Business Profile
Apple Plumbing Services has been providing plumbing services throughout the Valley of the Sun region for over 25 years. When you need a trusted plumber, you can turn to the plumbers at Apple Plumbing Services to assist you with all your plumbing  and gas needs.

Apple Plumbing Services specializes in plumbing repair and installation services, sewer and drain repairs, and much more. We offer residential and commercial plumbing services. Leaky faucet? Clogged pipes? Apple can get the job done!

Give us a call today and let our professional plumbers take care of all your plumbing problems! Apple is licensed and insured and can help you with all your plumbing needs. Feel free to give us a call or visit our website.

"Emergency service? No problem! Just give us a call."

(480) 425 - 8282

Backflow Prevention

Everyone likes to sip a cool drink of water, take a hot shower or go for a refreshing swim. As we go about our daily lives, we trust that our water supply is safe, pure and uncontaminated. Because backflow prevention devices are the law and Apple Plumbing Services is the best single source for cross-connection control programs anywhere, we, at Apple Plumbing Services, are working hard every day to earn your trust. Apple's experts have the skills and experience to:

 * Test and Maintain Installed Backflow Prevention Devices

* Install Backflow Prevention Devices

* Maintain a Computerized Inventory of Installed Backflow Prevention Devices

Drain Cleaning Service

Clearing Clogged Drains
By Annie B. Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home (Three Rivers, 1999).

Simple Solution
My upstairs bathroom sink drain always needs attention: I think toothpaste is the culprit, but whatever, it always needs help.

You don’t need powerful industrial chemicals as the household cleaning industry would have you believe! Find out the surprisingly easy and non-toxic way I keep that drain open.

When our drains get clogged, we have been unwaveringly convinced that nothing short of the most powerful chemical arsenal will work. As a result, most of us resort to commercial drain cleaners that are some of the most dangerous chemicals found in the home. Lye or acid, these products can harm health, the wastewater stream, and PVC pipes.

A gentle yet effective approach to coaxing free a clog from a drain is to use simple household ingredients instead of burning a hole through the clog with industrial lye or acid. There are even bacteria-based enzyme cleaners available in health food stores that eat the clog free from the pipe without harming everything else in which it comes into contact. And it is always worth it to try unclogging a drain first with an old-fashioned plunger; they very often do the trick. If all else fails, you might try an electric plumber's snake, but it is recommended that to prevent injury, only professional plumbers should use this equipment.

Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
If water hasn't yet backed up in your drain, pour 1 cup of baking soda followed by 3 cups of boiling water. The boiling water will change the chemical composition of baking soda, making it more alkaline. Repeat a few times until the drain is clear.

Washing Soda Drain Cleaner
If the water isn't going down the drain, pour a cup of washing soda over the drain area and let it set for a while to work its way down to the clog. Once the clog is loosened, use the baking soda method, above. Washing soda is more alkaline than baking soda, with a pH of 11. You never want to use washing soda if a commercial acid drain cleaner has recently been used in the drain, as they will strongly react with each other. You also shouldn't overuse washing soda if you have PVC pipes, as the caustic nature of washing soda can slowly damage the plastic.

The Bubbling Method Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Baking soda and vinegar react with each other to cause bubbles and fizzing. Sometimes the fizzing can unlodge clogs. Follow the baking soda and boiling water formula, above, with 1 cup of vinegar.

Enzyme Drain and Garbage Disposal Maintenance
All natural living enzyme culture drain cleaners will actually eat and break down any organic matter. Using enzyme drain cleaners once a month, such as Bi-O-Kleen's Bacout, will help not just your drains, but your septic system. They will also significantly reduce odor from garbage disposals. Colonies of enzymes will actually continue to grow and break down organic matter in your drains.

Washing Soda Maintenance
Enzymes don't work as well on hair clogs, so to keep drains clear that tend to collect hair, such as in the shower and bath, a few times a month pour 1 cup of washing soda followed by a thorough flushing of water.

Disclaimer: Apple Plumbing does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this message. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

Garbage Disposal Service

* In-Sink-Erator

InSinkErator is a company and brand name, known for producing garbage disposal (garburator) systems. The company was founded in Racine, Wisconsin by John Hammes, an architect. Hammes is credited with inventing the garbage disposal in 1927.

The company is now a division of Emerson Appliance Solutions, part of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), a global technology and engineering company which serves industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.

The name is a play on the word "incinerator" and refers to the fact that the disposal unit, which works by crushing and shredding solid kitchen waste, is located usually in the sink.

In 2006 In-Sink-Erator changed their name to InSinkErator®, and redesigned the company logo to a more appealing appliance logo. They also released the Evolution™ product line of disposers.

* WASTE DISPOSER MODELS

Some of these pages make it sound like I'm a spokesman for In-Sink-Erator. I assure you, I am not associated with the company. But, here in the US, In-Sink-Erator is the company to beat. Lots of companies offer disposers, but In-Sink-Erator makes the vast majority of disposers sold in this country.
There are some benefits to this near-monopoly situation. In-Sink-Erator offers several accessories, and when you decide you need one they are really easy to find. The rubber flap doohickey that you jamb scraps through may eventually wear out, and you can get a new one at any place that sells In-Sink-Erator models.

Finally, note that the sink flange attachments that In-Sink-Erator disposers use are the same, regardless of which model you get. And they've been the same for years. If you ever have to replace a unit, you may learn to appreciate that standardization. Y'see, installing the flange into the sink is the hardest part of installing a disposer. Once in, sealed, and tightened down, you just hold the disposer up to it and turn a lock ring. It's in, you just need to connect the outlet pipe. So, if the old disposer is an In-Sink-Erator, you don't even have to fool with the flange; just drop the old unit, slap in the new, and save the new flange parts as spares. And you can upgrade from a cheapie to a better unit just as easily.

Plumbing Tips and Tricks

Water Heater Safety
Because of built in safety devices most water heaters safely operate day in, day out without any major problems. But don't let the excellent safety record of water heaters lull you into forgetting about the explosive potential of these marvels of convenience. When a water heater explodes, it releases a tremendous blast force which can easily demolish a building.

Apple Plumbing has added this video of a water heater explosion as a demonstration of the explosive power of a simple water heater. The hot water tank explodes using the steam that any water heater can generate. We were impressed by how far the tank flew after the water heater exploded. Click on the links below to view the video. Then, visit the Q&A page for warning signs as well as simple steps which can help you prevent your own water heater from exploding.

Water Heater Blast: Low Resolution (for dial up users)
Water Heater Blast: High Resolution (for hi-speed users)

Noisy Pipes
Pipe noises range from loud hammering sounds to high-pitched squeaks. The causes may be loose pipes, water logged air chambers, or water pressure that's too high. Anchoring exposed pipes is a simple solution; other remedies such as anchoring pipes concealed inside walls, floors or ceilings, may call for a professional.

Banging
Pipes are usually anchored with pipe straps every 6 to 8 feet for horizontal runs, 8 to 10 feet for vertical. If your pipes bang when you turn on the water, you may need to add straps, cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket, or both.
When you anchor a pipe-especially a plastic one-leave room for expansion.
Don't use galvanized straps on copper pipes.

Squeaking
Only hot water pipes squeak. As the pipe expands, it moves in its strap, and friction causes the squeak. Solution: Cushion it as you would a banging pipe.

Water Hammer
This noise occurs when you turn off the water at a faucet or an appliance quickly. The water flowing through the pipes slams to a stop, causing a hammering noise.

Check for: Loose Pipes

Remedy: Anchor the pipes.

Check for: Faulty air chambers. These lengths of pipe, installed behind fixtures and appliances, hold air that cushions the shock when flowing water is shut off. They can get filled with water and lose their effectiveness.

Remedy:

To restore air to the chambers, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. Open all the faucets to drain the system. Close the faucets and turn the water on again. The air chambers should fill with air.
Check for: Water pressure that's above 80 psi (pounds per square inch).

Remedy: To lower the pressure, install a pressure-reducing valve (you can call in a plumber to do the work if this is a job you don't want to do yourself).

Wednesday, 02/28/07

Don’t learn the hard way

To the Editor:

This letter is to all Robertson County residents who may have water heater problems. Recently my water heater stopped heating. I called a person I will call “Johnny the Plumber.”

I called him on Saturday and he came Sunday morning around 9 a.m. I stood and watched him do his thing with the water heater. I watched, not knowing exactly what he was doing. When he finished, he said he had put in two thermostats and a heating element. I did see him remove two thermostats and put other ones in the heater, noticing that they did not look new and they were not packaged. The heating element was not packaged either. When he finished, he presented me with a bill for $250. I, in good faith, wrote him a check.

When he left he said I should have hot water in about 45 minutes. In about 45 minutes, he called and asked if my water was hot. I checked it and there was no hot water. He said, “That heating element must be bad, I’ll pick up another one and be right back out there and replace it.” He did pick up another element from Lowe’s and came back to put the new element in the heater. This means draining the 50 gallon tank again. Now, that is 100 gallons of water that has been drained on the ground. Then it was discovered the new heating element was too small to fit into the hold securely. I also was told it was the only element of that type for my heater that Lowe’s had, and that it cost $33.

The plumber said he would check other places in Springfield and be back Monday at 5 p.m. At 5:15 he called and told me that there was not an element in Springfield, he would have to go to the manufacturer in Ashland City and bring it Tuesday afternoon. On Tuesday, there was no plumber and no call. I called and left a message with his wife. Again, no call. I called and left a message with his mother, I wanted my money back.

Two days later still no call. Someone else looked at the heater and discovered the top thermostat was old and not replaced. Walker Hardware had all the parts and in less than an hour after repairs, I had hot water.

I had no hot water for five days and been ripped off for $250 plus the cost of 100 gallons of water.

Beware and know who you are doing business with. I learned the hard way.

Water Heater Q & A

How Can I tell if my water heater is at risk of exploding?

As we mentioned, most water heaters operate safely 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here are some simple guidelines and warnings for water heater safety:

If it's been more than a year since your Temperature - Pressure relief valve has been tested you should test it. T & P valves are mechanical devices which means that they can fail or clog. This device is your last line of defense in case of a thermostat failure resulting in overheating of your tank.

It does not matter how old your water heater is. The tank in our video was purchased new just for this demonstration.
Sputtering, spitting and spewing from your faucets as you turn them on could be a sign of your water heater overheating. This is especially true if the water heater has been sitting idle for a while. The spewing/sputtering can occur on either the hot or cold side of your faucet.

Excessively hot water is a sign of a thermostat malfunction, a precursor to excessive pressure build up.
A dripping or trickling T&P valve can mean that your water heater is overheating or over pressure.

What made the water heater explode in the video?

We used a new, 12 gallon water heater (typically, water heaters in homes are at about 4 times this size)
For heating, we used a standard, 4500 watt heating element. We began with 0 (zero) pounds of pressure. Typical homes have between 40 and 80 pounds of pressure.

As water heats, it expands which results in a pressure increase. In our demonstration, it took about 1 1/2 hours to rise from 0 to 410 psi which is the pressure at which the tank exploded. The water temperature was about 400 degrees. When the tank ruptured, the water erupted into a steam explosion. These are the same conditions that could exist if your thermostat became stuck "on" and your T&P was faulty.

Next to heating or cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the house. As homes have become more and more energy efficient during the past 20 years, the fraction of energy used for water heating has steadily increased. This information looks at the high-efficiency water heaters available and how you can reduce water heating costs with your present water heater.

TYPES OF WATER HEATERS

Storage water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. Ranging in size from 20 to 80 gallons (or larger) and fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil, storage water heaters heat water in an insulated tank. When you turn on the hot water tap, hot water is pulled out of the top of the water heater and cold water flows into the bottom (through a "dip tube" from the top) to replace it. Because heat is lost through the flue and the walls of the storage tank (this is called standby heat loss), energy is consumed even when no hot water is being used. New energy-efficient storage water heaters have higher levels of insulation around the tank and one-way valves where pipes connect to the tank, substantially reducing standby heat loss.

Demand (or instantaneous) water heaters eliminate the storage tank by heating water only when there is a call for hot water. These units are growing in popularity in the U.S. The energy consumption of these units is generally lower since standby losses from the storage tank are eliminated. Demand water heaters with enough capacity to meet household needs are gas- or propane-fired. They have three significant drawbacks for some applications: Large simultaneous uses (two showers and the clothes washer, for example) may challenge their capacity, particularly in winter,when the inlet water is coldest. They will not turn on unless the hot water flow is ½ - 3/4 gallon/minute. Retrofit installation can be very expensive. Finally, because the efficiency tests were not developed with these designs being considered, it is not known if the "EF" accurately estimates energy consumption. If you choose a tankless unit, look for one eligible for 2006-2007 federal tax credits (EF 0.80 (Gas) or EF 0.20 (Electric)).

Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water. Solar water heaters are designed to serve as preheaters for conventional storage or demand water heaters. While the initial cost of a solar water heater is high, it can save a lot of money over the long term. Solar water heaters are much less common than they were during the 1970s and early 1980s when they were supported by tax credits, but the units available today tend to be considerably less expensive and more reliable. At today’s prices, solar water heaters compete very well with electric and propane water heaters on a life-cycle cost basis, though they are still usually more expensive than natural gas.

WATER HEATER EFFICIENCY

The energy efficiency of a storage water heater is indicated by its energy factor (EF), an overall efficiency based on the use of 64 gallons of hot water per day. The first national appliance efficiency standards for water heaters took effect in 1990. New standards, which took effect in January 2004, increased the minimum efficiency levels of water heaters.

The most efficient gas-fired storage water heaters have energy factors ranging from 0.63 to 0.67, corresponding to estimated gas use below 170 therms/year. Condensing water heaters have energy factors as high as 0.86. The most efficient electric storage water heaters have energy factors ranging between 0.93 and 0.95, resulting in estimated annual energy use below 4,725 kWh/year. There is little difference between the most efficient electric resistance storage water heaters and the minimum efficiency standard. UPGRADING YOUR EXISTING WATER HEATER

Even if you aren’t going to buy a new water heater, you can save a lot of energy and money with your existing system by following a few simple suggestions.

* Conserve Water: Your biggest opportunity for savings is to use less hot water. In addition to saving energy (and money), cutting down on hot water use helps conserve dwindling water supplies, which in some parts of the country is a critical problem. A family of four each showering five minutes a day can use about 700 gallons per week—a three-year drinking water supply for one person! Water-conserving showerheads and faucet aerators can cut hot water use in half. That family of four can save 14,000 gallons of water a year and the energy required to heat it.

* Insulate Hot Water Pipes: Insulating your hot water pipes will reduce losses as the hot water is flowing to your faucet and, more importantly, it will reduce standby losses when the tap is turned off and then back on within an hour or so. A great deal of energy and water is wasted waiting for the hot water to reach the tap. Even when pipes are insulated, the water in the pipes will eventually cool, but it stays warmer much longer than it would if the pipes weren’t insulated.

* Lower the Water Heater Temperature: Keep your water heater thermostat set at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water. For most households, 120°F water is fine (about midway between the “low” and “medium” setting). Each 10°F reduction in water temperature will generally save 3–5% on your water heating costs. When you are going away on vacation, you can turn the thermostat down to the lowest possible setting, or turn the water heater off altogether for additional savings. With a gas water heater, make sure you know how to relight the pilot if you’re going to turn it off while away.

SELECTING A NEW WATER HEATER

Whether you’re replacing a worn-out existing water heater or looking for the best model for a new house you’re building, it pays to choose carefully. Look for a water heater that satisfies your hot water needs and uses as little energy as possible. Often you can substantially reduce your hot water needs through water conservation efforts.

* Think About a Replacement Now: If you're like most people, you’re unlikely to go out looking for a water heater until your existing one fails, leaving little time to look for a water heater that most appropriately fits your needs and offers the highest level of energy efficiency. A much better approach is to do some research now. Figure out what type of water heater you want—gas or electric, storage or demand, stand-alone or integrated with your heating system, etc. Then, figure out the proper size for your household.

* Sizing a Water Heater: The capacity of a water heater is an important consideration. The water heater should provide enough hot water at the busiest time of the day. The ability of a storage water heater to meet peak demands for hot water is indicated by its "first hour rating." This rating accounts for the effects of tank size and the speed by which cold water is heated. . Demand water heaters should be sized according to the required gallons per minute (gpm) flow rate and temperature rise required for your largest expected hot water fixture (usually a shower).With solar water heaters, you should discuss your requirements carefully with the solar water heating salesperson. You will need to size both the solar hot water system itself and the back-up electric or gas water heater. It generally makes the most sense to size a solar water heater to provide two-thirds to three-fourths of your total demand, and provide the rest with a back-up system.

* Fuel Options: What type of fuel makes the most sense for your water heater? If you currently have an electric water heater and natural gas is available in your area, a switch might save you a lot of money. Before you rule out electricity, though, check with your utility company. It may offer special off-peak rates that make electricity a more attractive option.

Save our water !!! Up to 16,000 gallons per year

Hot water recirculation- a practical method of saving water, time & money. This process saves you the time of waiting for the water to get hot at your shower or faucet.

Just waiting is frustrating, inconvenient and not to mention, wastes thousands of gallons per household every year. And don’t forget the gas that was used to heat up all those gallons of wasted water.

The Grundfos comfort system uses a patented comfort valve and pump to provide instant availability of hot water at the point of use. The comfort valve is installed at the furthest fixture from the hot water tank. With a build in timer the pump allows hot water to circulate along the loop through the valve using the cold water side as a return line. As the temperature rises to 100 degrees, the valve closes directing hot water to the tap, resulting in a constant availability of hot water. There is no need to remove or damage drywall or tile. Easily installed in finished and unfinished homes.

Storage Water Heater Manufacturers

Water Lines Service

Welcome to Apple Plumbing Services (Back Flow Testing Certified)

We offer replacement of underground residential water supply lines that have failed due to normal wear and tear.

What can cause your water line to suddenly leak?

• Age
• Temperature changes / freezing temperatures in particular
• Ground shifting
• Soil conditions
• Tree roots

Clues that a leak is occurring.

• A sudden rise in water bills
• Unexplained puddles developing in your yard
• Leaking outdoor pipes
• Water spraying from an exposed outdoor water line

 What should you do if you perceive a possible leak?

1. Turn off your home’s main water valve, usually located in your utility closet.
2. Contact a water line replacement specialist ASAP. Ignoring a potential water line leak may result in extensive and expensive damage to your yard, landscaping, driveway and home. Contact Apple Plumbing's 24 Hour Emergency Line at 480-425-8282

Did you know that if the water pipe leading from the curb to your house should leak or break, you are responsible for repairing it?

 Has your water bill risen suddenly? Have you noticed a puddle developing in your yard for no apparent reason? If so, you may have a leaking or broken water line. Most people don't realize that this water line – which runs from the public water main on the street to their private home - is their responsibility. This line can range from 20 feet to more than 200 feet depending on your property. Over time, unpreventable environmental conditions may cause your water line to deteriorate and/or crack.

Water line failure occurs throughout the year, however, it is most common in the winter months when lines are subject to freezing temperatures. When a leaking or broken outdoor water pipe occurs, a rapid response can prevent thousands of dollars worth of damage to your yard, landscaping, driveway and home. In addition, contaminated water has the potential of entering your home. Apple Plumbing services is backflow testing certified, licensed and insured. We specialize in quickly and efficiently repairing and/or replacing underground water lines. Our professionals will have clean water running back into your home in no time.

Apple Plumbing Services – look to us for quick, quality water line replacements!

Your Home's Valves
• Customer Valve - Check to make sure the customer valve, located in the meter box, is completely in the "on" position. An incorrectly adjusted valve can restrict water flow.
• House Valve - Is located near the hose bib at the front of the residence. Check to make sure it is completely in the "on" position.

Pressure Regulators
Some areas may have too much water pressure, which can cause household appliances to malfunction. In those areas, pressure regulators are installed in compliance with local building codes. The pressure regulator provides protection to your house from unexpected water pressure surges.

The pressure regulator is a bell-shaped device and is typically installed on the inlet pipe, next to the hose bib and house valve. The regulators are preset by the manufacturer at about 50 - 60 psi. In most cases, they do not need to be adjusted. Incorrectly adjusting the regulator could cause water pressure that is too low or too high inside the home.

Privacy Statement

 * Our Commitment To Privacy:
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.

* The Information We Collect:
This notice applies to all information collected or submitted on the Apple Plumbing Services website. You can make a request to be contacted for estimates and additional information. The types of personal information collected at these pages are:

Name (required)
Address (required)
Email address (required)
Home phone number (required)
Work phone number (optional)
This information is only collected when submitted by you.

* The Way We Use Information:
We use the information you provide about yourself to only contact you via the method you choose (phone, email, or regular mail). We do not share this information with outside parties. We use return email addresses to answer the email we receive. Such addresses are not used for any other purpose and are not shared with outside parties. We do not collect any other information.

Finally, we never use or share the personally identifiable information provided to us online in ways unrelated to the ones described above without also providing you an opportunity to opt-out or otherwise prohibit such unrelated uses.

* Our Commitment To Data Security:
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. The data is not stored online. It is exclusively maintained on our office computer where only the Office Manager has sole access via a password.

* Our Commitment To Children's Privacy:
Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 13, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 13.

* How You Can Access Or Correct Your Information:
You can access all your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintained by contacting our Office Manager who has sole access to this information. We use this procedure to better safeguard your information. You can correct factual errors in your personally identifiable information by sending us a request that credibly shows error. To protect your privacy and security, we will also take reasonable steps to verify your identity before making corrections.

You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:

See what data we have about you, if any.
Change/correct any data we have about you.
Have us delete any data we have about you.
Express any concern you have about our use of your data.

* Links:
This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.

How To Contact Us:
Should you have other questions or concerns about these privacy policies, please call us at (480) 425-8282 or send us an email at service@appleplumbingaz.com

If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via the above methods.


Apple Plumbing Services