Scottsdale homes range from classic ranch houses near Old Town to custom builds in North Scottsdale — and they all share some of the hardest water in the Valley. As a plumber serving all of Scottsdale, Beacon Plumbing AZ brings careful, clean work and honest recommendations to every one of them.
Whether it’s a tankless water heater that needs descaling, a high-end faucet that won’t stop dripping, or a softener and reverse osmosis system to protect your fixtures, we treat your home with respect. We also explain everything before we start.
Plumbing services in Scottsdale, AZ
From quick fixes to full installations, here’s how we help Scottsdale homeowners:
Scottsdale, AZ water at a glance
The City of Scottsdale’s hard-water fact sheet lists local water hardness of roughly 16 to 25 grains per gallon, depending on where you live and which source is feeding your area. Hardness varies over time, so check the city’s latest water quality report for your neighborhood; either way, Scottsdale water counts as very hard on the USGS scale.
As a result, water that hard leaves scale on glass shower doors and fixtures, shortens the life of cartridges and valves, and builds up quickly inside tankless water heaters.
- Descale tankless water heaters on the manufacturer’s schedule
- Also consider a water softener to protect fixtures and appliances
- Use reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink for better-tasting drinking water
Sources: City of Scottsdale hard water fact sheet; USGS: Hardness of water.
Common problems a Scottsdale plumber sees
- Scale-clogged tankless water heaters
- Dripping or stiff faucets and shower valves
- Softener and RO system installs and replacements
- Leaking angle stops and supply lines
- Water heater replacements
- Pressure regulator problems
- Slow bathroom and kitchen drains
- Hidden leaks behind walls and under slabs
Tankless water heaters and hard water
If your home has a tankless water heater, scale is the main thing to watch for, especially on water this hard. In fact, U.S. Department of Energy guidance warns that hard water will damage tankless units.
Generally, manufacturers’ recommended flushing ranges from twice a year to once every three years, depending on the model, how much it runs and your water quality. Some manufacturers may even require a water softener once hardness passes about 8 to 14 grains per gallon. So compare your unit’s manual with the city’s hardness figures above.
Because every model is different, we descale on your manufacturer’s schedule. We’ll also tell you honestly whether a softener makes sense for your unit, or whether regular flushing is enough. For more, see water heaters and water treatment.
Source: U.S. DOE Building America: Transitioning to a Tankless Water Heater.
Tips from your Scottsdale plumber
First, know where your shut-off is. The City of Scottsdale says the owner cut-off valve sits next to the meter box, so find it now, before a leak forces the issue.
Watch your water pressure, too. For example, Scottsdale says pressure in its system ranges from 40 psi to about 120 psi. The city has required pressure regulators on new buildings starting in 1995, and it suggests adding one to an older home that reads 80 psi or more.
On the other hand, if pressure is low only at the front hose bib while the rest of the house is fine, the city points to the water softener. In that case, bypass the softener and check again.
Finally, keep two more things in mind. The sewer lateral, the pipe that runs from your house to the city main, is the homeowner’s responsibility in Scottsdale. Also, on a rare freezing night, never thaw a frozen pipe with a torch or any open flame.
Source: City of Scottsdale: maintenance, prevention and troubleshooting.
Neighborhoods we serve in and around Scottsdale
Beacon Plumbing AZ is a plumber for homes throughout Scottsdale, including Old Town, McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Grayhawk, DC Ranch and North Scottsdale — plus nearby Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Carefree.
Nearby, we also serve Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Carefree and the rest of the Phoenix metro.
Need a plumber in Scottsdale, AZ?
Book online in a couple of minutes, or call — our line always answers. Either way, you’ll get an honest explanation and an upfront price before any work begins.
Questions for your Scottsdale plumber
Why does my shower glass get so spotty in Scottsdale?
Those spots are minerals left behind when hard water evaporates. With local water well above the USGS “very hard” line of about 10.5 grains per gallon, a water softener is the most effective fix. Of course, we’ll explain the options and costs before you decide.
Do you work on tankless water heaters?
Yes. We repair, install and descale tankless units. In fact, on very hard water, regular descaling is the single best thing you can do to keep one running efficiently.
Do you serve North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley?
Yes. We serve all of Scottsdale plus Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Carefree. If you’re unsure, just call to confirm your address.
Will I know the price before work starts?
We diagnose the problem first, then explain your options in plain language and give you an upfront price. No work begins until you approve it.