Category: Plumbing

Why Homeowners Use Excavation Services

Many people know if they want to make some changes to their home, it may involve excavation. For example, many people excavate to put in a new driveway, pool, or foundation. However, there are many other reasons why a homeowner might need to excavate beyond these common examples. Here are three reasons why homeowners may need excavation services that they may not have considered before.

To Install a Septic System

If homeowners live in a rural area or an area not connected to city sewer lines, they will need to have a septic system installed. This system includes a tank that collects all the wastewater from a home and breaks it down.

Then, the treated water is released into a leach field, where it is absorbed into the ground. To install a septic system, homeowners will need to excavate a large hole for the tank as well as trenches for the leach field.

To Remove Tree Stumps

If homeowners have had trees removed from their property, they probably also have large tree stumps left behind. While they could try to remove them on their own, this is usually a difficult and time-consuming task.

Instead, they can hire an excavation company to come and remove the tree stumps for them. This process usually involves excavating around the stump and then using a stump grinder to grind it down below ground level.

To Fix A Home’s Foundation

If a home has cracks in the foundation or is otherwise structurally unsound, the homeowners will need excavation services to fix the problem. This process usually involves excavating around the home's perimeter so that the foundation can be repaired or replaced as needed. In some cases, underpinning may also be necessary to stabilize the foundation and prevent future problems.

While most people only think of excavation when they want to put in a new pool or build an addition to their home, there are many other reasons homeowners might need this type of service. If someone needs excavation services, they should hire an excavation company rather than trying to do things themselves. Trust us – it will save time, money, and frustration in the long run!

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 since 2011. They offer honest pricing, 24/7 live answer, and a hassle-free experience. Call them today for excavation services in West Jordan, UT.

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What Is Pipe Corrosion?

Steel is the most common metal choice for plumbing, but it can rust. Pipes can crack and eventually burst due to corrosion, so homeowners should practice preventative measures to keep corrosion at bay. 

Pipe corrosion is a common problem that affects households. While steel pipes are more popular, copper and cast iron pipes can deteriorate too. This is partly due to high oxygen levels found in the water and underground electrical currents.

Water quality is a major issue once the integrity of the piping is jeopardized. Corrosion can lead to a cloudy water texture, odd smells, and lower water pressure. 

Protecting New and Old Pipes

Even newly-installed pipes can benefit from protective measures. New coatings and protective linings are recommended for homeowners in Utah. It is a relatively easy process and can be used for both underground and above-ground piping systems. 

There are several methods when it comes to interior coating. Coal tar enamel is used to add strength and flexibility to existing pipes. This enamel is water resistant with high electrical resistance. Bacteria and root penetration are less likely with this type of enamel.

Cement mortar pipe linings are used for long-term protection. The lining does not affect water quality with corrosive materials and prevents microbiological growth. By pumping a cement mixture into a pipe, wet mortar creates additional thickness for protection. 

Liquid-applied epoxy is more like a primer. Generally, two coats are used to prevent chemicals from entering the water system. Pipes with liquid epoxy are abrasion resistant and work well as a double lining. 

Water Softener

Water softeners are devices that remove minerals from water, making it softer. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can cause pipe corrosion. Softening water helps to prevent this type of damage. 

There are two main types of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free. Salt-based systems work by exchanging the hard minerals in water for sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange. Salt-free systems use a process called reverse osmosis to filter out the hard minerals. 

Both types of water softeners can be effective at preventing pipe corrosion. However, salt-based systems may be more effective for very hard water, while salt-free systems may be better for people with certain health conditions. Speak to a plumber or water treatment specialist to find the best option for a home. 

Plumbing Maintenance

There are a few ways to maintain the pipes. The first doesn’t even require additional help. By simply avoiding chemical drain cleaners, corrosion is less likely to occur. Chemical drain cleaners are known for eating away at copper and steel piping. Baking soda and vinegar are the better DIY alternatives for disintegrating tough clogs.

Perhaps the best way to help prevent pipe corrosion is by keeping up with routine plumbing maintenance with a professional. Plumbers can prevent future plumbing issues and take care of existing corrosion. Regular maintenance is advised to keep the plumbing system in good condition and catch any problems before they get out of hand. 

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned business serving its neighbors in West Jordan, UT, and the surrounding areas since 2011. They provide honest pricing, a hassle-free experience, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for plumbing services in West Jordan, UT.

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Benefits of Calling a Professional Right Away 

Plumbing issues are a frequent occurrence for homeowners. Some plumbing problems are more common than others, such as clogged toilets or drains, slow-draining sinks, faucets and pipes that leak and drip, and sewage backup issues. 

When these problems occur, they can be frustrating and monetarily stressful. Many homeowners decide to try and tackle these issues on their own to save money instead of hiring a professional. Unfortunately, this often backfires, and homeowners end up spending even more money on DIY repairs than they would have on hiring a professional. For this reason and many others, it’s important to seek the assistance of a professional the moment you notice plumbing issues.

The benefits of seeking professional help extend beyond just monetary issues. There are many reasons a homeowner should hire a professional rather than attempt a DIY plumbing fix. 

Mistakes Can Be Expensive 

Money is typically the main reason homeowners try a DIY plumbing solution. What they don’t realize, though, is that these DIY fixes can be even more costly than hiring a professional. 

Unlike the average homeowner, professional plumbers possess the knowledge and experience required to make complicated repairs. Since plumbing systems can be quite complex, hiring a professional who knows what they’re doing can actually save homeowners money. 

For example, a homeowner who lacks knowledge of these complex systems can make costly mistakes that could cause even more damage to the plumbing system and the property, resulting in additional expensive repairs. 

DIY Requires More Time & Energy 

Professional plumbers have years of training, experience, and plumbing knowledge. This allows professionals to work not only quicker but more efficiently than DIYers, too. On the other hand, homeowners who decide to go the DIY route risk spending unnecessary time and energy on a project that plumbers could otherwise complete much quicker. 

With their knowledge and expertise, professional plumbers can also offer homeowners advice on maintaining their plumbing systems and avoiding future problems, saving homeowners time, effort, and money in the long run. 

Rest Easy by Avoiding DIY  

Homeowners can rest easy when they hire a qualified plumber knowing that their plumbing issues will be resolved properly, especially since professional plumbers are typically licensed and insured. Insurance covers any damage or mistakes the plumber makes while working to protect the homeowner from financial responsibility or unexpected costs. 

However, if a homeowner attempts a plumbing repair themselves and makes similarly costly mistakes, there is no insurance, and the homeowner is left to pay the additional expenses. When homeowners hire a professional, the plumbing system is in the best hands, and they don’t have to worry about expensive mistakes, which should offer them peace of mind and allow them to relax. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family owned business with over a decade of experience serving West Jordan, UT, and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing, superior customer service, a hassle-free experience, and 24/7 live answer. Call them today for plumbing services in West Jordan, UT.

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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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