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Summer solstice is on its way, and many people are ready to celebrate by opening their pools and having parties. Celebrating this day is a tradition that dates back to ancient times. Here are some tips to make your summer celebration a success:

1) What is the Summer Solstice?

Summer Solstice is the official first day of summer. It is also the longest day of the year and occurs between June 20-23 (according to the Gregorian calendar). In 2016, it will be celebrated on June 20th. There are many cultures that place a sacred significance on this day. It was seen as a day when the sun was reborn and gave most of its light to benefit the crops. It was celebrated with banquets, bonfires, and special gifts. There are still many groups, such as Wiccans, who have celebrations for the Summer Solstice.

 

2) Bonfire Tips

After braving the cold of a long winter, it is fun to celebrate the warmth of summer. You can make this year’s summer solstice a fun celebration with family and friends. What better way to celebrate than with an old-fashioned bonfire! The ancients believed that the fire honored the sun and warded off any evil spirits. Just make sure you do it in a place where building fires is not forbidden by local ordinances.

The ideal place for a bonfire is away from buildings, trees, and anything else that can catch fire. Find a spot and gather up some wood. Rather than just throw the wood in a pile, set it upright until it looks like a wooden teepee. Take smaller branches and paper to make kindling. Avoid using hazardous fire-accelerating fuels. Once the fire gets started, you can feed it larger pieces of wood to keep it going. Never leave a bonfire unattended and be sure to watch children around it.

Set the bonfire on the evening of the solstice, when the outside temperature is cooler and the fire can be seen better. Many people have hot dogs to roast over the fire; however, you can grill any type of food that you prefer. You can put meat and veggies on a skewer and have delicious kebabs. If you are a vegetarian, you can stick to grilling vegetables and even fruit. The classic dessert is grilled marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate for s’mores!

3) Watch the Sunset / Sunrise

Another tradition is to celebrate the solstice all night. Your family and guests can watch the glorious sunset on June 20th and stay up to watch the sunrise. You can play games and tell ghost stories around the fire. If you like, you can hand out small party favors to remember the day. Just be careful to watch the fire and put it out completely with water when you are done.

Since you may be opening your pool on this day, it would be a good time to check your plumbing. Call Valley Plumbing and Drain, South Sandy, UT, at (801)-341-4222.

Sewer line problems can turn into a real nightmare, one that no homeowner wants to face. Being able to correctly identify the early signs that a sewer line may be in need of repair can minimize household discomfort and inconvenience as well as ensure that repair cost can be kept as low as possible. Failing to take action early on can lead to additional problems, like rodent or mold infestations that significantly increase repair-related costs. When it comes to dealing with broken sewer lines, knowing when to call in a professional plumber in the Salt Lake City area is never an issue that should be left up to chance.

Sewer Backups, Blockages and Odors

Sewer-line backups typically occur at the lowest open drain. Backups are commonly caused by a blockage somewhere in the line or system.
Backups that occur with each flush or every time water is run in a sink or tub are a strong indication that the sewer line is at fault. All drains run to the main sewer line and if it becomes blocked, it may lead to backups for multiple drains and fixtures. The problems caused by a clogged or broken main sewer line are rarely isolated.
The strong and distinctive odor of sewer gas is another common sign that a problem may be present. Even a small crack in the sewer line can lead to unpleasant odors that occur in or around the home.
Sanitary sewer lines need to be airtight at all points except for the vent stacks located along the roof. Lines that have been cracked, broken or compromised can suffer from reduced flow rates that often lead to chronic clogging and poor drainage. The presence of sewer gas odors means that it is time to schedule a maintenance call.

Lawn Deformation, Drywall Cracks and Lush Patches of Grass Growth

Another indication that a sewer line may have broken is the appearance of an indention in a lawn, paved area or landscaped environment. A cracked main line is constantly saturating the surrounding soil which will cause the lawn to develop a tell tale depression or indentation.
Soil dissipation may be less easily identified in landscaped areas, but the presence of sudden erosion or isolated patches of lush grass and vegetation growth can still alert property-owners that a problem is present.
The same soil dissipation that can create a lawn depression can cause far more serious problems if it occurs under a home. Cracked and leaking sewer lines have the potential to damage foundations, drywall and even the structural integrity of a home. Cracks that appear in drywall, the presence of a sinkhole or other issue with foundation settlement should always be addressed without delay.

Rodent Infestations

Sewage leaks can lead to any number of infestations that may cause further harm to the property or require expensive services in order to address. Leaking pipes and cracked sewage lines can increase interior humidity levels which creates the perfect environment for molds and mildew. The presence of mold growth in combination with the strong odor of sewage gas may indicate a damaged sewage line located behind a wall or underneath a floor.
A rodent infestation is another sign that sewer lines may have become compromised. Rats and other rodents live in sewers and can make their way into the home from the main line and into walls and floors. The average rat is able to squeeze through a crack in a sanitary sewer line that may be less than an inch in size. Property owners in the Salt Lake City area who are dealing with a rodent infestation or rat problem can benefit from having their sewer line and plumbing system inspected by a professional.

Sewer Line Damage and Repair

Cast-iron sewer lines and other pipes typically begin to experience problems after 25 to 35 years of use. Other issues, like freezing pipes and even harm done during home renovations or landscaping projects can cause damage to pipes at any time.
Tree root intrusion, channeling, and misaligned connections can also cause sewer lines to fail at any time. Whatever the cause of the problem, taking action without delay is essential for minimizing the extent of the damage and ensuring that cleanup and repair costs do not get out of hand.
Some symptoms of a sewer line problem, like the presence of pooling sewage in outdoor areas, may be difficult to miss while other symptoms may require a professional assessment in order to detect and identify. Scheduling a service appointment at the first sign of a problem or arranging for annual inspections of plumbing systems and sewer lines can ensure that property owners will be less likely to find themselves faced with additional problems.

Seeking Service From the Best

Not every service provider may have the tools and experience needed to accurately identify the source of a sewer line problem and ensure effective repairs are made. Second rate repair work or assessments that may miss the early warning signs that a problem may be developing can help minimize the risk that property owners will be faced with further problems and additional expenses in the days to come.
When it comes to protecting your home and property from the damages and inconvenience that a sewer line problem may cause, it always pays to do business with the best.
For quality sewer line repairs in your Salt Lake City, UT  home, call Valley Plumbing at 801-341-4222.

There is nothing worse than a clogged sink, but this problem can be fixed in a short amount of time. Chemical solutions can be bought at the local grocery store, which can unclog a sink in just a matter of minutes. Although plunging is a more tedious technique, it’s very effective cost friendly for Salt Lake City residents.
Severe clogs might require the use of a snake to correct the problem. Learn more about these techniques to discover how drains can be unclogged without having to call the local plumber.

Chemical Solutions

There are a variety of chemical solutions on the market that help unclog drains. Liquid Clog Removers are generally used for small plumbing problems. Foamer Unclog Removers can act as an alternative to liquid when clogs are persistent. Gel Clog Removers work best for stubborn clogs that cannot be fixed with liquid or foam. Chemicals are also available to remove buildup to prevent clogs from surfacing.

The Plunging Technique

The plunging technique is one of the easiest and cost effective ways to unclog a drain. A plunger can be purchased for just a few dollars at your local hardware or grocery store. It’s important to use a plunger that will cover the entire drain opening. Petroleum jelly can be used to create a tighter fit around the drain opening. People should plunge the drain at least 20 times to clog the drain successfully. It might be necessary to do this technique several times.

Drain Snakes

Drain snakes can be very effective against stubborn clogs that cannot be fixed by plunging or the use of chemicals. The cable lengths on drain snakes can reach deep clogs to break through the blockage in a short amount of time. Some chemical solution products come with draining snakes to help remove the clog. People have the option to use non-electric drain snakes or might consider purchasing a drain machine.
A clogged sink might seem like a serious issue, but this kind of problem can be resolved without having to call a plumber. There are many chemical solutions on the market that can unclog drains. Plunging a clogged drain is cost effective and can fix the problem in a short amount of time. Drain snakes are a great alternative for stubborn clogs when chemicals and plunging don’t work. Try one of these great techniques the next time you experience a clogged drain to resolve the problem quickly and efficiently.

Unclogging a sink is a job for the pros. Call Valley Plumbing at 801-341-4222 for plumbing service in your Salt Lake City, UT home!

When you make a conscious effort to reduce the water that is wasted, you're helping our planet, but you're also reducing energy costs in your home. Your water bill can be reduced with a few simple changes in your Salt Lake City home.

Turn off the Tap

When you are standing in the shower washing your hair, the water is running down the drain at an alarming rate. If you turn off the water while washing your hair, you can save as much as 150 gallons per month.
Brushing your teeth and washing your face don't require continuous water. Wet the toothbrush and turn off the tap while brushing. You can turn the faucet back on when rinsing.

Faucet Care

All the faucets in your home should have an aerator. It reduces the water flow through the faucet by 1.5 gallons per minute. That's a lot of water when you're doing dishes or brushing your teeth.
If your faucet is leaking, make sure it's repaired immediately to reduce wasted water. A leaking faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each year.

Toilets, Flushing and Repairs

Leaking toilets waste a lot of water along with being incredibly annoying. Make sure that the toilet is repaired if it's running or leaking. You can also change to a dual flush design that will save water each time you flush. It's important to keep the toilet running properly to reduce water waste.

Change the Shower Head

While you should definitely reduce the time of your shower to bring down water consumption, you could accomplish the same water conservation by using a high efficiency shower head that reduces the amount of water used in each shower.
An old-fashioned shower head can use up to 60 percent more water than a high efficiency one.

Around the Home

Check for leaks around the home from the various pipes. This includes leaks in the pipes leading to outdoor faucets or spigots. Any leaks in the hose connections to outdoor watering systems can waste a large amount of water too.
With a few simple changes, you can reduce water consumption in your Salt Lake City home. It'll reduce your water bill while helping to conserve a precious resource.

Put savings in your pocket this month by cutting the water usage in your Salt Lake City, UT home. Call Valley Plumbing at 801-487-4770, and see  how much you can save this month.

 

Three Water Heater Regulations You Should Never Ignore

Installing a water heater is a task that should be done by professionals. Besides running the risk of personal injury and/or property damage from improper installation, Salt Lake City water heater installations must also meet specific guidelines set forth by federal and state building codes.

If you don't meet these guidelines, you could be fined and/or forced to have your water heater professionally reinstalled at your own expense. Below is a list of the most important regulations that should never be ignored.

Safety Devices

Regulations require the use of safety devices such as a T&P (temperature and pressure) release valve and safety cutoff switch (or a way to disconnect the water heater from the power source in an emergency) on all water heaters. All safety devices will bear the label of an approved safety agency (such as United Laboratories), must be set to activate at no greater than 210 degrees Fahrenheit or 99 degrees Celsius, and must conform to ANSI Z21.22 standards.

This regulation is in place as a safety precaution. If your water heater's safety devices fail, there's a chance that the heater could either explode or fly through your roof, causing serious injury, death, and/or property damage. It is also recommended that you have your water heater's safety devices checked by a licensed professional at least once a year to ensure they are in good working order.

Water Heater Installation

Federal law requires that water heaters are installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes installation of the water heater, safety devices, and surrounding plumbing, and have your water heater professionally checked at least once a year. Improper installation and neglect are two of the leading causes of catastrophic failure in water heaters. Catastrophic failures can cause personal injury and/or death to yourself or others.

Use of Seismic Supports, Where Applicable

In earthquake-prone areas, seismic supports need to be installed according to the International Building Code. Earthquakes can cause hot water tanks to rupture, causing severe injury.

Conclusion

You should never try to install a hot water heater yourself if you don't know what you're doing. Not only is it unsafe to do so, but it can also cost you serious time and money. Please make safety your number one priority as a Salt Lake City homeowner.

Have your hot water tank professionally installed. Licensed plumbers know Federal, State, and Local building codes to ensure maximum safety and compliance. Hiring a professional will save you both time and money in the long run.

Any hold-ups regarding your Salt Lake City, UT water heater? Call Valley Plumbing at 801-487-4770 today for any of your repair or maintenance requests.