Leaky faucet maintenance: dripping faucet

Common Causes of Leaky Faucets in the Home

Stop Wasting Money and Fix Those Leaks! 

Leaks are one of the most common and costly sources of water waste in any household, which can spike water bills. Every drop of water lost to a leaking faucet, shower head, or toilet adds up quickly. Even a slow leak from just one faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year, so to prevent wasting money on water costs, leaking taps should be fixed or replaced immediately. 

This blog will share three common causes of leaking faucets. Whether homeowners decide to tackle these repairs themselves or call for reinforcements from a plumber, knowing the cause of a leaky faucet is the first step.

Worn O-Rings

faucet o ring exploded viewA worn-out O-ring can cause dripping near the handle of the faucet. O-rings are typically made from rubber and form a seal that prevents water from leaking out. Over time, these seals may weaken or become damaged due to wear and tear, causing them to lose effectiveness and leak. 

A broken or worn-out O-ring can let water seep through, causing a slow but steady drip near the handle. In order to fix this issue, replacing the worn-out O-ring with a new one is necessary. This involves taking apart the faucet and replacing the old O-ring with a new one, but it’s essential to ensure the replacement is the exact dimension of the previous O-ring.

Worn Washers

A washer is a circular piece that can be made of several materials that reduce friction between two surfaces, such as nuts and bolts. When a washer becomes worn out or corroded over time, it can cause leakage at the spout. This is because the worn-out material will no longer provide an effective barrier between the two surfaces, resulting in water escaping from the tap’s spout. 

In order to repair the issue, it is necessary to replace the worn-out or corroded washer with a new one, ensuring that leaks are prevented in the future. Washers can weaken or crack from corrosion over time due to harsh water conditions and mineral deposits.

Damaged Valve Seats

rusted metal valveA corroded valve seat can also cause water to leak or drip from the spout, as the seal between the valve seat and the stem is broken. A valve seat is part of a valve that serves as a surface that seals off against fluid pressure. It takes the load of closing and opening the valve, preventing water flow when it’s closed. 

When a valve seat is corroded, it can no longer properly seal against the stem, and water will leak through. This is why it’s essential to replace it if it becomes corroded or damaged. If left unchecked, corrosion could lead to more serious issues, such as contamination or system failure. So, don’t delay. Repair faucet leaks and start saving money today. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning have over a decade of experience serving West Jordan, UT, and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing, 24/7 live answers, and a hassle-free experience. Call them today for faucet, fixture, and sink installation and repair in West Jordan, UT.

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Water flowing down clean drain.

Why Professional Drain Cleaning is So Important

Prevent Costly Plumbing Mishaps With Regular Drain Cleaning

Professional drain cleaning is more than just unclogging pipes. It is also an important part of plumbing maintenance that helps prevent many plumbing issues and their consequences. If plumbing is only given thought when it is causing problems, then it can get worse and more expensive. This article will share the benefits of routine professional drain cleaning and why homeowners should get it to prevent plumbing disasters.

Drain Cleaning Prevents Clogs

plumberRegular drain cleaning prevents clogs by removing the buildup that may be caking the interior of the pipes. By preventing clogs, it can also prevent inconvenient signs of clogs like slow draining, foul odors, and water backing up into the sink or bathtub. Hydro jetting is a drain cleaning method using a high-pressure stream of water to break up clogs and remove buildup from pipe walls.

Professionals can use hydro jetting to remove buildup and prevent clogs, which has many advantages over chemical drain cleaning methods. Professionals do not recommend chemical drain cleaners because the chemicals that can help dissolve clogs can also cause corrosion that weakens the pipes. 

Drain Cleaning Helps Lower the Risk of Flooding and Water Damage

plumberWhen a clog gets to the point that it has completely blocked a pipe, it may seem that it has nowhere to go, but if the lines have been weakened by age or corrosion, other plumbing disasters can follow close on the heels of the clog. Additional issues that clogs can cause are:

  • Leaks: Pressure in the pipes can cause a breach in the line. Leaks usually start small and grow over time, but even the smallest leaks can waste significant amounts of water and cause flooding and water damage.
  • Burst Pipes: Pipe bursts can also occur due to the pressure buildup in the pipes from a clog and can also cause water waste, flooding, and water damage, but typically at a faster rate.  
  • Flooding and Water Damage: Flooding and water damage can result from water backups, leaks, and burst pipes, which can cause significant property damage and lead to more costly repairs and cleanups.

Drain Cleaning Makes Expensive Repairs and Cleanups Less Likely

Regular drain cleaning is vital to plumbing maintenance and can help reduce the need for expensive repairs and cleanups due to clogs. By keeping drains clean on an ongoing basis, homeowners can help prevent blockages from occurring in the first place, resulting in fewer repairs down the road and less risk of flooding and other costly plumbing disasters. 

Regularly cleaning drains will also help homeowners avoid the costs associated with hiring a professional plumber to carry out emergency cleanups or repairs, which can be expensive compared to routine drain cleaning visits. So if homeowners want to save money, time, and hassle in the long term, routine drain cleaning is essential to their plumbing maintenance plan.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family owned business serving West Jordan, UT, and the surrounding communities since 2011. They provide honest pricing, superior customer service, and 24-hour emergency service. Call them today for drain cleaning services in West Jordan, UT

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Practice Self Care With Some Bathroom Remodeling

Three Ways to Improve Relaxation in the Bathroom 

February is a romantic month that contains Valentine’s Day. However, someone doesn’t need a significant other to “feel the love.” Instead, they can relax by practicing self-care. This blog will share tips to help create a relaxing oasis in the bathroom and bathroom remodeling ideas. 

Baths Have Many Health Benefits 

benefitsA nice, warm bath in a bathtub does more than put one’s mind at ease; it has many health benefits and optimizes various bodily systems, especially the circulatory system. In the long run, good blood flow can reduce the likelihood of blood clots and helps wounds heal faster. Some benefits of baths include: 

  • Help with mental health illnesses, such as anxiety and depression 
  • Soothe aching joints and other soft tissues 
  • Bolster the immune system’s response to infection 
  • Prevent dry skin 
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Prevent fungal growth 

Bathtime Doesn’t Have to Be Boring 

Many people also turn to chromotherapy and aromatherapy for help and further relaxation during baths when dealing with anxiety and stress. But what are these practices? These practices allege that one can promote relaxation or other moods and improve health by curating colors and smells. 

To achieve this effect while bathing, homeowners may consider the following: 

  • Installing LED lights: Homeowners can install waterproof LED lines in their bathroom or around the bathtub’s rim. They can even use a remote to curate mini-light shows of their own. Changing colors can affect the mood people are trying to create. 
  • Using essential oils: Essential oils can also be used to create moods. Some essential oils (such as lavender) alleviate anxiety symptoms and are calming. Combined with LED lights in the shower or bathtub, this could create a soothing, calm effect. 
  • Getting a Bluetooth speaker: Adding a waterproof speaker in the bathroom can also help people relax. By pairing their smartphone, homeowners can enjoy their favorite music, podcasts, or whatever helps them create their desired mood.  

Rain Showerheads Have Benefits Too 

showerRain showerheads offer a variety of benefits and can help promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. The wider diameter of the shower head ensures that people get full coverage during showers, keeping their entire body warm simultaneously. This helps to relieve muscle tension and stress due to a soothing water massage, leaving them feeling refreshed and revitalized. 

The gentle rainfall sensation of rain showerheads is also incredibly relaxing and calming, providing a luxurious bathing experience. Furthermore, the extra humidity in the bathroom helps to improve respiratory health by moisturizing the air and reducing dust particles, meaning residents can breathe better. 

In conclusion, a rain showerhead can provide an incredibly comforting and beneficial bathing experience. With its wider diameter for full coverage, gentle rainfall sensation, and improved respiratory health, the rain shower is the perfect way to unwind after a long day or start the day right with some self-care.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning 

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned, family-run company serving West Jordan, UT, and surrounding areas. They offer honest pricing, 24/7 live answer, and a hassle-free experience. Call them today for bathroom remodeling and renovation services in West Jordan, UT.

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When is it Time to Replace a Sink?

Signs That a Sink Needs to be Replaced 

Reliable plumbing is one of the most significant achievements in public health. Until sinks were commonplace, people used basins filled with water for washing procedures. But now fresh water is available from the tap, and dirty water gets safely drained away from home. Despite the convenience of the modern sink, plenty of things can still go wrong. This blog will discuss some of the most common signs that a sink needs replacing. 

Slow Draining or Chronic Clogging

clogFor a sink to be functional, it has to fill and it has to drain. How inconvenient is it when it fails to do the second half of its job? Kitchen and bathroom sinks are asked to deal with clogging hazards like cooking grease, food scraps, soap scum, and hair. Over time these materials can clump together inside drain pipes and impede water flow. 

When kitchen and bathroom sinks start gurgling and draining slowly or don’t drain at all, it is a sign that they have a clog and needs attention. Replacing the sink may be the best option if these problems are frequent because it can indicate a larger issue. Not only can replacing the slow-draining or chronically clogged sink restore lost performance, but it can also be an opportunity to update the space. 

Leaks or a Dripping Faucet 

faucetOne of the most common plumbing problems is leaks and leaky faucets. Leaks waste water and money, and they can leave stubborn water damage and stains. While plumbers can repair many leaks, some leaks are too far gone and require a sink replacement instead.  

Replacing sink basins can get rid of pesky leaks and remove unsightly stains. Replacing the sink will also stop the plumbing from wasting water and lower water bills by eliminating leaks. Get rid of all of the consequences of leaks by replacing the sink, and prevent additional water damage and damage to the plumbing. 

Signs of Damage 

Another sign that a sink needs to be replaced is that it shows signs of damage or water damage. Some of the signs that damage has occurred and the sink should be replaced are: 

  • Mold
  • Rust
  • Corrosion
  • Mildew
  • Musty odors
  • Rotting cabinets or flooring

These are indicators that water has been leaking for a while or there used to be a leak there that caused damage over time. Some of these signs are health hazards and must be attended to immediately to repair the damage. Let plumbers help by replacing the sink so that the home stays safe from the dangers of water damage and runs smoothly for years to come. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned, family-run plumbing company serving West Jordan, UT, and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing, 24/7 live answers, and customer education. Call them today for hand sink and kitchen sink repair or replacement in West Jordan, UT.

A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Burst Pipes

How to Prevent Common Causes of Burst Pipes

The winter is no time to deal with complications of a burst pipe like loss of water service or flooding in the home. Unfortunately, the winter season is when many homes will experience this type of plumbing disaster. When pipes burst, they can quickly flood the home with water or sewage, and fixing the water damage can be worse than fixing the plumbing. 

Luckily, homeowners can do several things to help avoid burst pipes. This brief article contains tips from experts to help prevent burst pipes. By employing these techniques, homeowners can ensure their water stays flowing inside the pipes and that their home is protected from water damage. 

Protect Pipes from Freezing freezing

Frozen pipes may be the most common cause of burst pipes during the cold season. Frozen pipes are a common problem, and they can be absolutely devastating when they occur. Frozen pipes most often occur in pipes where: 

  • Insulation has degraded and allowed cold air to infiltrate
  • Poor installation techniques have left pipes exposed to cold weather
  • Attic and crawlspace piping is left under-protected 
  • No insulation has been used

The key to preventing burst pipes resulting from freezing is to ensure the lines aren’t exposed to cold air. The easiest way to do this is to use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass pipe insulation to keep piping protected from the elements. These products are cheap and easy to install and can be relied upon for several years to keep pipes from freezing. Homeowners should also replace the insulation once it has become old or damaged. In some cases, rerouting exposed plumbing can also permanently reduce the threat of burst pipes. 

Look for Signs of Decay and Corrosion corrosion

Another common reason that pipes burst, especially in the cold, is because their integrity is already compromised by decay or corrosion. Preventing corrosion is one way to avoid burst pipes. To prevent corrosion or catch it before it causes a pipe burst, homeowners should: 

  • Use professional plumbing companies for repairs
  • Schedule plumbing inspections and maintenance annually 
  • Inspect pipes for discoloration and call a plumber if it is noticed 
  • Avoid using any harsh chemicals, like the ones found in chemical drain cleaners

Plumbers will likely recommend replacing the pipes affected if signs of corrosion and pipe decay are found. It’s a small price to pay to avoid the costs of repairing damage from burst pipes. 

Prevent Clogs 

Clogs can cause an incredible amount of pressure to build up in pipes, and if the clog isn't cleared in a timely manner, it can lead to a pipe bursting. The best way to prevent these costly repairs is to have routine drain cleaning by a professional plumber. By taking preventative measures and having the drains cleaned regularly, homeowners can avoid clogs that can cause damage and disruption. 

Professional plumbers have the right equipment to clear out even the most stubborn blockages in pipes, like drain snakes and hydro jetting. They also have the expertise to identify potential issues with a system and address them before they become bigger problems. Routine drain cleaning from a professional plumber can help homeowners maintain the integrity of their plumbing system and save them money in the long run. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning are always on call to help West Jordan, UT, and the surrounding areas with plumbing emergencies. They provide honest pricing, a hassle-free experience, and a Quality Service Club. Call them today for drain cleaning services or burst pipe repair in West Jordan, UT.