Plumbers in Rio Verde, AZ

A golf community on the Verde River

Rio Verde is a master-planned, age-restricted (55 and older) active adult community on the Verde River in the far northeast part of the metro, about 30 miles in a straight line from downtown Phoenix. It is a census-designated place, not a town, and the 2020 Census counted 2,210 residents with a median age around 72. Development began in 1973. Neighbors include McDowell Mountain Regional Park, the Tonto National Forest and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and Scottsdale is the nearest larger city.

Water from EPCOR wells

EPCOR Water Arizona runs the Rio Verde water system, with about 3,100 service connections, using infrastructure it bought from Rio Verde Utilities. Supply comes entirely from five EPCOR groundwater wells in the northeast part of the community. The water is disinfected with chlorine, and EPCOR's report lists hardness of 11 to 14 grains per gallon, so scale buildup in water heaters, faucets and shower valves is a common reason to call a plumber or add a softener. EPCOR's report also notes low levels of naturally occurring arsenic below the federal standard; its annual report has current results. EPCOR customer care is 1-800-383-0834, and its service line inventory for the system is at epcor.com/safety.

Rio Verde should not be confused with Rio Verde Foothills, a separate neighboring area that is not on EPCOR's Rio Verde system. If your address is in the Foothills, your water setup is different.

We could not confirm who provides wastewater service for every Rio Verde address. Your utility bill or HOA can tell you whether your home is on a sewer system or is not on municipal sewer and uses a private onsite wastewater system.

Maricopa County permits and EPCOR backflow rules

Because Rio Verde is unincorporated, the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department issues permits (602-506-3301). The county no longer requires a permit to replace an existing water heater, though the work must follow the manufacturer's specifications and an optional permit is available if you want an inspection. Like-for-like plumbing repairs use a web-issued permit, and new gas lines for a grill, fireplace or pool heater take a non-technical permit.

EPCOR requires customers to install, maintain and test backflow assemblies, with tests at installation, after repair or relocation and every year by a certified tester, and reports sent within 30 days.

Gas safety and how Rio Verde differs from Phoenix

We could not confirm a gas utility for Rio Verde, and some outlying homes use propane or are all-electric. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and your gas utility from outside; for propane, call 911 and your propane supplier.

Compared with Phoenix, Rio Verde has well water from a private utility, county permits and harder water. When you call, give your address and describe the problem, and you will be connected with an independent plumber who serves Rio Verde and quotes the work directly.