Your plumbing system is one of the most important aspects of your home. There’s a lot of effort that goes into maintaining a home and ensuring everything is in working order, but if your plumbing isn’t functioning properly, it can be frustrating, stressful, and even cause damage to your property if left untreated.

If for any reason your toilet is having isn’t working properly or you’re upgrading your bathroom, you need to call a Professional Plumber to assess the situation. A plumber can diagnose the problem, find the best solution to repair it, or determine if it’s time to replace your toilet.

Common Toilet Issues To Repair

There are quite a few reasons why your toilet may not be working as it should be. You don’t want to trial-and-error attempt to fix the problem when it comes to your plumbing, as you can quickly make a minor problem a larger problem if you’re not sure what you’re doing. It’s always recommended to avoid DIY plumbing and work with a trusted plumber to professionally handle the problem. 

However, toilet issues can usually be diagnosed and fixed quickly by a plumber. There are quite a few working parts in your plumbing system, but common signs your toilet isn’t working properly include:

• Water continuously running in the bowl
• Water continuously trickling into the tank
• Bowl flushing slowly or not at all
• Water leaking beneath the toilet
• Water filling slowly or not at all
• Leaky seals around the tank

Repairs are straightforward but still need to be handled promptly to prevent further damage or create an emergency situation. You may just need to replace the handle or the flapper or in some cases, just need to tighten, adjust or reposition some of the components. 

Toilets have a relatively long lifespan and if it’s well maintained and used properly, they can last for many years to come even after a repair. 

How Do You Know If It’s Time To Replace Your Toilet?

There are many factors that could determine it’s time to replace your toilet, including the unit being damaged beyond repairs, an outdated unit past its lifetime, or if you’re wanting to upgrade to a more efficient model.

Depending on the extent of the problem your toilet is having, it may be necessary to replace the toilet and your plumber will be able to give you more information for each situation. 

Common problems that can signify it’s time to replace your toilet include:

• Crack in your tank or bowl
• Too many mechanical issues or frequent repairs
• Consistent clogging of your toilet drain
• Surface damages that make your toilet look scratched or difficult to clean
• You have an older model without water-saving features

While most toilets have a long lifespan, they may not last as long if the toilet was installed incorrectly, damaged, or frequently misused. Even if an older unit has been repaired previously, it may now require a replacement, or it could be the best and most cost-effective solution to replace the toilet.

It may sound overwhelming to be told you need to replace your entire toilet, but it’s straightforward for a professional plumber to take care of and get your home in working order again. Hiring a professional plumber for toilet installation will ensure you don’t have any issues with faulty installation in the future!

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Toilet

Regardless of whether your toilet is working properly, if you have had the same one for a long time you should consider replacing it.  An older toilet may continue to work after a repair, but it will be at a higher risk of starting to leak and suffering from numerous clogs and other repair issues.

It’s only a matter of time until an older toilet will break, which has a lot of risk for your home. Get ahead of the inevitable problem by replacing an outdated toilet with a new one! This will prevent damage or an emergency situation from occurring when an older unit breaks unexpectedly.

Apart from broken and malfunctioning toilets, a home renovation or remodel can be the perfect time for a homeowner to upgrade the toilet in their bathroom! WIth state-of-the-art plumbing systems, water-saving toilets and tanks, and cost-effective solutions, it may be worth it to invest in a new toilet! 

Toilet Repairs and Replacements in Tucson, Arizona

Cummings Plumbing is your #1 Best Option when you need reliable, quick, and affordable toilet repair or installation services in Tucson, AZ!

Having plumbing problems can be stressful for a homeowner, but you can count on our team of experts to get the job done correctly. From repairs that escalate over time to unexpected emergencies, our plumbing team is available 24/7 and ready to help! 

All you need to do is select out of three Toilet Installation Packages and select the toilet you’d like to have installed! Give us a call or schedule an appointment with a technician online for a free estimate and we will bring your selections to your house.

When you need a toilet repair and installation company in Tucson, AZ that can handle all your service needs at affordable prices, Cummings Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is your #1 Best Option!

Garbage Disposals are an excellent addition to any home! Garbage Disposals are a small, electrically powered system attached to the underside of your sink. The system is primarily used to shred food waste from your drain into tiny pieces so that when it passes through your plumbing, it does not clog your pipes.

Garbage Disposals are handy and convenient tools for throwing food scraps away but can cause stressful problems for homeowners if it wreaks havoc on your plumbing system when used incorrectly.

Luckily, there are quite a few ways to maintain your Garbage Disposal System so it works properly and prevents damage that will lead to requiring repairs or a replacement. Correct installation, regular maintenance, and proper usage are all essential to having a working Garbage Disposal Unit! 

Best Ways To Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

There are several ways to maintain your Garbage Disposal to ensure it’s functional. To keep your Garbage Disposal working properly it’s important to clean it regularly, follow guidelines when using it, and only use it for its intended purpose.

It’s recommended to clean your garbage disposal weekly to keep it clear of buildup. Even if you do not use it frequently or have anything to grind, it’s a good idea to turn it on every couple of days with water running. This moves any leftover food you might not realize is in there so it doesn’t harden, leading to rotten odors and clogs. This also prevents rust and corrosion from forming.

It’s important to always use running cold water when you turn your garbage disposal on! The water acts as a lubricant and you want the temperature to be cold so that any oils and grease will solidify and be able to get chopped up and passed down the drainpipe easier.

A simple, but effective, way to clean your Garbage Disposal regularly is by putting half a cup of baking soda into the opening of the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. You want to allow the mixture to sit and fizz for about 10 minutes, and then flush the garbage disposal with cold water with the system turned on.

 You can even use some ice cubes during this step to help dislodge anything that may have gotten stuck or lodged in the unit. After cleaning your Garbage Disposal, you can use half of a sliced lemon or other citrus peels when you run the garbage disposal to leave your sink smelling fresh!

What Can I Safely Put Down a Garbage Disposal?

Following the recommended and intended use of a Garbage Disposal is essential. If you put food down that it can not shred or grind, it can lead to your drain being clogged or breaking the Garbage Disposal Unit, which will require it to be repaired or replaced.

Remember, your Garbage Disposal is not a trash can, it is for food scraps only! A good rule of thumb is if the food is biodegradable, it should be okay to put down the Garbage Disposal. Food that is approved and safe to shred in a Garbage Disposal includes:

• Fruit Peels
• Vegetable Scraps
• Ice
• Small Portions of Leftovers
• Cooked Meat Scraps

However, there are some food items that are not intended to be put down in the garbage disposal and could break the system or clog the drains. Do not put these items in your Garbage Disposal under any circumstance: 

• Grease and Oils
• Shells and Bones
• Large Portions of Food
• Oatmeal or Grits
• Non-Food Items

How To Fix a Garbage Disposal

There are several ways to repair or fix your garbage disposal, but it depends on what is wrong with it. If the problem is minor enough, such as food getting stuck, you can turn your system off and reach down into the blades with pliers to try to gently dislodge the stuck food.

If the disposal is severely damaged, not turning on or working properly, or the drain is clogged, hiring a Professional Plumber is the optimal choice when your Garbage Disposal is broken or the drain is clogged. 

A Plumber is able to assess the situation, repair your Garbage Disposal System, unclog your drains properly, or replace the unit with a new one. Even if you clean your Garbage Disposal and follow the guidelines, there are other problems that can occur such as:

• The System not turning on because it has blown a fuse or the engine is broken
• Loud, noisy garbage disposals having issues with the screws bearings
• The blades are jammed
• Drainage problems from food or debris being stuck
• Clogged drain

Professional Plumber Near Me 

If your garbage disposal is having problems, give Cummings Plumbing in Tucson, AZ a call today and we’ll be right over to help!

Over the last 36 years, we’ve repaired and replaced thousands of garbage disposals! Whatever the problem may be, our professional, licensed plumbers will get down to the root of the problem and give you options to fix or replace your garbage disposal in no time.

If your garbage disposal can be fixed, our expert plumbers will get your system up and running. Sometimes there are larger issues with your unit that may need to be replaced, such as motor problems that can not be permanently fixed or worn-out drainage systems and valves that cause severe leaks. 

If a replacement is required or is the most cost-effective route, we will provide efficient, quick, and affordable Garbage Disposal Installation Services! We have several state-of-the-art Garbage Disposal Systems to choose from in order to fit your unique needs.

Cummings Plumbing is your #1 Best Option when you need a Professional Plumber to Repair or Replace your Garbage Disposal! Contact us today for more information!

Are you considering getting Repiping Services? A repipe is a replacement of old or defective pipes in your home. Pipes are an essential part of a plumbing structure and their failure can result in possible damage and will need to be repaired or replaced.

This can sound very difficult to manage as a homeowner, but getting your home professionally repiped is extremely important for many reasons. Repiping your home will reduce the risk of pipes bursting and will extend the life of your home for many years to come!

Signs You Need To Replace Your Pipes

If you have older pipes such as copper, polybutylene, CPVC, or galvanized pipes, they may become defective and result in broken pipes. 

Not only does a broken pipe mean you will now be in need of a repair, but it may also cause water damage to your property. If you have older pipes, you may consider replacing them prior to a leak or burst!

There are many other signs other than burst pipes that indicate it may be time to replace the pipes in your home. Other warning signs to look out for include:

  – Loss of water pressure

– Orange spots on your floor, ceiling, or walls

– Wet or warm areas on the floor

– Musty smells

– Reoccurring leaks

– Discolored pipes

– Rusty colored water

The Best Repiping Options

When it comes time to repipe your home, you may be looking for the best, state-of-the-art and cost-effective solutions available on the market.

Perma-Liner is a trenchless pipelining system that offers a solution to repairing broken and damaged pipes and sewage lines. Perma-Liner’s system is able to restore buried pipelines to better-than-new conditions in less time than a traditional repipe.

What To Expect From Trenchless Pipe Repair

If you need a repipe, Trenchless Pipe Repair is your best option! Trenchless pipe repair has many other ways of being done but Perma-Liner is by far the best solution. You’ll notice the difference it makes in your home’s plumbing system!

It’s important to work with a specialized plumber that can get the service done correctly, efficiently and safely. Perma-Liner has been available since 1999; however, due to the cost associated with investing in the technology and equipment, not every plumber can provide the service. 

The process should only take a matter of hours but you’ll have practically brand new pipes. During the installation process your pipes will not expand and their integrity will never be jeopardized. Because this is a trenchless method of repair, there is almost no excavation required to put the liner in place.

The CIPP (Cured In Place Pipe) process starts with scoping out the line with a high definition camera to look for any obstructions like roots, debris, or build-up. Any obstructions will be remove so that when the Perma-Liner is put in, it will cure properly.

After measuring and fitting the pipe, the lining and resign will be prepared for installation and then inserted into place. After a steam cure process to solidify the new lining and bonding it to the existing pipes, it will be inspected to make sure everything looks great. Perma-Liner will give new life to your old pipes!

Repipe Specialists Near Me

Choosing the right company to help you is important. It’s important to hire a certified and experienced plumber when you need to repair a pipe so that your home is in the best hands possible. 

Cummings Plumbing has done hundreds of Perma Liner or repipe jobs in the community and we are ready to help fix your pipes so they can last forever. We even back our Perma-Liner service with a 50-year warranty!

Cummings Plumbing is proud to be one of just three companies in the entire state of Arizona that offers Perma-Liner solutions to our customers. That’s right, there are only three companies that currently offer this state-of-the-art technology that has a cost-savings of thousands to its customers. 

Our repipe services are top-rated and we are committed to getting the job done right! Backed by over 36 years of experience and 1,500 Five Star Reviews locally, we are the most trusted Plumber!

For specialized Perma-Liner services, call the licensed professionals at Cummings Plumbing Heating & Cooling! If you are considering a repipe in the Southern Arizona area, give us a call and we would be happy to send a technician out to assess what needs to be done.

If your water heater is not working properly, you may need the help of a plumber to determine if it needs a repair or a replacement. Some repairs such as replacing a pressure relief valve or heating element can be fairly simple. A plumber may be able to simply repair the existing unit however, there are cases where a water heater replacement is necessary. 

You may also be interested in upgrading your current system to a more efficient, energy conserving, state-of-the-art Tankless Water Heater System. Even if you don’t need a new water heater right now, chances are you will within the next few years. 

How Can I Extend The Lifetime of a Water Heater Unit?

The lifespan of your water heater will vary depending on what type it is and the location of where you live, but an average gas or electric system typically needs to be replaced after 7 to 10 years. Getting inspections and maintenance performed regularly is the key to extending the lifetime of your unit! This also ensures your water heating system is working efficiently and safely. 

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the lifetime of a system. Due to the water quality throughout Tucson, we recommend you flush your water heater every six months to one year to stop sediment from building up. This helps to extend the lifetime of the unit, avoid leaks and eventual corrosion in the tank. 

Warning Signs That It May Be Time To Replace Your Water Heater

It’s a good idea to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Water heater explosions unfortunately are a very real thing.

If you were driving in your car, would you ignore the check engine light in your car? Probably not. It’s unsafe to drive when your car needs to be serviced and the same is true for your Water Heater. Broken water heaters left untreated can cause burst pipes and water damage to your property.

This is why hiring a trusted plumber for inspections is essential to the lifespan of the unit and safety of your family and home. Signs that you may need to call a Plumber to fix or repair your Water Heater include:

• Running out of hot water frequently
• Reduced Water Flow or Water Pressure
• Noticeable Leaks
• Hearing unusual noises and sounds
• Discolored Water
• The Water Heater is past it’s life expectancy

Upgrading Your System to a Tankless Water Heater

If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old but not broken, it still may be time to consider replacing it before an emergency happens. If you’re replacing a water heater, you might consider upgrading to a larger tank or tankless water heater! 

Cummings Plumbing has the largest inventory of traditional Gas and Electric Water Heaters to choose from! However, we also have state-of-the-art Tankless Water Heaters available for installation.

By heating water on demand and only when needed, Tankless Water Heaters are more energy efficient than traditional water heaters. This will save you money with lower energy bills in the long run!

Tired of running out of hot water? With a Tankless system, there isn’t a supply of hot water that can be depleted. The system heats water for as long as there is a demand for it. This means you don’t ever have to run out of water again!

We have options for your Water Heater Replacement and Repairs!

Cummings Plumbing can help you maintain, repair, replace and install your water heater at affordable prices. With over 500 five star reviews and over 35 years of experience, we are the Plumber Tucson, AZ trusts most!

We’re here to make plumbing a worry-free and convenient experience. Our team of experienced plumbers can diagnose the root of the problem and find affordable solutions quickly.

We understand that burst pipes or other emergencies can happen at any time. Cummings Plumbing offers 24/7 service for plumbing emergencies so we can be there for you when you need us the most.

If you need to repair or replace your Water Heater – Cummings Plumbing in Tucson, AZ is your #1 best option! Contact us today for your free estimate and for more information on our Tankless Water Heater Options!

Winter is a common time for your home’s plumbing pipes to burst due to cold weather. Yes – even in the desert! The best way to prevent this is to prepare your pipes the best you can before the onset of cold weather.

There are several ways to prep your home for the winter, including:

• Checking for possible leaks
• Insulating the pipes
• Turning off outside faucets
• Keeping a slow drip on inside
• Keeping the temperature inside of your home above 55°F

Tips To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

It’s important to properly insulate exposed pipes even if the weather condition where you live is not a hard freeze. If pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures for longer than 6 consecutive hours, it increases the chance of the water in the pipes freezing and then eventually causing a burst due to the change in pressure. Even a crack or two can have a severe impact on your property!

To keep exterior pipes from freezing, cover them to keep them well insulated. There are several different methods and materials for insulating your pipes. Any pipes that go through unheated spaces such as storage, mechanical rooms or attics should be covered as well.

Keeping a slow drip going from the faucets inside your home can also help prevent the pipes from freezing over. If cold weather settles in and you notice temperatures beginning to drop, start a small drip of both hot water and cold water in the kitchen, bath, laundry areas. A small water drip can help keep water moving through the system and prevent the water in the pipes from freezing.

How To Know The Pipes In Your Home Are Broken

If you turn on the faucet and only a small drip or nothing comes out, that can mean the pipes did freeze over. There are other reasons why your pipes may break, such as clogs in the drain or corrosion due to rust. Other signs of a broken pipe include loss of water pressure, stains on the wall, discolored water or noises coming from the pipes.

If you see or suspect a leak or a break in the piping anywhere inside or outside of the home, immediately shut off the main water supply to the property and call a professional plumber for assistance.

Not only does a broken pipe mean you will now be in need of a repair, it may also cause water damage to your property. Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden or unexpected pipe bursting may or may not be covered by homeowners insurance and can become costly. However, water damage can quickly lead to mold so it’s important to remediate any broken pipes and possible water damage as soon as possible. Make sure to document any damage so you can submit it for an insurance claim with your insurance company.

How To Repair A Broken Pipe

Pipes are an essential part of a plumbing structure and their failure can result in a large mess or even possible damage. To minimize damage while waiting for a repair, turn off the water and try to clean up any water if you can. A Professional Plumber will be able to assess the damage to the pipe and the best solution to repair it.

It’s important to hire a certified and experienced plumber when you need to repair a pipe so that it can be fixed quickly, efficiently and correctly. Hiring a plumber will be time-saving and cost-effective rather than attempting trial-and-error or do-it-yourself repair. A plumber will be able to come up with a solution to leave your home plumbing safe and reliable!

A Plumber You Can Trust

If for any reason you find you may have a broken pipe, Cummings Plumbing offers 24/7 assistance. No matter the time of day, we have a team of experienced technicians available to assist you with your plumbing needs. We’ve been serving the Tucson area for over 36 years!

Our technicians are here to help diagnose the problem and help you find a solution every time! We’re dedicated to providing affordable plumbing options to repair your plumbing issues. If you have a pipe break this winter season, contact the experts at Cummings Plumbing!

Many people have hard water flowing into their home and don’t even realize it. Hard water is water that contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, which might not sound like a big deal, but having hard water flowing through your pipes and out your faucet can actually have some serious consequences. For example, hard water makes it more difficult for things like soap or dish detergent to dissolve, which results in a film or build-up in your pipes, sometimes even leading to a clog. In addition, hard water is simply harsher on everything that comes into contact with it, from your skin and hair to your plumbing. Luckily, there is a way to turn your hard water into soft water — a water softening system.

Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling are plumbing experts based in Tucson, Arizona, who specialize in the installation of HVAC systems, including water softening systems. They provide their insight into a list of the top benefits to be derived from installing a water softening system in your home.

Healthier Skin

On the personal care side, one of the most noticeable benefits of soft water has to do with your skin. If your home currently relies on hard water, then you may think that dried out skin the moment you step out of the shower is the norm. The reality is that the harsh minerals that hard water contains act as an exfoliant on the skin, which can dry it out. Stripping hard water of these minerals by way of a water softening system will make the water far more gentle on your skin, shares Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. The result? Healthier, softer skin that doesn’t require insane amounts of moisturizer the moment your shower ends.

Shiny Hair

Another benefit to be derived from the installation of a water softening system in your home is that soft water will leave your hair strong and shiny. Similar to the effects of hard water on your skin, the high content of minerals in the water can also leave your hair dry, dull, and brittle — no matter what shampoo you use. The minerals and ions in hard water can make even the healthiest locks look dried out. That is where a water softening system can help. According to Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Tucson, Arizona, such a system will remove the destructive minerals from the water, allowing your hair to retain more moisture and look its best.

Better Tasting Drinking Water

Third, the plumbing experts at Cummings Plumbing assert that hard water tends to taste “earthier,” which is not something many people enjoy. This earthier flavor is derived from the high contents of minerals and metallics such as iron that the water contains. In contrast, soft water has a much milder, more neutral taste. When drinking soft water, you won’t pick up on any sort of strange aftertaste, unlike hard water, which some claim they can taste traces of fluoride, chloramine, and other minerals in. Cummings Plumbing shares that the installation of a water softening system will result in fresh, filtered drinking water every single time, which ultimately results in a more pleasant tasting glass of water.

Cummings Plumbing on Cleaner Clothing

As established previously, hard water simply isn’t gentle. This means that it is likely to have a harsh reaction to whatever it comes into contact with. If it’s your hair or face, it can dry it out, if it’s your clothing in the laundry, it can result in wear of the clothing. That’s right, another benefit of a water softening system is that it will make your clothes cleaner and softer, preserving them for longer than if you continued using hard water to wash them. In addition to drying out the fabrics the same way hard water dries out your skin, the high concentration of minerals may be more difficult for the laundry detergent to cut through, leaving your clothes dirty. Soft water on the other hand won’t leave any sort of build up or residue and will leave your clothes just as soft as when they were first put in the washing machine.