Category: Plumbing

The Reason Behind the Smells From Your Washing Machine

It is interesting to note how many homeowners struggle with a washing machine that has a bad odor. It can be a tough dilemma if the cause and solution are not clear. The situation can also be embarrassing to homeowners. Many residents fear that their plumber will automatically assume the home is dirty, or there is a lot of filthy laundry being washed.

There are two pieces of good news, though. Professional plumbers understand where the smell is coming from and how it is caused. Secondly, they know how to prevent the smells from occurring in the first place. In the article below, plumbing experts will share the most effective ways of curtailing the washing machine smells before they start.

Use The Right Soap

When it comes to foul smells, soap is usually the least likely culprit, but not always. Soap can actually be the reason there is an odor coming from the washing machine. This is especially true if the washer is a high-efficiency front loader. Technically, though, it is not the soap that is causing the odor, but rather the wrong type is being used. When this happens, it causes soap scum and mildew.

A high-efficiency front loader washer uses a lot less water than other models. In fact, the water is only at the bottom of the tub, and the clothes are tumbled through the water as the drum spins. If you picture a dryer with a small amount of water at the bottom, you have the right idea.

The issue occurs when high-efficiency laundry detergent is not used. As the machine uses so little water, it has a hard time rinsing away the heavy more concentrated soap. This will cause a build-up of soap scum that can also lead to mildew growth. Using the right soap for the particular model will stop the problem in its tracks, however.

Take Out Wet Clothing ASAP

Everyone is guilty of leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long, making the wet clothes smell really bad. Forgetting about the load in the wash before leaving for work in the morning or for extended time away from the home, can cause the fabric to develop a musty odor which can be noticed as soon as the door is opened.

When wet clothes are left clumped together for an extended period of time, mildew will begin to grow. A wet and warm area is the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria which is exactly what happens when laundry is not tossed in the dryer right away. Usually, if the mistake is made once or twice, an additional wash will be the only consequence.

On the other hand, if the situation happens frequently, the musty odor can spread to the washing machine itself. Mold and mildew can spread quickly to tiny areas of the washer. Small areas like the space behind the gaskets can be infected and cause a continuation of the unpleasant smell. With that being said, the best way to combat this issue to make sure the clothes are put in the dryer right away. Problem solved!

Search For Hidden Clogs

Another common cause of a bad-smelling washer is a clog in the plumbing of the washing machine. Though the clog can be due to the laundry cleaner itself, the problem can stem from other areas of the home. When there is a clog, the dirty water from the laundry cycle will not drain correctly.

This will leave dirty water and other small debris in the piping and sometimes the machine, as well. Besides that, dirty water from other parts of the home (like the bathroom) can get lodged in the plumbing near the laundry room causing the smell to escape through the washer.

Regardless of the issue, a professional is going to be needed to diagnose the problem and repair the issue. This is especially true if you do not see any other evidence of a block within the home.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

There may come a time when you do need help from a plumber, however. In that case, it is important to work with a professional you can trust. Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning has been a valued member of the Salt Lake City community since 2011. Their dedicated technicians provide superior workmanship and are available to assist you at any time.

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What Can Happen When Homeowners Avoid Plumbing Repairs

Most people can relate the experience of driving along the road when they suddenly hear a weird noise coming from the car. Maybe it’s a rattling noise or maybe it’s a screeching noise. They can tell something is wrong, but they don’t want another car problem. So they just turn up the radio and keep driving. They just want to make it home safely. While this may be a tempting solution, to just cover up the unusual sound, it is not a lasting one. The same goes for plumbing repairs. It’s tempting to just turn up the radio.

To ignore the problem because it’s expensive, because it’s hard to take a day off to get it fixed, or because the house has other pressing problems. But avoiding the problem for too long only results in a bigger problem. Here’s what can happen when homeowners continue to put off plumbing repairs.

Unexpected Plumbing Emergencies

There is a multitude of plumbing emergencies that can happen, often because the plumbing system is not maintained as it should be or because there was a smaller problem that led to a huge problem. Burst pipes are a big disaster for homes that can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Broken water heaters can lead to uncomfortable, ice-cold showers. A clogged main drain can cause dirty water to back up into every drain in the house. Overflowing toilets can have an unpleasant smell and unpleasant contents backing up into the bathroom.

These are just a few examples of major plumbing emergencies that can happen at any home if plumbing repairs are avoided.

Cheap Plumbing Repairs Malfunction

When faced with a plumbing problem, many homeowners will turn to quick and easy plumbing solutions because they are cheap. But duct tape is not always the best solution. These cheap plumbing repairs can malfunction and lead to bigger issues. Whether something wasn’t tightened enough, was put on backward, or used duct tape to cover up a leak, cheap repairs will cost more in the long run.

As some might say, cheap solutions may cover up the symptoms but they don’t fix the root cause. Therefore, it’s best to get the job done right the first time by calling a professional plumbing company.

Avoiding Small Repairs Lead to Emergencies

Small plumbing problems are often a sign of a larger issue. The plumbing emergencies mentioned earlier have signs that homeowners should pay attention to. For example, yellow or discolored water is often the sign of rusty pipes, and rusty pipes can lead to burst pipes.

Paying attention to the water color and fixing the rusted pipes before they burst can help homeowners avoid a major plumbing emergency. A clog in two or three drains may signal a clog in the main drain.

Fixing the clogs promptly can prevent water from backing up into the rest of the house. So fix the small repairs. They’ll be less costly and less hassle than a plumbing emergency.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

At Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, they are focused on providing all customers with the solutions needed at a great value. The customer's problem becomes the technician's number one priority, and they will not consider the job done until they are completely satisfied with the results. With fast turnaround services, long-term solutions, and honest pricing, all expert technicians are sure to get the job done right the first time.

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The Best Plumbing Costumes All Around!

If you are looking for a few chuckles this Halloween from your one of a kind costume, then look no further than the plumbing industry. Plumbers and their common idiosyncrasies are the perfect places to look if your goal is to have your audience rolling with laughter.

More often than not, these costumes are simple to put together and extremely unique, making them a top choice for just about anyone. Read on to get some inspiration for your Halloween ensemble.

Think Toilet

When Sir John Harington designed the first flushing toilet in 1596, chances are he did not have jokes in mind. It would be interesting to speculate on whether he would appreciate the millions of humorous jokes and situations the toilet has given us over the years, though.

Toilet jokes may be funny, but toilet costumes are really where the comedy lies. A full-grown man dressed like a porcelain throne is amusing, but there is a more comical option. The kids! This is also an opportunity to multi-task as there is nothing wrong with exacting a little tantrum revenge.

In this particular case, a little girl dressed as a toilet is a good old fashioned knee slapper. If her father's name happens to be John, well what a better way for her to dress like her dad on Halloween. As you can tell, she is excited by the prospect.

Babies Make The Best Plumbers

Halloween is mostly a kid's holiday, but that does not stop the throngs of adults from joining in the fun. If Halloween hilarity is a family affair, don’t forget to include the babies in costume planning. There is nothing funnier or cuter, to be honest than a baby plumber.

While babies and toddlers have not mastered the art of trick or treating, they have cornered the market on looking cute and humorous. They also have the added bonus of being dressed up while not having to move from their favorite location.

An adorable example of a plumber costume perfect for those under 2ft tall is Mario. Not only does this Mario tyke make you want to chuckle, but he can be toted around hands-free thanks to Mario’s favorite getaway trick. It’s obvious from the picture that this Mario takes his role seriously.

Channel The Famous Plumber Mario

As Mario tyke pointed out, Mario is a great way to go when contemplating plumber costumes. As the most famous of all plumbers, and a video game hero to boot, you can not go wrong with this particular idol.

The trick for the treat with this one is to make it as funny as possible. Mario’s celebrity status has made it so that his likeness has been done many times. Bringing in a Mario co-star can help take your costume from ordinary to a side-splitting spectacle.

Yoshi is one of the better candidates as there are so many options available. The best has to be the “Mario rides on Yoshi’s back” version. Not only can you work up some fancy footwork to keep everyone laughing, but the basic costume alone is a riot.

Have Your Pets Join The Fun

Bringing it back to the cuteness of it all, there is nothing more likely to get you bursts of laughter than by remembering to include the family pet. It’s important to remember that the best creature to dress up in a costume is a dog. While you can attempt to dress your cat as a plunger, or your hamster as a roll of toilet paper, extreme caution is recommended.

If you choose to go with the family dog, however, the hilarious possibilities are endless. This is especially true if you can work in a human trait or two. One of the best things about dogs in costumes is their low thresh hold for embarrassment.

Take the example above; this plumbing pooch comes complete with a hard hat, tool belt, and a very distinct human plumber feature that is hard not to laugh at. The one drawback is you may have to explain to your furry friend that plumbing costumes don’t mean toilet drinks are okay.

When In Doubt, Look To Santa

A great way to liven up any plumber costume is by putting it on someone who wouldn’t normally wear it. A perfect example of this is Santa. Watching Santa carry around a plunger while wearing a tool belt and hard hat is enough to make anyone snicker.

This is also a great option for anyone looking to be a little more conservative on their Halloween plumber costume costs. If you already have a Santa suit, you can modify it. If you don’t, chances are very good that you will think of another use for it in a month or two.

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a trusted member of the Salt Lake City UT community. They are well versed in the latest industry technology and are dedicated to prioritizing their customer's safety and comfort. Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is available 24/7 and can be spotted as the ones with the Truck with the Duck.

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Even though you probably don’t think about it often, your home’s piping system is more complicated than you may think. While it is called one system, it’s actually a combination of drain pipes, water supply pipes, vent pipes, and even smaller components.

With all of the many pipes that make up the single piping system, pipe corrosion can be a major issue. You might be wondering if there is anything that you can do to stop corroded pipes. We’re here today to walk you through what you can do to help control a potentially expensive home plumbing situation.

What Is Pipe Corrosion and How Does It Happen?

Pipe corrosion, essentially, is where the pipes in your plumbing system start getting eaten away. This can cause a domino effect of problems in your home, from small mold issues to larger, flooding issues.

To stop corroded pipes, make sure to pay attention to the causes of corrosion. Some of the largest factors that lead to this potentially disastrous issue are low pH values and/or high oxygen content in your water supply, a hotter water temperature, and the chemical makeup of the water in this part of Utah.

How to Keep Your Pipes Clean

Right now you’re probably wondering, is there anything I can do to stop corroded pipes? Many of the factors that added to corrosion seem like they would be totally out of your control.

However, the best defense to stop corroded pipes is a good offense. One of the best ways to stop corrosion is to follow a few simple steps to removing calcium deposits from your own pipes.Start by removing any drains from the sinks, then pour an entire gallon of white vinegar into the pipes.

Wait for 30 minutes, then stick a brush with a long handle as far down into the pipes as you can reach and scrub! While you can do this repeatedly, it’s a good idea to follow this up by installing a water filter. And for those tough deposits that won’t come out with DIY cleaning, it’s best to work with a plumber. An experienced contractor will be able to find you a long-term fix that’s safe on your plumbing as well.

Is Repiping The Better Option?

While repiping can be a great way to stop corroded pipes, often following the above steps can head it off before it really becomes a larger problem. However, in severe situations, repiping may be your only option.

But what is repiping?

Essentially, repiping is removing all of the existing pipes in your plumbing system and replacing them with newer pipes. Often this means switching old copper pipes for the newer PEX variety, but each individual home is different and will require different things.

A certified plumber from Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning can help you make the best decision. If you think your pipes may be experiencing some corrosion or if you just want to have your home evaluated to stop corroded pipes before they start, contact us at (801) 341-4222. We would love to come out and help you keep larger, more expensive, problems from rearing their ugly heads.