Three Plumbing Problems That Can Ruin Summer Fun

Plumbing Problems Can Wreck Summer Plans

Summer is fast approaching, meaning that many homeowners and their families are gearing up for fun outdoor plans. From barbeques to outdoor sports, gardening to family get-togethers and everything in between, the summer fun never ends! Well, the fun never ends...assuming that homeowners can avoid plumbing issues.

Homeowners can run into very pesky plumbing problems in different parts of their outdoor plumbing. These issues can range from relatively minor to extremely severe, so homeowners must keep an eye out for early warning signs to avoid bigger issues in the long run and to keep the summer fun going!

Sprinkler System Breakssprinkler

The first issue for homeowners to beware of involves sprinkler system breaks. Sprinkler systems typically run underground and control the flow of water, but these can easily malfunction due to several different factors. One of the most common issues occurs when debris blocks sprinkler valves. In these situations, the valves get “stuck” and are unable to open or close.

In addition to stuck valves, sprinkler systems can have broken lines from a number of different natural causes, such as excessive overhead soil pressure, overgrown tree roots, and invasive animals. The third type of sprinkler system break occurs if there are burst pipes resulting from improper water drainage before winter or excessive frozen soil pressure.

These can ultimately impede the proper functioning of sprinkler systems and therefore hamper the ability to control water flow.

Hose Bib Issueshose

The second issue for homeowners to beware of involves hose bib issues. Hose bibs function along with outdoor hoses and essentially act as “faucets.” There are many different signs that may indicate problems with hose bibs, including:
  • Abnormal sounds during use
  • Debris buildups or rusting
  • Physical damages to components of the hose bib
  • Water leaks around the hose bib area
  • Pooling water

Issues with hose bibs can be problematic since they can lead to structural damage around the area where the hose bib is positioned (sometimes even damage to the housing structure itself, depending on the extent). Carefully monitoring this area will allow homeowners to manage repairs as needed and seek professional help if necessary.

Worst Case: Sewer Line Damage

Sprinkler system breaks and hose bib issues can be problematic, but one of the absolute worst plumbing issues homeowners need to beware of above all else is sewer line damage. This is not only an extremely unpleasant experience if the issue occurs, but it can also cause severe issues to the in-home plumbing fixtures and require extensive and expensive professional help.

Typically, sewer line damage may occur for a variety of different reasons. Some common causes include:

  • Pipe corrosion or clogging
  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Tree root invasions

The symptoms of sewer line damage will be quite obvious to homeowners and will most certainly put a damper on summer fun. Homeowners will notice foul odors, improper water flow in the home, plumbing fixtures, drainage issues, and more. If homeowners suspect damage to their sewer lines, they should call for professional help immediately.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning of West Jordan, UT is a family-owned and operated business providing expert plumbing solutions since 2011. Their team of highly skilled technicians provides 24/7 service, honest pricing, and a hassle-free experience for each of their customers. Give them a call for plumbing help today!

Don't Let Outdoor Plumbing Problems Hamper Spring Fun!

Avoid Outdoor Plumbing Clogs to Keep the Party Going

Spring has sprung, and that means it is time to party! With warm weather finally here, there is no better time to sit outside and enjoy that sunshine. After all, what’s not to love about the great outdoors? Well, technically, there is one thing…

Outdoor plumbing clogs can be a royal pain in the butt. Fixtures in the outdoor plumbing system can become backed up for various reasons, which may lead to big problems for homeowners.  It is important for homeowners to understand the basic features of their outdoor plumbing systems, what conditions lead to clogs, and how they can resolve these issues. This way, they can keep the party going all day and all night long!

Main Features of Outdoor Plumbing Systems

Outdoor plumbing systems function primarily around the main sewer line. The sewer line begins in the house, with various pipes that connect via branch drains. Areas like the kitchen and bathroom drain to a central line, which then collects all of the house waste and delivers it for external treatment.

The main sewer line typically leads into either a home septic tank or a city connection, where it is ultimately treated. Given the structure of pipes, the extent to which the systems rely on adequate water flow, and the various types and volumes of material sent through for treatment, these systems may clog.

Any homeowners who have ever experienced plumbing clogs know that these are extremely unpleasant, so it is vital that homeowners understand the leading causes of clogs in order to avoid them in the future. 

Primary Causes of Outdoor Pipe Clogs

There are many causes of outdoor pipe clogs. Homeowners can prevent some of these by modifying their behaviors, but others are largely out of their control:pipes
  • Overloaded sewage deposits – if homeowners send too much debris or grease down the drains, then this can build up and cause clogs.
  • Collapsed sewer lines – the lines may collapse if there is excess overhead pressure from above ground or if the pipes are broken down.
  • Sunk lines – this results from poor soil conditions
  • Tree roots – these may cause backups or complete line breaks if they grow in a way such that they attach to the pipes over time

Regardless of the cause, homeowners should be on the lookout for symptoms of clogs like plumbing fixture malfunctions or backups in the in-home plumbing fixtures. One of the best ways to solve these clogs is hydro jetting.

How Hydro Jetting Can Fix Clogs

hydrojetting

One of the best ways to fix clogs is hydro jetting, as this is both an effective and relatively non-invasive way to clear debris. Hydro jetting is essentially a process in which high-pressure water is sent at high speed through sewer lines to break apart blockages. There are absolutely no chemicals involved.

If homeowners suspect or know of a clog, they should consider hiring a professional to perform hydro jetting services for them. Professionals will know where to best send this high-pressure water and perform other inspections simultaneously to determine if there are any additional issues with the outdoor plumbing fixtures.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning of West Jordan UT is a family-owned and operated company that has been in business since 2011. Known locally for “the truck with the duck,” their team offers 24/7 exceptional service, competitive pricing, and superior customer service. Give them a call for hydrojetting service in West Jordan today!