AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Sandy, UT

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Sandy?

High water pressure in Sandy City is a significant plumbing concern for homeowners in the lower parts of the city. The problem is rampant because the city’s water tanks sit at a higher elevation than most homes. The difference in elevation between the tanks and the houses in the western boundary is almost 1,000 feet. Therefore, the water pressure depends primarily on where you live and the amount of water in the reservoir at any given time. Water pressure is highest in the homes furthest from the reservoir and sitting low in the valley. In contrast, the pressure is lower if your home is at the same elevation as the water tanks.

The city’s water supply setup makes gravity a major factor, meaning that most homes will grapple with water pressure issues. Luckily, homeowners can take a few corrective measures to ensure optimal water flow in their households. Regular plumbing system maintenance can improve and stabilize water flow in a low-pressure home. Removing clogs, mineral buildups, fixing leaky pipes, and replacing regulators improve water flow.

High water pressure might seem like a good thing, but it poses a grave risk to your plumbing system. The ideal residential water pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi; anything above this is problematic. Consistent leaks, loud banging noises (water hammers), and leaking faucets are signs of high water pressure that are prevalent in Sandy. Other signs include running toilets and skyrocketing water bills. Installing a water pressure regulator in homes that sit at Sandy city’s lowest elevations can solve this issue.

Jammed garbage disposals are a common problem we constantly deal with in Sandy City. These handy appliances often get jammed if you dispose of certain food types such as peels and cornhusks or run them without water. Sometimes disposals get backed up if the trap or water line is coated or obstructed by food. Given the delicate nature of this handy appliance, you should give us a call to avoid damaging the unit with an attempted DIY fix.

Backed-up toilets and clogged drains make up the bulk of calls flooding our emergency lines. Sometimes people are surprised by the items we pull from their drains and sewer lines. While food residuals, hair, grease, and scum often form clogs over time, the presence of a foreign object often compounds the matter. Sanitary pads, napkins, wipes, and the occasional toy are the leading cause of clogged drains in Sandy City. Additionally, the hard water throughout the city leaves mineral deposits inside your pipes, which reduce the flow rate through the drains and contribute to clogs.

How Does the Water in Sandy Affect Your Plumbing?

Water hardness in Sandy is another primary plumbing concern for homeowners here. While the city’s water supply is adequately treated and safe to drink, the water is classified as hard water. The latest Consumer Confidence Report indicates Sandy City’s water has a hardness rating of 181 to 186. That corresponds to a “very hard” water rating by the United States Geological Survey. Water hardness is a nuisance because it doesn’t lather well, stains the sinks and faucets, and makes it difficult to clean glassware.

But hard water isn’t a health concern because it only contains a high level of dissolved calcium, and some argue it’s healthier than soft water. But it’s highly damaging to your plumbing system. After a while, hard water forms mineral deposits (limescale) in your pipes, especially in the water heater. Limescale lowers your water heater’s efficiency and decreases its lifespan.

Installing a water softener in your home can help you deal with this problem and safeguard your appliances. A water softener is a sound investment and has great ROI. It protects your water heater, extending its lifespan and lowers your water and heating bills for years to come.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Sandy?

On average, hiring our professional plumbers in Sandy city costs $378 but can range anywhere from $92 to $764 or more. The broad range corresponds to the diversity of plumbing jobs. Our plumbing services range from simple and straightforward, such as replacing faucet washers to complex sewer line installation and repair. Naturally, the cost of your plumbing project depends on several factors.

The Urgency of the Job

Plumbing emergencies cut across the plumbing problems spectrum. They range from the super annoying (running out of hot water mid-winter), the infuriating (flooding basement), to the horrifying (backing toilets and burst sewer lines). From experience, we know that emergencies often happen after office hours, during holidays, or in the middle of the night. We have a crew of expert plumbers on standby ready to deal with such emergencies at a moment’s notice. Typically, you can expect to pay more for emergency plumbing services, but the cost pales in comparison to the damage you’re likely to incur if you avoid an emergency call to our staff.

The Scope of Work

With much of your home’s plumbing system hidden behind walls and underneath the floorboards, surprises abound when handling repairs. Some routine jobs tend to unearth a ticking bomb. We may respond to a call about low water pressure only to discover a problem with the water main.

For reference, unclogging drains is typically a $120 job, while water line repair adds around $50 per linear foot. The cost can go up significantly if other problems needing immediate attention are discovered.

Eligibility for Financial Assistance

Deserving homeowners in Utah can apply for housing repair loans and grants from the federal government. These financial assistance programs help people repair, improve, and modernize their homes. You can use the loan or grant to offset your plumbing repair bills.

Homeowners in Sandy can apply for loans and grants from two programs: USDA Rural Development and Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire.

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Sandy?

A sound plumbing system saves you a ton of money in its lifetime. Our plumbers understand the value of conserving water, which is the most precious liquid of all. More than that, we love helping homeowners lower their water bills and save money. Plumbers can help you improve your home’s water efficiency without curtailing your creature comforts. Improving a home’s water efficiency ranges from installing low-flow plumbing fixtures to upgrading the dishwasher and laundry machine.

We also like to remind people of the value of preventive care in lowering their utility bills because we often find leaks early and can fix them before they become major issues.. A dripping shower head or faucet may not seem wasteful, but the drops add up fast. A leaky faucet wastes up to 3,000 gallons of water a year, while a slow leaking shower head wastes up to 1,000 gallons. The amount of water lost will compound when you have more than one leaky tap and showerhead.

The nature of your home’s plumbing system poses an extra challenge when combating water wastage. It’s pretty challenging to detect leaks in the hidden portion of the piping system until it’s too late. A leaking ¼ inch pipe can waste up to 15,000 gallons a day, while a leaky ½ inch wastes up 60,000 gallons. This much water can flood your basement and damage your home.

Routinely checking your water meter is the best way to detect hidden leaks. Note the meter reading with all the water outlets in the home turned off. Take another reading after 2 hours. If there’s a discrepancy in the reading, your plumbing system may have sprung a leak.

Although plumbing pipes have a long lifespan, they’re susceptible to wear and tear. Most pipes last between 50 and 100 years, after which they start to decline. Sandy’s historic homes are on the higher end of this scale and could use a plumbing upgrade. If you aren’t sure how old the plumbing system in your house is, you should schedule a plumbing inspection with our experts.

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Sandy vs Hire a Plumber?

Homeowners are often confused about when to call the Sandy Water Division or our plumbers to fix a plumbing problem. The easiest way out of this dilemma is to check with your neighbors. If they are experiencing similar issues, the problem might lie in the city supply line. The city is responsible for servicing public utilities such as hydrants and municipal lines. If the water problem is only in your home, you will do well to call our plumbers. The problem might lie within your property lines, and homeowners are responsible for all plumbing repairs on their properties.

If you’re new to the neighborhood, it’s crucial to remember high and low water pressure are common water issues in Sandy City. Ask around to understand the city’s water supply and how it flows into your home. If the norm is unacceptable to you, we’d be delighted to help you get the perfect solution.

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Sandy?

Sandy City requires residents to obtain a permit when engaging our plumbing contractors to undertake a plumbing project. While this might seem like an additional expense and an unnecessary obstacle, it’s, in fact, a nice thing. For starters, a license can only be issued to a qualified and licensed plumber like us. That adds a layer of protection for the homeowners. It means that you can only hire a professional plumber to fix your home.

Secondly, permits allow the city to enforce the building codes and ensure that your home is safe for human habitation. As licensed plumbers in Sandy city, we’re familiar with the city’s building codes and leverage our relationship with the city to speed up the paperwork. Each plumbing job must conform to the city’s standards.

Failing to obtain a plumbing permit when undertaking a plumbing job could land in legal hot soup. The city might saddle you with a hefty fine and may require you to re-do the job, so the inspectors could verify it meets the safety standards.