Category: Plumbing

Advice for Recognizing the Signs of Hidden Water Leaks

There is perhaps nothing as annoying as a dripping faucet, but this is the most noticeable and least damaging water leak. However, hidden pipe leaks can cause a huge problem, especially when they go unnoticed. Whether it is caused by tree roots, corroded pipes, or human error, the results of underground pipe leaks are the same. This article will share ways to know if the home has a water leak and when to call in the professionals.

Clues That a Home has an Underground Water Leak

The first step in hidden leak repair is to determine that there is a leak. Several easy-to-identify signs may indicate the presence of a break in the water supply line. The major ones are listed below.

• Yard Swamp: If there are wet spots in the yard when there is no rain or areas where the grass seems to grow more quickly, this can indicate a crack in the water pipes.

• Low Pressure: If the water pressure decreases to a noticeable degree throughout the house, the problem may be a leaky pipe.

• Higher Water Bills: If the water bill seems to spike when consumption has not increased, this may result from a pipe break.

• Water Damage to Walls and Home Structure: If there is evidence of water damage, it may have come from a hidden leak.

• Mold or Mildew: The presence of mold or mildew in odd places can indicate a leak.

If any of these signs are present, a homeowner can move on to the next step in checking for leaks.

Become the Water Meter Monitor

If a homeowner suspects that their home has a hidden water leak, a good way to test it is to perform a water meter test. This involves shutting off the water main and monitoring the meter to see if there is any movement. 

If the meter continues to move while the water main is shut off, there is a leak.  When a leak is confirmed, it is time to call in the professionals for water line leak detection. Homeowners should not put off leak repair because the longer a leak is left alone, the more damage it can do.

Know When to Call in the Professionals

When there is a hidden water leak, a good plumbing company will have the proper tools to find it and repair it. There are several different methods that plumbers and plumbing technicians use for leak detection. Here are a few of the techniques that can be used:

• Sonic Detection: This method uses sound waves (much like radar or ultrasound imaging) to find the leak's location. Irregularities in the vibrations along the pipe will let the plumbing pro determine the exact location of the leak, and then they can make a plan on how to proceed.
• Thermal Imaging: Temperature detection may seem like an odd method for leak detection, but it makes sense when a person considers that the pipe would register as a line of a single temperature, whether hot or cold, and movement outside that space would be easy to see.
• Inside Pipe Detection: The final leak detection method is performed by placing a sensor within the pipe that can detect variations in pressure through sonic, pressure, or electromagnetic means. 

A professional plumber can determine the proper repair method once the leak is found in the underground plumbing.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned and operated business serving Salt Lake and Utah Counties since 2011. They provide competitive pricing, a hassle-free experience, and 24/7 live answer. Call them today for plumbing services in West Jordan, UT, and look for the truck with the duck!

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Who are Famous Women in the Plumbing Industry?

The plumbing industry was not always open to the public. Instead, women had to fight for their place and right to work in this trade. As most homeowners know, Women’s history month is about learning the struggles women had to go through to vote, read, and get jobs!

Some of these women stood up against foul injustices and created a safe working space for all men and women. Female plumbers are a rare find, but they are by no means invisible or non-existent. Listed below, readers will learn about programs and women who made an impact.

Women in Plumbing

The number of women in plumbing is climbing, but it is important to understand that the number is still low! The trades industry has a long way to climb about gender diversity.

Currently, only 5% of the plumbing population is made up of women plumbers. They are still extremely rare, but the number does climb each year. As women have the opportunity to educate themselves with apprenticeship programs, the numbers increase.

Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers

Interestingly, the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers was first made up of men! While it is now a national plumbing association, the first few people who joined this club or committee were women whose husbands were plumbers.

To bring new events and celebrations, the women who joined the club were in charge of creating social events! Men placed their wives in this club and spent most of their time drinking, socializing, and eating while the women prepared everything.

As men began leaving the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers, large changes started to happen. Suddenly, many of the women who were just wives and social party creators wanted to learn about plumbing.

In just a few short years, the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers became a meeting spot for change and female social justice.

Celebrating Lillian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Ann Baumbach should be a household name! This woman was dubbed as the ‘pretty plumber’ in 1950 when she earned the title of the first women master plumber. While some women excelled in this industry, they were not master plumbers.

Master plumber is a title given to the best of the best with over ten years of experience and can train young apprentice plumbers in the field. Lillian Ann Baumbach was lucky enough to have a father in this trade industry. She fought hard to learn afterward.

Her father taught her at the young age of seven the basics of plumbing, and by twelve, she was an honorary helper, working with him on various jobs. As a feminist icon, she has inspired many women- enough to get cards and letters written to her for years!

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

With experienced technicians, Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning provide mess-free services to their community. This company prides itself on its many years of experience and excellent reviews! Call Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning today for plumbing services in West Jordan you can trust!

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Essential Plumbing Services to Be Grateful For

It's that time of year. The time of year when families get together and sit around a feast. There are so many things to be thankful for that there will certainly be a few things that are left out, but plumbers shouldn't be one of them.

Normally, no one thinks to be grateful for plumbers, but a local contractor is looking to change that this year. These technicians offer some reasons why everyone should be grateful for plumbers who make the holidays go just a little smoother.

Emergency Clogged Toilet Repairs

Instead of waiting till disaster strikes, look for these signs that indicate a toilet clog may be coming:

• Frequent minor clogs
• Slow flushing
• Weak flushes
• Long refill time
• Noxious odors

If any of these are present, a preventative maintenance visit from a plumber can help prevent a holiday disaster.

Reliable Water Heater Repair Service

Readily available hot water is more than just a bathtime comfort. Hot water is a large part of society's hygiene program through handwashing, dishwashing, and keeping clothes clean. So when the hot water runs out, it is both an inconvenience and a danger. The problem needs to be solved quickly!

Plumbers spend a not-inconsequential amount of their time ensuring that homeowners have access to high-quality hot water. Through water heater installation services, they give homeowners the power to access the necessity of hot water. Through reliable repair services, they ensure that hot water flows with good water heater maintenance service.

When it comes time to replace a water heater, upgrading may be the best choice. Tankless water heaters are the newest design of water heaters that provide endless hot water at a lower cost than a traditional unit. Local plumbers will be glad to help by replacing outdated conventional water heaters.

Sewer Line Installation and Inspection

The sewer in a home is just as important as the fixtures that bring in fresh water. Without a sewer, how would dirty water and waste drain away from the house? Holiday cooking can take an unexpected turn if food scraps and grease are discarded down the sink. Add to that the water coming from guests' showers and bathroom breaks, and it's a recipe for problems.

Don't take chances with a sewer backup over the holidays. A competent plumber can perform sewer line repairs that get at the heart of the cause of sewer problems. They can also perform maintenance that can prevent clogs from ruining holiday festivities. Schedule preventative service before the holidays, and remember to raise a glass to plumbing heroes.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning give superior customer service to residents and businesses in West Jordan. Clients can always count on them for emergency service. Call today for competitive pricing and hassle-free plumbing service!

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The Perks of Maintenance Plan Membership

Plumbing systems are one of the most important components of modern homes. Homeowners and their families rely heavily on these systems, sometimes even more than they are aware of! Given the frequency with which people use their home plumbing systems, people may find that they are calling for professional help fairly frequently - for checkups, diagnostics, repairs, and so on.

As such, many homeowners may be finding themselves asking: shouldn’t there be a better way to do this? And in fact, there is! The answer is plumbing maintenance plan memberships. These memberships offer a vast array of benefits, so it is important that homeowners understand what these are to determine if a plan is right for them.

Understanding Maintenance Membership Plans

Let’s begin with a basic overview of maintenance membership plans. As the name implies, these are paid memberships that have to do with basic plumbing maintenance according to a predetermined plan. Some memberships may cover basic annual plumbing checkups, while others may cover certain repairs or other services.

The point is - homeowners make an upfront investment for future, consistent services. This can ensure that home plumbing systems receive the consistent care it needs. In turn, it can also save homeowners a huge amount of money by preventing costly repairs down the line that would have otherwise not been caught early enough. If homeowners can cover the upfront cost, this is an investment that can yield significant returns and even extend pipe lifespan.

Don’t Miss a Maintenance Service Again

Annual service is extremely important, but it is very easy for homeowners to forget these with so much going on. People should not underestimate the importance of yearly checkups, even if they feel unnecessary. Catching potentially problematic plumbing issues early can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road.

During an annual maintenance check, professional plumbers will typically check on the plumbing fixtures and appliances throughout the home to ensure that they are functioning well, especially when it comes to draining properly. They can check for clogging and clear it if needed. Professionals will also know the most up-to-date plumbing technologies, so they will have effective and efficient solutions for any plumbing challenges!

Other Benefits and Discounts of Maintenance Plans

Aside from scheduled annual maintenance, membership plans offer a number of additional benefits and discounts. For one, those with maintenance plans get prioritized for service calls over those without plans. This makes scheduling much more convenient, rather than having to wait days or schedule at inconvenient hours.

Additionally, those with maintenance plans can receive discounts on various plumbing purchases and repairs. Thus, the annual maintenance visits alone are a huge benefit, but these additional perks make it clear that maintenance plans are well worth the investment!

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning of Lehi, UT, believes in providing exceptional service and quality workmanship 24/7. Known as the company that has “the truck with the duck,” their team of experienced technicians offers fast turnarounds, honest pricing, and long-term solutions that meet the specific needs of each of their customers. Give them a call for plumbing help today!

Plumbing Facts Everyone Should Know This Independence Day!

Plumbing is one of the most prized possessions of the modern world. Its creation single-handedly revolutionized society and helped bring America - and the rest of the world - into the modern era. Today, people don’t even know what it’s like to live without indoor plumbing.

Still, there are many things about plumbing that people aren’t aware of. Some facts are truly fascinating and even have directly affected presidents and the White House. It’s time that homeowners knew about some of these fascinating facts! Continue reading to learn more.

The Impact of Plumbing on American History

There are three facts in particular that every homeowner should know because they are patriotic and directly influenced the progression of indoor plumbing. These three facts are the Tremont House, a man named Joseph Gayetty, and President Millard Fillmore.

The Tremont House was the first hotel to have indoor plumbing. In 1895, the hotel had eight toilets installed on the ground floor of the hotel. This plumbing installation also included bathhouses located in the basement of the hotel and running water installed in the kitchen and laundry rooms of the hotel. This plumbing installation brought many visitors from all around to experience indoor plumbing and marked a turning point in American history.

Joseph Gayetty is responsible for inventing the first roll of toilet paper in 1857. Some say the Chinese discovered toilet paper long before this invention, but Gayetty was the first to patent the invention. His rolls were aloe-infused and made from manilla hemp as well, so he guaranteed his paper would prevent hemorrhoids. Homeowners might notice that his invention occurred years before indoor plumbing was common in homes across America.

Lastly, Millard Fillmore is remembered for having the first flushing toilets installed in The White House. This installation marked a turning point in American history because it proved that the country was ready for indoor plumbing on a massive scale.

Interesting Toilet Facts

There are several fascinating other facts, including some that are specific to toilets. Below are a few of the fascinating toilet facts:

• King George II died from falling off a toilet
• Toilets use an average of seven gallons of water per flush
• Toilets have had many different nicknames throughout the years, including the golden throne, the super bowl, and the john
• Afghanistan has more TVs than they do toilets
• In China, there are public toilets for dogs

Other Misc. Plumbing Facts

The facts don’t stop there, though! Here are a few more miscellaneous plumbing facts:

• Plumbing piping systems can be traced back to 3000 BC and were used to transport water
• A faucet that leaks just two times per minute wastes a gallon of water a week
• 7 million people have admitted to dropping their phone in a toilet before
• The average person spends 3 hours of their life on a toilet
• 95% of people don’t properly wash their hands after using the bathroom

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Stands By Their Customers

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is the top-rated plumbing company in Lehi, UT. they work hard to provide quality workmanship no matter what. And they understand that plumbing issues happen at all hours of the day and night, which is why they offer their services 24/7. Call today to schedule toilet repair!