Plumbers in El Mirage, AZ

On the Agua Fria, between Surprise and Youngtown

El Mirage sits on the west bank of the Agua Fria River in Maricopa County, about 18 miles in a straight line from downtown Phoenix. Grand Avenue runs through it, Thunderbird and Waddell roads cross it, and Luke Air Force Base is nearby. The community was settled by migrant farm workers in the early 1930s, incorporated as a town in 1951 and became a city in 1983. The 2020 Census counted 35,805 residents, and the city still keeps some of its farming roots alongside a growing industrial base.

City wells and a softer supply

The City of El Mirage Water Services Division pumps groundwater from nine city wells spread across town and delivers it to El Mirage and to the Original Town Site of Surprise, nearly 40,000 people in all. The city states that El Mirage holds an Assured Water Supply designation, meaning a 100-year supply has been demonstrated under state rules.

Hardness here is on the lower side for the Valley. The city's water quality report lists 4 to 9 grains per gallon, averaging about 7. Scale still builds up over time in water heaters and fixtures, but softeners are more of a choice than a necessity compared with harder-water cities. Annual reports are posted on the city's Water Quality Reports page.

The City of El Mirage Wastewater Services collects and treats sewage at its own reclamation facility. The city is also working to identify service line materials throughout its system under the federal lead and copper rules.

Backflow and permits

Under City Code 14-10, the property owner is responsible for having each backflow prevention assembly tested and serviced at least once a year and for paying for any repairs or replacement. Tests must be done by a certified tester on the city's list, and the tester sends results and repair records to the city.

Permits come from El Mirage Development Services through its Building Safety division, which says permits are needed for new construction and some repair work. A plumber can tell you whether your job is one of them, or you can ask the division directly.

Gas safety and what to expect

We could not confirm the gas utility for El Mirage addresses, and some homes are all-electric. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and your gas utility from outside.

Compared with Phoenix, El Mirage water comes from city wells instead of mostly treated river water, it is noticeably softer, and permits and backflow records go through El Mirage rather than Phoenix. When you call, describe the problem and whether the water is off, and you will be connected with an independent plumber who covers El Mirage. Pricing and scheduling are agreed between you and that plumber.