Category: Plumbing

Anytime you’re moving into a new home, you naturally have a number of factors you’ll be thinking about. And when it comes to ascertaining the quality of the new home, one of the most important areas to keep an eye on as an upcoming homeowner is the plumbing system.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re proud to offer numerous residential plumbing services throughout Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, including assistance to new homeowners looking to assess the state of their system and make any required fixes soon after they’ve moved in. While you’re still in the process of finalizing your home deal, the ability to spot potential plumbing concerns might allow you the time to ask the seller to remedy these concerns (or credit you money in exchange for you doing so), so it’s vital to keep an eye out. Even if you don’t have much plumbing knowledge, here are some basic methods to keep in mind when visually inspecting a new home to ensure the plumbing system is in good working order.

Common New Home Plumbing Issues

Firstly, let’s go over some of the most common plumbing issues found in new homes, or homes that have recently been purchased — including those that sellers may try to hide:

• Leaking issues: Sinks, toilets, showers, and other home fixtures can be an indication of a larger leakage issue. In addition to these lesser-noticed leaks, check for any obvious signs of major water damage or moisture seepage in the basement or crawl space.
• Fixture issues: You may also want to check out the overall condition of sinks, faucets, and toilets in various parts of the home. If you spot any fixture issues right after moving in, these can also be signs of a larger issue: For instance, if you find a toilet is running with every flush and wasting hundreds of gallons of water each week, this could signify that there’s an internal problem or blockage that will require professional assistance.
• Potential signs of flooding or other significant water damage: As part of your overall inspection, you may also want to take note of any potential warning signs that an area has suffered major flooding in the past. For instance, if you notice mold on the walls at one point under the sinks or within a crawl space, this could be a sign that there was some sort of water damage in the past.

Our next several sections will go over some simple practices to help you identify these issues before it’s too late.

Visual Inspection

Whether it’s during an initial home tour or any other occasion, you’ll want to closely inspect your new home’s plumbing system. As part of this inspection, you should be looking for issues like rusting pipes, visible cracks or leaks, and other problems that could lead to water damage or severe malfunctions down the line. You might even take some time to familiarize yourself with your house’s various plumbing fixtures so you can detect any problems quickly during an initial walk-through.

Check for Water Leaks

One of the quickest ways to spot problematic pipes or signs of past leakage is to simply turn on all of your home’s faucets and take a peek at the areas around them for any telltale moisture seeping from the corners. This step is especially important to include in your initial walk-through, as you can’t be sure if there have been any recent basement floods or other issues that might lead to serious problems down the road — and if you do spot any moisture on your pipes or fixtures, this is a telltale sign that more work will be needed.

In addition to looking for suspicious wet spots on your home’s flooring (and ceilings), take some time to check for rust along the water lines as well as around your toilets and sinks. This corrosion is often a telltale sign of water damage, and it may be time to call in professional help.

Test Water Pressure

Another excellent way to ensure your home’s plumbing is in good condition is to actually test the water pressure. This can be done simply by turning on a faucet and letting it run for several minutes without interruption. You’ll want to make sure that water pressure remains at a strong level throughout the duration of its operation; if you notice any sudden drops during this test, there’s likely an issue with your home’s water system somewhere that will need to be addressed by a professional.

Look (and Listen) for Clogs

As you move through your house’s plumbing system, you might also want to take a look for any signs of blockage or clog in your sinks and toilets. In particular, if there aren’t any visible sources for this issue — such as visible buildup in the pipes — it may be time to call a plumber just to be safe.

You’ll also want to listen closely to the sounds that various fixtures make as you turn them on and off. We all know that toilets sometimes make weird gurgling or swishing noises when they’re operating, but if you hear any hissing from your sinks, it could be a sign that the water is leaking somewhere else in the line — and this will definitely need to be addressed by a professional.

Beware of Suspicious Odors

On a final note, it’s also important to be on the lookout for any strange smells coming from your home’s plumbing system. Now, the smell of natural gas isn’t anything out of the ordinary when it comes to homes with furnaces or other heating devices installed, but the smell of sewer gas or any other noxious odors could be a sign that your drainage system is having some trouble.

For more on how to inspect the plumbing system of a new home to ensure there aren’t major issues lurking beneath the surface, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services in SLC or other parts of Utah, speak to the team at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

No one wants to deal with issues related to their toilet, and one of the most common is also one of the most frustrating: The toilet simply won’t flush. Especially when you’ve gone through a simple checklist for minor issues that might be the cause, such as plunging the toilet to remove clogs for instance, and haven’t resolved the concern, this can be a frustrating issue.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help with a variety of toilet repair needs, including for toilets that just won’t flush no matter what you do. We’ve seen every issue that might lead to a toilet flushing problem, and we know what to do to handle it. Whether on your own or with the assistance of our plumbers as-needed, here are some of the steps that should be taken to determine the cause of a non-flushing toilet, plus what can be done once the problem has been identified.

Concealed Clogs

As we touched on above, clogs are perhaps the single most common cause of toilets that won’t flush. While toilet paper generally won’t cause issues here, other items can, such as children’s toys, small items of clothing, and more. If you have a concealed pipe below your toilet – meaning one that runs from the floor up through the wall – this is where clogs are most likely to be found. Of course, every toilet is different here, so what works for one might not work for another.

Generally, though, using a quality plunger – either a cup plunger or an accordion-style – is the best course of action. If you’re not sure which to use, ask our plumber as needed. In addition, if your toilet has a pop-up stopper at the top that needs to be lowered before using a plunger, do so by pushing it from its handle at the side or from below, not from the top. Otherwise, you run the risk of damage to the stopper and a broken seal between it and your toilet flange – which can be a costly repair.

Draining Toilet

If plunging doesn’t work after a few tries, you might need to try draining your toilet. Make sure it’s safe to do so by first checking the water level in your toilet tank. If it’s too high or is becoming too high, shut off the water supply to your toilet. The shut-off valve is generally located either directly behind and above it (this might be a knob where you can twist and/or turn), or along the wall next to the floor behind and below the toilet tank.

Once you’ve ensured it’s safe to do so, flush your toilet and hold the handle down. This will cause any existing water left in the tank or bowl to drain into the waste pipe below, which can help allow for better plunging when you’re done. To finish, turn the water supply back on and try flushing again.

Toilet Tank

If that fails, you might have to remove the toilet tank itself. First, disconnect its water supply line at either the valve behind and above it or by releasing it from the wall where it’s attached near the floor. Then, detach the tank from its bowl by lifting straight up. If you have any problems here, ask our plumber for assistance.

Once the tank is out, you can try using an auger to clear any clogs in the waste line or by removing the one-way valve in the toilet’s supply line to see if that helps move things along. Keep in mind that it shouldn’t be removed if your system freezes in winter, however, as doing so will make it impossible to refill your toilet tank in time for use.

Handle and Chain Mechanism

Another possible issue that can be identified when lifting your toilet tank is the handle and chain mechanism that runs between the tank’s handle and flapper valve. If this sight causes you to see corroded metal or other signs of wear, it might be time to replace it with a new one. To install replacement parts, refer back to your owner’s manual for guidance, or just ask our plumber as-needed.

Flapper Concerns

The flapper is an inlet valve that’s responsible for moving water from the tank into the bowl of your toilet, but it may have worn out. If its chain is stretched, corroded, or broken, it might not move properly to open and close the flapper when needed. This can be cause for concern if you notice water leaking from the tank into the bowl below while your system is in use.

If you choose to replace a flapper on your own, be sure you turn off the water to your toilet by first shuttering the one-way valve until it’s completely closed. Then, use a wrench to remove its handle and/or screw cap to access the flapper inside. From there, you can simply put the new part in place of the old one, then adjust its position as necessary before replacing its handle or screw cap.

Overflow Tube

Finally, in some cases a cracked or otherwise damaged overflow tube can cause your toilet not to flush properly. This is due to the fact that the tube drains excess water from your tank in case it doesn’t get moved into the bowl, which can keep your system from overflowing onto the floor if you have a leaky flapper or other internal issue.

If this sounds like what’s going on with your toilet, just replace the broken overflow tube with a new one that’s been designed to fit your specific toilet. If you need help finding the proper part, just ask our plumber for guidance as-needed.

For more on how to handle flush-related plumbing issues in your toilet, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

As any plumber or even most experienced homeowners can tell you, proper care for your home’s plumbing system involves knowing what not to do just as much as knowing what to do. There are a variety of mistakes some homeowners might make with their plumbing system, even some where they assumed they were doing the right thing — but with a little bit of knowledge, you can avoid these errors and keep your system in great shape.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re proud to offer a wide range of plumbing services, including 24/7 emergency plumbing solutions in Lehi — but also numerous programs or concepts that will help your home or building avoid any plumbing emergencies or major issues altogether. What are some of the most common mistakes we see made by our clients within their plumbing systems, and how can you avoid these risks through some simple understanding of how your system works? Here’s a primer.

Improper Toilet Usage

One of the single most common plumbing mistakes made in homes today is one that can be made by anyone who lives there: Improper usage of the toilet drain, especially to flush down items that are not approved to go down the toilet.

The most common item we see flushed down toilets is paper towels, which can either get stuck in the system and reduce water flow to the bowl or even get caught up in the flapper and cause it to stop working properly. Paper towels are followed closely by feminine products, which can also create blockages when they catch on tree roots that grow into the line.

The other major issue with flushing items like this comes in the form of drain flies or fruit flies — since their breeding area doesn’t necessarily get cleaned out regularly when flushing things down the toilet, drain flies become an issue where your plumbing system is concerned.

To avoid any of these issues, use the proper toilet flushing-approved items like human waste and toilet paper down the drain. Don’t put anything else in there, no matter how innocuous it might first appear to you. Also make sure that your household members are aware of these rules — especially when you’re away from home and can’t be there to note if someone flushes an inappropriate item.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

While the occasional use of a chemical drain cleaner for a minor clog or blockage is usually okay, you don’t want to make this a regular habit. This is because chemicals can cause problems with the materials used to build your plumbing system over time, causing corrosion or even chemical burns to the skin if you come into contact with them.

If your drains are starting to clog up quite frequently, make sure they’re fully clear before attempting drain cleaners of any sort. You can do this with a plunger or even a handheld auger for minor blockages, but if you want to go the chemical drain cleaner route make sure your drain is clear first.

If you’re starting to notice corrosion issues with your plumbing system, it’s time to call in a plumber. Corrosion can be sign that there are serious organic or other issues going on with your system, and if left unchecked these issues can cause leaks or major damage.

Attempting Fixes You Aren’t Qualified For

While there are certain very basic plumbing areas where you can attempt a DIY fix, such as using your plunger to try and unclog your toilet, there are many other fixtures or components that require professional attention. For this reason, you want to be very specific with what you attempt to fix on your own and what you call a professional for.

For example, you wouldn’t want to try and fix your garbage disposal unit on your own, or even attempt to replace a water heater that’s more than 15 years old. On the other hand, you might be able to change out an older spigot for a new one with relative ease, especially if all it requires is the loosening of some nuts with your fingers.

Leaving Water on Or Dripping

You might not realize just how much water will be wasted if you leave water running in your sink or tub at all times, even if it’s an infrequent event. This is because the average faucet can drip a steady flow of between one and three gallons per minute.

If you notice a draining issue with your toilet, make sure to shut off the water supply before embarking on any repairs. Just to be safe, you might want to leave the water turned off for several hours after your repair is completed just to make sure it’s actually fixed.

In other cases, water losses will be due to cracks or other leaks that aren’t as visible as a small drip from a leaky faucet. If you notice any leaking around your shower, toilet, or sink, turn the water off immediately and call a plumber.

No Plumber On-Hand

Finally, another common plumbing mistake homeowners make is not maintaining a connection with a quality local plumber in case of issues. Even if your plumbing system is currently in tip-top shape, you never know when an emergency might happen — and if you don’t have a plumber on standby you could be in for a world of hurt.

If you need to find a reliable and trustworthy local plumber in Lehi or any nearby area, make sure to contact the professionals at Action Plumbing today.

One of the most common potential plumbing concerns out there is a leak to one of your components, and faucets are a particular type that’s often impacted. While that slow drip from your faucet might not seem like a big deal, it’s wasting more water than you might think — and also may be signaling a larger concern that could eventually pose a much larger problem.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re happy to help with a variety of plumbing services, including faucet repair and several related themes. We’ll also provide expertise on the initial causes of many faucet leaks we see, plus what you can do to avoid these risks ahead of time. Here’s a primer on leaking faucets, how they come about, why they’re a problem, and what you can do about them.

Why Are Leaking Faucets a Problem?

An old saying in the plumbing world is that a quarter-turn of the handle means a quart of water goes down the drain. That’s not an exaggeration — even slow leaks can waste water and money. That said, you may never know you have a leak if it doesn’t make any noise or create any other telltale signs. That could lead to some expensive surprises when a hidden leak starts causing other problems, such as mold or peeling wallpaper from excess humidity.

Leaking faucets also cause sanitary problems, as they allow bacteria to collect along the edges of your sink and countertops while leaving behind mineral deposits on your fixtures or tubs. All these risks combined should be enough to convince you that getting help with a leaking faucet is more than worth the time and expense.

Our next several sections will go over the most common causes of leaking faucets.

Damaged or Worn-Down Parts

Leaks are usually caused by worn-out or damaged parts. In a faucet, that could include the O-rings or gaskets that keep water from leaking out of your fixture, or possibly the packing nut underneath the handle or knob and other various nuts, washers, seals, springs, and other parts that connect to one another.

As your faucet ages, these parts wear out and need to be replaced. You can also tighten or lubricate most of these parts, but in some cases you might have to replace them outright. If you’re dealing with one of the tougher fixes — like a gasket replacement or something else that requires specific training — Action Plumbing is happy to help out to ensure the part is replaced properly.

High Water Pressure

In other cases, the cause of a leaking faucet can be traced back to water pressure that’s too high. Water pressure is a factor in how well your faucet seals around its O-ring or gasket to prevent leaks. The higher the water pressure, the tighter it’s going to need to be for proper operation and efficiency.

How do you know if your water pressure is too high? There are several ways, but one common method is to see if you can feel the water pressure behind your faucet’s handle or knob. If the water feels too forceful — as in it’s pushing back noticeably against your hand when you turn on the faucet — it could be causing a leak by stressing out your plumbing fixture and its parts.

Many faucet pressure issues will require the assistance of a plumber, especially if pressure needs to be restored to a previous level. If you’re unsure about any part of this process, leave this job to us.

Cracks in Faucet Plumbing

In rare cases, a faucet leak can be traced back to a crack in the plumbing lines that are connected to your sink or tub. That usually means you’ll see water leaking down from above your fixtures and dripping off the walls or ceiling near your faucet, which is an obvious sign you’ve got problems.

Once again, this is a job best left to the professionals. Do not try to repair these lines on your own, as they can be hard to reach and even harder to seal correctly.

Problems With Ignoring Faucet Leaks

Perhaps the single most common error among homeowners when it comes to this realm: Ignoring a small faucet leak, simply assuming that because it’s only a small drip, this isn’t really much of a problem.

Simply put, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even a small drip from your faucet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. For instance, if your faucet is leaking at the rate of just 1 quart (32 ounces) every two hours, that totals up to 748 quarts of wasted water per year.

The cost for this kind of leak doesn’t look quite as frightening until you put it in those terms. At a typical cost of $3 per 1000 gallons of water, a faucet leak that’s dripping at 1 quart every two hours wastes as much as $2165 per year on just water bills — probably enough to pay for most repair or replacement jobs in the first place!

This is why it’s so important for faucet leaks to be addressed immediately, either by the homeowner, a plumber or some combination therein. We’re happy to help with any and all faucet issues as soon as they arise, so do not delay in calling us.

For more on the culprits in a leaking faucet, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.