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Plumbing

We serve it all.

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Serving the greater Ann Arbor area means working on every type of home — historic, mid-century, modern, new builds, apartments, and condos. Our plumbing expertise runs deep.

At the turn of the 20th century, when Ann Arbor Water Works needed pipes laid for the city water system, Hutzel was the company they called. We’ve been here ever since. And we’re here for you.

Plumbing Services

Plumbing Services

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If it involves water, we handle it. If you don’t see it listed, just call — this list isn’t exhaustive.
  • Water Heaters (gas / electric) — installation, maintenance, repair
  • Sump Pumps — installation, maintenance, repair
  • Garbage Disposals — installation, maintenance, repair
  • Backflow Systems — installation, testing, maintenance
  • Water Leaks and Slab Leaks
  • Fixture Leaks
  • Bathtubs, Hot Tubs, Showers, Toilets, and Sinks — installation & repair
  • Drain Clearing & Sewer Line Service
Hutzel 038 CSP09930

PlumbING ServiceS

How We Serve

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We install, maintain, and repair water heaters, disposals, sump pumps, and backflow systems. We diagnose and repair water leaks, slab leaks, and fixture issues. We partner with architects and builders to install plumbing systems and fixtures during new construction or renovations.

All work is overseen by our Master Plumber, ensuring every job meets — and exceeds — state and local standards. Every plumber on our team is licensed and trained to handle challenges all over Washtenaw County.

Plumbing FAQs

Plumbing Service — Frequently Asked Questions:

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

Celery, potatoes, coffee grinds, rice, glass. “It’s a garbage disposal not a garbage can.”
Most garbage disposals have a reset button on the bottom of the unit. Look for a red button.
Yes, it will help to unjam the disposal if it gets jammed.

HOT WATER HEATER:

It is recommended once a year to avoid buildup on the bottom of the tank. This will help if function more efficiently.
You can, if you desire. It may save you money initially, however if there is a warranty issue you have to pay someone to drain the water heater, take it back to the place of purchase to get a replacement. If you buy a water heater from a plumbing company, like Hutzel, a simple phone call is all it takes to replace a defective product.

WATER SOFTENER:

Yes, a water filter on a water softener will prevent debris from entering the system and causing problems.
The salt tank should be at least half full all the time. If there is little or no salt in the tank, the water softener will regenerate without salt and damage the water softener.
It is not recommended by most manufacturers as the additive to remove the iron from the salt will damage the water softener over time.

TOILET:

YES it will. Flushing wipes not only causes backups in the toilet but the entire drainage system from inside the house out to the city sewer line.

PIPES & FIXTURES ( +THE KITCHEN SINK):

Galvanized water lines were installed primarily in the 1940s, 50’s and 60’s so your
piping could be anywhere from 60 to 80 years old. Most piping appears to be intact, with no signs of leakage, however the inside of the pipe is most likely full of rust and iron
deposits.
Eventually, the pipes will begin to leak. If a galvanized water line begins to leak, it is
important to replace as much or all of the galvanized piping. Repairs are often not
successful on galvanized piping.
PEX water piping has been used in the United States for nearly 40 years. Today, PEX is used more often because of the cost of copper and the ease of installation.
Most PEX water piping will not split or break in the event of a freezing, which is a good thing here in Ann Arbor with all the power outages during winter storms. Copper
pipes will split in a deep freeze.
Insulation will help prolong pipes from freezing. If the temperatures reach below 10ºF (-12°C) for a length of time, insulation will not prevent freezing.
It depends. Most galvanized drain lines are 40 to 70 years old, so while they may not
be leaking, they may not be draining well. If you have to your main line rodded continuously, you should probably replace the galvanized line with PVC. New PVC lines
will also help avoid leaks by the old, galvanized lines.
There are usually valves under the sink you can turn off to stop the leaking. If the valves are old or no longer turn off, call Hutzel as soon as you can. The valves most likely need to be replaced or repaired.
If your kitchen sink has a pull out or down sprayer head, start with it. First, remove the spray head; clip the hose so it will not retract into the faucet; and clean the screen on the inside of the spray head.
After you’ve followed the above steps, soak the spray head in water and vinegar for
half hour. We recommend a 1 to 1 ratio of water to vinegar. If that doesn’t work, most
manufactures have a lifetime warranty, and some may replace for free.
It’s important to plug one side of the sink while plunging the other side. This keeps air in the pipe being plunged, which will help clear the line.
Remove the overflow plate and linkage in drain and insert rag into overflow and press hard with hand or finger. Then plunge bathtub drain. Sealing the overflow drain keeps the air pressure in the drain, helping to move the clog.
Remove the show head and clean the filter. Turn on the water to confirm flow is good from the shower arm. If it is, then reinstall the shower head with new Teflon tape on the shower arm. If the flow coming out of the shower arm is not good or if the flow is not strong after you’ve reinstalled the shower head, call Hutzel. Either or both may need to
be replaced.
Yes, water stays in the hose faucet and it will freeze over the winter. Removing the hose, allows for air into the pipe and any frozen ice to come out, relieving pressure during deep freezes.

CONTACT HUTZEL

Give Us a Call

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We’ve been local a century before “local” was considered trendy.

On-call 24/7 to keep your family cool.

CALL HUTZEL TODAY