Plumbing Inspection in Cave Creek, AZ

Reasons to schedule

• You're buying a home on a large desert lot
• You're not sure whether the property is on town sewer or an onsite system
• A required backflow assembly with no test record
• Long supply runs and pressure that varies around the house
• Older plumbing in the historic core near Frontier Town

Cave Creek specifics

Cave Creek is a small town on the northern edge of the Valley, and most homes are from the 1990s on; census-based figures put the median at about 1998, with roughly 16% built before 1980.

The Town of Cave Creek Utilities Department supplies water inside town from treated Colorado River water at its own plant. It also runs the Desert Hills Water System for parts of unincorporated Maricopa County, which relies on wells supplemented with treated CAP water. The town reports that it hasn't found lead service lines so far.

Town sewer is the key difference. The town says its collection system is very limited in area and not all properties can be served, so many homes are not on municipal sewer and use private onsite wastewater systems. A plumber can check the drain line from the house toward the tank; the system itself needs a separate specialist.

Required backflow assemblies must be tested at least once a year by a certified tester and installed as close to the meter as possible on the customer side.

What drives the cost

• Long supply and drain runs on large lots
• Adding a camera run of the drain line
• Number of bathrooms, water heaters and outbuildings
• Report needs

After you call

You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who works in Cave Creek. Say whether the home is on town sewer, if you know. Permits for repairs go through the Town of Cave Creek Building Department. Southwest Gas serves the town; if you smell gas, leave, then call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020. Ask for photos and notes on the drain route and any cleanouts, which helps if you later need work on the line to the tank or the sewer. On larger properties, mention any guest house, barn or outdoor kitchen with water so it's included.