching the hot water faucet. Regular maintenance, such as adjusting the thermostat temperature or replacing the faulty thermostat, can resolve this problem and restore warm water to the system.

Pilot Light Problems

In a gas water heater, a pilot light failure is a frequent issue. A clogged pilot tube or gas valve failure can result in an insufficient gas supply to maintain the flame, making it impossible to heat the water. 

Pilot light issues often occur when sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank affects the flame’s ability to ignite consistently. Addressing this promptly can prevent further common water heater problems and keep hot water flowing to your home.

No Electricity

Electric water heaters depend entirely on a steady electrical connection to produce hot water. This means that a tripped circuit breaker, loose wiring, or power surge can interrupt the heating process.

To resolve these problems, testing the circuit breaker and inspecting the wiring should be part of any water heater repair. If no electrical fault is found, the heating elements may be damaged and require replacement to restore the system to normal.

A Faulty Gas Valve

Gas water heaters rely on the gas control valve to regulate gas pressure and deliver a consistent flow of fuel to heat the water tank. A gas valve failure can prevent the burner from igniting, leaving the water supply unable to heat.

Over time, sediment buildup can clog the valve, and this obstruction can lead to reduced performance or complete failure. A professional water heater repair technician should inspect the valve and the water tank to determine the root cause and restore the gas supply.

There’s a Leak

If water heater leaks develop, they may result in visible puddles or reduced efficiency in producing hot water. Water heater leaks can occur in multiple areas, such as the pressure relief valve, drain valve, or the water tank itself.

Whatever the case may be, if you discover a leaking water heater, be sure to call a professional to assess whether a repair or a new water heater installation is needed. Regular maintenance, including checking the anode rod and flushing the tank to prevent sediment buildup, can help avoid these problems.

Broken Heating Element

It should go without saying, but a faulty heating element in an electric water heater will prevent the system from heating water properly. These components may fail due to mineral deposits accumulating on the heating elements or prolonged use.

Replacing the faulty heating element can restore the unit’s operation and ensure the water heater is capable of providing hot water as needed. Keeping an eye on mineral buildup in the water supply and flushing the water heater tank regularly can extend the lifespan of the heating element and prevent this issue.

If You Need to Repair Your Hot Water Heater, Call Fiscor Plumbing & Air!

Water heater repairs aren’t a big deal when professional plumbers are only a phone call away. At Fiscor Plumbing & Air, we perform professional water heater repairs in Camp Verde and other Arizona locations so that you don’t have to live without heated water. To learn more about our family-owned business and the other plumbing services we offer, reach out today!

When your heater is not working properly on a cold winter night, staying comfortable becomes much harder. Given that furnaces and other kinds of heaters are complex systems, there are a variety of issues that can stand in the way of your warmth — some of which don’t involve the heating system itself. Let’s take a look at five possible reasons why your HVAC system no longer provides you with the heat you need.

A Thermostat Issue

A thermostat problem is a simple yet common reason why a heating system stops working. For instance, if the temperature setting is incorrect, the system might blow cold air instead of warm air. When the thermostat malfunctions, it fails to communicate with the gas furnace or heat pump, leading to inconsistent heating or the system not turning on at all.

This problem might cause the heater to not work properly, leaving homeowners uncomfortable during colder months. Checking the thermostat’s settings and replacing the batteries often helps fix this issue. However, if there’s a more technical problem, calling professionals may be needed.

Poor Airflow

Poor airflow can prevent a heating system from blowing hot air. Clogged air filters are a frequent culprit behind this problem. Dirty air filters restrict the amount of air reaching the heat exchanger, causing the system to overheat or shut down. 

A malfunctioning blower motor can also reduce airflow, preventing the home heating system from efficiently circulating warm air. Regularly replacing air filters and inspecting the blower motor help maintain proper airflow and prevent the system from blowing cold air instead of hot.

No More Fuel

When the heating system runs out of fuel, it stops working completely. For gas furnaces, the gas supply is essential for generating heat. A gas valve issue or a gas leak can interrupt the fuel supply, causing the furnace to stop producing hot air. 

In such cases, refueling or repairing the gas valve restores the system. Additionally, monitoring the fuel supply and checking for potential gas leaks ensures the heating equipment keeps blowing air at the right temperature.

No Electricity

If your heating system is not receiving electricity, it will not work. A tripped circuit breaker, faulty wiring, or power outage can disrupt the electrical supply to the furnace or heat pump. Sometimes, the blower motor will stop running, which prevents the system from blowing warm air. 

Resetting the circuit breaker or addressing electrical issues resolves this, allowing the home heating system to function again. Since both natural gas and electric-powered systems require a reliable power source, loss of electricity means the heater cannot operate as expected.

Pilot Light Problem

If the pilot light of your gas furnace goes out, it won’t be able to ignite the natural gas to produce hot air. Dirt or debris in the chimney exhaust flue may block proper ventilation, causing the pilot light to extinguish. 

A faulty gas valve can also disrupt the pilot light, resulting in the furnace blowing cold air. Relighting the pilot light or calling a heating repair service ensures that the furnace starts blowing warm air again.

If You Have a Heating Problem, Call Fiscor Plumbing & Air

Whether you have a clogged air filter or a malfunctioning heating system, our skilled HVAC technicians will find a solution. Fiscor Plumbing & Air offers an array of professional services for Arizona homeowners, including heating repair to fix problems directly, heating replacements for when your system is too old, and thermostat services, too. Call us today to learn more and to schedule one of our services.

There are many simple fixes and DIY HVAC maintenance tasks that homeowners can do on their own, such as changing air filters and cleaning debris from the outdoor system. However, there are many reasons why calling professionals for repairs is a better choice than attempting to do them yourself. Here’s a look at four reasons you should call HVAC technicians when something goes wrong with your heating or cooling systems.

Read More about DIY vs. Hiring a Professional — Which Is Better for HVAC Repairs?

When your air conditioner suddenly stops working, it doesn’t just ruin your comfort—it can put your health at risk, especially in Arizona’s brutal summer heat. A broken AC unit often gives you signs before it completely gives out. If you catch those early, you’ll save yourself from a hot house, high bills, or worse—expensive emergency repairs. 

Routine maintenance, a quick response to weird behavior, and getting help from HVAC pros can go a long way in keeping your cool and your costs down.

Read More about 5 Signs of a Broken AC

We need air to live — but unfortunately, the air we breathe isn’t always clean. While it’s easy to assume that air quality problems are relegated to areas with heavy pollution, the truth is that there are many pollutants circulating in our own homes.

Thankfully, air purification technology can help filter out many of the contaminants that impact our indoor air quality (IAQ). Here’s a look at four common indoor allergens and pollutants and the problems they can cause.

Read More about Should I Get an Air Purifier? 4 Common Indoor Allergens & Pollutants They Can Address

Air conditioners make the summer much more bearable. Unfortunately, the more electricity they use up to cool down your home, the higher your energy bills will be.

However, by making your home more energy efficient, your AC unit won’t have to work nearly as hard to keep it cool. If you want to learn how to save money on air conditioning, here’s a look at five different steps you can take.

Read More about 5 AC Tips to Save Money on Your Energy Bill

Is air duct cleaning worth it? Absolutely — it might not seem like a big deal, but getting your air ducts cleaned has a wide range of far-reaching advantages that will benefit your daily life in more ways than one. If you’re curious, here’s an overview of four major benefits of scheduling an air duct cleaning service on a routine basis.

Read More about Is Air Duct Cleaning a Waste of Money?

As summer approaches, ensuring your air conditioning system is ready to handle the heat is crucial for a comfortable living environment. Rather than tackling maintenance tasks yourself, consider the benefits of entrusting your AC care to professionals. Here’s why contacting a professional HVAC service like Fiscor Plumbing and Air is your best choice for maintaining optimal air conditioning efficiency.

Read More about Ensure a Comfortable Summer: Professional AC Maintenance with Fiscor Plumbing and Air

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, the air we breathe is no doubt an important part of our comfort and health. As such, paying attention to your home’s indoor air quality is of utmost importance — but how can you improve it? Let’s take a look at five things you can do to improve indoor air quality in your home.

Keep Your HVAC Filters Clean

Maintaining clean HVAC filters is an important step in improving indoor air quality. The air filter in your HVAC system plays a pivotal role in trapping indoor air pollutants such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen, which can otherwise circulate throughout your home. 

Regularly replacing or cleaning the air filters prevents these contaminants from building up in the air ducts and being released into your living space. This practice not only improves indoor air quality but also enhances the efficiency of your air conditioning systems — leading to fresher, cleaner air indoors and reducing the health risks associated with poor air quality.

Clean Dust Routinely

Dusting your home on a regular basis is an effective method to improve indoor air quality. Dust particles can harbor a variety of indoor air pollutants, including mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites, contributing to indoor air pollution. 

As such, dusting surfaces with a damp cloth minimizes the chance of these particles becoming airborne and ensures that they are effectively removed from your environment. This simple act is one of the most direct ways to reduce the concentration of harmful chemicals and other pollutants inside your home.

Open Windows When Possible

Opening windows to allow fresh air to circulate can significantly improve indoor air quality by reducing the concentration of indoor pollutants. The exchange of indoor air with outdoor air helps to dilute the levels of indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household cleaning agents, paint-stripping products, and gas stoves.

This natural ventilation method brings in cleaner outdoor air, assuming the outdoor air quality is better, and helps to flush out stale air and pollutants from indoor spaces. Regularly opening windows, especially in favorable weather conditions, promotes a healthier indoor environment by ensuring a supply of fresh air and reducing the accumulation of harmful airborne substances.

Keep Humidity Lower

Keeping the humidity in your home at a lower level is vital for improving indoor air quality. High humidity levels can foster the growth of mold spores and dust mites, both of which are common indoor air pollutants that pose significant health hazards. 

By using dehumidifiers and ensuring that your home is well-ventilated, you can maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50%, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This not only helps prevent the growth of mold and dust mites but also discourages the presence of other allergens and pollutants that thrive in moist environments, contributing to cleaner indoor air and mitigating potential respiratory diseases.

Consider an Air Purifier

Installing an air purifier is an effective way to filter out smaller particles that HVAC filters may not catch. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can capture a broad spectrum of indoor air pollutants, including pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even smaller particles associated with smoke and smog. 

These devices work by circulating indoor air through the HEPA filter, trapping pollutants, and circulating clean air back into the room. By targeting airborne contaminants, air purifiers can significantly reduce the concentration of air pollutants indoors — offering an additional layer of protection against indoor air pollution and contributing to a healthier living environment.

If Your Home Needs IAQ Services, Call Fiscor Plumbing and Air Today

When the air quality in your home worsens, and you need to improve it, we’ll be on the case. At Fiscor Plumbing and Air, we offer professional indoor air quality services so that everyone can breathe clean air when indoors. In addition, our team can improve your comfort in other ways as well, such as with our AC repair and furnace repair services. Reach out today to schedule one of our services for your home!