Six Property Maintenance Priorities…

Water Damage Checks | Monthly Maintenance | Replace Filters
Arizona, Tempe, Phoenix, Peoria, Apache Junction, AZ

Test All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly
Whether hard-wired into the electrical system or battery operated, all smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms should be tested regularly. When replacing batteries in smoke alarms, make sure to replace batteries in all units for them to function properly. Malfunctioning smoke carbon monoxide alarms can leave your property open to liability should an event occur.


Exterminate Monthly
Even if a rodent or insect problem is not evident, monthly or bi-monthly pest control measures should be taken. All units should be exterminated regularly. When single units are treated sporadically, all it does is cause the pest to migrate from one unit to another. In order to avoid liability, extermination is best left to the professionals with proper training and licensing.

Pest issues are an easy way to lose valuable tenants which can really hurt you bottom line! Not to mention that small problems can become large ones and it is very costly to remedy complete infestation.


Check for Water Damage and Leaks
Make sure to encourage tenants to report any signs of a water or plumbing leak in their unit. After heavy rainstorms it is a good idea to check for any wet spots on ceilings, walls or around window frames. During the hot humid days during the monsoon, air conditioning units produce lots of condensation and frequently leak around the unit. Make sure to check these areas too. Unwanted moisture causes mold and potential health issues if left unattended.


Examine Shower Caulking and Grout Between Tiles
Ceramic tile is wonderful, but the grout in between and underneath the tiles must be sealed and maintained to prevent moisture from creeping in. Moisture will cause the grout to erode and eventually fail. Tiles can even loosen and/or crack requiring costly repair.


Change the Filters in HVAC Systems
In Arizona, HVAC filters should be changed every month in the summer when the AC is running and every other month during the cooler months. Dirty filters can increase your utility bill by causing the system to work harder or can cause the AC system to freeze-up. A smooth running air conditioning system in Arizona with a lower utility bill means happier tenants and less vacancy.


Flush Water Heaters

In Arizona water heaters should be drained at least once a year. This process will remove the sediment that can build up in your unit from our Arizona hard water supply. If too much sediment builds up, it can reduce the efficiency of your water heater or clog the drain valve. Replacing a water heater is expensive! Unfortunately, this is a messy process and takes some time. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire someone who is.


Spending a little time and money to perform regular property maintenance now will save a lot of time and money in the future. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

What Causes Most Drain Clogs?

Clogged Drains | Backed up Drain | Toilet Stoppage 
Arizona, Phoenix, Chandler, Peoria, Apache Junction, AZ


Hair 
Hair is the number one cause of drain clogs in showers, bathtubs and bathroom sinks. To reduce (or eliminate) clogged drains from hair, install drain filters or strainers that will catch hair and other solids and only let water through. A professional Phoenix area plumber can help you with drain filters.

Grease
We have all seen what hot grease looks like when it cools. It turns to a solid white or yellowish wax-like substance. It's no wonder that drains clog when we pour liquid grease, oils or meat broth down our sink drains. Avoid ever pour any of these down any of your drains. It is best to pour them into a container and dispose of the container.

Food
Food is another huge cause of clogged drains in the kitchen. Even small food particles will build up over time and eventually become so large that they clog drains. We recommend always having a strainer in place in the drains in your kitchen, or buying special wire mesh filters to keep over the drain when you don't have stoppers in place. When using the garbage disposal, make sore to let it completely finish and run hot water throughout the drain for a little while after the food is all gone.

Paper
Toilet paper and paper from feminine products are a major cause of clogged toilets. Toilet paper is designed to be quickly and easily broken down by water so that it will flush easily. If too much paper, or thicker paper like paper towels are thrown into a toilet, it might not break down and you'll end up with a clogged drain. Toilet paper is the only thing that anyone should put in a toilet… other than you know what :)

Toys
We all love kids, and they love their toys. While toys aren't the most common cause of clogged drains, it's amazing how often we do see toys as the source of toilet stoppage. Make sure you tell your kids NOT to put stuff down drains - they might not understand plumbing, but let them know it's not good for the toy and they'll understand!

If you find yourself with a clogged or stopped drain, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified plumbing technicians.

Phoenix Drain Services, Drain Cleaning, Drain Snake, Clogged Drain, Mesa Drain Services, Plumber, Plumbing, Phoenix AZ Plumber

Is it really necessary to perform an annual air conditioning unit tune-up?

AC Tune-up | Reduce Energy Bill | Professional AC Service
Arizona, Tempe, Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, AZ

Property maintenance supervisors in the Phoenix area dread the onset of warm weather each year. They know the phone calls from residents regarding their AC unit performance are going to start rolling in all at once. So, how important is an annual AC unit tune-up and is it worth the time and/or money?

Some points to consider… Performing an AC tune-up in Phoenix will help reduce your energy bill as the unit will perform more efficiently after clean-out and lubrication. This enhanced performance alone will more than pay for the tune-up in savings. The equipment will also last longer as consistent maintenance extends the HVAC system's life. Also, potential problems can be averted by checking all of the unit's important components before complete failure. Prevention is the best way to save down time and money when it comes to your heating and cooling systems in Arizona.

A typical "full service" professional AC tune-up in the Phoenix AZ area includes the following:

• Calibrate and level thermostat
• Clean filters as needed
• Monitor volts/amps on fan motor
• Lubricate and inspect bearings for wear
• Clean indoor coil if accessible
• Flush/treat condensate drain with anti-algae
• Inspect condenser coil
• Monitor operating pressure of refrigerant
• Inspect safety devices for proper operation
• Inspect disconnect box for proper rating and installation
• Tighten all electrical connections
• Test/inspect contactors for burned, pitted contacts
• Inspect electrical system for exposed wiring
• Test and inspect capacitors
• Inspect fan blades
• Clean condenser coil and remove debris
• Inspect service valves for proper operation
• Measure temperature difference – supply/return
• Inspect duct work for energy loss
• Monitor compressor for proper amperage, volt draw & wiring connections
• Clean debris from around the condenser

Save time and money by hiring a professional AC service in Phoenix.