Category: Plumbing

Preventing the Spread of Water-Borne Viruses

People often take things for granted. Even the simplest of things. Things like having a roof over their head, even if they’re living in a small house or apartment. Or having clean, running water. Most people don’t even think about it. They just turn on the faucet and fill their glass. For many countries, people can face water-borne diseases on a daily basis. And in certain instances, such as natural disasters, the United States can face these challenges too.

The problem with water-borne diseases is that they can rip through a community quickly and easily, and this is why it’s so critical that homeowners (and cities at large) are careful when filtering water at home. In this article, experts cover some of these occurrences and what you can do to protect your home.

The History of the SARS Virus

The SARS virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome) first appeared in China in the early 2000s. It is a type of coronavirus, meaning it causes severe respiratory tract infections. The virus is transmitted from person to person through droplets in the air.

Meaning, if someone were to cough or sneeze without covering their mouth, droplets from the infected individual could be inhaled by another person standing nearby or could land on a surface which another person could touch and then become infected.

Similarly, if these droplets were to fall into a water source, it could infect the water and whoever drinks it. The virus is highly contagious with symptoms that are similar to influenza symptoms. This can include dry cough, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and breathing difficulty.

Catching the Hepatitis E. Virus From Contaminated Water

Hepatitis E. is known for being transmitted by drinking water that is contaminated with fecal matter. But it’s more common than people might think. Think about the pools and lakes that people go to every spring and summer.

Many pools and beaches have to be shut down at least once a year due to an “accident” that someone had in the water. Every year, there are about 20 million new cases of Hepatitis E. As a result of contracting the virus, the liver can begin to swell.

Common symptoms include jaundice, lack of appetite, nausea, and in rare cases can lead to acute liver failure. Hepatitis E. is no walk in the park either. It can take 4-6 weeks for the virus to resolve itself and no longer cause symptoms. This virus is a nasty one and proves the importance of having access to safe, clean drinking water.

Protecting Your Home

For most homeowners, your water is treated at the city level with some amount of filtration. However, between the facility and your home, tons of impurities and waterborne diseases can make their way into the system.

In most cases, it comes in the form of minerals and bacteria, which can easily create residue in your plumbing and leak to clogs. One way to combat hard water is with a water softener, which can protect your home from any mineral contaminates.

However, when it comes to viral and bacterial infections, you may need a different type of filer. Water filters, like reverse osmosis filters and carbon filters, can help purify water by removing these pollutants almost entirely. It’s always suggested to have your water tested by a professional who will be able to suggest the ideal filtration method for your home.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Proudly serving West Jordan, UT, Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is dedicated to solving all residential and commercial plumbing problems. No matter the scale of the plumbing issue, they have a solution for every unique problem. Their expert plumbers help customers get their homes back to a comfortable and convenient state.

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The Best Way to Repair a Water Leak

Though DIY projects have been around forever, they have really shot off like a rocket in the last decade or so with the growth in popularity of networks like Pinterest and YouTube. People all around the world teach wood carving skills, painting techniques, organizational hacks, and more. It would seem as if there’s no need to buy anything from a store! But there’s one particular case where DIY is not such a good idea: home repair.

DIY residential plumbing projects can put the safety and comfort of those living in the home at risk. And while most people take on DIY projects to save money, DIY home repair just ends up being more expensive if it’s not done correctly. The best way to fix water leaks and other things around the home is to ignore the need to DIY everything and hire a trained professional instead.

How to Use Plumbing Sealants and Repair Tape

Many people have the mindset of “use it until it falls apart and no longer works” for all kinds of products, which causes them to turn to duct tape as a solution for just about everything. If part of a tail light on the car is falling off, just duct tape it.

If a book is falling apart at the seams, fix it with duct tape. Now, duct tape isn’t the best tool to use for fixing a leaking pipe, but there are other members of the adhesive family that will do just fine. Repair tape is a common type of plumbing sealant, and it is incredibly strong.

This makes it a great tool for fixing a leak when two pieces of the pipe aren’t staying as tight as they should. Make sure to wrap the tape tightly around the pipe or fixture in a clockwise direction. As a pro tip, always remember to pay attention to the manufacturer’s directions for how much tape to use. If too much tape is used, it can lose its effectiveness and won’t stop the leak.

DIY Plumbing Risks to Know

The risk is high when someone tries to take on a task they’ve never done before. For instance, a sixteen-year-old who just got their license is a high risk on the road. They simply don’t have the knowledge or the experience to be comfortable and safe while driving. The same concept applies to plumbing repairs. If a homeowner tries to take on this work themselves, they place risk on the home and their own health.

One small, wrong move and things can start spinning out of control. For example, if they forget to turn the water off first, the house could start flooding. If they are too firm with the pipes, the pipes could crack or burst. If they don’t take the proper safety precautions, they could accidentally cut themselves or drop something on themselves causing serious injuries. Ultimately, the best way to minimize risk is to leave it to the plumbing professionals.

Trained, Professional Water Leak Service Providers

A homeowner’s biggest priority is completing the water leak repair effectively and with minimal damage. Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that the job is done correctly the first time.

Professionals have the tools and technology to identify the precise location of the water leak, so they can repair that specific location and minimize the damage to the rest of the house.

They know how to avoid common mistakes that lead to injuries, and they always have the necessary safety gear on hand. Additionally, professional plumbers can diagnose the entire plumbing system to determine if repiping or other services are needed.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Proudly serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas, Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is dedicated to solving all residential and commercial plumbing problems. No matter the scale of the plumbing issue, they have a solution for every unique problem. Their expert plumbers help customers get their homes back to a comfortable, convenient state.

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Why Is Leak Detection Important?

Many homeowners across the nation live their lives blissfully unaware of water leaks in their plumbing. Small leaks that don’t make much of a difference don’t get discovered and homeowners carry about their daily lives none the wiser.

After all, ignorance is bliss, right? Wrong. Minor leaks should never be ignored. Even the smallest drips can lead to major issues. A little leak is never a minor matter. This article will cover some of the great ways leak detection can protect and benefit your home.

Catching Leaks Early Avoids Emergencies

When a leak is small, it barely impacts your home or your plumbing. A drip here or there that barely gets noticed isn’t a cause for alarm. The little drips and drops pass for a mere annoyance if they’re seen or go completely ignored if they’re unseen. However, small leaks never stay small and it’s crucial to catch them right away so they can be fixed before they grow larger.

Any leak left alone long enough can eventually turn into a complete plumbing emergency. What starts as a drip could end as a flood, water damaged walls, contribute to mold and mildew, and many other issues that cost significant amounts of time and money.

Less Water Waste, Lower Bills

Having a leak detection service can not only stop plumbing emergencies before they even arise but also can save you a lot of money on your water bill. The common assumption is that a small drip or drop won’t add that much to your water bill.

The reality, however, is an entirely different story. A dripping faucet or a dripping pipe can add gallons of water onto your water bill without you even realizing it.

In fact, if your water bill starts increasing and you aren’t using any more water than normal, you can probably be sure that you have a leak somewhere. Getting a leak detection service is essential for finding the source of the leak and getting it stopped before it gets worse.

Water Leaks Hurt the Environment

Not only will catching leaks as early as possible save your pocketbook, but it’s also an eco-friendly practice. While people may not be in a drought, there is still the need to conserve water. History has shown that droughts come and go and no one is quite ready when they do arrive.

Practicing conservation of water will help everyone use resources well. When a drought does come, the practice of wise water use will already be in place. Water is the last thing individuals should be wasteful of when instead, everyone can responsibly use what they have. Water conservation is beneficial for the planet, as well.

Everyone is sharing the water drinking and showering water with the rest of the planet. By being responsible with how much is used, people able to help maintain a beneficial cycle for the environment and ensure that there’s enough water to go around for everyone.

Exceptional, Customer-Oriented Plumbers

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning serves West Jordan, UT, for water leak detection, water heaters, sewer line repair, maintenance, and installation. They offer a hassle-free experience, competitive pricing, and a 24/7 live answer hotline. The entire team of plumbers and drain technicians are highly trained, experienced, and ready for any job.

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What Tools Does a Plumber Use to Fix a Toilet?

Toilet repairs can be a hassle. Sometimes a plunger just won’t cut it, and it’s time to call in the professionals. However, with the right plumbing tools, many repairs can have DIY solutions. If you want to know more about what tools and techniques a plumber uses to fix the toilet, keep reading for a complete overview of the topic.

There are a variety of services that plumbing companies offer such as unclogging drains, fixing flush problems, and replacing old parts. Each of these problems requires a different set of tools to get the job done. For replacing or repairing a toilet like a pro you will need wrenches and pliers to work with the metal components of the toilet, as well as things like a plunger or snake for clearing drains, to start with. This article is focused specifically on the tools needed for toilet repairs and maintenance.

Best Practices for Repairing Toilet

To repair the toilet yourself you will need to have the correct tools. These may include wrenches, cutters, and files. You should also be sure to have the correct replacement parts on hand if necessary. A lot of problems can be solved by simply replacing old and worn out parts.

To secure the parts to the toilet, you may need clips to hold things in place temporarily as well as screwdrivers and wrenches for forming stronger connections. If your toilet has a low flush pressure it is probably caused by the flapper.

Replacing the flapper regularly can solve these problems before they occur. If the toilet isn’t running properly, it can be wasting water and running up your bills so it is important to stay on top of maintenance and repairs. Noises coming from the toilet are often one of the first signs that something is wrong.

The Best Tools For Unclogging a Toilet

If you’ve tried to use a plunger and it hasn’t worked, don’t worry! There are other tools for unclogging available that are used by professional plumbers. Keeping some of these tools around the house can reduce the number of times you may need to call a plumber. Clogged drains are caused by the build-up of dirt over time or some sort of large object flushed down the toilet that has become lodged.

Paper and napkins should never be flushed down the toilet, and toilet paper can also be guilty of causing clogs. Liquid drain cleaners are very toxic and should be avoided at all costs. Try using an auger or snake to dislodge the clog manually. An auger is a metal device that rotates as it’s pushed into the drain via the crank system for a powerful clean.

Replacing a Toilet Yourself

For toilet installation and replacement, it’s usually best to leave it to the professionals. However, if you are planning on doing it yourself or you just want to know more about the process, there are several tools that can be utilized to make replacing a toilet go smoothly.

When you purchase a new replacement toilet all of the necessary components should hopefully be included with the box. Using a combination of wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools, you should be able to replace a toilet yourself.

You will need the right kind of wrench to tighten plumbing connections, and you will also need clips to hold things in place temporarily and maybe even soldering materials and a file for cutting and smoothing down pipes.

About Valley Plumbing

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning provides excellent craftsmanship and superior knowledge regarding all plumbing and drain services. Call today to find out more about what their team of professional plumbers can do for you.

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