Plumbing Archives - Smedley Service

How Long Do Water Heaters Typically Last?

December 8, 2025

A water heater is an essential appliance in Layton, UT homes and throughout the rest of the country. Hot showers, clean dishes, and easy laundry are just a few of the everyday comforts your water heater provides. However, like any appliance, a water heater will fail. Understanding the time frame you’re dealing with can help you plan for replacement. There are many features and models to consider when replacing your water heater. Our staff at Smedley Service is knowledgeable and can help you take on this household project. Conventional Tank-Style Water Heaters A water heater with a tank typically

Tips for Troubleshooting Your Garbage Disposal

October 10, 2025

A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances out there. It allows you to more effectively manage food waste and keep your sink clean. Unfortunately, all garbage disposals experience issues from time to time. Here are some key tips for troubleshooting your garbage disposal problem plus advice on when to call a professional plumber for repair service. How Does a Garbage Disposal Work? Before we dive into troubleshooting steps to get your garbage disposal working again, it’s important to understand how a garbage disposal functions. This appliance has an internal motor that spins

Sump Pumps 101: Understanding Basement Water Protection

September 16, 2025

Extra moisture in your basement can lead to structural damage and costly repairs. One of the most effective solutions for preventing these problems is a sump pump. That said, do all basements need one? In this blog, our plumbing services experts will help you understand how sump pumps work, when they are necessary, and how to maintain one. What a Sump Pump Does A sump pump collects and removes water that seeps into the lowest part of your home, typically in a pit known as the sump basin. When heavy rains, rising groundwater, or melting snow

Can You Really Unclog a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar?

July 21, 2025

If you have a clogged or slow-moving drain in your Layton, UT home, the solution could lie within your pantry. A simple mix of white vinegar and baking soda will trigger a brisk, foaming reaction that can loosen trapped debris and clear pipe interiors. However, before trying this popular do-it-yourself remedy, it’s important to know why it works, how it works, and when to use it versus when to call a drain cleaning service. How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Tackle Clogs Heavy build-ups of general drain waste are among the most common causes

How Do You Fix a Toilet Flushing Mechanism?

May 2, 2025

Are you dealing with an issue where your toilet suddenly won’t flush or just keeps running after you flush it? Issues like these are some of the most common plumbing problems you can encounter. Considering how often people use the toilet every day, certain parts of a toilet flushing mechanism are bound to eventually wear out or stop working properly and need repair. How a Toilet Flushing Mechanism Works Although a toilet flushing mechanism is fairly simple, it consists of multiple components that all need to work correctly for the toilet to flush and refill

What Is The Best Leak Detection Method?

March 6, 2025

Water leaks can cause a ton of damage to your home, but if they are deep within your plumbing system, they may not be easy to locate. Leaks that are not repaired promptly can be even more damaging to your home because the area where the water lies can leave stains and damage the walls and floors. We will take a look at some of the best ways you can know when there is a leak in your home. We will also discuss different methods that professional plumbers, like our team at Smedley Service, will use to

Thinking About Going Tankless? Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

January 9, 2025

When it comes to choosing a water heater, deciding between traditional tank-style units and modern tankless models can be daunting. You’ve likely heard a lot about tankless water heaters and their energy-saving benefits, but is it really worth making the switch? Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand, which has some substantial benefits, but they also have their own set of problems. At Smedley Service in Layton, UT, we’re here to explain the facts so you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and home needs. Let’s examine how tankless water heaters compare to conventional

How Does a Water Softener Work?

March 2, 2024

Water softeners have become increasingly popular in the past decade. As a homeowner, you may have heard of other people having a water softener but you might be unsure about its functions and why you would need one. In this article, we will help clear up any confusion and answer these questions and more. Understanding Hard Water Before we go over what a water softener is, it can be helpful to start by explaining what hard water is. The water in your home’s main water supply will have a hardiness rating. Some regions may have more

Understanding the Importance of Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

January 4, 2024

A tankless water heater provides an energy-efficient and economical way for households to obtain hot water on demand. While tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular compared to traditional models, these appliances require adequate maintenance to prevent premature component failure and to ensure that the unit reaches its full life expectancy. Tankless water heaters require regular professional inspections, and they may also need more frequent maintenance if you have hard water or prefer the highest water temperatures. A look at the significance of regular maintenance can provide insight on keeping your unit in excellent condition. What

All About Backflow Testing and Why It’s Necessary

January 20, 2023

Backflow testing is a process by which your plumbing is evaluated to ensure proper flow and function, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply. While plumbing is mostly an “out of sight, out of mind” element in your home, problems do arise that likely need immediate attention to prevent water damage. Plumbing and Potential for Water Contamination With backflow-testing, your plumbing system is evaluated to ensure that drinking water is not being contaminated. A qualified plumber will ensure that water in your home is flowing in the right direction, and that none