» Leak Detection & Repair

Common Plumbing Problems in the Spring

Posted on April 9, 2024 | by lsnow

Springtime is a season of rebirth and rejuvenation when the snow melts and flowers flourish. But it also signals the beginning of regular plumbing issues that residents in Salt Lake City can face. Plumbing issues can flourish when warmer weather comes to town, but being prepared can save you both time and money. At Valley Plumbing, we want our customers to look out for common spring plumbing issues, and when to call professional Valley plumbers when the problem can be too hard to handle.

Main Water Line:

Main water lines are particularly vulnerable to damage during the change from freezing to warmer temperatures. Cycles of freezing and thawing may lead to pipe expansion and contraction, which could result in leaks or cracks in the main water line. Valley Plumbing advises taking preventative steps to identify possible problems early on, such as installing insulation and doing routine inspections.

Leak Detection:

April showers can bring in an annoying plumbing issue: leaks. From dripping faucets to hidden pipe leaks, water wastage and property damage are common concerns for homeowners. Pipe leaks might lie unnoticed for a long time, particularly if they originate inside the wall. When minimal water pressure and no water is flowing out in cold weather, it's obvious that there might be a leak. When the temperature rises in the spring and the water unexpectedly thaws, the issue is more noticeable. Keep an eye out for any standing or trickling water, musty odors, or discolorations on the nearby wall.

Repiping Needs:

Wear and corrosion in aging plumbing systems can require repiping to maintain the integrity of your home's water supply. With a focus on repiping, Valley Plumbing provides strong, long-lasting solutions that are customized to meet the unique requirements of residents in Salt Lake City.

Clogged Drains:

In the spring, when there are more outdoor activities and landscaping projects, clogged drains become a common problem. Debris, grime, and vegetation buildup can clog drains, causing backups or sluggish drainage. No matter how difficult a drain blockage is, only experienced plumbers like us at Valley Plumbing can remove it using our cutting-edge tools and tried-and-true methods. Additionally, we can restore your drains to like-new condition by thoroughly cleaning them!

Sump Pump Maintenance:

Snowmelt and spring showers can leave the area surrounding the foundation of your home overly damp. It takes a working sump pump to stop basement flooding and water damage. To make sure your sump pump is prepared to withstand the influx of water throughout the spring, we advise routine maintenance and inspections.

Valley Plumbing is your dependable partner for all plumbing needs, having spent years serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts is available to assist you with any problems you may be having with main water lines, sump pump maintenance, clogged drains, leak detection, or repiping. Spring weather is beautiful, but don’t let your plumbing cause havoc in the meantime.

Why Worry About a Leaking Toilet?

Posted on January 23, 2019 | by lsnow

Does any mention of toilet repair make you start sweating, worrying about the cost and the mess a plumbing repair job will lead to? It doesn’t have to!

Valley Plumbing is here with some useful information that will help you feel a little more relaxed about that running water sound coming from the toilet.

Don’t waste your time worrying or stressing about a leaking toilet! Believe it or not, nine times out of ten, remedying a leaking toilet is a fairly simple task. Read on to learn more!

It’s All About The Toilet Flapper!

Okay, maybe not all about the flapper, but the chances are that if you have a leak in your toilet, it's because your toilet flapper needs to be replaced or at least repaired.

If you have a rubber cap flapper and can't remember how long it's been since the last time you replaced it, it's rubber edge may have worn out with age.

When this happens, the cap doesn't fit perfectly over the overflow pipe it sits on, so water can get in and leak into the bowl. If you have a tank ball flapper, wearing is possible but less likely than an issue with the chain. If the chain attached to the ball is too short, it can prevent it from properly sitting on the overflow pipe and covering it.

If you still have a seat disk flapper, you'd be better off replacing it than trying to fix it, as the disproportionate size of the seat disk makes it difficult to repair. No matter what kind of toilet flapper you have, call Valley Plumbing for help repairing or replacing it.

Get That Running Toilet Under Control

Now, if you checked your toilet flapper and found that it is not cracked or worn, and the chain is the perfect length, but you are still looking at a running toilet, what could it possibly be?! Don't panic.

There are some other possible issues that can also be remedied relatively easily. If the toilet flapper isn’t to blame, check the water level inside your tank.

If the water level is too high, it can cause water to spill over into the overflow pipe and run into the bowl. You might also want to check other mechanisms in your tank like the fill float or fill valve.

Great Tips For Toilet Maintenance

Finally, once you find and repair whatever was causing your toilet to leak, make sure to take care to focus on better toilet maintenance to avoid this issue again in the future.

Not sure what "good toilet maintenance" looks like? You can start by keeping your toilet bowl clean using mild cleaners. Be aware of what is being flushed down your toilet.

Anything other than human waste and toilet paper can clog up the drain and cause damage to your pipes. Finally, check the mechanisms in your tank regularly (about every six months) to make sure they are working correctly.

Share your favorite toilet maintenance tips below for all our readers to use them! Call Valley Plumbing in Salt Lake City if you’re having recurring toilet issues. Our plumbing experts are standing by now to help you! Call (801) 341-4222 today!

How to Deal With the Most Common Reasons for Water Leaks

Posted on April 19, 2018 | by lsnow

How do you know if you have a plumbing leak? Most of the time you may see pooling water, an unexplained hike in water bills, low water pressure, rust, mold growth, the sound of water rushing behind the walls and/or a musty odor.
While dealing with water leak repair can be messy and inconvenient, you can be proactive in managing the risk. There are certain issues with plumbing that most commonly are behind plumbing leaks. Here are what they are and what you can do about them.

Aging Plumbing System

Your plumbing won’t last forever, so if you’ve got an older home in Salt Lake City, UT you may want to take note of the potential leak hazards inherent with old pipes.
Consider getting a professional water leak detection service to find problem areas. It is a good investment to upgrade old pipes before they cause leaks.

Water Quality Issues

Not only does low water quality pose a threat to your health, those same impurities threaten your pipes as well. The residue from those mineral impurities gathers in your pipes and can cause decay and eventually water leaks.
To keep this problem at bay, install a water filtration system or a water softener to bring more balance to your water. This will improve your physical health and the health of your plumbing too.

Corrosion Problems

A major threat to the integrity of your plumbing is corrosion. This risk is even greater if you have copper pipes or if there is a high salt count in your water.
As a first step, it is a really good idea to replace copper piping with PVC. PVC is more durable and is also more resistant to rust.
Make a point of running water often. Stagnating water will speed up the corrosive process. Also keep your water temperature lower. Really hot water also promotes corrosion.

The Issue With Water Pressure

While having strong water pressure is awesome when you want to take a shower, have a drink or fill your pots when you are cooking, the force of that water can be quite damaging to your pipes.
The strong water hammers your pipes, causing damage and leaks. To rectify this, check your water pressure on a regular basis. Make sure it resides in the 45-60 psi range. When it comes to your plumbing, a little preventative maintenance and vigilance can go a long way in helping to keep water leaks from forming.

Water Leaks Are Avoidable If You Take These 4 Plumbing Care Precautions

Posted on February 19, 2018 | by lsnow

The biggest danger a water leak can represent to a home or business is the damage it can to do your bills and, eventually, your structure itself.
A leak, no matter how small it is, is always costing you money, because the moment water exits a pipe or fixture, your water company considers it used, and you pay for it.
In terms of damage to your building, a leak, depending on where it is, can cause stains or even water damage to cabinets where pipes or appliances are attached.
It can do the same for walls and ceilings, necessitating expensive repairs, and, in the worst scenarios, can provide a breeding ground for mold that can threaten the health of all workers and residents. With our four tips, however, we can help you to keep leaks under control.

Lessen Water Pressure

How much water pressure do you need? If you run a business, most of the time you will only need water to come out of faucets and toilets.
And at home, even if you value high pressure in your shower, new showerheads can actually increase pressure all by themselves.
This means you don’t need the water pressure in your pipes to be high. For the good of your pipes, it shouldn’t be in the first place. High water pressure applies a constant force to your pipes every second of every day, and this can eventually lead to breaks or leaks, so reduce it!

Don’t Use Clog Removers with Harsh Chemicals

Modern plumbing for drainage often uses synthetic materials like PVC, which is a type of plastic.
One way you can increase the lifespan of these and other pipes is not resort to harsh, store-bought chemicals to clear up clogged or slow drains.
These can dissolve and weaken the pipe itself!

Stop Corrosion

Corrosion is just another word for saying a pipe “rots” or rusts due to chemical reactions with other components. Unfortunately, corrosion can occur inside a pipe, working undisturbed for years before you see signs on the surface.
To prevent corrosion, there are a few different steps you can take, depending on the type of pipe and layout of your house. For example, if you have metal pipes, they may also be used to ground electricity in your home.
However, electrical energy running through these pipes may create galvanic corrosion under the right conditions! With something like copper, you can protect it from corrosion by simply using paint sealer to prevent it from interacting with oxygen and rusting.

Confirm Leaks

Finally, if you suspect that you may already have a leak, you should confirm it if you’re not sure. Check all pipes for moisture, as well as the areas around pipes for water stains or damage.
The same is true for walls or ceilings where drainage or water pipes are present. If all else fails, try taking a reading of your water meter, then stop all water usage and wait anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
If your water meter has still gone up in that time, you’ve definitely got a leak. Leaks can be damaging, but if you get to them early enough, you prevent an expensive fix. Take advantage of the convenience of living in Salt Lake City, UT and get professional help if you need it to keep your plumbing in good shape.