Plumber in Tempe, AZ: rentals, older homes and how to hire

Two numbers set Tempe apart. Census Bureau survey data for 2024 put the median year a Tempe housing unit was built at 1986, with about 36 percent of homes built before 1980 (ACS table B25034 via Census Reporter). And about 59 percent of occupied homes in Tempe are rented, the highest share among the cities this guide covers (ACS table B25003). Older homes mean aging drain lines, shut-off valves that have not been turned in years and original fixtures. A high renter share means many plumbing problems in Tempe start with a question: who is responsible for the repair?

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act answers most of it. Under A.R.S. 33-1324, the landlord must:

• comply with building codes that materially affect health and safety;
• make all repairs needed to keep the premises fit and habitable;
• maintain in good and safe working order all plumbing and sanitary facilities and appliances the landlord supplies; and
• supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, unless the hot water is generated by an installation under the tenant's exclusive control.

A.R.S. 33-1363 adds a self-help rule for minor defects. If the landlord does not comply and the reasonable cost of the repair is less than $300 or half of the monthly rent, whichever is greater, the tenant may notify the landlord in writing. If the landlord does not act within ten days, or sooner in an emergency, the tenant may have the work done by a licensed contractor and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from rent after giving the landlord an itemized statement and a waiver of lien. The rule does not apply if the tenant, a family member or a guest caused the problem.

For tenants, the practical steps are: report the leak or clog in writing, keep a copy, and if you use the self-help rule, hire someone with an active Arizona license. For landlords, note that a rental owner cannot rely on the owner-builder exemption in A.R.S. 32-1121, which covers only property intended for the owner's own occupancy and not for rent.

Tempe's Building Safety Division is responsible for the safety of commercial and residential buildings from planning through construction and remodeling. It is at 31 East 5th Street, Garden Level East, in the Tempe City Hall complex, and takes questions by email at permitcenter@tempe.gov. Ask the Permit Center whether your job needs a permit before work starts; repiping, sewer replacement, gas line work and water heater changes that alter gas or venting are the jobs most likely to need one.

Water and sewer service in Tempe is run by the city's Municipal Utilities Department, whose Water Utility Services division handles drinking water. Problems with water service can be reported online or through Tempe 311. Neighboring utilities that publish hardness figures report hard water, so expect some scale in water heaters and on fixtures; our hard water guide lists published hardness figures for the metro.

In homes from the 1960s through the 1980s, the problems that cost the most are usually hidden: supply lines under the slab, drain lines under the slab, and the sewer lateral to the street. A hot spot on the floor, a meter that moves with every tap off, or a sudden jump in the water bill can point to a slab leak; see our slab leak warning signs. Slow drains throughout the house can point to the main line rather than individual fixtures; our sewer line guide explains the options.

Search the business with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and confirm an active license with a residential plumbing classification, such as R-37, R-37R or a dual CR-37 license on the ROC classification list. Under A.R.S. 32-1121, an unlicensed handyman may only take casual or minor jobs totaling less than $1,000 that need no building permit, and must advertise as "not a licensed contractor." Our hiring guide covers contracts and deposits.

This site is an independent guide that explains costs, warning signs and how to hire. It is not a licensed contractor; we do not perform plumbing work and do not answer phones. To reach a plumber, call one of the licensed contractors listed on this page or see all listed contractors. Questions about this guide: email us. We do not take service requests. Run the license checks above on anyone you hire. If water is actively leaking, shut off the main valve first and read our emergency plumbing guide.