If you’re hearing unusual plumbing noises, contacting an experienced Utah plumber is in your best interests.

Strange sounds coming from your pipes and plumbing aren’t just annoying – they’re a cause for concern. Hold off on calling a plumber for too long, and you could face serious problems. To give you an idea of what type of repairs to expect, we’ve compiled a list of common plumbing noises and their typical solutions.

Banging

A loud banging sound – otherwise known as a water hammer – can occur when a valve quickly shuts off the flow of water. Obstructions in the plumbing or improperly secured pipes can also create thudding noises. A professional plumber can pinpoint the source of the noise and resolve the problem.

Rattling

It isn’t unusual for pipes to shake when water is running through them. But if the plumbing noise is loud enough to notice, chances are the pipes aren’t secure. Tightening their mounting straps may be an effective solution, but your Utah plumber might also need to replace worn parts.

Gurgling

Do your drains gurgle? A plumbing clog, air bubbles in the pipes or a drain venting issue could be to blame for this plumbing noise. To identify the culprit and correct the problem, you’ll need the expertise of an experienced Utah plumber.

Whistling

If your showerhead is making a whistling sound, it could be clogged. Removing the showerhead and cleaning any buildup can help put a stop to this plumbing noise, but you may need to consider installing a replacement. In either case, a professional plumber can take care of the problem.

Hissing

When you turn on a faucet and hear a hissing sound, the water pressure in the pipes may be too high. An experienced Utah plumber can evaluate the pressure level and make adjustments or install a special valve to maintain the proper water pressure.

Screeching

A high-pitched squeal or loud screech that happens when you use a faucet usually signifies a loose or defective part, such as a washer or valve. Your professional plumber may be able to replace the problematic part, but the most effective way to eliminate this plumbing noise is to install a new faucet.

Ignoring any unusual sound or symptom in your plumbing is never a good idea. Problems don’t fix themselves, after all – they only get worse over time. For expert advice and repair solutions from an experienced Utah plumber, turn to the professional team at American Plumbing Services.

A local industry leader for more than ten years, American Plumbing Services offers free consultations and estimates to homeowners in the greater Salt Lake City area and the surrounding communities. Contact our Provo office and schedule an appointment to discuss your plumbing noises with a professional Utah plumber today.

The post A Utah Plumber’s Advice About Common Plumbing Noises appeared first on American Plumbing Services.

Colder weather is setting in for everyone living in the Provo area, which means now is the time to prepare your home—especially your plumbing—for the freezing temperatures. Not taking these important steps now could lead to serious plumbing problems later in the season.

Drain Outdoor Plumbing and Faucets

If you have a faucet or pipe that is outdoors, such as your sprinkler system or a faucet that is on the outside of your home and connected to a hose or other pipe, it’s important to shut it off and drain any water from the pipe immediately. Water left in these pipes, hoses, or faucets can freeze, causing pipes to burst and leading to flooding issues inside your home in the winter.

Keep Temperatures Warm, Even When You’re Gone

If you leave during the day or night, or plan to go on vacation, make sure to keep your thermostat set at a temperature warm enough to avoid freezing pipes. Generally that means keeping the temperature at or above 55 degrees; any lower than that and the areas of your home that aren’t as well insulated could get even colder, allowing pipes to freeze. If you’re planning an extended time away from your home, you can also shut off the main water and drain all the water from your pipes by turning on faucets throughout the house as an added layer of protection.

Insulate Pipes in Colder Areas and Seal Up Holes

If you have pipes in an unfinished area of your basement, consider adding insulation around them to avoid the pipes freezing during extremely cold weather. Even if they’re on the interior of the home, cold weather could cause water in the pipes to freeze, expand, and cause damage. A quick layer of insulation (available at any local hardware store) can prevent this from happening. If you notice any spots where your insulation is lacking in the basement, garage, or attic with pipes inside the area, take a few minutes to add more insulation or seal up cracks to avoid freezing air from getting inside.

Protect Against Extreme Temperatures

When temperatures hit well below freezing, you may need to take a few extra steps to protect your plumbing, especially if you live in an older home with poor insulation. You can add insulation to pipes anywhere in the home, leave the water on slightly so water continues to flow (just enough for a drip is fine), set your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal, and even open cabinets with pipes to let air flow from warmer parts of your home around the pipes.

These simple steps can keep your pipes from freezing and prevent the need for expensive damage and repairs caused by freezing temperatures. But if the worst does happen, American Plumbing Services is there to help fix your plumbing.

The post Preparing Your Plumbing for Winter Weather appeared first on American Plumbing Services.

You can contact an emergency plumbing service at any hour of the day or night for immediate repairs – but should you do so? Or should you wait and call the plumber during regular business hours?

The fact is, many homeowners aren’t quite sure what really qualifies as a plumbing emergency. And if you’re in any doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact a plumber, regardless of the time. However, if you’re facing one of the following situations, you need to call an emergency plumbing service as soon as possible.

Burst Pipe

When a pipe bursts, the rush of water pouring into your home should signal you to contact a professional plumber right away. You can shut off the flow at the main water valve, but you’ll need an expert to repair the damage.

Frozen Pipe

In the winter, water running through your pipes can freeze. If you notice little or no water coming from a tap or a toilet that isn’t refilling after a flush, call an emergency plumbing professional immediately. A frozen pipe can easily rupture, so the situation cannot wait.

Toilet Overflow

An overflowing toilet is definitely a plumbing emergency. Shutting off the main valve for the toilet can prevent the problem from getting worse, but if the situation isn’t quickly resolved, you may end up with severe water damage.

Sewer Line Leak

If your bathtub is filling with wastewater or your toilet fills when you run the bathroom sink, you may have a sewer line leak. Prompt repair is essential to avoid issues, so don’t hesitate to call an emergency plumbing professional.

Gas Line Leak

A gas line leak can threaten the health and safety of your family. If you notice a rotten egg smell or hear hissing noises coming from behind a wall, leave your home at once and call 911, your utility company and local plumbing service.

Water Heater Leak

When you suddenly have no hot water, a leak in your water heater may be to blame. And if the leak is at the bottom of the unit, the problem is a definite plumbing emergency. Without a quick fix, the tank could collapse and flood your home.

Call on an Experienced Professional Plumber

While your first instinct may be to scour the internet for an emergency plumbing repair guide on how to fix your problem, going that route may not be effective. And if you attempt to handle the situation on your own, you could easily end up making the issue worse.

If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area and are in need of a reputable emergency plumbing service, turn to the professional team at American Plumbing Services.

Our highly experienced plumbers are available around the clock, and we offer prompt repairs for a fair, competitive price. We offer plumbing services to homeowners throughout Utah and Salt Lake Counties, and we’re known for quality workmanship and exceptional customer care.

Call American Plumbing Services any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – for expert, affordable emergency plumbing service.

The post When to Call an Emergency Plumbing Service appeared first on American Plumbing Services.

It’s the middle of the night, and you notice a leaky pipe in your bathroom. You call a professional plumber for emergency repairs, and they agree to come out right away – but in the meantime, water is spraying everywhere. What do you do?

5 Steps to Fix a Leaky Pipe

As a temporary fix for your leaky pipe, try the following steps. Fixing the pipe won’t permanently solve the problem, but it can help minimize the damage until the professional plumber arrives.

1. Stop the Water Flow

Before you can fix a leaky pipe, you need to stop water from flowing through it. If you’re not sure where to find the water supply valve for that particular pipe, turn off your home’s main shut-off valve. Then, run the faucet closest to the leak to drain away any remaining water.

2. Wipe the Pipe Dry

No fix will stick well to a wet surface, so take a clean cloth and dry off the pipe. While you’re at it, wipe the surrounding cabinets and fixtures, mop the floor and clear the area. By doing so, you can prevent further damage and ready the room for the professional plumber to complete the repair.

3. Tighten the Joints

Look at the plumbing in the area of the pipe leak and use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nearby joints. The fittings may already be tight, but if they aren’t, tightening them can help form a stronger seal, making your temporary fix job last until the professional plumber arrives.

4. Prepare the Pipe

To successfully fix a leaky pipe, you need to make sure the surface is smooth – otherwise, the fix won’t stick. Using a piece of sandpaper or a metal file, gently remove any rust and rough spots surrounding the spot of the leak.

5. Patch the Pipe

The way you temporarily fix a leaky pipe while you wait for the professional plumber to arrive depends upon what you have on hand. Epoxy putty can work – simply break off a piece, knead it in your hands, then push it in and around the crack or hole. A piece of neoprene or rubber from a garden hose along with a few pipe clamps can also seal the leaky spot.

If you don’t have any epoxy putty or pipe clamps, reach for the duct tape. Wrap several layers around the leaky pipe, applying it as tightly as you can, and the fix should hold until the professional plumber arrives.

American Plumbing Services is always available to perform emergency repairs. Based in Provo, we serve homeowners throughout the greater Salt Lake City area and the surrounding northern Utah communities. Our highly skilled professional plumbers have over ten years of industry experience, and we can provide an affordable, effective repair solution.

If you have a leaky pipe and need a professional plumber, contact American Plumbing Services anytime.

The post How to Fix a Leaky Pipe Until the Plumber Arrives appeared first on American Plumbing Services.

A small water heater leak can quickly become a big problem. Damage to your floors, sub-flooring and walls can occur with even minor leaking – and damp, wet areas are the ideal environment for mold and mildew. The spores can grow within days, and an accumulation can cause further damage and lead to a host of health issues.

Furthermore, plumbing and appliance leaks only get worse over time. Eventually, leaking can cause the unit to completely fail, flooding your home and leaving you with huge repair bills.

If you have a water heater leak, addressing the problem now can save you from costly damage and stave off the health risk to your family. Here’s what you need to do.

Turn Off the Power Supply

Stopping the flow of power to your water heater is the first step.

If yours is an electric model, head to the electrical panel box and switch off the appropriate circuit breaker. If gas is the source of power for your unit, look for an on/off switch or dial near the bottom of the tank.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Next, you need to prevent any more water from flowing into the tank.

To do so, find and close the cold water shut-off valve at the top of the unit. For most models, closing the valve is as simple as pulling down a handle or turning a dial clockwise. If, however, you cannot safely reach the valve, locate and turn off your home’s main water shut-off valve.

Call a Plumbing Repair Service

To deal with a water heater leak, you need the expertise of a professional plumber.

Depending upon the severity and nature of the leak, you will either have to repair the unit or install a replacement. An experienced local plumber can evaluate the situation and determine the necessary course of action.

Remember Routine Maintenance

Whether you get repairs or install a new unit, regular maintenance is recommended.

If you’re handy, you can handle the tasks yourself. Simply drain the tank twice a year, and periodically test the temperature-pressure-relief (TPR) valve. But for a more thorough inspection – and to prolong the life of your water heater – you may want to leave the maintenance to a professional local plumber.

For expert advice and plumbing repair solutions in the greater Salt Lake City area, call on the professional team at American Plumbing Services.

Based in Provo, American Plumbing Services is a northern Utah industry leader. We have over ten years of experience completing plumbing repairs and installations for homeowners throughout Utah and Salt Lake Counties, and we’re known for quality workmanship, stellar customer service and fair, competitive pricing.

If you need help with a water heater leak or any other plumbing problem, contact American Plumbing Services for a free consultation today.

The post Have a Water Heater Leak? Here’s What to Do appeared first on American Plumbing Services.