Category: Plumbing Tips

How to Save Money on Water Costs and Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Water is one of the essential resources for life, and it's increasingly becoming more difficult to manage water costs. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money on water bills. This blog post will share some tips that homeowners can use in their homes to help reduce their monthly water bill expenses - plus get started with practicing sustainable habits for water conservation. 

Mindful Water Usage

Turning off the tap is an easy way to conserve water. Homeowners can save significantly by turning off the water when brushing their teeth, showering, shaving, and washing their hands. This simple act of conservation reduces a household’s water usage and cost. According to the EPA, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth can save 8 gallons of water a day by itself, and 10 gallons of water can be saved per shave. 

Homeowners also shouldn’t forget to check for leaky faucets and toilets and get them fixed immediately. Even a small drip can add up to thousands of gallons of wasted water over a year. Other water-saving tips include checking the weather for rain before watering the lawn and only running the dishwasher and washing machine when full.

Water Saving Fixtures and Appliances

Water-saving plumbing fixtures are designed to reduce the amount of water used in a household while still providing adequate performance. Examples of water-saving appliances and fixtures include low-flow showerheads, water-saving toilets, faucet aerators, and touchless faucets.

Toilets typically use the most water of anything else inside a home and make up the largest percentage of water usage. This makes it beneficial to replace old water-wasting toilets with new water-saving ones. Many types of toilets save water, including pressure-assisted toilets and dual-flush toilets. 

Low-flow showerheads are a smart investment because users will save water every time they use it compared to using an older showerhead. Same with faucet aerators and touchless faucets. They use air and sensors to save water without sacrificing water pressure. By investing in these water-saving appliances and fixtures, homeowners can save both water and money over time. 

Clogged Toilets Waste Water

A clogged toilet is not only inconvenient, but it can also lead to water being wasted while trying to unclog it. However, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent clogged toilets. First and foremost, do not flush anything that is not meant to be flushed down the toilet. This includes anything from paper towels, cotton swabs, and even dental floss. Even products that say “flushable” on the front may not work for all toilets.

These items can become stuck in the pipes or wrap around other objects, causing a clog that wastes water unnecessarily. The only thing that should be flushed is toilet paper, and everything else can get discarded in the garbage to protect the plumbing and prevent water waste.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned, family-run plumbing company serving  Lehi, UT, and the surrounding communities. They provide competitive pricing, 24-hour live answers, and a hassle-free experience. Call them today for toilet repair and installation services, bathroom remodeling, or faucet, fixture, and sink installation and repair in Lehi, UT.

Find the Right Sewer Line Repair Company

One of the most catastrophic things that can go wrong with the plumbing system in a home is a sewer problem. Sure, leaks can be a hassle, and new plumbing installations can be difficult to navigate, but nothing can bring the home to a grinding halt like a sewer line problem. 

When the sewer starts to have trouble, not only is there likely a stinky mess somewhere in the home or yard, but the problem also means that freshwater supplies will need to be shut off while the problem is resolved to prevent floods in the home. Figuring out what to do next can be stressful for any homeowner under normal circumstances, let alone under the stress of losing water service. Luckily, local plumbing companies are here to help. Here is some helpful advice to help homeowners understand how to deal with a sewer line that needs repairs. 

Why Hire a Professional at All?

When faced with big expenses, many homeowners’ first impulse is to try DIY repairs. Don’t even think about it! Sewer line repair is much too involved for an amateur to attempt, and it usually turns out to be too much of a hassle. Not to mention, performing serious sewer line repairs without proper training and insurance is likely a building code violation. 

Most often, sewer lines are located below grade. This means that sewer lines are buried under several feet of the ground and pass through a home’s foundations and surrounding infrastructure like sidewalks, landscaping, and driveways. Professional sewer line repair services have the skills and equipment to pinpoint the exact source of problems, excavate as little as possible, and make repairs quickly. Always consult professionals for sewer line repairs, and most homeowners quickly realize that hiring a professional is always the best bet. 

Do Your Research

Hiring a sewer line repair contractor doesn’t mean hiring anyone with a shovel and some pipe glue. Homeowners should take the time to make sure their plumbing company is licensed and insured to do the work and check online reviews. A licensed plumber can display a plumber’s license when asked, regulated by state and local agencies. 

Along with licensure, a plumber will be able to produce proof of worker’s comp insurance and bond insurance to protect their customers ’ properties from deficiencies in their work or parts. This insurance will financially protect homeowners from being liable for mistakes. Always check to make sure the company has both. 

Ask Questions About the Service

Hiring plumbing contractors can make homeowners uneasy, but for the investment, they are being asked to make, they should have total peace of mind. Before agreeing to begin work on sewer line repairs, homeowners should take the opportunity to ask any questions they may have and address any concerns. 

Since plumbing contractors are masters of their craft, they should be able to patiently and completely discuss any of the homeowner’s concerns before work begins. Once the homeowner is satisfied, sewer line repairs can begin. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning are the local, trusted experts when it comes to sewer line repair. They offer competitive pricing, superior customer service, and customer education. Call them today for sewer line repair in Lehi, UT, and surrounding areas.

The Benefits of a Water Heater Replacement 

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time for homeowners to plan home improvement projects they may want to do this year. Installing a new water heater is a great place to start. The water heater is one of the most important pieces of home hardware, so it is unsurprising that many homeowners are considering installing a new one this year. Installing a new water heater can improve the home’s value for years to come. This blog post shares the benefits of installing a new water heater. 

Lower Water Heating Costs With Improved Efficiency 

Keep energy bills low by upgrading to a new water heater with more efficient performance. Over time the savings from switching to a more efficient water heater could be substantial. As water heaters age, they can lose efficiency and require more energy to do the same job, increasing energy bills. New water heaters are more efficient than ever and are designed to offer better performance while using less energy, which saves homeowners money. 

Homeowners can feel good that upgrading the water heater also means reducing the carbon footprint of the household. Homeowners will also save money on repairs by switching their old water heater for a new model. New water heaters tend to be more insulated, which keeps energy costs low. The most efficient type of water heater is a tankless water heater.

What is Hot Water Recovery Rate?

The hot water recovery rate refers to how fast a hot water heater can regenerate more hot water after it is used up. New hot water heaters typically have better recovery rates, so homeowners always have hot water. Homeowners that are tired of cold showers should think about how installing a new water heater could benefit them this year. 

Not having enough hot water to perform daily tasks can be frustrating, especially for large families. To get the year started right, homeowners should consider installing a high-capacity hot water heater to provide their household with enough hot water to do it all. Hot water is essential for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, and homeowners should not have to wait a long time for the hot water heater to replenish.

Save Space for Storage

Homeowners motivated by storage space should consider the benefits of switching to a new tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters take up far less space than traditional water heaters, which means more room in the garage, basement, or closet for other things. Tankless water heaters are also the most efficient type of water heater system because they only heat water as needed and don’t use extra energy to keep the water in a tank hot. 

When installing a new tankless water heater, homeowners can expect around 20 years of performance out of their new water heater, double the expected lifespan of traditional storage tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters are very efficient and can help homeowners reduce utility bills. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning are a family-owned and operated business serving Lehi, UT, and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing, a hassle-free experience, and financing. Call them today for water heater and tankless water heater services in Lehi, UT.

Thanksgiving Dinner Shouldn’t Be Ruined Because of Plumbing

Thanksgiving is here, and homeowners across the nation are preparing to host their families for the holidays. Homeowners should not have to worry about any plumbing mishaps that can occur during this time, so it’s important to know how to avoid these issues from happening. This article will outline tips to prevent plumbing mishaps, such as clogged toilets and blocked sewer lines, along with the importance of preventative maintenance. 

A Clogged Toilet Shouldn’t Ruin the Festivities 

Clogged toilets can ruin a family's Thanksgiving holiday if homeowners aren’t aware of how to prevent this issue. While it is easy to clog a toilet, it’s just as easy to avoid it. One way that homeowners can bypass a clogged toilet is by using less toilet paper. Toilet paper is designed to break down and be flushed down a toilet, but too much can cause a clog. Also, it is important to be aware of what is flushed down the toilet. A toilet is only designed for water, toilet paper, and human waste to be flushed down its pipes. Other objects can cause major clogging problems. 

Another way to prevent clogged toilets is to always keep the lid closed when it’s not being used. This might seem strange, but there are several objects in a bathroom that can fall into the toilet. These objects don’t belong in a toilet and will cause a clog. By following these steps, homeowners can help prevent clogged toilets and have a smooth Thanksgiving. 

Blocked Sewer Lines Can Cause Issues

Even more burdensome than a clogged toilet is a clogged sewer line. There are several ways this can be caused, and homeowners should know how to avoid it. Broken sewer pipes or tree roots that grow into sewer pipes over time can cause these clogs. Even grease and food debris buildup can be the cause of a sewer line clog. Objects that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet can also block and clog the line. 

So to prevent clogged sewer lines, homeowners should be careful what they flush and dispose of cooking grease, oil, and food waste in the garbage and not down the kitchen sink drain. Homeowners should be cautious not to plant trees too close to the underground plumbing to avoid clogs from tree roots. 

There are negative effects that come with clogged sewer lines. The occurrence of overflow can be a major problem when it comes to a blocked sewer line. This can cause unwanted smells and health problems for the entire family. Household damage can also happen because of a sewer line clog. This can all be prevented by being aware of what is being placed down household drains and also scheduling maintenance. 

Be Thankful for Plumbing Maintenance 

Having a plumber perform proper drain cleaning and maintenance can help keep a plumbing system running smoothly and efficiently. Over time, dirt, debris, hair, soap scum, and other materials can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogging or blockage, which prevents water from flowing freely. If the clog is not removed, it can cause slow drainage or even complete blockage of the pipes. This can result in water damage to floors, ceilings, or walls due to overflows caused by backups. 

Plumbing professionals have the tools and knowledge to identify issues before they become larger problems. They will use special techniques such as snaking or hydrojetting to remove any buildup preventing water from draining properly. Professional plumbers will also inspect the entire plumbing system to identify potential problems that could lead to further damage, such as leaking pipes or corroded joints.

Having a plumber perform drain cleaning and maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of a plumbing system. Regularly scheduled cleanings will help ensure that drains are always running freely and efficiently. This, in turn, helps prevent major plumbing disasters down the line. Having a professional take care of a home’s drain cleaning needs will save the homeowner time, money, and stress in the long run. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning 

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned business serving Lehi, UT, and the surrounding neighborhoods since 2011. They provide a hassle-free experience, honest pricing, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Lehi, UT. 

What’s the Scary Noise Behind the Wall?

It’s that time of year again! Halloween season is upon us, and it’s time for plumbers to go over some scary noises homeowners might hear this fall. When it is time for plumbing systems to be serviced, they might start making loud noises that homeowners aren’t used to hearing. 

But fear not! Professional plumbers are here to explain one noise homeowners might hear this spooky season. One common cause of noisy pipes is a water hammer. Homeowners should continue reading to learn about water hammers, their dangers, and how professionals can fix them. 

Water Hammer Basics

Water hammer is an appropriate name for this phenomenon because it can sound like someone is banging on the pipes with a hammer. It occurs when the water pressure within a piping system experiences a pressure surge. This surge sends high water pressure through the lines until a quick stop, or if that high water pressure suddenly changes directions. It sends shockwaves through the pipes and causes them to vibrate and make loud noises. The noises can be louder if the pipes aren’t strapped tightly enough. 

A water hammer is typically caused by suddenly turning off appliances or fast-acting solenoid valves. It causes the pipes to shudder or bang around because of the intensity of the water pressure. If it happens in a home, the homeowner should call a plumber to fix it to avoid any dangers. 

The Dangers 

Some of the dangers associated with water hammers include:

• It can cause pipes to rupture or burst
• Can blow out gaskets 
• It can cause injury to those nearby when it happens
• Can damage nearby pipes 
• Can damage the home itself

Water hammers can range from mild to severe. If the phenomenon happens once in a blue moon, there may not be much to worry about. However, if the problem happens multiple times or just once but is loud, then the issue needs to be addressed by a professional immediately to prevent damage. It’s best to call a professional anytime a water hammer is suspected in order to avoid a plumbing emergency later! 

What Qualified Professionals Can Do 

Professionals have several methods for fixing water hammers, depending on the causes. They may drain waterlogged air chambers, better secure pipes, or install repair or replace water hammer arrestors. 

Professionals may also add or replace valves in the plumbing system to help control the pressure. This is especially true for those living in areas with naturally high water pressure. Regardless, solving a water hammer is a problem better left up to professionals. Also, homeowners should call professionals soon after noticing loud banging noises from the pipes to avoid the dangers water hammers can cause. 

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is There

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned company serving Lehi, UT homeowners, and the surrounding areas. They offer a hassle-free experience, honest pricing, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for plumbing services in Lehi, UT.