A Guide to Plumbing Fixtures and Common Problems

January 31, 2023 · 4 min read

Plumbing fixtures play an essential role in the overall plumbing system of a home, providing water to different parts of the house, from showerheads to faucets. Economy Plumbing Services will discuss everything you need to know about plumbing fixtures and their importance in keeping your home safe and functional.

A Guide to Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures are essential components of any house’s plumbing system. They enable us to access water, drainage, and other necessary utilities in our homes and businesses. Knowing how to install and maintain plumbing fixtures is integral to being a homeowner or business owner.

First – How To Handle A Significant Plumbing Leak

Before we get into all the specific fixtures, a note on handling leaks! Even though it is less likely to happen, major plumbing leaks require fast and effective actions to minimize the substantial damage they may cause. Therefore, every homeowner must know where the main valve is and how to use it.

You should locate the main valve before the emergency so you can stop the water from there whenever needed. The main water supply pipe is generally on a basement or the wall closest to the outside road. You should rotate the first valve, which is the main valve, clockwise to stop the water flow.

Bathroom Plumbing

Bathrooms usually have the first call regarding plumbing problems in houses. Because there is a high concentration of plumbing in bathrooms, as toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs are used very often, issues are expected to arise from time to time. To understand the cause of the problems in bathroom plumbing, you should understand how this plumbing fixture works in the first place.

Toilet

Whenever the toilet flush handle is used, the flush valve at the bottom of the water tank gets opened, flushing the toilet, and taking the waste to a large drain pipe. After the water level drops, the fill valve opens to level the water for the next flush. After flushing, the water that remains in the toilet prevents sewer gasses from entering the home.

Problem: The toilet’s flush is clogged or very slow.

Solution: If you cannot clear the blockage with a plunger, it may be caused by a buildup inside the toilet. You may need to use the help of a professional plumber who will use a snake to clear the clog.

Sinks and Faucets

A defective cartridge or washer, blocked or leaking drain, or broken drain stopper are the most likely troubles in the bathroom sink and faucet. Bathroom sinks and faucets work differently than the other parts of the house. Therefore, they may need a unique approach to solve the problems.

Problem: The faucet in the bathroom drips.

Solution: You need to replace the cartridge or the washer to stop the faucet from dripping. You can actually do this easily if the faucet is not too old, as it can break and cause a bigger problem. If this is the case, you need to call a plumber.

Showers

This part of the bathroom includes hot and cold running water by a faucet behind the shower wall. The valve of this faucet, the drain of the shower, and the enclosure carry the potential for plumbing problems.

Problem: The shower enclosure is leaking.

Solution: This is one of the most common problems in bathroom plumbing. Leaks can occur where the enclosure meets the floor or through tile grout. You may try caulking to stop the leaks, but it is best if the shower enclosure is rebuilt.

Kitchen Plumbing

The kitchens where we cook, eat and clean up are the most frequently used part of our houses. Therefore, kitchens have a lot to do with plumbing fixtures, as you have faucets, drains, and dishwashers.

Sinks and faucets

Kitchen sinks and faucets may cause problems, such as dripping or leaks between the water pipes and the faucets. Also, you may encounter a drain blockage or a broken hot water dispenser.

Problem: The water heater is malfunctioning.

Solution: The repair of water heaters, used for steaming water for cooking food or making drinks, involves electrical operations as well as plumbing works. Therefore, it is best handled by a professional.

Economy Plumbing Service, our family-owned and operated business, has over 27 years of experience and provides replacement and installation on the same day! Contact us for further details.

Sep 03, 2026

Tankless or Traditional: What’s the Best Water Heater Option for Your Home?

The decision between tankless and traditional models for replacement water heaters in Tucson can make a real difference in your daily comfort and long-term costs. Let's take a closer look at how each type works, which will help you pick the right fit for your household. Traditional Heaters more Traditional tank-style water heaters store a set amount of water, usually 40 to 80 gallons, in an insulated tank and keep it hot constantly using either gas or electricity. When you turn on the faucet, hot water flows from the tank while cold water refills it at the bottom. Tankless Heaters These heaters only give you hot water when you need it. Cold water passes through a heat exchanger inside the compact unit, and out comes hot water, nearly instantly. Pros of Both Let's consider the pros of the traditional heaters first: They're cheaper up front Installation is simpler because most homes already have the connections in place When it needs replacing, it's simple and often same-day They can handle a high flow rate (lots of usage simultaneously) The pros list for the tankless heater is also enticing: Less wasted energy from water being heated when it's not needed No running out of water, no matter how many people take showers Longer tank lifespan Takes up less space Cons of Both Here's the downsides to be aware of with traditional heaters: They use more energy (much more, in some cases) They run out of hot water, and you have to wait while they refill They're bulky and need more room for placement They need to be replaced sooner than tankless As for tankless heaters, be aware that: Installation costs are usually higher Initial purchase price is higher Flow rate is lower unless you invest in a bigger (or multiple) units Scale can form inside the heat exchanger faster than in a tank model Best Water Heaters in Tucson: Local Factors There are a few local factors that might also influence your decision. We have hard water, so that means scaling is more of an issue. Both types of heaters need to be flushed to prevent buildup, but the tankless might need it more often. We've also already got high energy bills with the hot summers we have here, so trimming that with a tankless model can make a big difference over time. Tankless water heaters pay for themselves in energy savings in about seven years, and if you take care of your model, it can last up to 20.If you're still weighing the options for your specific setup, give us a call at Economy Plumbing Service LLC here in Tucson at 520-885-3510. We're a family-owned business with more than seventeen years of honest, no-pressure service here in Tucson. We'll walk through your usage, space, and water conditions to help you choose the heater that actually fits your home and lifestyle. We also serve clients in Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, Green Valley, and surrounding areas.

Gas line repair and inspection in Pima County, AZ.

Aug 06, 2026

Are Your Gas Lines in Safe? Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

We rely on our gas lines in Tucson to heat our homes, give us instant hot water, power our stoves, and more. Keeping your gas line safe is a serious responsibility, because the dangers of a problem in the gas line can be deadly. Here's some warning signs to look out for. Warning Signs That Gas Lines in Tucson Are in Trouble Emergency Signs more Some warning signs are emergencies, and you cannot ignore them. Call your gas provider or emergency services and leave the area immediately if: You smell a sulfurous odor in or immediately around your house People in the house are suddenly and inexplicably experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath If gas is escaping into the house, it can cause you and your family serious physical harm. The gas, as you breathe it, begins to displace the oxygen in your blood. You gradually asphyxiate or suffocate if you are exposed to too much for too long. Non-Emergency There are other warning signs that are less immediately serious, but you need to pay attention to them, regardless, as they could quickly turn serious: Corrosion Always inspect your pipes regularly, and if you see rust or other corrosion on them, be sure to call a qualified contractor right away. There may also be an issue if you notice flaking or bubbling of paint near your gas lines or a lot of dampness and residue around the fittings. A professional can seal joints and even replace a bad section of pipe if needed. Hissing If you hear hissing near a gas appliance or a meter, it likely means that gas is escaping. Even a little bit of a leak can increase your bills, of course, and indoors, it can create a very dangerous condition. Contact a professional contractor right away to take a look. If it's a single appliance, turn off the gas to that appliance. Bigger Bills If your habits haven't really changed, but the cost of your gas bill keeps going up, try turning off all your gas appliances and writing down the meter reading. Then, wait for an hour or two and check the meter again. If it has gone up, you have a leak. Low Pressure If the flame on your stove or in your furnace doesn't have the power it should have, then you could have a leak somewhere in the line leading to that appliance, or there could be a blockage. There also could be a faulty regulator in the appliance itself or corrosion in the piping. If several appliances seem to be affected, then the issue could be farther down the line and could be either your responsibility or something that your utility company needs to deal with. A contractor can investigate the situation and help you figure out what's going on. If you're noticing any issues with your gas line, schedule an appointment with us at Economy Plumbing Service LLC in Tucson or call us 24/7 at 520-885-3510. We also serve Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.

Jul 15, 2026

Signs Your Home Needs Repiping: When Tucson Homeowners Should Replace Old Pipes

Most homeowners do not think about their plumbing pipes until there is a major leak or a sudden drop in water pressure. However, aging pipes can create ongoing problems that repairs may only temporarily fix. If your Tucson home has older plumbing, whole house repiping may be the right solution to improve reliability and prevent future damage. Economy Plumbing Service, LLC helps homeowners identify when their plumbing system needs more than another repair. Knowing the warning signs can help you address problems before they become expensive emergencies. more What Is Whole House Repiping? Whole house repiping involves replacing old or damaged plumbing pipes throughout a home. Instead of repairing one failing section at a time, repiping replaces aging pipes with new plumbing materials designed to provide better water flow and long-term performance. Many older Tucson homes still have original plumbing systems that may be affected by corrosion, mineral buildup, and years of use. Signs Your Home May Need Repiping Frequent Pipe Leaks If you are regularly dealing with leaking pipes or repeated plumbing repairs, the problem may be the age and condition of your entire plumbing system. Multiple leaks in different areas of your home often indicate that the pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. Low Water Pressure Low water pressure throughout your home can be a sign of restricted or deteriorating pipes. Mineral buildup from Arizona’s hard water can collect inside plumbing lines over time, reducing water flow and making faucets and fixtures less effective. Discolored Water Brown, rusty, or cloudy water may indicate corrosion inside older pipes. While occasional discoloration can happen for several reasons, ongoing issues should be inspected by a professional plumber. Noisy Pipes Banging, knocking, or rattling pipes can point to underlying plumbing problems. While some noises are minor, consistent sounds may indicate aging pipes or pressure issues that require attention. Older Plumbing System The age of your home is an important factor when considering repiping. Many older homes in Tucson have plumbing materials that can become more vulnerable to leaks, corrosion, and reduced performance over time. Why Tucson Homes Can Have Unique Plumbing Issues Arizona plumbing systems often deal with hard water, which can contribute to mineral buildup inside pipes. Over years, this buildup can restrict water flow and place additional strain on your plumbing system. For older Tucson homes, replacing outdated pipes can help improve water pressure, reduce repairs, and provide a more dependable plumbing system. Is Repiping Better Than Constant Repairs? If you are frequently repairing leaks or dealing with ongoing plumbing problems, replacing your pipes may be more cost-effective than continuing temporary fixes. A complete repipe can provide: Improved water pressure Fewer plumbing repairs Reduced risk of leaks More reliable water delivery Schedule a Repiping Inspection in Tucson, AZ If your home has frequent leaks, low water pressure, or aging pipes, Economy Plumbing Service, LLC can help determine whether repiping is the right option. Our Tucson plumbing team provides professional repiping services and whole house pipe replacement to help homeowners protect their homes and improve their plumbing systems. Contact Economy Plumbing Service, LLC today to schedule a plumbing inspection and find out if your Tucson home needs repiping.