Maricopa County · Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler metro
Plumbing help in Tempe, AZ
Newer HomesFrozen Pipes
Tempe is older than its East Valley neighbors: the median home dates to 1986, and over a third of homes predate 1980. Combined with hard Valley water and a large student-rental market around Arizona State University, that makes aging water heaters, fixture repairs and slab leaks the city's most common plumbing work.
- Median home built
- 1986
- Built before 1980
- 36%
- Owner-occupied
- 41%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Hard freezes are rare
- Plumbing code
- State code
What Tempe homeowners call plumbers about
- Water Heater Replacement
Hard water and summer heat shorten tank life, and many rentals still run original heaters.
- Slab Leak Repair
Most homes are slab-on-grade with copper lines underneath, and the older housing stock means more pinhole leaks.
- Toilet Repair
High-turnover rentals near ASU see heavy fixture use, and scaled fill valves keep toilets running.
Emergency plumbing in Tempe
Call (833) 878-1592Shut off your main water supply if it's safe to do so. The emergencies below are listed most likely first for Tempe homes, based on local conditions.
Permits and code in Tempe
Plumbing contractors here are licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, which offers a public contractor search by license number or business name. [2]
Where Tempe's water comes from
Tempe's water comes from the Salt and Verde rivers, and the blend shifts with seasons and snowmelt. The city notes the Salt River is higher in dissolved solids and chlorides, while the Verde River is higher in hardness compounds. [1]
Polybutylene-era homes in Tempe
The median home in Tempe was built in 1986, and 36% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper or CPVC supply, plastic drains, and in some homes gray polybutylene supply pipe.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Plumbing services for Tempe homes
Tempe plumbing questions
Why does Tempe's water hardness change through the year?
Tempe blends Salt River and Verde River water, and the mix changes with seasons and snowmelt. The Verde River carries more hardness, so hardness rises when more Verde water is in the blend.
Who fixes plumbing in a Tempe student rental?
Usually the landlord or property manager. Report leaks and running toilets promptly in writing; slow leaks can raise the water bill and damage floors.
Are slab leaks common in Tempe?
Yes. Slab foundations, copper supply lines and older housing make under-slab leaks one of the more frequent repairs.
How do I check a Tempe plumbing contractor?
Search the Arizona Registrar of Contractors by license number or business name.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- City of Tempe, Frequently Asked Questions about Tempe's Water · checked 2026-10-02
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors, Contractor Search · checked 2026-10-02