Plumbing FAQs from Layton, Ogden, Salt Lake City Homeowners

Below are answers to some of the most common plumbing questions we hear from homeowners around Layton, Ogden, and Salt Lake City.

Whether you’re dealing with clogged drains, low water pressure, or wondering about water heater options, Mountain Home Services has the expertise to help you understand your plumbing system and know when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

How can I prevent clogged drains in my Utah home?

Preventing clogged drains starts with being mindful of what goes down them. Use drain strainers in your kitchen drain and bathroom plumbing fixtures to catch hair, food particles, and debris. Avoid pouring grease or coffee grounds down the sink during cold Utah winters, grease solidifies quickly in pipes and creates stubborn blockages.

Schedule professional drain cleaning as needed, especially if you live in an older Salt Lake City neighborhood with aging infrastructure. Many homeowners along the Wasatch Front also deal with hard water containing 15-20 grains per gallon from limestone aquifers. This mineral buildup accelerates pipe scaling and can contribute to slow drains over time. Regular maintenance helps catch buildup before it becomes a major clog or backup.

Should I use store-bought drain cleaners on my pipes?

We generally advise against chemical drain cleaners. While they may offer a temporary fix, they can damage pipes, especially older plumbing common in established Layton and Ogden homes. These harsh chemicals are often ineffective against grease buildup, tree roots, or deeper clogs in your main sewer line.

Utah’s hard water conditions compound the problem. Chemical cleaners can react with mineral deposits already coating your pipes, causing pipe corrosion and potential failure. Professional drain cleaning using methods like hydro jetting is safer and more effective, clearing blockages without risking further damage to your plumbing system.

What should I do when my toilet overflows?

If your toilet is overflowing, turn off the shutoff valve behind the toilet tank immediately. This angle stop valve controls water supply to the fixture and prevents additional flooding. Avoid flushing again, as this can worsen the overflow.

The issue may be a clogged toilet, sewer line backup, or faulty fill valve. Try using a flange plunger first. These work better than cup plungers for toilets. If plunging doesn’t resolve it quickly, the problem persists, or you notice sewage odors, you’re facing a potential plumbing emergency. Call Mountain Home Services to prevent water damage and sanitation concerns, especially if the backup involves your septic system or main sewer line.

What items shouldn’t go in my garbage disposal?

Garbage disposal units are convenient, but not everything belongs in them. Avoid putting grease, fats, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, fibrous foods like celery, and bones down the disposal. These items can clog drains and damage the unit over time.

In Utah’s older neighborhoods, these materials pose additional risks to aging plumbing systems. Grease coats pipes and hardens in cold weather, while fibrous foods wrap around disposal blades. For proper installation longevity, run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal, and occasionally grind ice cubes with dish soap to clean the blades and chamber.

What causes sewer line backups in Utah homes?

Sewer backups are often caused by tree roots infiltrating sewer lines, pipe deterioration, or grease buildup over time. Mature neighborhoods in Salt Lake City and Ogden with established landscaping are particularly susceptible to root intrusion. Roots can travel 25 feet or more seeking moisture.

Utah’s clay soil also contributes to shifting and settling that stresses underground pipes. Seasonal issues from snowmelt and spring runoff can overwhelm older systems. Watch for warning signs including slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds from plumbing fixtures, foul odors, or water backing up in the toilet bowl when you run the washing machine.

Why is my water pressure low throughout my house?

Low water pressure can stem from several causes. Utah’s hard water creates mineral deposits inside pipes, gradually restricting flow. Cleaning aerators with vinegar can restore up to 50% of flow in affected fixtures. Pressure regulator issues are also common, especially in areas where municipal water supply pressure runs 50-70 psi.

Aging infrastructure in older Salt Lake Valley communities often means corroded galvanized pipes that restrict water flow. Hidden leaks can also drain pressure before water reaches your plumbing fixtures. If cleaning aerators doesn’t help and the problem persists across multiple fixtures, a professional plumber can pinpoint whether you’re dealing with a damaged pipe, failing regulator, or supply issue with your water utility provider.

What are the signs of a hidden water leak?

Hidden leaks often go unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Common warning signs include an unusually high water bill, damp or discolored walls, musty odors, mold growth, water stains on ceilings, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use.

Slab leaks under Utah’s concrete foundations are particularly concerning, often detected through warm spots on floors or unexplained moisture. The Wasatch Front’s freeze-thaw cycles stress water pipes, while soil movement can shift foundations and crack underground lines. A burst pipe from freezing can waste 200 gallons per hour. If you suspect a major leak, contact a licensed plumber immediately.

How does professional leak detection work?

Professional leak detection uses advanced tools including acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to locate water leak sources without unnecessary damage. These methods allow experienced plumbers to pinpoint exact leak locations, often without cutting into walls or floors.

This precision saves homeowners significant time and money. Rather than exploratory demolition, we can identify whether you’re dealing with a slab leak, pipe joint failure, or supply line issue before opening anything. For Utah homes where construction behind drywall can be extensive, this non-invasive approach minimizes disruption and repair costs.

Can high water pressure damage my plumbing system?

Yes. Excessively high water pressure, anything above 80 psi, puts stress on pipes, fittings, and appliances, increasing the risk of leaky faucets, water hammer, and pipe failure. Washing machine hoses, water heater connections, and supply lines to plumbing fixtures all suffer under constant high pressure.

Installing or maintaining a pressure-regulating valve protects your entire plumbing system. Installing water hammer arrestors near washing machines and dishwashers also helps absorb shock from sudden valve closures. If you hear banging pipes when appliances cycle off, water hammer arrestors costing $20-50 can prevent further damage to your system.

When should I replace my water heater?

Water heaters typically last 8-12 years. If your unit is approaching that age, producing rusty water, making unusual noises, or struggling to keep up with demand, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair. Signs of a failing water heater also include insufficient hot water, visible corrosion on the tank, or water pooling around the base.

Utah’s cold winters demand reliable hot water, and older units work harder during freezing months. Sediment buildup from our hard water also accelerates tank deterioration. A professional plumber can evaluate whether your system needs repair or if upgrading to a more efficient model makes better financial sense.

What are the benefits of tankless water heaters in Utah?

Tankless water heater systems provide hot water on demand without the standby energy losses of traditional tanks. They operate at approximately 80% efficiency compared to 60% for tanked units, potentially saving Utah families $100-200 annually on utility costs, significant during cold months when hot water demand peaks.

Beyond energy efficiency, a tankless water heater takes up far less space than traditional 40-50 gallon tanks. These units can last 20+ years with regular maintenance, compared to 8-12 years for conventional models. For Utah homes where basement space is valuable and energy costs matter, tankless systems offer compelling long-term benefits.

How can I prevent frozen pipes during Utah winters?

Utah’s sub-zero temperatures cause significant freeze damage. Approximately 20% of winter insurance claims involve burst pipes. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exposed water pipes in basements, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and effective for pipes in unheated areas.

During extreme cold, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air circulation. Let faucets drip slightly overnight. Moving water resists freezing. Know where your main shutoff valve is located, typically in basements or utility rooms, so you can stop water flow immediately if a pipe does burst. If pipes freeze, thaw them with a hairdryer, never an open flame, and call a skilled plumber if you can’t locate the frozen section.

What does repiping involve for my Utah home?

Repiping involves replacing some or all of your home’s existing water supply pipes with new materials. This may include replacing pipes behind walls, under slabs, and in ceilings to improve water flow, eliminate recurring leaks, and restore reliable plumbing service.

When leaks recur or pipes deteriorate throughout an older Salt Lake City area home, repiping addresses the root cause rather than chasing individual failures. Modern PEX piping installs 40% faster than copper, resists mineral buildup from hard water, and expands without bursting during freezes, making it ideal for Utah conditions. A professional assessment determines whether partial or whole-house repiping makes sense for your situation.

When should I call Mountain Home Services instead of trying DIY repairs?

Minor repairs like replacing a flapper valve, cleaning aerators, or using a drain snake on simple clogs are reasonable plumbing tasks for handy homeowners. However, if the issue involves water heater problems, sewer lines, gas lines, low water pressure throughout the home, recurring clogs, or any major leak, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

DIY fixes may provide temporary relief but can lead to costly repairs if underlying problems aren’t addressed properly. Plumbing issues involving your septic system, backflow preventer, irrigation systems, or water line connections to the municipal water supply require expertise and often must meet local regulations. For reliable plumbing service that protects your home and your family, trust Mountain Home Services’ experienced plumbers throughout Layton, Ogden, and Salt Lake City.