Category: plumbing

Winter in the Salt Lake Valley can bring cold temperatures, and when the thermometer drops, your plumbing may be at risk. Water expands when it goes from liquid to solid form, causing pipes to split, crack, or even burst. Frozen pipes are not only a huge inconvenience for a homeowner, but they can also lead to costly repairs and water damage throughout your home. Below we’re sharing six simple and effective ways to prevent frozen pipes to keep your home cozy and dry when it’s chilly outside.

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

When it comes to protecting your pipes against the winter cold, insulation is your best friend. Walk around your home and identify any exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the basement, crawl spaces, and attics. Wrap exposed pipes with pipe insulation to create a cozy barrier against the cold so they’re less likely to crack or burst. If you find a crack or leak while you’re inspecting your pipes, contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air for help immediately.

Let Faucets Drip

It might sound counterintuitive, but allowing your faucets to drip can actually prevent your pipes from freezing. When water moves through your home’s piping system, it’s less likely to freeze. If temperatures are expected to drop, turn on your faucets just a bit to let a steady drip flow from each faucet. This simple trick can make a big difference in keeping the water flowing and ensuring your pipes are safe.

Seal Those Leaks

Gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior can let in frigid air, putting your pipes at risk. Conduct a thorough inspection around your home for any leaks and seal them up with caulk or insulation. Don’t forget to seal where pipes run from inside to outside the home, too. This protects your plumbing from the low temperatures and keeps your home warmer overall.

Leave Cabinets Open

Many pipes are hidden away behind closed cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms. During Utah cold snaps, leave your cabinet doors open to allow warm air inside your home to circulate around the pipes. This extra warmth can be the key to preventing freezing and avoiding a plumbing disaster.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Fluctuating temperatures can spell trouble for your plumbing. It may be tempting to lower the thermostat when you’re away to save dollars on your heating bill, but it’s best to maintain a consistent temperature in your home during the winter months to keep your pipes safe. Your thermostat should be set to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times during winter months, even when you’re not at home. This will help ensure your pipes are warm and secure, so you’ll likely avoid any freezing issues.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before the frigid temperatures arrive, take the time to disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses. Why? Leaving water in hoses can leave a small amount of water to remain in your pipe by the spigot, which will lead to frozen pipes. That pipe may eventually burst. Store your hoses in a warm, dry place, and shut off the outdoor water supply if possible. By taking this simple step, you can prevent potential trouble when the temperature drops.

If you realize you forgot to disconnect your hoses before Utah’s freezing temps arrived, try following these steps to thaw a frozen spigot:

1. Immediately disconnect the hose
2. Open the spigot
3. Wrap the spigot and pipe in towels or old rags
4. Slowly pour hot water over the wrapped spigot
5. Repeat step 4 until the water flow returns
6. Continue letting the water run for 2-3 minutes
7. Leave the spigot open slightly to allow for a constant drip

If you can’t restore water flow, contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air at (801) 477-5818, and one of our experts can help.

Remember, winter in Utah doesn’t have to spell disaster for your plumbing. With these six easy tips, you can safeguard your pipes against freezing temperatures and ensure a hassle-free season. A little prevention now can save you from a major plumbing issue later. So, stay ahead of the cold, follow these steps, and remember, the trusted experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air are here to help keep your pipes in top-notch condition.
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Summer is for sunny days, outdoor adventures, and making memories with friends and family. But it can also bring its own set of unique plumbing challenges. At 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air, we understand the importance of a smooth operating plumbing system. Below, we review seven common summer plumbing problems and provide you with expert solutions on how to solve them, so your summer remains relaxing and stress-free.

Dripping Faucets

A dripping faucet can be much more than a small annoyance, so it’s important that you do not ignore the dripping. A leaky faucet means wasted water and an increase in your utility bill. In the summertime, outdoor faucets are used often, and indoor faucets can see extra activity because of out-of-town visitors. A dripping faucet is typically caused by a worn-out washer, a malfunctioning valve, or increased water pressure.

Solution: Our expert plumbers are available to inspect and repair the root cause of your dripping faucet. Acting quickly conserves water, and it also prevents potential damage to your fixtures, which makes them last longer.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

In the summer, people are busy with outdoor gatherings and barbecues, which means there’s more activity in the kitchen. Although garbage disposals are convenient appliances, they can experience issues when they are overused by flushing extra food scraps down them, particularly items full of fiber or starch, such as corn husks and potato peels.

Solution: Reevaluating your disposal habits can go a long way. Consider throwing food remains in the trash. Run cold water while operating the disposal and avoid overloading it with large quantities of food. If a stubborn clog does occur, our trustworthy plumbers are here to help.

Sewer Line Backups

Heavy summer rains can cause an overflow of your sewer system, potentially leading to backups. Also, if you have large trees in your yard, tree roots searching for moisture can cause large blockages in sewer lines.

Solution: Regular sewer line inspections are an effective way to get an up-close look at your sewer line. Finding potential issues early can save you from major repair costs and inconvenience. In case of a backup, our team can help with techniques to clear the blockage and help your plumbing system run well again.

Sump Pump Maintenance

Utah is known for its summer thunderstorms and occasional downpours during the hot summer months. When these storms roll through, your basement might be at risk of flooding. Sump pumps are your first line of defense against water accumulation. If your sump pump system isn’t properly maintained, it might fail right when you need it most.

Solution: Our dependable plumbers specialize in sump pump inspection and maintenance. Call us and we’ll make sure that your sump pump is in optimal working condition before the thunder-boomers begin. Don’t let summer storms catch you off guard – let 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air ensure your basement stays dry and secure.

Water Heater Problems

While water heater issues are often associated with colder months, the summer season can also have water heaters experiencing their own set of problems. Fluctuating water temperatures or a poor hot water supply can signal a malfunctioning water heater, especially if there is increased usage during this summer.

Solution: Pay attention to the temperature of your shower and make note if there is a difference in supply. Our honest, skilled plumbers can help you evaluate and repair your water heater if you find it isn’t working correctly.

Washing Machine Overload

Summer activities often result in more laundry–from sandy beach towels to grass-stained sports gear. Overloading your washing machine strains the unit and increases the likelihood of leaks or breakdowns.

Solution: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for loading your washing machine. Responsible usage combined with regular inspections can help to ensure smooth operation. If you notice leaks or unusual noises coming from your machine, contact us immediately.

Backed-Up Toilets

With kids on summer break and increased people in your home, toilets can definitely see more frequent use than they’re used to. This can raise the risk of clogs, especially if inappropriate items get flushed down the drain.

Solution: Teach your family about proper toilet usage and explain that only toilet paper should be flushed. If pesky clogs happen, the experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help.

Summer is a time to play outdoors in the sun and create lots of great memories. Our plumbers are dedicated to ensuring that plumbing problems don’t ruin your summer joy. As your trusted and reliable plumbing partner in the Salt Lake Valley, we’re here to give you expert solutions to any plumbing issues that come your way. Contact us today for honest service and keep your plumbing system in optimal condition throughout the season and beyond.
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When you live in Utah, chances are your home has a basement or a crawlspace. As you probably know, winters can be difficult in this area. When the snow melts, weather related flooding can be a common problem for homeowners. This can also occur when there’s a moisture concern, a leak in your plumbing, or an issue with your drainage. Water can enter your basement and crawlspaces when the natural water table raises to a certain level, which soaks the surrounding soil and leaks into your home. The last thing you want as a homeowner is to deal with flooding and property damage, which is why we’ve put together this article about why you may need a sump pump for your home, and we explain exactly what they do.

What is a Sump Pump?

Before we start telling you why you may need a sump pump, let us explain first what a sump pump is. A sump pump is a small pump that is installed in your sump basin to extract the water that may appear there. Typically, a sump basin is installed in the basement of a home, and it collects water that enters the crawlspace or basement through perimeter drains or the natural ground water. The sump pump sucks up the water and pushes it out of the basement and into storm drains or other safe drainage areas.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are a few different types of sump pumps. The first is a submersible sump pump. It’s a fairly quiet, out of the way pump, and the motor and the pump are contained in one unit that is completely submerged. This type of pump may be quieter and save some space, but it doesn’t last as long as a pedestal pump.

A pedestal sump pump has a pump that is separate from the motor. The pump is located in the basin, but the motor is not. The motor sits on a pedestal above the basin. These types of pumps are easier to access and maintain, but they can be in the way if your basement or crawlspace is small. Some sump pumps have battery backup, and others have a water backup. If there’s a chance the power may go out during your flood, having a battery or water powered backup unit is the perfect option.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a sump pump?”, you should first ask yourself a couple of questions. This will help you determine if it’s best to have a sump pump installed in your home. And remember, even if there’s never been a water or moisture issue in your home, sump pump installation provides peace in knowing you have the pump installed before flooding ever occurs.

1. Does my home have a basement or crawlspace? If the answer is yes, we suggest installing a sump pump in your home.
2. Is the soil surrounding my home dense or made of heavy clay? If it is, and moisture collects around your foundation, water will drain slower and stay around your foundation rather than seeping into the surrounding soil quickly. A sump pump will help you drain the water away from your home more quickly.
3. Does the ground slope away or toward my home? If it slopes towards your home, the slope will send water towards your foundation rather than away from it. A sump pump will protect you against flooding or damage.

How Long do Sump Pumps Last?

When you have a sump pump professionally installed in your home, it can be expected to have a lifespan between 7 to 10 years. The life of your pump will depend on the amount of time it’s in operation. If your sump pump needs to run frequently, or for long periods of time, this will result in more wear and tear that may cause the system to fail earlier. It’s important to pay attention to how often your sump pump is pumping water.

How Do You Maintain a Sump Pump?

To keep your sump pump functioning correctly, we suggest performing regular maintenance on the pump. This will help maximize the life of your sump pump. Before doing any work on your sump pump, disconnect the power. Clean the pump screen or inlet opening every month if your sump pump is active often. Every three months you should remove any debris that has collected in the basin. Test your sump pump by dumping enough water into the basin so that the float switch is activated and starts the pump.

Can My Local Plumber Install a Sump Pump for Me?

Yes! The licensed technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can install a basin and a sump pump for you. They will also install discharge piping from the basement level, window well, or exterior stairwell. Your technician will help determine where your pump should drain. When possible, our goal is to have the water exit the discharge line at least 20 feet from your home or into a storm water drain or receptacle.

The trusted plumbers know the codes for Salt Lake City, Riverton, South Jordan, Draper, Herriman, Lehi, and other cities in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The work we provide will meet the code for your city.

If you have more questions, or need an honest plumber to install your sump pump in Utah, call us at (801) 477-5818 now.
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The transition from Winter into Spring is a welcome time for everyone. The cold weather months are behind us, and warmer days are now ahead. When we move into Spring weather in Utah, we still experience fluctuating temperatures. We are known for having a few cold snaps in March, and this quick temperature difference can result in problems with homeowners’ plumbing systems. In this article, we’re reviewing the 5 most common Spring plumbing problems and what to look for so you don’t experience larger issues later.

1. Poor Water Pressure

If you notice your water pressure changing, this most likely is due to a leak in the plumbing system in your home. Springtime months are known for their showers and storms, and the water accumulated around your home sinks into the soil, causing it to become drenched.  When this occurs, this may cause stress on your underground plumbing.

This could eventually lead to a developing leak in the main line and could cause your poor water pressure. Call your local plumbing professional to examine your pipes to see if a leak is present. A plumbing expert like those from 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air will be able to resolve the issue quickly.

2. Slow Draining

When soil is soaked with water due to heavy rain, pressure could be placed on the pipes that come from your home to the sewer as well. Many complications can occur from this. Whether it’s your sink, tub, toilet, or shower, slow drainage can cause major issues. Water can even back up on your lawn, which means it’s flooded with sewer water.

Another reason for slow drainage could be from the growing trees, plants, and other types of shrubbery. Growing root systems can grow into a pipe, and it could result in a potentially serious blockage in your system. If you think you have a blockage, contact a local professional.

3. Pipe Leaks

In Utah, we experience plummeting temperatures during the winter. These cold temperatures cause contraction or freezing of the pipes in your home, which could cause small cracks. When the temperature warms up, those pipes expand. If there was a small crack present, this will likely cause the crack to grow larger.

Around your home you may notice drips of water coming from your pipes, a musty smell, or standing water. You may even notice an increase in your water or electric bill. Your local plumbing expert should inspect your pipes if this is the case, and they can determine if you have a leak in your plumbing system. Call immediately if you think this is the case.

4. Clogged Outdoor Drains

If you have outdoor drains around your home, inspect the areas closely to ensure the drain is functioning properly. Leaves, sticks, and other yard debris can clog your drain if you didn’t clean it up before the snow fell. Once the Utah snow begins to melt, these drains can become clogged, causing large issues around your home.

If you do notice clogs, it’s important that you clean your drains immediately. When the debris is allowed to sit, you may be dealing with a major blockage down the road. Eventually, the drain will stop working correctly, and you could be dealing with a flood on your property.

5. Failing Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your basement, you likely already know that this appliance doesn’t typically run during the winter months because of the freezing conditions. When the warm weather of Spring returns, and rain storms are common, your basement could experience flooding. The pump is then turned on to clear the water.

Unfortunately, lots of homeowners have found out the hard way that this initial turn on does not take place. If you don’t clear the water in your basement immediately, it could result in extensive water damage to your home’s foundation. If you need maintenance or a replacement, contact your trustworthy plumbing experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air.

To avoid any of the problems we’ve discussed above, it’s important that you inspect your property closely. Test all of your outdoor spigots, walk around your home, and check your basement and other areas of the home regularly to make sure no leaks have developed. If you notice a leak has occurred, repair them immediately, or contact your local plumber.

Inside your home, check all of the water valves, inspect the tubs, sinks, toilets, and showers. Regular home inspections by your local plumbing expert can also help you identify problems early, helping you avoid any necessary repairs.

Springtime in Utah should be enjoyed, and you shouldn’t be spending the warm months worried about leaks in your home. The honest experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air are here to help. Please contact us at (801) 477-5818 to schedule an inspection or repair service. We’ll come out to your home quickly and make sure your property is spring time ready.
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Plumbing pipes are an essential part of your home. You use them every day, yet it’s not often that you give the pipes that run through and under your home much thought at all. That is, until one breaks. A broken water pipe can not only cause damage to your home and property, but it can also be costly to repair. But did you know there are many reasons pipes break, and there are often signs of issues before they do? Below, we’re sharing the top 7 causes for broken pipes in your home and how you can prevent them.

1. Freezing

Cold temperature is one of the top reasons pipes break. When the thermostat dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water in pipes will start to slowly freeze. As water freezes, it expands, and that pressure inside the pipe causes it to burst. When Jack Frost is nipping at your nose (and pipes), consider insulating your pipes and keeping your house warm. Letting water trickle from the taps in your home to keep the water moving will also help you avoid freezing pipes.

2. Blocked Pipes

If you’ve had a clog building in your pipes, it could be causing unexpected pressure to build up. As we mentioned in tip number one, too much pressure will eventually cause your pipe to break. Pipes can become clogged due to oil and grease build up, hair, food, toilet paper and more. When these clogs occur, sinks and toilets back up and pipes can burst. Prevent clogged drains by being aware of what you flush down your drains and having your drains cleaned if they’re draining slowly.

3. Tree Roots

Trees and shrubbery near your home have root systems that run underground. If the soil is compacted, those roots can extend deep into the soil and apply pressure to your pipes, causing cracks and leaks. It’s important that you keep shrubs and trees away from your home’s pipes when planting new greenery. If you’re concerned about current root systems, your local plumbing specialist can run a camera through your plumbing drains and pipes to see if you have any issues.

4. Older Pipes

Sometimes the reason for a broken pipe can be as simple as its age. Through the years, erosion can occur and pipes can crack or break. Steel pipes can corrode, and the mineral buildup can cause pipes to narrow and slowly burst. To prevent this from happening, consider scheduling regular pipe maintenance to ensure there are no issues to be concerned about.

5. Ground Shifts

Shifting in the ground can damage buried pipes. Earthquakes or tremors are typical examples of such ground shifts. Also, if you live in an area that has experienced a high amount of rainfall, that water can saturate the ground, causing soil to erode or shift as well. While you can’t do anything about the weather or ground shifts, you can be sure to ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent soil movement.

6. High Water Pressure

The common theme between all of the causes we’ve mentioned above is pressure. High water pressure is a major cause of broken pipes in homes. Normal water pressure measures between 50 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) on a hose bib gauge. You can pick up one of these inexpensive gauges at your local hardware store and measure the water pressure in your home. Just attach it to a spigot outside and open the line. If the water pressure is too high, your local plumbing expert can install a special pressure-reducing valve to bring the water pressure down to safer levels.

7. Accidental Damage

As homeowners, we’re often fixing up our properties by remodeling or landscaping. It can be common for homeowners or their contractors to accidentally hit or break a water pipe underground or inside a wall while tackling these projects. To avoid this issue, be sure to have your underground pipes located contacting 811 “Call Before You Dig” in your area so they can properly indicate which areas in your yard to avoid.

It’s important to remember that if a broken pipe occurs in your home or on your property to take action immediately to keep damage at a minimum. If you don’t know where your main water supply shut off valve is located, it’s important you find out. That way, if you do face a burst or leak, you can turn off the water supply immediately.

Despite your best prevention efforts, remember that broken pipes can occur any time. The local plumbing experts at 1^st American Plumbing can help you if you experience a burst pipe, a slow leak, or a clogged drain. Reach us at 801-477-5818 or by contacting us on our website at 1stamericanplumbing.com. Not only are we experts with plumbing issues, but we can also can help you with any water damage that may have occurred when your pipe broke. We’ll get your plumbing repaired and your home cleaned up in no time.
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If you’ve ever experienced taking a shower or a bath in a home with a water softener, you can instantly tell that the water is silky and soft. There are many benefits of using soft water over hard water, but most homes have hard water, and the hard minerals that are in the water contribute to soap scum and deposits inside of pipes, causing low water flow. So why doesn’t everyone have a water softener? One reason could be because there are so many types of water softeners to choose from. How do you know which water softener is best for your home? To help you decide, we’re discussing 5 types of water softeners below to help you understand the pros and cons of each.

How Water Softeners Work

Before we discuss the 5 types of water softeners, let’s go over how water softeners work. Hard water is full of heavy minerals, and water softeners draw out those minerals from the water through an ion exchange process. Some can neutralize those minerals, which means your water will be clear of calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals. Your water is much softer, silkier, and gentler on your skin and hair.

Now that you understand how water softeners work, let’s discuss the 5 types of water softeners available to homeowners.

1. Salt-Based (Ion-Exchange) Water Softeners

Salt-based water softeners are the most common type of water softener. These salt-based softeners come in many different sizes for different needs and supply soft water to the entire home. Inside, a resin pulls the calcium and magnesium from the water and substitutes sodium ions for those minerals through a process called ion-exchange. One negative thing about a salt-based water softener is that you’ll have to consistently purchase bags of salt and upkeep the system weekly.

These salt-based systems remove the hard water causing minerals, but not really anything else. If your water contains bacteria or chemicals, this salt-based softener won’t remove it. The resin will last for many years, and when it runs out, it will be low cost to replace it. Homeowners like this option for that reason.

2. Salt-Free Water Softener

If you don’t want to upkeep your water softener on a weekly basis, then a salt-free system may be for you. These types of water softeners neutralize hard minerals from the water rather than remove them completely with the use of salt. A salt-free water softener is typically more expensive up front, but they are less to maintain since you won’t be purchasing bags of salt nor doing upkeep on the system on a weekly basis. An advantage of a salt-free softener is that they take up less space than salt-based systems. Since you don’t have to have an additional tank to take care of brining and draining, you use up less room in your home.

Another advantage of this type of system is that it typically uses a multi-stage filtration process. This process not only neutralizes minerals, but it also removes unwanted bacteria and chemicals from the water.

3. Reverse Osmosis Water Softeners

Some homeowners don’t see a reverse osmosis system as a water softener. This is because they strip water of all substances, including minerals like magnesium and calcium, which cause hard water. These systems can often feature multiple steps to re-introduce healthy minerals into the water to inject into your drinking water.

The reverse osmosis water softeners generally fit under the sink and often use their own faucet so you can have purified, soft water to drink. Because of this, it’s important to note that these types of systems only provide soft water to this one faucet, not throughout the entire home.

4. Magnetic Water Softeners

Newer on the market, magnetic water softeners are marketed as an alternative to water softeners because they don’t remove water’s hard minerals. Like salt-free water softeners, these magnetic water systems neutralize hard minerals to stop them from merging together. These systems give you all the benefits of soft water, but they are considered to be more affordable.

Magnetic water softeners are easy to install, with no pipe cutting required. To install, you simply wrap them around existing pipes and the magnetic field conditions the water that passes through your plumbing. Just wire them into your home’s electrical system and you’re good to go.

5. Showerhead Water Softeners

As you can guess, the systems we’ve mentioned above are more expensive than our 5^th option—showerhead water softeners. Some homeowners just can’t afford this type of investment. If you’re looking for a silky-smooth shower, and you’re not interested in a house-wide system, then a showerhead softener may be for you.

To install a showerhead water softener, you only need to unscrew your old showerhead and screw the new one on. These systems use cartridge filters that conditioner the water and remove hard water minerals and more. Some of these softeners also come with vitamin filters that fortify the water with additional vitamins or even scents. Read the packaging when you purchase one of these systems to be sure you understand what the cartridge consists of.

Whatever the reason you are thinking of adding a soft water system to your home, it’s important you consider all of your options in water softeners. Your local, trustworthy plumber can help answer any questions you may have and help you determine the best system for you and your home. Contact 1^st American Plumbing, Heating and Air to schedule a time for one of our certified plumbers to inspect your water system and give you an estimate on one of these soft water systems listed above. Contact us at (801) 477-5818 or fill out this form and we’ll contact you as soon as we can.
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One of the most difficult things to go through as a homeowner is discovering water damage to your home from flooding or a plumbing issue. Personal property is often damaged, and you’re racing against time to save your home and property. Whether the flooding is from storms, a burst pipe, or a natural disaster, flood waters not only damage property, but the water can also seep into the support structure of your home, warping and weakening framing, beams, or floors. The moisture can also cause mold to grow. When you discover a flood, you’ll likely be overwhelmed at what to do first. That’s why we’ve put together a water damage and flood restoration checklist for you so you’re ready if flooding happens in your Draper home.

If you’re experiencing flooding in your home, take action immediately to keep yourself safe. Remove all pets and children. Flood water can include harmful organisms like E. coli and salmonella, so regular handwashing is very important as well. If the flooding is coming from a plumbing issue, contact your local plumber immediately.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve moved you and your loved ones to safety, contact your insurance company. There may be resources available to you through your insurance provider to help. In the event that the loss isn’t covered, they might be able to put you in contact with companies that can provide flood damage cleanup or restoration. There are many plumbing companies that can help with cleanup and restoration as well.

2. Check Your Home’s Structure

Before you begin any water damage clean up, it’s essential you have your home inspected for any signs of structural damage. As we mentioned earlier, flood water can seep into the wood and materials that support your home. Be sure to check for damage to your drywall, support beams, hardwood floors, staircases, or foundation. You should also inspect your HVAC equipment to ensure it’s not leaking or running. The electrical to your home should be shut off before you enter any standing water to prevent the possibility of electrocution. You should consider contacting an electrician to help with this.

3. Document Damaged Items

Once you’ve determined your home is safe to enter, put on protective gear including gloves, boots, and safety glasses or goggles. Take photos or a video with date and time stamps so you can present these to your insurance company. This includes items like wet furniture, soaked carpets, and soggy personal property. Be sure to include imagery of how high the water rose inside your home—this is often evident on the drywall and will have to be removed at least 2 feet above the waterline in your images.

4. Remove Soaked Items

Any items that are sitting in water should be removed quickly. Some items can be saved and cleaned, but you need to throw out any electronics, books, or furniture that can’t be restored. Take photos and make a log of any personal property that could possibly be covered under your homeowner’s insurance. Your insurance agent should be able to tell you if you’re covered for those items. Any items that can be salvaged should be relocated to a dry area away from your home before you have someone start extracting water from the basement or lower floors.

5. Begin the Initial Cleanup

Cleanup from the damage in your home could be a small or large project. Always wear your protective gear before you begin and consider wearing an N95 mask to protect yourself from airborne contaminants. If your flooding is from a large storm or natural disaster, begin by shoveling mud from hard surfaces. Clear out as much dirt and debris as possible, and spray wash what you can. You should use a heavy-duty detergent and hot water to wash down areas that have dirt stains. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying time. Once the initial cleanup is finished, mix one quarter cup of bleach with one gallon of water and use the mixture as a disinfectant.

6. Dry Out Your Home

If you’ve only experienced water damage in your home, once you’ve taken out all of your personal items, open all doors and windows to allow airflow into your house. Again, dehumidifiers and fans can help, and a wet vacuum can help speed up the job. These helpful items make clearing rooms of excess moisture much easier. Clean up puddles of water first, move to damp surfaces, then wipe down everything with the mixture of water and bleach we mentioned above.

7. Make a Repair List

Once you get your home cleaned up and the drying process has begun, it’s important you create a repair list of items in your home that need to be fixed or restored. This list can also be used as an inventory of sorts for damaged property or lost items if you file a claim against your flood insurance. Focus on repairs that are structural first, then record other repairs needed. For any plumbing issues that occurred during the flood, contact the best plumber in your area for their opinions for the repairs that need to be addressed.

If the checklist above seems daunting, and you’re feeling overwhelmed, considering hiring a company that deals with water damage clean up or flood remediation. These companies address the destruction after the flood and minimize further damage. Your local plumber, 1^st American Plumbing, Heating and Air, can repair the issues or refer you to someone who can. This includes everything from minor repairs to gutting out and repairing rooms in your home. 1^st American Plumbing, Heating and Air has the best plumbers who are trustworthy and friendly. There’s a reason we have over 800 5-star reviews! Call us today at (801) 477-5818.
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One of the most common reasons people call a plumber is a clogged drain. Toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs each have the potential to clog, and when you see water rising instead of draining, you may begin to panic. Clogs can cause bigger problems such as flooding, corrosion, and sewer line backups, none of which is welcome in your home. So, what causes drains to clog? Lots of things. We’ve put together this list of the 9 leading causes for clogged drains to help you better understand why clogs happen and what to do if they happen to you in your home.

1. Hair

Hair clogs are very common in homes. Everyone has hair, and that hair needs to be either washed or shaved, and the daily showering or shaving means hair is being rinsed down the drain. Those small bits of hair flushing down the drain may seem minor at the time, but the accumulation of hair builds up and disgusting clogs form. Over time, that clogged drain will lead to slow to drain or standing water.

To avoid these clogs, take precautionary measures and reduce the amount of hair that enters the drain in the first place. You can find a drain cover at most home improvement stores to place over your bathtub or shower drain to catch the hair. This one small addition can drastically help reduce the chances of hair clogging and eliminate the need for drain cleaning.

2. Soap

Believe it or not, most soaps are made by mixing animal fat with lye. Bar soap needs this hydrogenated fat to be turned into a solid, bar form. When the fat mixes with water minerals, it forms soap scum, and this soap scum can cause a clogged drain. If you notice that your soap bar is leaving large amounts of soap scum in your bathtub or shower, consider using liquid soap, which contains no animal fat.

3. Mineral Buildup

If you have hard water, it can cause the minerals in the water to build up along the walls of the pipes in your home. The dissolved magnesium and calcium in water hardens as it sits in your pipes, reducing the outlet in the pipe. Hydro jetting is a form of drain cleaning that works well in clearing mineral deposits and other blockages. Another option to resolve this issue is to install a water softener in your home.

4. Grease

Similar to hair, grease doesn’t cause a clogged drain immediately. This makes it easy to be careless when you are cleaning up after cooking and let the grease go down the drain. Fatty oil residue collects on the sides of kitchen pipes, and it’s only a matter of time until the pipes can no longer allow liquids to drain.

Here in Salt Lake City, temperatures can get quite cold, and this will cause those greasy oils to thicken and block pipes much easier, so it’s best just to avoid washing grease down your kitchen sink at all. Drain cleaning by a qualified plumber can help clear these difficult grease clogs.

5. Food Scraps

We mentioned above that grease can cause your pipes to clog, but it’s important for us to note that certain food scraps can also cause clogged drains in your home. Starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta, and rice can quickly plug your pipes, and so can fibrous fruits and vegetables. These items should be placed in a garbage can.

The truth is most household garbage disposals can only handle small amounts of food scraps. You should never put coffee grounds or eggshells in your garbage disposal, either. Consider taking these food scraps and composting them.

6. Roots

If you have trees or bushes planted around your home, especially if they’re older, the root systems from these plantings can easily penetrate through the ground and block pipes. Unlike hair or grease, this blockage isn’t as easy to see with the naked eye. Your local Salt Lake City plumber can run a camera through your pipes to help identify if roots are causing your pipes to clog.

7. Toiletries

If you’ve noticed your toilet having flushing and draining issues, you could have a sewer pipe clog. It’s common these days for people to flush feminine hygiene products, sanitary products, and baby wipes. Most of the products shouldn’t be flushed and will cause drain blockages, because each of these products double in size when they absorb water.

The good news is your friendly Salt Lake City plumber can help you with sewer line cleaning to remove these products. It’s important to state that if you have flushed these products before, you never should put them down the drain again. Dispose of these toiletries in the garbage.

8. Foreign Objects

If you have children, you know that it’s common to find kids toys everywhere throughout your home—and this can include drains. Small toys can easily fit down bathtub drains, and some not-so-small toys can even be flushed down the toilet. These objects can create an obstruction in the drain and lead to serious clogs.

To prevent this happening in bathtubs and sinks, install a drain cover to catch these items quickly. If a toy is stuck in the toilet drain, call your local plumber to inspect where the object got stuck—they can perform sewer line cleaning if needed.

9. Heavy Rain

Here in Utah, we can have heavy rain that falls during a thunderstorm. These heavy rains can easily cause drain blockages by bringing foreign objects into the drain system. Leaves, debris, any of these objects can build up in the sewer line and can cause clogs in the system. If it’s raining and you notice dirty water coming up into your sink or shower, contact your local plumber immediately.

Remember that it’s essential to keep your drains clear and in good working condition to prevent drain clogs in your home. If you’re experiencing a drain clog and you need drain cleaning help, reach out to our trusted plumbers at 1^st American Plumbing, Heating & Air for expert assistance. Our trustworthy plumbers are here to help you with all of your plumbing problems.
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Your water main brings clean water into your home from your city’s public water supply. This main line runs underground, and if a crack or leak occurs in this main line, it can be difficult to identify immediately. These lines run at least 3 feet below ground, which means unless you know what you’re looking for, you won’t find the problem unless you dig deep to view the line. If you’re worried you might have a leak in your main line, we’ve put together this list of 8 symptoms that your water main is leaking.

1. Water Bill Increasing

A top symptom of a water main leaking is the increase in your monthly water bill. Unless you’ve had visitors staying in your home or you’ve started doing more laundry or taking more showers, you should typically see the same range of charges each month on your bill. If that amount has increased, especially if it’s by a substantial amount, you should contact your local friendly plumber to help detect if your main line is leaking.

2. Mold and Mildew

If a leak in your water main is small, the water will slowly seep from the pipe, and that water can soak into drywall, wood, or plaster in your home. When moisture like this accumulates in one area, mildew can develop as well as mold spores. You may be able to see obvious signs of a water leak which include bubbling wall paint, discolored spots on ceilings or walls, or damp floors or trim. Contact your professional plumbing company for help.

3. Odd Smells

Mold and mildew have a distinct smell, and it can hide under floors or behind walls. Because of this, it’s important to pay attention if you notice any strange smells in your Sandy home. It’s also important to keep an eye on the water coming from your faucets, because if the main line is broken, contaminants could be entering your home’s water supply. If your drains are clogged, a plumber can help you with drain cleaning. But, if the water coming from your taps start to smell odd, contact a plumber immediately to investigate.

4. Changing Water Color

As we mentioned above, if you have main line water leak, contaminants can enter the water that comes into your home through your plumbing. When the color of the water coming from your taps is a murky yellow or brown, or there’s debris that’s visible, these are indicators that you need a plumber immediately. A trustworthy plumber can identify the leak and help to advise you whether you need a water line flush or a line repair.

5. Foundation Cracks

If your water main is leaking, water can begin to seep into the porous materials that form your home’s foundation. This can cause your foundation to crack, eventually leading to crumbling, which could be dangerous and expensive. If you see your foundation of your home has cracks or splits in the concrete, contact an emergency plumber as soon as possible to correct the issues before this causes structural problems and can cause expensive damages to your house.

6. Low Water Pressure

Occasionally you may notice dips in your water pressure if you’re doing laundry or someone is showering at the same time you’re running your faucet in your home. But, if you notice you’ve lost water pressure overall in your home, even when no one else is using a water source at the same time, you likely have a water main leak. A skilled plumbing professional can help you stop the leak quickly and examine your water main to determine if a leak is the cause.

7. Puddling Water

One of the easiest ways to see if you have a plumbing leak is when you find dampness or puddles of water in or around your home. If you find the same areas continuing to show wetness such as around your sinks, water heater, washing machine, or outside of your home, without an explanation, it’s a sure sign your water line has a crack in it, and you should call your Sandy plumber immediately.

8. Recurring Clogs

The drains in your home can tend to clog over time, due to the mineral build up and drain debris. This is typical and can require drain cleaning to keep the lines running clear. But if you’re finding your drains in your home clogging constantly, even after you’ve cleaned the drains thoroughly, it can be a sign that water is leaking somewhere inside your home. Contact your plumber for drain cleaning immediately.

One option to help you as you investigate whether you have a water leak is to contact your local water company and request that they turn off the water at the curb valve outside your home. They may send an emergency team to assist you, or they might give you instructions on how you can shut off the water for your home. This will give you time to assess a few things.

If you’d rather seek professional help after you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms or indications of a water main break at your home, rest assured that your local trustworthy plumber can also help you. The expert plumbers at 1^st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can not only help you identify the leak, but they can help you repair the leak as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Contact 1^st American Plumbing, Heating & Air at (801) 477-5818.
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