Plumbing Archives - Smedley Service

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

What to Expect When Your Plumber Installs a New Water Heater

September 20, 2022

If your old water heater is on its last leg or if you’re simply upgrading to a newer and more efficient model, you’ll need to have it installed by a professional. Here’s what you can expect when your plumber comes to install your new water heater. Step 1: Your Plumber Will Shut Off the Water Supply Before any work can be done, your plumber will need to shut off the water supply to your home. This is usually done at the main water shut-off valve, which is typically located near the street or property line.

5 Ways to Find a Leak in Your Plumbing

July 15, 2022

Most homeowners have to deal with a plumbing leak at some point. While a small drip may not seem like a big deal, it can waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. If left unchecked, a leak can cause serious damage to your home. So, if you suspect a leak in your plumbing, it’s important to take action immediately. But how do you know if you have a plumbing leak? And what should you do if you find one? 1. Watch the Water Meter Your water meter is your best friend when finding

What Is a Wet Vent in Plumbing?

June 20, 2022

Plumbing has many unusual components that are not easy to identify for the average homeowner. Many parts and pieces do more than move the water throughout your house. A wet vent is an essential addition to the your home’s pipes that drains water and vents one or more pipes together. These vents keep smell and gas from waste out of your house. How Many Plumbed Items Use Wet Vents? Wet vents can have multiple items hooked up to them. There are a few rules for installing wet vents that also regulate how many pipes and

How to Save on Your Water Bill

April 6, 2021

If you want to save on your water bill and free up some cash, there are some things you can do to help reduce the amount of water that is being used in your house. Your water bill might not be your most expensive bill, but cutting back on it a little every month can go a long way in the long term. Here are a number of ways to lower your water bill. Get a Leak Audit From a Professional and Licensed Plumber The plumbing infrastructure of your house can contribute to water leakage, which

What Are The Most Common Plumbing Problems?

February 11, 2021

You are likely to face a variety of plumbing problems as a homeowner. The issues may vary in expense, magnitude, and complexity. Some are minor and will cost you less money to repair, while others are major plumbing problems that require replacing important parts of the plumbing system. Here are some of the plumbing dilemmas a homeowner might encounter. Slow Drainage The buildup of personal care products, hair, and soap scum in the pipes can lead to slow drainage. Slow drains are a common plumbing issue for most houses in Layton, UT. You can take off

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

December 10, 2020

Around your Layton home, you depend on good water pressure to take care of many of your daily tasks. Therefore, when the water pressure suffers at one or more of your fixtures, it can certainly be disconcerting. The good news is that many of the causes of low water pressure are easy to repair. No matter what’s causing your low water pressure, though, it’s important to get Smedley Service on the case quickly to ensure that no permanent damage occurs. Clogged Fixture If you have hard water, the cause of your low water pressure could be something

Hard Water and Your Water Heater: What You Can Do

November 30, 2017

Hard water is a common problem in Utah. In Layton, our water hardness falls between 112 and 169 mg/L, which means that we have moderately hard to hard water. Hard water is a problem for water heaters because it causes a mineral buildup that can reduce the efficiency of the unit and shorten its service life. Knowing how to recognize the signs of hard water and taking action to protect your water heater can help lengthen its lifespan and improve its efficiency. Recognize the Signs of Hard Water Getting your water tested