Common Pitfalls in Tankless Water Heater Installations

Installing a tankless water heater offers numerous benefits, from better energy efficiency to a continuous supply of hot water. However, mistakes made during installation—especially venting errors—can lead to serious problems later on. At Gold Star Plumbing & Drain, we frequently see these issues firsthand and provide expert water heater repair in Chandler, AZ to address…

How to Tell If Your Water Softener is Actually Working

While a well-functioning system should quietly improve your water quality, there are some clear signs when something’s off. Hard water can leave behind residue, cause dry skin, and shorten the lifespan of appliances. Over time, even a good water softener can lose efficiency. Before assuming your system is still operating at its best, it’s important…

Why Renovations Are the Perfect Time to Address Hidden Drain Issues

A home renovation is the perfect opportunity to reimagine a space, upgrade fixtures, and improve functionality—but what’s happening beneath the surface matters just as much. While it’s exciting to focus on new countertops, fresh paint, and upgraded appliances, the hidden systems that support your home often get overlooked. Aging or damaged drainage systems, in particular,…

PEX vs. Copper: Which Water Line Replacement Lasts Longer?

When it comes to replacing your home’s water lines, durability is always at the top of the list. But material alone doesn’t determine how long your system will last—factors like efficiency, installation, and maintenance also play critical roles. For homeowners comparing options, two popular choices stand out: traditional copper piping and the newer PEX (cross-linked…

Can a Tankless Water Heater Get Clogged?

A tankless water heater is often marketed as the efficient, hassle-free solution to traditional water heating. It’s compact, energy-saving, and built to deliver hot water on demand. But while the benefits are real, these systems aren’t immune to problems. One of the most common—and misunderstood—issues is clogging. Many homeowners assume that because there’s no storage…

The Truth About Soft Water: What You Might Be Overlooking

Soft water might sound like the ultimate solution to hard water problems—no more scale buildup, easier soap lathering, and gentler results for your laundry and skin. But while soft water solves certain issues, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s healthy or safe to drink. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that installing a water softener is the same…

Why Some Drains Keep Failing No Matter How Many Times You Fix Them

You’ve snaked it. You’ve poured solutions down it. Maybe you’ve even had it professionally cleared more than once. And still, the same drain backs up again—and again. It’s frustrating, costly, and disruptive. But here’s the thing: when a drain keeps failing no matter how often it’s fixed, the problem usually goes far deeper than the…

The Real Threat of Slab Leaks—and How to Stop the Damage

Slab leaks are one of the most serious plumbing issues a homeowner can face. They develop beneath the concrete foundation of a home, making them difficult to detect and even harder to ignore. Left unaddressed, they can lead to severe structural damage, skyrocketing water bills, and even health hazards. At Gold Star Plumbing & Drain,…

Why Your Water Heater Smells Like Rotten Eggs – And How to Fix It

A hot shower shouldn’t come with an unpleasant surprise, but if your water smells like rotten eggs, there’s a problem lurking in your water heater. That sulfur-like odor isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a sign of underlying issues that need attention. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward restoring clean, fresh-smelling hot water in…

Signs Your Water Treatment System Needs Maintenance

A water treatment system is one of the most valuable investments you can make for your home or business, providing clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, and everyday use. But like any system, it requires attention to keep working efficiently. Ignoring maintenance can lead to a decline in water quality, potential damage to plumbing fixtures,…

Old vs. New Sewer Line Materials: What Lasts the Longest?

Sewer lines are one of those things property owners don’t think about until there’s a problem. But when a backup, leak, or collapse happens, the material of the pipe can make all the difference in how long it lasts and how well it holds up against wear and tear. With older homes and buildings still…

Why Some Leaks Only Appear Under Certain Conditions

Leaks don’t always make themselves known right away. Some only appear under specific conditions, like during heavy water use or sudden temperature changes. These intermittent leaks can be frustrating to track down, often vanishing as quickly as they appear. Understanding why this happens is key to preventing hidden damage that could worsen over time. Let’s…